Fleet World December 2017

December 2017

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

VOLVO XC40 Can Volvo’s compact crossover take down the Q3 and X1?

Driven

Know your drivers

Fleet Heroes 2017

Hyundai Kona Lexus NX 300h Alpina D3 Biturbo

Exclusive results from the Shell/Fleet World risk management survey

The UK’s most innovative low-carbon fleets recognised

Autumn Budget Expert analysis of the key issues for fleets

All-new interactive digital magazine... to read online for free, simply visit:

vfwid.fwg.digital fleetworld.co.uk

contents December 2017

10

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

VOLVO XC40

Autumn Budget Expert analysis of the key issues for fleets

Can Volvo’s compact crossover take down the Q3 and X1?

INTERVIEW: Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research, on AEB for fleets.

06 24

All the key fleet points made in the Budget 2017.

Hyundai's Kona compact SUV is put through its paces.

Driven

Know your drivers

Fleet Heroes 2017

Hyundai Kona Lexus NX 300h Alpina D3 Biturbo

Exclusive results from the Shell/Fleet World risk management survey

The UK’s most innovative low-carbon fleets recognised

All-new interactive digital magazine... to read online for free, simply visit:

vfwid.fwg.digital fleetworld.co.uk

30 The SWOT team analyses the Skoda Karoq.

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Fleet Consultant Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

32

Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

The winners in the 2017 Fleet Hero Awards.

Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory – Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by Stag Publications Ltd, 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ tel +44 (0)1727 739160 fax +44 (0)1727 739169 email fw@fleetworldgroup.co.uk web fleetworld.co.uk

36

Fleet reactions to the second part of our survey, with a focus on valuing people.

VAN FLEETW W RLD

49

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk

• Latest News • ACEA Conference • Fleet Management Software for LCVs

Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2016 18,011

DRIVEN: New Ford Transit Custom.

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Alex Grant wonders why the Government’s demonisation of diesel hasn’t considered the short-term a little more...

Missed opportunities?

We all knew it was coming. With air quality in the Government’s crosshair, diesel taxation was an inevitable component of the Budget. Yet I doubt even the most clued-up industry experts could have predicted it would be based on Real Driving Emissions Step 2 (RDE2), a recently-confirmed target thaty doesn’t come into force until 2020. In effect, it’s imposed a blanket financial penalty on every diesel car on the market.

I’m in favour of anything that reduces air pollution, but the measures outlined by the Chancellor seem incredibly heavy-handed, while missing some big opportunities to make a difference right now.

For a start, there’s a huge variation in the environmental performance of today’s diesel vehicles, and RDE1 testing (which is already taking place) will identify the cleanest models within the next 12 months, but there’s no incentive to choose them yet. It also assumes that petrol engines are inherently better for air quality, across the board, despite independent testing from Emissions Analytics showing that some of the latest petrol engines are bigger polluters than the cleanest diesels.

If diesel is the problem, then what about vans? The UK’s licensed van parc has grown by 75% over the last 20 years, according to DfT figures, but the Budget did nothing to encourage this mostly diesel-fuelled market to switch to alternatives. Good news for businesses, but hard to marry up to such an aggressive anti-diesel stance.

Meanwhile, there was inaction where decisive change is needed. No changes to company car tax bands for ultra-low emission vehicles during the years where they’ll need it the most, and a tax system for the new and more accurate WLTP economy test was delayed until 2020, despite this already being the method manufacturers have to use for new models. Both of those seem like an easy way to encourage drivers into genuinely cleaner vehicles right now.

Clearly there’s more that can be done to minimise the environmental impact of business travel, and I’m all for it. But a blinkered demonisation of the diesel engine probably isn’t the right way to get there.

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily news! Visit our new website fleetworld.co.uk

“I’m in favour of anything that reduces air pollution, but the measures outlined by the Chancellor seem incredibly heavyhanded.”

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

With air quality high on the agenda, the 2017 Budget set out new plans to tackle air pollution and support new technologies coming to the UK. Alex Grant, Natalie Middleton and Jonathan Musk outline the most important changes for the fleet sector.

Diesel tax hikes from next April Diesel cars will be subject to increased first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Company Car Tax (CCT) from next April, as part of measures to tackle air pollution. Commercial vehicles are unaffected.

The changes mean diesel cars will face a four percentage point CCT disadvantage compared to a petrol car with equivalent CO2 emissions – up from the current 3%. As well as hitting company car drivers, the move will also impact on fleets through Class 1A NICs, and is expected to raise £70m in tax revenue during the 2018/19 financial year.

Changes to VED will move first-year rates up one band for diesel vehicles, typically equating to between £20 and £40 extra, though the highest-emitting models will increase by £500. HM Treasury expects a ‘negligible’ effect on car buying habits from this one-off cost, and is predicting a £125m uplift in revenue as a result.

The increases will be waived for vehicles which meet the Real Driving Emissions Step 2 (RDE2) standard, to encourage manufacturers to bring next-generation technology to market quickly. But, as RDE2 doesn’t come into force until 2020, no vehicles meet the standard yet.

Increased tax revenue will be used for a £220m ‘clean air fund’, announced in July, which will aid local authorities setting up measures to improve air quality.

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

Comment: “With already announced company car BiK tax rates rising year-on-year, the one percentage point diesel supplement increase further slices away at the value of company cars to both employers and employees.

“Employees particularly may think that it is not worth having a company car and may opt for a cash allowance. By ‘doing their own thing’ it may well be that those employees choose an older, more polluting vehicle than the company car they may otherwise have been entitled to, which then damages the Government’s bid to improve air quality.”

John Pryor, ACFO chairman

No WLTP-based tax system until 2020 CCT and VED will continue to be based on CO2 emissions derived from the outgoing New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) until April 2020, aimed at giving the industry time to get to grips with the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which came into force at the start of September.

There had been concerns about the transition to WLTP, which offers more realistic data but typically also produces higher fuel consumption and CO2 figures than the NEDC. Manufacturers have until the end of August 2018 to re-test all except run-out models under WLTP conditions, and

Budget 2017 Key points for fleets these figures will be converted to an NEDC equivalent using a webtool to ensure compliance with the EU’s 2021 95g/km CO2 target.

In the interim, new cars will have both WLTP and the computer-generated NEDC consumption and emissions figures, with the latter used by the DVLA and HMRC. A future Finance Bill will set out a new system for the shift to WLTP from April 2020.

provided electricity for home charging, both of which are classed as a Benefit-in-Kind, were not addressed.

The Budget also did not include any changes to future BiK rates for ULEVs, despite calls to address the ‘cliff edge’ in 2020/21. Rates for vehicles under 50g/km CO2 will rise to 16% in 2019/20, before dropping to 2% for some models in the following financial year.

Comment: Comment: “Although we had pushed for the vehicle leasing industry to be given an extra year to prepare for these changes, we look forward to working with the Government in developing a tax revenue neutral approach for 2021 and beyond.”

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive

Fuel duty freeze to remain in place Fuel duty will remain frozen at 57.95 pence per litre from next April – the eighth consecutive year that rises have been cancelled. A review of fuel duty rates will take place ahead of next year’s Budget.

The freeze is the longest in 40 years and claimed to have saved the average car driver £850 and van drivers over £2,100

by April 2019, compared to the escalator plans announced under the Labour Government. This had been at a cost of £46bn to the Exchequer, with another £2.5bn shortfall over the next three years. LPG rates also remain frozen.

Comment: “Drivers already contribute more than £27bn a year to the Treasury from fuel duty receipts, and we’d have liked to see the Chancellor commit to no further rises this Parliament.

Perhaps he should now consider doing away with the threat of the fuel duty escalator - that looms over private drivers and businesses before every annual Budget – for good.”

Peter Williams, RAC head of external affairs

Extra funding for ultra-low emission vehicles The Chancellor confirmed several multi-million pound schemes to support ULEV uptake. These include £400m to expand charging point coverage, half of which will be provided by private investors, and a £100m boost for the Plug-in Car Grant, with the aim of helping the purchase subsidy to continue until 2020.

Drivers charging at work, meanwhile, will no longer be subject to a BiK charge from next April. The current system classes electricity used to charge privately-owned vehicles at the workplace as a Benefit-in-Kind, subject to tax based on the cost to the employer. Reimbursed or company-

“We believe the earlier rises in BiK announced for drivers of electric vehicles will limit the adoption of these vehicles in the near term and, therefore, whilst this policy remains in place, we continue to see the take up of electric vehicle technology being a gradual trend, rather than that of a seismic shift to electric technology.”

Neal Francis, Pendragon Vehicle Management divisional managing director

Regulation changes to support driverless car tests The Chancellor used the Budget to outline how the Government wants to see fully self-driving cars, without a human operator, on UK roads by 2021.

To achieve this, the Government plans to create changes to the regulatory framework, such as setting out how driverless cars can be tested without a human safety operator onboard. It predicts that the UK driverless car industry will be worth £28bn to the UK economy and employ 27,000 people by 2035.

The Government also announced the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) will launch a new innovation prize to determine how future roadbuilding should adapt to support self-driving cars.

In addition to support for driverless vehicles, the Chancellor announced further funds for technology and digital industries – integral to connected and autonomous technologies – with a £500m fund for Artificial Intelligence, 5G mobile broadband and fibre broadband. A £40m funding pot will also be provided to bring electric vehicle charging point R&D to the UK.

Comment: “Government support here has the potential to be repaid many times over as well, in terms of new, high-skilled jobs, enormous export potential, and improved productivity. By announcing these new measures and getting behind the drive towards autonomy, the UK government is showing it is not afraid of what the future holds, and that it wants to see Britain leading us into it.”

Graeme Smith, Oxbotica CEO and Driven consortium leader

fleetworld.co.uk / 07

inbusiness

Q &A

Thatcham’s head of research Matthew Avery speaks to Natalie Middleton about the importance of AEB for fleets and the need for differentiation between assisted and automated vehicles.

Are fleets starting to tune into the benefits of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology?

We’re certainly seeing more buyers out there wanting to have AEB. I think the issue with fleets is that they look at the bottom line. If it’s an optional fit, it’s still a take-up of 5% on average.

New cars are starting to get AEB as standard fit but some manufacturers are pursuing different policies. We think they could put AEB on as standard because they are generally [already] putting the technology on vehicles.

How significant are the benefits for fleets of AEB? Are all AEB solutions the same?

They are very different, and some of our testing and the real-world validation has proven that. So, for instance, the earlier generation laser-based city systems, they’re lowcost and although they’re good at low speed, their performance is significantly inferior to a radar-based system, which works over a broader speed range. You can also have the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functionality with it; a good comfort function that people like.

We’re getting anecdotal evidence from various fleets that those who have got AEB systems on their vehicles are seeing a significant reduction in their collision rates, but we haven’t seen fleet take-up around the camera versus radar effect. But we are seeing an effect in terms of our real-world data, which seems to show the benefit of radar systems.

There are downsides for both systems when it comes to repairs. Radars tend to be quite expensive to replace – we’re talking about a single component replacement cost of about £500. However, cameras are not without fault, because they are behind the windshield and manufacturers tend to require calibration of them, which adds to the cost of the repair. The research is still a bit inconclusive as to whether you actually need to have the camera calibrated.

We’re calling for self-calibration systems.

Are there any factors coming up that will drive AEB take-up by fleets?

Yes, because we’re seeing many, many more sensors being fitted to vehicles. A good example of that is the new Audi A8, which has got 18 sensors on it, required for its autonomous operation. The proliferation of sensors to support automated driving is going to be more and more 10 / fleetworld.co.uk

common. But I think customers are going to really like it and that may well drive the market.

Thatcham has repeatedly called for AEB to be mandated in new vehicles. Are there any other technologies you’d also like to see mandated?

One of the key things where we see huge potential benefits is with reverse autobrake systems, where the vehicle automatically brakes to avoid collision damage. And it’s also good for avoiding pedestrians when reversing.

The other thing that we’re beginning to see is manufacturers doing more and more with their sensor systems around lateral controls; i.e. steering a vehicle back into a lane. That could be a real lifesaver.

And I think one technology that we’d like to promote, but we still aren’t seeing yet, is sideways-looking sensors.

These are going to potentially prevent drivers from pulling out in front of another vehicle and open up benefits for protecting motorcyclists.

Why is it so important for the industry to differentiate between assisted and autonomous driving?

Fundamentally we think there will be a real benefit with assisted driving, because having the driver in the loop and the system protecting them is probably even better than just letting the car do it itself – certainly in the near term.

We’d like clear blue water between assisted driving and automated driving – there’s a big difference between the two. And we’re calling for customer clarification where, if you’re driving a vehicle with a high level of assistance, we want to make sure the customer knows they are still responsible for keeping themselves and others around them safe.

What should fleets be doing in all this?

I think the thing they can really provide support with is educating the driver to think that they should use the technology, but be aware they are still the backstop.

They shouldn't start compromising their safety with thoughts like, "Well, it's actually safe for me to use my mobile phone here, as the car is driving for me and I'll just check that text message."

I think fleets can also play a role with government, saying, “We want assisted driving, we want automated driving and we want the clear blue water between the two.”

inbusiness First WLTP results spell near-future tax burden for fleets

V

ehicles re‐tested under the new WLTP fuel economy cycle are recording “greater than expected” increases in CO2 emissions when figures are converted back to NEDC, JATO Dynamics has warned, adding that this will result in significant tax rises for fleets over the coming 12 months.

The World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) came into force in September, replacing the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) and is intended to better represent ‘real‐world’ performance. Within 12 months, all new cars will have to be re‐tested to produce WLTP data, except those due to be discon‐ tinued before September 2019.

However, as announced in the Budget, ‘NEDC‐correlated’ figures – where vehi‐ cles are tested on the WLTP cycle but converted to NEDC equivalents – will still be used for Company Car Tax and Vehicle Excise Duty until April 2020.

Although the move has been greeted by the fleet industry for bringing stability by delaying the switch to the new regime, analysis from JATO has shown that the first NEDC‐correlated figures are up to 18% higher than the genuine NEDC fuel economy and CO2 emissions from earlier this year. In turn, that could mean up to a five percentage‐point increase in company car tax compared to an iden‐ tical vehicle registered a few months ago.

DfT clarifies 2040 ‘electric vehicle’ sales ambitions

in brief 94% Percentage of the UK’s total spending on road maintenance covered by HGV taxes.

Source: Freight Transport Association

Government-backed app aims to cut car use The Transport Select Committee is inves‐ tigating ways to launch an all‐encom‐ passing transport app, aimed at making shared and public mobility as easy as using a car. The inquiry will look at how a multi‐mode transport app could get off the ground with the help of the Depart‐ ment for Transport and other bodies.

New solution to help fleets maximise EVs A new telematics solution has launched aimed at enabling leets with electric vehicles to complete more journeys between charges. Developed by Spark EV technology, it uses live traf ic data, driver behaviour and payload informa‐ tion for vans to predict the remaining range, and plan journeys to suit.

London Mayor confirms 2019 start date for ULEZ

All cars and vans sold in the UK from 2040 will need at least full hybrid tech‐ nology and the ability to drive only using electricity, the Department for Trans‐ port has confirmed, seeking to clarify points raised in the Air Quality Plan released this summer.

It’s a clearer message than the plan itself, which outlined a target to “end the sale of all new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans” by 2040. Widely misinterpreted as a ban on the sale – and in some cases the use – of vehicles with a combustion engine, the ambiguity of that statement could also have meant mild hybrid vehicles, which use a low‐power electric motor to assist a petrol or diesel engine, would still be available after this date.

Neither is accurate. Speaking at the Energy Saving Trust’s Fleet Heroes Confer‐ ence in London last month, Vicky Edmonds, private secretary to minister of state at the DfT, said ambitions hadn’t changed since the coalition government’s Carbon Plan of 2011.

“We are clear that we’re talking about zero‐emission capability,” she explained.

This would include full hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, which offer a short elec‐ tric range, but excludes mild hybrids which had been lumped into manufacturers’ “electrification” plans multiple times during the summer.

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is to take effect from 2019 – 17 months earlier than originally planned – mayor Sadiq Khan has con irmed.

Replacing the newly launched T‐ Charge, the scheme will kick in from 8 April 2019 in Central London – although the scheme’s possible expan‐ sion to cover the North/South Circular roads from 2021 is also under consulta‐ tion – and will be in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

From both a leet and private driver perspective, the ULEZ scheme will bring far more onerous compliance require‐ ments, as well as increased charges.

Vehicles will need to be a minimum of Euro 6‐compliant for diesels and Euro 4 for petrols, compared to Euro 4 for both fuel types under the T‐Charge.

in brief

New cars Mazda 6

Toyota axes diesel Auris

T

he Mazda6 will get updated styling, premium interior upgrades and new technology as part of a heavy upgrade due next year aimed at bringing the cabin and exterior stying in line with the latest CX‐5 crossover.

This introduces a heavily revised interior, focused on improving material quality and de‐cluttering the design, while incorporating a genuine wood inlay. It also adds a new radar cruise control system, which can bring the car to a full stop and pull away in traffic, and a simulated birds‐eye view to help with parking manoeuvres.

Toyota has discontinued diesel versions of the Auris, recognising consumer demand shifting in favour of the hybrid.

The 2018 range will include a 1.2‐litre petrol turbo and the 1.8‐litre petrol hybrid, the latter had taken three quar‐ ters of the car’s UK volume in the irst ten months of 2017. Entry‐level ‘Active’ versions have also been dropped.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Volvo’s S90 saloon and V90 estate are now available with a new T4 petrol engine intended to appeal to business drivers. The 2.0‐litre, 187bhp unit is available on all versions, priced at £250 less than the D4, and offers economy of 40.9‐42.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 153‐156g/km, depending on bodystyle.

M

ercedes‐Benz revealed its third‐generation four‐door coupé at the Los Angeles Motor Show, featuring driver assistance technology from the E‐ Class and five seats for the first time.

The CLS launches with three six‐cylinder engines, two petrol units and a 282bhp diesel, which returns 50.4mpg and emits 148g/km CO2, and all are equipped with four‐wheel drive. Four‐cylinder engines will follow, likely to include the new 2.0‐litre turbodiesel from the E‐Class. It features a full suite of the brand’s latest technology; sat nav which can pull addresses from drivers’ calendars, the same two‐screen digital dashboard as the E‐Class, and adaptive cruise control that can change lanes and slow for corners and junctions.

Volvo adds T4 petrol engine to S90 and V90

Infiniti to rival X3 and Q5 next year Japanese luxury brand, In initi, has unveiled a new QX50 SUV at the Los Angeles Motor Show, which will rival cars such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F‐Pace when it launches in Europe next year. Shown in North Amer‐ ican spec, In initi has so far con irmed a 2.0‐litre turbocharged petrol engine, though it’s likely to get Daimler‐sourced diesels before it comes to the UK.

trading places

in

in

in

Jo Ewen joins Alphabet Alphabet recently appointed Jo Ewen to lead new business activities for corporate, SME direct and public sector under the newly created role of general manager for new business direct sales.

Ewen was most recently brand director for LeasePlan Go and has also held roles at the RAC, Europcar, FMG and TR Fleet.

ACFO names first-ever regional chairman ACFO has elected Julie Summerell as its first regional chairman following its shift to operating under a single region.

Summerell, MD of TR Fleet, was elected in a members’ vote while James Pestell, secretary of ACFO’s East Anglia Region and national sales manager at IFC Group, was the only nomination for regional secretary so was elected unopposed.

Hopkins named MD of BCA Fleet Solutions BCA has appointed James Hopkins as managing director of BCA Fleet Solutions, following the move by Tony Booth to manage BCA’s build of a new VW Group defleet centre.

Hopkins was most recently director of BCA Group Solutions and previously held roles responsible for remarketing at LeasePlan and Mazda Motors UK.

fleetworld.co.uk / 13

NEW INSIGNIA

THIS IS NOT A CAR. THIS IS YOUR ULTIMATE OUT OF OFFICE.

P11D FROM £17,380 BiK FROM 23% | CO2 FROM 105G/KM | UP TO 70.6MPG Find out what makes New Insignia Grand Sport the perfect business partner by experiencing our FREE 3 Day Test Drive. We’ll deliver straight to your home or workplace and there’s no mileage limit. Set your out of office, take the wheel and enjoy the dynamic ride of the New Insignia Grand Sport.

Isn’t life brilliant.

Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 25.2 (11.2)-61.4 (4.6), Extra-urban: 39.8 (7.1)-78.5 (3.6), Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 2017/18 tax Elite Nav 2.0 (260PS) Turbo 4X4 auto models illustrated (P11D of £27,605) colours shown are Cosmic Grey two-coat pearlescent paint (£565) and Darkmoon Blue two-coat premium paint to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. Vauxhall are not responsible for the provision of OnStar services or Wi-Fi services. OnStar Services require activation and account network coverage and availability. Use of OnStar services (except Wi-Fi) is free of charge for 12 months from registration date or delivery of vehicle, whichever comes first. Wi-Fi trial has at time of going to press (December 2017).

Book your New Insignia 3 Day Test Drive.

Visit vauxhallfleet.co.uk/newinsigniatestdrive accordance with the relevant EU directive. New Insignia Grand Sport range fuel consumption Combined: 32.8 (8.6)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 197-105g/km. year. Vauxhall Motors Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. New Insignia (£655), both models feature VXR Styling Pack (£850) and Driving Assistance Pack Four (£595), optional at extra cost. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject with OnStar Europe Ltd, (a GM Company). Wi-Fi services require additional account with OnStar Europe Limited’s mobile network operator supplier. All services subject to mobile a time limit and capped data allowance. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. Check vauxhall.co.uk/onstar for service limitations and charges. All figures quoted correct

inbusiness

Service with a smile?

The annual servicing ritual should be a way to re-engage with user-choosers and build loyalty. However, a new survey shows some brands do it much better than others. Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader reports.

F

or most company car drivers the annual service can be an irritating inconvenience. Diaries have to be co-ordinated around a visit to the local main dealer. Then it’s a matter of whether the dealer has a loan car to keep them mobile or a quiet and comfortable area of the showroom, equipped with secure WiFi and a decent coffee machine, to work from whilst the job is being done.

What Car? recently asked its readers exactly what they thought of the servicing experience they had in their dealerships to see how this important part of the ownership cycle is being managed.

The results of the first ever What Car? Servicing Satisfaction Survey are interesting and show the dominance of the Japanese and Korean brands in delivering high levels of customer satisfaction. Higher, it’s worth noting, than the prestige German marques you would expect to excel in this area.

The car magazine asked more than 8,300 UK motorists about their most recent car service, with each respondent scoring their dealer on politeness of staff, quality of work and value for money.

The result is a listing of 34 brands ranging from Alfa Romeo to Volvo with the results weighted to create an overall satisfaction league, which placed Honda at the top, followed by MG and Lexus. Hyundai was rated fourth and Dacia was in fifth place.

At the bottom of the table was Jeep, followed by Smart and Citroën.

This particular table covered cars aged from nought20 years so is heavily weighted in favour of those bought and run by private customers.

However, the survey also drilled deeper to analyse the performance of brands in the more fleet and userchooser centric nought to three year old vehicle parc.

Again the Japanese and Korean brands mostly outperformed European brands.

Honda again excelled although this time shared the top position with Lexus, followed by Jaguar. Mini was rated fourth and Toyota fifth.

The highest rated German brands were the mid-table ranked BMW and Volkswagen in joint 14th place, with Mercedes-Benz languishing at 19th, Porsche at 23rd. While Audi was third from bottom in 28th position, just above Citroën, and the worst performer, once again, was Jeep.

When it came to the attitude of staff Lexus came top with a near perfect score of 97.5%, the brand also triumphed in the quality of work rankings at 94.2%.

Meanwhile the value for money honours went to Mini which scored 88.6%.

At the other end of the scale Jeep drivers were particularly unhappy about the attitude of dealer staff, scoring 80%, and the quality of work carried out which earned the brand a score of 75.2%. When it came to value for money Porsche got the lowest rating of just 70.4% with drivers bemoaning the high cost of servicing with only around half saying they felt the brand offered value for money.

For Honda the results came as vindication after an extended spell in the wilderness after the brand struggled to get its new product replacement cycle back on track after the global economic downturn, an error which subsequently saw it drop off fleet and retail shopping lists for some years.

“At Honda, we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and our attention-to-detail, the value for money we offer and our ethos that the client relationship begins the moment consumers set foot in one of our showrooms. For us, every single customer is unique and that is why we create bespoke sales experiences from beginning to end,” said David Hodgetts, managing director of Honda UK. For Lexus the results reflected significant levels of investment in premises and personnel training.

“Delivering an exceptional experience has always been central to our brand and we continue to invest in giving our customers – and their vehicles – the highest standards of care and attention,” said Ewan Shepherd, director of Lexus in the UK. “Our success in this survey rewards the exceptional efforts everyone at Lexus makes to achieve our customer service goals, not least the skilled technicians in our workshops.”

The survey should act as a wake-up call for many brands and their dealers as servicing is often the first opportunity they have to re-engage with customers after they have taken delivery of a new car. How difficult can it be to impress them?

FRANCHISED DEALERS SERVICING CARS 0-3 YEARS Brand 1 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Lexus Honda Jaguar Mini Toyota Dacia Kia Mitsubishi Hyundai Skoda

Overall Satisfaction 92.6% 92.6% 92.4% 91.2% 90.7% 90.6% 90.5% 90.1% 90.0% 89.3% Source: What Car?

16 / fleetworld.co.uk

Year of the Alternatives?

As the market for alternative fuels continues to gather pace, 2018 will include several important newcomers for fleets, Alex Grant reports.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel PHEV

What is it? The brand’s irst diesel PHEV is likely to be part of a mid‐life refresh for the C‐Class. Expect it to use the E‐Class’s 2.0‐ litre diesel, and new S‐Class PHEV’s higher‐capacity battery, offering an electric range of around 30 miles.

Why it’s important: The C 350 e was the UK’s second biggest‐ selling plug‐in during 2015, with a high leet uptake. This offers the same zero‐emissions potential, but with diesel economy for long journeys, ideal for business use.

Nissan LEAF

What is it? The second generation of Nissan’s pioneering EV, featuring a 235‐mile (NEDC) range, more power, better high‐ speed stability, and an even faster, longer‐range version to follow.

Why it’s important: Already a household name, Nissan has plenty of customer feedback to work from. Mechanical upgrades aside, more ‘conventional’ styling and extra space on board should broaden its appeal.

When? Q1 2018.

When? Late 2018.

Jaguar I-Pace

What is it? The irst fully‐electric production Jaguar; a 395bhp, four‐wheel drive SUV that’s roughly the same size as the F‐Pace, and offers a range of more than 300 miles (NEDC).

Why it’s important: Tesla has shown the leet potential of long‐ range, premium‐brand EVs in the UK. Jaguar will be the irst tradi‐ tional carmaker to offer a similar ownership proposition.

Hyundai Kona EV

What is it? A fully‐electric version of the recently‐launched Kona compact crossover, offering a range of 245 miles to a charge.

Why it’s important: A long‐range electric vehicle in one of Europe’s fastest growing sectors, the Kona is a helpful step towards the technology becoming more mainstream.

When? Early 2018.

When? Late 2018.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

What is it? A full‐hybrid version of Honda’s large SUV, combining a 2.0‐litre petrol engine and two electric motors through a single‐speed transmission, with elec‐ tric driving capability.

Why it’s important: The European market has an appetite for hybrids despite Honda withdrawing the Insight and CR‐Z in early 2014.

When? Mid 2018.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

For the latest EV news, visit evfleetworld.co.uk

in brief

Shell to host UK’s first ultra-fast EV chargers

S

hell is to host the UK’s irst ultra‐fast charging points installed under the manufacturer‐backed Ionity network, which is targeting 400 sites across Europe by 2020.

A joint venture of BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen with Audi and Porsche, Ionity’s network will offer 350kW charging, seven times higher output than today’s rapid chargers, at 75‐mile intervals on major European routes. These will typically feature six chargers, all using the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector.

Shell, which recently launched its irst forecourt charging points in the UK and acquired NewMotion earlier this year, is a strategic partner in ten countries; Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.

Ionity has also formed partnerships with German forecourt operator Auto‐ bahn Tank & Rast, Austrian company OMV, and American convenience store company Circle K, which has sites in several European countries. These are claimed to have secured around half of the 400 sites the company has planned for its network, and will span 18 countries.

Next Vauxhall Corsa to include electric version

British startup, EVcentres, has secured its irst four sites, each set to offer solar and wind‐powered off‐grid rapid charging for up to 20 vehicles on major trunk routes in England and Scotland. Planning permis‐ sion is expected early in 2018, with devel‐ opment due to commence in the summer.

Samsung develops EV battery which charges in 12 minutes Researchers at Samsung have discovered a new battery technology said to provide a 45% increase in capacity and the ability to fully charge in 12 minutes – ive times faster than lithium‐ion. The cells feature a popcorn‐like ‘graphene ball’ material, which is claimed to be both stable at high temperatures and affordable.

Eon’s pan-European charging network due by 2020

V

auxhall’s next generation Corsa will include a fully‐electric version by 2020, as part of new parent company PSA Group’s plans to return it to pro it before the end of the decade.

The Corsa will be Vauxhall/Opel’s second plug‐in, following a Grandland X PHEV due in 2019. By 2024, its entire product range will be based on PSA mechanicals, reducing complexity and cutting the number of platforms from nine to two. This will also be the deadline for offering fully electric or plug‐in hybrid versions in all model lines, alongside ef icient internal combustion engines.

“This plan is paramount for the company, to protect our employees against headwinds and turn Opel/Vauxhall into a sustainable, pro itable, electri ied, and global company,” said Vauxhall/Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.

in numbers

UK’s first off-grid rapid charge sites secured

Utility company, Eon, is to install a network of 10,000 charging points across Europe, including ultra‐fast units on key routes, creating a network spanning from the UK to Romania by 2020. The chargers will be a mix of lower‐powered units and 150kW high‐power fast chargers, depending on typical stopover times.

AA introduces recovery service for EV members The AA has launched a new service, working with Chargemaster, offering to recover electric vehicle owners to the nearest charging point if they run out of range. All AA patrols will carry RFID fobs for Chargemaster’s Polar network, and provide drivers with a complimentary top‐ up to get them back on the road.

5.8%

£50,000

October year-to-date alternative fuel vehicle share of the UK fleet market.

Predicted price for the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense PHEV, due in 2019.

Source: DataForce

Source: DS Automobiles

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

FEATURE Fleet advice

Ask the EXPERTS

Our expert panel answers your latest fleet conundrums...

Q

Following an increasing number of enquiries from my drivers I’m considering allowing plug-in hybrids on my fleet, but I’m concerned about reports that it could leave me with higher fuel bills. What do I need to consider?

P

lug‐in hybrids are deservedly popular with company car drivers, providing a high vehicle spec‐ ification alongside a reduction in Benefit in Kind liability. They can be very efficient, but only if a significant proportion of the mileage they are driven is in electric mode. A driver who covers high mileages, predominantly on motorways and fast main roads, is unlikely to achieve real world fuel consumption equivalent to a comparable diesel car, which will result in higher costs and CO2 emis‐ sions. Drivers who choose these cars and have these sorts of driving patterns may become frustrated too, as many models have smaller fuel tanks than their petrol and diesel

Ian Featherstone fleet advice manager Energy Saving Trust

equivalents increasing the number of refuelling stops necessary.

These limitations need to be made clear to drivers and then explain that only those whose daily journeys are typi‐ cally shorter in duration or involve a lot of urban driving, and are able and willing to recharge at home (and if avail‐ able at the of ice) will be eligible to choose the vehicles. If AFR rates are used for business mileage reimbursement you may wish to reduce the rate by 3‐4 pence per mile, this will encourage drivers to plug‐in and provide your business with a saving as well. Applying sensible allocation and fuel reimbursement policies at the outset will ensure that plug‐ in technology is adopted by your business but in the appro‐ priate context and, most importantly, cost effectively.

Q

David Martell

We’re looking to deploy our first electric vehicles, but I’m concerned about where they’ll charge. Is there enough infrastructure for us to ‘go electric’?

W

hile there are around 14,000 public charging points in the UK, the total number of charging points is much higher. Unlike with fossil fuels, you can charge an electric vehicle at home, at work, at destina‐ tions and on journeys.

There are over 85,000 home charging points, and well over 10,000 workplace charging points. The public network is never at full capacity, which indicates that there is enough infrastructure to support the current market, and charging networks will continue expanding to re lect the number of electric vehicles on the road.

For electric company car and leet drivers with off‐street parking, home charging plays an important role. Given the potential fuel savings, businesses should be pragmatic about

chief executive Chargemaster

covering the cost of drivers getting a home charging point, which may be included when purchasing a new vehicle, or otherwise costs around £300.

Workplace charging is also very important for electric leet and company cars, especially if the driver cannot charge at home, as they can use their workplace as a ‘base’ for charg‐ ing. There is no BiK liability on electricity used for charging a company car at work, which is an added incentive.

To maximise the bene it of electric leets, vehicles should be charged as much as possible, and to help operators do this, we are launching a corporate subscription for our POLAR network, allowing leets to provide their drivers with access to the UK’s largest EV charging network with a single monthly invoice.

To pose your questions to the panel, e-mail: experts@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI SWIFT

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

:DQW WR KHOS \RXU EXVLQHVV JR IXUWKHU" 7KHQ FKHFN RXW WKH DOO QHZ 6ZLIW ZKLFK KDQGOHV OLNH D GUHDP DQG ORRNV OLNH RQH WRR %RWK %RRVWHUMHW DQG +<%5,' HQJLQHV GHOLYHU PD[LPXP SRZHU DQG H˺FLHQF\ 2Q WRS RI DOO WKDW LWʧV SDFNHG ZLWK DOO WKH ODWHVW WHFK DQG VSHF )25 025( 5($6216 72 &+226( 68=8., )25 <285 %86,1(66 9,6,7 &$56 68=8., &2 8. %86,1(66 (0$,/ %86,1(66&$56#68=8., &2 8.

3+21(

CO2

MPG

BIK

P11D

97g/km*

65.7˧

18%˧

£11,324â&#x20AC;

from

up to

from

from

5($6216 :(ʧ5( 3(5)(&7 )25 %86,1(66 'HGLFDWHG LQ KRXVH EXVLQHVV WHDP 2YHU 'HDOHUV QDWLRQZLGH 7RS UDQNLQJ UHOLDELOLW\ $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ UDQJH /RZHU OLIHWLPH UXQQLQJ FRVWV

0RGHO VKRZQ 6ZLIW %RRVWHUMHW +<%5,' 6= SHWURO PDQXDO DW e RQ WKH URDG SOXV PHWDOOLF SDLQW e 6ZLIW UDQJH R˺FLDO IXHO FRQVXPSWLRQ ˸JXUHV LQ PSJ / NP 8UEDQ IURP WR ([WUD 8UEDQ IURP WR &RPELQHG IURP WR 2˺FLDO &22 HPLVVLRQV IURP J NP WR J NP )XHO FRQVXPSWLRQ ˸JXUHV DUH EDVHG RQ DQ (8 WHVW IRU FRPSDUDWLYH SXUSRVHV RQO\ DQG PD\ QRW UH˹HFW UHDO GULYLQJ UHVXOWV &2 2 ˸JXUHV

TXRWHG DUH IRU 6ZLIW %RRVWHUMHW +<%5,' 6= PDQXDO ˧03* DQG %,. ˸JXUHV TXRWHG DUH IRU 6ZLIW %RRVWHUMHW +<%5,' 6= PDQXDO DQG 6ZLIW 'XDOMHW 6= PDQXDO â&#x20AC; 3 ' ˸JXUHV TXRWHG DUH EDVHG RQ 6ZLIW 'XDOMHW 6= PDQXDO %,. ˸JXUH EDVHG RQ WD[DWLRQ UDWHV IRU WD[ \HDU 3 ' YDOXH LV WKH VXP RI 553 SOXV 9$7 H[FOXGLQJ )LUVW 5HJLVWUDWLRQ )HH )5) DQG )LUVW <HDU 9(' 9(3 7HUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV DSSO\ VHH FDUV VX]XNL FR XN EXVLQHVV ,QIRUPDWLRQ FRUUHFW DW WKH WLPH RI JRLQJ WR SULQW

Volvo XC40 Jonathan Musk.finds out if Volvo’s new crossover lives up to the hype.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £27,905-£37,605 FUEL 39.8mpg-56.5mpg* CO2 127-166g/km

V

olvo has completed its global SUV line up with the XC40, following in the footsteps of its bigger broth‐ ers, the XC60 and XC90. The new car is the first to be based on Volvo’s latest Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), also destined for the next V40.

A comprehensive range of petrol (T3, T4 & T5) and diesel (D3 & D4) engines with combinations of front‐ or all‐wheel drive setups and 6‐speed manual or 8‐speed automatic gearboxes are available. The 148hp D3 diesel FWD manual is the expected fleet best seller, offering 127g/km CO2 and a BiK value of 27%. Opt for the auto and CO2 rises to 132g/km and BiK one percentage point.

Following Volvo’s vision of an electrified future, a three‐ cylinder petrol using 48V mild hybrid technology and a battery electric version will be added, likely in 2019. And, Fleet World can confirm that the electric variant will be equipped with a “frunk”: storage under the bonnet where the internal combustion engine is usually found.

Equipment trim levels include Momentum and R‐Design, with Inscription and pro models being offered later. “Pro” Volvo has been generous with standard equipment on the trims are standard specifications with the most popular XC40: LED headlights, ‘lifetime’ sat nav updates and a raft of add‐ons included, designed specifically for fleets that don’t safety technology including City Safety (that detects vehi‐ usually offer options. Eager beavers can opt for cles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals), XC40 First Editions based on an R‐Design Pro Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Run‐off Road FLEET FACT trim and additional paraphernalia including Mitigation & Protection to name but a few. 18 Pilot Assist, a powered tailgate and premium inch alloys and a 360‐degree parking camera Harman Kardon speaker system. are also standard, as are the driver’s customis‐ XC40 ‘Pro’ trims The car’s design is a joyous blend of curves (in able 12.3 inch instrument display and centrally include popular all the right places) and straight‐cut lines that mounted 9.0‐inch touchscreen. The latter extras for fleet add a subtle determination. However, the car’s includes often premium features like Apple buyers. interior is the raison d’être with clever storage CarPlay and Android Auto and is the same unit options like a removable bin, acres of space and found in the more upmarket XC90. clever luggage solutions. Materials are suitably premium and However, unlike Volvo’s larger cars, semi‐autonomous sensible use of insulation have ensured the cabin is master‐ safety systems like Pilot Assist, which includes lane keeping fully quiet no matter what the outside environment. assistance, and Adaptive Cruise Control are available as options. Overall, it’s a comprehensive feature set that helps justify Volvo’s high‐at‐first‐glance asking price.

Prices start at just under £28,000 with lease options available from £280/month. Volvo has also introduced ‘Care by Volvo’, whereby a monthly sum of £629 (on a 24‐ month contract) will see an XC40 T5 or D4 ‘special’ Momen‐ tum spec sat on your drive, which includes insurance, maintenance, tax and requires no deposit. The price may seem steep, but consider your usage and this could calcu‐ late as favourable for some. UK customers can expect deliv‐ ery from March 2018.

On the road, it’s clear Volvo has catered the XC40 more towards relaxed driving and its featherweight steering and reasonably soft suspension setup alleviated the stress of Barcelona’s inner‐city traffic with ease. The car’s height and weight certainly don’t do it any dynamic favours, but this is the true genius of this car. Volvo appears to have sussed who is likely to buy it and realise that Nürburgring tuning is definitely not what its customers want.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

*Figures shown for T5 & D4. D3, T4 & T3 TBA.

what we think The XC40 is good enough to fend off not only competition from established rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, but newcomers like the Jaguar E-Pace. It's a class-leader.

highlights The XC40 D3 FWD will be available from ÂŁ259 per month with a P11D value of ÂŁ28,750.

Residual values are expected to be higher for XC40 than its chief rivals.

Safety equipment as standard is high, but semi-autonomous options are available.

key fleet model XC40 D3 FWD R-Design fleetworld.co.uk / 23

Hyundai Kona A decent opening foray into the compact SUV market – but there’s more to come, says Craig Thomas.

SECTOR Compact PRICE £16,195-£24,995 FUEL 42.2-54.3mpg CO2 117-153g/km

M

odern society arguably offers consumers too much roof. But, it has to be said, the Kona wears those colours choice, to the extent that they often struggle to well, as it’s a shapely and attractive small car, with a hint of make a purchasing decision, thanks to a dizzying muscularity about it that evokes the sense of ruggedness array of options. Even if you decide on the car you want to that manufacturers need to appeal to buyers. buy, for example, the plethora of trim levels, engines and The interior is equally well resolved. The materials are optional extras can make the process of arriving at the exact not of the highest quality, but you’d need to have unrealis‐ car you want an exhausting one. tically high standards to expect anything more from what If fleet buyers looking to navigate the burgeoning is, essentially, a high‐riding supermini. To be fair, the segment of compact SUVs decide that the Hyundai Kona is textured surfaces are perfectly acceptable and it couldn’t be the model for them, one decision will be easy. Because the described as looking cheap. Indeed, colour accents on air Kona is available with just two engine choices: both petrol, vents and in the seat stitching ‐ which coordinate with seat‐ both turbocharged. belts in the same hue ‐ add a welcome The base 1.0‐litre, three‐cylinder unit element of stylish modernity. produces 118bhp, while a 175bhp 1.6‐ There’s also plenty of standard‐fit litre engine comes with four‐wheel drive equipment across the range, including and a seven‐speed dual‐clutch automatic cruise control, LED daytime running gearbox. Hyundai expects the 1.0 to lights, DAB and Bluetooth, while 7.0‐ comprise all but 1‐2% of sales, which is inch or 8.0‐inch touchscreens to control understandable when you consider that the infotainment system (containing the official fuel economy is in the mid‐50s satellite navigation, and connectivity (although if it’s like most three‐cylinder functions) are available on all but the engines currently on the market, the real‐ base S trim‐level cars. world figure is likely to start with a three) Hyundai has come a long way in and CO2 emissions are below 120g/km: developing the ride and handling char‐ the 1.6, meanwhile, is more than 10mpg acteristics of its cars in recent years and less efficient and emits around 30g/km the Kona does perfectly well in this The Kona isn’t the extra, so those all‐important running department, without standing out in the class-leading small SUV costs will soon mount up. class, particularly. The steering is accu‐ Hyundai was aiming for, That straightforward choice made, rate enough and while the rear multi‐ Hyundai is promoting the Kona with the link suspension on the 1.6 4WD car but a full EV version due tag line “Define your experience”, which means a compliant ride, most cars with in 2018 (with a 300-mile is reflected in the 28 exterior colour have a torsion beam that could prove a range) is certainly an combinations on offer ‐ because, it seems, little firm ‐ especially on the 18‐inch intriguing proposition. you simply can’t launch a new compact wheels of the top two trims (Premium SUV these days without a contrast‐colour and Premium SE).

what we think

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

An SUV with a twist Bringing the versatility of an SUV with the performance of the latest benchmark in sports saloons, the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the fleet car your drivers have been waiting for.

Marked out as Alfa Romeo’s first-ever SUV and named after the most exciting road in the world, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has big expectations to live up to – and thanks to its superior levels of performance, safety and driving dynamics, it excels at bringing a whole new proposition for business and private drivers.

Conceived and designed to rewrite the book when it comes to SUVs, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio shows exactly what an SUV made the Alfa Romeo way is capable of.

Legendary design Building on Alfa Romeo’s long and venerable history of launching cars at the cutting edge of design, the Stelvio transports the brand’s sporty elegant language into the heart of the SUV segment. The result is an SUV to ignite the senses, with a focus on painstaking craftsmanship. This continues inside, which brings a premium focus, with top-quality surfacing including full-grain leather, real wood and fabrics.

Poise and performance The inspiration for Alfa Romeo’s first-ever SUV comes from the legendary Stelvio mountain pass linking Italy to Switzerland – widely seen as one of the most beautiful and engaging roads on the planet – and this also provides the vision for its driving dynamics.

Offering a first-class power-to-weight ratio through extensive use of ultra-light materials, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is also endowed with Alfa Romeo’s All-Wheel Drive with Q4 technology, combining the advantages of four-wheel drive with the driving dynamics that only rear-wheel drive can

525-litre boot features a convenient electric tailgate that can be configured with different setup levels for optimal boot access.

deliver. This brings flawless performance whatever the terrain, be it a mountain hairpin, gravel track or snow-covered roads.

The Alfa DNA driving mode selector also enables drivers to tailor every journey to meet their needs by selecting from three, uniquely different driving modes, transforming the car’s dynamic performance at the touch of a dial.

The power to perform is also seen in the engine line-up, with the 200hp or 280hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and the 180hp or 210hp 2.2-litre diesel, combined with an automatic 8-speed transmission specifically calibrated for fast, smooth gear shifts.

On-board comfort Beneath its sporty styling, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio gives precedence to on-board comfort and wellbeing with a driver-centric interior that blends spaciousness and ergonomics with luxury and elegance.

Comfort and versatility is also assured from the expansive seating while the

Leading-edge technology The Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s emphasis on innovative technology includes infotainment and connectivity with the advanced Alfa Connect system – developed in partnership with Magneti Marelli – installed as standard across the range, featuring an 8.8” display and DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, controlled by an intuitive Rotary Pad placed on the central tunnel.

The system features advanced voice recognition and full compatibility with any mobile device running iOS or Android operating systems. Connect 3D Nav is standard on the Super and above.

The Stelvio can also be equipped with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon Sound Theatre system.

First-class safety systems Awarded the coveted Euro NCAP 5-star rating after topping its category with a score of 97% for the protection of adult occupants, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio features a wide array of innovative safety devices. Notably, these include Autonomous Emergency Braking system (AEB), which comes as standard on every version with pedestrian detection and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) as well as Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio also benefits from both a rigid and tough ultra-light body in line with the Alfa Romeo focus on superlative handling, control and safety.

Call the Business Centre on 0808 168 5440 or visit us at www.alfaromeo.co.uk/fleet

Alpina D3 Biturbo Half a century in the making, Alpina’s big-seller appeals to both head and heart, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £48,000-£50,000 FUEL 52.3-53.3mpg CO2 139-142g/km

O

n paper, Alpina’s biggest‐selling model sounds too tional, the front spoiler channelling air into the cooling pack good to be true; a 50+mpg executive saloon (or behind the front bumper, and reducing lift at speed. Alpina estate) that’s also one of the world’s fastest produc‐ also tunes the suspension geometry to match the size of tion diesel cars, delivering 62mph from rest in just over four wheels fitted to each car. and a half seconds. But this hand‐finished bahnstormer isn’t It takes a lot to improve on the 3 Series, but this is utter only real, it’s got its sights set on business users. witchcraft. The D3 manages a multitude of talents; relentless The D3 Biturbo isn’t a typical 3 Series. Alpina is a manu‐ in‐gear acceleration with huge pulling power at low revs, yet facturer in its own right, with a 50‐year heritage developing delivered without the unnerving feeling that it’s struggling to luxurious, high‐performance cars through a unique, deep‐ hang onto the road. It feels sure‐footed and agile when you rooted partnership with BMW. Deep enough that BMW not want it to, yet also incredibly compliant (Sport mode aside) only approves and warranties the work, and supplies it with thanks to the adaptive suspension and non run‐flat tyres. It’s cars direct from the factory, but that more of a grand tourer than a sports car; Alpina has access to the newest models so well set up, and so effortless at high before they launch. Every car is individu‐ speed, that you could cross entire conti‐ ally numbered and registered as an nents without noticing.

Alpina, not a BMW. An Alpina is an exclusive choice, but That close partnership results in a UK importer, BMW dealer Sytner Group, thorough overhaul. The D3’s engine is is used to selling these to business users based on BMW’s 3.0‐litre six‐cylinder and there’s a system in place to support diesel, but with twin turbochargers it. You can buy and service a D3 at any instead of the usual sequential setup, Sytner site (or have it collected and deliv‐ and gets optimised cooling and ered), there’s a dedicated corporate hub improved airflow all the way through to for lease customers and popular options the performance exhaust system. This have been bundled so they have a Cap bumps power up to a muscular 345bhp, Code to help with residuals. It’s a delivered through an eight‐speed auto‐ bespoke process, businesses can add A supercar with a matic transmission that’s been repro‐ extra lighting or signwriting if needed – sensible side. Alpina grammed to make the most of the including the no‐cost retro pinstriping in might be an enthusiast performance on offer. silver or gold – and Alpina GB offers a Chassis upgrades are just as significant; one‐to‐one handover for customers. brand, but the D3 Biturbo adjustable dampers, larger brakes and a Too good to be true? Not at all. The 3 makes a brilliant business limited‐slip differential help put the Series has always been a brilliant way to tool for those lucky power down as effortlessly as possible keep your business moving – the D3 enough to choose one. through the 20‐spoke wheels. Even the Biturbo takes the ‘Ultimate Driving apparently cosmetic upgrades are func‐ Machine’ to the next level.

what we think

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR FLEET RESIDUALS? Falling residual values for conventional vehicles represents a growing risk.

Rebalance your fleet with petrol-electric hybrids. Our 17-model range offers no-compromise performance and specification levels for all drivers.

For a test drive or more information visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk or call 0344 701 6186.

Audi A8 50 TDI The future is hybrid for Audi’s new flagship. By Dave Humphreys.

SECTOR Luxury PRICE £69,100-£73,095 FUEL 48.7-51.4mpg CO2 145-152g/km

A

s a technology‐led brand the A8 is an important newcomer for Audi. The latest generation, which arrives in the UK this month, not only marks the beginning of adopting mild‐hybrid drivetrains throughout the range, but previews features you’ll see on smaller mod‐ els in the near future.

External dimensions have changed little from its prede‐ cessor, and it’s still offered in standard and extended wheel‐ base versions, the latter gaining an additional 130mm between the axles. Styling is conservative, but gets a few modern twists: Laser Light headlights which extend visibil‐ ity at high speeds, matrix LED high beams and OLED rear lamps with scrolling, animated, variable illumination.

Inside, Audi has once more raised the bar for cabin design and quality of finish. Regardless of whether you’re driving or being driven, the experience is serene and very comfortable thanks to the adaptive air suspension. Almost all of the phys‐ ical buttons from the centre console give way to two large touchscreen units that can control virtually every element of the climate and infotainment systems. Not only do they react quickly, but the screens also provide haptic feedback.

The 3.0 TDI model, now known as the ‘50 TDI’ under Audi’s new powertrain nomenclature, will remain the most popular choice for business users. Pricing starts at £69,100,

with emissions of 145‐152g/km, depending on the size of wheels, and all versions include mild‐hybrid technology, enabling the engine to shut down for up to 40 seconds when cruising at speeds between 34‐ and 99mph.

On‐road refinement is impressive; it offers little in the way of driving appeal, but if it’s a relaxing drive that you’re after, the new A8 delivers in spades. When legislation regarding autonomous driving passes, the A8’s much‐ touted ‘Level 3’ capability should make the motorway com‐ mute even less taxing. A great spearhead for what’s coming soon elsewhere.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi GT-Line S Kia’s big SUV gets a new look and keener drive – has it worked? Martyn Collins isn’t sure.

SECTOR SUV PRICE TBC FUEL 47.1-50.4mpg CO2 149-159g/km

S

ales of SUVs are showing no sign of slowing down and perhaps feeling the heat from more modern rivals, such as the recently launched Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Kodiaq, Kia has rolled out a mid‐life facelift for its biggest seven‐seater SUV ‐ the Sorento.

Demand for the outgoing car had been weighted towards higher trim levels, so that’s a focus here. Replacing the KX‐ 4, this brand new range‐topping GT‐Line S injects a sportier look that includes the distinctive four‐lamp LED fog lights, red painted brake calipers and side steps. All versions get revised bumpers, grille, LED head and tail lights, plus new

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

alloy wheel designs. Inside, the changes to the quality feel of the Sorento’s interior are harder to spot, limited to a new multi‐function steering wheel and the latest 8.0‐inch info‐ tainment system.

However, the facelift isn’t all about looks. This Sorento might have retained the 197bhp 2.2‐litre CRDi diesel used in the outgoing version, but the eight‐speed trans‐ mission used here is a first for this Kia and results in a positive effect on CO2 emissions, dropping from 172g/km to a more fleet‐friendly 159g/km. Kia doesn't offer two‐ wheel drive in the Sorento, but manual versions come in at 149g/km.

Despite its snazzy makeover, the latest Sorento isn’t a sporty drive, but the gearbox is slicker and quicker than before. Plus you can appreciate the handling, steering and ride changes made by Albert Biermann, formerly of BMW’s M Division, now tasked with adding a little driver involve‐ ment into Hyundai and Kia’s latest models.

There’s more feel to the steering, plus the ride and han‐ dling on our test route was tauter. Sadly, the changes aren’t all good news, as that added driver appeal has come at the expense of some of the ride comfort, which is at best unset‐ tled. It will be interesting to see how the Sorento deals with UK roads when it arrives in early 2018.

Lexus NX 300h Lexus’s big-seller gets a nip-tuck and new safety kit for 2018. By Craig Thomas.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £34,895 - £44,395 FUEL 54.3mpg CO2 121g/km

I

n the three years since it launched in the UK, the NX has already become Lexus’ biggest‐selling model, tak‐ ing around a third of the brand’s overall volume. Signs that a premium compact SUV with a hybrid powertrain to help offset the innate environmental unfriendliness of a faux‐by‐four has struck a chord with buyers.

But, with plenty of fresh competition, it’s reached its time for an update to maintain that appeal. It’s mostly a cosmetic upgrade, with styling cues to bring the design of the NX more in line with the rest of the Lexus model line‐up. Most obvious is the new nose, incorporating the latest iteration of the com‐ pany's spindle grille – which, depending on your view, is either bold or eye‐searingly oversized – along with new bumpers and headlights. There are also new rear lights (designed to create the impression of a wider stance), including sequential indicators and a revised bumper.

In the cabin, the display for the multimedia/infotain‐ ment system has been increased in size to 10.3 inches, which is a welcome change, while the remote interface touchpad has also been improved: that’s also welcome, but a software upgrade to make it more accurate and more reactive would have been even better. This system might be fine once you get used to it, but it feels clunky com‐

pared to BMW’s iDrive or Audi’s MMi – and all these sys‐ tems are now arguably outdated in the face of the prolif‐ eration of touchscreens.

The other significant change is the inclusion of the Lexus Safety System +, which includes AEB (called Pre‐ Collision System), adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, adaptive high beam and road sign assist – as stan‐ dard‐fit on all models. None of which radically changes the case for the NX, or the argument about whether a hybrid is better than a diesel.

Range Rover Evoque 2.0 SD4 Land Rover’s first introduction of Ingenium engines brings benefits to the Evoque, finds Jonathan Musk.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £48,250 FUEL 48.7mpg CO2 153g/km

W

ith more than 600,000 units sold, the Evoque has been the dominant sector leader since its intro‐ duction in 2011. However, at nearly seven years old, the car is beginning to show its age.

To bring the car up‐to‐date, Land Rover is transitioning from Ford‐sourced engines to new units designed and built in‐ house at its £1bn Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolver‐ hampton. For the first time, new petrol Ingenium engines are being introduced into Evoque and Discovery Sport, joining the Ingenium diesel SD4 that's been around for a couple of years.

The new Ingenium units are designed to bring the car back into contention with improved power, refinement, economy and emissions. These attributes apply to both new petrol Si4 237bhp and 283bhp units and the SD4 237bhp diesel. The latter produces an impressive 369lb/ft torque, yet emits just 153g/km CO2 from its twin‐turbocharged, two‐litre powerplant. Pickup and response are noticeably improved, while at cruising speeds the car feels more at ease with plenty of power always in reserve.

The SD4 doesn’t quite match the slick performance of the petrol Si4 units, despite having the edge on torque, but it is arguably the pick of the bunch for those wishing to opt for the most potent diesel variant. However, that power comes at an eye‐watering price differential of almost £18,000 above the entry‐level 148bhp eD4, although it does benefit from HSE Dynamic trim that includes a 10.2‐inch touch‐ screen and other niceties included as standard.

Naturally, Land Rover was keen to show off the Evoque’s off‐road ability and this remains impressive considering its soft‐road appearance. Nevertheless, this ability comes at the expense of on‐road manners and the Evoque struggles to hide its height and weight compared to lithely and less‐able off‐road rivals.

fleetworld.co.uk / 29

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Skoda Karoq against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Perfectly timed as part of Skoda’s new product offer.

Widely-praised Kodiaq has already worked wonders and drawn fresh conquest business.

GA Some users will still shy away from the brand, but this really is old hat mentality and those badge-conscious buyers are now few and far between.

GA Plenty of competitors, which some would see equally as compelling on paper and when viewed in the metal.

AC Karoq offers plenty of comfort and a lot of standard kit in the fleet-focused SE Tech trim. The drivetrain is smooth, and the design is modern.

AC If you are after a sporty drive then the Karoq errs more on the comfort side and isn’t as sharp as some rivals although it still handles very well.

GA There’s no doubt that Karoq can win a lot of conquest business. Whilst it’s not the cleanest in this guise, there are other engine options to suit most requirements. A new alternative to the usual suspects will be welcome to many.

MJ There are some really good cars in this sector, but Karoq will be a very strong competitor. In SE Technology trim it has no apologies to make, with Autonomous Emergency Braking and enough safety equipment to earn a 5 Star NCAP rating. High forecast RVs result in an excellent whole-life cost.

MJ Existing Yeti drivers may find Karoq bigger and more expensive than they need. The 113bhp diesel hasn’t the lowest CO2 emissions but performs well. Slightly less distinctive looks than most Skoda models - possibly a bit too like a Seat Ateca, with which it shares the MQB platform.

MW Karoq comes from a good background and family, it looks great and drives even better. A good all-round package.

MW Karoq is a great SUV, but some might regard it as a poor relation to the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan.

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

AC It’s not directly replacing the outgoing, popular, Yeti but could still suit those who have had one. Karoq is much more modern and should be even more appealing to fleets than the Yeti.

MJ There is good volume to chase in this segment, and following the seven-seat Kodiaq into the market should help early awareness and provide the opportunity for a fast start.

MW Skoda is entering a segment it hasn’t really played in before. Karoq will no doubt steal business from C and D Sector hatches.

AC This is a very crowded area of the market, and some buyers still refuse to look at the Skoda brand due to its history.

MJ Operating costs and rising BiK taxation means that you have to question whether the same model with a 1.0 TSI 113bhp petrol might make better sense, saving operators a forecast £1,438 over 36mths/60,000 miles and a 40% tax payer over £1,700 – before the impact of the recent budget proposals.

MW The market is getting crowded, and has to come to saturation point soon. The used market will struggle to handle them all, and prices could suffer. Good ones with the right spec will always sell.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer relationship manager, CAP

Skoda Karoq

Gavin Amos (GA) Global valuation director Global analytic services

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Builds on the successful Kodiaq.

AC Class-leading boot space, plenty of standard kit.

MJ High residual values, excellent wholelife cost.

MW Looks great, drives even better.

GA Still some brand snobbery around.

AC Not the sharpest drive in this segment.

MJ Too big for Yeti customers?

MW Could be seen as a poor relation to other Volkswagen Group SUVs.

Strengths

Nissan Qashqai Acenta dCi 110

GA Comfortably the cleanest and most economical here.

AC Good BiK and running costs. The segment benchmark.

MJ Recent update improved ride, handling and interior.

MW Well-established in this segment.

GA Not the cheapest. Plenty of new rivals.

AC No sat nav at this spec, smaller boot.

MJ AEB part of a £495 pack. High sales.

MW Drivers might want a change.

OTR: £23,430 P11D: £23,470 Fuel: 74.3mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £8,400 (36%) BiK: 21% SMR: £1,680 Fuel costs: £4,430 Insurance: £2,967 Finance: £3,139 NI: £2,246 VED: £400 Cost per month: £827

Strengths

Kia Sportage 2 1.7 CRDi

Weaknesses

Kia Sportage

GA A strong performer since launch, and still stacks up well.

AC Well specced, excellent warranty.

MJ Consistent RVs, good NCAP ratings.

MW Great value, a firm favourite new and used.

Weaknesses GA Not the cleanest.

AC Not as practical as the Karoq.

MJ Dashboard a little dated.

MW Styling not to everyone’s taste.

Vauxhall Grandland X

Skoda Karoq SE Technology 1.6 TDI 115PS OTR: £22,905 P11D: £22,690 Fuel: 61.4mpg CO2: 120g/km RV*: £10,725 (43%) BiK: 26% SMR: £1,841 Fuel costs: £5,631 Insurance: £2,118 Finance: £3,063 NI: £2,662 VED: £440 Cost per month: £764

Weaknesses

Nissan Qashqai

Andy Cutler (AC) UK car editor, Forecast Values Glass’s

Strengths GA A welcome newcomer.

AC Big boot and practicality, well specced.

MJ Comfortable, well finished.

MW Just what Vauxhall needs. A serious player.

Weaknesses GA Many established competitors.

AC Vauxhall has to prove itself in this segment.

MJ Interior is a little conservative.

MW Not obvious where it fits in the Vauxhall range.

OTR: £22,745 P11D: £22,530 Fuel: 61.4mpg CO2: 119g/km RV*: £9,625 (43%) BiK: 25% SMR: £2,017 Fuel costs: £5,361 Insurance: £2,487 Finance: £3,042 NI: £2,549 VED: £440 Cost per month: £802

Standard equipment: • DAB/SD/BT/USB • 8.0in sat nav, with Wi-Fi • Adaptive cruise control • F/R parking sensors • Front fog lights • 17in alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Optional equipment: • Metallic Paint £555 • Varioflex seats £450

Standard equipment: • DAB/BT/USB/aux • Cruise control, speed limiter • Front fog lights • 17in alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers Optional equipment: • Metallic Paint £575 • 7.0in sat nav, rev camera £795 • F/R parking sensors, auto high beam, traffic sign rec, mirror dimmer £595

Standard equipment: • DAB/BT/USB/aux • 7.0in sat nav • Cruise control, speed limiter • Rear parking sensors, camera • Front fog lights • 17in alloy wheels • Auto lights, dimmer • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • Lane departure warning Optional equipment: • Metallic Paint £575

Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6d 120PS Tech Line OTR: £23,665 P11D: £23,470 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 104g/km RV*: £9,450 (40%) BiK: 22% SMR: £2,271 Fuel costs: £4,663 Insurance: £2,598 Finance: £3,168 NI: £2,364 VED: £420 Cost per month: £821

Standard equipment: • DAB, Bluetooth, USB • Sat nav, OnStar (8.0in) • Cruise control with limiter • F/R Parking sensors • Front fog lights • 18in alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • Keyless entry and start Optional equipment: • Metallic Paint £565

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 31

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

Blue Sky Thinking Against the challenges of a changing sector, the Energy Saving Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 Fleet Hero Awards recognised the achievements and innovations of public and private sector organisations delivering greener, cleaner, more cost-effective business travel.

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

â&#x2020;&#x2019;

CONNECTING AND TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY All Fleet Online provide cutting edge solutions to meet the needs

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FUTURE

RI WRPRUURZČ&#x2021;V ČľHHW PDQDJHUV WRGD\ :RUNLQJ ZLWK RXU FXVWRPHUV PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG LQGXVWU\ DXWKRULWLHV ZHČ&#x2021;UH OHDGLQJ D FKDQJH ZLWK FRVW HÎ?HFWLYH VXVWDLQDEOH DQG KLJKO\ HÉ?FLHQW VROXWLRQV IRU GLJLWDO ČľHHW PDQDJHPHQW ZLWK RXU FOLFN DQG JR UDQJH RI VROXWLRQV

)LQG RXW PRUH DERXW KRZ ZH FDQ KHOS PRGHUQLVH \RXU ČľHHW PDQDJHPHQW T: 0800 122 3008 E: LQIR#DOOČľHHWRQOLQH FRP www.DOOČľHHWRQOLQH FRP

Fleet Solutions

Working as one to keep Britain moving Your people, our people. Your vehicles, our facilities. Your data, our intelligence.

Your performance, our purpose.

We connect everything together to solve \RXU ĆŽHHW PDQDJHPHQW FKDOOHQJHV DQG keep your business moving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; safely, FRQWLQXRXVO\ DQG FRVW HĆŞHFWLYHO\ Call 0800 032 0012 today or visit ZZZ EWĆŽHHW FRP

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

Robert Llewellyn with Monica Guise and Peter Edwards from the University of Birmingham.

→

Robert Llewellyn with Luke Stanbridge from Z-Tech Control Systems.

Best Public Sector Fleet University of Birmingham

Best Business Sector Fleet Z-Tech Control Systems

Close co‐operation between academics and operational staff continues to deliver impressive results for the Univer‐ sity of Birmingham. It takes a detailed view of the impact of various travel modes, schedules deliveries outside rush hours, and almost a third of its leet runs on alternative fuels. All have contributed to meeting its carbon reduction target four years early.

A growing business, Z‐Tech’s holistic approach to sustain‐ able fleet management has helped not only minimise its own environmental impact, but that of its customers’ too.

Management leads by example, running hybrid company cars with dashcams, and measures have been put in place to cut grey fleet miles, downsize vans, switch to plug‐ins and make efficient driving part of the company culture.

And the winners are...

Robert Llewellyn with Jamie Horton and Rose Clements from Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust.

Smarter Travel Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust With a focus on duty of care and eliminating grey leet mileage, the Trust has worked hard to promote more sustainable travel for staff. A travel hierarchy and sophisti‐ cated mileage management process, paired with shared cars and bikes, has helped cut its total mileage by 20%, and created knowledge that can be passed on at roadshows.

Robert Llewellyn with James Rooney, Steve Winter and Jamie Boocock from British Gas.

Robert Llewellyn with Brendon Harper from Cross River Partnership.

Efficient Driving British Gas

Clean Air Cross River Partnership

With a leet of 15,000 vehicles, British Gas is looking to make ef icient driving the norm. Driver training is part of staff development within the company, and the new Young Driver Academy has focused this on under‐25s, creating a culture of safe travel that’s reduced insurance claims, cut costs and reduced fuel consumption by 15%.

Backed by funding from the Mayor of London, this is a wide‐ ranging engagement campaign aimed at local individuals, and businesses. It’s introduced consolidated parcel deliveries, scheduled deliveries around congestion and prioritised suppliers with low‐emission leets, as well as offering advice to help pedestrians ind walking routes with less air pollution.

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

Robert Llewellyn with Matt Dale from ALD Automotive.

Robert Llewellyn with Andrew Hickford and Terry Pycroft from Leeds City Council.

Innovation ALD Automotive

Ultra Low Emission Fleet Leeds City Council

Drawing from its experience in the Netherlands, ALD Automotive’s Mobility Experience Centre is a step‐ change in customer engagement. It's a user‐focused approach helping clients understand their mobility needs and draw up new plans which incorporate public and shared transport, cutting costs and enabling more sustainable operations.

Despite challenging conditions for charging, Leeds Coun‐ cil has invested significantly to find out where electric vehicles can fit within its fleet. Its 74 charging points are deployed to suit available electrical supply, augmented by home chargers where necessary. This has enabled 44 EVs to join the fleet, with that figure set to double in the near future.

Robert Llewellyn with Dianne Armstrong, Iqbal Gill and Darren Smith from Heathrow Airport.

Ultra-low mission Infrastructure Heathrow Airport Detailed telematics data meant Heathrow Airport could map out not only how far vehicles travel, but where and when they stop, and for how long. It’s enabled a network of 75 charging points to be rolled out across the site, suiting where vehicles are idle and there’s enough power, in turn providing infrastructure for a leet of 55 EVs, with more to come.

Alex Grant, editor, Fleet World Group (left) and Matt Dale from ALD Automotive with Robert Llewellyn..

Alex Grant, editor, Fleet World Group (left) and David Hosking from Tusker with Robert Llewellyn.

Unsung Fleet Hero Matt Dale, ALD Automotive

Unsung Fleet Hero David Hosking, Tusker

A long‐term champion of ultra‐low emission vehicles, Matt has encouraged ALD’s own staff to opt for them as company cars, helping to generate real‐world knowledge which can be passed on to customers. He’s also campaigned for a future‐proof elec‐ trical supply for the company’s current and future plug‐in leet, and promoted electric mobility at events and in the press.

David has had a leading role in pioneering salary sacri ice schemes in the UK; giving drivers improved access to safer, lower‐emission vehicles. Most recently, this has involved lobbying the government to ensure ULEVs are exempt from Bene it‐in‐Kind increases that could have curbed demand. All while continuing with sustainable initiatives in‐house.

fleetworld.co.uk / 35

FEATURE Fleet Management

VALUING PEOPLE survey In association with

INTERNATIONAL

FLEETW RLD In the second part of our series of exclusive surveys, Shell and Fleet World questioned 266 fleet executives to find out how they interact and monitor their drivers. Covering car, van and HGV operators, the results reflect some surprising attitudes to the issues facing fleet management.

What are the risks?

W

ith drivers often on the road for long hours at a time, a key part of leet management is ensur‐ ing their safety. Yet over a third of leet managers (38%) said they feel the indus‐ try under‐appreciates the road safety risks their drivers face.

Drivers need to feel con ident that they are supported on the road and that their leet manager is aware of and addressing issues that could pose a risk to their safety, while customers need to have

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

con idence that their delivery will be made as safely and ef iciently as possible.

Driving safety (including issues such as mandatory use of seatbelts and a ban on the use of mobile phones behind the wheel) was rated as the biggest issue by 29% of respondents.

Poor road and weather conditions were also among the top factors leet managers need to consider when managing their drivers’ safety, particu‐ larly among those operating cars; 69%

of whom rated it as a main concern.

Driving in poor weather is perhaps the hardest to manage because weather is hard to predict – events such as snow, fog and heavy rain can occur without warning and impact seriously on driving conditions – reduced road grip and reduced visibility add up to an increased risk of an accident or vehi‐ cle failure. And driving at night is another area that leet managers must be alert to – 40% of all collisions happen in the hours of darkness, according to research by RoSPA.

Overcoming Fatigue

D

river fatigue is a major issue for leets; a contrib‐ utory factor in up to a ifth of all road traf ic acci‐ dents according to research from the Department for Transport’s Think! campaign. Not only are these incidents more likely to be fatal, but it’s also a shared hazard, potentially affecting other road users too.

Unsurprisingly, respondents were very concerned about monitoring working hours. Asked to rank concerns from 1‐9, half of those surveyed placed this at seven or higher. That’s weighted towards HGV operators, 71% of whom ranked it this way, while car and LCV leets were fairly equal at just under 50% each. In all groups, driver fatigue was ranked highly, similar to working hours. Likewise, larger leets tended to be more concerned about both factors.

Planning is a key weapon in the fleet manager’s arsenal in this respect – creating journey plans that include regular scheduled breaks for rest, as well as having a policy in place ensuring employees are medi‐ cally it to drive. It’s an aspect addressed by Shell’s latest sites, such as the Berchem service station in Belgium, which has been designed to provide ef icient, queue‐free refuelling and AdBlue top‐ups for drivers, and discounts on refreshments. Shell also offers Fatigue Awareness information for leets, aimed at helping factor this into drivers’ working lives.

→ fleetworld.co.uk / 37

FEATURE Fleet Management

“In total, more than 32% of respondents to the survey cited employees’ mental health as having an impact on drivers’ road safety.”

→ Stress and Mental Health

B

ut it’s not just being behind the wheel that causes employees issues; stress is another impor‐ tant consideration for companies requiring staff to be on the road and/or away from home regularly.

In total, more than 32% of respondents to the survey cited employees’ mental health as having an impact on drivers’ road safety – the vast majority (66%) being those who run car leets. But nearly half of leet managers questioned said their business never provides training to

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

employees regarding their mental health.

In fact, just 10% offer such training.

Added out‐of‐hours demands on employees are indicative of the chang‐ ing workplace; 9‐5 of ice‐based jobs are giving way to new levels of lexibility thanks to technology such as teleconfer‐ encing and applications like Facebook and Skype, which make keeping in touch remotely easier than ever. But there is a danger that the good aspects of remote working could be undone by the damag‐ ing mental implications – stress

accounts for a third of all work‐related ill health, according to the Health and Safety Executive, and contribute to 43% of sick days taken.

What this technology does is create pockets of potential stress problems which can go unchecked because the employee is not in face‐to‐face contact with people. Issues include a lack of social interaction, working longer hours and a blurring of the work‐life balance – all issues that can creep on up on some‐ one prone to issues like stress.

Driver Training

F

leet managers’ roles are expand‐ ing and becoming increasingly complex. New technologies, legis‐ lations and customer demands have shaped both the industry and the fleet manager’s role. The role has developed to become more strategic, gradually evolving into ‘Mobility Managers’ responsible for end‐to‐end travel and transport arrangements.

This is placing considerable pressure on the time (33%) they have available to conduct training and get their drivers engaged with it. A third said they ind insuf icient interest from drivers a key barrier to implementing driver training and 26% cited insuf icient senior management support. Budget (11%) and dif iculty in accessing experts to deliver the training (3%) were other key issues. Even so, 60% said they provide regular training to drivers, and only 13% said they don’t offer any at all.

With more than a quarter of all road

traf ic accidents involving someone who is driving for work, according to Health and Safety Executive data, the need for driver training among business drivers

is paramount. Fleets that had under‐ taken driver training said they found it was one of the most effective ways to retain employees.

Vehicle Monitoring

T

he vast majority of leets questioned (67%) said they do not use in‐vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS). As a result, they are missing out on potential ef iciency, safety and cost savings, which these telematics devices can bring, particularly in terms of identifying areas where driving behaviour could be improved.

Of the 28% who do use in‐vehicle monitoring systems, the vast majority (84%) reported an improvement in driver behaviour, and around half of those said they had seen a signi icant improvement since using the technology.

It appears driver concerns remain the key issue when it comes to installing IVMS – cited as an issue by more than half of those who have implemented it. That’s a signi icantly higher percentage than cost, time, or lack of management buy‐in.

Drivers can be naturally suspicious, seeing the devices as ‘a spy in the cab’, so working with a mobility solutions provider who can help to reassure them, address their concerns and highlight the bene its these systems can provide for them is key. A company should be clear to its staff on the expectations and uses of the systems and how they it within its overall road safety programme.

It is recommended to involve drivers from the outset, so they do not see this as ‘big brother’ but rather as a support tool that helps them enhance their driving skills, recognises good performance and rewards it accordingly.

The rewards are huge; those leets who implemented IVMS and who cited driver resistance as a key issue reported a signi icant improvement in driver behaviour (54%) while a third (32%) saw a mild improvement.

In general terms, vehicle monitoring has been proved to be very effective in building safer and more economical leets. The devices have been shown to result in a 60% reduction in incidences of speed‐ ing, a 29‐100% reduction in high potential, catastrophic, major or serious accident rates, and also identi ies poor driver behaviour such as sudden braking and harsh acceleration.

fleetworld.co.uk / 39

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

The £365m Diesel Tax Grab?

Professor Colin Tourick is unconvinced by the company car tax reforms announced in the latest Budget.

W

e live in weird times, to be sure. You can’t help thinking that Philip Hammond had an impossible task when preparing this autumn’s Budget. He needed to boost the economy, balance the books, keep spending low, not send out the wrong messages to the EU’s Brexit nego‐ tiators, and try to send the right messages to businesses and consumers worried about Brexit. But in the process of trying to do the right thing and send the right messages he has revered a policy that leet managers and drivers have been able to rely on for many years: certainty.

Almost all 800,000 drivers of diesel company cars are to be penalised with an unexpected increase in Bene it in Kind charges from next April. The only exceptions are the small minority whose cars meet the new RDE2 emissions standard.

Bye bye certainty.

You may not be familiar with RDE2 – Real Driving Emissions Standard No 2. It measures car emissions in on‐the‐road tests, taking into account weather conditions, vehicle payload, road type, altitude and other real‐life elements that affect emis‐ sions. This makes it different to the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is also designed to give an indication of real life emissions but uses laboratory testing.

There are two timetables here to be aware of: NEDC/WLTP The CO2 igures printed on our V5Cs are based on the old test (now confusingly called the New European Driving Cycle test) but we are in a period of transition moving from NEDC to WLTP. New types of car certi ied after September 2017 will have of i‐ cial emissions values showing both measures, and after September 2018 all new cars must have WLTP values. So we will now start to see two measures for individual models.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

The Budget con irmed that HMRC will use NEDC CO2 igures for company car BiK purposes until April 2020 and WLTP igures thereafter.

RDE The RDE1 standard has been running since 1 September 2017.

All cars will be tested to the more stringent RDE2 from Septem‐ ber 2019. RDE2 becomes mandatory for all cars from 2021, allowing manufacturers time to make the necessary changes to their models. So it’s very likely that most current models will not meet RDE2 standard by April.

From 6 April 2018 the irst year VED rate for diesel cars will go up by one band unless the car meets RDE standards. That’s a one‐off increase of about £40 – not too much in the scheme of things. It doesn’t apply to commercial vehicles, which is just as well, as in many cases there is no viable alternative to driving a diesel van.

From the same date the BiK supplement for diesel company cars will rise from 3% to 4% unless they meet the RDE2 stan‐ dard. But that does mean that an employee’s BiK tax bill will rise by 1%.

The average driver whose diesel car emits 75‐94g/km of CO2 was due to pay tax on the car’s list price x 22% x their marginal personal tax rate from next April. That 22% just rose to 23%, which is getting on for a 5% increase in BiK tax. Ouch. This applies to all diesel cars, not just new ones ordered after that date. So whilst trying to send a message about emissions from diesel cars, the Government has simply penalised company car drivers who have already chosen diesel and who won’t get the chance to change cars for some months or years.

John Pryor of the Association of Car Fleet Operators is right to say that this is grossly unfair.

And we must remember of course that BiK rates already rise every year for all cars, that wages are growing more slowly than in lation, that the Government said that any changes would

apply only to new cars and that the prime minister said she didn’t want to penalise people who had already chosen diesel cars because of their environmental credentials.

With all of the uncertainty that exists over the economy and Brexit, it might have been nice had they spared company car drivers and leet managers any further uncertainty. Yes, by all means use the tax system to discourage bad environmental choices but don’t introduce changes at short notice that drivers can’t do anything about (and that make no sense envi‐ ronmentally). This has simply been a tax‐grab wrapped up in environmental clothing that may go down well with some headline‐writers but is actually bad governance and will cost company car drivers and their employers £365m over 5 years.

Rant over.

What to do next...?

The average leet manager will be scratching their head wondering what they are supposed to do, particularly those who have large numbers of employees driving high annual mileages in larger cars.

Ironically, this change could encourage some drivers to opt out of company cars, take a cash

allowance and buy a used car with sky‐high emissions. Most leet managers will – rightly – speak up against this because it will lead to a loss of control, more paperwork, increased health and safety risks and employees driving around in less reliable cars. And it may not even reduce costs.

The right thing to do is to evaluate the effect on drivers of diesel cars (and on the company. Don’t forget that Class1A NIC is based on those BiK tables too).

If your fleet policy does not now actively encourage the take‐up of alternatives to diesels, now surely must be the time to revisit this. Ask your leasing company to help.

It may well be that once we get over this period, manufac‐ turers will come forward with cars that meet the WLTP/ RDE2 limits and where there is a compelling case to opt for diesel because the business case works for most businesses and employees in the same way that it worked in the past: low fuel cost per mile, low emissions, low BiK and low VED. But for now, leet managers need to keep on top of their leet policy because the Government is clearly prepared to make decisions that play well to headline‐writers without much regard for the pain it causes company car drivers. Or was it ever thus?

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Europcar UK Group

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 50 years’ experience providing long and short-term tailor-made economical fleet solutions.

We have a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet operating in over 35 branches throughout the UK. Close manufacturer relationships mean we can offer competitive rates on a range of up-todate vehicles.

We have packages to suit all industry sectors, providing fleet solutions tailored to meet each client’s needs.

We have an online booking facility available for retail and corporate clients. Our business customers can also benefit from dedicated online management reporting.

Contact: Sales Team car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.com www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Tel: 0178 646 8700

Contact: Europcar Business Team businesssolutions@europcar.co.uk www.europcar.co.uk/business

Tel: 0116 217 3531

Fourways Vehicle Solutions

FleetEurope FleetEurope is a multi-award winning, independent shortand mid-term vehicle rental provider. Our extensive network provides access to over 400,000 cars, vans and specialist vehicles from 1,500+ locations nationwide for delivery to your home or office address within two hours. Additional benefits include an industry-leading online booking system, dedicated account management, 24-hour emergency support, one-way vehicle rentals, a market-leading 99% invoice accuracy rate and extensive management reporting to continuously monitor and reduce your rental expenditure. Try our vehicle rental service for free today. Visit www.fleeteurope.co.uk and choose from a selection of cars and vans to rent free for a day.

Contact: Rental Team info@fleeteurope.co.uk

Europcar's fleet peaks at over 60,000 cars and vans available from a national network of over 250 locations.

Customers benefit from having access to a range of flexible rental solutions including long term rental, where make and model is guaranteed, and the latest in-car share technology. Working with key manufacturers, Europcar can supply an extensive range of cars, LCVs and specialist vehicles including electric vehicles and hybrids, for both SMEs as well as larger corporate customers. At the heart of everything is Europcar's ongoing commitment to cutting costs, minimising administration and reducing the environmental impact.

Tel: 01494 435000 www.fleeteurope.co.uk

Fourways Vehicle Solutions offers a distinctive customer service based approach to corporate vehicle rental. Through our vast supplier network we provide short and long term car, commercial and specialist vehicle hire right across the UK. This is supported by a state of the art cloud based rental system allowing real time access to reservations, billing and management information. In addition we also offer a dedicated, proactive account manager for every customer as well as a 24/7 emergency line manned by Fourways’ own staff. We would be delighted to talk to you about tailor making a solution to suit your vehicle rental requirements.

Contact: Sales Team info@fvsl.co.uk

Tel: 0344 800 0385 www.fvsl.co.uk

SHB Hire Ltd

Nexus Vehicle Rental Nexus Vehicle Rental is the UK’s leading tech driven business mobility provider offering access to over 550,000 vehicles, including 100,000 specialist and commercial vehicles and 50,000 HGVs, across 2,000 UK locations.

Nexus offers daily, short, medium and long-term rental through its unrivalled network of suppliers which it has built up to be the largest in the UK. Through its unique online IRIS booking platform, Nexus can source any vehicle, anytime, anywhere, usually within two hours of a booking being made. The system allows improvements in efficiency to be identified, saving customers an average of up to 20% of their rental costs each year.

SHB Hire Ltd are a family owned and operated company with nearly 50years’ experience in vehicle hire. We currently own Europe’s largest 4x4 hire fleet and the UK’s largest buggy and ATV fleet with a range of over 16,000 specialist, commercial and executive vehicles. We have flexible, customised hire and lease solutions to meet the customer’s demands and vehicles built to customer’s specifications in our fabrication and body shop facilities. SHB’s diverse, specialist fleet together with national coverage and flexible packages deliver an unbeatable customer driven range of services. Visit our website for details on how you can hire with us.

Contact: Dean Rose dean.rose@nexusrental.co.uk

Contact: Hire Team enquiries@shb.co.uk

Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Tel: 0179 451 1458 www.shb.co.uk

Thrifty Car and Van Rental Thrifty Car and Van Rental has 100 UK locations, offering a full range of commercial vehicles. Thrifty has a dedicated Central Reservation Team, providing an immediate response to enquiries and offering highly competitive rates, with access to a quality fleet of vehicles nationwide and an efficient delivery and collection service. Fast, accurate billing and

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

detailed management information is available along with a dedicated account manager. For longer-term hires, Thrifty’s Flexi Fleet programme enables customers to rent vehicles on a short to medium term basis without being tied into a long term commitment.

Contact: Caroline Gallagher caroline.gallagher@thrifty.co.uk

Tel: 0149 475 1550 www.thrifty.co.uk

How many vehicles does your company operate?

How many rental locations does your company have?

Do you offer flexible medium-term rental?

Does a driver get given a proof of condition receipt on handing back their hire car?

Do you have a rapid check-in system?

Do you have relationships with charging infrastructure supplies for EV’s?

Do you offer an on-line billing facility?

Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Can a driver guarantee a specific make & model of car when booking?

Do you charge a fee for non-cancelled bookings?

Do you charge excess mileage rates on pre-agreed contracts?

Do you offer hybrid & Electric Cars?

Do you offer an hourly rate for hire?

Key to services

Are you a rental, leasing or broker company?

FLEETW W RLD

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Rental

9.5k 38 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔

-

Europcar UK Group Rental

60k+ 250+ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ Service provided

Service unavailable

FleetEurope Leasing & Broker

400k+ 1.5k+ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔

-

Fourways Vehicle Solutions Rental & Broker

300k+ 2k+ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Nexus Vehicle Rental Broker

550k 2k ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

SHB Hire Ltd Rental

16.5k 16 ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

✔

-

Thrifty Car and Van Rental Rental

25k 100 ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

9TH MAY 2018

our fleet Jaguar XE 2.0d Portfolio DESPITE an extended line-up of models – one that continues to grow – everyone seems to still love a Jaguar.

The black XE gets a lot of comments and attention from all types of people and with good reason, as it looks the part and drives like it too.

Since performing admirably on the Fleet World MPG Marathon, the fuel consumption on the small cat has increased a bit, given that it’s now faced with everyday conditions. It remains pretty frugal, however, despite the willingness of the engine to push on when given the opportunity. It feels small, light and nimble, which adds to the driving experience, although most customers would prob-

ably choose an automatic, as opposed to the manual ‘box on our vehicle.

The only minor gripe has come from passengers, who have complained about a lack of legroom. Having sat in the back, it’s fair to say that there isn’t copious amounts of room, but marketed as an executive model, maybe few people travel with more than one or two people onboard.

Navigating the touchscreen system and associated menus is simple once you get used to it. The alternative is voice control, a solution that continues to mature and impress with every new version.

John Challen

Toyota C-HR Hybrid Dynamic

AlphaCity BMW 320d I’VE used the AlphaCity car for a couple of business trips over the past month; both around five-hour round trips, covering just under 500 miles in total. In terms of cost, both kept the boss happy – AlphaCity’s rates are more favourable than the business mileage he would have had to pass onto me for those kinds of distances.

It’s hard to fault the BMW for comfort and the heated seats are proving useful, but the comfort options are a little over-elaborate in a shared car and there are enough options in here to delay your journey, or distract you once it’s already underway.

A minor complaint for an otherwise easy service.

Jonathon Harker, editor, Torque magazine

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

DEPRESSINGLY, I’ve reached a point in my life where practicality ranks just as high as the way a car drives and looks. So, while I love the C-HR’s athletic side profile, I had concerns that it might struggle to accommodate bulky buggies and car seats in ways that a boxier SUV or a traditional hatch wouldn’t.

I needn’t have worried. Within a similar footprint to the Auris, and under a steeply raked roofline, Toyota has managed to package impressive head and legroom into the back, and a generous boot too. No need to give up on that kerbside appeal just yet.

Alex Grant

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ5 4x4 WITH a new focus on its B2B proposition, Suzuki is on course to have almost quadrupled its fleet sales to around 9,000 units this year, taking around a quarter of the brand’s anticipated 40,000 new registrations during 2017. It’s always had relevant, cost-effective products, but a wider line-up and the right infrastructure being put in place to reach businesses is evidently paying dividends already.

Crossovers are the bread-and-butter fleet offer, but the Swift is an important arrival as Suzuki aims for a bigger presence in the sector. We’re testing two versions back to back, starting with the mild hybrid petrol in range-topping SZ5 trim. This has the range-lowest CO2 emissions of 97g/km, undercutting the old Swift diesel, but it’s also the only version with four-wheel drive, replacing what was a standalone model in the old car.

It’s a huge step forward in every respect; better finished and quieter than before, genuinely fuel efficient (as its 82mpg performance in the MPG Marathon proves), while SZ5 versions get all the equipment fleets could need, including adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation and even Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All good foundations for carving out a bigger share of the competitive supermini segment.

Alex Grant

Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo SR IN my last report, I seemed a little smug at regularly getting over 60mpg from Honda’s latest turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, and many more miles under the belt have proved that this wasn’t a fluke.

In fact, spending a long time behind the wheel of the latest Civic has been a breeze. The styling may not be to everyone’s taste and obviously you can’t see that when you’re behind the wheel, but it’s a supremely easy car to drive and belies it’s on-paper 1.0-litre petrol-powered credentials. In reality, thanks to very clever engineering, you have 129bhp at your disposal

and decent torque as well. The official combined figure of 55mpg is easily attainable in real-world driving, while the CO2 emissions of 117g/km mean that the BiK against a list price of £20,755 for our SR model shouldn’t deter too many drivers.

The SR trim level – one rung up from the base SE specification – also gives you sat nav, dual zone climate control and a useful rear parking camera. Heated seats and adaptive dampers require a jump up to EX trim level – a move we would consider, even though the SR is a great compromise.

Luke Wikner

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

our fleet Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE NOW that Volkswagen is going crazy for electric, it seemed rude not to try one out for a while, so we will be testing a Passat Estate GTE for the next few months.

GTE, as I’m sure you already know, is the plug-in version of Volkswagen’s burgeoning new electrified range. This means it has a battery and motor which, it is claimed, can give you 31 miles of electric-only motoring, while a 150bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine takes over after that, or acts in concert as in a traditional hybrid.

Plug-ins are not for everyone: you are essentially lugging two motors along, which doesn’t exactly help fuel economy, and while the BiK savings can seem pretty impressive to start with, if you have the wrong driver in the car, then you can start eating into those savings at a pretty smart rate of knots. Our test will be to see what sort of driving profile this car suits.

Outside of the funky powertrain stuff, this is a typical Passat Estate, which means it is massive.

First impressions are that I had forgotten just how big and commodious the current generation Passat is, and how nicely furnished too. So I’m off to plug in, and drive off. I’ll report back next month.

Steve Moody

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

accident management Selsia

Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk

fleet insurance insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

SMR

Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI Edition OUR last few weeks with Skoda’s first seven-seat SUV have reinforced what an impressive car this is, from its flexibility and practical features to its skills as a comfortable cruiser.

Last-minute duties that the Kodiaq has been called upon include transporting six, very excited kids to and from a 10th birthday party and taking a bike to and from school every day for Bikeability week (the sliding middle seat proved invaluable here for giving that extra bit of boot room) – and it’s proved its value in every situation. I still have no idea how a car that doesn’t feel that big behind the wheel can be so voluminous.

It also feels capable and composed, even on more windy roads, while the 1.4 TSI engine has been surprisingly useable and more efficient that I thought.

I remain impressed by the Kodiaq’s wealth of thoughtful touches – from the cup holders that allow you to single-handedly open bottles of drink, to the concealed umbrellas and detachable boot light.

And on the equipment front, the Columbus sat nav system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, DAB, SmartLink, USB and 2 SD card readers has proved its value.

Above all, I’m flabbergasted by just how well the Skoda has withstood the rigours of everyday life, helped by excellent interior quality.

Natalie Middleton

Autoserve Limited Tel: 0844 888 3001 www.autoserve.co.uk

driver licence checking TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

daily rental

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0370 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

risk management

fleet management software

Tel: 01484 551060

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700 www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.virtualriskmanager.net

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk Total Leasing Solutions for your business

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

Contract Hire a Car Tel: 0370 218 8015 www.contracthireacar.com

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

Tel: 01905 887884 www.bespokedrivertraining.com help@bespokedrivertraining.com

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 Novemb

interview gen

orld of fleet w world

Michael O’Shea

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

of Volkswa

power stoppingtheir brakes

Why fleets

Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

er 2014

RLD FLEETW he n tthe atterrss iin matte hat m ll tthat All A

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Enterprise Software Tel: 0161 925 2400 www.essl.co.uk

should check

Sofico NV Tel:+3292018040

UPIL MODEL P wheel Behind the

of Tesla’s

www.soficoservices.com

Model S remarkable

2014

rathon MPG Marld driving from real-wo 100mpg in estate? The UK’s a C-segment y event premier economle... possib sees if it’s

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com 0845 2172 608

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550

fleet management Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk

Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

www.thrifty.co.uk

daysfleet.com

ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

o.uk ld.co.uk fleetwor

SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

fleet consultancy

PVS Ltd Tel: 01278 550270

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk

www.puddyvsolutions.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk telematics & tracking

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

MiX Telematics Europe Tel: 0121 717 5360 www.mixtelematics.co.uk

www.quartix.net

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Tel: 0870 013 6663 Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 0333 358 3488 www.airmaxremote.com

CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletracnavman.co.uk Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

our fleet Renault Mégane Sport Tourer GT Line dCi 110 OURtime with the Mégane Sport Tourer is coming to an end and I’ve surprised myself, because I genuinely will be sad to see it go.

OK, so yes, I am a fan of estate cars, but the Mégane Sport Tourer is a really well resolved example. To help prove that, we did the 400-mile-round-trip-to-Wales-to-see-the-family test last month and it passed with flying colours.

The Thomas family never, ever packs lightly – especially when we never know what weather we’ll encounter on the West Walian coast where we stay – so the 521-litre boot swallowed up all the bags, coats, footwear for all conditions, food and drink etc, with room to spare.

The 1.5 diesel engine was also a pretty quiet cruiser and while the in-gear acceleration that you need these days on motorways isn’t fantastic, if you accept that and just try to stick to a constant speed, it’s absolutely fine. Fuel consumption also worked out at a creditable 52-53mpg.

To be honest, the journey was terrible: what usually takes us four hours took six, because of bizarrely heavy traffic levels, but it only dawned on me the following day that I hadn’t felt in the slightest bit uncomfortable at the end. The sports seats were incredibly supportive and are up there with the best around – yes, even good enough to be considered alongside Volvo seats, which is high praise indeed.

The trip did nothing to undermine the opinion I had formed over the last few months of the Mégane Sport Tourer: in fact, it reinforced my view of the car as a highly capable, well-equipped, comfortable, practical and economical estate.

That’s not as common a package as you might think, even in an era when there is, supposedly, “no such thing as a bad car’, so anyone in the market for a mid-sized estate could certainly do a lot worse.

Craig Thomas

the figures OTR PRICE £24,040 POWER 108bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 192lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62mph 11.6 seconds TOP SPEED 116mph COMBINED MPG 68.9mpg CO2 96g/km (21% BiK)

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ultra 190 S line S tronic ’54-LITRE fuel tank’ is not one of the sexiest option boxes you can tick when speccing your new car, but it is one that will make a huge difference.

We were caught out before when running an A4 Avant which came with the standard 40-litre fuel tank and spent more time than necessary in our local Shell garage. This time around, we ensured the 54-litre tank was specified – and even better, it’s a no-cost option. Allied to mid-60s fuel economy and we should be collecting a lot less loyalty points this time around.

Other spec highlights on our S line Sportback include lovely deep Manhattan grey metallic paint (£645), a driver assistance pack (£1,250 and a suite of safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, collision avoidance, turn assist and lane assist) and the technology pack (£1,395 and featuring uprated navigation, Audi Connect, the Phone Box with wireless mobile charging and the excellent Virtual Cockpit).

All of which brings our Sportback’s price up from a standard £38,120 to £42,255. We’ll be letting you know if the options fitted are worth the expense over the next few months.

Julian Kirk

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

VAN

December 2017

FLEETW RLD

p56

at a glance Powertrain options ACEA conference looks at the options for commerical vehicles

External changes are relatively subtle, with a three-bar grille dominating the front end.

vanfleetworld.co.uk

review This month, VFW editor Dan Gilkes accepts that there’s no silver bullet for logistics companies using LCVs, while previewing Mercedes-Benz’s plans to offer more integrated transport solutions.

Powertrain choice As the European Commission turns its attention to CO2 emissions from vans, and next year from trucks, manufacturers have been meeting to discuss the options for load carrying customers. While I had hoped to hear of some new breakthrough in powertrain technology, it was not to be.

There is of course no silver bullet, no single solution for vans and trucks that will offer a zero emission, high payload future for logistics companies and hauliers. Instead, it seems that diesel will remain the fuel of choice for moving goods for some years to come.

That’s not to say there won’t be advances or options, but fleet managers will want to take a close look at their individual application before making driveline choices. Yes, there will be clean Euro 6 diesel engines, along with biomethane and liquid natural gas for long haul. There will also be a far wider choice of electric and hybrid drives, particularly for urban delivery vehicles such as vans and smaller trucks. Deciding which one offers the best total cost of ownership, while meeting the company’s environmental aims, is not likely to get easier any time soon.

Mobility solutions There has been a lot of talk about the provision of mobility, rather than simply a car or a van for company staff. Mobility managers seem set to take on the mantle of fleet managers, as alternatives to the regular company car become more commonplace. That’s perhaps not such an easy thing to achieve for a van customer, however.

But Mercedes-Benz Vans has plans to move the market that way, through networking services and process optimisation. Ahead of possibly 2018’s most important large van launch – the new Sprinter – the company will unveil the technology that will allow Sprinter to move from simply being a vehicle, to becoming an integrated system solution. More on that next month.

Digital update This month’s Van Fleet World iD digital magazine includes a news and features from the light commercial vehicle market. We take a closer look at the issues that affect van operators today, including the future of commercial vehicle powertrains and the current availability of electric LCVs. There’s a road test of a petrol-powered Volkswagen Transporter and we take a closer look at some of the firm’s recently approved conversions. Plus, we put the Spotlight on the Renault SpaceClass, as the company enters the premium people-carrying business. For more information go to vfwid.fwg.digital

50 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily LCV news!

Visit our website vanfleetworld.co.uk

i nbusiness

Electric strikes electric van market

L

ightning Systems, has unveiled a zero‐emission electric van, based on Ford’s Transit. The company, based in Warwickshire and in Colorado, USA, is an approved partner in Ford’s eQVM programme.

Initially the LightningElectric van will be offered on Ford’s largest 4.7‐tonne Transit chassis, though other models are set to follow later next year. There are two battery packs available, offering a 50‐mile range or a 100‐mile range. The 50‐mile van has a base cost of £52,250, while the longer‐range model will start at £67,375, before the Plug‐in Van grant.

Both vans can be equipped with a 50kW DC fast charging capability, for an additional £3,799, providing a 30‐minute recharge for the 50‐mile model and a 1 hour charging time for the longer

distance van. Maximum speed has been limited to 55mph. The smaller battery model has a payload of 900‐1,800kg, depending on vehicle con iguration, which drops to 900‐1,360kg for the double battery models.

Colorado‐based UQM Technologies is providing the vehicle’s powertrain components, including the gearbox, elec‐ tric motor and inverter, along with the software controls for the vans.

“The LightningElectric is an excellent choice for commercial and government leets that would like a zero‐emissions product that uses no fuel, but gets the job done with no compromises,” said David Brosky, vice president of sales for Light‐ ning Systems.

The first vehicles are expected by early 2018.

inshort bitesize stories from a month in the van fleet world...

Charitable donation

Renault UK has supplied a Kangoo Z.E. electric van to London charity the Felix Project. The charity will use the van as part of a fleet of vehicles collecting more than 10-tonnes of waste food from supermarkets, wholesalers and suppliers. Though for various reasons the food can no longer be sold, it is perfectly fresh and nutritious and is distributed by the Felix Project free to charities throughout the capital.

Being exempt from the London Congestion Charge, and offering far lower running costs than a diesel van, the Kangoo Z.E. is saving the charity a significant amount of money, without adding to the emissions problems within the city.

“It’s absolutely amazing to have this support from Renault UK and this electric vehicle fits in with our messages about protecting the environment, by reducing waste and using nutritious food rather than throwing it into landfill,” said project co-ordinator Annie Elkins.

Transmission choice

Transit Courier to get eight-speed auto box

F

ord has provided an early glimpse of next year’s updated Transit Connect and Transit Courier vans. Following the launch of the new Transit Custom (see page 64) Ford has committed to completely overhauling every model in its LCV line‐up over the coming 18 months.

The revised Connect and Courier are expected by mid‐2018. Both models wear a new family grille and updated lights. The Transit Connect will use 1.5‐ litre EcoBlue diesel engines and the 1.0‐ litre EcoBoost petrol motor, which will be available with cylinder de‐activation. The big news for Connect buyers is the avail‐ ability of an eight‐speed automatic trans‐

52 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

mission, along with standard six‐speed manual gearboxes.

For the smaller Transit Courier there will also be a new grille and adoption of Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. Here too a six‐speed manual gearbox will become standard equipment, for the EcoBlue and EcoBoost drivelines.

Volkswagen is to offer a manual gearbox in the latest Amarok pick-up range, in partnership with the 204bhp diesel engine. In an attempt to broaden the appeal of the recently crowned International Pick-up of the Year, the manual box reduces the basic price of the truck by £650.

Blue Power awarded Iveco’s Daily Blue Power range has been awarded the International Van of the Year 2018. The line-up includes Euro 6 diesel, full electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vans and it is this range of powertrain options for urban distribution that attracted the judges.

EVENTS ACEA Conference

Examining the options As the European Commission continues to move away from diesel, ACEA looks at future powertrain options for commercial vehicles, says Dan Gilkes.

A

mid continuing calls from cities across Europe for a reduction in diesel emissions, the European Commission has proposed new targets for EU leet‐wide average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans. Under this second Mobility Package proposal, average CO2 emissions from cars and vans would be cut by 15% by 2025 and be 30% lower in 2030, compared to 2021.

Note that the EC has included vans with passenger cars in this proposal, despite the huge range of vehicle sizes, weights and duties in the LCV market compared to cars. There will be a simi‐ lar proposal for trucks and buses in Spring, 2018.

In response to this latest initiative from the EC, The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has held a conference to discuss powertrain options for commercial vehi‐ cles, looking at the available technologies for both long haul transportation and the urban transport of goods and people.

While many recognised the good intention of the proposed cut in CO2 emissions, there was some concern about grouping light commercials with passenger cars.

“We feel that the Commission didn’t differentiate enough between cars and vans,” said Erik Jonnaert, secretary general of ACEA. “It was very aggressive on vans.”

“In urban areas, the van is the appropriate solution,” said Volker Mornhinweg, chairman of ACEA’s Light Commercial Vehicle Committee and executive vice president of Mercedes‐Benz Vans.

“Currently 96% of vans are diesel engined. They are extremely ef icient and have a low total cost of ownership.

“For the future, we see electric vans for last mile delivery as

range is not that long, up to 70‐80km per day, so we can use less batteries. But last mile deliveries are only 10% of the van market.

Diesel will still be the backbone of our industry in the future.”

For longer haul operation, electric vehicles struggle to compete with other powertrain options. This is partly because electric trucks are around three times as expensive as diesel models.

Future powertrains, in the short term at least point to compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) along with biomethane that can be provided from renewable sources.

“Unsurprisingly there is no one simple answer,” said Preston Feight (pictured left), chairman of ACEA Commercial Vehicle Board and president of DAF Trucks.

“First and foremost, we have to look at safety, for the person oper‐ ating the vehicle and for everyone in the operating environment.

Secondly cost, fuel is the single biggest operating cost of commer‐ cial vehicles. Thirdly the environment. Decarbonising the environ‐ ment is important for all of us.

“In 2030, I would envisage vehicles that are safer than today, with degrees of autonomy. Vehicles with improved durability and reliability,” said Mr Feight.

“For powertrains, there will still be a strong utilisation of diesel. But there will also be liquid natural gas (LNG) and biofu‐ els, along with some hybridisation and electric vehicles. It’s going to be a mixture, where it’s appropriate to the market.”

“Last mile deliveries are only 10% of the van market. Diesel will still be the backbone of our industry in the future.”

Volker Mornhinweg, chairman of ACEA’s Light Commercial Vehicle Committee and executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz Vans

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 53

DOWN OUR FIXED PRICE

can help avoid issu

disruption AND SUPPORTING YOU

WITH BACK UP

keeping

24

We call it VAN INTELLIGE DISCOVER MORE AT: LEXAUTOLEASE.CO.UK/VAN- INTELLIGENCE

TIME?

MAINTENANCE PLANS

es that could cause your commercial ï¬&#x201A;eet on the move.

/7 NCE

Ford Transit Custom Ford has started an 18-month renewal of its LCV line-up with an update to Custom, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Medium LOAD VOLUME 6.0m3-8.3m3 POWER 105-170hp GROSS WEIGHT 2.8-3.2 tonnes

I

t seems incredible that Ford’s Transit Custom has touchscreen and full connectivity, including Apple CarPlay already been in for its first nip and tuck update. How‐ and Android Auto. ever, the mid‐weight Custom, originally launched in Ford had already introduced its EcoBlue 2.0‐litre Euro 6 2012, has been a massive success for Ford and the company engine in Custom, in 105bhp, 130bhp and 170bhp variants. is keen to maintain its position as Europe’s top selling van.

The van is now also offered with an ECOnetic version of the Externally the changes are relatively subtle, with a three‐ 105bhp short wheelbase model, with unique calibration, bar grille dominating the front end. There are distinctive Auto‐Stop‐Start, low rolling resistance tyres, Acceleration LED daytime running lights on higher trim models, with Control and a 62mph speed limiter. The ECOnetic van boasts Xenon headlights also on offer. The sliding side door track is a 6% improvement in fuel efficiency over the standard now smoothly integrated into the sheet metal, but other‐ 105hp model, at 49.6mpg, with 148g/km of CO2. wise the working end of the van is A six‐speed manual gearbox is standard, unchanged, with the same range of short driving through the front wheels, though and long wheelbases offered in standard the six‐speed Selectshift automatic trans‐ and high roof versions. mission is offered on the two higher horse‐ The new look is more noticeable inside power engines. Ford admits to some the cab, with a completely new dash and surprise with the high take‐up of this auto instrument panel. Ford claims class‐lead‐ box, which now accounts for around 12% ing storage, with three open bins on top of Custom van sales in the UK and up to of the dash and revised door pulls open‐ 33% of Tourneo people carriers. ing up space for an additional door shelf.

The diesel vans will be joined by a PHEV The dash displays and infotainment hybrid in 2019. This uses Ford’s 1.0‐litre depend on specification and trim level, EcoBoost petrol engine as a range extender, with base models getting a regular single‐ to offer a 310‐mile range, with 30 miles of DIN stereo with no connectivity. Next up electric‐only running. The compact petrol is a connected radio, allowing mobile engine and small liquid‐cooled lithium‐ion phone use, which comes with the MyFord battery contribute to a payload in excess of While certainly not a Dock in the centre of the dash for smart‐ 1‐tonne, with no loss of load volume. groundbreaking model phone charging.

Ford is offering a host of driver assis‐ change, the updates to Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is tance systems on Custom, though the Custom should keep offered in three levels, starting with a lack of electric steering has ruled out Ford’s mid-weight on the SYNC Lite system using a 4.0‐inch dis‐ self‐parking and steering assistance for play. There is also a SYNC system with the moment. A first for the van is Intelli‐ shopping list for many no navigation and then the full‐fat SYNC gent Speed Assist, which uses Traffic Sign fleet buyers.

3 communications and entertainment Recognition to automatically set the offering, which includes an 8.0‐inch van’s maximum speed within legal limits.

what we think

56 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Does your system provide a workshop management module?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your system provide variable access/security levels?

Can your system handle multiple suppliers (tail lift, Refrigerated Body, etc) for a single vehicle?

Does your system have any special risk management features?

Can your system download or accept data from a digital tachograph?

Does your system allow pay-as-you-go payment terms?

Do you provide full support & Maintenance cover?

Do you offer a KPI dashboard?

Does your system provide Driver Licence Checking?

Does your system support PDA/Phone devices?

Is your system web based?

Is it smartphone and/or tablet compatible?

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Chevin Fleet Solutions

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Jaama Ltd

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

ODO Drive

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Key to services ✔

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

Bynx

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Bynx is a market-leading developer of software solutions for vehicle management. bynxFLEET enables leasing, fleet management and rental operators to manage vehicles, contracts, transactions and drivers while controlling lifecycle costs and increasing operational efficiency overall. Customers retain asset value and engage with stakeholders online. bynxFLEET provides a platform, plus the tools and applications required to run every aspect of a vehicle business - whether the fleet is owned or managed on someone else’s behalf. The product utilises functionality to automate and streamline processing and enables greater productivity, efficiency and utilisation. bynxFLEET improves the user experience and communication between dealers, customers, suppliers and drivers by bringing it all online.

Chevin Fleet Solutions is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management software. Their multi-award winning software, Chevin FleetWave®, is a web-based system used by fleet operations across the globe, proven to help businesses measure and reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance & risk requirements are met.

FleetWave is designed to meet the demands of any type of operation from any sector, by providing extremely flexible software configurations. The system manages the whole lifecycle of a fleet, from initial acquisition of a vehicle, through to the deployment, operating expenses, incidents, work orders, maintenance, legal requirements and finally disposal. This includes businesses with cars, vans, commercial vehicles, heavy machinery, plant and associated assets. Covering nearly every aspects of managing the vehicles, assets, drivers, workforce and even workshops that make up the operation.

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales@bynx.com

Tel: 0178 947 1600 www.bynx.com

Contact: David Hemsley sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

Tel: 0177 382 1992 www.chevinfleet.com

Jaama Ltd Jaama’s market leading, multi award winning Key2 Vehicle Management system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering all aspects of owning, leasing, hiring, maintaining, repairing, running and disposing of cars, vans, commercial vehicles, plant and asset related equipment.

As the first accredited software supplier for the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and the FTA's Van Excellence Scheme, Jaama is committed to raising standards and providing practical solutions to van fleet operators. Specific modules include defect management; ensuring compliance to VOSA recommendations, electronic driver services; a repository for fleet information allowing drivers to submit expense claims online, and driver quotes; allowing company car and van drivers data to compile their optimum vehicle solutions within pre-set grades and company specified requirements. Developed in conjunction with leading vehicle operators Jaama have invested heavily to develop a new breed of vehicle management software. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA.

ODO www.ododrive.com is an online fleet management product that allows business owners, HR Managers, Finance Directors and fleet managers to login, and start managing their vehicles and drivers.

ODO provides a dashboard containing a complete oversight of the fleet and keeps track of vehicle and driver data, including fuel consumption, mileage, servicing and maintenance.

ODO helps fleets stay on the right side of the law, with automatic compliance alerts and reminders. ODO lets fleets take back control, managing costs, stamping out things like fuel fraud and making excess mileage penalties and damage re-charges a thing of the past.

ODO is fleet management, made easy.

Contact: Roy Baynham sales@jaama.co.uk

Contact: Gordon Lyster gordon@ododrive.com

Tel: 0844 848 4333 www.jaama.co.uk

ODO Drive

Tel: 0143 831 7731 www.ododrive.com

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 57

feature conversions

Customer conversion Volkswagen is working with a range of companies to increase its share of the converted van market, says Dan Gilkes.

Ingimex Dropside

CoolKit Crafter

W

hile Volkswagen’s Caddy and Transporter vans have been hugely successful, it is no secret that the irm has struggled to have the same impact on the UK heavy van sector with previous Crafter models. This has been particularly true in the conversion market, where VW captures just 4% of the sector, despite an overall brand market share of 11.5%.

That’s in a sector of the market where at least 65% of vans have some sort of conversion, with every chassis cab forming the basis for a dropside, a tipper or any one of a hundred other specialist vehicles.

That all looks set to change, with the launch of new Crafter taking the firm into a number of market segments for the first time. This is partly through the addition of front, as well as rear and all‐wheel drive models, plus the availability of manual and automatic transmissions on all three drivelines.

Earlier this summer Volkswagen launched a Converter Recognition programme that is now up and running, with a rapidly growing selection of Engineered To Go and Engi‐ neered For You vans on offer. Engineered To Go is VW’s off‐

VFS Tipper

58 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

KFS Car Transporter

Winton Service van

the‐shelf ready‐built range, that includes a number of tippers, dropsides and Luton vans, while Engineered For You offers a much broader spread of conversions, including minibuses, access platforms and car transporters.

“We’re constantly looking to develop and improve our prod‐ ucts and services and this programme streamlines the conver‐ sion process for the bene it of our customers,” said Nick Axtell, specialist sales manager at VW Commercial Vehicles.

Volkswagen pulled together some of its current conversion partners to show dealers and potential customers just what is possible. The vehicles on show included the likes of Ingimex, JC Payne and VFS for tippers and dropsides; CoolKit, the Cold Consortium, Paneltex and TBC for refrigerated transport; GM Coachwork, Minibus Options, Lewis Reed and TBC for minibuses and Bri‐Stor for welfare buses, The dealer involvement is particularly important, as all VW Van Centre sales staff are being trained to handle sales and aftersales requests for converted vehicles. This has been combined with training from the Freight Transport Associa‐ tion, to ensure that VW’s Van Centres are up to speed on the latest legislation and van operator information.

TBC Minibus

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW W RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Lex Autolease Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bottltd.co.uk

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

fleetworld.co.uk

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 325571 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

DEL Equipment (UK) Ltd Tel: 01993 708811 www.del-uk.com

Promote your company here and online for just £400/year.

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Full listings online at

accident management Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk

SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0370 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Selsia

Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk

telematics & tracking

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

www.quartix.net

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk

fleet management Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

Tel: 0870 013 6663 Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Promote your company here and online for just £400/year.

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

van liners United Vanliners Ltd Tel: 01778 561900 www.unitedvanliners.co.uk

driver licence checking TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

vehicle CCTV Exeros Technologies Tel: 020 8303 1188 www.exeros-technologies.com

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 59

3 MONTHS FREE Commercial Vehicle Tracking

( ( ( ( (

Real-time tracking Driving style analysis Geofencing Speed & Idling reports Driver timesheets

From

ÂŁ15.90

per month

No Auto Renewal

Free Installation

Visit www.quartix.net or call 01686 806 663 Terms and conditions apply. See our website for details.