FleetWorld December 2018

EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW December 2018 • fleetworld.co.uk

DRIVEN Honda CR-V Hybrid Seat Tarraco Kia e-Niro

TAXI

INSURING THE AUTONOMOUS CAR...

Graham Gibson of Allianz on the technology revolutionising fleets HELP OR HINDER? Thatcham Research deciphers the benefits of ADAS technology

FLEET 2.0 How Mobility as a Service is reshaping fleet management

CE L EBR

EXHIBITION • AWARDS • CONFERENCE 24 JANUARY • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST

REGISTER NOW www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

ATING

EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW December 2018 • fleetworld.co.uk

CEL EBR

DRIVEN Honda CR-V Hybrid Seat Tarraco Kia e-Niro

ATI NG

TAXI

INSURING THE AUTONOMOUS CAR...

Graham Gibson of Allianz on the technology revolutionising fleets HELP OR HINDER? Thatcham Research deciphers the benefits of ADAS technology

FLEET 2.0 How Mobility as a Service is reshaping fleet management

CE L EBR

INSIDE

December 2018 • fleetworld.co.uk

10 How the Finance Bill affects SalSac

28 Driven > Kia’s electric e-Niro

18 Tested > Airbubbl cabin air purifier

32 Business travel in the Mobility era

ATING

EXHIBITION • AWARDS • CONFERENCE 24 JANUARY • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST

REGISTER NOW www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

20 Under the skin of the new Evoque

40 Insuring the Autonomous Car

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

22 Driven > Citroën C5 Aircross

42 Thatcham solves the ADAS conundrum

Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

24 Driven > Seat Tarraco

45 Fleet Heroes winners revealed

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

26 Driven > Honda CR-V Hybrid

53

Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Van Fleet World Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Account Directors Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Account Executive Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Victoria Arellano victoria@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

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004 • fleetworld.co.uk

FROM THE

EDITOR Changing the Guard AFTER a year of unprecedented changes in the world of fleet, I have one more announcement to add into the mix. This issue is my last as editor of Fleet World.

I’ve spent a little under eight years with Fleet World Group, and it’s been a real privilege to interact with so many of our readers and the industry’s thought-leaders in that time. It’s been an incredible ride, shaped by debates around diesel, air quality, autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and the emerging world of mobility that’s set to turn everything on its head all over again in the coming decade. I don’t think there’s ever been a more interesting time to be involved with this industry. So thank you to everyone who’s provided expert opinion and guidance along the way – I’ll still be contributing to Fleet World, so no doubt we’ll cross paths again in the near future – and I’ll hopefully see many of you on 24 January 2019 for the Great British Fleet Event... simply visit greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk to register today.

Martyn Collins will be taking over the reins in 2019 and will already be familiar to many of you – he brings 20 years of specialist motoring journalism experience to the editor role – and his fresh ideas and insight can only help to evolve the UK’s most authoritative fleet magazine further. I wish him the very best of luck, and I look forward to watching that next stage unfold.

Alex Grant editor

Ford NEWS

New Ford Kuga enhancements

New Ford Tourneo Courier

Significant enhancements to the Ford Kuga make it an even more attractive proposition for fleet drivers, with its high level of technology available, raised driving position and choice of petrol or diesel engines with manual or automatic transmissions, front-wheel or all-wheel-drive.

Three new series have been introduced, with Titanium Edition and Titanium X Edition replacing Titanium and ST-Line Edition replacing ST-Line X. All series, except entry model Kuga Zetec, gain privacy glass, with Titanium Edition and Titanium X Edition also gaining roof rails and one-inch larger wheels.

ST-Line and ST-Line Edition both gain a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while ST-Line Edition also now has a large spoiler, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, and a wheel colour change from black to Rock Metallic.

Available to order now, the new Ford Kuga is available with a wide engine range – 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol with power outputs of 120, 150 and 176PS and TDCi diesel with 120, 150 and 180PS. The new Kuga’s meticulously crafted interior offers an ergonomic, stylish and comfortable experience for occupants, with technologies that include Ford’s SYNC3 communications and entertainment system, with 8-inch touchscreen, which allow drivers to control audio, navigation, and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commandsl The new Kuga also offers technologies such as Ford’s Perpendicular Parking that helps drivers park hands free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light.

The new-to-the-UK Ford Tourneo Courier Zetec people mover brings stylish new design, more fuel-efficient powertrains and advanced new driver assistance technologies to the Tourneo family.

Inside, the five-seat Tourneo Courier Zetec’s centre console is ergonomically designed, available with an optional 6-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, positioned close to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use.

Meeting Euro 6.2 emissions standards, the powertrain line-up offers a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel or Ford’s multiaward-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with cylinder de-activation, which helps it achieve CO2 emission test figures from 122g/km. It features Ford’s all-new six-speed manual transmission.

For the ultimate in low running costs, a new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models, which integrates optimised aerodynamics with an Active Grille Shutter that improves warm-up times and reduces aero-drag.

To help further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, both powertrains are available with optional Auto Start Stop.

The new Tourneo Courier Zetec’s flexible rear compartment features 60/40 split rear seats with a convenient tip/tumble folding mechanism, providing 1,656 litres of space with the seats folded down, and excellent access to the rear seats through twin sliding doors.

Ford Edge gets technologically advanced The new Ford Edge, the company’s most technologically advanced SUV ever, is now available in three entities, Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale, each with a version of Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with eightspeed e-shifter automatic transmission.

The Dagenham-built EcoBlue engine delivers the power, torque and driving performance of a larger capacity engine alongside the optimised fuel-efficiency and low CO2 emissions synonymous with a smaller engine capacity.

Edge Titanium has a 150PS EcoBlue engine and front-wheel drive, while both Edge ST-Line and Edge Vignale are powered by a 238PS version with a bi-turbocharging system that optimises low-end torque, refinement and fuel-efficiency, and both have intelligent all-wheel drive as standard.

All have standard LED lighting and interior upgrades, with technology across the Edge range including Post-Collision Braking, Evasive Steering Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centring Assist.

For further information on any vehicle in the Ford range please contact the Ford Business Centre on 03457 23 23 23, email flinform@ford.com or visit www.ford.co.uk/fordfleet

Ford News Feature • 05

THIS MONTH IN FLEET www.fleetworld.co.uk

IN BRIEF Source: Brake

20% Percentage of fleets that have specific vulnerable road user policies in place.

Green light for Nottingham air quality plan

Toyota Corolla saloon to put focus on young professionals Toyota has revealed the new Corolla saloon as it confirms the model will rejoin its UK line-up after a break of almost 15 years.

The four-door model launches alongside the hatchback and Touring Sports as part of the 12th-generation range, which replaces the previous Auris and reverts back to the Corolla naming still used elsewhere around the globe.

Although the saloon and the Touring Sports will share the same extended 2,700mm wheelbase, the carmaker said all three models will have decidedly different target audiences, with the hatchback aimed at young couples while the Touring Sports puts the focus on versatility for families and the saloon targets young professionals who want “more prestigious styling, on-board space and comfort”.

Nottingham is to progress schemes to clean up air pollution in the city without charging vehicles after securing approval from the Government. Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said the plans were “a brilliant example of what can be achieved when local and national government work together towards a common goal”.

Source: RAC Foundation

£867m Total English council parking ‘profits’ in 2017-18 – up by almost a third (32%) in just four years.

Honda CR-V Hybrid pricing and specs revealed Honda has confirmed pricing and specifications for its inaugural CR-V Hybrid, which will join the petrol model in showrooms next February and effectively replaces the previous 1.6-litre diesel. Available solely with five seats – due to the hybrid battery – and the eCVT automatic gearbox, the Hybrid gets a choice of two and all-wheel drive. Prices start from £29,105 for a 2WD S grade and top out at £37,255 for an AWD EX.

006 • fleetworld.co.uk

Police to analyse dashcam footage in road rage crackdown A new police unit is to be set up to analyse driver dashcam footage as part of government plans to combat road rage and improve road safety.

The new back-office police unit will build on the success of the Operation Snap programme first piloted by North Wales Police in 2016 and will allow police to handle video and photographic evidence submitted via dashcams.

Still life for company cars, says fleet expert Company cars still have a vital role to play for businesses but fleets must understand in detail how their employees travel for work.

So said Caroline Sandall, director of ESE Consulting and deputy chairman of ACFO, at the Energy Saving Trust’s Fleet Heroes conference in London last month as she urged companies to have a view of where they want to be in one or two years’ time and to understand the growing number of mobility solutions available to suit those travel needs.

Sandall added that this was particularly important as drivers might now be looking to opt out of company schemes due to rising tax costs, and said fleet managers should be looking out for such drivers and have strategies already in place for them.

“It’s about being prepared and looking at solutions that keep your employees mobile, keep your benefit programme healthy and happy, and keep your employees wanting to stay with your employer,” she added.

APPOINTMENTS Thatcham names new chief executive

More than a third of cars still not WLTP-tested More than a third (37%) of carmakers’ model ranges in Europe were not WLTPhomologated by mid-November, with the lack in progress resulting in the lowest October new car registrations since 2014.

Although the latest homologation figures from Jato Dynamics show some improvement from the start of October when nearly half (43%) of cars were not WLTP-compliant, they highlight the continued impact on the new car market; European new car registrations fell 7.1% in October, following a 23.4% drop in September.

Jato’s data also shows the biggest registration drops during October were posted by the brands with the lowest homologation completion. At the same time, most of the brands with the highest completion rates showed an increase in registrations.

The continued WLTP impacts on the new car market are also bringing effects in the used car sector, where experts have said they’re likely to keep used car demand and prices high until March 2019. However, the market could then start to see desirability and values drop, due to the ramifications of older and highermileage vehicles being defleeted as fleets return to replacing vehicles when they have more information on how WLTP will be used to calculate BiK and VED rates.

Suzuki fleet dealers to put focus on SMEs Suzuki GB will launch its first-ever business specialist dealers in Q2 2019, as the company puts the infrastructure in place to chase ongoing growth with SME fleets.

The network was devised by head of fleet, Graeme Jenkins and should include around 30 dealers once the rollout is complete. Standards are being finalised, according to director of automobile, Dale Wyatt, with dealer partners either sharing expertise with other franchises, or being supported by two newly-appointed business development managers – roles previously handled by an external agency.

“We’re focused on quality, not the number of dealers, and we’re still deciding the standards,” said Wyatt.

It follows another year of fleet growth for the brand, with volumes up 16% to the end of October and with b2b sales set to account for around a quarter of the 39,000 expected registrations during 2018 – the company’s second best-ever performance.

That’s also despite discontinuing diesel engines in the UK. Wyatt sees no future role for diesel, in part because it has never had its own diesel engines, and said the company is aiming to capitalise on its 12-volt and 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ technology to offer affordable electrification as an alternative.

The Swift, now on the Government’s procurement framework, is also earmarked for fleet growth during 2019, he added.

Thatcham Research has appointed Jonathan Hewett as chief executive, effective from 7 January 2019.

Hewett joins from Octo Telematics where he was global chief marketing officer and has previously held various senior leadership and international roles across the automotive, insurance and finance sectors.

Hewett succeeds Peter Shaw, who stepped down in June due to ill health.

Andrew Cope joins Fleetondemand Fleet and mobility technology firm Fleetondemand has appointed wellknown industry figure Andrew Cope as its executive chairman.

His appointment follows two major announcements in October, including the launch of Fleetondemand’s Mobilleo Mobility-as-a Service (MaaS) solution and the news that investment firm BGF has taken a minority stake in the firm through a £5m investment.

DriveTech appoints Nick Butler as fleet director Road risk management specialist DriveTech has appointed Nick Butler as its new fleet director.

Butler was most recently head of mobility services with Alphabet and spent 15 years there, prior to which he worked for Renault Financial Services and Ford Credit Europe. He replaces Chris Thornton, who is retiring from the business world.

fleetworld.co.uk • 007

A N A LY S I S SALARY SACRIFICE

FINANCE BILL CEMENTS SALSAC U-TURN The Government is pushing ahead with its planned U-turn on the tax treatment of salary sacrifice cars, as outlined in the Finance Bill 2018-19. Natalie Middleton asks the experts for their views on the move.

N

ever out of the headlines for long at the moment, salary sacrifice has been in the limelight again in recent months as HM Revenue & Customs does a 180 on its plans for the tax treatment.

Now legislated for in the Finance Bill 2018-19, the U-turn comes around a year after HMRC confirmed to Fleet World that 2017’s Optional Remuneration Arrangements (‘OpRA’) legislation would only apply to the amount sacrificed for the car itself and other services, such as insurance and maintenance, would not be included in the calculation, as set out in the 2017-18 Finance Bill.

However, an announcement in July this year reversed this and means the whole package of benefits will now be taxed as the Government looks to correct an “anomaly”.

The change applies from April 2019 to all vehicles provided under OpRA and is “being made to ensure the rules work as intended”, according to a government spokesperson.

This has been affirmed in the Finance Bill 2018-19, which introduces amendments to “ensure that when a taxable car or van is provided through OpRA, the amount foregone includes costs connected with the car or van which are regarded as part of the benefit in kind under normal rules. In addition, the changes adjust the value of any capital contribution towards a taxable car when the car is made available for only part of the year.”

Not a big deal?

The move is expected to bring increased costs for some drivers although others will not be affected as the Benefit in Kind figure is already higher than the sacrificed amount.

Tusker has responded to the change, saying: “In terms of impact, the precise changes will vary depending on the car chosen, but overall our modelling suggests

010 • fleetworld.co.uk

that from April 2019, there won’t be much of a change to pricing.”

Meanwhile, Arval has also stressed the minimal impact the change will bring.

Richard Cox, fleet consultant, said: “First of all, we’d have to say that we view this as a clarification, rather than a U-turn. In effect, it corrects an oversight rather than signalling a change in policy.

The current mess and now this U-turn reaffirm that the Government has failed to understand this important part of the economy.

“Where we are now is as expected when OpRA was first announced and prior to the publishing of 2017 Finance Bill – where the BiK assessment is determined by the higher of the CO2-based value and the total amount of cash foregone, unless the car has CO2 emissions of 75g/km or less.

“This does lead to a slightly perverse situation where different employees will be assessed as having different levels of BiK for exactly the same benefit – the private use of an identical car – with the differences being determined by a whether the employee is sacrificing salary, sacrificing a cash allowance or is a company car user that is not entitled to a company car. This is contrary to principles

cited by HMRC when the old business mileage discounts were removed on the basis that the value of the benefit of private use is the same for everyone.

“However, what we would underline is that, while we would have preferred that HMRC had heeded the industry’s calls to exclude company cars from OpRA, we still believe that salary sacrifice provides significant benefits to employers and employees. While only ULEV cars will provide any income tax saving, all employees can benefit from reduced National Insurance costs, together with easy-to-use access to corporate discounts and VAT efficiency and, above all, an allinclusive, hassle-free finance and maintenance car package.”

And Andrew Leech, MD at salary sacrifice specialist Fleet Evolution, has said the change will bring little or no increase in the amount that employees pay, only affecting those who travel high mileages, typically in excess of 25-30,000 miles, and those who have the most polluting cars – who, he says, should arguably be in a company car anyway.

A misguided move?

However, Leech goes on to say that the U-turn “further indicates that the Government doesn’t really understand the salary sacrifice market”.

And it’s a view echoed by industry expert Professor Colin Tourick. Commenting on the U-turn – on the top of ongoing BiK tax hikes for fleets and unclear forward plans – he said: “In my 40 years in the fleet sector I cannot remember any time when tax policy was such a mess. The Government really needs to get its act together. We accept that they need to raise taxes but as citizens we can only to make major decisions if we have a full understanding of the tax consequences.

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For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 7146 or email alfaromeo.fleet@alfaromeo.com

RANGE OF OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO STELVIO RANGE: URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 23.0 (12.3) – 47.1(6.0), EXTRA-URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 33.6 (8.4) – 58.8 (4.8), COMBINED CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 28.8 (9.8) – 53.3 (5.3). EMISSIONS 227 – 139 G/KM. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO GIULIA RANGE: URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 23.7 (11.9) – 46.3 (6.1), EXTRA-URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 37.2 (7.6) – 67.3 (4.2), COMBINED CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 30.7 (9.2) – 57.7 (4.9). EMISSIONS 212 – 129 G/KM. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 VALUES ARE OBTAINED FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH EC DIRECTIVES/REGULATIONS AND MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF REAL LIFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. FACTORS SUCH AS DRIVING STYLE, WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS MAY ALSO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON FUEL CONSUMPTION.

evfleetworld.co.uk

For greener, more flexible, future fleets...

IN BRIEF

More range and less CO2 for new BMW 330e PHEV

British Gas launches EV tariff British Gas has launched its first electric vehicle residential tariff, which will be followed up by EV charging services for business customers. The Green Drive Nov 2020 tariff offers customers a cheaper rate for seven hours at night to charge their electric vehicle while also providing renewable energy and a gas carbon footprint offset with Certified Emissions Reduction Certificates.

89% Percentage of UK fleet managers who expect EVs to play a dominant role in their operations before 2028.

Source: Geotab

3,000 Number of BT Group employees now being offered the option of an EV as a company car.

Source: BT Fleet Solutions

012 • evfleetworld.co.uk

BMW’s 2019 3 Series 330e Saloon will offer extra range and performance but with lower CO2 emissions when it goes on sale next summer.

Announced following the global reveal of the new-generation BMW 3 Series, the plug-in hybrid variant sticks with the current set-up of 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that gives a total 249bhp of power, but now features standard-fit XtraBoost tech, which provides an extra 41bhp by drawing on the battery when available.

The new model also features a new 12.0kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery compared to the previous 7.7kWh set-up, increasing the electric-only range from 25 to 37 miles, but boot space falls from 480 litres to 375 due to the battery positioning.

CO2 emissions have been reduced by more than 10%, from 44g/km (NEDC) to 39g/km (NEDC Correlated) while combined fuel consumption is now 138mpg compared to 134.5mpg.

2019 Toyota Prius debuts all-wheel drive tech

The 2019 Toyota Prius will feature a new, intelligent, electric all-wheel drive system as well as updated styling and extra tech when it launches in the UK and Europe next year.

Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the facelifted version will offer a Hybrid AWD-i variant that uses an extra electric motor that can send power to the rear wheels as required. The technology engages automatically when pulling away at speeds up to 7mph and when sensors detect low-grip conditions, for example on wet roads, at speeds between 7 and 44mph.

The carmaker said the AWD unit is compact and lightweight, with no centre differential or front-to-rear driveshaft, bringing minimal impact on boot space and economy.

Power for the Hybrid AWD-i motor comes from a new, compact nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery that’s been designed for its cold weather performance, while the front-wheel drive Prius gets a new lithium-ion hybrid battery.

MOBILITY

IN BRIEF ViaVan ridesharing to launch in MK

TfL and Bosch tie-up to develop smart mobility solutions Mobility experts from Transport for London (TfL) and Bosch are to work with start-ups and small businesses to develop smart mobility solutions under a new 18-month pilot programme.

Intended to accelerate ambitions for London to become “the world’s smartest city”, the collaboration will explore how data and technology could be used to solve key transport issues. These include more efficient, greener and safer vehicles, reducing congestion and encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport across London TfL will provide technical knowledge and a wide range of datasets based on its existing Unified API and open data platform. Meanwhile dedicated urban mobility professionals from Bosch will provide technical expertise, guidance and mentoring. A dedicated co-innovation space for TfL and selected start-ups will also be provided within Bosch’s new ‘Connectory’ facility – currently under construction in Shoreditch.

In a statement, TfL and Bosch said the closer collaboration is intended to help support start-ups to develop a range of smart products and help them identify ways to bring them to market more quickly through open procurement.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’ve been clear I want London to become the world’s smartest city and this is a further step towards realising that ambition.”

ViaVan is to bring its on-demand ridesharing scheme to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, marking its fourth city launch. The scheme is the result of a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Vans and US technology start-up Via and uses algorithms from Via to dynamically route Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourers, allowing passengers to seamlessly book a shared van through the ViaVan app.

Car sharing scheme more than doubles fleet BMW’s DriveNow car sharing scheme in London is to gain an extra 410 BMW and Mini models. The expanded 720-strong fleet will provide a selection of cars including the Clubman, Convertible, Hatch and 1 Series as well as the i3. The new vehicles join the scheme as it expands into five new London boroughs.

Contactless payment opens up cycle scheme London’s Santander Cycles scheme has introduced contactless payments to make the process of hiring a bike quicker and easier. The upgrade means customers can now hire a cycle using their contactless bank card, rather than chip and pin, and covers all major UK and international cards.

Europcar research shows evolving world of mobility Company cars remain a dominant means of business travel but firms are exploring new options, according to a new Europcar UK white paper.

The ‘Charting a Safe Path Through the Minefield of Challenges Facing UK Businesses’ white paper – based on research carried out among 500 businesses – asked respondents their opinions on the best benefits to attract employees. The research showed that flexible working hours (52.5%) and fair

remuneration (31.7%) ranked highest in terms of benefits to attract employees, but the company car still has a role to play in the total package for more than 1 in 10 businesses (12.8%). There does, however, seem to be a trend towards more flexible benefits – such as a travel allowance (14.4%) or discounts on products and services (19.2%).

The research also found fleet car operation is still a major component of business travel for many businesses,

with 60% saying their company currently owns or leases cars.

Other than company-owned vehicles, the other most common methods companies use to keep staff on the move include grey fleets, cited by just under half (49%) of respondents.

Public transport is used by more than a third (35%) of respondents, followed by car sharing (24%) and short-term hire (18%). Less than half of respondents (47%) operate a car pool for employees.

evfleetworld.co.uk • 013

OPINION

Curtis Hutchinson motor industry guru

Share and share alike Car sharing is starting to build momentum in the fleet world as more OEMs and rental companies roll out business offerings. Curtis Hutchinson reports. ar sharing is on the minds of a growing number of motor manufacturers, rental companies and fleets. Not all employees want or need access to a company car 24/7 which is why car sharing is emerging as a feasible alternative for some organisations.

Earlier this year, Frost and Sullivan researched the car sharing market and forecasted the global car sharing vehicle parc is likely to have expanded 13% year-on-year in 2018 from 983,000 to 1.23m units as shared mobility enters the mainstream.

The research showed how car sharing is set to have a more prominent role in the evolving Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ecosystem whereby the integration of various forms of transport services become increasingly accessible to consumers through smartphone apps.

The process is well underway. In May this year, arch rivals BMW and Daimler agreed a deal to merge their mobility services units (respectively DriveNow and Car2Go) into a 50-50 joint venture encompassing car sharing as well as ride hailing, to challenge the likes of Uber. Frost and Sullivan believes the deal will give the brands a commanding 30% stake of the overall global car sharing market.

Also this year Volkswagen announced the launch of We Share, a dedicated EV car sharing service which will go live in Berlin next spring followed by an international rollout from 2020, starting in major cities across Europe, North America and Asia.

Meanwhile Renault has launched a car sharing partnership with Ikea whereby customers can access EV cars and vans 24/7 from stores across France.

The evolution of car sharing is starting to make a more noticeable impression in

C

014 • fleetworld.co.uk

the corporate sector as a way to offer staff greater mobility options.

“The use of car sharing services has seen a gradual increase since Zipcar first launched its membership-based car sharing company in 2000. There hasn’t been a high demand for car sharing services within the fleet industry up until recently, however this looks set to change over the next few years,” says Joe Howick, chief operating officer at FleetEurope.

“The number of people using car sharing services is expected to triple by 2025.

These increases are linked to a much wider choice of employee mobility options, environmental concerns and motorists’ growing desire to use alternative modes of transport. The use of taxis and trains will also be firmly on the radar for businesses as they look to implement total mobility solutions for their workforce.”

The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) also sees car sharing moving out of its embryonic stage.

“ACFO believes MaaS will become the norm for all employees with corporate mobility managers analysing the total cost of journeys employees make,” says chairman John Pryor.

“A few companies already have systems in place to manage employee use of car sharing and that will grow over the coming years. Businesses are starting to understand the power and advantages that integrated technology can supply in terms of the mobility needs of all employees. ACFO considers mobility to be part of all employees’ benefits package and car share is part of the range of solutions within that envelope,” he adds.

For some businesses, car sharing is being treated as a logical extension of short-term rental policies, traditionally in

place to provide staff with mobility on a temporary basis. However, helped by the advent of smartphone-based technology, accessibility has been transformed with the car club concept, initially aimed at private customers but now becoming relevant in the corporate world.

This overlap has been embraced by daily rental providers, many of whom already have the structure in place to provide vehicles from convenient locations in towns and cities around the country.

“Car sharing and car clubs are a huge growth area in business travel and form part of an overall mobility solution. Hourly car clubs are simply another aspect of rental. It is a technology-driven and automated approach that provides additional convenience and 24/7 accessibility,” says Adrian Bewley, assistant vice president of business mobility at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “Car sharing will continue to grow over the coming years. Some businesses need a ‘virtual pool car’ fleet of dedicated hourly rental cars and vans parked at their offices, while others can simply use the on-street cars that are also available to the general public. Many fleets use both,” adds Bewley.

A likely future solution is being piloted by several Audi dealers in the UK. The carmaker’s On Demand car sharing service offers vehicles from one hour to 28 days with cars bookable online from as little as 30 minutes’ notice. Customers can then choose to have the car delivered to them, or they can collect and drop off at a dealership.

This mobility model is certain to be scrutinised by other brands who will see the benefits of utilising their national dealer networks to provide a truly local service for a growing number of business customers who do not just want company cars.

PAY LESS BiK. GET MORE SUV. New Grandland X. Keeps calm. Carries on.

BiK from 24% | P11D from £22,535 | CO2 from 108g/km | Up to 68.9 mpg

Search Vauxhall 3DTD Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Grandland X Range: Urban: 46.3 (6.1) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra-urban: 57.7 (4.9) – 74.3 (3.8), Combined: 53.3 (5.3) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions: 128 – 108g/km.

Fuel consumption data and CO2 emission data are determined using the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), and the relevant values are translated back to allow the comparability into NEDC, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151. The values do not take into account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tyres. For more information on official fuel consumption and CO2 emission values, please read the guidelines at http://carfueldata.dft.gov.uk/ and for more information on WLTP please see www.vauxhall.co.uk/wltp. 2018/19 tax 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. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (November 2018).

INNOVATION

APPS, GADGETS AND ESSENTIALS FOR PEOPLE ON THE MOVE...

TECH SPOTLIGHT

READER OFFER The first 25 Fleet World readers to purchase an Airbubbl can claim 15% OFF, using the code

15FW2018

AIRBUBBL

BY AIRLABS

THE ENCLOSED CABINS OF YOUR FLEET MIGHT BE MORE HARMFUL TO YOUR DRIVERS’ HEALTH THAN YOU REALISE. BUT THERE IS A SOLUTION, AS ALEX GRANT EXPLAINS. WHAT IS IT?

A potential life-saver for urban fleets – Airbubbl is an in-car air purifier, claimed to be the only device on the market which can trap harmful gases and particulates from exhaust fumes which can pass through the cabin air filter.

WHY SHOULD FLEETS BE CONCERNED?

The Airbubbl is the first consumer product developed by the BritishDanish team at Airlabs, a company usually focused on cleaning air in large spaces. It’s designed to cure a problem many fleet operators are probably unaware of – with the windows closed, the air within their cars, vans and lorries can contain up to 140% higher concentrations of harmful pollutants than the air outside.

Air pollution has, of course, become a hot topic recently and councils throughout the UK, furthered by high-profile court cases, clean air zone plans and the diesel emissions scandal. And the figures are

018 • fleetworld.co.uk

startling for professional drivers.

Independent research has shown London-based commuters travelling 74 minutes by car each day are breathing in pollutants equivalent to passive smoking 180 cigarettes per year. For professional drivers, such as couriers or taxi drivers, that rises to 980 cigarettes per year. In addition to long-term health risks such as cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease, exposure to polluted air can reduce alertness and impair reaction times.

Marc Ottolini, CEO of Airlabs, says: “Commercial drivers are forbidden from smoking in their vehicles because we all recognise the risks associated with smoking and passive smoking, yet we underestimate the damage that a vehicle filled with polluted air is having on the health of professional drivers. We want drivers and their employers to understand these risks and help guarantee a safe working environment.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The device runs from a USB port or cigarette lighter, and straps onto the headrest of the passenger seat. Its dual fans draw in air from the cabin, passing through an activated nano carbon filter, which traps pollutants

including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particles and bacteria and odours. Filtered air is pushed out through vents at each end, directed at head height to occupants. According to Airlabs, it takes less than 12 minutes to clear 95% of pollutants from the cabin.

It’s so easy to install and remove, that the Airbubbl can be transferred between vehicles or even used on a desk. The only downside is that it always starts up in standby mode, so drivers either have to activate the fans using the button on the end of the device, or using a smartphone app. Both offer the ability to run a five-minute ‘boost’ mode at the start of a journey, and a log of how much air it has cleaned – data which could, the company says, be integrated into a fleet management dashboard with later versions of the software. Aside from forgetting to turn it on each time, it’s a totally unchallenging piece of technology and makes barely any noise while running.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY ONE?

The Airbubbl costs £299.99, with replacement filters available for £40. To discuss commercial rates, contact Gareth Jones: gareth.jones@airlabs.com.

YOUR CLIENTS ARE LOOKING FOR FRESH THINKING. WHY NOT SHOW UP IN SOME?

The Honda Civic

Class-leading boot space, SENSINGTM safety technology (including Lane Departure Warning), plus impressively low CO2 emissions (93g/km) and excellent fuel economy (80.7mpg). Just a few of the great ideas that make the new civic a smart addition to your fleet.

Request your 48 hour demo at Honda today.

Call us on 0800 294 0358 or visit honda.co.uk/civicfl eet Fuel Consumption figures for the 18YM Civic Diesel 5 door in mpg (l/100km): WLTP Combined 53.3 – 62.8 (5.3 – 4.5), NEDC Combined 68.9 – 80.7 (4.1 – 3.5). NEDC CO2 emissions (g/km)*: 93 – 109.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures shown however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. You can find out more about the changes bought in by WLTP at http://wltpfacts.eu/.

SPOTLIGHT Range Rover Evoque

EVOQUE, EVOLVED Beneath evolutionary styling, the second-generation Range Rover Evoque has plenty of new reasons for fleets to take note. By Martyn Collins.

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT On first look, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the secondgeneration Evoque was a first-generation five-door with a Velarstyle facelift. But you’d be wrong – the 2019 Evoque is all-new, sitting on a longer, mostly-steel platform called the Premium Transverse Architecture.

That extra length equals 20mm of additional knee room in the back, plus 10% extra luggage space – both curing issues with its predecessor. Land Rover also claims this bigger body is 13% stiffer than the outgoing car, improving the refinement and handling, but this was hard to assess on our 5mph off-road early drive route. On top of the extra interior space, the new Evoque’s simplified, more luxurious interior looks and feels every bit the downsized Velar.

020 • fleetworld.co.uk

CLEVER TECHNOLOGY Most Evoque owners probably won’t explore its off-road capability, but Land Rover claims its newcomer is even better on rough terrain than its predecessor. We were given a brief opportunity to try some of the new technology on a custom-built off-road course at its Central London reveal event.

Two systems really stand out. Clearsight Groundview uses cameras in the grille and mirrors to project a view on the touchscreen as if the front-end of the car was transparent – a useful feature when top-spec models are on 21-inch wheels. The Evoque can also display a live image from an aerial-mounted camera on its rear-view mirror, giving a clear view out of the back even when fully loaded with people and luggage.

EVOQUE GOES ELECTRIC Land Rover’s new platform is designed for the full spectrum of electrification. Launch engines from next spring comprise three diesel and three petrol engines, and all are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and economy-boosting 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ technology, ranging from 149g/km CO2. The only Evoque without electrification is the two-wheel drive version of the 148bhp diesel, which comes in at 143g/km. A downsized fuel tank, 54 litres versus the standard 65, will also be able to improve economy.

The first plug-in hybrid Evoque will follow a year later, combining a new 197bhp three-cylinder petrol engine with a 105bhp electric motor. It’s a timely model, arriving just ahead of new company car tax bands for plug-ins.

IN SUMMARY The original Evoque was key in changing buyers’ perceptions of Land Rover. With 775,000 sold in the seven years it was on sale, there’s no doubting the importance of the second-generation model to keep current buyers coming back and attract new ones. UK sales are set to start in spring 2019 and we expect a long waiting list soon after. MC

fleetworld.co.uk • 021

DRIVEN

Citroën C5 Aircross There’s more to Citroën’s flagship SUV than concept car styling, says Alex Grant.

Citroën, it seems, has got its mojo back. Distinctive, colourful and targeting the right segments, in the last five years it’s regained the confidence to be different, and it’s growing in a UK market recording month-by-month declines. The new C5 Aircross, which will lock horns with the Qashqai-sized SUV segment when it arrives in the UK next year, shows it can even find its own corner in one of the most hard-fought parts of the market.

This flagship SUV is certainly no wallflower, with its scaled-up C4 Cactus styling, double-deck headlamps and colour-contrasted inserts in the protective Airbump panels and roof bars. It’s also far better aligned to this segment’s norms than its Mitsubishiderived nearest predecessors – thankfully with some space for unique character under the skin, for those opting for subtler bodywork hues.

While rivals boast sporty, hatchbacklike handling, Citroën has set out its stall around its tradition for comfort. So the C5 Aircross uses the same suspension damper technology as the C4 Cactus, moving freely enough to float over small bumps while also gradually soaking up the larger ones instead of

rebounding aggressively. There’s no pretence of Nürburgring-worthy handling here – it’s light and effortless over long distances, making easy work of even the roughest surfaces.

It also bridges a gap between SUVs and MPVs. Unique in its class, the C5 Aircross can accommodate three child seats in the second row, on three individually adjustable, sliding sections of the bench. There are no plans for a seven-seat version, and it only has two ISOFIX points, but that modularity is a useful USP which rivals haven’t woken up to.

Citroën has had space to weave its own personality throughout the cabin, which feels surprisingly plush even without leather upholstery. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 8.0-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all versions, but don’t get built-in navigation, or the more comfortable seats. Top-level Flair Plus includes a hands-free tailgate, panoramic roof and keyless entry, all optional elsewhere, but with a £2,400 price hike. The mid-spec Flair is perhaps the best all-rounder.

From 2020, the C5 Aircross will be Citroën’s first plug-in hybrid, offering 221bhp and a 31-mile (WLTP) electric range. For now, the engine line-up comprises two petrol and two diesel engines at equivalent 128bhp and

SECTOR Medium SUV PRICE £23,225-£32,725 FUEL 49.6-68.9mpg CO2 108-129g/km*

022 • fleetworld.co.uk

178bhp power outputs. An eightspeed automatic transmission is standard on both 178bhp versions, optional on the 128bhp diesel, and can be paired with the Grip Control off-road traction control setup. There are no plans to offer four-wheel drive.

We tested it with both 178bhp engines, each offering quiet and easy progress rather than electrifying straightline pace, but the C5 Aircross is relaxed enough to make do with either of the lower-powered drivetrains. Ironically, it’s perhaps more in the spirit of Citroën’s most luxurious classic limousines than anything currently wearing the DS badge. And that’s something to feel very confident about.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL CITROËN C5 AIRCROSS BLUEHDI 130 FLAIR EAT8 STRENGTHS MPV FLEXIBILITY, COMFORT WEAKNESSES STYLING COULD BE DIVISIVE

THE VERDICT This is the most convincing large Citroën product for a generation – the right segment, the right styling, and the modularity family-focused buyers need.

RATING *NEDC Correlated

DRIVEN

Seat Tarraco Seat’s new flagship offers impressive quality and practicality, reckons Martyn Collins.

The Tarraco is a big deal for Seat. It’s the range flagship – the third part of a line-up of three SUVs, alongside the Ateca and Arona, arriving during a period of exponential growth and with its sights set on key players like the Renault Koleos and Skoda Kodiaq. So, no pressure then!

It’s a handsome newcomer, and that design is significant. The Tarraco previews styling cues set for Seat’s next-generation cars, so expect those deep-set headlights and the distinctive grille to feature on the all-new Leon, while the strip between the rear lights has a hint of high-end Audi to it.

Inside, it feels more Volkswagen than Seat. Perhaps linked to it being produced alongside the Tiguan, in Germany, rather than in Martorell near Barcelona. That’s not a bad start, with high-quality, soft-touch plastics across the dashboard and door cards, and attractive dark-coloured wood inserts on the top-spec Xcellence trim, while its flagship status is also reflected by Audi Virtual Cockpit-like LCD instruments. Sadly, the harder, shinier plastics below the dashboard wood trim and the centre console give away that it’s a more value-led

proposition than its sister brands, which is a shame.

The space and driving position are fine in the front, and there’s plenty of legroom in the back — even with the tallest front passenger or driver. Only available as a seven-seater, there’s the added practicality of a couple of boot-mounted seats which, as in the Tiguan Allspace, are really only suited to kids. Boot space is a massive 700 litres with the seats folded flat, dropping to a still-useful 230 litres with all three rows in use.

The Tarraco will be offered in four trim levels; SE, SE Technology, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux, and specification levels are generous, with metallic paint, a DAB radio and alloy wheels all standard. Fleet demand is expected to be split equally between SE Technology and the Xcellence trim we drove. Seat hopes its newcomer will drive ongoing growth with corporate users in the UK. Engine choices comprise the familiar 148bhp, 1.5-litre TSI petrol, plus two 2.0-litre TDI diesels at 148bhp and 188bhp, offered with or without four-wheel drive. Seat believes the 1.5 TSI petrol will be the best-seller with fleets. It can feel a bit slow off the mark, but willing once it’s up to speed, and it’s quieter and smoother than the diesel equivalent.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £28,320-£39,505 FUEL TBC CO2 TBC

024 • fleetworld.co.uk

On the road, the Tarraco felt well composed even on 19-inch wheels, although we’ll have to wait for a drive in the UK to make a final decision, as the car we drove was fitted with adaptive suspension that won’t be available here. Still, what we can tell is that it felt agile, if not as sporty as you might expect from a Seat.

So with seven-seat practicality, impressive quality and the high level of standard equipment, the Tarraco does lots well. But its downside might be a limited amount of Seat character to distinguish it from sister rival, the Skoda Kodiaq.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL SEAT TARRACO 1.5 TSI 150PS SE TECHNOLOGY STRENGTHS QUALITY, PRACTICALITY, SPEC WEAKNESSES TOO SIMILAR TO THE SKODA KODIAQ?

THE VERDICT The Tarraco has the upmarket styling and materials fitting a flagship SUV, and the specification to match. But, with two similar products in the group, does it stand out enough?

RATING

Confidence is 32 mpg from a 32 mpg van.

When you need to improve the fuel efficiency of your fleet, you need Verizon Connect. Our platform lets you see critical vehicle data and make adjustments in real time to reduce costly idling times, improve driver behavior and save fuel.

Discover how you can see clearly, act intelligently and go with confidence at verizonconnect.com/uk.

FIRST DRIVE

Honda CR-V Hybrid Honda’s latest hybrid takes over from diesel power in the new CR-V. Jonathan Musk reports.

The new i-MMD hybrid is Honda’s most important powertrain in 10 years, we’re told by David Hodgetts, Honda Motor Europe’s MD. Importantly it is set to take the reins from diesel for a large proportion of Honda customers, and replaces the company’s ageing IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system. The new CR-V is the company’s first European car to receive the new powertrain and marks the first time Honda has released a hybrid SUV in Europe.

Delving into the tech is a somewhat complicated affair. The system operates two electric motors, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a small lithium-ion battery and a single speed reduction gear in place of a transmission. These are clutched to offer hybrid, petrol-only and EV modes, which differs from competing hybrids that don’t offer direct drive and instead rely on a transmission, for example the divisive Toyota hybrid e-CVT. Consequently, Honda’s i-MMD is a three-prong tool: a petrol, full hybrid and battery-electric car. The system is additionally available in either front- or all-wheel drive variants, offering improved road holding that Honda

believes will split sales 50:50.

Happily, it’s a capable all-rounder, though there are obvious compromises. Despite usually driving off in electric mode, the lack of an electric heater means petrol is used up to keep passengers warm. That electric mode only lasts a mile or so too, due to a small capacity battery, before petrol power is required for hybrid mode. And while the petrol-direct drive mode is perhaps the most convincing of the three, the Atkinson cycle engine isn’t the most potent 2.0-litre out there.

Despite the obvious under-bonnet complexity, all the driver needs to do is push the ‘D’ button (no old-fashioned levers here) and away you go.

However, that jack-of-all-trades ability has meant certain trade-offs – namely the lack of the new seven-seat option and a 750kg max tow capacity, for both the FWD and AWD. Ignoring those reasonably rare use-cases, the key benefits include running costs and refinement. Official fuel economy of 53.3mpg is similar to a diesel, while CO2 is lower than competition like the Toyota Rav4. As for refinement, Honda has employed some clever trickery including noise cancellation and Active Sound Control technologies on top of the powertrain’s serenely smooth and silent operation.

SECTOR Medium-Large SUV PRICE £29,105-£37,255 FUEL 53.3mpg CO2 120-126g/km

026 • fleetworld.co.uk

Driving the car is unlike most hybrids on the market that can take a bit of getting used to. The engine is impressively isolated from the cabin and never proves intrusive, while its comfortable ride ensures seamless progression.

Great efforts have been made to not make the hybrid unaffordable, with it commanding a mere £800 premium over the petrol model.

There are four trim levels to choose from; the AWD top-spec EX is the expected bestseller, though each grade comes with plenty of kit including Honda Sensing active safety technologies that help make this the safest CR-V yet.

THE LOWDOWN ADVANTAGES EXCELLENT REFINEMENT AND INTERIOR SPACE DISADVANTAGES FUEL ECONOMY NOT AS GOOD AS EXPECTED REDUCED VERSATILITY COMPARED TO DIESEL

THE VERDICT Refined and economical, Honda’s new hybrid should prove popular with fleets and easily matches the competition, though there are a few drawbacks compared to out-of-favour diesel power.

RATING

DRIVEN

Kia e-Niro Conventional styling and more boot space are key e-Niro attractions, reckons Martyn Collins.

Last year was a significant one for electric car development. Not only for the slew of long-range electric SUVs from the premium brands, but for Hyundai’s game-changing Kona Electric – its near 300-mile range and £32,995* price tag making batterypowered driving viable for fleets. As the waiting list lengthens at Hyundai, sister brand Kia has stepped up with a similar proposition in the e-Niro.

Think of this as a more conventionally styled, more spacious alternative to the Kona, with a little less range.

The Niro has been available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid until now, but was engineered with electrification in mind and that shows up in its excellent packaging. Its battery is under the back-end, so the cabin is roomy and boot capacity almost a third larger than the Hyundai.

The Kona is available with 39kWh or 64kWh battery capacities, though most UK buyers are expected to opt for the longest-range version. Kia has the same battery options for the Niro, but will only offer the 64kWh battery in the UK, as a high-spec ‘First Edition’ trim, returning 282 miles to a charge.

With over 200bhp on tap, the

performance feels more like what you’d expect from a hot hatch. If anything, the e-Niro feels quicker than the quoted figures would suggest.

Thankfully, it also rides and steers tidily, with enough finesse to keep even the most enthusiastic driver happy. The steering in particular has plenty of feel, even without the extra weight of the engine at the front.

Kia is offering three driving modes, enabling drivers to maximise the range or the performance depending on their route, and steering wheelmounted paddles to vary the strength of the regenerative braking. So the eNiro can freewheel at motorway speeds, cutting energy consumption, or be set up to drive on one pedal in town. It can also use data from the navigation system to intelligently vary how regenerative braking and coasting are used on the route, both helping to extend the range. On a mixed test route in South Korea, there was no reason to doubt the car’s 282-mile WLTP range.

For those who need to go further, charging stops should be relatively short, too. The charging socket is behind a flap on the grille, and is capable of topping up at up to 100kW, restoring 80% of battery life in just under an hour. However, at the moment, UK rapid chargers

SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £32,995* RANGE 282 miles CO2 0g/km *After deduction of plug-in car grant

028 • fleetworld.co.uk

typically offer up to 50kW – this takes an hour and a half to get to the same level of charge. The first 100kW units are expected within months. On an AC charging point, a full charge takes about nine hours.

The biggest compliment we can pay the e-Niro is that, on the move, the strong performance and exceptionally long range almost make you forget that this is an electric car. This could easily be a first (and only) car for a household, without compromising on practicality. But it does face the downside of the UK’s hit-and-miss charging network. It’s yet another reason for drivers to take a fresh look at switching to electric mobility.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL KIA E-NIRO 64KWH FIRST EDITION STRENGTHS EXCEPTIONAL RANGE, BOOT SPACE WEAKNESSES UK INFRASTRUCTURE LACKING

THE VERDICT Following a year of rapidly broadening appeal for electric cars, the Kia e-Niro is a competent all-round package which can only win over new customers.

RATING

75867 <285 ,167,1&7

ALL NEW LEXUS ES SELF-&+$5*,1* HYBRID

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MOBILITY

HOW

MaaS

WILL CHANGE FLEETS FOREVER

A TECH-LED MOBILITY REVOLUTION IS ABOUT TO OVERTAKE THE PLANET, CHANGING EVERYTHING WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. CRAIG THOMAS ASSESSES HOW BUSINESS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MOBILITY AS A SERVICE CONCEPT.

032 â&#x20AC;¢ fleetworld.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TAXI

echnology has transformed society so radically in the last couple of decades, we’re now living in the science fiction predicted in our youths.

Video-calling on a mobile phone, using the likes of Skype and FaceTime, was barely conceivable as a reality back in the 70s and 80s, as was having access to 40 million songs – almost the entire history of recorded musical output – in your pocket from apps such as Spotify.

Autonomous cars are of a similar order. We’re on the cusp of self-driving technology becoming a reality and, when that happens, the entire mobility landscape will change, with Mobility as a Service (MaaS) becoming the way we consider our journeys.

MaaS is very much a concept born from the technological progress that we’ve seen in the last 20 years (and which will continue over the coming decades).

It relies on a digital platform that will integrate journey planning, the booking of our chosen transport options, electronic ticketing and payment, and it will work across every mode of transportation, public and private, from bicycles to aeroplanes. Apps on our smartphones will enable us to plan and book all the tickets for trips that take us from the front doors of our homes or workplaces to the front doors of wherever we need to go, be it for work or leisure purposes.

These apps will answer the question of how best to move an individual user to where they want to, doing so using constantly updated real-time information, and taking into account the user’s own preferences. For example, some users will prioritise time and convenience over cost, while others will look for the cheapest way to travel, or the trip that will have the lowest possible carbon footprint. Payment for all these journeys will be seamless, too, so MaaS will move all of us toward a system of mobility that will be centred on the user.

It will also recalibrate our understanding of how we use vehicles, with a shift away from the concept of personal ownership of individually owned cars and non-integrated means of transportation, moving towards the use of more

T

Smartphone apps will answer the question of how best to move an individual user.

integrated multimodal mobility solutions, which are consumed as services.

The revolution is already underway.

Members of car sharing schemes globally, for example, increased from 350,000 in 2006 to five million in 2014, and it’s projected to rise to 23 million by 2024.

Bike sharing has also exploded in the last decade, with over a thousand schemes now in operation in 50 countries. Then there are ride-hailing services such as Uber, which now has a foothold in over 500 cities across 70 countries.

And autonomous cars will undoubtedly up the ante and be embraced by the travelling public, in two ways, to borrow from Ernest Hemmingway: gradually and then suddenly. Accounting and professional services giant Deloitte estimates that by 2040, up to 80% of passenger miles travelled in urban areas could be undertaken in shared autonomous vehicles.

An International Transport Forum report from 2015 examined the changes that might result from the large-scale uptake of a shared and self-driving fleet of vehicles in a mid-sized European city, taking the Portuguese capital of Lisbon as a case study. Using two different autonomous concepts – a TaxiBot that could be shared by several passengers and single-passenger AutoVots – the ITF found that the same mobility could be delivered with just 10% of the current car parc. This is despite the overall volume of car traffic increasing by 6%, with the AutoVots replacing high-capacity public transport and increasing the number of car-kilometres travelled by 89%. Fleets of self-driving vehicles will also largely eliminate the need for onstreet parking, freeing up 20% of the kerb-to-kerb street space in a city: 80% of off-street parking could also be reallocated to other uses of the land.

So with autonomous cars and taxis, self-driving buses, networks of bicycles, etc all aiding mobility in the future, it’s not just individual consumers that will benefit: business travellers will be able to take advantage too (as will logistics operations, especially last-mile deliveries in cities, thanks to road space that has been freed up). >>

fleetworld.co.uk • 033

I’m a mum of three boys and also manage a team of 10 consultants so I need a car that has plenty of flexibility. The Kia Sportage is perfect, it has all the latest tech like wireless phone charging and touch-screen satellite navigation but is also really safe and spacious which is ideal for the daily school run.

Sarah / Sales Manager

YEAR WARRANTY

QUALITY REDEFINED

Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 54.3 (5.2), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7), Combined 57.6 (4.9). CO2 emissions 130g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown New Kia Sportage ‘GT-Line’ 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG at £26,590 including Infra Red premium paint at £595. New Kia Sportage range available from £20,305.

Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty.

www.kia.com/uk

P11D Value

Fuel Consumption

From £19,735

Up to 58.9 MPG

C02 Emissions

From 126 g/km

Contact the Kia Business Team on 0800 975 0088 for a quote today.

MOBILITY

Vehicle manufacturers are investing huge amounts in autonomous driving.

>>

Research company Juniper anticipates that commuters who use MaaS systems could shave an average of 37% off their journey time, which works out at 67 minutes per day for drivers and 61 minutes per day across all modes of transport. Commuters who shift from using a private vehicle to MaaS will see their average commute time fall to 34 minutes a day, thanks to being able to avoid congestion and taking advantage of higher vehicle occupancy rates. Employees could therefore arrive at work earlier and, if they travel in shared driverless vehicles, use their travel time more productively than if they were sitting stressed, behind the wheel of a car in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Jupiter also estimates that if all the time saved in shorter commutes was instead used for business activities, there could be a global increase of $2.2 trillion (£1.7tn) in business productivity: even if just a third of the recovered time was used for work purposes, implementing MaaS could generate an additional $733 billion (£574bn) globally.

And those are just the benefits accruing from commuting workers: expand that to fleet operations and it’s easy to see how companies can profit from adopting MaaS. Matt Dale, consultancy services manager at ALD, explains how companies are starting to consider mobility in the wider sense. “People are thinking

036 • fleetworld.co.uk

about autonomous vehicles and how they can fit into the future. It’s a really broad mobility experience that doesn’t just look at the car. It’s looking at the other ways, the other things we need to be thinking about at the moment, with regards to transport.”

Fleet management as we have known it will inevitably change, under the influence of MaaS, to become more of a mobility management function.

Companies will have to adapt and adopt new fleet strategies, to meet the new challenges of a new era of transportation. Fleet managers will have to become mobility managers, with their focus shifting from a more traditional asset management role to one of looking at a wider range of transport and mobility options.

This function will be aided considerably by easier access to data, giving mobility managers more control over costs. For example, companies can set monthly travel budgets in advance for individual employees or departments of the company. Apps on smartphones can collect data and share it with an admin backend system, which in turn will allow the creation of itemised expense reports that are available to the employee, department head, mobility manager and finance department.

There are other savings, too. Replacing fleets of company vehicles – with all their associated ownership costs – with car-

sharing and ride-sharing services, and public transit services, also saves companies money in parking fees, real estate for car parks, etc.

At the same time, mobility managers will be able to collaborate more with their colleagues, to maximise the possibilities of new mobility solutions – and allowing them to work, and travel, more flexibly. As Adrian Bewley, director of business mobility at Enterprise Rent-ACar, explains: “Companies are realising they need to harness the benefits of enabling employees to consider different types of travel options, while ensuring they don’t result in unnecessary cost inflation or risk.

“Employees are making more decisions around travel and, at the same time, companies are realising that mobility options have exploded. In this changing landscape, companies need to review travel policies, as well as their tools for accessing and assessing available transport choices, to make sure they are fit for purpose.

“Data is essential to identify the best choice in multi-modal journeys, as inappropriate choices could lead to costs escalating exponentially, or to unforeseen risks. Take a simple scenario: an employee has a morning meeting offsite in the opposite direction to their place of work. Does it make sense for them to come into the office just to pick up a car pool vehicle, or should they be

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

empowered to pick up an approved vehicle from a location that is most convenient to them?

“We’re working together with our customers to model scenarios and solutions, combining their data with ours to better understand the variables of when, where, how and why their employees travel, and therefore which solutions the employer should be offering.”

So not only could business travel be faster, easier and cheaper for corporate users, but their employees can also feel more involved in the choice of their mobility solutions, improving their quality of life and making them happier and more productive.

The key to adoption of MaaS by corporate users is the technology, though – and that’s not here yet.

Indeed, MaaS projects are still in their infancy. There have a been a number of pilot programmes for consumers (the likes of UbiGo in Gothenburg, Qixxit and Moovel in Germany, Beeline in Singapore and SMILE in Vienna) and the Europewide MaaS Alliance – a public-private partnership that is aiming to create the foundations for a common approach to MaaS, unlocking the economies of scale needed for successful implementation and take-up of MaaS in Europe and beyond – is also leading the way in thinking about society’s adoption of this new mobility paradigm. Working MaaS systems are a rarity, however, with Whim the one platform that stands out as offering a vision of what might be possible.

Originating in Helsinki, Finland, Whim has been designed to offer an alternative to car ownership, with customers being able to arrange travel on buses, public bikes, trains, taxis and hire cars via a single smartphone app. The platform was also launched in Birmingham earlier this year, where subscribers can pay £99 a month for unlimited travel on public transport, or £349 for unlimited use of public transport, taxis, bikes and car hire.

It’s still early days yet, though – especially when it comes to adoption by fleet users. Vicky Outram, product manager at Arval, tells us: “We’d stress that right now, for the vast majority of employers, adoption of mobility solutions is still relatively low. The company car has retained its popularity over decades because of its relatively low cost, enormous journey flexibility and popularity with employ-

ees. However, demand for more flexible options is growing and so it’s essential that companies like ourselves can provide a range of options to customers.”

Charles Henday, a partner at CPC Project Services, a consultancy that has worked on a number of major transport programmes, adds: “There are a number of generations of technological advance before we get to [wider MaaS adoption], which I think will become available far more readily and sooner than 20 or 15 or even 10 years.

“I think in a few years’ time, we’ll see these apps evolving. There’re already plenty around at the moment, but they relate to a single mode. It’s putting all that data together to advise a driver on the best time to leave his car and use another transport mode if he’s on the way into the city.

“We’re seeing these data and app and technological advances coming quite quickly, because it’s only a question of combining that data and those modes together, and you’re starting to provide that enhanced information to the consumer. I would imagine there are app developers out there that can already do this: it’s just a question of getting around to providing that. I think we’ll see those quite quickly in the next couple of years, if there might not be some already out there that I’m not familiar with. I don’t think there’s too much holding that back and I’m pretty sure the demand is there already.” >>

Companies need to review travel policies and available transport choices, to make sure they are fit for purpose.

fleetworld.co.uk • 037

MOBILITY

>>

The technology that will enable MaaS to become a reality is definitely advancing rapidly. Car manufacturers are investing huge amounts of R&D money on developing autonomous cars – Audi is promising that the forthcoming e-tron electric car will have Level 3 self-driving capabilities – and companies such as MaaS Global (which owns Whim) are well on the way to launching the kind of multi-modal platform that will give fleet users and business travellers the sort of flexibility and freedom that will bring so many benefits.

Autonomous cars stand to transform private and business travel.

But such technology also relies on legislation and government policies to allow it to take hold and flourish. In the UK, the House of Commons Transport Select Committee has been assessing MaaS over the last year, taking written and oral submissions from a wide range of private companies, local authorities, academia and trade bodies such as the BVRLA and ACFO. The committee is now drawing up a report, which is scheduled to be published by the end of 2018 (Brexitrelated parliamentary time permitting).

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Lilian Greenwood, chair of the committee, said at the launch of the inquiry: “Integrating urban transport modes into a single, integrated MaaS app represents a really exciting opportunity to transform how we get around in cities.

“An integrated MaaS app can create a single, seamless journey, cutting out the hassle of separate ticketing for different legs of a journey. The app can plan and book your whole journey from door to door in the most efficient way possible, using real-time service data across all the transport modes in the city. This could substantially reduce reliance on the private car; ease congestion; increase productivity; and lead to more pleasant, healthier cities with better air quality.

“Integrated MaaS is a much talkedabout concept, but it is not generally well understood. We want to increase public understanding; find out if the bold claims are justified; and, if they are, recommend ways of overcoming some of the barriers to implementation in the UK.” The report will also be a useful starting point for governmental adoption of MaaS-friendly policies. ACFO chairman John Pryor would like the Government to consider helping companies adopt MaaS: “Business mobility or Mobility-asa-Service (MaaS) is being much talked about across the corporate sector.

Mobility credit is focused on vehicle usage and not ownership. Employees all have different preferences when it

comes to the way they travel, particularly millennials and the so-called Generation Y. Whether it’s by train, bus, taxi or car, the company car is not always the best solution for everyone.

“Employers and employees need flexibility, and the UK government should give consideration to introducing a mobility allowance. Mobility credit is seen as an additional employee benefit, with staff having the ability to access a form of transport to suit individual journey requirements. France already operates a corporate mobility credit scheme, which offers tax advantages to both companies and their employees. Amid political pressures and a host of other issues, including growing urbanisation, climate change, traffic congestion and changing behaviours and values, the government should give consideration as to how such a scheme could operate in the UK.” Mobility as a Service is undoubtedly a concept whose time is coming – if it isn’t already here. Businesses will be in the vanguard of the adoption of these new platforms, as they offer considerable flexibility and potentially significant cost savings.

And it will also undoubtedly change corporate life in ways that are as unimaginable now as using a small portable phone to talk face-to-face with friends and family right across the world was, just a few short decades ago.

An integrated MaaS app can create a single, seamless journey, cutting out the hassle of separate ticketing for different legs.

038 • fleetworld.co.uk

Daily rental

Our panel of leading suppliers helps you get the most out of your fleet...

Tackling the moving mobility agenda

Any vehicle, anywhere, anytime

Fleet management is evolving with an overall shift towards a more transient approach to employee mobility. Whilst the key drivers for this change are extensive, fundamentally what is needed by today’s fleet managers, who will become tomorrow’s mobility managers, is choice and flexibility.

Many businesses are already slowly moving away from the traditional ‘company car’ approach to an employee mobility model. And reflecting this trend, in the past year there has been a definite move towards greater use of mid-term (28 days plus) and long-term (3 months plus) solutions, as businesses look for flexible alternatives to outright vehicle purchase or 3-4 year lease deals.

The future success of corporate mobility will be based on a holistic approach to point to point travel, giving fleet managers access to all transport services from one platform including the integration of taxi or chauffeur services, public transport and car usage by the hour, the day or the week. Not only does this provide the fleet manager with vital insight in terms of cost but it also ensures optimum productivity.

Europcar Mobility Group is focused on identifying future trends and adapting and evolving to ensure our customers have access to the best mobility solutions. www.europcar.co.uk businesssolutions@europcar.com 0371 384 0140

EVERYTHING NEED FLEETS TO KNOW KNOW TONEED EVERYTHING FLEETS

With consumption switching from ownership to usership and ongoing economic uncertainty, businesses must be malleable and efficient to navigate their fleet needs.

With fleet managers forced to work within strict budgets, there has been a disincentive to commit to significant capital investment, which is where rental has become an attractive proposition – keeping businesses on the move without substantial overheads.

Nexus recognises that investment in technology is key in handling these challenges, which is why, despite not owning any vehicles, we’ve been building up the UK’s largest business mobility supply chain.

This technology and culture has enabled us to provide any vehicle, anywhere, anytime, with our systems streamlining rental for fleets, easing the headaches of fleet managers. All of this has enabled us to improve customer experience and deliver 99% booking satisfaction for the last two years.

Earlier this year we launched our new Management Information suite to allow our customers to automatically identify cost inefficiencies in the rental booking process and it is this commitment to technology and customer service that has helped our clients cut their rental spend by up to 20% over the last few years.

Can Nexus improve your productivity and cut your bottom line? www.nexusrental.co.uk dean.rose@nexusrental.co.uk 0871 984 1947

.co.uk October 2018 • fleetworld

September 2018 • fleetworld.co.uk

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FACE TO FACE

Insuring the

Autonomous Car Craig Thomas speaks to Graham Gibson, chief claims officer at insurer Allianz – and also the current chairman of Thatcham Research – about the seismic changes autonomous driving will have on the insurance market.

utonomous driving is on the horizon – and closing fast. Industry experts are united in their view that self-driving cars will be reality within a decade, even if there’s some disagreement over exactly when the tipping point will come, and we’ll all be sitting back and letting the car take the strain.

There are obstacles in the way, but few of them seem to be technological.

One of them seems to be consumer understanding – which is apparent when you consider that a recent Thatcham Research/Euro NCAP survey found that

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11% of drivers think that their cars currently have sufficient self-driving capability to allow them to take a nap behind the wheel.

With that many people lacking the basic understanding of how current driver assistance systems work, and how far the automotive industry still has to go before there are truly autonomous cars on the road (despite what much of their marketing suggests), the motor insurance industry is going to be busy over the next few years.

One man who’s already busy is Graham

Gibson, who combines his day job as chief claims officer for insurance giant Allianz with the chairmanship of Thatcham Research, the UK member of Euro NCAP that is leading the safety organisation’s development and assessment of the latest vehicle safety technologies, including assisted and autonomous driving.

However, Gibson made time to speak to Fleet World about the technology we can expect to see in the coming years and how that will have an impact on the insurance industry – and society.

We’ve got a 35 to 40-year period where it’s going to be really tricky…

“The vehicle is entering into what I call phase 2.0, which brings with it a whole new range of things that we need to understand, both from a manufacturing perspective, a running perspective and, when it gets to our end, how we fix them and what that looks like from a repair perspective,” he says, setting out the situation ahead.

“We come at it from two very distinct directions: so, when one of these things is in an accident, what do we do to fix it? The second aspect is in terms of the vehicle being much more responsible for itself versus the individual who’s driving it. How does that change the underwriting models and the relationship between driver and car?”

Big questions ahead, then. These are issues that need legislators, carmakers, insurers and vehicle users to start considering right now, but we can’t expect any easy – or, indeed, quick – answers. “We’ve got a 35 to 40-year period where it’s going to be really tricky, in terms of understanding how different vehicles react and also understanding how the underwriting models work from an insurer’s perspective,” he explains.

That has implications for fleet users, too. “Ultimately, that will feed into fleet ratings and have an impact on fleets, in terms of what type of fleet you adopt and what type of technology your fleet has.

Funnily enough, heavy goods vehicles are probably further advanced than your average car, in terms of the compulsory fit of ADAS systems. And understanding how the different technologies work will be a driver in terms of how premiums are calculated.”

It doesn’t help that carmakers are all rushing to be the first to create vehicles that are truly self-driving – which the Society of Automotive Engineers classifies as Level 4 on a five-level scale of autonomy. Level 4 enables vehicle users to hand control over to vehicles, but also requires them to take over at times: Level 5 is selfdriving cars that require no human

input at all. Such a rush isn’t helping the insurance industry, especially as there is likely to be some consumer confusion surrounding Level 4 cars, which could do more harm than good.

“If you speak to insurers, if we had our wish, we’d ask manufacturers not to make Level 4 cars: just go from three straight to five,” Gibson explains.

“Because Level 4 is very difficult, in terms of are you or are you not engaged with the vehicle? Are you assisted or autonomous? That is a very messy area, but when there are true Level 4 vehicles on the road, that’s when we’ll start to see an inflexion point and the underwriting position change from starting with assessing the human, to starting with the car. When we get to Level 5, the human has very little to do with whether or not a vehicle has an accident or not, or how it works, and we will start with the vehicle.”

The interim period is certainly going to be a confusing place for many insurance consumers: “We’re going to get to a very strange place, in as much as if you buy a £100,000 executive car with lots of autonomous kit on it and you also have a supermini, which has no autonomy on it, the likelihood is that the premium for the supermini will be more expensive. So how would you actually say to a customer, ‘That’s all because of the technology’? That’s quite a detailed, tricky conversation to have, but we can definitely see that type of scenario arising.”

Gibson is confident of the benefits: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that you will remove a significant amount of accidents by going to a fully autonomous position. There’s no doubt that the total cost of ownership for fleets should reduce. You’re even getting into question marks around drivers or users, with platooning meaning that you can have one driver effectively driving five lorries. That technology reduces fuel cost by up to 15%.”

Insurance costs will also bear little relation to what they are now. “There’s no doubt that as the technology starts to bite, in terms of reducing frequency and preventing accidents, that the cost of insurance will reduce,” Gibson says. “I think there is an argument that that will start to get wrapped up in the overall cost of ownership.”

But before we get there, the legislators have to pass laws that will allow autonomous cars to take control on the public highway. Parliament’s focus on Brexit has meant that the current liability legislation that is being considered has already been three years in the pipeline and, by the time it is enacted, will have taken four years. With the pace of change in technology, this has to be sped up if it has any chance of not being out of date by the time it hits the statute books.

But with legislation making selfdriving cars possible, consumers will soon be embracing the benefits. As Gibson says: “The only barrier is people’s thought processes. When you get past how it’s going to feel sitting in a car that’s driving itself, I don’t think there’s any barrier at all. It’s going to make the world smaller and quicker. There are all sorts of social benefits that I don’t even think we’ve begun to explore.”

Insurers such as Gibson clearly see autonomous cars bringing numerous benefits, including fleets being unlikely to need insurance policies as we now understand them. That might seem like the insurance companies are like turkeys voting for Christmas in welcoming autonomous cars: in reality, all it means is that they will be covering vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers with huge corporate policies, rather than selling policies to fleets and individual car owners.

No collisions, no insurance premiums to pay – the downsides of autonomous cars are getting harder to find the further we go down the road towards them.

fleetworld.co.uk • 041

RISK MANAGEMENT

ADAS: ELIMINATING THE CONFUSION WITH MANY DRIVERS MISUNDERSTANDING THE CAPABILITIES OF ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS (ADAS), EURO NCAP IS STEPPING IN TO CUT THROUGH THE HYPE AND ASSESS WHAT SUCH SYSTEMS CAN – AND CAN’T – DO. CRAIG THOMAS LOOKS AT THE PROPOSALS.

he manufacturer self-driving arms race is definitely well underway, with most major carmakers currently developing systems that will enable autonomous driving to become a reality in the next decade – as long as the legislators give it the nod, through new laws that will allow vehicles to drive themselves on the public road.

This full autonomy will build on existing assisted driving technologies – the likes of adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering features, and speed assist –

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042 • fleetworld.co.uk

but we’re still some way away from that, despite what the manufacturers’ marketing messages are subtly trying to persuade us to think.

Names for assisted driving features such as Autopilot (Tesla) and ProPilot (Nissan) only muddy the waters further and many drivers already think that self-driving cars are available today (Volvo’s Pilot Assist is perhaps the most accurately named such feature). A recent survey conducted by Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and Global NCAP unearthed worrying levels of

confusion among drivers about the capabilities of modern cars, with 53% of UK respondents believing that they can purchase a car that can drive itself today.

The results also showed that 18% think that a car marketed as being capable of automatic steering, braking and acceleration allows them to “sit back and relax and let the car do the driving”, while 34% think that such systems mean that they can text on a mobile phone.

Staggeringly, 11% said that they would be tempted to have a quick nap.

This dangerous confusion is being addressed by Euro NCAP and Thatcham (the UK member of the testing organisation) as it has now started to assess the various assistance systems fitted in manufacturers’ models.

Staring with 10 models – Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, DS 7 Crossback, Ford Focus, Hyundai Nexo, Mercedes-Benz CClass, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, Toyota Corolla and the Volvo V60 – Euro NCAP is testing the cars to assess the benefits of the highway assist systems on board.

Among the initial conclusions are that no car on the market today offers full automation or autonomy; current models can provide driver assistance, but this should not be confused with automated driving; used correctly, this technology can help the driver to maintain a safe distance, speed and to stay within the lane; the systems shouldn’t be relied upon as an alternative to safe and controlled driving; and different manufacturers have implemented different approaches to how driver assistance technologies are applied, in terms of the level of assistance given to the driver.

This is just the start of the assessment process, however, as Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham, explained to Fleet World when we visited its testing facilities to discover for ourselves how varied the assistance systems are.

“We’re just raising the issue now: by 2020 we will be rating them,” Avery said.

“We will be grading automated functionality, saying that this car is better than that one.

“We don’t feel we can do that yet, because it’s still early days. But what we

Euro NCAP, and Thatcham in the UK, have found huge variations between the systems.

34% of drivers think such systems mean they can text on a mobile phone.

can do is raise the issues that we’re measuring, so that’s what we’re doing this year. Next year, you’re much more likely to see us saying ‘That one’s better than that one’. We’ll have the five-star Euro NCAP rating and then we have a separate rating, which is the grading of the automated driving function. We will start with assisted features and there will be one of three ratings: basic, advanced and superior. This is about how good the driver assistance system is and we’re trying to say that one is better than another, but they’re all beneficial.”

Assessing these assistance systems is crucial to ensure that drivers fully understand their role and limitations – something that the results of the recent survey suggest is badly needed.

Avery explained the messages that Euro NCAP was hoping to communicate to drivers, by assessing and rating this technology. “The first message to the consumer is that these are all assisted and there’s no such thing as automated – because with cars like the Tesla, consumers think that this is automated driving and the car will drive itself. We want to make it very, very clear that these are not automated, they’re assisted only.

“The second thing is that we believe that the assisted driving technology is beneficial. We know that, for instance, two of the main types of collision, especially on motorways, are running into the back of someone because you’re too close and a lane manoeuvre, where you run into the side of someone or you run off the road. These vehicles have got the functionality that keeps the distance with the ACC and it’s also got lane support. They’re addressing the sorts of crashes that people have on motorways – plus drivers have the emergency support systems of AEB and emergency lane keeping. These are systems that we want people to use to stop them getting into trouble and it’s about just keeping people safe in their driving.

“The third thing is we’re telling people what assisted driving does to prevent people from misusing it. The problem that we’ve got with a lot of these systems is that they’re different in the way that they do things, or they lead or mislead the driver.” >>

No car on the market today offers full automation or autonomy.

fleetworld.co.uk • 043

RISK MANAGEMENT

Euro NCAP estimates that the next stage of autonomy – Level 4, where no human interaction is required to drive the car – could be attainable by 2021.

>>

We experienced this for ourselves when taking a selection of the cars tested by Euro NCAP – Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Tesla Model S and Volvo V60 – on track. We took part in a number of tests, comparing the different assistance systems and how they interact with the driver. For example, a test that replicates manoeuvring around a pothole, while lane-keeping technology is engaged, highlighted the different levels of steering assistance: the Mercedes and Volvo allow the driver to override its desire to keep the car within the lane markings, but the Tesla resists, forcing the driver to battle with it to take over. It’s trying to be automated and is arguably too competent – which is a danger because it can give the driver a false sense of security.

Our tests also highlight how features that are tending towards autonomy, rather than assistance, are concerning. As Avery said: “What we don’t want is this steady drip, drip into automation, which is what some manufacturers are advocating.”

Indeed, the transitionary phase between assistance and autonomy – defined as Level 3 by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) – is, Avery suggests, really dangerous. “We think level three is intrinsically bad: it offers the promise of automation but not the backup and the safety. When you get to level three, you get to a sort of cliff, whereby you’re giving the driver more support, but not total support – the safety levels fall, because the driver misunderstands what they’re supposed to do. The driver then is encouraged to sit back, but the system might not be competent enough.”

044 • fleetworld.co.uk

What we don’t want is this steady drip, drip into automation, which is what some manufacturers are advocating.

Euro NCAP estimates that the next stage of autonomy – Level 4, where no human interaction is required to drive the car – could be attainable by 2021. “That will mean being able to cope with 99% of all traffic conditions. For instance, on the motorway, we would expect an automated system to be able to enter the motorway, change lanes safely, understand variable speed limits, keep the driver safe and at a close distance, and cope with the likes of adverse weather, tunnels, road works, et cetera,” Avery explained.

Whenever full automation does arrive, Euro NCAP will continue to assess and rate the different systems used by manufacturers, offering drivers (or, perhaps more accurately, occupants) as much information as possible about the abilities of an automated system. And then perhaps they really could safely have a nap.

Different manufacturers’ systems don’t always behave the same way.

E S T F L E E T H E R O E S AWA R D S

MAKING HEROES NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR, THE ENERGY SAVING TRUST’S FLEET HERO AWARDS SHONE A WELL-DESERVED SPOTLIGHT ON THE UK’S MOST FORWARD-THINKING OPERATORS, RECOGNISING DIVERSE SOLUTIONS TO THE EVER-SHIFTING REGULATORY AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES THEY FACE. BY ALEX GRANT.

>>

Awards presented by broadcaster and journalist Amanda Stretton

fleetworld.co.uk • 045

And the winners are...

ULTRA LOW EMISSION VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE HERO Dundee City Council

Fraser Crichton of Dundee City Council

CITY OR TOWN HERO Nottingham City Council

Matt Daly and James Ashton of Nottingham City Council

Supporting both residents and fleets, Dundee City Council opened its first two charging hubs this year – the third will go live in January. Each is a cluster of 50kW rapid and 22kW fast chargers, with grid loads minimised by on-site PV panels and battery storage, and usage data can be gathered and analysed using an open platform.

Introduced in 2012, Nottingham’s UK-first workplace parking levy has netted £52m in revenue, which is being invested into greener urban travel. The council has put money into new trams and buses and cross-city cycle routes, growing charging and adding bus lane access for EVs, and has updated taxi licensing requirements too.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nottingham City Council

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dundee City Council

FLEET HERO ENTREPRENEUR Myenergi

ECODRIVING HERO Bibby Distribution

Charlie Cook of Octopus Energy with David George of (sponsor) Mini

David Morley and Robin Dearden of Bibby Distribution

Myenergi’s Zappi home charger has only been on sale for a year, but it’s already found 3,000 customers in the UK. It’s designed to minimise grid impact by helping users prioritise their own solar or wind power where possible. Launch versions offer up to 7kW output, but a 22kW version for fleets is in the pipeline.

Clever use of telematics is improving efficiency and safety at Bibby Distribution, where it’s a core part of company culture. Sites have individual targets and driver league tables – scores employees can access via a smartphone app – and this has underpinned focused training and improved staff retention too.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tomorrow’s Journey

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

046 • fleetworld.co.uk

E S T F L E E T H E R O E S AWA R D S

FREIGHT HERO Bibby Distribution

ULTRA LOW EMISSION FLEET HERO Dundee City Council

David Morley and Robin Dearden of Bibby Distribution, with Ivan LeFevre of (sponsor) Highways England

Fraser Crichton of Dundee City Council with Lucy Ramstedt of (sponsor) BMW

Bibby Distribution impressed judges with detailed analysis of where costs, carbon and accident rates could be cut. It’s changed vehicle equipment to reduce the time spent with the engine running, invested in alternate fuels and even pays attention to tyre disposal, all backed up by an impressive programme of driver training.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Oxford Direct Services (Oxford City Council)

A quarter of the council fleet – some 89 vehicles – is already electric. These are widely used, covering a combined 1.1 million miles and saving 220,000 tonnes of CO2, as well as improving air quality. This has made the council a real advocate for the technology, organising events to relay the benefits to residents and fleets.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Leeds City Council

SMARTER TRAVEL HERO Royal Derby Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

UNSUNG FLEET HERO Fraser Crichton, Dundee City Council

Fraser Crichton of Dundee City Council

Maria Stringer, Andrea Booth and Emma Forster of Royal Derby Hospital

The trust’s travel plan is designed to encourage its one million patients and visitors, and 8,700 staff, to leave their cars at home. It’s incentivised active travel and mandated ULEVs on salary sacrifice scheme, boosted public transport use through local partnerships, and cut single-occupancy commuting to around half the workforce.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kent County Council

Instrumental in setting up the council’s award-winning electric vehicle strategy, Fraser Crichton, assistant manager, transport, was a clear winner. His work has helped roll out targeted infrastructure for EVs, new licensing rules for private hire vehicles, and widespread EV rollout on the council’s fleet – all helping influence local EV uptake.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Norman Harding, London Borough of Hackney

FLEET HERO London Borough of Hackney The borough impressed judges for its forward-thinking attitude to curbing fossil fuel use. It’s committed to switching its entire commercial vehicle fleet – over half of the total 470 vehicles it runs – to electric by 2028, and the infrastructure is already going in to support it. Staff are also incentivised to walk or cycle to meetings.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Norman Harding of London Borough of Hackney with Alex Grant of (sponsor) Fleet World

fleetworld.co.uk • 047

FLEET VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON R-Line 2.0 TDI DSG P11d/BiK: £35,430 (28%) MPG/CO2: 62.8mpg / 116g/km Test MPG: 48mpg

UP until now, I’ve not needed to make full use of the Arteon’s capacious interior, with most journeys consisting of airport runs and short trips to the train station. Bundling the family into the car was, then, a worthwhile exercise. One of them owns a Passat estate and yet was impressed by the Arteon’s rear legroom and sizeable hatch-boot, which is large enough to swallow two max-size suitcases, cabin bags and other paraphernalia with ease. Inside is a comfortable place to be too, although a combination of R-Line 19-inch alloy wheels and rear passengers sitting far behind the front seats means conversation can be a bit stilted – tyre noise is considerable on our UK roads, though this could easily be improved by higherprofile tyres. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not terrible – wind noise has been all but eradicated from the cabin, while the quality interior ensures no shakes or rattles and, once warm, the diesel powerplant is all but silent.

Passenger conversation aside, the Arteon is a delight to drive and offers a relaxing and effortless approach to mile munching. This car additionally comes with impressive matrix LED headlamps that allow for high beam illumination without blinding cars in front or oncoming traffic and consequently make night driving less tiring.

Having now covered a few hundred miles on motorways since my first report, the Arteon’s fuel economy has also improved with it now hovering around 48mpg average. I’m yet to play around properly with the various driving modes, but for the next month I’m going to stick it in economy mode to see what difference that makes. It’s also worth keeping in mind this car has completed fewer than 1,000 miles in its life and I suspect its economy will improve considerably over the coming months, as the engine finds its feet.

Jonathan Musk

FINAL REPORT VOLKSWAGEN E-GOLF P11d/BiK: £32,675 (0%) MPG/Range/CO2: 4.9mi/kWh / 186mi (NEDC) / 0g/km Test MPG: 4.3 mi/kWh

IT’S time to say a fond farewell to the Volkswagen e-Golf, six months after taking delivery of the all-electric hatchback.

Despite having driven most of the EVs on the market over the years, I’ve not lived with one and experienced first-

048 • fleetworld.co.uk

hand the day-to-day practicalities – and impracticalities – of going electric.

The experience has been, I have to say, positive overall, with the e-Golf proving that it is possible to run an EV in what is still a nascent environment for these cars. Make no mistake: most of us will be driving these cars in 20 years’ time (or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which might be better suited to drivers who regularly cover longer distances), but at the moment they are still something of a novelty, albeit one that makes a lot of sense to many buyers.

So after six months of living with the e-Golf, what are the pros and cons?

In the benefits column, there is much to like about the Volkswagen. It’s easy and enjoyable to drive; runs almost silently; is quick over the first 100m or so; there’s a

comfortable and well-equipped Golflike cabin; and it runs cleanly and contributes to air quality improvements.

It's also cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car, more so if you charge at home or the workplace.

The negatives? The most obvious is the range – most people don’t need a huge range, but 300 miles will cover most eventualities; while there’s also the unreliability of some aspects of the charging network (yes, Ecotricity, we’re looking at you), which isn’t Volkswagen’s fault, but with just 100-120 miles of range, the e-Golf will rely on it; and the VW Car-Net app, which needs some work to be truly useful.

For fleets with access to chargers at offices, and with staff who don’t need to cover huge mileages, the e-Golf is certainly worth considering.

I’ll definitely miss it.

Craig Thomas

FIRST REPORT HONDA CIVIC 1.6 I-DTEC EX Manual hatchback P11d/BiK: £24,750 (23%) MPG/CO2: 80.7mpg / 93g/km Test MPG: 48.3mpg

YOU know your new long termer is a headturner of a car when the ‘cool kid’ at your son’s school clocks it on your very first school run and mentions it to the class that day.

It’s set a trend that’s continued in the first few weeks that we’ve had the car, seeing it garner a lot of praise for its looks and kudos – perhaps indicating the wisdom of Honda’s adoption of less quirky styling for the current model.

Marked out as the largest single model development programme in the company’s history, the 10th-generation

Civic is also longer, lower and wider than its predecessor and with more advanced suspension.

But it’s the diesel in the latest Civic that’s the latest talking point.

Launched nearly a year after the petrol models, the 1.6-litre i-DTEC arrived near the start of 2018 in manual guise, followed this summer in auto format – which marked the first time Honda has paired an automatic and a diesel together in the Civic. It’s also featured in the recently launched Civic saloon.

A comprehensively revised version

of the diesel in the previous model Civic, the 118bhp unit brings official combined fuel consumption of 80.7mpg and 93g/km (NEDC Correlated). But these were significantly trumped in October’s Fleet World/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon, which saw the Civic piloted by BBC journalist Paul Clifton and his daughter Françoise achieve an impressive 87.5mpg, giving it top honours among the combustionengined cars in the event.

Nothing like a bit of eco-driving peer pressure...

Natalie Middleton

ALPHACITY VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 CDTi SRi Nav Bookings/Utilisation: 4 Mileage: 13,922 Test MPG: 49.4mpg

BUSINESS trips are par for the course for us here at Fleet World, and thankfully the Vauxhall Astra has already proven itself to be a good drive and offer excellent economy of low-60s with ease. We’re immediately starting to see savings over our old BMW 320d. The Astra is also a good size and able to accommodate all of our gear, yet without being too cumbersome to park.

The AlphaCity booking system is slightly different on this car than we were used to previously, and we’re serving as relative guinea pigs in the UK due to the ‘card + key’ system of ‘unlocking + starting’ the car. Unfortunately, this has led to a few teething problems, and on one occasion being locked out of the car for 40 minutes at 6am. Whereas in a regular non-car-sharing vehicle this might entail a rough night or hotel booking, a quick phone call to AlphaCity generally solves the issue then and there thanks to their ability to remotely control entry into the car. That said, it’s not (yet) a flawless system, with AlphaCity themselves still training up staff in Europe to be able to assist with these latest generation of car-share vehicles.

Jonathon Harker

fleetworld.co.uk • 49

FLEET FIRST REPORT MAZDA CX-3 Sport Black+ 2.0 2WD P11d/BiK: £22,195 (29%) MPG/CO2: 45.6mpg/141g/km Test MPG: 41.5mpg

MAZDA simplified its CX-3 line-up this year, now offering SE Nav+, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trim levels. The model saw the launch of new 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engines, replacing the previous 1.5-litre motors. However, the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol, in 121bhp and 150bhp ratings, remains by far the biggest seller, so we have gone for the most popular 121bhp model.

While others in this sector are using downsized turbocharged engines, Mazda is once again doing its own thing, opting for a larger displacement, naturally aspirated petrol power plant. New edge-cut pistons and high-pressure injectors are said to offer ample torque and improved economy. Certainly there are few complaints at the petrol pump, with the compact crossover regularly returning close to its claimed 45.6mpg.

The only minor niggle is a fairly small 48-litre tank, so those fuel stops are a bit too regular for longer-distance users.

As for ample torque, you need to stir the six-speed manual gearbox a bit in the higher gears to keep the engine working, though the little Mazda is certainly no slouch. It’s a fairly vocal engine when pushed though, despite being whisper quiet around town.

Dan Gilkes

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

EV CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE Lex Autolease

CITROËN C4 SPACETOURER FLAIR BLUEHDI 160 EAT8

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

P11d/BiK: £32,295 (30%) MPG/CO2: 64.2mpg, 127g/km Test MPG: 47.8mpg

DESPITE being ‘just’ a family car – fighting for space on the streets with a seemingly neverending number of crossovers and SUVs – the C4 SpaceTourer gets a fair bit of attention.

The interest from people demonstrates how quickly you get used to a vehicle, with some recent passengers wowed by the light let in to the cabin by the sheer volume of glass surrounding us – something I had come to appreciate weeks ago. One novelty that does seem to have worn off is the third row of seats. The younger Challens have now reverted to the conventional second row, having previously been itching to clamber over to the boot at the earliest opportunity. No doubt they’ll want to be back there at some point soon…

John Challen

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

VAUXHALL GRANDLAND X Tech-Line Nav Turbo D 130 P11d/BiK: £24,210 (26%) MPG/CO2: 67.3mpg/110g/km Test MPG: 40.2mpg

LAST time I talked about the differences between the Vauxhall and its sister car, the Peugeot 3008. So after a month behind the wheel of the Vauxhall, I decided to try the Peugeot fitted with the same engine.

After a week with the 3008, in sportier GT-Line specification, I have to say the Peugeot and Vauxhall were like chalk and cheese! I prefer the more exciting interior and exterior styling of the Peugeot – plus the sportier drive. Only the rear camera and keyless entry is better on the Vauxhall! A facelift is in the mix for the Grandland X and it can’t come too soon in my opinion.

Martyn Collins

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

FLEET INSURANCE insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

driver licence DRIVER LICENCE checking CHECKING Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.licence2check.co.uk

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

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

050 • fleetworld.co.uk

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE

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

RISK MANAGEMENT

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

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

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

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

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

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

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

DriveTech (UK) Ltd Tel: 01256 610907 www.drivetech.co.uk

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Sofico NV

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

Tel: +3292018040

www.soficoservices.com

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk

0845 2172 608 daysfleet.com ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Tel: 01484 551060 www.virtualriskmanager.net

FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

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

Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk T

TH THE CE H ACNHGA EN G YE O UY RO B U S I N E S SS UR B U S I D EDSEESREVREV E S E S SN E S S D E SERV USIN UR B ES E YO HANG HE C

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

FLEET MANAGEMENT

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

FUEL MANAGEMENT

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

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

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000 www.fleetoperations.co.uk

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

Opus Claim Solutions Ltd 01905 641664 www.opus.claims

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550 www.thrifty.co.uk

FLEET CONSULTANCY

fuelGenie Tel: 0345 371 2490 www.fuelgenie.co.uk

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218

PVS Ltd Tel: 01278 550270 www.puddyvsolutions.co.uk

EV FLEET WORLD Tel: 01727 739160 www.evfleetworld.co.uk

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

www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

TELEMATICS & TRACKING The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk

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

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663 BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

SMR Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

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

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

VEHICLE CCTV & SAFETY Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletracnavman.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Parksafe Automotive Tel: 01773 746591 www.parksafeautomotive.com fleetworld.co.uk • 051

t 01727 739160 // e info@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

1 SIMPLE QUESTION...

WANT FREE EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO RUN YOUR FLEET MORE EFFICIENTLY? YES? WELL WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN JANUARY 2019 THEN Register now at... www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

December 2018 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

CE L EBR p60

p64

A T IN G

p66

TOUGH TRUCK

Z.E. CONVERSION LAND CRUISER

Mitsibushi’s L200 gets a make-over

Renault Trucks joins the E-LCV sector

Toyota introduces all-wheel drive vans

FROM THE

EDITOR DO YOU know the emissions status of all of your vans? Euro 4, 5 or 6? With London’s ULEZ launching next year and numerous other cities looking at Clean Air Zones, now is the time to find out. The information should be included on the vehicle’s VIN plate or on the V5 registration form. Alternatively, you can put your registration into TfL’s ULEZ vehicle checker, by entering the registration at www.tfl.gov.uk. As with most legal matters, not knowing, is not an excuse.

All fleet operators are welcome at the Great British Fleet Event 2019, on January 24, a new exhibition and conference specifically designed to meet the needs of fleet managers in the transport and logistics industries. Supported and presented by leading industry experts, the Masterclass Conference will cover a wide range of topics. For more information and to register, visit www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk.

Dan Gilkes VFW editor

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THIS MONTH IN FLEET www.vanfleetworld.co.uk

AVEVAI TO TAKE ON E-LCV MARKET WITH IONA

A new electric light commercial vehicle manufacturer has emerged in Singapore, promising European sales by the middle of 2019. Avevai has launched van and truck versions of the Iona LCV at a show in China.

Developed with Daimler and Foton, Iona uses graphene-infused supercapacitor technology, from e-Synergy to provide a range of up to 330km for the van and 300km for the truck. The companies have jointly developed a Graphene Energy Management System that allows up to 85% energy capture through regenerative braking. Avevai is promising a 200,000km, five-year warranty, claiming that a 22kW AC charging station will fully charge the Iona truck in two hours, or four hours for the Iona van.

The vans will be offered in short and long wheelbase models and, with a gross weight of 4.25-tonnes, promise a payload of up to 1,650kg. In the cab the Iona will boast a 10.1-inch Android-based touchscreen display with LTE connectivity, offering control of vehicle systems and infotainment functions.

DRIVERS WANTED A shortage of qualified, reliable van drivers is one of the main concerns for the transport and logistics industry, according to the Van Excellence 2018-19 report. One in five operators told researchers that a skills shortage could prevent their business operating successfully in the next 12 months.

“These fears are exacerbated by the large proportion of EU nationals currently working across the vans sector in the UK,” said Mark Cartwright, the FTA’s head of vans.

“Early indicators suggest that fewer are moving here in light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and the uncertainty about their future employment prospects.”

According to the latest data, the proportion of EU national van drivers in the UK fell from 12.9% in 2015 to 7.3% in 2017, despite the van fleet growing by 3% across all sectors last year.

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 055

IN BRIEF Nissan common platform Nissan will launch an NV250 compact van, based on Alliance partner Renault’s Kangoo van, by the middle of 2019. Renault will update the Kangoo range, built at Mauberge in France, including its electric Z.E. versions, with an investment in the plant of €450m over the next five years. The plant also builds the Mercedes-Benz Citan on the same platform, a partnership that was recently reaffirmed.

Mitsubishi will also benefit from Renault van expertise, sourcing a van based on the next generation Renault Trafic from Renault’s Sandouville plant for markets in Australia and New Zealand.

From next summer, Vauxhall/Opel will no longer use the Trafic van as a base for Vivaro, moving instead to a PSA platform.

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A N A LY S I S > U L E Z

EMISSIONS WARNING 80% OF VANS ENTERING LONDON’S ULTRA LOW EMISSION ZONE IN APRIL WILL NOT BE COMPLIANT AND WILL HAVE TO PAY THE £12.50 DAILY CHARGE, ACCORDING TO COX AUTOMOTIVE GROUP COMPANY MANHEIM.

f the 4.3m vans on the UK’s roads, customer insight and strategy director (CV) James Davis said that less than 20% will have Euro 6 engines, with as many as 30% of vans at least 10 years old and equipped with Euro 3, 4 and 5 engines.

Transport for London (TfL) is desperate to get this message out to van operators, many of whom it appears do not know about the zone, before the ULEZ comes into force on April 8, 2019. The ULEZ will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the current congestion charge area in central London. To comply with the 2019 ULEZ, diesel-engined vans must be Euro 6 emissions compliant, or face a daily charge of £12.50. Vans with a petrol engine must meet the Euro 4 standard.

However, in October 2021, the ULEZ area will expand, to include everything within London’s North and South Circular roads, a far bigger geographical area. In October 2020, all HGVs operating within the zone will also have to be Euro VI, or face a £100 per day charge. Vans with engines of Euro 3 or older will also be charged £100 per day to enter the zone.

The adoption of the ULEZ next April comes 17 months earlier than originally planned, reinforcing the fact that London continues to fail to meet International air standards. TfL claims that there are 9,400 premature deaths in London each year due to air pollution.

O

“It is accepted that we need to do something about it,” said Katharina Winbeck, head of transport, environment and infrastructure for the London Councils.

“Transport is not the only source of pollution, but it is a big source.”

Davis said that by the April 2019 deadline, Euro 6 vans will have only been available for two and half years, not long enough for many operators to have changed to newer vehicles. Indeed, Manheim claims that only 20% of vans will be Euro 6 compliant by next April, so there could be up to 56,000 daily journeys in non-compliant vehicles into the London ULEZ alone.

It is worth noting that this doesn’t just apply to private van users. Local councils and emergency services will not be exempt, so older ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines that do not comply, will all be liable to pay the charge on a daily basis.

For those van operators that think they might simply move older models to other parts of the UK, running their newest vans within London, Davis warns that there will also be new Clean Air Zones in at least eight cities across the UK. Confusingly, these cities will conform to four different operating schemes. Scheme A will only affect buses and taxis. Scheme B, adopted

by Leeds and Southampton, will focus on buses, taxis and trucks. Scheme C in Sheffield will include buses, taxis, trucks

The ULEZ area will expand from the congestion charge zone to include London's North and South Circular roads.

056 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

and vans, while Scheme D, adopted by Brighton and Bath, will focus on buses, taxis, trucks, vans and cars.

Indeed, there are now 60 regions across the UK that are currently assessing air quality and this is not just in England.

Glasgow will introduce a CAZ that will not have a daily charge, but will go straight to a penalty charge for non-conforming vehicles. Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee are also expected to introduce schemes by 2020, while Wales is assessing air quality in its major cities.

“This is only going to go one way,” said Davis. “It is important for an operator to think about futureproofing themselves by buying or changing their ownership model to get themselves into a Euro 6 van.”

Manheim has some bad news for fleet managers here though. While it is predicting very strong demand for used Euro 6 vans next year, with prices reflecting that demand, it says that it will be harder to move on Euro 5 vans, as demand will almost certainly fall.

For TfL the biggest task is getting the message out to van operators. Leasing giant Northgate reports that almost a third of van operators are unaware of the ULEZ, despite its imminent launch. To that end, TfL has been installing 300 signs on approach roads to central London to warn drivers. It is also offering companies a compliance checker on its website, where companies can check their vehicle’s emission standard.

VAUXHALL COMBO

COMETH THE HOUR

International Van of the Year 2019

COMETH THE VAN NEW COMBO

Carries British business

Now at Vauxhall Retailers 6 years 0% APR Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Combo Van range: Urban: 57.6 (4.9) – 62.8 (4.5), Extra-urban: 67.2 (4.2) – 70.6 (4.0), Combined: 62.8 (4.5) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions: 116 – 109g/km.# Model shown New Combo L1 Limited Edition Nav with offside sliding side-access door (optional at extra cost) and Night Blue metallic paint (no-cost option). Small business users only. Offer subject to availability, on selected models at participating Retailers only. Conditional Sale. Finance subject to status. Ts&Cs and exclusions apply. Applicants must be 18+. Finance by Vauxhall Finance, CF15 7YT. 6 Years 0% APR with minimum 18% deposit (plus VAT on total transaction price). Offer available on orders or registrations from 1 November to 17 December 2018. All offers available to small businesses 1–24 units (purchase only). All other customers are excluded. Available at participating Retailers only, may not apply to all Retailer stock. #Fuel consumption data and CO2 emission data are determined using the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), and the relevant values are translated back to allow the comparability into NEDC, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151. The values do not take into account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tyres. For more information on official fuel consumption and CO2 emission values, please read the guideline ‘Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions of new passenger cars’ freely available in all points of sale or at www.vauxhall.co.uk/WLTP Vauxhall Motors Limited reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct at time of print.

LAUNCH REPORT

Ford Transit Connect Ford continues to update its popular Transit range, with the introduction of a face-lifted Connect, says Martyn Collins.

Revealed this time last year and shown at the Commercial Vehicle Show, we’ve finally had the chance to get behind the wheel of a face-lifted version of Ford’s best-selling mid-size Transit - the Connect.

The current model has been on sale for five years, and the changes centre on freshening up the exterior of the Connect, bringing it in line with Ford’s car range. At the front, this means a higher-set, three-bar grille, with slimmer headlights. The look is completed at the front with a lower bumper area and spoiler - with the spoiler claimed to improve aerodynamics.

Move inside and the changes mostly focus on the revised dashboard and centre console.

Connect is now available with the 6.0-inch tablet-style floating touchscreen, first seen in the car range, using SYNC 3 software. Plus, there are new instruments, trim and materials.

More importantly, there’s now a 1.5litre EcoBlue diesel engine available in 75, 100 and 120bhp outputs, boasting revised fuel injection,

turbocharging, emissions control and friction reduction technologies.

Besides the 1.5-litre diesel, Ford is also offering a revised version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, which include modifications to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emissions control systems, again all to help with fuel economy. The EcoBoost engine features cylinder deactivation technology, this means it can effectively run on just two cylinders, if speeds and loads are low enough, resulting in further fuel consumption savings.

We got to drive the 100bhp versions of the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel and 1.0 EcoBoost, both in L1 short wheelbase van size and entry-level Trend specification. First up, was the 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol, mated with a six-speed manual transmission, which give a combined economy figure of 44.1mpg and just 146g/km of CO2.

Despite the small size, the way this Connect gets itself down the road impresses. The engine feels far more willing than the 100bhp performance would suggest, in fact we found it impossible to detect when and if this engine went into cylinder deactivation mode. The slick six-speed manual transmission compliments this engine and smooth drivetrain very well.

But, it’s not just the engine and

SECTOR mid-size van PRICE £15,665-£20,364 POWER 75-120bhp CO2 124-146g/km

058 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

transmission of this Ford that impress, it’s the comfy driving position, refined ride and precise steering that mean it’s fun to drive. It is also offered with a substantial 782kg payload.

The 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine came next, and is best described as more grumblier and harsh at idle — although this wasn’t an issue on the move. The character of this diesel in 100bhp form wasn’t quite as eager as the petrol, but speed still built up quickly, the engine was smooth and the gearbox was slick — even though it had just five-speeds. Plus, with a 60.8mpg fuel figure and 123g/km of CO2, the EcoBlue diesel should be even more affordable than the petrol.

Dynamically, although not as spirited, the EcoBlue Connect was as polished on the road.

Specification-wise, even in entrylevel Trend, both vans were fitted with a heated windscreen, DAB radio and power door mirrors. These changes could be enough to keep the Transit Connect in contention.

THE VERDICT The big news of the Transit Connect face-lift has to be the new engines, which should keep it at the top of the sales charts.

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LAUNCH REPORT

FOR A FITTER VAN FLEET NOW

Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi’s one-tonne pickup marks its 40th anniversary with a tough makeover, says Alex Grant.

Reduce your current fleet costs with more efficient vans and fixed-price maintenance plans designed to help boost your bottom-line profit.

Mitsubishi might have become synonymous with plug-in hybrids, but trendsetting electrification hasn’t eroded the focus on its traditional strengths in pickups and rugged 4x4s. Sold in 150 markets, the L200 accounts for around a sixth of its annual volume – second only to the Outlander. It’s a household name from mines to mountains and a product important enough to warrant a substantial early refresh to take on multiple new rivals.

Arriving in the UK next summer, it’s a customer-centric update comprising more than 2,400 changes, on and under the skin. Each was derived from conversations with commercial customers reflecting a sector where one size really doesn’t fit all.

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Sport-Utility Truck Previous L200s have informed development of Mitsubishi’s SUVs and, with customers expecting pickups (particularly double-cab models) to feature the same levels of comfort, safety and technology as a passenger car, that’s come full circle.

Although primarily a commercial vehicle, there’s significant global demand from customers for whom this has to work just as well as family transport outside work hours.

It’s certainly not short of presence. Every exterior metal panel, apart from the roof, was replaced during the refresh – which included redesigning the three differentsized load beds and door skins. However, accessories developed for the outgoing car, such as canopies, boxes, bed liners and sports bars will all fit on its successor. Visually, it’s a change big enough to feel like an all-new model.

due to the weight, cost and range compromises of today’s battery technology. Instead, it says diesel is the best near-term solution. We tested the car with an updated version of the 181hp 2.4-litre turbodiesel from the old model, though the engine line-up for European markets won’t be confirmed until closer to the launch next summer.

UK trim levels and specification haven’t been confirmed either, but the aim was to make the newcomer easier to take off the beaten track than its predecessor. The L200 features a new six-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the carry-over six-speed manual. Both include SUV-like selectable terrain modes for gravel, mud and snow, sand and rock, and hill descent control is new to the L200 too. The familiar high and low-ratio settings, with diff lock, are still available via the rotary dial on the centre console.

Meanwhile, the frame and front-end structure have been strengthened, and the new exterior panels are designed to improve pedestrian safety, offer better visibility of its extremities and to lift headlights and fog lights away from floods and damage.

The cabin layout has barely changed. It feels durable if light on soft-touch plastics, and a few new accents of satin silver help it avoid feeling too utilitarian. There are soft knee pads up front, to avoid bruises while off-roading, USB ports and device storage for front and rear passengers, plus additional air conditioning vents and controls for those sat in the back. It also gets a suite of assistance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and the ability to detect oncoming traffic while reversing out of a space. A simulated overhead parking view is available, too, which makes tight spaces and tracks easier to judge.

Durable and Capable Mitsubishi sees electrification as an inevitability for the pickup segment but, for now, there’s no plan to offer a plug-in version of the L200,

At the Wheel We had an early drive of unladen L200s, on and off-road, not far from the factory in Thailand where global production takes place.

Mitsubishi’s claims of being able to offer SUVlike comfort stack up well on the rough tarmac of its biggest global market.

Upgrades versus the old car include extra sound deadening in the cabin, while noise and vibration are impressively well suppressed while cruising, particularly as a passenger. The seats are as good as you’d find in any SUV, even over long distances, and the new rear suspension setup – which uses larger-capacity shocks to improve ride comfort and roadholding – cuts out a surprising amount of the bounciness expected with an empty load bed.

It’s good to drive, too. There’s a reassuring directness and weight to the steering, and a similarly positive and car-like response while braking, helped by new two-piston brake calipers and larger discs up front.

Peak torque comes in at 2,500rpm, which can mean shifting down to accelerate at motorway speeds, but precise gear shifts make this a pleasure. We only tested the automatic transmission off road, but the short stretch in high-ratio mode hinted that it’s as car-like as the manual.

SECTOR Pickup POWER 181bhp TORQUE 430Nm TOWING WEIGHT 3.5-tonnes

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 061

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INTERVIEW MITSUBISHI MOTORS

A New Era? With Mitsubishi set to lead pickup development for its Renault and Nissan alliance partners, Alex Grant found out how the manufacturer sees new relationships and new technology shaping the sector over the next decade.

WHAT ROLE DOES MITSUBISHI PLAY WITHIN THE ALLIANCE, AND WHAT AREAS WILL YOU SPECIALISE IN? Trevor Mann, chief operating officer: Mitsubishi’s contribution to the alliance… 1m units. Without it we wouldn’t be the number one automotive group in the world. Secondly, we have expertise in PHEV, we have 4x4 expertise and we have framed vehicle expertise. So, when we look at the job shares between the alliance going forward, it’s indicated that we take the lead on framed and PHEV development.

DOES THIS AFFECT MITSUBISHI’S RELATIONSHIP SUPPLYING PICKUPS TO FCA? Trevor Mann, chief operating officer: We have an agreement with Fiat [Professional] at the moment, and we have had that for some time. I think generally with LCVs there tends to be a bit of OEM relationship, because generally it’s the network and the relationship between the dealer and the purchaser that’s more important than the badge. As you will see in the industry, there’s a lot of OEM deals between brands. And as long as it’s working for both parties, and as long as it’s not degredating back to the brand, because you’re not racing to the bottom with your partner, then that will continue.

062 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

GIVEN MITSUBISHI’S SPECIALISM IN PLUG-IN HYBRIDS, WHEN MIGHT WE SEE THIS COME TO THE L200?

Vincent Cobee, corporate vice president: Today the pickup market is mostly driven by performance, durability, cost of ownership, toughness. The answer today is framebased, 2.4-litre diesel, plus or minus one or two turbos, and a six-speed automatic transmission, which is what [the new L200] is giving.

The PHEV technology today has not reached a sufficient level of cost/performance or durability demonstration to be an easy installation. But, by 2025, electrification will have to happen. We can easily convince ourselves that there might be new innovation to bring a form of electrification that answers toughness, durability, no range anxiety and proper cost of ownership.

So I think it will migrate from the compact SUV and mid SUV segments towards heavier and tougher vehicles in five or 10 years, and if there’s one company in a good place to do this then it’s Mitsubishi. The key elements of towing, load, maintenance… can all be delivered by a PHEV. WOULD THIS MEAN THE END OF DIESEL VERSIONS? Koichi Namiki, L200 programme director: Diesel is very important, we can’t get rid of diesel right now. So we

will upgrade the diesel engines to comply with compete with the more stringent emission and CO2 regulations.

The pickup is also a working truck. So it has to be as inexpensive as possible.

As you can imagine, diesel engines require a lot of technologies, so it’s going to become very expensive rapidly, so sometime in the future maybe an electrified vehicle will be less expensive compared to a diesel. The big question is if a customer accepts such an expensive vehicle for working.

COULD 48-VOLT ‘MILD HYBRID’ TECHNOLOGY PLAY A ROLE, OR WILL THIS BE SKIPPED? Vincent Cobee: I don’t have a perfect answer, but I would say we will skip it.

What’s happening in Continental Europe might tip the equation. Pickup regulation is forcing the deal - the customer wants torque and towing capacity - fuel economy is a checkpoint but not the key driver. But France just put CO2 tax on double cabs, and when you do this you are putting pickup in the car category and tipping the thinking.

So my assumption is we will live with diesel until Euro 7, and it will become tough between Euro 7 in 2023 and [Corporate Average Fuel Economy] requirements in 2025. That’s the window where things might tumble, and they might tumble so quickly that 48v might be skipped.

2008: WE MAKE OUR MARK ON HISTORY BY CREATING THE FIRST ELECTRIC TRUCK

©Jean Brice Le Mal.

2019: YOU MAKE A MARK IN YOUR HISTORY,

BY SWITCHING TO ELECTRIC WITH THE RENAULT MASTER Z.E.

JOIN THE CURRENT

#SwitchToElectric

With the new environmentally quiet and clean Renault Trucks Master Z.E. you can access all urban low emission zones. Profit from the freedom of driving up to 120km after just 6 hours of charging*, transporting a volume of goods identical to a diesel vehicle. renault-trucks.co.uk/master-ze * Consumption figures are dependant on equipment, driving style and operating conditions.

A full charge takes 17h using a domestic outlet.

LAUNCH REPORT

Renault Trucks Master Z.E. Renault Trucks joins the electric van revolution with a host of Master Z.E. conversions, says Dan Gilkes.

Renault Trucks has launched its own line of Master Z.E. electric vans and chassis. The truck business will offer six versions of the electric LCV, with three chassis lengths and two roof heights in the panel van models, including an L1H2 model. It will also provide a growing number of readybodied conversions, as part of the Ready for Business range.

As with the Renault car and van business, all of the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. vans will initially come with a gross weight of 3.1-tonnes.

Despite being a lower overall weight than some competitive electric vans, Renault Trucks promises at least 1.0tonne of payload for the majority of models. The company also claims that 86% of 3.5-tonne vans operating in London rarely exceed threequarters of their maximum payload, making this an ideal weight for an electric LCV. The vans are powered by a 76bhp electric motor, delivering 225Nm of torque. The Master’s lithium-ion battery pack has a 33kWh capacity, that should provide up to 75 miles of realistic driving range, with a full charge taking up to six hours on a

7.4kW charging point.

The Master Z.E. will be well equipped, with adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and sensors as standard and a host of options, including on-board weighing and telematics.

Where Renault Trucks has taken the lead though, is in coming to market with a growing range of ready-bodied vehicles from day one.

This includes the Master Urban Chiller, a minibus, a crew cab and a powered access platform.

The Urban Chiller, which can be ordered on a range of wheelbases and roof heights, uses Thermoking’s latest battery-powered refrigeration system, rather than calling upon the traction battery’s available power to run the fridge. This provides ambient or chilled temperatures, though cannot run to a frozen cabinet.

The fridge van conversions of panel vans are carried out by CoolKit, while chassis cab box conversions use a Solomons box body. Renault Trucks says that the electric fridge conversion takes around 180kg of payload compared to an enginedriven fridge unit.

People-carrying models from Minibus Options are available in nine and 17-seat configurations, based on the medium and long wheelbase

SECTOR Large e-LCV POWER 57kW GROSS WEIGHT 3,100kg MAX PAYLOAD 1,128kg

064 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

vans. Crew cab models can also be specified on the medium wheelbase and long wheelbase vans, or on the short wheelbase model.

The Master Z.E. access platform is equipped with an electric boom from converter CPL, mounted on a cutaway panel van. The boom, which has a working height of 13.8m and an outreach of 8.2m, is designed to raise and lower up to 30 times on a single battery charge. That should be more than enough for most utility customers on a daily basis.

While all of these Ready for Business vans can be ordered as finished vans from Renault Trucks dealers, there are also fully customisable models on offer, designed to meet specific customer needs.

THE LOWDOWN STRENGTHS RANGE OF READY-BODIED VEHICLES WEAKNESSES LIMITED DRIVING RANGE & LOW GROSS WEIGHT

THE VERDICT Rather than launching a me-too product line, Renault Trucks has focused on its specialist customer needs.

RATING

A S M O O T H E R WAY T O W O R K M a ke w o r k i n g l i f e e a s i e r w i t h t h e A l l- N e w F i e s t a Sp o r t Va n .

Featuring supple handling, ample load space and technology that helps y o u w o r k s m a r t e r, i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s b u i l t t o m a k e y o u r w o r k i n g d a y e f f o r t l e s s .

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Ford Fiesta Van range: urban 44.1-68.9 (6.4-4.1), extra urban 65.7-83.1 (4.3-3.4), combined 55.4 -74.3 (5.1-3.8). Official CO 2 emissions 114-96g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Information correct at time of going to print.

SEARCH: ALL-NEW FIESTA SPORT VAN

DRIVEN

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial Utility LWB Anyone looking for a hard-working, all-wheel drive van, should consider Toyota’s Land Cruiser Commercial, says Dan Gilkes.

Since the demise of the trusty Land Rover Defender, Mitsubishi has had the 4x4 car-derived van market pretty much to itself, with the Shogun and Outlander Commercials. You can buy a Discovery Commercial if you have deep pockets, while SsangYong has offered Korando LCVs in the past, but the Toyota joins a fairly select group.

Launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show, the Land Cruiser Commercial Utility is available in both short-wheelbase three-door and long-wheelbase, five-door variants. Both follow the normal route of removing the rear seats from an SUV, covering the rear side windows and installing a flat load floor behind the driver.

This long-wheelbase model has a half height steel bulkhead with a steel mesh upper section, half of which can be folded back to allow the transport of longer loads above the passenger seat.

Though providing plenty of load area, Toyota has stopped well short of the front seat backs, providing a large hidden storage area behind the front seats but in front of the bulkhead.

Unlike the shorter three-door, the five-door model has the added bonus of side door access, plus you can simply lift the rear glass, if there is not

066 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

enough room to swing out the huge rear door. In total you get more than 2m3 of load volume and a reasonable 705kg payload.

While Mitsubishi’s Shogun Sport Commercial will be offered in very high trim, reflecting the fact that sales of the previous Shogun Commercial weighed heavily in favour of the range-topping Barbarian model, Toyota has chosen a different path. The Land Cruiser is currently only offered in a hard-wearing utility trim, even extending to sensible 17” steel wheels.

That’s not to say that the driver and passenger are hard done by in the cab.

The Land Cruiser comes with electric windows and mirrors, a host of airbags, a tyre pressure warning system, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control and automatic lights. The infotainment is rather comically old-fashioned however.

There has been no scrimping on the driveline. The Land Cruiser uses a 2.8litre four-cylinder diesel, rather than the 2.4-litre motor in the Hilux. This provides a healthy 175bhp and 420Nm of torque.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and the truck has full-time four-wheel drive, with a limited slip differential and Toyota’s Active Traction Control system.

Off-road it should be pretty much unstoppable, while there is little compromise when driving on the road. It initially feels a bit nautical, rolling in the corners, but the permanent four-wheel drive ensures secure handling and that

2.8-litre engine delivers a surprising turn of speed when requested.

Toyota is already well on the way to fulfilling its initially fairly conservative sales targets for the Land Cruiser Commercial. Don’t be surprised to see higher trim levels at some time in the future though.

SPECIFICATION MODELS Land Cruiser Commercial Utility LWB BASIC PRICE £28,508 ENGINE 4-cyl 2,755cc FUEL INJECTION common-rail POWER 175bhp @ 3,400 TORQUE 420Nm @ 1,400-2,600 WEIGHTS (Kg) GVW 2,930 KERB WEIGHT 2,225 PAYLOAD 705 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,000 DIMENSIONS (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,630 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,420 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,040 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,065 COST CONSIDERATIONS FUEL TANK CAPACITY 87 COMBINED CO2/MPG 197g/km/37.6mpg OIL CHANGE 1year/10,000 miles WARRANTY 5year/100,000 miles

THE VERDICT For those that require genuine off-road ability, but don’t want to suffer between work sites, the Land Cruiser offers a compelling package.

RATING

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY DAILY RENTAL

CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE

RISK MANAGEMENT

TAIL LIFTS

FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

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

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

DriveTech (UK) Ltd Tel: 01256 610907 www.drivetech.co.uk

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

Full listings online at

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

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

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

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

fleetworld.co.uk ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

TELEMATICS & TRACKING

Opus Claim Solutions Ltd 01905 641664 Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

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Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk

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Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229 www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

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

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Tel: 0870 013 6663 Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

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

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

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

0845 2172 608 daysfleet.com

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

www.quartix.net

VAN LINERS

DRIVER LICENCE CHECKING

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

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TMC

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

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

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 .uk etworld.co • vanfle 2018 mber Septe September 2018 • vanfleetworld .co.uk

www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk September 2018 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

September 2018

CE L EBR

I B RAT CEL E ING CE L EBRAT

ATING

rld.co.uk • vanfleetwo

NG

CEL E

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

BRATI

NG

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

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