Fleet World February 2019

EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW February 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk

PASSAT

DRIVEN Kia ProCeed Lexus ES Mercedes-Benz B-Class Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen’s fleet favourite gets technology-led makeover

CONNECTED CAR Latest developments from the evolving third platform

INCLUDED WITH THIS ISSUE

INSIDE...

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EXHIBITION • AWARDS • CONFERENCE 24 JANUARY • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST

REGISTER NOW www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW February 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk

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PASSAT

DRIVEN Kia ProCeed Lexus ES Mercedes-Benz B-Class Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen’s fleet favourite gets technology-led makeover

ATI NG

CONNECTED CAR Latest developments from the evolving third platform

INSIDE

February 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk

INCLUDED WITH THIS ISSUE

INSIDE...

ISUZU WINNING ISUZU WARD WINNING HE AAWARD THE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

EXHIBITION • AWARDS • CONFERENCE 24 JANUARY • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST

REGISTER NOW www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Martyn Collins martyn@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

12 Clean Air Zones causing grey fleet issues?

26 Volkswagen’s techheavy new Passat

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

30 Driven > Toyota RAV4

32 Driven > Kia ProCeed

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 Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

34 Driven > Mercedes-Benz B-Class

35 Driven > Lexus ES

Lloyd Ramsdale Lloyd@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

50 JLR MD interview

38 The latest connected car developments

43 The Great British Fleet Event winners

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55 Latest on our fleet

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FROM THE

EDITOR Not all doom and gloom...

The morning was filled with well-attended conferences, before celebrating the best the industry has to offer.

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have just landed in my inbox and again make sorry reading. They show that, last month, demand from fleet buyers fell 3.4% to 86,559 units while the sub-25 ‘business’ registrations segment was down 33.5% to 3,076 cars.

There was some good news though, with alternatively-fuelled vehicle registrations up 26.3%, plus private registrations up 2.9%, but this wasn’t enough to offset the fleet downturn.

The continued downturn in the new car market has led to further calls vocalised by the SMMT, for the Government to bring in supportive policies, especially on taxation to encourage buyers to invest in the latest, cleaner cars which are best suited to their needs – whether they be diesel, petrol or electric-powered.

Let’s be honest, new car sales have had a tough time recently, with the introduction of WLTP, plus a lack of direction as to where future fleet taxation is going. If that’s not enough, there’s the ongoing uncertainty over the UK’s EU exit and the increasingly real prospect of a no-deal Brexit.

With all this uncertainty, the UK motor industry really needs some positive news, but instead seems to be taking further body blows, most recently with Nissan’s announcement that the planned production of its next X-Trail SUV will not come to the UK plant in Sunderland as envisaged, but instead will be made in one of its factories in Japan.

I hope that by the time the March 2019 issue of Fleet World lands on your desk, I will have some good news to share on all of these keys issues facing our industry.

However, proof that it’s not all doom and gloom was evident at our first Great British Fleet Event and awards, which was held on 24 January in Hammersmith, London. The morning was filled with well-attended conferences on varied subjects such as Urban Fleet, Electric Vehicles, Technology and the Future of Fleet Management. And the afternoon was dedicated to celebrating the best fleet cars, vans, individuals and innovations the industry has to offer. We will bring you details of the 2020 event soon, but in the meantime make sure you check out all the winners, with the report starting on p43 of Fleet World and p15 of Van Fleet World magazine, included with this issue.

And if that’s not enough, also included this month is the Great British Fleet Guide 2019, which in addition to underlining all the best products and services in fleet, offers expert fleet management advice, making it your reference point throughout 2019...

Martyn Collins editor

006 • fleetworld.co.uk

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THIS MONTH IN FLEET

Bridgestone Europe acquires WE COULD TomTom Telematics HELP YOU MAKE SAVINGS

Bridgestone Europe has signed a deal to acquire TomTom Telematics from Dutch navigation firm TomTom for a cash consideration of €910m (£800m).

The announcement will see the tyre giant’s European subsidiary team up with the digital fleet solutions provider to create a ‘fleet solutions powerhouse in EMEA well-positioned to unlock new digital business models across commercial and consumer mobility’.

The news of the deal came just days after Bridgestone Europe said it was partnering with Iris Capital and its corporate investors to expand into new mobility services. In a statement, Bridgestone said the acquisition of TomTom Telematics would accelerate it on “its journey to becoming a mobility solutions leader in the region, and the combination of both companies’ offerings will allow Bridgestone to cross-sell tyres and solutions to a larger customer base. Furthermore, the data access will enhance Bridgestone’s virtual tyre development and testing as well as connected tyre innovation benefiting all customers including OEMs”.

The deal is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2019.

SME fleets to underpin Lexus UK sales growth

Our new benchmarking service could highlight how efficient your fleet is compared with the sector average.

Lexus is focusing on SMEs with its new models, seeing small fleets as a vital part of plans to increase its UK sales around 33% over the next two years.

The carmaker sold 12,405 units in the UK last year, slightly down on 2017’s 12,671 but hampered by a tougher market and limited capacity for the run-out GS executive saloon.

This year, Lexus is hoping for a 22% uplift as the ES executive saloon and UX compact SUV reach the UK, with a further 10% increase planned in 2020 as manufacturing capacity grows, according to general manager for Toyota Motor Europe product comms, Robert Tickner.

The UX, which puts Lexus into the high-volume Q3, X1 and GLA segment, is likely to be the bigger growth-driver of the two newcomers, Tickner said, though supply is tight from launch. Tickner expects limited cannibalisation of CT 200h sales once the UX is available, predicting there’ll be only a small crossover of the customer base.

In fleet, the ES is also seen as a sizeable opportunity. The hybrid-only saloon replaces the GS and is expected to find more than 1,000 UK customers per year – twice that of its predecessor, and much more heavily weighted towards fleets. Across Europe, the GS had been more retail-weighted than its rivals.

Tickner said the company is hoping the ES will lure SMEs with low running costs; CO2 is between 100 and 106g/km, there’s no 4% diesel company car tax levy, residual values are stronger and pricing is lower than the GS. Entry-level and F Sport versions are both priced under £40,000, undercutting key German rivals and avoiding the £310 luxury car VED supplement.

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT: LEXAUTOLEASE.CO.UK/BENCHMARKING 008 • fleetworld.co.uk

Addison Lee shifts from Ford to Volkswagen for latest fleet deal Addison Lee Group is investing £41m in a 1,200-strong Volkswagen Sharan fleet, marking a shift from the existing Ford Galaxy MPVs specified two years ago for £17m.

The Sharans – which will sit alongside the Ford Galaxy and the Mercedes E- and S-Class as part of the Addison Lee Group fleet – will be introduced over the next three months, and will be used for the company’s Select service.

Commenting on the reasons for the shift away from the Galaxy, an Addison Lee Group spokesperson said: “With any upgrade of this nature, we review all options to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers, along with what is best for our business commercially and from a regulatory perspective.

“Our decision to upgrade the remainder of our Euro 5 fleet to Euro 6 Volkswagen Sharans reflected this – it was the best deal for our customers, drivers and the long-term strategy of the business.

“We continue to maintain a positive and healthy relationship with Ford and are keen to discuss with them and other suppliers about the next stages of development for the fleet.”

The firm added that the partnership with Volkswagen formed part of its move to shift towards a zero-emissions capable fleet by 2022 and said the investment in the new Euro 6 MPVs creates a fleet that is compliant with Transport for London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone and starts the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet.

WE COULD HELP IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

Reworked BMW 7 Series brings added electric range and luxury BMW has updated its 7 Series with a new design and luxury features as well as a revised engine line-up.

Priced from £69,430, the facelifted model will still be offered in standard and long wheelbase body variants, both of which are now 22mm longer than before, and has been reworked with extensive changes to the interior and exterior.

Under the bonnet, the engine line-up now covers petrol and diesel engines using six, eight and 12 cylinders as well as an updated plug-in hybrid offering extended electric range. All engines come

as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission – also revised – while xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is featured as standard on the V12 and V8 petrol models and the 740d diesel and is an option for the BMW 730d diesel.

Onboard equipment includes a hands-free phone system including wireless charging as standard, LED ambient lighting and a rearseat entertainment system with two 10-inch full-HD displays complete with a Blu-ray player. The new BMW 7 Series also includes the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit.

Find out how our new benchmarking service could help identify areas where your fleet could be even more efficient.

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT: LEXAUTOLEASE.CO.UK/BENCHMARKING fleetworld.co.uk • 009

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Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the model shown: Combined 42.8 (6.6), CO2 emissions 133 g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. The figures shown here are for limited comparison purposes; fuel consumption is tested using WLTP and C02 emissions are NEDC equivalent. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: All-New ProCeed ‘GT-Line S’ 1.4 T-GDi 138bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG at £29,235 including premium Infra red paint at £550. All-New Kia ProCeed range available from £23,835. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. 7 Year /100,000 miles manufacturer’s warranty included.

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A N A LY S I S CLEAN AIR ZONES

A GREY CLOUD ON THE HORIZON

While the outlook for the effects of clean air zones on traditional company car drivers may not be that gloomy, could storm clouds be gathering for grey fleets, asks Natalie Middleton.

C

lean air and ultra low emission zones are rarely out of the headlines these days – leading Arval to say that the debate has become “overheated” and urging fleets not to panic.

But when it comes to businesses allowing grey fleet usage, could the risk of fines from employees’ own older and non-compliant cars bring a very real for concern?

Certainly, it’s an issue that came under discussion back at ACFO’s spring 2018 seminar when Craig McNaughton, corporate director of Lex Autolease, warned that own-car drivers would expect to claim back such CAZ/ULEZ fines through expenses.

And it’s definitely one that the leasing and fleet management specialists say that fleets should have on their radar when planning ahead for clean air zones.

Simon Carr, chief commercial officer, Alphabet GB, points out that the majority of fleets which lease their vehicles are likely to be already compliant with Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol emissions standards, or very close to it, due to the in-built leasing ‘change cycle’.

However, he warns that the issue could be very different for both businesses which own their vehicles outright – which he says should review each vehicle’s emissions and usage patterns – and in particular for businesses with grey fleets.

Carr comments: “The BVRLA’s guide ‘Getting to Grips with Grey Fleet’ back in 2016 highlighted the fact that grey fleet vehicles were older, less safe and more polluting than newer, company cars – with the average age of these vehicles being over eight years and an average CO2 of over 150g/km.

“Nothing suggests that the age profile

012 • fleetworld.co.uk

for grey fleet vehicles has changed dramatically over the past few years, so that means a large proportion – especially diesel cars registered prior to September 2015 or petrol cars registered before January 2005 – will be liable for the new London ULEZ or new CAZ charges, such as in Birmingham from 2020.”

Jon Lawes, managing director, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, agrees

One client is even planning to switch its entire hybrid fleet to all electric vehicles because of the cost of CAZs.

that grey fleets have been left out of the conversation and says that businesses need to seriously consider effective measures to manage their costs.

He adds: “Businesses and fleet managers need to first gain a full understanding of the size and usage of private vehicles by their employees. By keeping up to date with CAZ and ULEZ developments and regularly auditing grey fleets, they can then manage overall costs by gaining a more accurate picture of potential expenses.

“Education for staff on the benefits of alternatively fuelled vehicles, or implementing grey fleet policies that encourage staff to use more environmentally-friendly transport options can

also help to maintain lower costs.

“We regularly work with customers to help manage the impact of grey fleets and associated costs to their businesses, and find that considering car rentals, or an extension of the fleet beyond core company cars, can also be particularly wise choices.”

And Matt Dale, head of consultancy, ALD Automotive, also foresees problems with charges for non-CAZ compliant grey fleet cars.

He outlines: “Most companies cover the cost of tolls and the London congestion charge, therefore there is a reasonable assumption that they will also cover the cost of CAZs. However, even those employers who have a formal grey fleet policy will find that the charges will be higher than for a newer company car fleet, as the age profile will be older.

“The way in which companies manage these costs remains to be seen. Very few have looked at their policies, but those that have will have realised that the cost implications can be significant, especially if they have vehicles travelling between several CAZs each day.

“ALD Automotive has already conducted several consultancy projects for clients on this subject; advising employers on how to set guidelines for grey fleets, introduce Euro emissions policies and what changes need to be made to company car policies.

“One client is even planning to switch its entire hybrid fleet to all electric vehicles because of the cost of CAZs.” Dale finishes: “Now is an ideal time for employers to change their thinking about staff mobility; and to look into flexible alternatives, not only alternatively fuelled vehicles, but car sharing and public transport.”

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OPINION

Curtis Hutchinson motor industry guru

Mitsubishi goes for growth For most car makers 2018 was a tough year. Not so for Mitsubishi whose sales, powered by strong business demand, saw it grow faster than just about any brand in the UK as it kicked off an ambitious five-year plan. hen the SMMT published its registration figures for 2018, showing the market down 6.8%, there was more red than black on the table with most manufacturers recording year-on-year losses.

One of the few brands to post an increase, let alone a double-digit increase, was Mitsubishi who closed the year up 31.5% with 21,156 new car registrations, its highest total since 2015.

The brand benefited from sales increases across its fleet and retail channels on the back of high demand for the new Eclipse Cross and Shogun Sport and the significantly updated Outlander PHEV. For Rob Lindley, who joined the brand as managing director in April 2018, this was vindication of his five-year plan aimed at achieving sustainable growth of 50,000 cars and commercials by 2023.

Lindley had previous headed Harley Davidson’s operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and was sales and marketing manager of McLaren Automotive; although it is his experience as managing director of the fledgling Mazda brand which resonates most with his current position.

“There’s similarities between where Mitsubishi is now and where Mazda was back in 2002, not long after we took over distribution [from the importer]. At Mazda we grew the business from 14,000 to 50,000 units in six years and there’s a lot I learnt in that time in terms of growing a brand and engaging with the dealer network,” he says.

Lindley moved quickly to engage with Mitsubishi’s retailers, as seen by the brand’s elevated showing in the most recent Dealer Attitude Survey published

W

014 • fleetworld.co.uk

by the National Franchised Dealers Association where it was the most improved car maker in the survey, rising from a lowly 21 (out of 30), to becoming the ninth most valued brand as voted by dealers; above the likes of BMW, Honda, Audi and Volvo.

Happy dealers tend to be profitable ones with a regular supply of new models to shout about and this was reflected in the results as Mitsubishi’s growth has been on the back of increased business, especially in its fleet channels which are slightly ahead of retail.

Last year saw Mitsubishi’s total fleet volumes across cars and commercials rise 30% to 12,953 units. Within that business sales increased 80% with the brand starting to realise the untapped potential it has in the SME arena, facilitated by dealers working closely with local businesses and greatly helped by its new and updated SUV models.

The car maker has plans to further grow its SME offerings this year with a formalised local business strategy which will be introduced after April.

“We want to encourage dealers to become more active in their local markets as we think there are further opportunities for us to grow in the SME space. Our dealers are very good at selling to local businesses they have relationships with, also our product range lends itself well to local businesses,” says Lindley.

“There is growth potential, but we have to make sure that what we’re targeting is incremental to what we would have sold anyway.”

A challenge facing Mitsubishi this year is to continue selling a high volume of Outlander PHEVs, the UK biggest-selling plug-in, following the Government's

nonsensical decision to end the plug-in grant for PHEVs last October, claiming the subsidy had achieved its aim.

“We were disappointed with the decision and thought it was premature of the Government to remove the incentive at a time when this market is really still starting to get going,” he says.

However, so far, business has not been adversely affected. The brand saw a spike in PHEV orders prior to the grant’s removal followed by a dip. Fleet orders have since settled at around 90% of where they were before.

“For company car drivers there’s still compelling reasons to run a PHEV, including the Benefit-in-Kind saving, and the demand is still high. While the cost of acquisition has gone up for the operators there is still demand from those wanting to go green.”

Lindley’s ambition for 2019 is to achieve further year-on-year sales growth, especially in fleet, although forecasts are problematic because of the uncertainty caused by Brexit. Mitsubishi, of course, is in a potentially vulnerable position as all its models are imported, either from Japan or Thailand.

“The biggest challenge for us will be if there’s a disorderly Brexit which would have an adverse impact on exchange rates and our cost of sales which would either have to be reflected in our margins or passed on in pricing to customers.

“We’ve got off to a grand start as part of our five-year vision, there might be market uncertainty but we have a lot going for us with a fresh line-up and major facelifts coming this year for the L200 and ASX. 2019 will be about sustaining positive momentum.”

evfleetworld.co.uk

IN BRIEF New MD at innogy eMobility UK German EV charging technology provider innogy eMobility Solutions GmbH has appointed Karl Anders as the MD for its innogy eMobility UK division. Anders most recently worked for Nissan Motor GB as its national EV manager – corporate sales, and has also held roles as fleet consultant at the Energy Saving Trust and fleet positions at GM and Inchcape UK.

239 miles

Official range for Nissan’s new limited-edition Leaf 3.Zero e+; the highest range yet for the Leaf.

For greener, more flexible, future fleets...

Centrica accelerates EV plans with dedicated Mobility Ventures team Centrica is pushing ahead with far-reaching electric vehicle charging solutions plans with the creation of a new team that will work with domestic and business customers.

The energy and services company, which is the parent firm of British Gas, announced late last summer that it was launching a new intelligent EV charging service offer for businesses following its investment by its Centrica Innovations division in Israeli startup Driivz, which has developed a charging management platform.

Centrica Plc is now supercharging its electric vehicle ambitions with the founding of the Centrica Mobility Ventures team. Dedicated to progressing new solutions and partnerships in support of the emerging electric vehicle market, Centrica Mobility Ventures will work with the company’s international Consumer and Business units to develop customer offers that combine energy supply and charging infrastructure services alongside value-add services such as energy optimisation and software applications.

The team will build on Centrica’s experience as an installer of more than 17,000 EV chargers globally and the launch of a new smart time-of-use tariff from British Gas that offers homeowners cheaper electricity overnight to charge their car.

Source: Nissan

UK falling behind in EV prep The UK is now lagging behind European leaders in its electric vehicle preparation, new research from LeasePlan suggests. The annual index – which looks at the maturity of the EV market (including PHEVs) and infrastructure, government incentives and LeasePlan’s experience with EVs in each country – revealed the UK has lost its 2018 position within the top five, dropping down to seventh.

AA drives hybrid knowledge The AA has commissioned and installed a training rig for hybrid vehicles to help the organisation increase the number of vans and cars fixed by technicians at the roadside.

The rig – said to be a world first – simulates switchable ‘real-world’ hybrid vehicle faults to replicate numerous potential breakdown situations for technicians.

018 • evfleetworld.co.uk

Honda to unveil electric vehicle prototype at Geneva Honda is to reveal a prototype version of its Urban EV Concept at Geneva ahead of the official launch of the production model this year.

Marking the brand’s first massproduction electric vehicle sold in Europe, the electric vehicle plays an important role in Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ commitment for two-thirds of European sales to feature electrified technology by 2025; the brand has also been progressively axeing diesel from some of its line-ups.

The prototype electric vehicle has been revealed ahead of the Geneva Motor Show in an early design sketch that clearly shows its links with the Urban EV Concept revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

No details of the production model have been revealed but the brand said it’s been developed with a focus on functionality and purpose.

MOBILITY

All-electric airport shuttle service launches

IN BRIEF

A new electric car shuttle service for airports has opened in the UK to help cut air pollution.

Dubbed Driven, the new service operates a fleet of seven-seat Tesla Model X SUVs that can be booked exclusively or on a car sharing basis with other passengers who live or work nearby to cut costs; according to the firm, advance booking means it can cost from just £9 per person for a 40-minute trip.

Services are available 24/7 and fleets can also benefit from a travel management application that enables companies to book trips and track activity and costs. The tool

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has opened a new branch in Livingston to provide daily car and van rental as well as the town’s first car club vehicle.

The new location will offer a full range of vehicles for daily, weekly and long-term hire, as well as automated, self-service rental via an on-site bay with an Enterprise Car Club vehicle. .

We’re on a mission to change the way people travel to and from airports.

also provides detailed reporting and highlights potential savings.

The service has also been conceived to bring safety benefits.

All cars are company-owned while all drivers are full-time employees and the firm currently employs expolice, ambulance and military drivers with Advanced Driving Skills training, and extensive background checks and medicals.

Mark Long, CEO at Driven, said: “We’re on a mission to change the way people travel to and from airports, by delivering journeys that are sustainable, affordable and enjoyable. With Driven, you can share your ride or go exclusive and we serve most major UK airports.”

Car club launches in Livingston

Uber adds ‘clean air fee’ Uber has added a 15p per mile fee onto every trip taken through its app in London to help drivers switch to electric vehicles. First announced in October, the new Clean Air Fee has been introduced ahead of April’s Congestion Charge changes – which mean that vehicles including private hire vehicles such as Uber will need to be zero-emission capable to avoid charges – and is intended to help drivers switch to EVs and PHEVs.

Workshops to help develop MaaS Local authorities are being invited to sign up to free best practice workshops that can help them implement low-emission transport policy and wider Mobility as a Service (MaaS) schemes. The DfT-funded events are being run run by the Energy Saving Trust and will take place in March in Derby, Bristol, Manchester, Guildford and Newcastle.

DriveNow car sharing service gains 130 BMW i3s BMW has updated its DriveNow car sharing service in London with the addition of 130 new electric BMW i3s as it moves towards its aim of an 80% all-electric club by 2025.

The new i3s join the existing 50 on the fleet and will be available across a total of nine boroughs in the capital. From April, the older BMW i3 models on the fleet will start to be phased out.

The move follows DriveNow’s expansion last year into five new London boroughs – Westminster, Barnet, Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Brent. As a result, London is now the largest city of operations for DriveNow. James Taylor, UK managing director of DriveNow UK, commented: “The introduction of the new BMW i3s is such a positive step forward for DriveNow and the e-mobility industry. It makes sense for us to expand our electric fleet and continue to offer customers a sustainable alternative to privately owned transport. We have an important role to play in London, helping to normalise EV use and contribute further to improvements in air quality.”

020 • evfleetworld.co.uk

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INNOVATION

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

ALL-WHEELS-UP The issue of moving a broken down vehicle has existed for millennia, so pretty well everything has been tried before and room for innovation is limited. Nevertheless, with all-wheel drive fast becoming all-the-rage with SUVs and electric powered machines roaming our roads, the RAC felt their two-wheel RDT (Rapid Deploy Trailer) was a little lacking. The solution was not at all simple, yet the RAC somehow managed to develop and then

VOLKSWAGEN LIVE CHAT

rapidly deploy more than 600 RAC Orange Plus next generation “all-wheels-up” trailers last autumn, following successful trials in 2017. This year, the trailer is set to become standard for all 1,600 RAC patrols too, ensuring a break down will no longer require waiting for specialised flatbed equipment to arrive, which the RAC estimates will enable 33,000 more vehicles each year to be recovered by the first attending RAC patrol.

WE HAVE POWER

Volkswagen is piloting a new live chat service for corporate customers, designed to make booking a fleet test drive easier. Endless hours traipsing around dealer forecourts need not be the case for fleet operators who can now instead fire up a computer to live chat with an advisor. And, unlike dealerships, the service is open from 9am - 10pm Mon-Fri and until 9pm on weekends. Only a name, email address and the desired vehicle need to be shared before being connected with an advisor who then organises the test drive. Bish, bash, bosh and a car from Volkswagen’s considerable dedicated Corporate Test Drive Fleet arrives at the customer’s home for appraisal.

To book a corporate test drive today head to WWW.VOLKSWAGEN.CO.UK/FLEET

Analysis from the Electric Nation project has revealed that there is indeed enough power to cope with EVs, if charging is moved away from peak times. The significance of the data collected from more than 140,000 electric vehicle charging events is that despite many EVs being plugged in for more than 12 hours, they are rarely charging for that length of time and typically already have 50% remaining charge when plugged in.

Consequently, many EV owners only charge three times a week. The innovation here is from both the use of smartphone apps to encourage drivers to plug in at night, as well as the use of smart chargers to minimise disruption to EV journeys. The teams involved in the project are now analysing the full extent of the research, that will be published on WWW.ELECTRICNATION.ORG.UK

022 • fleetworld.co.uk

New

RENAULT KADJAR SUV by Renault

Fixed Panoramic Glass Sunroof Front and Rear Parking Sensors Rear Parking Camera 19’’ Alloy Wheels Call Renault Business Hub on 0800 731 7066 / Search New KADJAR S Edition P11d d £25,2 235

BlK 27% %

g/ km CO2 113g

Combined mpg 65 5.7

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Renault KADJAR S Edition are: Combined 41.5 (6.8) - 60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 134-111g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration.

WLTP is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures, however until April 2020 the CO2 figures are based on the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle which will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Please visit renault.co.uk/ configure for WLTP figures for any selected options.

Model shown is New Renault KADJAR S Edition Blue dCi 115 MY19. Renault UK Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position.

ELECTRIC & MORE

1

A FUSION OF ELECTRIC & PETROL TECHNOLOGY GIVING THE REMARKABLE EFFICIENCY OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE & ALL THE BENEFITS OF A 4WD SUV. ELECTRIC & MORE. FROM

£36,755 - £46,0602

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an electric vehicle & so much more. Delivering a remarkable 139mpg and an electric range of up to 28 miles, the Outlander PHEV comes with a unique set of benefits that you wouldn’t expect. Featuring a petrol engine and twin electric motors and with ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 4Og/km there are substantial reductions in Benefit in Kind taxation5, it’s the UK’s best selling plug-in hybrid and so much more.

Test the best | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Outlander PHEV Mpg (l/100km) (weighted combined): 139.7 (2.0) Electric energy consumption (weighted combined): 3.68 miles/kWh CO₂ emissions (weighted): 40 g/km * Equivalent all-electric range: 28 miles

Compare the corporation tax savings of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV against a typical company car.

PROFIT BEFORE TAX (PBT) TAX RATE LIST PRICE OF VEHICLE CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

TYPICAL VEHICLE

OUTLANDER PHEV

£100,000

£100,000

19%

19%

£39,445

£39,445

8%

CAPITAL ALLOWANCE (£)

3

100%

£3,156

£39,445

£96,844

£60,555

CORPORATION TAX (NO VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£19,000

£19,000

CORPORATION TAX (WITH VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£18,400

£11,505

£600

£7,495

TAXABLE PROFIT (ON £100,000 PBT)

SAVING DUE TO CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

BUYING AN OUTLANDER PHEV WILL SAVE YOU A TOTAL OF £6,895 IN CORPORATION TAX (year 1)

Compare the tax savings of running a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as your company car against these market leaders.

OUTLANDER PHEV 4h

HONDA CR-V SR AUTO

BMW X3 XDRIVE 30D SE AUTO

AUDI Q5 S LINE 40 TDI AUTO

MERCEDES E220D AMG LINE AUTO SALOON

£39,445

£33,745

£45,170

£41,300

£40,300

CO2 EMISSIONS G/KM

40

162

154

146

127

BENEFIT IN KIND RATE

13%

33%

35%

34%

30%

VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITHOUT FUEL PROVIDED

£2,051

£4,454

£6,324

£5,617

£4,836

THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER)

–

£2,403

£4,273

£3,566

£2,785

VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITH FUEL PROVIDED

£3,268

£7,543

£9,600

£8,799

£7,644

THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER)

–

£4,275

£6,332

£5,531

£4,376

COST OF THE CAR P11D VALUE4

1. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/24hour. 2. On The Road prices shown include VAT (at 20%) and First Registration Fee. Model shown is a 19MY Outlander PHEV 4h with pearlescent paint at £40,050. On The Road prices for an Outlander PHEV range from £36,755 to £46,060 and include VAT (at 20%) and First Registration Fee. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. Prices correct at time of going to print. 3. Outlander PHEV qualifies as low CO2 emissions vehicle for the purpose of Capital Allowances. 8% write down allowance used for comparison. 4. The P11D value in this row comprises the list price, including VAT (at 20%), plus any delivery charges, but does not include the car’s first registration fee or its annual road tax. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. 5. 13% BIK compared to the average rate of 30% for the other vehicles shown. 13% BIK rate for the 2018/19 tax year. Fuel economy and CO₂ figures shown were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range 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, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. * There is a new test used 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.

SPOTLIGHT VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

PASSIONATE ABOUT PASSAT The Passat has been transformed into a fleet superstar, discovers Jonathan Musk, with new engines, an extended electric range plug-in hybrid and a multitude of innovation world firsts.

FLEET FAVOURITE Celebrating its 45th anniversary and with 30 million sales fast approaching since the original launch in 1973, the Passat has proven fleet appeal. 85% of the 12,450 units sold last year went to fleets, with two-thirds of customers choosing the Estate variant, making it the best-selling estate in the D-segment.

Offering customers plenty of versatility has always been key for the Passat and with a range of new petrol and diesel units, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, the new plug-in hybrid GTE model offers around 40% more range – around 35 miles – than the outgoing model.

Michael O’Shea, head of fleet at Volkswagen UK, said, “The share of Passat GTE sales is expected to grow from around 10% in the outgoing model to as much as 25%.” Although prices remain TBC, Volkswagen has suggested that the new car will be around £1k more expensive, except for the GTE which will benefit from a price reduction of around £2.5k.

026 • fleetworld.co.uk

NEW ENGINES As well as increased range for the GTE, the engine line-up gains from economy-enhancing updates. As standard, each petrol and diesel engine is equipped with a particulate filter and complies with Euro 6d-TEMP. Newly introduced is a 2.0-litre TDI Evo diesel, which purports to deliver 10g/km less CO2 than the outgoing model, yet provides the same 150hp output. In addition, joining the diesel is a new 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit available with either 190hp or 272hp. Consequently, Volkswagen claims the Passat will offer low total operating costs, with the 2.0-litre TDI Evo said to offer the lowest TCO amongst its direct competitors.

As for trim options, the line-up has been revised to include SE, SEL, R-Line, GTE and GTE Advance. All versions are predicted to be popular with fleets although O'Shea added that: "With the growing popularity of AFVs, the new Passat GTE with extended electric-only range is likely to be particularly attractive.”

CUTTING EDGE Turning the Passat into a technology tour de force, the new Passat premieres Travel Assist – Volkswagen’s first partially automated driving system that operates at virtually any speed up to 130mph.

The most advanced iteration of IQ.DRIVE (the new brand for Volkswagen’s assistance hardware) integrates Travel Assist with driver systems including Emergency Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Already available in the Arteon, ACC reacts to speed limits, bends, junctions and urban areas. Matrix LED headlights (IQ.LIGHT) are also now available, while standard LED tail lamps adorn the rear.

Meanwhile, drivers are treated to the latest digital instrument cluster and, for the first time in a Volkswagen, a capacitive touch steering wheel providing access to systems such as Travel Assist without taking hands off the wheel. Volkswagen’s latest MIB3 online connected services suite makes its debut, as does ‘We Connect Fleet’: said to save money by providing businesses with a digital logbook, fuel consumption monitoring and Service Manager.

IN SUMMARY The latest updates elevate the Passat firmly into the premium sector. With a host of Volkswagen firsts and premium technology, the latest enhancements further its fleet appeal. Add to that the promise of new low-CO2 engines, plus a practical plug-in hybrid offering realworld fuel savings, and the Passat is all but guaranteed to continue its showroom success. UK order books open June 2019 with first deliveries towards the end of 2019. JM fleetworld.co.uk • 027

DRIVEN

Suzuki Vitara Minor updates for Suzuki’s fleet best-seller target even broader appeal, explains Alex Grant.

With a sudden shift in attitudes and regulations, Suzuki has found itself in the right place at the right time. Not only with efficient, high-value compact SUVs, but with the right infrastructure in place to find new opportunities in fleet.

So it’s no surprise to see it’s quadrupled its fleet sales since 2016, to 10,000 units, or that almost half of those customers opt for the Vitara, which is in one of the market’s fastestgrowing segments.

This mid-life update addresses feedback about the outgoing car, with a view to finding even more customers.

It’s added an armrest upfront, a softtouch dashtop and minor styling updates, all of which help, and it’s

spacious too. But, if the Vitara’s shiny plastics were a dealbreaker before, then they probably still will be.

Suzuki dropped diesel last year and, although it was more popular on the Vitara than in other models, there are no plans to re-introduce it. Instead, the line-up has been slimmed back to a pair of turbocharged petrol engines – a 110bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder, shared with the S-Cross, and a 138bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder, which is no longer reserved for top-spec versions. Both

SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £16,999-£24,649 FUEL 36.6-45.9mpg* CO2 121-143g/km**

can be equipped with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

It’s a good drive in either case – light, agile and responsive, though the extra performance and sixth gear from the larger engine are worth considering for motorway drivers.

Low pricing and petrol tax efficiency should help lure company car drivers, though WLTP CO2 rises range between 18 and 31g/km. Yet another sudden shift looming ever closer on the horizon.

RATING *WLTP **NEDC Correlated

THE

SUZUKI VITARA THE ‘ALL IN’ BUSINESS PACKAGE Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet SZ5 manual 2WD

£229

PER MONTH +VAT

†

When it comes to business, everyone wants more for less, which is where the Suzuki Vitara comes in. With its stylish looks and an abundance of tech, it makes a great day-to-day partner in the city and a perfect companion for when adventure calls. So if you want to take care of business, and enjoy yourself a little, then look no further than the Vitara.

On Suzuki Business Contract Hire plus initial rental of £2,060.73 +VAT (including optional maintenance).

• Competitively priced ‘package deal’

36-month agreement. 7,000 miles per annum.

Excess mileage charges apply. VAT payable at 20%.

• ALLGRIP on selected SZ-T and SZ5 models

• Attention-grabbing bold and powerful SUV styling • Boosterjet engines • Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating

Fuel economy and CO2* results for the Suzuki Vitara range in mpg (L/100km): Combined 36.6 (7.8) to 45.9 (6.2). CO 2 emissions: 143 to 121g/km.

The fuel consumption you achieve in real life conditions and CO 2 produced 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 used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical standard. † Important information – Business Users only. Offer subject to 35 monthly rentals of £228.97 plus VAT with initial rental of £2,060.73 plus VAT based on New Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet SZ5 manual 2WD with dual-tone metallic paint and optional maintenance (as shown above). Suzuki Contract Hire is a trading style of Lex Autolease Ltd. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Ownership of

Tesla Model S 75D Switching to the Tesla Model S doesn’t have to mean compromises for your fleet, finds Jonathan Musk.

Whoever said “size matters” must have been talking to the Tesla Model S designers. Wider than a MercedesBenz S-Class and more commodious, thanks to its under bonnet ‘frunk’ (if you’re American) or ‘froot’ (if you’re not) and its notably cavernous boot – the Model S offers twice the storage space of the American company’s latest darling; the Model 3.

Tesla introduced the 75D in 2018 hoping to appeal to fleets, yet between the time of our test and going to print with this review, the company has pulled the 75D from its line-up – presumably to make way for the Model 3.

Nevertheless, this is a car that can aid making the ‘electric switch’ with

seemingly little compromise. The Model S may have been introduced in 2012, but thanks to frequent overthe-air updates, it’s still reasonably cutting edge and that's despite missing fleet favourites Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Sat behind the wheel it’s easy to understand why Tesla has been able to make such a large impact on the automotive world. It’s rapid and easy to drive and more importantly live with too. The spartan dashboard offers two screens (both of which have had updated software in recent months – happily, the web 1.0 design is gone) and everything is available at a press of the 17-inch touchscreen. It isn’t the most user-intuitive interface, if I’m

SECTOR Luxury car PRICE £75,950† RANGE 304 miles** CO2 0g/km

honest, but it looks premium.

And then there’s the battery; our 75D test car offered a plentiful 264 realworld miles from a single charge (304 NEDC) and Tesla’s comprehensive network of Superchargers quietens even the most anxious passenger.

Despite its high asking price, with a low BiK of 13% and either a two, three or four-year term plus £10k deposit up front, Model S should appeal to fleets and can make the switch to electric effortless.

RATING †75D price shown no longer available. Factor £86,150 inc. PICG for the 100D. **NEDC

For even more reasons to choose Suzuki, visit your local Dealer today. cars.suzuki.co.uk/vitarabusiness 0800 804 8828

Reliability Survey Overall winner

Suzuki has been named the number one most reliable car brand by What Car?

the vehicle remains with the finance company and the vehicle must be handed back at the end of the term. UK residents aged 18+ only. Subject to status. The offer above is available from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. This offer is available from 1st January 2019 to 31st March 2019.

Return conditions apply. Charges may be payable depending on the condition/mileage when the vehicle is returned. Excess mileage charges at 13.52p plus VAT per mile. Maintenance includes routine servicing, tyres, replacement parts and repairs due to fair wear and tear. Repairs or replacements from accidental/malicious damage and damage caused by driver misuse/abuse are excluded. The vehicle must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and by an approved service Dealer. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. See full terms and conditions at cars.suzuki.co.uk.vitarabusiness

DRIVEN

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Tough meaningful looks aren’t just skin deep in the new hybrid-only RAV4, discovers Jonathan Musk.

Unrecognisable from its 1994 humble origins, the fifth-generation RAV4 sports an entirely new design, moving away from its predecessors to become a more useable car with less focus on off-road capability.

Akio Toyoda told the chief engineer, “no more boring cars!” and built on Toyota’s new TNGA-K platform; the sharp new looks certainly offer more kerb appeal than its upright forebear.

While ‘RAV’ once stood for ‘Recreational Active Vehicle’, it now means ‘Robust Accurate Vehicle’ – a nod towards its distinctive design and “rough and capable” performance.

The latter point is taken care of by Toyota’s latest hybrid system, featuring a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle (efficient and frugal) petrol engine, which sits up front alongside an electric motor. Adding an extra motor at the rear introduces the AWD-i all-wheel drive model.

Sales in the UK are expected to be split 70:30 in favour of all-wheel drive, while fleet sales should make up half of the expected 10,000 or so units Toyota plans to shift in the UK in 2019.

Of course, those sales will be at the expense of rivals, which now include

the refined Honda CR-V Hybrid, solid Volkswagen Tiguan diesel and practical Ford Kuga. Toyota believes the promise of low CO2 will win customers over, which – together with fuel economy savings – the company calculates could ensure up to £127/mth is kept in your bank account over a diesel Tiguan or £47/mth over the CR-V Hybrid – not to be sniffed at.

The all-new interior sports a fresh solid look that’s been carefully completed with quality materials and a high-up eight-inch touchscreen with ergonomically positioned controls throughout. Pleasingly, the RAV4 is the first to receive a mildly redesigned user interface for the infotainment system. Unpleasingly, it’s the same tired and oddly void of detail mapping system, which managed to aid us taking several wrong turns. Particularly conspicuous by their absence are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though Toyota did hint that these may be introduced at a later date.

Happily, the carmaker hasn’t made a wrong-turn itself when it comes to the RAV4’s on-road performance, which is surprisingly refined and brisk despite the overall size of vehicle. Speaking of which, the new car is shorter than the outgoing model, yet boasts a longer wheelbase that creates a large amount of legroom in the rear. Likewise, the

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £29,635-£36,640 FUEL 49-51mpg* CO2 102-105g/km**

boot is supremely practical and wide, thanks to the TNGA-K platform’s rear suspension having been pushed out and made more upright. It’s a sensible design that will win favour with families and those who require regular loadlugging capacity.

With prices starting in the UK from £29,635, the RAV4 represents good value for money. It’s well-equipped as standard and even the entry-level Icon grade comes with a raft of standard kit including LED headlights, Toyota Safety Sense 2 and a rear-view camera.

Pre-orders are already open and first deliveries start from April.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL TOYOTA RAV4 ICON STRENGTHS SPACIOUS AND PRACTICAL DESIGN WEAKNESSES POOR INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, NO ANDROID AUTO/APPLE CARPLAY

THE VERDICT There’s very little to dislike about the new RAV4 – it’s quiet, comfortable, practical and handsome. The hybrid-economy promise lives up to scrutiny too, as do the financials.

RATING *WLTP

030 • fleetworld.co.uk

** NEDC correlated

Y O U R F L E E T ’S F I N A N C E S T O T A L L Y T R A N S F O R M E D G et ting b e hin d th e w h e el of th e All- New F o cus ha s n ever b e en m o r e co m f o r t a b le o r le s s d e m a n d i n g t h a n k s to i t s n ew d r i ve r a s s i s t a n ce te chn o lo gie s su ch a s Ad apti ve Cr uis e Co ntrol w ith Sto p & G o, Intelli ge n t Sp e e d A s s i s t a n d B li n d Sp o t Inf o r m ati o n Sy s te m (B LIS).

D i s cover m o re at fo r d .co.u k /n ew-fo cu s o r co nt ac t th e F o rd B usin e s s Ce ntre: 03457 2 3 2 3 2 3 | f li n f o r m@f o r d .co m

P11D

BIK

£30,490- £18,100

28% - 22%

Model shown is an All-New Focus ST-Line X 5 Door Manual Diesel with option Adaption LED Headlights. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Combined 46.3 (6.1). *CO2 emissions 114g/km.

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 used 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.

DRIVEN

KIA ProCeed Need the space of an estate, but don’t like the idea of owning one?

KIA’s solution is the new ProCeed, says Martyn Collins.

Remember the pro_cee’d? Previously KIA’s svelte three-door coupe version of the last-generation Cee’d, well with the decline in Coupe sales, it is back for 2019, re-punctuated and now a five-door Shooting Break.

Shooting Break is a term usually reserved for expensive, curvy estates and on first look at the styling, I think KIA has nailed the brief.

It is when you get past the middle, where the ProCeed gets really interesting, with that curvy rear. It almost looks like a scaled-down, Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, but the overall look is well-executed, attractive and features some nice detailing, like the slick chrome trim around the windows and the angled ‘Sharkblade’, which emphasises the window line.

Inside, it’s all conventional Ceed, but that’s no bad thing as it’s very European-feeling with plenty of softtouch plastic, plus a high quality feel with all the piano black and chrome trim highlights. This is a Kia and the ProCeed will only be available in top GT-Line, hottest GT and rangetopping GT-Line S trims, which means you won’t be wanting for standard kit.

The driving position is comfortable and the front seats supportive.

However, rear space is merely average and the ProCeed’s curvy roofline, means tallest rear passengers heads will be brushing the headlining.

The low roof line, long tailgate and shallow-looking load area might suggest otherwise, but the ProCeed’s 594-litre boot, isn’t much shorter than the Ceed estate’s 625 litres. Further practicality includes the 40:20:40 split/fold rear seat and a large selection of useful cubbies under the floor to keep valuables out of sight.

With seven airbags, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance fitted as standard, the Proceed is a very safe car.

This KIA is available with a 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 201bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a 138bhp 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine. The 1.6 CRDI diesel is now fitted with ‘Smartstream’ technology, meeting the tough Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard, but I’m sure it’s noisier and rougher than before? KIA believe the best-seller in the corporate market, like the Ceed, will be the 138bhp 1.4-litre T-GDI turbo petrol, that we drove, although in rangetopping GT-Line S trim.

Impressive refinement is what you notice first, this 1.4 remaining pleas-

SECTOR C-Segment PRICE £23,835-£38,985 FUEL 39.3-56.5mpg CO2 111-142g/km

ingly hushed — except when worked hard. The engine itself feels willing and torquey and is well-matched here to the seven-speed DCT auto. On the road, highlights include the precise steering, with the lowered suspension improving the body control, with high levels of grip.

Our GT-Line S rolled on the biggest 18-inch wheels, yet the ride felt impressively composed, with just a little patter over big bumps.

Like the idea of something a bit different, with all the positives of the latest Ceed - well the ProCeed could be just what you're after.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL 1.4 T-GDI GT-LINE STRENGTHS STYLING, REFINEMENT, EQUIPMENT WEAKNESSES REAR HEADROOM, UNREFINED DIESEL

THE VERDICT KIA brings the Shooting Break to the masses and the attractively styled result, will tempt buyers out of the usual C-Sector hatches and estates.

RATING *WLTP

032 • fleetworld.co.uk

** NEDC correlated

Confidence is an update on your workforce while your coffee’s still hot.

When you need to see what’s going on in the field at any moment in the day, you need Verizon Connect.

Our solutions give you total visibility in real time, so you don’t have to be somewhere to know what’s going on there.

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

DRIVEN

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Premium compact MPV, or something sportier? The B-Class’s identity crisis thankfully doesn’t affect its many qualities, says Craig Thomas.

Mercedes-Benz is nothing but brave, launching a new generation B-Class at a time when sales of compact MPVs are falling, overshadowed as they are

by SUVs. Peugeot, for example, has transformed the 5008 from an MPV into and SUV: it's therefore surprising that the B-Class – the last generation of which only accounted for just over 45,000 sales in the UK, between 2012 and 2108 – is not now the GLB. Admittedly, Mercedes isn’t calling it an MPV, instead dubbing it a Sports Tourer. Not that sporty is the first word that you’d associated with it, on first acquaintance: it’s longer and wider than the previous car, but it still looks as if it’s built for practicality than any kind of sportiness. The cabin offers enough space for five adult occupants; headroom and legroom in the rear pretty generous, while the boot capacity that ranges from 445 to 1,530 litres. The seats are also perfectly comfortable, with plenty of adjustment for the driver and front passenger.

Technology is another major theme of the new B-Class, which includes the potential for a pair of 10.25-inch touchscreens (either on range-topping trim

levels or as an option), the augmented reality navigation first seen in the A-Class last year, the Mercedes Me suite of connected services and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control system.

Also on a tech tip is the wide variety of available driver assistance technologies, many of which debuted in MercedesBenz’s flagship S-Class. So cameras and sensors with a 500m range, along with map and navigation data, help support features such Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Attention Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Speed Limit Assist.

Under the hood, the B-Class offer five engine options – two petrol and three diesel. The B 200 petrol engine (there’s also a B 180) is the same 161bhp 1.3-litre unit that’s taking the majority of fleet sales for the new AClass, here returning 43.5mpg and emitting just 138g/km.

Diesel-wise, the 1.5-litre B 180 d is the economy champ, emitting 104g/km and returning 60.2mpg, but, from a TCO perspective, the two versions new 2.0-litre engines could be better. Both comply with new RDE2 emissions legislation that comes into force in January 2020, and are exempt from the 4% diesel BiK levy.

The B 200 d produces 148bhp, returns 55.4mpg and emits 114g/km.

We found it to be an impressively

SECTOR Compact MPV PRICE TBC FUEL 43.5-60.2mpg* CO2 104-138g/km**

refined engine and should prove easy to live with. The B 220 d is more of the same, producing 188bhp, returning 54.4mpg and emitting 116g/km. Both of these new engines also transfer their power via a new gearbox, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic unit, which is quick-shifting and smooth.

There’s nothing sporty about the B-Class’s on-road performance, either. This is a comfort-focused car – and it fulfils that brief well – so the trade-off is that it can wallow slightly at speed when cornering. A brave move, but well executed.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL B180 SPORT STRENGTHS SPACE, TECHNOLOGY, COMFORT WEAKNESSES NOT AT ALL SPORTY, SLIGHTLY WALLOWY RIDE

THE VERDICT The B-Class is an accomplished package of comfort, practicality and technology – all qualities that will serve fleet owners well.

What it isn’t is sporty, whatever the marketers might want you to believe.

RATING *WLTP

034 • fleetworld.co.uk

** NEDC correlated

DRIVEN

Lexus ES 300h Lexus has bold plans for its hybrid-only executive saloon, explains Alex Grant.

Lexus has played the long game with hybrids, and that patience might be about to pay off. Hybridisation has become cheaper and more fuel-efficient, just as demand falters for increasingly tax-burdened diesels, so there’s a window of opportunity for the right products. And they don’t have to be rakish SUVs. The ES is Lexus’s new executive saloon, replacing the GS in Western Europe. It’s the seventh generation of the company’s second best-selling product, but the first ES to come to the UK. With its sights set on the A6, E-Class and 5 Series, it’s significantly longer and wider than its predecessors, and aiming to attract a fleet-weighted 1,000 UK customers per year – twice the sales of the GS. This won’t mean following the crowd.

Toyota and Lexus have dropped diesel in Europe, so the ES and mechanically similar Camry will come with a single engine option – a petrol hybrid. It’s priced much lower than the GS, with stronger residual values, while CO2 emissions undercut the best diesel executive saloons, but don’t attract the 4% company car tax levy. All are good reasons to take note.

Financial sense is only part of the picture. The ES uses Lexus’s lighter and more compact new hybrid system, combining an efficient 2.5-litre petrol engine and powerful electric motor with a battery under the rear bench. Recognising that European customers value sportiness – not typically a hybrid forte – the seating position is low, the suspension is reasonably firm, and the steering is weighty. But, despite noticeable attempts to better align engine revs and vehicle speed, there’s no masking the inevitable, unnatural-sounding, underload engine drone from its continuously-variable transmission.

Instead, the ES shines as a longdistance tourer. Acceleration is linear rather than punchy, but its 215hp makes for effortless acceleration, while the coasting function enables it to glide in near silence at motorway speeds without regenerative braking. Extensive sound insulation drowns out most of the whirring of the petrol engine, and highpitched motor noises, but sadly not the roar of tyre on tarmac. The ES can also be driven short distances in EV mode, though it’s best left to its own devices, dispensing short bursts of zero-emission driving where possible. Lexus claims up to half of a mixed-cycle route can be done with the engine switched off.

Frustrations are few and far between.

Cabin quality is impeccably high, but the

SECTOR Executive PRICE £35,150-£38,150 FUEL 53.0-59.3mpg* CO2 100-106g/km**

long rear screen compromises back seat headroom and the boot opening.

Lexus’s new 12.3-inch infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as rivals’, and offers no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay alternative. Given that it’s only included on top-spec Takumi versions, or with the £4,000 Takumi pack, it’s a little suspicious by its absence in a tech-heavy car.

But, even with the market turning towards SUVs, the ES has a far better opportunity to get drivers’ attention than its predecessors, and customers they won’t feel disappointed if they dig a little deeper. Just rewards for Lexus playing the long game.

THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL ES 300H STRENGTHS COMPETITIVE RUNNING COSTS WEAKNESSES REAR HEADROOM, CLUNKY INFOTAINMENT

THE VERDICT The ES is a good car, and well timed to take advantage of the UK market. Its toughest task, as a newcomer, is building the awareness it deserves.

RATING *WLTP

**NEDC Correlated

fleetworld.co.uk • 035

SWOT BMW 5 Series Touring Our expert panel analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing BMW’s executive estate, the 5 Series Touring.

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

GA 5 Series Touring has superb driving dynamics, plus space and refinement up there with the best.

GA Some users will have had a 5 Series at some point in the past and this could push some to look elsewhere.

GA There are some very good alternatives from rivals, with competitive monthly rentals and most enjoy an equally strong brand image.

AC Practical, with a comfortable, well-equipped interior and it still offers a dynamic drive – the 5 Series Touring is about as good as it gets. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 190hp with 400Nm of torque, so it’s punchy enough, yet also offers decent fuel economy.

AC Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered as standard. However if you do specify them as an extra, they are wireless and brilliantly integrated.

GA The 5 Series is a great allrounder and in many areas class-leading. It delivers everything to ensure that its users, whether new to the brand or not, are nothing but impressed.

MJ New 5 Series has earned significant praise and the Touring is no less a car. It drives like the saloon, with a slightly more compliant ride, feels planted on the road with excellent handling and a powerful engine.

MW This BMW has always been a popular fleet choice, a very desirable used car and the diesel engine is rock solid.

036 • fleetworld.co.uk

MJ Hard to identify true weaknesses, although the SE standard specification is so good that you might consider that, if the M Sport looks aren’t important to you.

MW The 520d is liked by most; park one on the drive, and you feel you have made it. But that could be its weakness too, as there have been too many sold, as such there are too many around — so the BMW 5 Series’s uniqueness and desirability is beginning to falter.

AC There has been a shift to SUVs over the years, but for those who want a practical family car that drives fantastically — well, they may decide that they want to jump back into this type of vehicle instead.

MJ In this sector, brand loyalty is high, but this generation 5 Series is extremely good, so some degree of conquest from competitors seems assured.

MW The BMW sells well both new and used and always has done, but there is a fine balance here.

AC The biggest threat to the 5 Series Touring, and all of the vehicles in this segment, is the shift of momentum to the SUV. The downside of the SUV is the drive, however they do have certain advantages.

MJ For all cars in this group, the closest equivalent SUV could represent a more cost-effective solution, although the cost of ownership of the group is surprisingly close. Revised BIK taxation from April 2020 is still unknown, and may inhibit some acquisition decisions — a general threat.

MW The biggest threats to the 5 Series Touring are the X1, X3 and X5 and the rise of SUVs.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer relationship manager, CAP

BMW 520D TOURING M SPORT

Gavin Amos (GA) Global valuation director Global Analytic Services

Strengths GA The 5 Series is a hit.

AC 570 litres of boot space.

MJ Standard equipment has all the essentials.

MW A popular fleet choice.

Strengths

E220 Estate 2.0d 194 AMG Line 9G-T+ Auto

GA Tough competition from its peers.

AC Not as exciting to drive as the BMW. MJ Not the most dynamic drive.

MW The E-Class does not appeal to younger drivers, they are just not cool, and seen as an old man’s car – MercedesBenzs need to get around this somehow.

Strengths

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.0d 180 R-Sport Auto8

GA Great package.

AC Rivals the BMW dynamically.

MJ Aggressively priced.

MW Different and British.

Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £685

GA Brand perception when compared to German offerings.

AC Feels dated inside compared to rivals.

MJ Emissions and economy not truly competitive.

MW Buyers now wandering back to German brands.

OTR: £42,095 Standard equipment: P11D: £40,525 • Front/rear parking sensors and Fuel: 52.3mpg rear parking camera CO2: 143g/km • Heated seats RV*: £14,925 (36.83%) • Dual-zone climate control BiK: 30% • Sat-nav with 8.0-inch touchSMR: £3,138 screen Fuel costs: £6,769 • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Insurance: £4,266 • Keyless entry and start Finance: £5,471 NI: £5,928 Optional equipment: VED: £1,415 • Metallic paint £710 Cost per month: £1,462

Strengths

A6 40 Avant 2.0TDI 204 S line S-Tron Auto7

Weaknesses

GA Delivers all-round.

AC Classy interior with lots of tech.

MJ Aggressive new styling.

MW Choice of front or four-wheel drive.

Weaknesses GA Users may want something different.

AC Steering is lifeless.

MJ Not a huge change for this model year – consumer awareness low.

MW The A6 is still regarded as the ‘poor-relation’ in this group. It isn’t of course, but it is seen as bottom of the pile in image terms.

*3 year/60K

Standard equipment: • DAB, BT, USB • Front/rear parking sensors and rear parking camera • Heated seats • Dual-zone climate control • Sat-nav, 8.0-inch touchscreen • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • LED headlights • Keyless entry and start

OTR: £42,870 P11D: £42,300 Fuel: 55.4mpg CO2: 135g/km RV*: £17,250 (40.78%) BiK: 32% SMR: £3,741 Fuel costs: £6,390 Insurance: £4,653 Finance: £5,711 NI: £6,013 VED: £1,415 Cost per month: £1,473

Weaknesses

AUDI A6 40 AVANT S LINE

BMW 520d Touring M Sport Auto8

GA The 5 Series is now a big car, but that said so are many of its competitors.

AC M Sport models have slightly stiffer suspension, which may not suit all.

MJ Revised BIK taxation from April 2020 may inhibit some acquisition decisions.

MW Too popular, too many around.

GA Right up with the best.

AC Loadspace, quality interior.

MJ Durability, semi-autonomous tech available.

MW One to buy and be seen in.

JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE 2.0D 180 R-SPORT

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

OTR: £43,835 Standard equipment: P11D: £43,575 • DAB, BT, USB Fuel: 58.8mpg • Front/rear parking sensors CO2: 125g/km • Heated seats RV*: £18,075 (41.48%) • Dual-zone climate control BiK: 30% • Sat-nav with 8.8-inch touchSMR: £3,088 screen Fuel costs: £6,020 • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Insurance: £4,653 • LED headlights Finance: £5,883 • Keyless entry and start NI: £5,833 VED: £1,105 Optional equipment: Cost per month: £1,448 • Metallic paint £685

Weaknesses

MERCEDES-BENZ E220 CDI AMG-LINE

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

OTR: £44,100 Standard equipment: P11D: £43,840 • DAB, BT, USB Fuel: 60.1mpg • Front/rear parking sensors and CO2: 124g/km rear parking camera RV*: £17,625 (40.20%) • Heated seats BiK: 29% • Dual-zone climate control SMR: £2,926 • Sat-nav with 8.0-inch touchFuel costs: £5,890 screen Insurance: £5,469 • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Finance: £5,918 • Keyless entry and start NI: £5,687 VED: £1,105 Optional equipment: Cost per month: £1,480 • Metallic paint £685

fleetworld.co.uk • 037

THE CONNECTED CAR

CONNECTED CARS THE NEXT STEPS

WHAT STARTED BACK IN THE 1990S WITH NOTIFICATIONS OF CRASHES TO EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, LOCATING THE VEHICLE AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, HAS NOW GROWN TO INVOLVE FULL 4G LTE DATA CONNECTIVITY IN MOST MODELS AND EVEN SELF-DRIVING MODES. MARTYN COLLINS LOOKS AT THE NEXT LEVEL OF CONNECTED CAR DEVELOPMENT AND HOW IT RELATES TO FLEET.

038 • fleetworld.co.uk

I

f you thought that the pace of change in the connected car segment was fast, then to quote the band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

According to TomTom sales director UK and Ireland Beverley Wise, the next developments in vehicle connectivity, both from a consumer motoring and fleet management perspective, must be regarded as key ingredients to what tech specialists have dubbed the evolving ‘third platform’.

Beverly Wise goes on to say: “For business fleets, integrations of vehiclerelated data from open telematics platforms with a variety of different software systems and mobile hardware, have led to a seismic shift towards automated, end-to-end, business processes.” But, what are the latest developments? Well, Las Vegas at the start of January was a good place to start.

New year, new technology The start of a new year, and the chance for car manufacturers to demonstrate their latest technology at what is rapidly turning into a must-exhibit show for makers – CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas.

Previously the show was just about smartphones, TVs and robots, but 2019 developments focused on the next stage of car connectivity, which included the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset and Toyota’s Chauffeur system.

The Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset is the latest in a long-running relationship with the Ford Motor Company, and is a development of the advanced connectivity systems for Ford vehicles, However, where it differs is that it includes upcoming Cellular Vehicle-toEverything (C-V2X) technology. Basically, C-V2X is a highly advanced wireless connectivity technology, allowing vehicles to directly communicate with other vehicles, pedestrian devices, and roadside infrastructure, such as traffic signs and construction zones — without the involvement of a cellular network.

These other cars, signs and traffic zones then work in an end-to-end process to provide the car with information about its surroundings and identify objects that may be out of view — including accidents that are further down the road, or pedestrians that may be obstructed by large trucks or buildings. The biggest bonus for fleet with this latest C-V2X technology is that it will cut travel time to a minimum and, with the system being aware what obstacles are around it, increase safety in the process.

More importantly, because the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X is supported by

some of the latest advancements in wireless technology, it provides a strong path towards 5G. This means a C-V2Xenabled vehicle won’t go out-of-date and instead is designed to remain compatible with future devices, services and infrastructure that will come with 5G technology.

Toyota’s latest connected technology was also showcased at CES 2019. Toyota is unusual when compared to other car manufacturers, as it is developing not one but two technologies when working on next-level connected cars. The first being Chauffeur, which takes control of the driving, and its Guardian tech, which still involves drivers most of the time and was explained at CES 2019.

Guardian is designed to mimic the way a human interfaces with a fighter jet — as in many instances the pilot doesn’t directly fly the plane. Instead, the pilot’s control inputs are read by a flight control system that makes corrections to ensure safety, and that’s the idea behind Guardian.

However, Toyota freely admits this type of functionality is much more difficult to achieve in a car, which needs to constantly perceive and react to what’s around it — like pedestrians and other vehicles. Interestingly, there’s no switch between human and autonomous driving, instead with Guardian they work as a team, giving all the safety benefits of autonomous driving, without drivers losing the use of the steering wheel.

Toyota is planning to roll out this system in the e-Palette, a modular electric vehicle designed for ride sharing and delivery services — essentially a box on wheels.

Growth in assistants Another growth area in car connectivity seen at CES 2019 is in Virtual Personal Assistants (VPA). If predictions are correct, we will see close to a billion of these software platforms enabled in cars by 2024.

They promise a connected, safer driving experience in cars, using an onboard telematics unit which can control selected functions within the car and externally, via communication with a smart home device.

In cars, this should mean they will work while driving and be able to answer any question regarding the vehicle, plus if the worst should happen, provide help and support during emergencies, by calling the emergency services and identifying where the accident has taken place. Of more interest to the fleet industry, Virtual Personal Assistants should be able to reduce downtime needed for services and maintenance by troubleshooting

fleetworld.co.uk • 039

>>

THE CONNECTED CAR

Toyota’s Guardian system works with the driver, but gives all the benefits of an autonomous system

>> problems and scheduling servicing when

needed. Also helpful considering today’s business needs, the Virtual Personal Assistant in the car would be aware of the driver’s business schedule and as such, it would be able to help with finding the quickest route to a meeting, making the driver aware of any obstacles on this route such as traffic, and even find parking, or should it be necessary locate a petrol station.

With Amazon Alexa already fitted to SEAT models, this sort of connectivity is set to explode into other models. Nissan and BMW are opting to work with Microsoft’s Cortana system in selected models in the near future, and Ford is choosing instead to go with the already used Amazon Alexa system for selected models. Finally, Hyundai and Mercedes are opting to make their models partly voice operable via Google Assistant. Apple’s Siri assistant is already fitted alongside their CarPlay software in many brands such as BMW, Nissan, Hyundai and Ford.

Virtual Personal Assistant integration with your smartphone is expected to be most prominent moving forward. They work via your smartphone’s microphones, which can control apps but not in-vehicle

The next developments in vehicle connectivity, both from a consumer and fleet management perspective must be regarded as key ingredients to what tech specialists have called the evolving third platform.

Amazon Alexa is fitted to some SEAT models

040 • fleetworld.co.uk

features. However, if you have a car with Virtual System connectivity, predictions are that you’ll be able to close items such as the garage and play things such as audiobook — going from right where you left it in your house!

However, of more relevance to fleet drivers, this connectivity should also mean you can start the car, adjust the air conditioning and set travel destination details via your voice alone.

Available now Closer to home and available now is one of the more recent connected innovations and winner at our recent Great British Fleet Awards – the Trakm8 RH600 4G camera. Launched in April 2018, following two successful pilots, the RH600 scores over other telematics cameras, as it combines all of the features you’d expect from modern telematics such as ‘track n trace’ driver behaviour analytics, and vehicle health alerts — which can also be integrated with Trakm8’s fleet optimisation solution — with the additional benefits of a dash cam.

On top of this, the RH600 further innovates by taking driver scoring and reducing road risk to new levels, thanks to its dual camera head — one lens faces the road ahead, like a standard dash cam, while the other faces into the vehicle, in order to monitor the driver. As thus, it opens up new possibilities, for fleet management including remote livestreaming, where fleet managers could conduct spot checks on drivers. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, which features and monitors for for distracted driving and even driver drowsiness. Finally, those ADAS features will enable much more accurate and sophisticated scoring of drivers.

RH600

0330 311 5157

trakm8.com/rh600

4G

HD VIDEO RESOLUTION

CONNECTIVITY

LIVE STREAMING

FNOL

DRIVER SCORING

VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS

INTEGRATED TELEMATICS

G-SENSOR

GEO-FENCING

2X OPTIONAL CAMERAS

CONNECTED CARETM

GPS TRACKING

info@trakm8.com

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

CIVIC CIVIC SR 1.6 I-DTEC

FROM ONLY £189.99 +VAT PER MONTH*

The new Honda Civic SR i-DTEC Class-leading boot space, SENSINGTM safety technology (including Lane Departure Warning) and impressively low CO2 emissions (93g/km). 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.

Advanced payment £1,139.94 +VAT Prices for model pictured Civic SR 1.6 i-DTEC Manual (with Metallic Paint) £202.45 +VAT per month plus an advance payment of £1,214.70 +VAT.

Contract mileage 10,000 miles per annum Contract term 36 months Excess mileage charge 3.5p per mile +VAT

Call us on 0800 294 0358 or visit honda.co.uk/civicfl eet Fuel consumption figures for the 18YM Civic 5 door Diesel range in mpg (l/100km): Combined 53.3 (5.3) - 62.8 (4.5). CO2 emissions**: 109 – 93g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only and you should 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 accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

Important information: *Contract Hire available to Business Users only, subject to status. Information correct at January 2019. Vehicles must be ordered between 1st January 2019 and 31st March 2019 with registration and delivery by 30th June 2019. Rentals exclude optional maintenance. Excess mileage and other charges may apply dependent on the mileage and return condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Contract Hire is provided by Arval UK Limited trading as Honda Contract Hire, Whitehill House, Windmill Hill, Swindon, SN5 6PE. For further information please contact your local Honda Dealer. **There is a new test for fuel consumption and CO2 figures (WLTP). 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 brought in by WLTP at http://wltpfacts.eu/

EVENT PARTNERS

smartfleetsolutions we tick every box

A great opportunity Modern-day demands on fleets make managing company vehicles tougher than ever, so we launched an innovative new event for fleet professionals – The Great British Fleet Event 2019. With the morning’s action taken up with an exhibition and networking opportunities alongside packed high-level conferences – including the Government’s viewpoint from Simon Roberts, Principle City Planner at Transport for London – the afternoon then made way for the inaugural Great British Fleet Awards. Incorporating a lavish gala dinner, the awards recognise the best individuals, cars and innovations, the industry has to offer.

Find out more in our Great British Fleet Guide 2019 supplement with this issue and visit www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk to keep up to speed with industry developments. >>

www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk • 043

>>

might still be young, but this year is looking like a challenging one for everyone in the Automotive industry. So, it was encouraging to see how wellattended all the morning Conferences were – as there were no spare seats, thus forcing attendees to stand. With all of the sessions ending with a heated question time with plenty of enlightening answers from the impressive speaker line-up.

Elsewhere, whilst wandering round the exhibition area, it was heartening to see so many fleet-decision makers and operators networking – especially in the refreshment area – and then discovering the innovative new fleet industry products on display.

2019

044 • fleetworld.co.uk

G R E AT B R I T I S H F L E E T E V E N T 2 0 1 9

EVENT PARTNERS

smartfleetsolutions we tick every box

The latest Ford Focus continues to push boundaries, boasting impressive interior space, is tech rich and we reckon offers the best ride and handling combination.

G R E AT B R I T I S H F L E E T AWA R D S 2 0 1 9 W I N N E R S

www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk • 045

>>

>>

And the winners are...

The Great British Fleet Awards 2019 is where the year’s best fleet cars and industry Innovations are recognised, plus superstars of the industry.

INNOVATION IN GREEN TRAVEL STREAM GO

Paul Rufus from Stream with Jonathan Musk, content editor at Fleet World

INNOVATION IN CUSTOMER SERVICE RAC BUSINESS

Kate Burn from RAC, Presented

by James Davis from Manheim

INNOVATION IN RISK MANAGEMENT DAVIS POWERED BY LICENCECHECK

INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY TRAKM8 RH600 4G CAMERAS

Matthew Newman from TrakM8 being presented the award by Jacqueline Rowe of event partner Honda UK

INNOVATION IN MOBILITY EUROPCAR MOBILITY GROUP

Clive Forsythe from Europcar with Jonathan Musk, content editor at Fleet World

INNOVATION IN SMR ALLSTAR SERVICEPOINT

INNOVATION IN COST REDUCTION REMOTE MILEAGE MANAGER

Richard Perham from Airmax Remote with Jonathan Musk, content editor at Fleet World

INNOVATION IN REMARKETING SELSIA SMART MULTIPOINT

Neil Marcus from Selsia with Jonathan Musk, content editor at Fleet World

HIGHLY COMMENDED SUPPLIERS INNOVATION IN GREEN TRAVEL > LEASEPLAN UK INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY > FREE2MOVE INNOVATION IN COST REDUCTION FLEET OPERATIONS INNOVATION IN MOBILITY ALLSTAR PLUS VISA CARD

Terry Hiles from DAVIS with Jonathan Musk, content editor at Fleet World

FINANCIAL SUPERSTAR AMEY

Julie Davis from Amey, collecting the award from Steve Ratcliffe of event partner Geotab

046 • fleetworld.co.uk

Dal Dosanjh from Allstar, presented by Richard Perham at Airmax Remote

OPERATIONAL FLEET SUPERSTAR JOHNSON & JOHNSON

Siobhan Hollows from Johnson & Johnson collecting the award from Theo Kortland of event partner Smart Fleet Solutions

INNOVATION IN REMARKETING > LEASEPLAN UK INNOVATION IN RISK MANAGEMENT > APPY FLEET

FLEET HR SUPERSTAR MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE

Chelsey Somers of McLaren Automotive, collecting the award from Sophie Tran of event partner Vision Express

G R E AT B R I T I S H F L E E T AWA R D S 2 0 1 9

FLEET MANAGEMENT SUPERSTAR GALLIFORD TRY

ECO SUPERSTAR ADDISON LEE GROUP

Justin Patterson of Addison Lee Group alongside Tony Greenidge of event partner IAM RoadSmart

Alan Baker of Galliford Try collecting the award from Mark Carter of event partner Verizon

BEST UPPER MEDIUM FLEET CAR SKODA SUPERB

>

BEST LOWER MEDIUM FLEET CAR FORD FOCUS

Matt Hattersley National Fleet Sales Manager for Skoda, with Martyn Collins

Peter McDonald from SEAT, with editor Martyn Collins

BEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CAR MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

>

Craig Pullen of Airmax presenting the award to Owen Gregory from Ford, with Martyn Collins

BEST FLEET SUPERMINI SEAT IBIZA

BEST LUXURY CAR BMW 7 SERIES

BEST FLEET LARGE SUV SKODA KODIAQ

>

BEST EXECUTIVE CAR BMW 5 SERIES

Sam Ragheb from Mercedes-Benz, with Martyn Collins

Matt Hattersley National Fleet Sales Manager for Skoda, with Martyn Collins >

Lucy Ramstedt from BMW UK, with Martyn Collins

BEST FLEET SMALL SUV VOLVO XC40

BEST GREEN FLEET CAR HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC

Steve Beattie from Volvo Cars UK, with Martyn Collins

FLEET RISING STAR SUZUKI

Clive Forsythe from Europcar presenting to Dale Wyatt from Suzuki, with Martyn Collins

Lucy Ramstedt from BMW UK, with Martyn Collins

Phil Daniels from Admedia presenting the award to Geraint Isaac from Hyundai, with Martyn Collins

FLEET MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR SEAT

Martyn Collins (left) with Peter McDonald from SEAT presented the award by Michael Wood of TrakM8

FLEET TECHNOLOGY AWARD HONDA

Jacqueline Rowe, Fleet Engagement Section Manager at Honda, with Martyn Collins

BEST NEW FLEET CAR FORD FOCUS

Phil Daniels from Admedia presenting the award to Owen Gregory from Ford, with Martyn Collins

www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk • 047

FLEET FINANCE

A DIFFERENT WAY TO IDENTIFY COST SAVINGS PART 2

FLEET TAXATION GURU PROFESSOR COLIN TOURICK PROVIDES FURTHER GUIDANCE ON A NOVEL WAY TO CUT COMPANY COSTS. S.

I

n the December 2018 edition of Fleet World, I wrote an article setting out a rather different way to reduce your fleet costs. We got quite a bit of feedback from fleet managers asking for more details. So, here goes.

The normal way to allocate company vehicles is to look at the driver’s job, the business requirement and whether the car is being provided predominantly for business use or as a perk of the job. For example, drivers in ‘Group B, Salespeople’ might be offered the choice of a car from a fixed list or given the freedom to choose any sub-115g/km petrol-engined hatchback costing less than £390 per month on contract hire.

This approach is normal, but it does throw up some problems. In many cases you will find drivers doing similar jobs whose cars cost them and the company wildly different amounts.

The suggestion in the December article was that you calculate the cost for each business mile driven by those drivers who primarily drive for business purposes, then calculate the cost for each private mile driven by perk car G

RUNNIN EXAMPLE T COST LIS

drivers, then examine the numbers and see what they reveal.

As we were limited for space it was not possible to include spreadsheets in that article, so we will include them here to illustrate the key points of this approach. Each spreadsheet calculates the cost per mile for cars being driven by employees of the same staff grade, and who are entitled to choose the same cars.

The first spreadsheet looks at business use drivers. The Total Company Cost column includes the maintenanceinclusive lease rental, vehicle excise duty, insurance, fuel, Class 1A NIC and irrecoverable VAT. When building this spreadsheet you should try to use reallife costs, which you should be able to find in your company’s books. However, if some of those costs aren’t available you can obtain proxy data from the excellent car cost calculator on the Fleet World website: www.fleetworld.co.uk /car-comparator/car-details To save space here I’ve included only those columns that we need to have to illustrate how this approach works. I’ve

left out the make and model of the cars (to ensure that manufacturers don’t phone to harangue me for getting the costs wrong…), registration number, registration date, time to replacement, mpg, CO2 level, list price, depreciation & interest cost (if you buy your cars), etc, but your spreadsheet should include these and in fact as much costrelated data as you can collect.

Once you’ve put in all the data, sort the spreadsheet by the Cost to Company Per Business Mile column.

We are only interested in business miles for business-use drivers, because that’s the reason the company provided these cars – so the employees can drive to perform their duties. Now look closely at the numbers in that column. Remember, these are business use drivers, all at the same staff grade, driving cars they’ve been allocated according to your allocation policy. There is a wide spread of costs per mile. For example, Nick Herbert’s business miles are costing 45p per mile, whereas Kirstene Hair’s are costing 68p per

GROUP D > BUSINESS USE

EMPLOYEE NAME

TOTAL COMPANY COST

TOTAL BUSINESS MILEAGE

COST TO COMPANY PER BUSINESS MILE

Nick Herbert Wendy Morton

£5,895.32

TOTAL PERSONAL MILEAGE

£

Miles

£/mile

£8,550.00

19,000

0.45

12,300

0.48

1,800 2,600

Miles 2,300

Guto Bebb

£7,415.09

15,100

0.49

David Duguid

£8,250.00

16,800

0.49

1,800

Nigel Mills

£5,165.09

10,000

0.52

2,500

Victoria Prentis

£5,971.45

11,200

0.53

2,200

Leo Docherty

£11,900.00

22,000

0.54

2,200

Ross Thomson

£5,550.35

10,000

0.56

1,800

Bill Grant

£8,600.00

14,500

0.59

3,500

Kirstene Hair

£9,830.00

14,560

0.68

2,900

048 • fleetworld.co.uk

All of these employees drive some company mileage, so you still have duty of care obligations.

mile. That’s 50% more. Same people, same job, why such a radical difference? Drill into the numbers to find out why, then work out what you can do to trim those costs.

There could be many reasons for the wide range of costs. Is there a big difference between the fuel consumption of cars within this group? Are the same cars being allocated to lowmileage urban drivers as to highmileage motorway drivers? Are fuel costs high because drivers are filling up at motorway service stations? Could you save money with a smarter car allocation policy that considers individuals rather than groups, or by introducing more tightly defined groups or a lower CO2 cap for some drivers, or by using telematics? Lots to think about.

You could make big savings by moving some of those very high cost per mile drivers into lower cost cars or reducing the average cost per mile by say 10%.

Next we’re going to look at the cars allocated predominantly for private use. These are part of the employee’s G

RUNNIN EXAMPLE T COST LIS EMPLOYEE NAME

remuneration package and there are many good reasons (status, convenience, etc) why they might prefer to have their particular company car rather than accept a different model or indeed no car at all. Those issues could be the subject of a whole article on their own – or maybe even a book – but we’ll ignore them here and concentrate on economics alone.

So next we need to produce a spreadsheet showing the cost per private mile that perk drivers are paying. We’re only interested in the private miles for these drivers because that’s the economic benefit they derive – the private miles they drive. As most of these cars will be driven on a mix of business and private mileage, we’ll include both in our analysis. The cost to the employee should include company car tax, fuel tax (if any), fuel cost to the employee, any contribution the employee is required to make, etc.

Having built the spreadsheet, sort it by the Cost Per Private Mile column, then look closely at that column.

These employees are all at the same

staff grade and entitled to the same level of car, but their cost per private mile is extremely wide. It costs Jo Churchill £2,700 p.a. to drive 2,800 private miles, a whopping 96p per mile. What’s more, it costs the company a further £5,600 p.a. to provide that car. Might she be open to a conversation about giving up the company car, and instead having the company add £300 per month to her salary? With this money and the amount she’s saving, she could lease a car on PCP or PCH and save hundreds of pounds every year. Everyone wins.

Drill into the numbers and you’ll find other reasons why some of these employees are paying so much for their private mileage, and will be able to find ways to cut their costs and the company’s. Don’t just given them cash and leave them to sort out things themselves. All of these employees drive some company mileage, so you still have duty of care obligations and the best way to discharge these is to arrange a PCP or PCH scheme via the company’s leasing company.

GROUP E > PREDOMINANTLY PRIVATE USE TOTAL COMPANY COST

TOTAL BUSINESS MILEAGE

COST TO COMPANY PER BUSINESS MILE

TOTAL PERSONAL MILEAGE

COST TO EMPLOYEE

COST PER PRIVATE MILE

£

Miles

£/mile

Miles

£

£/mile

Alex Burghart

£4,440

20

£222.01

8,000

2,985

£0.37

Chris Davies

£5,932

650

£9.13

7,800

2,985

£0.38

Bob Neill

£4,820

500

£9.64

6,000

2,345

£0.39

Sajid Javid

£6,850

1,000

£6.85

8,750

3,500

£0.40

Charles Walker

£5,250

50

£105.00

5,000

2,108

£0.42

Andrew Griffiths

£4,777

100

£47.77

6,000

3,200

£0.53 £0.66

Andrew Percy

£4,716

300

£15.72

3,982

2,628

Ian Liddell-Grainger

£5,600

500

£11.20

3,800

2,800

£0.74

Keith Simpson

£4,132

750

£5.51

3,500

2,650

£0.76

Jo Churchill

£5,600

200

£28.00

2,800

2,700

£0.96

fleetworld.co.uk • 049

FACE TO FACE

New kid on the block Not in the job for a year, JLR's still-new managing director Rawdon Glover met up with Martyn Collins to talk fleet.

What is the current state of the fleet market for JLR in the UK? There are two ways of looking at our business; either we’re very strong on retail or not very good at fleet. Looking at our retail mix, it’s really strong and actually, our true fleet figure is less than 20%. So in premium terms, that’s pretty low. In terms of our approach, what I don’t want to do is forgo retail volume for fleet for obvious reasons.

I think coming in, one of the opportunities moving forward is to forensically dissect the fleet market and understand our product range and our strengths. Then say this is where we want to play from a product proposition point of view — whether it’s pricing, whether it’s CO2 and the commercial viability of some aspects of the fleet market. After this, then really interrogate the market in that way and see what opportunities exist.

As I say, if it’s saloons, XE and XF perform well. We’ve got a range of medium-size SUVs – E-Pace, F-Pace and obviously now with a full-electric option in I-Pace, we’ve got a better go-to-market proposition. Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEVs are a big opportunity for us; 40% of our Range Rover orders are PHEV. That certainly demonstrates that people are interested in a plug-in hybrid of that scale. Range Rover Sport is a bit less at 20%, but it’s still pretty healthy and that’s the last of our vehicles to get WLTP certification, which should be in a few weeks. The market for that’s a bit depressed I think, actually with our mix of vehicles, there’s definite opportunities to do more in the fleet market. The key thing for us is that it can’t be at the expense of our strong retail share.

Which part of the fleet market are JLR most keen on?

I think E-Pace is a big opportunity for us. If you look at the make-up of the SUV segment, it’s that SUV3 sector, along with the Evoque and Discovery Sport, that offers the best opportunity. We’ve started pretty

050 • fleetworld.co.uk

well, with around 11,000 E-Paces this year.

Although the XE and XF are the logical places to go and perhaps Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, on the back of getting hybrids towards the end of the year. So, that will be where we go from a nameplate point of view. Then, it really depends on the breakdown of the fleet market; as I said it’s not a homogenous thing, it’s very, very diverse — we will choose carefully where we play and where we don’t play.

Let’s talk about i-Pace a little bit. The press have had a look at it, they like it, we’ve had it on the market for a few months and the order book is open. Plus 300,000 people have visited the website with a quarter of a million configurations; we’ve got an order band that stretches back almost too far at six months. In September last year alone we had 1,000 people ask for a test drive. So in terms of clear expressions of interest, it’s very strong, so I want more – I want to take on more volume.

We are doing some I-Pace fleet, we’ve got a tie-up with Heathrow Airport and the WeKnowGroup to provide their zeroemissions chauffeur service. So I think there will be a bespoke and targeted approach with I-Pace and we’ll go after it strongly — but making sure I have the correct balance of profitability for our retail customers. It’s a nice problem to have, but I can’t fulfil the retail orders at the moment — that will change!

With the ongoing demonisation of diesel models, has JLR seen a rise in the sales of petrol models?

To give you some statistics, a year ago 90% of our mix was diesel, that is now 80%, so we have seen a decline. This is a direct result of press coverage, taxation policies including Benefit in Kind. If you look at it on a fiscal year, which runs from April to March, if we look at the absolute number of diesel vehicles that we sold in the UK across both brands, we are down 1.1%. So our mix is reduced, but in terms of our absolute number of sales, it’s an

indication to me that there’s still a place for diesel in today’s market whether that’s a fleet market or a retail market. And really it’s about having the right, informed discussions with the customers.

“If we talk about I-Pace one of the key things we do for customers is to work out whether an electric vehicle is suitable for them. So we give them an app on their phone, it monitors their journeys, then over a period of time it builds a profile and we’re able to ask if this is the right car for you. Then, it might recommend a hybrid, or it might recommend a diesel but we know that for a lot of our customers, when they’re towing or doing long journeys, actually diesel, or Euro 6 clean diesel is still the best fit — with 20% less CO2, comparable to electric, but it’s just getting that message across.

I think having a well-educated sales team across retail is helping. But there’s no incentive to get older diesels off the roads and there’s an active disincentive to clean Euro 6 diesels, something we’re actively in discussions about. We’re trying to get a more balanced perspective, because again I feel it has become more binary – diesel bad, but everything else good. But that’s not the case, we’re seeing an increase in petrol penetration, at the extent of CO2 – as we’re not meeting our targets.

Long, long term, at Jaguar Land Rover, we see electrification as the future.

Certainly in the medium term, we see diesel still having its place in our line-up for the journey towards zero emissions.

Have you any idea of what share of fleet sales plug-in models make up now and moving forward? How is this affecting your fleet offering?

40% of our Range Rover order bank is hybrid, 22% is Range Rover Sport, which is higher than I can currently facilitate at the moment. I think the demand is higher than that, whether it tops out I don’t know — but initially we’ve seen a really positive response to that. For the next five years we’re going to see a mix of full electric,

There are two ways of looking at our business, either we're very strong on retail or not very good at fleet. hybrids, plug-in hybrids and traditional engines. Really depending on what a customer needs for a vehicle, all those will be very viable options.

As far as share is concerned, it’s really too early to tell. At the moment they’re the only vehicles in our range where we’re waiting for the WLTP certification.

By 2020 all models will have an electric version, whether that be a hybrid or a full-electric version — so that’s where we’re heading. That gives us the opportunity to tackle the fleet market from a CO2 perspective.

Considering the state of play at the moment, what are you hoping from Brexit?

There’s two perspectives on Brexit. If I take the Jaguar Land Rover corporate perspective, I think the position has been very clear. Our chief executive has been very articulate and forthright in his opinion, opposed to the Government and the media.

“For us, the idea of non-frictionless trade is a complete non-starter. It’s a prerequisite for us, we make 3,000 cars a day, 25 million components come from all over the place, there’s a proportion that come from Europe, we run a ‘just in time operation’, and without frictionless trade it’s just a non-starter. It’s as important to us as wheels on tyres — it’s absolutely fundamental!

Secondly, from a tax point of view, it’s just as important that we get a tariff-free environment. If we move to WTA terms, that’s 1.2 billion of extra cost to be absorbed globally, which is just not sustainable.

For us, getting the right Brexit outcome is frictionless trade, no tariffs and also consistent regulation across Europe. So we wouldn’t want different regulations across different environments. The sooner we get the right deal and confirmation as to what framework we’re operating in, the better. It will be a confidence boost and good for JLR, good for UK PLC and good for the UK car industry, that’s really our view.

fleetworld.co.uk • 051

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The importance of mobile apps in fleets The speed that we can communicate within fleets is often key to boosting operational performance. Time taken completing office based admin is time spent away from carrying out other tasks.

Mobile app technology is closing this gap, freeing up time taken to complete ‘paperwork’, which improves efficiency and productivity.

Fleet management software apps have evolved from a list of contact numbers and basic inspection sheets. We are now seeing more advanced apps that can automate the deployment of drivers and mobile workforce related responsibilities such as Chevin’s FleetWave Forms and The Workshop Hub. These apps can take administrative tasks out of the office and onto the shop floor or in the field, enabling on the spot completion. Becoming, in effect, a personal management tool, such apps can track tasks, schedule jobs, generate time sheets and complete forms, allowing more time to carry out other, ‘handson’ tasks.

Mobile apps are easy to deploy across the business, allowing access to job-specific information in a cost-effective manner.

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Such apps should be an essential part of any fleet management tool kit. www.chevinfleet.com sales@chevinfleet.co.uk +44 1773 821992

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FLEET

FIRST REPORT VOLVO V60 D3 R-DESIGN P11d/BiK: £36,960 (29%) MPG/CO2: 60.3mpg* / 123g/km** Test MPG: 32mpg

HEATED steering wheel? It is something I’ve never ever needed, but after living with our new Volvo V60 D3 RDesign for a month, it’s something I’ve come to miss when driving other cars. This is just one of many of this Volvo’s features that I’ve really appreciated in the recent cold snap. The others, being the heated front seats, the heated front screen, heated aqua blade wipers and the headlight cleaning system. All part of the V60’s optional Winter Pack – £525 is a small price to pay for the peace of mind, in my opinion.

That’s not the end of the clever kit fitted to our stunning-looking Denim Blue V60, which includes the Intellisafe Pro and Xenium Packs, but I’ll go into these in more detail in future reports.

Going back to the interior, the part Nappa leather-trimmed contour sports seats,

fitted as part of the R-Design specification, are some of the most comfortable and supportive I’ve been lucky enough to sit in for a long period of time and after some initial frustrations, I’m getting along fine with the Sensus infotainment system. This car arrived just before Christmas and despite thinking I wouldn’t cover many miles, over 600 were easily dispatched over the festive period with me and my family aboard.

So far, the only niggles I have are with the ride on the 18-inch wheels, which feels firm and makes performance promises that, so far, the 2.0-litre D3 diesel engine can’t answer.

Martyn Collins

ALPHACITY VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 CDTi SRi Nav Bookings: 7 Mileage: 16,742 Test MPG: 55.7mpg

HAVING had access to the Alphacity car system for around two years now and three different cars during that period, I think this current Vauxhall Astra is my favourite. It is comfortable for longer journeys and being a hatchback, rather than the previous BMW 3-Series saloon, it is much more practical for visiting clients. Part of my job requires taking bikes with me to launches, and with the rear seat folded down - having all that boot space has been a blessing. I can report that I can get a large mountain bike and all the kit that I need in the back of the Vauxhall with ease. There have been a few moments where I have had to use the card twice, but overall I can say that I’m happy with how the system works.

Logan van de Poel Treacy *WLTP

054 • fleetworld.co.uk

** NEDC correlated

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FLEET

CITROËN C4 SPACE TOURER Flair BlueHDi 160 EAT8 P11d/BiK: £32,295 (30%) MPG/CO2: 58.9mpg* / 128g/km** Test MPG: 47.2mpg

WITH the weather taking a bit of a turn for the worst, I had the chance to get more up close and personal than I had been with the C4. The cold snap meant plenty of time scraping ice and snow from the vast amounts of glass around the car. I was fascinated by the subtle curve on the rear screen – discovered only when I went to scrape the ice and found that only a thin wedge came off.

If the trend carries on with other models, there’s a market for Citroën to introduce a curved scraper!

Another thing I discovered is how much glass there is at the other end of the car. At a shade under six foot tall, I don’t consider myself short, but I was struggling to reach the centre of the screen to get the white stuff off. Don’t get me wrong, from the inside it’s a great view out with the sun visors fully retracted, but anyone a few inches shorter might struggle to de-ice it satisfactorily.

Out on the road this MPV continues to impress. It’s comfortable, quiet (apart from some of the warning sounds that have been cranked up to 10!) and easy to manoeuvre around town and on motorways. Despite the dimensions of the C4, I’m also surprised at how small it feels. The cameras and sensors help, obviously, but the ability to get into tight spaces with relative ease is very welcoming!

John Challen

SEAT ARONA 1.0TSI FR Sport 115PS P11d/BiK: £21,435 (23%) MPG/CO2: 48.7mpg* / 114g/km** Test MPG: 52.8mpg

FOLLOWING on from last month, we are now 2,000 miles in to our Arona ownership (Aronaship?) and it continues to be plain sailing. And it appears I’m not alone in my admiration for SEAT’s award-winning SUV... An enlightening conversation with one of our readers – having read last month’s FW Fleet update – underlined what a great all-rounder the Arona is, having been chosen after a lengthy benchmarking process.

The recent cold spell has left me bemoaning a lack of heated heats on our FR Sport trim – until I realised they are not on the options list at all for the Arona – but that really is the only thing we would change. On SEAT’s easymove trim levels, upgrading to XCELLENCE Lux gives adaptive cruise control and a rear parking camera but the FR Sport is a great compromise.

Also, our average economy, owing to a couple of longer journeys this month, has crept up to nearer 53mpg!

Luke Wikner

VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON R-Line 2.0 TDI DSG P11d/BiK: £35,430 (28%) MPG/CO2: 50.6mpg* / 116g/km** Test MPG: 47mpg

HAVING covered a few thousand miles now, the Arteon is really beginning to find its feet. Engine and gearbox are no longer arguing with each other and now feel like they’ve reconciled. The car is noticeably quieter and more frugal – returning just shy of 60mpg on a run – and that’s despite my forgetting to employ the Economy Mode too.

My car is fitted with the 150hp 2.0-litre diesel, though I must admit to looking admiringly at the 190hp variant that offers added rapidity to match the car’s poise while not reducing fuel economy by too great a margin. Other options include Volkswagen’s new 1.5-litre TSI petrol producing 150hp, which is more commonly seen powering the Golf and Audi A3.

Top of the range is the 280hp

056 • fleetworld.co.uk

2.0-litre TSI petrol, followed by the most powerful 240hp diesel. Both of these are available with 4MOTION allwheel drive capability to help prevent wearing out the front tyres before you’ve made it to the first roundabout.

And, despite my previous report indicating a lack of standard equipment in the Arteon – specifically the lack of a reversing camera – I’m

coming around to the fact that Volkswagen has included a comprehensive list of toys that I find myself using more and more. The digital instruments on the 12.3-inch driver’s display are simple, effective and a joy to use, while the central-mounted 8.0-inch screen offers a slick interface for navigation and communication. The sat nav is more intelligent than meets the eye too, with the predictive cruise control system using route data to automatically adjust the car’s speed appropriately before reaching a bend, roundabout or junction.

I plan to take the Arteon away for a [pre-Brexit] weekend escape to France to make use of the car’s excellent long-journey comfort, and of course its sizeable boot.

Jonathan Musk

MAZDA CX-3 Sport Black+ 2.0 2WD P11d/BiK: £22,195 (29%) MPG/CO2: 42.8mpg* / 141g/km** Test MPG: 41.5mpg

WITH an increasing number of car drivers turning away from diesel, it is interesting to compare the running costs of our CX-3 with a similarly powered diesel model. Our two-wheel drive, manual, petrol-engined Mazda kicks out 121bhp, while the diesel model makes a similar 115bhp. The petrol has a claimed WLTP figure of 42.8mpg, versus the diesel’s 54.3mpg.

That petrol figure is not hard to

achieve, so I’ll assume the same is true of the diesel. The latest average fuel prices from the RAC show diesel at £1.28 per litre, while petrol is £1.19 per litre. If I cover 10,000 miles a year, the car will consume around 233.6 litres of petrol, with a total price of £277.98.

Had I opted for the diesel, the consumption would be 184.2 litres, with a cost of £235.77.

Over three years that difference

adds up to £126.63. However, the diesel CX-3 is some £1,200 more expensive to purchase, or around £72 a month more on a Mazda Business Contract Hire deal, with a £450 higher initial payment. Of course, we should also look at service bills and residual values, but it seems there has never been a better time to consider whole-life costs.

Dan Gilkes

MERCEDES-BENZ E220D 4Matic AMG Line Estate P11d/BiK: £43,400 (33%) MPG/CO2: 42.9mpg* / 142g/km** Test MPG: 49.2mpg

WHEN I first drove the new E-class a few years ago, I declared it ‘the complete executive car package’. Bold words after a short launch drive, but having lived with one for nearly six months now I’m confident that statement really is true.

Our long-term test has revealed a nimble, spacious, frugal and practical family car which delivers on the road and on the balance sheet.

I shall miss its spaciousness, build quality and raft of tech goodies such as the widescreen cabin, while the traction offered by the 4matic four-wheel drive system has been a boon when exiting junctions in this cold and slippery weather.

Our six months have been almost incident free – apart from day one where it became apparent the air conditioning wasn’t working (not ideal as it was delivered during our fabulous heatwave summer). A rare part failure was diagnosed and the car was back with us a couple of days later.

So it’s goodbye to a Kirk family favourite. But it’s not all bad news, as a key rival to the E-class is due to arrive soon. More on that next time…

Julian Kirk *WLTP

** NEDC correlated

fleetworld.co.uk • 057

FLEET HONDA CIVIC 1.6 I-DTEC EX Manual hatchback P11d/BiK: £24,750 (23%) MPG/CO2: 61.4mpg* / 93g/km** Test MPG: 51.3mpg

ONE of the over-riding first – and ongoing – impressions on our Honda Civic has been the sheer wealth of safety equipment on board, thanks to the standard-fit Honda SENSING package of active safety technologies.

Go to reverse out of your drive – or a parking space – and the Cross Traffic Monitor will bleep at you if anybody is about to go by the end of the car, long before you can see or hear them; it’ll even show their direction of travel in the reversing camera.

Drive around and if the Civic thinks

you’re not slowing down enough in time and might hit a car in front, the Forward Collision Warning will bleep and flash at you to warn you.

It also provides blind spot warnings and even tells me off for putting my indicators on ready to pull out the moment a car in the outside lane has gone past me, which makes the Civic panic about an imminent collision.

And the package includes various other safety technologies, either less vocal such as the Traffic Sign Recognition, or which I’ve not thankfully managed to set off yet, like the Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Of course, none of these are revolutionary in the fleet world per se but you do feel in the Honda that you’re backed up by a wide array of very obvious safety tech. Even if life has become a little bit noisier…

Natalie Middleton

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

EV CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE Lex Autolease

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

FORD S-MAX ST-Line 2.0 EcoBlue P11d/BiK: £36,760 (36%) MPG/CO2: 42.2mpg* / 156g/km** Test MPG: 38mpg

WITH three kids under five, I’ve accepted a few compromises. I spend more time in soft play areas than at the pub, sleeping properly is a distant memory and, while my heart desires a fast family estate car, my head knows I’m better off in an MPV. For that final point, the S-Max somehow ticks both boxes.

Segment-busting cars often end up as the worst of both worlds, but Ford has done well here. The S-Max looks more like a pumped-up estate than a boxy MPV, and it drives well too - there’s no high-sided nervousness or wind roar at motorway speeds, it’s relatively frugal, and it’s surprisingly manoeuvrable around town.

However, it’s also excellent as an MPV. A Galaxy offers significantly more room in the third row, but they’re occasional-use seats for us. Fold them flat and it offers a buggyfriendly boot with three individual ISOFIX-equipped seats in row two – talents no similarly sized estate, or SUV, can match. Continuing the human race comes with its compromises, but the S-Max manages not to leave me feeling like I’ve jettisoned the last of my (admittedly limited) street cred to make room for the kids. Bravo, Ford.

Alex Grant

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

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*WLTP

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058 • fleetworld.co.uk

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

www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

FLEET CONSULTANCY The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk

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

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 TELEMATICS & TRACKING

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 0870 013 6663

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

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

VEHICLE CCTV & SAFETY TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

www.quartix.net

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

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 • 059

the surprising

FROM just £125PM

^

8” COLOUR TOUCH SCREEN*

REVERSING CAMERA WITH DYNAMIC GUIDE LINES**

APPLE CARPLAY™*

AIR CONDITIONING WITH DUST AND POLLEN FILTER*

BLUETOOTH TELEPHONE AND AUDIO STREAMING* MING*

STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM*

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS ON STEERING WHEEL*

( ) DIRECT TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING (TPMS)

LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS

CRUISE CONTROL**

REVERSE PARKING SENSORS*

£750 INITIAL RENTAL ON BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE^ ^^COMPANY CAR TAX FROM £54 PER MONTH MGmotor

mg-motor-uk-ltd

Fuel economy and CO2* results for the New MG3 Exclusive. Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 42.3 (6.7). *CO2 emissions: 140 g/km. 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 used 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. Models shown: MG3 Exclusive with Hello Yellow paint at £12.795 on the road (OTR), MG3 Exclusive with Ruby Red paint at £13,340 OTR and MG3 Exclusive with Laser Blue paint at £13,340 OTR. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice. Please see your local dealer or visit MG.CO.UK for details. * Excite and Exclusive only. ** Exclusive only. ^ Applies to New MG3 Excite 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech on 6+47 profile with an initial rental of £750 followed by 47 monthly rentals of £125 excl. VAT and Maintenance. Available at participating dealers until 31st March 2019. Based on 8,000 miles p.a. Excess mileage charges apply. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs apply. Finance by Maxxia Limited, MK16 9QB. Applicants must be 18 or over. Errors and omissions accepted. ^^Applies to 20% tax band.