Fleet World January 2015 by Fleet World Group

January 2015

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

THE A-Z OF NEW A Apps for cool stuff

C O R S A

B Breezy, Air-con

DAB – never a dull moment

Eco-warrior – from only 85g/km CO2

F Connected. Sync up and phone home

Flaunt it

Gloves? Who needs gloves, with the heated steering wheel?

I can see clearly now, with the heated screen

Hey good looking

Just keeps going... up to 88.3mpg†

Kind on BiK – from just 13%*

Look mum, no hands! With Park Assist

contents 08

Meet DS, fleet’s newest brand, emerging from Citroën.

January 2015

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

What Lesley Slater of LeasePlan has learnt in the fleet industry.

THE A-Z OF NEW A Apps for cool stuff

C O R S A

B Breezy, Air-con

DAB – never a dull moment

Eco-warrior – from only 85g/km CO2

F Connected. Sync up and phone home

Flaunt it

Managing Editor Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

All-new Land Rover Discovery Sport put to the test...

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

How the fleet industry sees 2015 panning out.

Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Why you can’t afford to miss the Fleet Show on 12th May!!

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@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

VAN FLEETW RLD

STAG Publications

Latest LCV news, Chris Black of VW, Paneltex Zeroed, Renault Twizy Cargo, Mitsubishi Outlander.

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Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2013 17,985

Why rapid charging could kick-start electric LCV fleets. fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody ponders the future of the “mobility manager”, while considering the headaches of remote payment schemes like the new Dartford Crossing...

Mobility managers: do they exist? Alphabet said recently that it thinks we will see a rise in the role of “mobility managers” at companies, taking on the responsibility for all business travel, and not just fleet. In some ways this is probably a valid assertion, what with much of the fleet role being outsourced to third parties, but I have a thought: I’ve been covering fleet since the turn of the millennium and I’ve heard this view put forward on numerous occasions. But in all my time, not one person has handed me their business card with the title of mobility manger printed on it. Do you exist? If so, send me an email! Actually, the future will probably see the fleet role develop beyond a job to decide whether it is better to use trains, plane or automobiles to one which analyses how best to get the end result achieved – and that end result is in ‘When it is all boiled down, we use company cars for communication with clients and customers.’

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most cases communication. When it is all boiled down, we use company cars for communication with clients and customers. But how much analysis is being done of the efficiency and effectiveness of that contact, relative to the time and cost of doing it? Would an email have sufficed? Or FaceTime, or conference call? Or does it indeed require a daylong round-trip? These are all questions modern businesses face, especially with the cost of travel (in time and money) so high. I heard the phrase ‘Total Cost of Usership’ the other day, referring not just to the cost of the car or van, but to the cost of what is trying to be achieved by using that vehicle. So perhaps a mobility manager is already outdated, and what you need is somebody with a title such as Head of Strategic Communication Interface Planning. Now that’s snappy.

Dart bored? Why am I not surprised that the “impact assessment” (an appalling phrase) of the new Dartford Crossing remote payment scheme predicted a 7% failure-to-pay rate, but the real figure is more than twice that so far? Currently 13,500 of the 90,000 daily users aren’t paying it, and I imagine it is already causing headaches among businesses. While there is an online pre-pay account that can be set up, that doesn’t suit every company and as somebody with the memory of a goldfish, I know I would be one of those drivers who sails through and then forgets to pay later in the day. Just the sort of thing fleet managers tear their hair out over, as reminder letters and fines keep dropping on their desks.

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

Ford NEWS

All-new Ford Mondeo makes its mark

inbrief

New variants for 2015

THE all-new Ford Mondeo is already making its impact on the market, with a busy order book for the car that more than half of Britain’s company car drivers would consider for their next business vehicle, according to Sewells Intelligence. A maximum five-star safety rating earned from independent crash test authority Euro NCAP, is backed by safety-related technology including PreCollision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to brake automatically if people are identified in the road ahead. Mondeo also offers segment-first Inflatable rear seatbelts, nine airbags and a body structure with an industry-first application of high strength steel and intelligent design to improve front and side impact protection. Independent CAP Gold Book expects the new Mondeo to be worth £1,750 more, after three years, than the previous model was. It says a Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi ECOnetic will hold on to 42.7% of its new list price, after three years and 30,000 miles; CAP Automotive forecasts that it will retain more of its value than comparable VW Passat, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 models. Mondeo is available in five-door and estate bodystyles in Style, Zetec, Titanium and Titanium with Titanium X Pack variants, and as a four-door Mondeo Hybrid; all have a long list of standard features including SYNC 2 with eight-inch colour touchscreen. And they all represent excellent value for both fleet operators and company car drivers. The five-door Mondeo Titanium with 1.6-litre TDCi 115PS ECOnetic engine emitting just 94 g/km of CO2, for example, has a P11D value of £21,795 and monthly BIK tax bill of just £50.73 for a 20% taxpayer and £101.45 for someone paying 40%.

Ford’s first diesel Focus ST arrives DELIVERIES are about to begin of Ford’s first diesel Focus ST, powered by a 185PS TDCi 2.0-litre engine with Auto-Start-Stop and available in ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3 series in both five-door hatch and estate bodystyles. Financially it represents excellent value, with CAP predicting a residual value of around 43% after three years/60,000 miles, with a £1,600 RV uplift versus the current petrol Focus ST. It is in VED Band B, meaning £0 tax in the first year and £20 a year after that. For company car drivers paying 20% the monthly BIK payment on a diesel Focus ST-1 hatch is £66.42 (£132.84 for a 40% taxpayer) while the payments on an ST-3 are £77.82 and £155.64. The new 185PS 2.0-litre diesel engine has a top speed of 135MPH, with fourth gear acceleration from 31-62mph in just 5.5 seconds. Focus ST returns 67.3mpg for both hatch and estate, with 110g/km CO2.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

Ford’s all-new Transit has started 2015 with new variants including Chassis Double Cab with up to seven seats, Double Cab-in-Van and extra-long L5 versions, together with the AllWheel Drive range. The complete Transit Chassis Cab line-up offers five different load lengths for the single cab and four for the double cab, with GVM from 3.1 to 4.7 tonnes, and Gross Train Mass up to seven tonnes. Fleets benefit from impressive fuel efficiency with the extended choice of Transit ECOnetic models, with CO2 from 169g/km, significantly reduced maintenance and repair costs, exceptional durability, increased cargo volumes and smart loadspace features.

Van of the Year... The all-new Transit Courier has started the year with the What Van? Van of the Year title, together with the Small Van of the Year award. When fitted with Ford’s Dagenham-built 95PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, and fitted with Auto-Start-Stop and speed limiter, Transit Courier achieves best-in-class 76.3mpg combined and 97g/km CO2. Transit Connect has been crowned What Van? Light Van of the Year and Ranger is Pick-up of the Year.

inbusiness

Treat fuel price drop as a bonus Prices unlikely to stay low for long, say experts. By Natalie Middleton.

ith the price of petrol predicted to fall below £1 a litre in the coming weeks industry experts have warned it may not last, and that fleets should treat it as a bonus rather than a long term trend. The price of Brent crude has fallen below the $60 a barrel mark for the first time since early July 2009 and is predicted to keep on dropping after OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) indicated it will not cut production even if oil hits $40 (£26) a barrel. But Paul Jackson, managing director of fuel mileage cost management specialist, The Miles Consultancy, advised fleets: ‘Treat current pump prices as a bonus but don't let up on costcontrol strategies, as there is no telling how long the slump in oil prices will last. It is quite likely that fleets’ relief at the pumps could last well into next spring. But $55 (£36) per barrel is below most oil exporters’ break-even price. So fleets’ holiday from high fuel prices will inevitably come to an end. ‘Fleets reimbursing business fuel at the Advisory Fuel Rates are currently paying, on average, around a penny per mile above actual cost to a driver of a typical 1.9-litre diesel. The next revision by HMRC takes effect on 1 March. If petrol goes down to £1 a litre this year, fleets using actual cost fuel reimbursement will be about 1.5p per mile better off than those paying flat rates based on AFRS. Matthew Walters, head of consultancy services at Lease-

Plan, added: ‘Falling fuel prices will be a huge relief to many business’ and their drivers as the wider economy begins to recover. Whilst the oil price is expected to continue to fluctuate, the additional stability brought to this market by the newly discovered US reserves is to be welcomed. It should also be considered that with HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) being revised quarterly, it will not be long before reimbursement is aligned.’ Jackson added that it is vital that fleets do not take their eye off the ball when it comes to drivers over claiming: ‘Bear in mind that the average price of diesel for 2014 as a whole has been 133p per litre. So the current price is around 13p below the trend. Coincidentally, 13p is the current AFR mileage rate for a typical diesel. Obviously, even a small amount of over claiming of mileage expenses will negate the effect of cheaper fuel, which is why it's so important for fleets to stay focused on accurate claims and pence-per-mile rates, not the prevailing pence-per-litre pump price. ‘Also, the spread between the highest and lowest prices in the UK fuel station network ballooned to a massive 33p per litre at the end of last year. As ever, it pays to encourage drivers to shop around. If you issue fuel cards, the more outlets that drivers can choose from, the merrier your fuel budget during the fuel price bonanza.’

Martin Gurney appointed head of fleet for Citroën, Peugeot & DS brands PSA Peugeot Citroën has announced that Peugeot fleet chief Martin Gurney will take over the role of director, fleet and used vehicles for all three Citroën, Peugeot & DS brands from 1 January 2015. The move means that he replaces current Citroën ﬂeet director Martin Hamill. A spokesman for the company said that Hamill would take on another role within the group. A spokesman said that it was too early at this stage to comment on how the change will affect fleets. DS – A NEW BRAND IN FLEET See page 8-9.

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THE NEW JAGUAR XE. FROM 99G/KM OF C02 AND UP TO 75 MPG

THE SPORTS SALOON REDEFINED. The new Jaguar XE features our lightweight, all-new aluminium architecture and F-TYPE-inspired design and technology. With class-leading emissions from as low as 99g/km of CO2 and up to 75 mpg, the new Jaguar XE is the most efficient car we’ve ever built. It’s due to arrive in 2015. For more information and to be among the first to experience the new Jaguar XE, register at jaguar.co.uk/XE or contact the Jaguar Business Centre on 0845 366 0342.

Official fuel consumption for the Jaguar XE range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.1-3.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8). CO2 Emissions 194-99 (g/km). Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

SPOTLIGHT DS in fleet

Haute couture

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As DS takes its first steps away from CitroĂŤn as an independent brand, Alex Grant looks at how the premium sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest newcomer will tackle established rivals.

VEHICLES... The DS range comprises five models, of which two are only available in China. By 2018, the brand will have six all-new products spanning from the B to D segments and including SUVs and crossovers, designed in France and sold globally. Apode says the next generation range will continue to share platforms and engines with Citroën, mirroring Audi and Volkswagen. However, nothing which can be seen or touched by the customer – even the keys – will be shared. DS products will also get bespoke engine and chassis setups, and will use different onboard technology compared to their Citroën counterparts, all aimed at differentiating the two brands.

BECOMING A BRAND... DS defines itself as a Parisian luxury brand, descended from the DNA of the 1955 saloon of the same name. Now operating under its own management structure, including a brand manager responsible for sales and marketing in the UK, Citroën branding will soon disappear from all three cars sold in Europe. That’s not an easy task, though, particularly with used cars still carrying Citroën badges, and the staggered introduction of all-new DS models over the next years, according to Dylan Setterfield, senior forecasting editor at CAP: ‘It takes a long time to build a brand and to get it accepted,’ he said. ‘It’s not just a badge. It’s not just a name. It might have been different if they had pursued this strategy from the initial launch of DS 3, but they are likely to continue to be perceived as Citroën for some time to come.’

DEALERSHIPS... Some of the inspiration for DS’s global dealer network has come from China, where it has always been standalone with 100 solus DS Stores. A global network of 160 DS World showrooms is planned in the mid future, based in large cities and showcasing the products, materials and craftsmanship that go into them. The first in Europe opened in Paris in November. But the plan is to take it slowly, according to vice president, products & business development Eric Apode. So, for now, Citroën dealers and the Business Centre network will service both brands. There are plans to introduce boutique-style areas of the showroom, as BMW has done with MINI, but don’t expect standalone dealers in the near future.

WHAT WE THINK... DS undoubtedly has a tough task ahead, not only establishing itself as an independent brand but muscling in on the premium sector too. But there’s clearly an appetite for premium brands in the UK, which was also the second largest global market for DS and the biggest market for DS 3 for the first 11 months of 2014. With a long-game approach and new products due in key sectors, growing sales are likely to predate market recognition of DS as a brand. Arguably that’s the right way to progress. AG fleetworld.co.uk / 09

inbusiness

Tim Porter, managing director, Lex Autolease. How are you finding business confidence in general? Business confidence is pretty strong at the moment and we have been a beneficiary of that confidence, right from SMEs to large corporates. The growth in commercial vehicle registrations is strong and more businesses are looking to leasing to be the source for those vehicles. You set out some ambitious growth targets for the next few years. Are you likely to hit them? Our five year planning cycle set out in 2013 to early 2018 had the ambition to grow 100,000 units by then. We are on plan, having added 27,000 since early 2013. We have won some big fleet deals but obviously the renewal of the vehicles on those fleets takes time to come through. When they do we will see growth accelerate, in SMEs, large and mega fleets. How is the SME market faring? SMEs are very relevant to our growth and we have channels such as intermediaries, brokers and white label branded leasing within dealerships to help service that sector. We’ve done a number of specific things to support those businesses’ growth, and have effectively unpicked the proposition so they can be walked through every part of the process to help them understand exactly what they need.

Q &A

What do you term “mega fleets”? There are a few very large fleets of 5,000-plus vehicles and although we might not supply the vehicles to some of them as yet, they need quite a bespoke approach and we have been providing consultancy for a couple of years for things like costs, supply, funding and benchmark costing. Because of our size and the backing of the bank we can often provide a level of information about the market and economy that many cannot, to help them run their businesses more efficiently. It illustrates that we’re not just a supplier of cars and vans. And what of 2015? In the past year we have invested in a number of main fleet growth investments, in digital through our website and internal process efficiency, our new remarketing facility in Coventry where we sell some of our best stock direct to the public, and in the specialist market: building and supplying vehicles necessary to businesses, such as utility companies, needs. Historically they have not leased these types of bespoke vehicles, but we have invested heavily in this area and it is proving popular. On top of that we have put in place detailed programmes on 24 hour/365 days a year repair and maintenance to support them. Although we are a very large leasing company, it is not just a volume game – it’s about treating every customer individually.

Fleet World deputy editor recognised for work in promoting ULEVs

DVLA delays counterpart licence abolition to June 2015

The Guild of Motoring Writers has honoured EV Fleet World editor & Fleet World deputy editor Alex Grant with the AA Campaigning award for his work in promoting ULEVs. The awards recognise the most outstanding motoring journalists and photographers in the business. Alex was awarded the new AA Campaigning Award in recognition of his article “How dirty are diesels?” and was presented by Ian Crowder of the AA who congratulated him, adding: ‘In the judges’ view, the story presents the issue for leet operators who will have some serious thinking to do about the shape of their future operations.’

The DVLA has delayed the abolition of the paper counterpart driving licence until 8 June 2015, allowing an extra six months to develop suitable digital enquiry services for driver detail checking. The BVRLA, which had advised the DVLA on the licence reform, has welcomed the news, saying it will enable its members to develop new licence checking processes and test them before the counterpart is abolished. BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: ‘The DVLA inally has a clear plan of action for developing its online alternative to the paper counterpart, and we look forward to working with them in delivering a robust, cost-effective solution for the vehicle rental sector.’

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inbusiness

Rules and regulations From this year the way dealers sell finance falls under the new FCA regulatory body and this should have a positive effect on SMEs, reports Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader.

he way dealers sell cars and service customers has changed in recent years. Whether they planned to change their ways or had change thrust upon them is immaterial – the bottom line is that customers, as across any retailing discipline, are now empowered as never before. Or, as former Marks & Spencer boss, Stuart Rose put it: ‘The customer is no longer king, but master of the universe.’ These days businesses that sell vehicles and their carmaker partners try not to use the term “dealer” as they recognise it's a tad dated and carries baggage, mostly negative. The preferred term is “retailer” with many recognising that best practices from the likes of M&S, Apple Store and John Lewis are transferable to the business of selling cars. Also, crucially, social media has empowered customers, turning them into critics or advocates. Indeed, most dealers will quietly admit to horror stories about a breakdown in customer care being posted on Twitter or Facebook from their WiFi enabled reception areas. So what does this all mean for SMEs dependent on local dealers to supply and maintain their company cars? While many are already benefitting from improved levels of customer service, they should also, by now, have sensed a change in the way car finance is sold to them and their user-choosers. If you have not already experienced this change, you will. The changes have been prompted by a new regulator, the Government-backed Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), charged with cleaning up the way finance is sold across all commercial sectors in the wake of the economic collapse where the banking sector’s creative way of funding loans turned toxic. The FCA replaced the Financial Services Authority last year and unlike its predecessor has teeth, as witnessed by its swoop on Wonga, a move that saw the pay day loan lender publicly chastised and ordered to repay £2.6m in compensation to customers whose ability to repay was not adequately assessed. This affordability issue is central to the FCA’s raison d'être and all dealers selling finance with cars must address this with all customers, including userchoosers cashing in allowances, especially those opting for one of the plethora of low and zero interest Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) packages which have fundamentally changed the way we buy cars, or, to be more precise, fund their usage. These user-choosers will now be obliged to prove their annual income and show how they will meet their monthly repayments, a move which could see some drivers scaling back on the motor of their

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dreams for something more affordable. Other changes will see the removal of commission for sales staff and greater transparency of the rates being charged. The FCA has even come up with a term for all of this: TCF, or Treating Customers Fairly. In fairness the car sector has actually behaved better than most in selling finance in a responsible way and for many dealers the FCA's rules will not come as much of an extra burden. Last year, around two million new and used cars were sold by dealers with finance, a record number reflecting a trend that started during the downturn when buyers struggled to get high street banks to lend them money to buy a car. Consumers like the convenience of buying finance with their cars, although under the FCA regime dealers will have to advise them that finance can be bought elsewhere. The new regulations will be phased in early this year although dealers wishing to sell finance were required some months ago to apply for interim permission to continue selling under the new regime. The rigorous standards already set by the bigger dealer groups means that many will already exceed the FCA's compliance requirements, although smaller local operators have also grasped the significance of the changes and will currently be working on their compliance. As for the carmakers, BMW and MINI are among the early adopters. From 1 January BMW Group Financial Services launched an FCA friendly programme, featuring a standardised national offering across the two brands with a 10.9% interest cap on all finance deals, across all its 147 outlets. ‘The world of retail is constantly evolving, with customers having better access to information, be it online or through peer channels, before they even enter a BMW or MINI centre,’ said Spencer Halil, general manager of group brands at BMW Group Financial Services. ‘As a result, it is important that we tailor our business to suit our customers’ needs so that our retailer network can continue to deliver a fair and transparent service, while focusing on long-term loyalty and retention. This is why we’re implementing a common finance package across our whole network, bringing add-on fees down to virtually nothing and introducing a performance bonus for retailers based on delivering excellent customer outcomes.’ ‘As an industry, we have two choices; to bury our heads in the sand and watch as customers make an informed choice to go elsewhere, or to adapt and thrive by focusing on transparency, consistency and fairness.’ Expect similar announcements from other carmakers over the coming weeks and months, which can only be good news for you and your drivers.

renault.co.uk

RENAULT CAPTUR CAPTURE LIFE

Renault Captur Dynamique MediaNav ENERGY dCi 90 S&S Multimedia Touchscreen with Integrated Navigation With only 95g/km CO2, 78.5 combined mpg and 15% BIK P11D price £16,540

Visit renault.co.uk/business or call the Renault Business Team on 0800 040 7344.

DRIVE THE CHANGE

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Renault Captur Dynamique MediaNav ENERGY dCi 90 S&S are: Urban 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 83.1 (3.4); Combined 78.5 (3.6). The official CO2 emissions are 95g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. Car shown has optional metallic paint, available at an additional £495 (or £595 for i.d. paint), plus £300 for painted roof. All information correct at time of going to print.

inbusiness

Taking responsibility The Insider isn’t convinced that the threat of prosecution is working for fleets and their duty of care.

'm not quite getting the idea of the latest news on the Corporate Manslaughter Act. Not that I wish to trivialise what is undoubtedly a serious subject and well-intentioned Act. Apparently it is not seen as successful because there have been very few prosecutions – and so the latest update is to toughen the fines. How will that help? I assume the thinking is that it would frighten companies into taking their responsibilities even more seriously, rather than weighing up whether a safety shortcut here and there is worth the risk. But the issue appears to be the ability to bring successful prosecutions in the first place. Actually, the best mark of success would be no prosecutions because there are no serious failings occurring; not very likely unfortunately. Since the introduction of the Act, just five successful prosecutions have been made, with seven others underway. Thankfully, none has related to at-work fleet drivers – yet. Now that may be because we all have realistic policies in place, effectively managed. But I don’t think so. According to road safety organisation Brake, just one in three of us is backing up policy by providing our drivers with the knowledge and training to keep our roads safe and policies effective. So many things which we might think is common sense needs to be spelled out to our employees. Helping them to plan realistic journey schedules, avoiding congested areas, avoiding risky overtaking manoeuvres, and slowing to 20mph near schools being just a few. Then there is provision of eye tests, education about drink-drive limits, the dangers of taking a variety of over-the-counter medications, and checking for their sake and ours that they have a valid and current licence for the vehicle they are to drive. My company car policy and handbook runs to 20 pages. That’s before we get to psychome-

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tric profiling, e-learning and on-the-road driving courses. Some of us are already spending a small fortune to try and keep our fleets safe. Yet even after taking all these steps, company drivers will still get into trouble. And here’s the problem. No-one sets out on a journey with the aim of either having or causing an accident which they or others may not survive. People generally feel safe and cocooned in their cars. You have only to count the number of insurance claim forms which have the word “suddenly” written in them to realise that people aren’t concentrating on the job in hand, not anticipating situations, and certainly not considering the consequences of getting it wrong. So actually what we really need to do, even before spending small fortunes on all those potentially lifesaving ideas above, is to sit our employees down and show them the aftermath and consequences of serious accidents, the broken families, the person living with the remorse of having taken another life, so that they really do understand you are a long time dead, and there is no coming back from it – something which really tugs at the heart strings. But I guess that’s considered not very pc, or we might upset an employee here and there by doing so. The duty of care message needs to start by instilling a sense of self-preservation, responsibility and accountability into every person who drives on our business. And if we can, to also pass that message on to their families, who may also use our vehicles. If we can get that message across, then the reasoning for promoting the rest of our policies should become clear in the driver’s head. And at that point, we may lessen our company’s chances of becoming mired in a Corporate Manslaughter prosecution. But then it won’t be the fear or prosecution which drives us, but the knowledge we have got to the heart of the real problem.

Innovative from every angle.

NEW FORD FOCUS

With New EcoBoost Engine Technology The new Ford Focus reflects well on your business:

• Improved EcoBoost engine technology delivers increased fuel economy with lower CO2 emissions versus prior model.

• Stylish new interiors feature the latest advanced and intuitive technologies. • Reverse Park Assist and Park-Out Assist make tricky spaces easy to conquer. • Cross Traffic Alert warns your drivers of potential hazards when reversing.

On sale now. For more information please contact our Business Centre on 0345 723 2323.

P11D

BIK

CO 2

MPG

£13,810 - £27,040

14% - 24%

159 - 98g/km

41.5 - 74.3

COMBINED

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Focus Titanium X 1.0L EcoBoost 100PS (Start-Stop): urban 49.6 (5.7), extra urban 72.4 (3.9), combined 61.4 (4.6). Official C02 emission 105g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt Lesley Slater, recently appointed business development director at LeasePlan UK, on digital solutions and positive role models. Working for a global leasing company It’s fast paced, constantly evolving and full of positive challenges. More often than not, large corporate clients are now looking to maximise their global scale and purchasing power. I’ve increasingly experienced a desire for product and service consistency across all countries. While it can be tricky to get consistency with some different requirements/maturity, this demand hits LeasePlan’s sweet spot as we are a truly global organisation, represented in 32 countries. Manufacturers are also becoming more global, and they want to work with companies which have a similar reach. This is a slightly different challenge due to the structure of our relationships, but it is one that we’re more than capable of meeting. How digital will impact the leasing industry Vehicle manufacturers, dealers and leasing providers are all fighting for driver attention. One space where this competition will become noticeably fiercer is digital interaction. When LeasePlan interacts with drivers digitally we know it will be compared to their everyday digital experiences. This means we have to create truly user-friendly interactions. We are increasingly embracing social media as the lines blur between corporate and retail leasing. Our offer and products are therefore evolving constantly to keep up. Most importantly, I know the experience needs to be consistent, however drivers choose to contact us, so aligning multichannel digital solutions with service experience is key to success.

Keeping ahead of client expectations By working closely with our clients’ businesses we have found we are better able to deliver effective work for them. I’ve often found that in-depth client understanding, combined with innovative thinking, is required to meet these challenges and deliver beyond expectations. Fleet policies that drive both cost and suitability have become more and more sophisticated and supporting systems need to be capable of managing this. Leadership Truly exceptional leaders are adaptable. They will moderate their style to suit different people and different situations regardless of what their default or preferred style of leadership may be. I believe that this ability, combined with clear vision, personal objectives and expectations are the key to getting the most out of people and making them feel empowered. Positive female role models For me, it’s not about “having it all”, it’s about being able to achieve what you want – to have choices that work for us individually, rather than one inflexible route to success. Positive role models aren’t just the high-powered, public figures but “real” people we come into contact with in our daily lives who inspire in the way they combine their personal and professional responsibilities. It’s a good idea to have a network of people who can support, influence and inspire us. Role models who want others to succeed and offer advice can be hugely influential.

FIN Sub-50g/km fleet in numbers

CO2 output for plug-in hybrid drivetrain in forthcoming Audi Q7.

SOURCE: Audi

25%

Percentage of drivers who admitted to bumping another car when parking, with half of those saying they had driven off without leaving their details. SOURCE: Citroën

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BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys

We’ve pulled together the pertinent points from the myriad of research done in the fleet industry this month to give you a clearer view of what’s really going on...

street light black outs

Source: The DfT

New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) suggests that the street lighting “black out” policies operated by many County Councils during the early hours of the morning could have a serious impact on road user safety, particularly during the dark winter months. The DfT found that over the past five years, improved road safety has seen accidents in the dark on built-up roads where there is street lighting fall 19% overall, and 24% in the wet, snow and ice.

Essex County Council came in bottom of a league of 78 councils with a satisfaction score of 45%, Hertfordshire CC scored 51%, South Gloucestershire 57%, Buckinghamshire CC 58 % and Suffolk CC 59%.

In contrast, the organisation found that where street lights are turned off or not present, the reduction is 12% overall, and only 16% in bad weather. The five worst-performing councils for street lighting in this year’s National Highways and Transport Network public satisfaction survey all operate black-out policies, suggesting that the scheme is as unpopular with residents as it is with road safety campaigners.

impaired visibility

Source: Autoglass

Less than a third of drivers keep their windscreens clean for optimum visibility, despite nine in 10 knowing that driving with a dirty windscreen is dangerous, a new survey commissioned by Autoglass, in association with Bosch, has revealed. 67% of drivers surveyed said they did not replace their windscreen wiper blades ever 12 months, as is advised. 48% have forgotten to replace their washer fluid before hitting the road, which meant that they could not clean the windscreen when needed. 43% of drivers surveyed admitted that they had driven in rain so heavy it impared their vision. According to the AA, a total of 22 fatal or serious injury accidents were caused by drivers who set off looking through a snow slit or peering through smears of road dirt on their windscreens in 2013. Also in 2013, at least 19 people died and 259 were seriously injured in accidents where road users couldn’t see properly in rain, sleet, snow and fog.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

winter driving preparations

Source: The Highways Agency

According to the results of the Highways Agency’s 2013-2014 Annual Road User Satisfaction Survey (ARUSS), many drivers do not take the time to carry out even the most basic vehicle checks before getting behind the wheel during the winter months. Of the 1,000 drivers surveyed, 45% admitted that they do not carry out any checks whatsoever on their vehicle before setting off on a winter journey. 59% said they do not regularly check that their lights are working, while 63% do not check the vehicle’s anti-freeze, oil or water levels. 64% do not carry drinking water in case they are stuck overnight, while 58% do not carry de-icer in their vehicle. Only a prepared 33% of respondents said that they regularly carry a warm drink, food and blankets in case of a break-down in the snow.

viable commuting options

‘Drivers should really keep an emergency winter kit in their vehicle, in case something goes wrong during a winter journey,’ commented John McTaggart, head of on-road services for the Highways Agency. ‘Crucial items like warm clothing, food, a road atlas, shovel, torch, icescraper and de-icer could really help if your vehicle breaks down in bad weather.’

Source: Automotive Leasing

The majority of NHS and local authority employees remain wedded to their car despite only having short commutes, according to new research from Automotive Leasing. The survey of 7,468 local government and NHS workers found 50% of commuters use their car every day of the week – despite the fact that 86% said their commute took under an hour. 64% of drivers said they felt they had “no alternative” but to use their car to get to work, citing a lack of reliable public transport as the biggest barrier. This is despite 58% of workplaces offering cycle to work schemes. The three main deterrents to driving to work were listed as: cost of parking (20%), congestion (19%) and alternatives are more convenient (16%). 20% of respondents said their commute had slowed since last year and 70% reported that it had not improved, suggesting a lack of investment in the road network. Tim Meadows, brand director at Automotive Leasing, said: ‘It was interesting to see that many of these shorter journeys could suit electric vehicle use, and this option is something we will certainly be raising with relevant clients in the coming months.’

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 23

g fleet e k

PowerTrekk Fuel Cell Charger An off-grid top-up for your smartphone or tablet, this innovative charger features a small fuel cell which can produce electricity using water and salt, wherever you are. There’s an on-board battery which can also charge from a mains supply if needed, and a simple USB socket to connect to most devices. Price: £117 from powertrekk.com

Bluesmart Smart Suitcase The world’s first smart hand-luggage is a clever travel companion. It connects to a smartphone app enabling digital locking and unlocking, location monitoring and even the ability to check its weight using scales built into the top handle. Proximity sensors mean it’ll lock itself and alert the owner if it thinks it’s being left behind, and there’s also a battery charger built into one of the pockets. Price: £125 from bluesmart.com

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Ever-thinner organic LED (OLED) screen technology is going to rapidly change what smartphones can do. The Galaxy Note Edge is Samsung’s first phablet with a curved display that wraps around the edge of the device, giving quick access to camera control buttons, showing notifications and a news, sports or stocks ticker and giving access to tools like a ruler, stop watch or voice recorder. Price: Depends on tariff, see samsung.com/uk for details Christopher Ward C70 3527 GT Ferrari inspiration isn’t just woven into the Rosso Corsa colour scheme of this limited edition watch and strap, there’s a real piece of rare and valuable 250 GTO bodywork embedded into its backplate. The donor car, the seventh of 39 ever made, also features in the chassis number on the side of the case, and a separate piece of the same bodywork is also found in the matching cufflinks. Price: £2,150 from christopherward.co.uk

apps of the month

Zapper

Slack

Addison Lee

Likely to be as revolutionary for payments as PayPal, Zapper enables your phone to scan QR codes and pay using credit or debit cards linked to the app. It’s early days but the company reckons there’s an endless list of transactions which could be streamlined, from quickly sorting utility bills, paying at restaurants, public transport or even web-based shops. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store, Windows Phone

Essentially a business-focused version of messaging apps, Slack includes not only a large group message function with file sharing, but it’s integrated with tools such as Dropbox to make it easier to discuss projects. There’s a search and archive tool built in, for simple backtracking through old projects, and functionality is continuing to grow. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store

The latest version of Addison Lee’s cross-platform app offers unprecedented control over journeys, including live mapping of 4,800 vehicles showing approximate waiting times. It enables users to switch between personal and business accounts and select payment options including PayPal, and there’s an enhanced address search function to improve booking accuracy too. Price: Free from Google Play & iTunes Store

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

business.peugeot.co.uk

PEUGEOT 308

PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY YOU HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE

PureTech –

BlueHDi –

From 105g/KM CO 2

From 82g/KM CO 2

Up to 130hp

Up to 180hp

3 cylinder petrol engine

Diesel engine

The Peugeot 308 offers you the next generation of cleaner, more economic engines that still deliver pure driver satisfaction. PureTech is an advanced 3-cylinder petrol engine technology that offers the drive and performance normally associated with much bigger engines but with significantly improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, if it’s diesel you’re interested in, BlueHDi delivers class-leading figures for CO2 and MPG, without compromising on performance. By combining technology with efficiency, it’s no surprise that the 308 is loved by fleet managers, company car drivers and award juries alike. Official Fuel Consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 308 Range are: Urban 38.2 (7.4) – 80.7 (3.5), Extra Urban 61.4 (4.6) – 97.4 (2.9), Combined 50.4 (5.6) – 91.1 (3.1) and CO 2 130 – 82 (g/km).

MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Model shown is a 308 Feline with 18” Saphir alloy wheels.

PEUGEOT 308

Land Rover Discovery Sport Is the Freelander's more luxurious replacement efficient enough for fleets? Danny Cobbs investigates. SECTOR Crossover PRICE £32,395–£42,995 FUEL 44.9–46.1mpg CO2 157–161g/km

he arrival of the new Discovery Sport may herald the end of the ageing Freelander 2 but it also groups the Land Rover model line-up into three, distinct categories. For those seeking a luxury SUV, then there’s the choice of the mighty Range Rover, Sport and omnipresent Evoque. For something more utilitarian and workhorse-like, it’s the reliable no-nonsense Defender, which leaves the Discovery and the new Discovery Sport to bridge the gap between the two. Inspiration for the Discovery Sport’s bodywork has clearly come from the Range Rover side of the family, and although it’s only 95mm longer than the Freelander 2, its sweeping profile and high waistline makes it appear far larger, and much more elegant, too. Many of the Discovery Sport’s underpinnings are shared with the Evoque, including the 2.2-litre SD4 diesel engine and nine-speed ZF automatic transmission. The one thing it doesn’t share is the introduction of an all-new multi-link rear suspension. This has meant the stadium seating arrangement could be reconfigured, allowing for a third row of seats to be squeezed in, which becomes a standard eight-inch touchscreen monitor. There’s plenty of other stanfeature across all four trim levels. dard equipment too. Part leather seats can be found in the SE, This hasn’t meant interior space has been compromised. so can a heated windscreen, 18-inch nine-spoke alloys, seven Nor, for that matter, has luxury. The cabin of USB sockets, heated seats, cruise control and a the Evoque has clearly been used as the blueDAB radio. City braking and a bonnet deployed FLEET FACT print for the Discovery Sport’s interior, which pedestrian air bag – a world first – are also part can never be a bad thing, as it delivers an of the Discovery Sport’s standard safety systems. Forthcoming abundance of style and quality, making sitting There’s now even more load area than in the at the helm feel very special indeed. And it’s outgoing Freelander (and in the Evoque, for 2.0-litre Ingenium not just on the higher HSE and HSE Tech trim that matter). With the second row of seats diesel engine will levels which receive this treatment – it has moved to their furthest position backwards, to cut CO2 to 119g/km. maximise passenger legroom, there’s 479 also been extended to the entry-level £32,395 SE and SE Tech (£33,895). litres of cargo space. Slide them forwards, and Key highlights to onboard gadgetry are a new infotainment that figure increases to 689 litres. Fold them completely flat system that features Land Rover’s InControl technology – and a cavernous 1,698 litres becomes available. allowing smartphone apps to be mirrored directly onto the It’s an oxymoron to call this a “green SUV”. Certainly, it’s more efficient than the Freelander, but the ageing 187bhp SD4 diesel engine seems to negate all the good work Land Rover’s engineers have done to reduce weight and drag coefficiency. Fitted with the six-speed manual transmission it will emit 157g/km and return 46.1mpg. Opt for the £1,800 automatic, which is well worth the money, and it will spew out even more nitrates, 166g/km of CO2, and fuel consumption drops to 44.8mpg. JLR's new 2.0-litre diesel engine and front-wheel drive can't come soon enough. But that’s the only real fly in the Discovery Sport’s ointment, and an issue that should be solved with the advent of the new four cylinder Ingenium engines later next year, making this a much more viable proposition as a company car with considerably lower CO2 and better fuel economy. So it’s best to wait and order that model if tax bills are a concern. And as for its off-road capabilities; this is a Land Rover through and through. It will do almost anything you could ask of a car, although for most drivers its all-conquering, simple to use Terrain Response system will be a wasted asset.

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights 95mm longer than the Freelander 2 Prices start from ÂŁ32,395

The Discovery Sport links all the Land Rover models seamlessly together. It has all the refinement of its bigger brothers, the sportiness of the Evoque and the massive off-road capabilities of the Defender.

187bhp SD4 emits 157g/km and returns 46.1mpg Seven seats as standard

key fleet model Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE Tech

fleetworld.co.uk / 27

Smart ForTwo

With more space, refinement and quality, is this the perfect urban transport? By Steve Moody. SECTOR City car PRICE £11,125–£13,820 FUEL 68.9–67.3mpg CO2 93–97g/km

ver the years, with 1.6 million sold, the ForTwo has it a soft car. That short wheelbase still means it bonks as becomes synonymous with urban life and for a one entity over bigger obstacles such as speed bumps. number of businesses, has proved a distictinctive Also, nearly all the cars at launch were the new five-speed way to get their message across. But for Daimler, it has manual but a couple of pre-production autos were available been an incredibly expensive good idea. It is thought it has to show it’s not going to be as bad as before. In the old car, lost Daimler many billions since it launched in 1998. that curmudgeonly box became less crotchety with age, but But with this new model, Daimler hopes to have turned the new twin clutch one is much smoother from the outset. the corner. More refined, and better built, the ForTwo is And a Smart feels like a car suited to a good auto – just stick effectively a shortened new ForFour or Renault Twingo, your foot down and whizz into gaps with no delay. which is where a lot of the development cost has been subIn town, neither the 70bhp naturally aspirated or 88bhp sumed, by using the same three cylinder engine configuraturbocharged three cylinder petrol engine get a chance to tions and similar underpinnings. show their limited performance off but The ForTwo’s styling is less cute than both feel sprightly enough to allow before though, having grown from its iconic plenty of lane swapping. As you might one box design into a more conventional expect, the ForTwo changes direction “one-and-a-half box” silhouette, necessifairly sharply, although doesn’t feel tated by its lineage to the larger cars and unbalanced by it thanks to its fourthe need for better crash protection. square stance. The track and overall width is 100mm The Twingo and ForFour, and the prewider than previously although the car vious ForTwo, have incredibly tight is no longer, but in the cabin the extra turning circles, but this ForTwo makes space, and the better use of it, is apparthem all seem lumbering, finding itself ent while the utilitarian plastic knobs pointing in the other direction in a space and hard surfaces have been replaced of less than seven metres. with nicely detailed and trimmed slidThere are three trim levels - passion, ers, soft touch surfaces with LED backprime and proxy – with other offerings The new ForTwo feels lighting, while the doors even shut with such as an app that allows drivers who more grown-up and a thump rather than clang, like a real car. find odd spaces in which to cram a Smart refined, while retaining its Two improvements to the drive are to take pictures and post their locations immediately noticeable: the ride quality for other Smarties to use. But it is not impressive inner-city peris vastly better and so is the gearbox. The exactly cheap, with the lowest priced formance, but it is expensuspension deals with sharp impacts far model starting at more than £11,000. sive for a two seater, no more compliantly than before, due to How is that the case, when an entry level matter how clever it is. increased spring travel and higher tyre Twingo costs £1,600 less? Clearly Daimsidewalls, although you would never call ler fancies making some cash on it at last.

what we think

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

GE T MORE BANG FOR YOUR BIK

Class-leading boot space 15% Benefit In Kind Low CO 2 emissions: 99g/km Sat Nav finds your way Stay connected with Bluetooth Made in Britain

Civic Tourer 1.6 SE Plus from just £215* a month (plus VAT) on Business Contract Hire £ 1,290 Advance payment (plus VAT)* Contract mileage: 10,000 miles per annum † Contract term: 36 months †

Excess mileage charges of 10.05 pence per mile + VAT Prices for model pictured (which include optional metallic paint) start from £222.24 + VAT per month plus an advance payment of £1,333.44 + VAT. VAT may be payable at a rate of 20%.

Fuel consumption figures for Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus in mpg (l/100km): Urban 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6), Combined 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 99g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience. Contract Hire Terms and Conditions: Contract Hire rentals are based on Honda Contract Hire for the models listed above. *Rentals are based on an advance payment equal to 6 months rental followed by 35 monthly rentals. All rentals are based on 10,000 miles per annum, non maintained and no metallic paint. All rentals exclude VAT at standard rates. Vehicles must be ordered between 1 October 2014 and 31 December 2014 with registration and delivery by 31 March 2015. Honda Contract Hire rentals are available across the Honda range on a variable term, variable mileage per annum, maintained and non-maintained. Excess mileage and other charges may apply dependent on the mileage and return condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Finance is provided by Lex Autolease Limited, Trading as Honda Contract Hire, Heathside Park, Stockport SK3 0RB. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Offer applicable at participating Honda Dealers and is at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability and whilst stocks last.

Hyundai i20

The new Korean supermini is good enough to challenge the best in the sector, Danny Cobbs reckons. SECTOR Supermini PRICE £10,695–£16,725 FUEL 42.2–88.3mpg CO2 84–155g/km

oll back the clock just a few short years, and it own individualism, allowing it to stand out in an overwould be hard to imagine Hyundai challenging the crowded marketplace. stalwarts of the highly competitive supermini secNow sitting on a new platform, which has been speciftor. Yet this all new i20 is likely to cause more than a few ically developed for this car and for European roads, it’s upsets in the Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen camps when 45mm longer than before, and 24mm wider, too. So it goes on sale in the early part of 2015. there’s now enough room for three adults to sit comfortOf course Hyundai is no stranger to B-segment arena. ably on the back seats – while boot space, at 326 litres, The outgoing i20 racked-up some pretty impressive sales expandable to 1,042 litres with the 60:40 rear bench figures – 150,000 units sold in the UK since 2002, making folded flat, is class-leading. it one of its best-selling models of all time. It could be The five launch engines are carried forward from the debated that many of those sales were converted by the old car, but upgraded to meet Euro 6 emission standards. allure of a keenly priced car, however, These include 74bhp and 84bhp 1.2with a starting price of £10,695 this genlitre and 99bhp 1.4-litre petrols, plus eration of i20 is hardly going to distance 74bhp 1.1-litre and 89bhp 1.4-litre those whose deciding factor remains diesels, the latter offering range-lowest budget driven, first and foremost. CO2 emissions in S Blue spec. None of the above are particuarly Despite the i20’s relatively low entryquick, but all are refined. However, this point, it doesn’t feel like a cheap car. isn't really engineered to be anything The Koreans have really upped their more than a car for an urban environgame when it comes to fit and finish, ment, which is the same story for the and the cabin materials are equal to suspension. It’s more than adequate anything found in its German rivals. when fully laden, but it just, ever so And then there’s the styling, inside slightly, falls short of being truly comand out. To call it a “game changer” parable to the main competition. would make it sound very radical, Five trim levels – S, S Blue, SE, Prewhich it isn’t, but for Hyundai it is. Hyundai has made mium and Premium SE – are available, Gone are the mediocre and safe designs the i20 into a very and standard kit across the range of old, replaced instead with a car compelling supermini, includes front-electric windows, priwhich makes a bold statement. The vacy glass, USB connectivity, ABS and rear C-pillars have been blacked-out, so leaving little reason why front and side air bags. SE models are the roof appears to float over its neatly it shouldn’t be considexpected to make up the bulk of orders tapered shoulder lines. The LED dayered when choosing and add 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, time running lights follow the horizona B-segment car. cruise control, reversing sensors and tal curves of the bonnet, while a wide front fog lights. gaping grille gives the i20 a sense of its

what we think

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

Audi A1 A midlife tweak adds new engines to the A1 range. By Danny Cobbs. SECTOR Supermini PRICE £15,390–£26,110 FUEL 40.4–80.7mpg CO2 99–166g/km

ore cut and thrust. That’s how Audi’s marketing department will be promoting the mid-term revisions on the A1. And within that four-word strap-line they’ve actually managed to succinctly summarise the fact that the improvements are found mainly under the bonnet. There are a few cosmetic changes, too, primarily at the front end, while standard equipment is bolstered to include secondary collision brake assist and electromechanical steering across the range, and Audi is introducing a

personalisation service for its smallest model, too. The headline news, however, is the new engine line-up. By spring 2015, the 1.2-litre TFSI will have been dispensed with, replaced by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre 94bhp TFSI. This smaller displacement engine shows a 10bhp gain over the engine it’s been swapped with, and emits 99g/km CO2. There are also two further petrol engines on offer. Both start off as the same 1.4-litre TFSI units, except one offers 123bhp while the other, which features Audi’s Cylinder on Demand technology and is expected to be the biggest fleet seller, has 148bhp. CO2 emissions are down on both, to 115g/km and 112g/km, respectively. All engines will be linked to either a five-speed or sixspeed manual transmission as standard and, for the first time ever, Audi will offer the option to upgrade to the sevenspeed S tronic dual-clutch automatic with any of the engines, including the only diesel in the range, the 1.6-litre TDI. As for driving it, not much has changed. All the models struggled to smooth out bumpy surfaces in town, with the firmer suspension of the Sport and S Line making them seem even more prevalent. There is a no-cost option to revert back to the suspension setting of the entry-level SE, it just needs to be specified at the time of ordering, which is well worth remembering.

DS 4 BlueHDI 120 A sub-100g/km diesel engine should bolster the DS 4’s fleet appeal, reckons Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE TBC FUEL 74.3–76.3mpg CO2 97–100g/km

hat title isn’t a misprint. With DS taking its ﬁrst steps as a solus premium brand, this car’s time wearing a Citroën badge is limited. This year will mark the start of marking the two product lines apart, a move which will largely involve technology and engines at ﬁrst. This can only be good for the DS 4, which this quarter gets PSA’s 1.6-litre BlueHDI 120 engine and – aside from being good for air quality – finally dips under 100g/km of CO2 for the first time. Or, at least, it does for those who can resist upgrading to 17-inch wheels. DS sees this as the spearhead of its C-segment offering. The outgoing e-HDI 115 took 50% of all European sales, and improving efficiency from 67.2mpg to 76.3mpg, with a 13g/km drop in CO2 emissions, can only help. It’s as a result of reduced internal friction, optimised combustion and AdBlue injection in the exhaust system to bring it in line with Euro 6 emissions requirements. The engine is a delight to use. It’s incredibly quiet while cruising, offers a strong surge of low-end torque for bursts of acceleration and has shown itself to be very efficient in other PSA products too. A good fit for a car which, with its leather dashboard and watch strap upholstery, feels convincingly premium inside.

But DS still needs to define this product more clearly. The DS 4 really needs its unique headlights, like the DS 3, to mark it out from the too-similar C4, and there’s no question that it would be a prettier car without the awkward raised suspension. Sat a little lower, not only would the DS 4 probably be even more efficient, but it could gun for the coupe sector too – a useful asset for an emerging premium brand.

fleetworld.co.uk / 31

Exceptional power, outstanding fuel efficiency Already equipped with seductive looks, intuitive new technologies and Infiniti’s performance-first ethos, the Infiniti Q50 now gains a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to bring both impressive response and economy.

“Infiniti Q50 offers exceptional handling control and a thrilling driving experience.”

Infiniti Q50

RECENTLY launched in the UK, the Infiniti Q50 has shaken up the fleet sector with its stunning concept car-inspired looks, an inspired luxury interior and leading-edge technology, providing an inspirational alternative to the traditional German brands. Now a powerful, economical, lightweight new turbocharged petrol engine has been added to the model line-up, as the Japanese luxury automotive manufacturer further expands powertrain options for the premium sports saloon. The new rear-wheel drive model joins the existing 2.2litre diesel and V6 petrol-electric hybrid and is launched as part of the continued expansion of powertrain options across the Infiniti range – over the next five years, the company will increase its model range by 60% and more than double the number of its powertrains. The new unit is based on a turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder engine that delivers 258lb.ft of torque and 208bhp with a 7speed automatic transmission. The powerful yet economical engine is set to impress both fleet managers and fleet drivers with its excellent response and outstanding fuel efficiency, achieved thanks to a combination of a single, exhaust driven turbocharger and direct fuel injection. From the fleet driver’s perspective, the unit holds much attraction due to the supercharger technology of the fourcylinder petrol engine, which delivers sustained acceleration and outstanding responsiveness. Flexible and efficient driving is assisted by an early useable torque delivery that begins at just 1250rpm.

In addition, differentiated drive mode options – in conjunction with its high performance output – ensure exceptional handling control and a thrilling driving experience. However, this is not achieved at the expense of efficiency and in fact the new Q50 2.0L bears notable economy figures, with a combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and 146g/km (43.5mpg and 151g/km for the Sport model) – figures that will impress the fleet manager too. The new turbocharged petrol engine joins other leadingedge technology in the Q50, including the world’s first ever steer by wire arrangement – known as Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) – and the Infiniti InTouch system with dual large high resolution touch screens to bring a ready-to-go digital mobile office. The attractive yet economical package is rounded off by prices starting from £31,755 – one more reason why the Q50 providing an inspirational alternative to the familiar userchooser choices in the business car sector.

To find out more, visit www.infiniti.co.uk

Book your test drive now at infiniti-instinct.co.uk

advertisement feature

Infiniti Q50 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine Power Torque Drive Transmission Max. speed 0-62mph Combined MPG CO2 emissions

208hp @ 5500rpm 258lb/ft @ 1250-3500rpm Rear-wheel drive 7-speed automatic 152mph 7.2 seconds 44.8mpg & 43.5mpg (Sport) 146g/km (17” wheels) & Sport 151g/km (19” wheels)

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168) sector C-segment UK sales 68,195 successor W169

t’s a little sad to think that, for all the innovation packed into the first-generation A-Class, the smallest ever Mercedes-Benz is best remembered for its flaws. So much so that the latest version has completely abandoned the unconventional design and followed the conventional hatchback silhouette as Daimler chases what buyers seem to want from this sector. Previewed as far back as 1993, with the Vision A concept car, the A-Class was a masterpiece of packaging underpinned by a unique layout. This was to be the first Mercedes-Benz to feature front-wheel drive, and the sandwich floor was the brand’s own design. It meant the drivetrain would push under, rather than into, the cabin in a crash, gave a 200mm higher seating position than most hatchbacks, and created space for alternative drivetrains, including hydrogen fuel cells. That short bonnet meant the A-Class measured a mere 3,606mm from bumper to bumper – 14mm less than the original Ford Ka – and most of that was the cabin, meaning rear legroom was similar to the C-Class. Boot space was modest but the rear bench could tumble forwards and all except the driver’s seat could be removed quickly leaving a flat floor all the way from the tailgate to the front footwells. It could function as a small van when needed. But that pioneering design caused some major headaches. The A-Class famously failed a manoeuvre called the elk test, simulating rapid avoidance of a stray

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

animal in the road, and ended up on its roof. After a costly development process, Mercedes-Benz halted production and spent over £100m redesigning the suspension and introducing stability control as standard equipment to fix the problem. But it never shook off that stigma. The A-Class met with mediocre press reviews at launch, criticised for its cheap interior plastics, high pricing and overly firm ride quality, some of which was addressed in a subtle mid-life refresh in 2001. But this was most notable for introducing a longwheelbase model which, with an extra 170mm between its axles, could rival the S-Class for rear legroom and offered an extra 60mm over the short wheelbase version with the rear bench slid fully forward. Ultimately, though, buyers voted with their feet. The A-Class may have been clever, but the Audi A3 launched a year beforehand had got the premium compact formula perfect the first time around. BMW followed suit with the 1 Series in 2004 and, by the time the second-generation A-Class was coming around for renewal in 2011, it was pretty clear that Mercedes-Benz would do the same. So, ironically, none of the A-Class’s pioneering engineering has lasted. A longer bonnet has allowed engines to be shared across large and small models, rather than being bespoke, and even the latest B-Class has moved away from the sandwich floor layout. It’s left the original A-Class as a forward-looking concept which never found the recognition it deserved.

Is it time for you to take action on ESOS? Are you familiar with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, or ESOS for short? If you’re a fleet manager for a company of medium size or above, now’s the time to get up to speed. The story so far

Helping with ESOS compliance

ESOS is an Environment Agency-run energy audit initiative, created to encourage organisations to cut energy use by identifying opportunities for greater energy efficiency. December 2015 marks the first deadline for affected businesses to submit a report accounting for their total energy use over a 12-month period. Companies will be required to produce this report every four years, detailing all energy consumed by their assets and activities including, importantly to you, transport and travel.

It’s clear that, without adequate data, ESOS compliance comes with a considerable administrative burden. That’s where Barclaycard Fuel+, in association with The Miles Consultancy, can help.†

Does it affect you?

Our award-winning mileage audit system captures all the data you need from your fleet. Fuel consumption and pump prices are combined with mileage figures and vehicle-specific mpg stats to provide highly accurate data you can depend on.

The scheme covers any private or not-for-profit business that:

The key details There are two parts to completing an ESOS assessment. The first is to identify at least 90% of a company’s total energy expenditure, of which fleet costs are likely to be a substantial part. The next step is to put forward a plan that identifies opportunities for cutting energy usage, including cost estimates of implementation. Assessments can be carried out either by an Environment Agency-accredited assessor, or by internal staff and audited by an approved assessor. Non-compliance with ESOS could result in a penalty of up to £50,000.

The challenge of figuring out your fleet’s fuel Unlike your company’s other energy costs, calculating fleet energy use entails more than reading utility bills. And because private mileage is excluded from ESOS reporting, you have the added headache of separating business from private mileage. And it’s not enough to simply know how much you’ve spent on fuel. The reporting requirements demand energy expenditure in terms of fuel volume, meaning you need to calculate how many litres your fuel spend purchased, based on the manufacturer’s mpg of the vehicles in your fleet.

†

As well as separating business from personal mileage required to comply with ESOS, this precise reporting also helps ensure your mileage records are compliant with HMRC VAT regulations.

Driving real energy efficiencies and cost savings When it comes to including energy-saving ideas in your ESOS assessment, Barclaycard Fuel+ delivers on all fronts, with customers recording, on average, a 25% drop in business fuel costs in the first year of implementation*. Plus the 99% UK forecourt coverage of Barclaycard Fuel+ means your drivers don’t waste fuel (and time) searching out specific filling stations**. If your company is affected you can’t afford to ignore ESOS. The sooner you act, the sooner you can start delivering substantial savings for your organisation, as well as doing your bit for the environment.

A company must assess whether they are subject to ESOS by taking stock of their situation on the qualification date, 31 December 2014.

– employs 250 or more people, or – has fewer than 250 employees but an annual turnover above €50m (approx £40m) and a balance sheet in excess €43m (approx £34m), or – is part of a corporate group which meets one of these criteria. Public bodies are exempt and if your company already reports energy usage under Carbon Reporting Rules the same data can be used for your ESOS assessment.

Barclaycard Fuel+. Miles ahead.

Learn more about ESOS at gov.uk/energy-savings-opportunityscheme-esos and for more details on Barclaycard Fuel+ go to barclaycard.co.uk/business/fuel or call 0844 822 2400***

Please note that, at present, Fuel+ is available only to organisations with a business fuel spend of more than £100,000 p.a.

* This is based on the first year business fuel savings of 24 TMC customers calculated in 2012. TMC is a trading name of The Miles Consultancy Ltd, a provider of Mileage, Fuel and Mobility Management solutions. Registered Office: TMC House, Minshull Vernon, Cheshire CW1 4RJ. ** Please note that a few small fuel retailers with a shop may be classified by their Visa processing bank as a supermarket or convenience store and your card may therefore be declined. Only an outlet classified as a fuel retailer will accept your card. *** For BT business customers, calls will cost no more than 5.5p per minute, min call charge 6p (current at December 2014). The price on non-BT phone lines may be different. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded. Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Number: 122702) and subscribes to the Lending Code which is monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board. Registered in England No: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA The eagerly awaited “new” Mondeo is finally here. Historically a strong fleet contender, the lift in quality and the new appearance should attract many.

GA This has been due for a long time…but has it been too long? The published CO2 and fuel consumption figures aren’t class-leading.

GA There’s no doubt that this will enjoy a bigger bite of the cherry in this sector than it has been, purely because it’s new.

GA Timing isn’t great just as VW is launching all new Passat. Has new Mondeo already been overtaken in terms of economy and CO2 even though it’s just been launched?

AC Although this has been around in the U.S for a couple of years it looks fresh, with a clean cabin with good ergonomics. It’s more refined than the outgoing model and the Titanium has the specification to cover business users. MJ A significant generational difference, and a strong offering in this sector long term, this version adopts the improved styling with the new Ford family front. MW All in this group are great cars. The new Mondeo looks brilliant, and quality has improved in the cabin.

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AC It doesn’t feel as sharp to drive as the previous Mondeo, the steering is a lot lighter and you just don’t feel as involved as before due to the more comfortable ride settings. MJ Autonomous braking is only an option. Wide range of engine options is a positive but the Euro 6 150PS diesel is not quite as economical or clean as some of this competitor group. The 1.6 TDCI arriving early 2015 is a stronger bet with 94g/km and 78.5mpg. MW No matter how good this is, it will still carry the stigma, by many, of being a Mondeo. Changing that image will be very difficult.

AC The audience that this is targeting gets smaller each year, and is now dominated by the premium offerings. The updates do give the vehicle a refreshing new look though and it will still have its supporters. MJ RVs should be helped by modest volumes and wider engine/transmission choice, with the 1.5 160PS EcoBoost petrol engine added to the range – although 134g/km emissions make that more of a retail car. MW Style sells, and makes a great car even better, which may attract new customers. There may be some shift from the German premium brands into these more “run-of-the-mill” cars, that are no longer the “poor-relation”.

AC Premium offerings now dominate this segment, and many potential customers have also downsized to Focussize cars or moved into the many crossovers available. MJ This has been a long time coming to the UK, so some people may assume that it isn’t the latest technology and disregard it on that basis. Ford asserts that this has allowed the car to be more tuned to the European market. MW The main threats come from SUVs, MPVs and other more practical and flexible vehicles, which are pinching sales from the D segment.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Ford Mondeo

Gavin Amos (GA) Head of Valuations, CDL Vehicle Information Services

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths

GA Historically a strong fleet contender, stylish and high quality. AC Titanium has all the specification a business user needs. MJ Strong offering in this sector long term. MW Looks brilliant, high quality cabin.

Strengths

Volkswagen Passat SE Business 2.0 TDI 150PS BMT

GA Driving dynamics, quality and smooth engines – a tough act to beat. AC Superb fit and finish, quiet and refined. MJ Could attract drivers from premium products looking to save money. MW Very high quality throughout. GA Not the lowest on emissions. AC No hatchback, expensive in this group. MJ Competent but rather conservative. MW Looks to be quite a bit more expensive than the rest.

OTR: £25,135 P11D: £24,510 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 106g/km RV*: £8,550 (34%) BiK: 17% SMR: £2,163 Fuel costs: £4,904 Insurance: £3,210 Finance: £3,386 NI: £1,869 VED: £40 Cost per month: £893

Strengths

Mazda6 2.2d (150PS) SE-L Nav

GA Some good deals to be had. AC Great to drive, good BiK costs. MJ The facelift car due now has improved interior and technology. MW Has certainly caught the eye of many fleet drivers, as it is different.

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with USB/Aux/Bluetooth • Sat nav with 8-inch touchscreen • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual zone climate control • Traffic sign and lane recognition • Auto lights, wipers, rear dimmer • Heated screen • Front fog/cornering lights Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £545 • Parking sensors £450

GA Some low-rent materials, no hatchback option. AC No hatchback. MJ Smaller diesel would broaden listing. MW Still a relatively unknown quantity.

OTR: £23,595 P11D: £23,540 Fuel: 72.4mpg CO2: 104g/km RV*: £7,500 (32%) BiK: 16% SMR: £2,485 Fuel costs: £4,782 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £3,178 NI: £1,657 VED: £40 Cost per month: £868

Strengths

Vauxhall Insignia Tech Line 2.0 CDTi 140PS ecoFLEX

Weaknesses

Vauxhall Insignia

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with USB/Aux/Bluetooth • Sat nav with 8-inch touchscreen • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual-zone climate control • Traffic sign and lane recognition • Auto lights, wipers, rear dimmer • Heated screen • Front fog/cornering lights Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £545 • Parking sensors £450

GA Has Ford waited too long? AC Not as sharp to drive as its predecessor. MJ Crossovers are an ongoing threat to this sector. MW Mondeo badge stigma for some.

Weaknesses

Mazda6

Ford Mondeo Titanium 2.0 TDCi 150PS ECOnetic OTR: £23,745 P11D: £23,690 Fuel: 68.9mpg CO2: 107g/km RV*: £7,650 (32%) BiK: 17% SMR: £1,999 Fuel costs: £5,025 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £3,198 NI: £1,765 VED: £40 Cost per month: £865

Weaknesses

Volkswagen Passat

Andy Cutler (AC) UK Car Editor, Forecast Values Glass’s

GA Class-leading CO2, practical, does what it says on the tin. AC Great value, low BiK & running costs. MJ Low CO2 and P11D have put it back in contention with user choosers. MW Still selling well, refresh and sensible pricing have helped.

Weaknesses

GA Cheapened by past discounting. AC Worst to drive here, poor RVs. MJ No Euro 6 engine yet. MW Badge stigma an issue for some.

OTR: £21,984 P11D: £21,929 Fuel: 76.3mpg CO2: 98g/km RV*: £6,700 (31%) BiK: 15% SMR: £1,832 Fuel costs: £4,537 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £2,960 NI: £1,453 VED: £0 Cost per month: £807

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with USB/Bluetooth • Sat nav with 5.8-inch screen • Cruise control • Dual zone climate control • Front and rear parking sensors • Auto lights, wipers, rear dimmer • 17-inch alloy wheels • Front fog/cornering lights • Smart City Brake Support Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £540

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with USB/Aux/Bluetooth • Sat nav with 8-inch screen • Cruise control • Climate control • Auto lights, wipers, rear dimmer • 17-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £545 • Auto park with f/r sensors £500 • Front camera system £750 • Fog lights, 18-inch wheels £510

* 3yr/60k

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NISSAN LEAF

TAKING THE LEAD SETTING standards for the electric vehicle sector since 2010, the Nissan LEAF’s low running costs, high usability and innovative technology mean it’s never been easier to switch to electric driving. With innovation at the heart of its range, Nissan redefined the electric vehicle sector when it launched the original LEAF in 2010. Spacious, practical and technology rich, it’s continued to blaze a trail for electric driving in the four years since, and with over 147,000 customers all over the globe it’s the best-selling 100% electric vehicle worldwide. But Nissan hasn’t sat still with its technology. Based on customer feedback, the LEAF was refreshed in 2013 and now offers a longer range and faster charging times, as well as a model line-up with three distinct trim levels and the option to lease the

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battery rather than buy it outright. It’s so easy to make the switch that 93% of UK owners said the LEAF is their main mode of transport, and two thirds reported preferring the drive to a car with a conventional engine. Meanwhile, fleets all over the UK have deployed the Nissan’s game-changer for increasingly diverse roles and are reaping wideranging rewards as a result. London-based estate agency Dendrow saw almost instant savings from its fleet of three LEAFs deployed in the Capital. In year one, the company reckons it has cut approximately £3,141 off its fuel costs and saved £8,729 on

the Congestion Charge, as well as a £11,385 reduction in parking charges. ‘The LEAF is phenomenal for going around town. There’s no Congestion Charge for negotiators. Our carbon footprint is lower. I think businesses across London who need cars would benefit massively,’ said Matthew Wilkinson, business development manager at Dendrow. For Oxford City Council, the LEAF was the perfect fit when they updated

LEAF in brief

FLEXIBLE The interior offers space for five adults, and a generous 370-litre boot. British Gas’ Home Charging offer means a wallbox costs from £115.

their fleet. Seeking an environmentallyconscious way to move staff between sites, the LEAF impressed not only in terms of size and electric range, but the six vehicles now used across multiple departments are good for public image too. ‘You haven’t got to worry about the fumes coming out of the back, and the economy side of it is absolutely superb,’ commented street cleaning supervisor and LEAF driver Steve Thomas.

COMFORTABLE Electric drivetrain and aerodynamic body offer luxurious refinement, with no tailpipe emissions helping local air quality.

Private hire companies around the UK are also showing the durability and flexibility of the LEAF, and Northumberland-based Phoenix Taxis claims its drivers typically spend less than £9 per week on running costs, compared with up to £100 for a conventional car. Already a proven asset for thousands of businesses worldwide, the Nissan LEAF means it’s easy to to cut your fleet’s costs, while offering a model your drivers will love to use.

Low TCO All versions are eligible for the £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant, 0% BiK until March 2015, and 5% in the tax year 2015-16. Running costs from just 2p per mile PRACTICAL 124-mile range from a four-hour charge (with optional 6.6KW on-board charger), while rapid chargers on motorways and in town centres can recharge to 80% in half an hour. CLEVER CARWINGS telematics system enables smartphone control of charging and climate control functions, as well as downloading trip reports and energy usage.

To find out more about how the industry-leading Nissan LEAF can benefit your business, or to book a demonstrator, visit www.nissan.co.uk/leaffleet or call us on 0800 294 0579.

EVENTS BVRLA Conference

Risk and rewards Risk management was at the top of the agenda for the 2014 BVRLA Conference, says Dan Gilkes.

‘We at the CBI expect growth to remain strong.’ Alpesh Paleja, CBI

‘

Risk measurement is not the same as risk management.’ That might sound like an obvious statement, but as Gerald Ashley, an international expert on uncertainty, behavioural risk and strategic business decision-making, made clear, many leet managers spend an inordinate amount of time measuring risk and far less time actually managing it. Mr Ashley was speaking at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) Annual Conference with risk management the central topic. Economic uncertainty ‘The UK economy has been doing quite well and is on a firm footing,’ said Alpesh Paleja, head of economic analysis at the CBI. ‘The UK has grown at the fastest quarterly pace among G7 economies. We at the CBI expect growth to remain strong. ‘We are forecasting 3.0% in 2014, slowing to 2.5% in both 2015 and 2016. That marks a return to a more sustainable growth.’

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That continued growth depends greatly on household spending, funded in part by a rise in employment and buoyant consumer sentiment. However, Mr Paleja warned that export and trade remain problematic, due to the weakness in the Eurozone, which accounts for 40% of UK export sales. In addition, with de icit reduction less than half way complete, he warned that there will be continued pressure on businesses to compete. The CBI also expects the irst interest rate rise to come mid2015, though any rate rise will be gradual. Operational regulation ‘The Government is not considering any signi icant reforms to taxing diesel vehicles.’ That statement from John Parkinson, director of motoring, freight and London at the Department for Transport, will go a long way to reassure leet managers. ‘Much has been made recently of the rise in diesel road vehicles and their contribution to air pollution. Diesel cars

have played, and continue to play, a valuable role in reducing fuel usage and emissions of carbon dioxide, but their potential air quality impacts have not been ignored,’ he said. ‘Progressively tighter EU new vehicle emission standards have been seen as the best way of tackling air pollution from road transport. As a result, modern diesel vehicles are much cleaner.’ However, he does expect leets to move more swiftly to ultra-low emissions vehicles going forwards. ‘Our ultimate objective is a low carbon road transport system, which is a more viable, practical and affordable alternative for millions of motorists,’ said Mr Parkinson. Autonomous adoption With talk of autonomous vehicles in the news, Wil Rockall, head of cyber security at KPMG, had a few words of warning. While there are numerous possible bene its from connected vehicles and automotive autonomy, there are huge

‘To regulate or not to regulate (van fleets) it really is in your hands.’

‘Government not considering reforms to taxing diesel vehicles.’

Caroline Hicks, DVSA

‘We are moving from total cost of ownership, to total cost of usership and that in the future that too will change to total cost of mobility.’

John Parkinson, Dept for Transport

KPMG’s Wil Rockall says that automotive autonomy is about more than driving.

Sarwant Singh, Frost & Sullivan

risks to be considered, before a selfdriving vehicle can be legislated and approved he said. Those threats don’t just concern the vehicle itself. If all cars and vans on the road are being sent traf ic information from central sources, to avoid congestion, it wouldn’t take much for a disgruntled hacker to subvert that low of information to vehicles, creating huge traf ic congestion and even accidents. There is also an issue of coded morality to be overcome, he added. At some point an autonomous vehicle will have to “decide” between hitting the child that has run out into the road, or swerving to clip the line of people waiting at the bus stop. Someone writing the code that makes that decision will have to decide themselves which is the greater evil. Who then takes the blame at the court case, the manufacturer, the operator, or the driver? The third stumbling block for autonomy is privacy, or the invasion of it. If the vehicle’s systems can tell what music the driver listens to, where they travel to,

and how quickly, that information can then be used to tailor advertising messages and purchasing options to that driver? And who has access to that information? Autonomous vehicles are about far more than driving and stopping a car. Having a van plan The van industry, which represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the vehicle business and a rapidly expanding sector within the BVRLA, has got to change, or face increasingly stringent regulation. That is the stark message from Caroline Hicks, head of enforcement transformation at DVSA. While driver offences for van drivers are similar to those of truck operators, 85% of the vans stopped at the roadside by DVSA in 2013-14 were found to be overloaded, compared to 58% of trucks. An incredible 54% of vans stopped were issued with a PG9 prohibition notice, preventing the vehicle from continuing on its journey (trucks 31%). However, perhaps the most worrying

statistic from the DVSA, is that 50% of vans (22% of trucks) fail their MOT, bearing in mind that LCVs outnumber HGVs by a ratio of 7:1 on UK roads. As Ms Hicks said, failing a roadside inspection that you are not prepared for is one thing, but failing an MOT, at a prearranged date and time, is quite another. ‘We cannot sustain that level of noncompliance,’ she said. While the government has no appetite for increased regulation, there will be a new emphasis on LCV enforcement. With that in mind the DVSA is promoting Next Generation Enforcement (NGE) as a way forward, to make better use of limited resources. Rather than having to visit premises and stop all van operators at the roadside, DVSA would like to see proven compliance and earned recognition of compliant leets. It could then concentrate enforcement on those operators that have not achieved compliance. ‘To regulate or not to regulate, it really is in your hands,’ said Ms Hicks.

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The Big 5 We’ve asked the industry what they think will happen to five of the major influencing factors for fleets in 2015. 1

Overall health of the UK economy… ‘Over the short term, we don’t foresee any major obstacles to the economic recovery in the UK. We expect to see healthy GDP growth with vehicle registrations following the same trend across both cars and LCVs.’ Mike Waters, senior insight manager, Arval

‘We heard of measures that would build for the future in the 2014 Autumn Statement; from con irmation of investment in the roads infrastructure to announcements in a freeze in fuel duty, it’s clear the current Government is looking at the long term, while the freeze on fuel duty for the foreseeable future will enable workforce mobilisation and support reduced living costs and unemployment.’ Simon Oliphant, chief executive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

‘The feel-good factor is important to consumers and notably more-so when purchasing big-ticket items. An improving jobs market, a stable economy, historically low interest rates and low in lation have given people in work the con idence to make those bigger purchasing decisions. We have seen strong new and used car markets over the past two years, with every indication that will continue into 2015 providing the economic trends remain positive and both consumers and businesses continue to feel con ident.’

‘We predict sustained slow growth, with global issues continuing to cause uncertainty. New car sales will be sustained in their upward trajectory, helped by the increased use of PCPs in the private sector for the last 33 months. However, both leet and private sectors may see less generous support following an increase in sales across the wider EU.’ Eddie Thomson, national operations director, SMA Vehicle Remarketing

Simon Henstock, UK operations director, BCA

‘Macroeconomic indicators suggest that the recovery is irmly entrenched across several business sectors. Many of the businesses that we speak to are feeling more optimistic about their future prospects than they have for several years and are looking to grow their company car and light commercial vehicle leets.’ Andrew Hogsden, senior manager in strategic fleet consultancy, Lex Autolease

‘The UK economy will continue to grow in 2015 – up 2.4% as forecast by the Of ice for Budget Responsibility in the recent Autumn Statement. However, one issue that could arrest economic growth is the predicted continuing fall in oil prices. Fleets and private motorists are grateful for the reduction and its impact on petrol and diesel prices as it helps lower vehicle operating costs and, has given private motorists additional disposable income. But, the impact on HM Treasury coffers is one of reduced North Sea oil revenue alongside lower VAT receipts and fuel duty, all of which could trigger a potential tax hike thus impacting on economic con idence.’ Peter Lambert, fleet director, Kwik Fit

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Availability of funding… ‘From Arval’s perspective , we are fortunate to be owned by a solid bank that is performing well and has a rock solid balance sheet. As a result there are no restrictions on the funding that we can provide to our customers. As a business we showed strong growth in our funded leet in 2014 and we expect that to continue this year. ‘It’s always important for businesses, particularly SME’s to remember that vehicle funding can be an important additional credit line enabling other funding to support core business activity.’ Mike Waters, senior insight manager, Arval

‘The availability and supply of funding in 2014 has strengthened. We expect this trend to continue in 2015, further reducing the lower cost of funds enjoyed by bank-owned leasing providers in recent years.’ Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon

‘The funding situation remains healthy. As predicted, we saw a number of new funders enter the market in 2014. We expect a similar environment in 2015, with even more new funders continuing to enter the sector and rates remaining competitive. This could even lead to some further consolidation as funders look to buy existing lending “books”.’ Gerry Keaney, chief executive, BVRLA

‘The combination of a growing economy, rising business con idence and buoyant new and used car markets ensure the vehicle leasing sector remains attractive to funders. During the last 12 months we have also seen an increase in non-traditional funders enter the market such as Private Equity houses. This is further evidence of the positive market dynamics and suggests that leasing companies will have access to suf icient capital to meet their growth objectives this year.’

The cost of fuel... 3 ‘With fuel costs low, the focus will now be on “how long will it last?”. Already some of the major fuel brands have been accused of putting prices up like a rocket when needed, but dropping them like a balloon when wholesale prices fall. It may take government intervention to police the behaviour.’ Jason Chamberlain, sales director, ARI

‘In the short term, pump fuel prices will reduce given the fall in wholesale worldwide oil prices. The motorist will see the initial bene it however post the election we expect the fuel tax escalator to be reinstated to boost Government revenues.’ Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon

‘It’s amazing that oil prices have dropped by 25% over recent months, yet at the pump prices have dropped by just a fraction of this amount. We expect political pressure to mount with view to reducing pump price.’ Eddie Thomson, national operations director, SMA Vehicle Remarketing

‘The continuing reduction in forecourt fuel is to be welcomed as businesses are clearly saving money. However, leet decision-makers must be extremely vigilant – as must drivers – in respect of the most costeffective locations to ill-up. Pump prices seem to be reducing almost daily, but some outlets – such as supermarket-operated forecourts – appear to be lowering prices at a faster rate than others. Fleets should shop.’ John Pryor, ACFO chairman

‘With fuel costs low, the focus will now be on ‘how long will it last?’. Already some of the major fuel brands have been accused of putting prices up like a rocket when needed, but dropping them like a balloon when wholesale prices fall. It may take government intervention to police the behaviour.’ Mike Waters, senior insight manager, Arval

Andrew Hogsden, senior manager in strategic fleet consultancy, Lex Autolease

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

The Big 5

¡ 4

What will happen in the fleet market ‘Within the leasing sector, we expect the strong business con idence that carried us through 2014 to continue into 2015. Most members still expect conditions within the wider economy and the leet leasing sector to improve in 2015, although concerns remain about margins and used car values. In the B2B environment we expect to see quarterly year-on-year growth of around 5% for car leasing, with an ever increasing market share from the lower medium, dual purpose and multi-purpose car segments. ‘We expect to see average CO2 emissions for the lease leet fall below 120g/km of CO2 for the irst time in 2015.’

‘Fleet volumes in 2015 will stabilise as several businesses have refreshed their leets in 2013/2014. Further focus to operate low emitting vehicles will be critical to minimise any tax rises we expect to see on business vehicles.’

Gerry Keaney, chief executive, BVRLA

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon

‘Motor manufacturers and franchise dealers have been heavily incentivising leet and retail new car sales in 2014 and that looks set to continue in 2015 with many European economies outside of the UK continuing to see little economic growth. Fleet sales growth will be further fuelled by continuing demand for cars funded via corporate salary sacri ice schemes. But, employers will increasingly view business trips by car as a “last resort” as they encourage employees to increasingly opt for alternatives: telephone conference calls, video conferencing, public transport etc. ‘Therefore, the average age of the UK car parc will continue to become younger, average vehicle mileage will reduce and the Government’s estimated company car Bene it-in-Kind tax take will potentially slip as vehicle manufacturers continue to produce lower emission vehicles, which are particularly appealing to salary sacri ice converts. Consequently, the Government may look to recalibrate company car Bene it-in-Kind tax and potentially look at whether the lower cost of a salary sacri ice vehicle versus the cost of employees continuing to take cash is realigned.

‘If the last two decades prove anything, it’s that the leet market is far from settled. Growth in market share of diesel cars across rental, leasing and the private sector has been fuelled by perceptions of superior ef iciency and reduced emissions. However, the change is now coming full circle as health concerns around diesel particulates, with improved economy and re inement in petrol engines, are changing market dynamics again.’

‘We anticipate that leet volumes will continue to grow across the industry as more and more businesses learn of the bene its of leasing.’ Andrew Hogsden, senior manager in strategic fleet consultancy, Lex Autolease

John Yarroll, chairman and chief executive, FleetEurope

‘Our forecast for the year ahead is sustained growth in vehicle volumes for cars and LCVs. For leets, we also expect to see a continuation in the move to greener low CO2 vehicles. In part, this is about running costs but the increasing role of “good citizenship” cannot be understated.’ Eddie Thomson, national operations director, SMA Vehicle Remarketing

Peter Lambert, fleet director, Kwik Fit

‘We expect the level of growth that we have seen this year to continue into 2015. We should expect to see strong volume growth within the SME market and in commercial vehicles which are both good indicators of economic recovery.’

‘The post-recession year-on-year growth in leet sales – up close to 8% in 2014 alongside a 30% rise in business sales – is testimony to the importance of the company car to UK plc. Add in the fact that light commercial vehicle registrations are up 13% and corporate transport continues to play a key role in the economic recovery of the nation from the depths of the 2008 recession.’

Mike Waters, senior insight manager, Arval

John Pryor, chairman, ACFO

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The influence of the General Election...

‘Like any major national event, this will have dampening effect on used car sales, especially as the result looks uncertain at this distance. Immediately afterwards, whichever stripe of major party gains power, there is likely to be a new round of austerity measures and also tax increases, damaging both spending power and consumer con idence.’ Rupert Pontin, head of valuations, Glass’s

‘The outcome of the 2015 general election is heavily stacked in favour of another coalition Government – but perhaps not featuring the same two parties as currently. What’s more the new Government could feature a coalition of perhaps three parties depending on the outcome of the vote. The general election result may be dif icult to predict, but the new Government will continue to rein in public spending, which could potentially impact on vehicle demand. Additionally, one of the new Government’s irst moves may be to raise fuel duty, particularly if oil prices continue to tumble.’ Peter Lambert, fleet director, Kwik Fit

‘Regardless of the composition of the next government, vehicles in a growing economy will be a soft target for tax rises. We expect rises in personal taxation for employees running business vehicles, the fuel escalator re-instated and taxes introduced for the new technologies.’ Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon

‘The upcoming General Election is widely expected to be even closer than that of 2010, with most political analysts saying it is too close to call. We will more than likely see another coalition being formed. As we have seen before, this can create an extra period of political and economic uncertainty. Businesses will also be waiting anxiously to see how the eventual government will look to implement the required austerity packages of tax measures and spending cuts.’

‘The result of the General Election promises to be the single biggest issue facing the leet industry in 2015. Business could well be playing a post-election game of roulette, but instead of red and black the colours will include blue, red, purple and yellow. The result appears too close to call and another coalition could be the result – but not necessarily involving the parties making up the current coalition government. ‘The overall health of the UK economy, funding availability and fuel prices may all be impacted by the election result, but all will be impacted by what happens across the global economy. The only safe prediction is one of unpredictability in 2015.’ Martin Evans, managing director, Jaama

‘General Elections are a fact of life and it is impossible to gauge what effect – if any – this might have on the marketplace at this distance. History tells us there can be some initial uncertainty in the marketplace whoever prevails but this soon settles down and it is business as usual. What might be more worrying is if there is no clear cut decision from the electorate and we end up with a hung parliament.’ Simon Henstock, UK operations director, BCA

Gerry Keaney, chief executive, BVRLA

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

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FEATURE Cars of 2015

fleet cars to look out for in 2015 Regardless of your fleet size or the end user, 2015’s new models show the industry has never been more diverse. Here are the 12 newcomers which will change the corporate landscape over the next year.

USER-CHOOSERS 1

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Ford Focus ST Diesel Undoubtedly noticing the success of the Golf GTD, Ford’s first diesel-powered Focus ST will be priced in line with the petrol and available in hatchback and estate body styles. A 184bhp diesel engine and sportstuned chassis should be as appealing as its 67.3mpg economy and 110g/km CO2 emissions.

Replacing the Freelander, the Discovery Sport will spearhead Land Rover’s fleet push in 2015. It’s a seven seater available with two and fourwheel drive, and gets the familiar 2.2-litre diesel from launch. JLR’s new 2.0-litre diesel with 119g/km CO2 emissions will follow later in 2015.

When? Jan 2015

When? Feb 2015

Volvo XC90

Volvo has pulled out all the stops for its flagship, which gets the all-new modular platform, engines and on-board technology including smartphone integration and active safety systems. The 152g/km, 48.7mpg D5 will be the big seller, but the 59g/km plug-in hybrid is an interesting proposition too.

When? Spring 2015

Jaguar XE Finally putting Jaguar back into the high-volume compact executive segment, the XE is set to become the brand’s biggest-selling car. CO2 emissions from 99g/km, thanks to the brand’s new 2.0-litre diesel engine, and an array of personalisation options should give it a good footprint on choice lists.

When? May 2015

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FEATURE Cars of 2015

JOB-NEED When? Jan 2015

Hyundai i40 The i40 was a game-changing car for Hyundai in 2011, and the update has moved this on again. Behind upmarket new styling it gains comfort and assistance technology from the Genesis luxury saloon, as well as upgraded diesel engines and a new dualclutch automatic gearbox.

Volkswagen Passat Lighter, more efficient and more sophisticated than ever, the Passat’s fleet focus is reflected by its alldiesel launch range and SE Business trim level. The range will get a 95g/km Bluemotion version from June and plug-in hybrid GTE in October, with a 31mile electric range and 45g/km CO2 emissions. When? Spring 2015

Skoda Superb Skoda is targeting conquest customers with its new flaghip, which takes many of its styling cues from the VisionC concept shown in 2014. It’ll share its platform with the latest Passat, and Skoda says it’ll set new standards for interior and luggage space – much like its two predecessors.

Vauxhall Astra Little is known about the next Astra, other than its planned production debut at Ellesmere Port towards the end of the year. Expect some inspiration from the Monza concept car (pictured), and engines including a sub-90g/km “whisper” diesel, plus the new 1.0 and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrols.

When? Summer 2015

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When? Autumn 2015

Ultra Low Emission Vehicles When? Jan 2015

When? Spring 2015

Mercedes-Benz B-Class ED With a 177bhp Tesla drivetrain, the B-Class will be the only fully-electric compact MPV offered in the UK. The battery is packaged into its partial double floor, so doesn’t affect interior or luggage space, and pricing for the single trim level is close to a conventional automatic diesel.

Audi A3 e-tron Clever, tax-efficient and yet entirely conventional to look at and drive, Audi’s first plug-in hybrid is packed full of end-user appeal. The combination of 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and electric motor produces 218bhp and emits 37g/km, and is almost identical to the Volkswagen Golf GTE’s setup.

When? Autumn 2015 12

Toyota Mirai Volumes are likely to be small for the Mirai at first, as the refuelling network is developing, but the UK will be an important market for the brand’s first production fuel cell car. A 300-mile range, water vapour as the only exhaust pipe emission and subfive-minute refuelling will be attractive.

BMW 3 Series eDrive Having recently announced it would launch plug-in hybrids of all its core models, the 3 Series looks likely to become the first to get the technology. It’s based on a four-cylinder petrol engine and should come in under 50g/km CO2 emissions, rivalling the Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid. When? Sept 2015

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WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE! SEMINAR PROGRAMME INDOOR EXHIBITION With over 60 exhibitors already signed up, the indoor exhibition area at Fleet Show 2015 promises to provide visitors with plenty of opportunities to discover new products, services and suppliers. Covering everything from accident management to telematics, exhibitors in the indoor exhibition area will be primed to provide fleet buyers with information on how to make their fleet safer, more environmentally friendly, more costeffective and more effective as a means of recruiting and retaining staff.

Fleet Show 2014 pioneered a new kind of seminar programme in which all the content was collated and presented by a team of experienced fleet managers. Audience feedback was unequivocally positive and as a result the same format will be adopted in 2015. Under the chairmanship of Dennis Dugen - Fleet & Employee Benefits Manager for WSP Group - our team of professional fleet managers will present the latest thinking on: • Fundamentals of Fleet Management • Environmental Management • Risk Management • Procurement and supplier agreements Further seminars and training sessions will be available throughout the day.

OFF-ROAD COURSE The off-road course will be in operation throughout the day. Visitors who have experience of driving 4x4s will be able to test a wide range of vehicles over the challenging course, while those who haven’t driven offroad before can pick up some of the key skills from our team of instructors.

TRACK DRIVING With so many different areas to choose from, Silverstone Circuit provides the perfect location for test driving new cars and vans. At Fleet Show 2015 visitors can experience: > NATIONAL

> INTERNATIONAL

> STOWE

VILLAGE CORNER THE LOOP

ABBEY COPSE CORNER WOODCOTE CORNER

NATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT

FARM CURVE INTERNATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT

CHAPEL CURVE

BROOKLANDS CORNER

WELLINGTON STRAIGHT

HANGAR STRAIGHT

LUFFIELD CORNER MAGGOTTS CORNER

SPONSORED BY

CLUB CORNER VALE

AINTREE CORNER

STOWE CORNER

All drives will be accompanied by either a professional racing driver or a representative of the motor manufacturer. Drivers on the National circuit will be able to experience the full excitement of the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

12TH MAY 2015

NETWORKING LOUNGE Fleet Show 2015 will provide visitors with a full day of informative experiences, but there’s always time to sit down for a chat with colleagues old and new. The networking lounge in Hall 3 proved to be something of a magnet for visitors to last year’s show and with so many of the industry’s major players in attendance, the networking lounge will once again be the place WHERE THE FLEET INDUSTRY MEETS.

www.thefleetshow.co.uk

MARKET OVERVIEW Risk Management

AA DriveTech

DriveTech Employers have a duty of care for staff who drive for work. As one of the UK leaders in road risk management and driver education, AA DriveTech works with you to deliver driver risk management solutions throughout the UK. This includes ‘driving for work’ programmes, action plans, licence validation, driver assessment (paper, on road and online) as well as in-vehicle and workshop training for all vehicle drivers including Driver CPC. Visit our website to find out what our customers have achieved from implementing occupational road risk strategies with us. Case studies include: • Becton Dickinson • Center Parcs • Cordek • Dow • Feedwater • Shred-it Contact: Eloise Robb tellmemore@AADrivetech.com www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

ALD Automotive The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1 million vehicles across 40 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike. An integral part of ALD’s product range is its award winning DriveSafe programme offering a straightforward, practical and cost effective solution to help establish a lasting road risk reduction programme for all employees who drive on business. Utilising the expertise of specialist partners DriveSafe provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated solution, all managed under ‘one roof’ and uniquely delivered via ALD’s threesixty online portal.

Tel: 0845 299 6131 Contact: Helen Fisk helen.fisk@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Tel: 0870 00 111 81

Bill Plant Ltd Bill Plant Ltd have designed a variety of specialist driver training courses to suit people who drive cars, vans, 4x4s or mini buses for work. As part of our fleet programme we are also able to offer a limited number of Government Subsidised Ecodriver Training places. All our driver trainers are DVSA accredited fleet trainers For your FREE ONLINE DRIVER RISK ASSESSMENT go to www.billplant.co.uk/online_ risk_assessment_tool To book your free In car demonstration driver training session, email fleet@billplant.co.uk Contact: Paul Kittrick Tel: 01765 643371 / 07725 025805 paul@billplant.co.uk

www.billplant.co.uk

Interactive Driving Systems Interactive Driving Systems provides research-led fleet risk management solutions. Our Virtual Risk Manager tool is proven - with 1,000,000+ car, heavy and light commercial, bus, two wheeler and lifttruck drivers registered across 70+ countries. Organisations of all types and sizes are supported to build road safety into their DNA. Participants in our Fleet Safety Benchmarking program saved £11+ million in direct collision costs over 3 years through claim rate and cost per vehicle reductions. Almost 1,300 organisations have been engaged in work related road safety via our freely available 10 minute fleet safety gap analysis and benchmarking tool at www.fleetsafeybenchmarking.net Contact: Andy Cuerden Tel: + 44 (0) 1484 551070 andy.cuerden@virtualriskmanager.net www.virtualriskmanager.net

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Cardinus Risk Management Cardinus Risk Management has built up an enviable reputation of being able to provide our services and solutions to fleets of all shapes and sizes. Many blue chip, insurance and vehicle leasing companies use our wide range of fleet solutions which include; risk assessment, consultancy, e-learning, practical training, licence, MOT and business insurance validation. We can also offer non-fleet solutions including display screen equipment (DSE) e-learning & risk assessment, property surveys and risk audits, environmental training and consultancy to deal with all aspects of health and safety. No other risk management company offers such a comprehensive range of global solutions. Contact: Aden Deubert info@cardinus.com

Tel: 0207 469 0200 www.cardinus.com

IAM Drive & Survive IAM Drive & Survive is one of the UK’s leading Driver Risk Management and Driver Training providers and is the commercial subsidiary of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), the UK’s largest independent road safety charity. Whether you need to mitigate the risks faced by your drivers, achieve duty of care or environmental objectives or simply reduce fleet costs, IAM Drive & Survive is THE organisation to talk to for: • Company drivers policies and procedures • Driving licence checking • Driver risk assessments • Driver seminars, workshops and talks • On-road driver training • Grey fleet management Contact: Rahma Hussein Tel: 020 8996 9663 rahma.hussein@iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

Do you offer on-line isk Assesment?

Do you offer psychometric driver profiling?

Do you offer risk assessment as part of your programme?

Do you offer an on-the-road driver training programme?

Do you offer a classroom-based driver training programme?

Do your instructors provide a demonstration drive?

Do you offer a vehicle inspection service?

Do your instructors carry out a driver eyesight test?

Do you offer a licence checking facility?

Do you offer nationwide trainer coverage?

Do you offer training for all vehicle types?

Do you offer Post Accident investigations training?

Do you offer e-training as part of your programme?

FLEETW RLD

AA DriveTech

ALD Automotive

Bill Plant Ltd

Cardinus Risk Management

IAM Drive & Survive Ltd

Interactive Driving Systems

Mac GB Ltd

ROADMARQUE®

Key to services

Service provided

Service unavailable

Mac GB Ltd

ROADMARQUE®

Every company has a corporate responsibility and duty of care for employees who drive for work. As a leading UK provider of Occupational Road Risk (ORR) solutions, from online risk profiles to on road training, Mac know that a sustained campaign on ORR solutions, linked with the company’s health and safety policy, will have an immediate impact on: • Drivers attitude and behaviour • Reduction in incidents/related costs • Reduction in fuel consumption By using ex-police instructors delivering independently accredited courses, you are guaranteed a quality assured service. Course funding now available through our partnership with the Energy Saving Trust.

Reduce risk, protect your people, save money. These are the benefits you can realise by using Roadmarque®. We understand that no two organisations’ requirements are the same. We focus on delivering the best return on investment for you, derived from a thorough analysis of your objectives. Whilst we don’t impose a fixed programme, we do offer packaged solutions including “Complete peace of mind for Fleets” for £2.95 per driver per month, or “Compliance only” for £1.95 per driver per month. We work with organisations of all sizes delivering practical and effective solutions. As an independent provider we guarantee that we won’t sell you what you do not need. Contact us now to find out more…

Contact: Richard Wilyman richard.wilyman@mac-hq.co.uk www.reduceroadrisk.com

Contact: Dr Gerhard Manogg hello@roadmarque.com www.roadmarque.com

Tel: 01745 828180

Tel: 01792 824438

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MANAGEMENT UK Fleet Forum

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy

Join the Is this a law designed on the back of a fag packet? Martin Wedge, Managing Director, OVL Group

Fleet World magazine’s UK Fleet Forum – formerly Fleet Academy – provides a forum where fleet industry experts can exchange views on a wide range of topics, from taxation to speeding fines. At the heart of the UK Fleet Forum is a team of fleet professionals who play a key role in the industry, either as fleet managers, consultants or fleet suppliers. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of discussion topics. Typical areas of interest include, but are not limited to: taxation, finance and accounting, legislation, environmental issues, fleet safety, insurance, fleet management, supply issues and security. Fleet suppliers are permitted to respond to queries if it is felt that their response represents honest and impartial advice. This aspect of the service is strictly moderated in order to ensure that the quality of information provided remains of the highest standard. We have already attracted a strong network of fleet professionals, and our expert contributors have submitted a number of thought provoking discussion topics, a few of which are previewed to the right. We hope you will consider joining us in this exciting new venture into the world of fleet. To find out more about the UK Fleet Forum and request membership, please visit:

theukfleetforum.co.uk 54 / fleetworld.co.uk

While it might appear to be legislation designed on the back of a fag packet, the date of October 2015 has been set for the ban on smoking in cars with children. This is long overdue in my opinion – by at least seven years! I would go further and argue that the Government has once again put the cart before the horse in that smoking in company vehicles has been illegal since 2007. I am no expert on child safety, but why has it taken so long to introduce what seems likes a logical ban on polluting the developing lungs of non-consenting individuals ahead of adults who already understand the dangers and can politely ask the offender to stub it out? There is an irony there that suggests that had we been talking about legally-recognised adults, there could be seven years worth of passive smoking claims to be made against the perpetrators – there certainly would have been a test case brought to court in the US! This is an academic argument of course, because I am not aware of a single enforcement of fleet drivers lighting up, although I am sure there have been a few harsh words from fleet managers and the HR team when cars reach the end of their lease and the company has to pick up the bill for the reduced RV rather than the errant employee. Indeed, the devil will be in the detail in terms of protecting minors from irresponsible parents or guardians. What powers will exist to police this new law in England and what are the penalties to look like? Will there be spot checks by some kind of enforcement team checking on the presence of car seats in the back of cars, or will other drivers or neighbours be expected to report suspicion – and to who? Will it be police or social services? Judging by the existing under-threat funding of these two poorly-resourced local authority services in “austerity Britain”, I don't hold out much hope for bringing anyone to book. What test will be used? Will they have to be caught red handed – or ended, in this case, or will some kind of

debate... “sniff test” have to take place? The sentiment is worthy, but there will be very little change without plans for effective enforcement in place.

Four lane madness Ross Durkin, Managing Editor, Fleet World Chris Rea famously found inspiration for the hit single “The Road to Hell” while sitting in rush hour traffic on the M25, way back in 1989 when it was a three-lane motorway. Fast-forward to 2014 and you could be forgiven for thinking that the addition of a fourth lane to many of the busiest sections would have overcome the problem… but no. It seems that all this has achieved is to provide drivers of lorries and other speed-restricted vehicles with even greater scope for overtaking over agonisingly long distances as the differential between the vehicles is often less than one mile per hour. The frustration this causes for drivers of faster vehicles is there for all to see as they gravitate inevitably to the fourth lane. Not surprisingly there is a growing body of opinion saying that all HGVs and other restricted vehicles should be confined to the first and second lanes only of the four-lane sections. The 20 metre-wide wall of trucks that seems to form before every motorway exit is certainly a daunting prospect for car and van drivers and doubtless contributes to the growing number of accidents paralysing our motorways on a seemingly daily basis.

Gary Chippendale, Head of Finance, Respirex replied… I would agree and also take it a little further in restricting other slow vehicles to the first two lanes. These would include vehicles that have been voluntarily restricted to a limit below 70mph and other usually slow vehicles like taxis/mini cabs and electric vehicles in super efficiency mode.

Meet the experts... Rupert Pontin, Head of Valuations, Glass’s Rupert is responsible for the editorial teams that provide the base data for all Glass’s valuation and forecast products. He has extensive experience in new and used vehicle valuation, UK and European market research, provision of valuation and forecast data, management of small to large teams, profitable running of business units, small and medium size business start up and project management.

Lyndon Wood, CEO, constructaquote.com Lyndon started his business and commercial vehicle insurance company at the age of 19 with no qualifications but with an acute business head. 25 years on and he remains CEO of constructaquote.com, Moorhouse and SunZu. Lyndon is recognised as an industry expert who takes pride in passing his business knowledge on to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dr Will Murray, Research Director, Interactive Driving Systems 1,000,000+ drivers are registered on Interactive Driving System’s Virtual Risk Manager program for driver risk assessment, monitoring and management in 70+ countries and 35 languages globally. As well as working with some of the world’s best known brands and government agencies, Will is also a visiting fellow at Loughborough University and a trustee of Brake, the road safety charity.

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FEATURE Taxation & Funding

A Gold blend? Should you be running ECOS and lease schemes together to get the right fleet for your business, Professor Colin Tourick asks.

y the early 1990s company car Benefit-in-Kind tax (BiK) had risen to the point where it was cheaper for some employees to use their own cars for business mileage rather than a company car. This was not the case for every employer, every employee and every car, but there were certainly savings to be made in some circumstances. Companies have never particularly liked it when employees use private cars for business journeys. There have always been concerns about: • Health and safety (‘How can we be sure the cars are properly maintained and serviced if they’re not under our control?’) • Motor insurance (‘At the moment we have just one fleet policy for all of our cars. If we allow employees to use their own cars does that mean we’d have to check that everyone has renewed their policy and that they have the right cover?’) • Reliability (‘We need to know that an employee can get from A to B whenever the business requires, and that means they need a modern reliable car rather than some old banger.’) • Mileage rates (‘We know that some employees are making a fortune from mileage reimbursement rates because they are running very old cars.’) and • Emissions (‘Also, some of those old cars have very high emissions and if employees make a profit from driving every mile they have an incentive to drive more miles.’) So the industry needed a new product, one which would deliver cost-savings in those situations where drivers were being disadvantaged by BiK tax but which answered all of

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

these concerns. After an awful lot of thinking and financial analysis some very clever people developed Employee Car Ownership Schemes (ECOS). ECOS have all of the look and feel of a normal company car scheme but with one key difference: rather than leasing the cars to the employer the funder sells them to the employees under a credit sale agreement (a loan), then offers to buy them back for a pre-agreed price. Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 s144 says that in order to be taxed as a Benefit-in-Kind it ‘has to be made available to an employee by reason of employment without title in it transferring to them.’ Under a credit sale agreement title to the car passes on day one, so these are not company cars and no BiK tax can arise. The employer adds enough to the employee’s gross pay to cover the loan repayment. However, tax and NI do not have to be paid on some of that additional pay. As these are employee-owned cars the employee can receive a tax and NIfree AMAP payment of up 45p per mile for each business mile driven (up to 10,000 miles, and 25p thereafter). This delivers tax and NIC savings (including an employer NI saving) that otherwise would not be available. More savings are available if the employer is willing to provide an interest-free loan to help the employees buy the cars. If these loans don’t exceed £5,000 they can be paid interestfree and no BiK tax arises. This is paid to the funder as a deposit and reduces the amount of the loan and the loan repayments, so the employer needs to put less grossed-up cash into the employee’s salary. The loan is repaid by the funder when the car is due to be returned or by the employee if they keep the car.

A GOLD BLEND Is it time to blend different funding methods together to create a fleet that is financially ideal for you?

These schemes operate in much the same way as conventional leased company car schemes. The employee chooses a car up to a monthly cost for their grade, using the leasing company’s online quoting system. The employer decides whether to leave the employee costneutral (i.e. the employee ends up out of pocket by the same amount as they would have been had they taken the same car under the conventional company car scheme and paid BiK tax) or leave them with more or less of the savings. These schemes can allow the employee to “trade up” or “trade down” – choosing a more or less expensive car and paying or receiving back the difference in cost. Typically, a block insurance policy will be arranged and the cost recharged to individual employees. Other than fuel cost reimbursement for business mileage, which is paid via expenses, all other payments are dealt with via payroll. The employee needs to be given sufficient additional gross pay to be able to meet the loan repayments, maintenance costs and insurance (out of net pay), with taxoptimisation adjustments being made that reflect the business miles driven. When ECOS became popular in the 1990s they were adopted by many large companies. At the peak there were perhaps 450,000 cars on ECO schemes though this number is now well below 200,000. Yet many organisations still derive significant savings from these schemes. One of the reasons for this drop in popularity is that ECOS can be complex to run compared with regular company car schemes, though these days leasing companies can offer a lot of help to try to remove some of the administrative burden. However, the original problem still remained: one finan-

cial product doesn’t fit all, and some employees would still be better off with a leased company car than with an ECOS car. To solve this problem the leasing industry has developed “blended” ECO/contract hire schemes. The employee chooses their new car from the leasing company’s online system and then the system does a mini financial analysis to work out whether, for that particular employee driving that particular car and that number of business miles, it would be cheaper for the car to be funded via a conventional lease or an ECOS arrangement. The system then generates the appropriate paperwork based on that decision. The cost to the employee is the same whichever option is cheaper – the employer takes the additional benefit. So, are you ready to consider a blended ECO/lease scheme? If you have a fair size fleet it could be a very interesting alternative to your current arrangements.

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT Companies have never particularly liked it when employees use private cars for business journeys. There have always been concerns.

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our fleet Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi “2” Manual SOMEWHAT poetically just two days after I wrote last month’s report on the Carens, in which I said I was finding less call for the extra seats, said seats were suddenly pressed into action, firstly when a couple of kids were stuck for transport to my son’s party and then on a family do to save taking two cars. True, access to the rear seats isn’t the greatest but both kids and adults were happy to clamber over with aplomb. To be honest, what impressed me more than the Carens’ capability to deal with extra passengers was the ease and speed with which I was able to rearrange the car. It took more time to shift out family paraphernalia from the boot than to raise the seats up – helped by the pull ties on the rear of the seats. And as I leave the boot cover permanently stashed away in its underfloor cubbyhole there was no need to stagger around with that either or struggle over fitting it back in again. Funnily enough, in both cases the kids and adults didn’t believe that the car was actually a

the figures seven seater. And that’s what I like about the Carens the most – having extra seating capacity in a model that still feels relatively compact. I also like the great visibility that you get with the Carens, particularly when it comes to checking over your shoulders. Not so practical though are the fold-down picnic tables on the back of the front seats – whilst they have still been put to eminently good use, we’ve found it hard to erect them in transit as passengers have to move their legs out of the way. However, we’ve had good use of the centre seat in the middle row, which folds over to become a table with cupholders, and the cooled glove box. Finally, I’m faring quite well when it comes to fuel consumption, averaging around the 43mpg with the help of the odd economy driving trick – not close to its official combined 60.1mpg but certainly frugal enough for the sector. Natalie Middleton

OTR PRICE £20,795 POWER 114bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 192lb ft @ 1,500rpm 0-62mph 12.6 seconds TOP SPEED 112mph COMBINED MPG 60.1mpg CO2 124g/km (20% BiK)

Volvo V40 D4 R-Design Lux Nav IT’S fair to say that there is no chance of me ever losing our new long termer in a car park. Painted in vibrant rebel blue, its light powder blue colour sticks out easily among a sea of black and grey cars.

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The colour certainly suits the V40 though, contrasting well with the black tailgate and silver capped wing mirrors. It lends the V40 a sporty air, especially when fitted with the R-Design sports trim pack which adds a subtle bodykit and 18-inch charcoal alloy wheels. As a standard package, the R-Design looks the business and offers userchoosers another avenue to pursue other than a Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1 Series or Audi A3. Inside it’s a match for all of them too,

with a well-crafted cabin with an excellent multi-media system controlling everything from navigation and stereo to interior lighting ambience. However, it should tick all the boxes considering its £28,220 pricetag – and even more so when you consider the choice options fitted to our car take the total price up to a fairly unrealistic £35,000. Not that I’m complaining – all these goodies means I’ve got a lot of exploring to do with our V40’s features. Julian Kirk

Renault ZOE Dynamique Zen

Mazda3 2.2D SE-L Nav MAZDA’S new CX-3 will take on the Nissan Juke next year, which means there are three products in its own range with cross-segment appeal. I’m genuinely not sure which one I’d go for. The Mazda3 sits firmly in the core C-segment, and does it very well. But like a lot of British buyers, the rugged styling of either the CX-3 or CX-5 is tempting, especially as they share the best points of the hatchback’s driving dynamics and visual appeal. In some ways that’s great news for Mazda, though. This trio offers a few options for young families, and none will leave them feeling like they’re the poor relation. Anne Dopson

Peugeot 308 SW Allure BlueHDI 120 Now that our SEAT Leon ST has been defleeted, its worthy replacement – the Peugeot 308 SW – continues to earn praise from the FW Fleet team. Its comfort, particularly on long journeys, is pretty much second to none. The seats are great...cushioned and supportive, while the ride quality is remarkably good. The engine is a star performer too, with both our deputy editor and myself seeing 70mpg regularly. Less welcome from my perspective is a touch-screen that, although it functions beautifully, is a bit of a stretch from the driver’s seat and requires at least two touches to control functions such as heating, which can be distracting. Luke Wikner

2014 was a formative year for the plug-in sector; 12 months which can be plotted by significant new arrivals – albeit mostly plug-in hybrids – but also by sales and infrastructure improving. It’s also been a period of learning for me, despite prior experience driving plug-ins. During the last five months, I’ve been able to travel around most of the south of the UK using the ZOE, mostly without snags. Up to around 150 miles, which is a couple of rapid charging stops, I’ve got used to factoring some coffee and WiFi time into the journey. It’s only a four-charge trip to Liverpool and the lack of rapid chargers in Aberystwyth which have talked me out of journeys I’d have otherwise have made in the Renault. I’ve also discovered there’s a huge amount of public interest in electric vehicles. Most passers-by have an opinion, and I’ve had plenty of conversations about range and charging times which have surprised the people I’ve been talking to. Public knowledge seems to be lagging behind the latest models, but there’s genuine consumer interest, and it’s not always financially driven. It’s also been interesting to notice how my own behaviour has changed, and the features I’m making use of as the weather has changed. My landing window is within range of turning the car’s cabin heaters on using the key, which is a real asset on frosty mornings and good for saving battery power. That latter point is important now that winter is nibbling at the predicted range. But the real test will come in January, and several weeks of only using the ZOE for motorway miles again. Without the advantage of summer weather and unmisted windows, it could become an all-new conversation point while I finish my service station coffee. Alex Grant

the figures OTR PRICE £15,195 (inc. £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant) POWER 87bhp @ 3,000–11,500rpm TORQUE 162lb.ft @ 250–2,500rpm 0-62mph 13.5 seconds TOP SPEED 84mph ELECTRIC RANGE: 120 miles CO2 0g/km (0% BiK)

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our fleet Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE-T

FINDING the right specification for a fleet vehicle will depend on the driver’s intended use as much as their available budget. Our Honda CR-V seems to strike a good balance of luxury and useful items in SE-T trim though. That T is an additional technology pack on top of the standard SE model, bringing with it Bluetooth and satellite navigation. The

Honda also boasts front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, auto wipers, lights and dipping rear view mirror, plus front fog lights on top of the base S grade model. You can also add the T pack to the S trim if preferred. Ticking the T box puts £765 on the purchase price, though it only brings with it a £2-£4 premium per month in BiK for a 20% tax payer, or £5-£7 extra for a 40% employee. All of those technology features come as standard on higher SR and EX grades however, along with a host of luxury items, so it might be worth looking at total cost of ownership if they are likely to be a deal clincher for your driver. The good news for fleet managers is that whatever the trim, the 1.6i-DTEC engine is in road fund bracket C, so attracts no tax at all. Dan Gilkes

DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Ensto UK Ltd Tel: +44 7432 701524 ensto.com/chago

accident management Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

Audi A5 Sportback S Line Ultra IT might seem odd to talk of range anxiety in anything other than an electric vehicle. But it’s not so long ago that one of our long-termers – with a small petrol tank and powerful 2.3-litre turbo engine – would only just make my 310-mile commute on a tankful of unleaded. I know it makes me sound tight, but I just cannot stand paying motorway service station rip-off prices, so the ability to choose where I fill up rather than facing Hobson’s choice is important on principle. So there’s something distinctly reassuring about topping up our A5 long-termer

SUPPLIER

and seeing a range of over 700 miles pop up on the display. There and back with diesel to spare – happy days. What’s more, the relative infrequency of my visits to the pumps has also resulted in me eating half the quantity of sweets I used to. Sadly my eco-driving credentials aren’t all they could be, but I’ve decided to try for the best MPG I can coax from the 2.0-litre TDi Ultra engine in order to see how high I can push the “range” figure. One thousand miles is probably way beyond my ability, though in the right hands I’m sure it’s possible. Ross Durkin

Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd

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

fast fits & tyres ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

fleet insurance Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk

insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

driver licence checking Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

JCT600 Contracts Limited Tel: 0113 250 0060 www.jct600contracts.co.uk

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

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

MAC GB Ltd Tel: 01745 828180 www.reduceroadrisk.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

Vehicle Management

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Tel: 08456 025697 www.pendlelease.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk

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

IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622

www.cardinus.com

www.soficoservices.com

Tel: 0845 815 0019 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023 www.billplant.co.uk

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

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

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

ARI Fleet UK Tel: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

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

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

Sofico

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

November 2014

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

stopping power Why fleets should check their brakes

car valeting MODELPUPIL Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

Val-Tech Solutions Ltd Tel: 0333 011 6540 www.val-techsolutions.co.uk

2014

MPG Marathon

100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible... fleetworld.co.uk

telematics & tracking

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

misfuelling

fuel management

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

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

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

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

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk

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

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

our fleet Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer VAUXHALL followed up its 4x4 only range topping Insignia Country Tourer with a fleet friendly front-wheel-drive ecoFLEX model, offering the same looks and high spec as the 4x4 models, but with

lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. And that is what has impressed most with our FWD Country Tourer. So far it is easily averaging over 50mpg and on one recent long run was averaging 57.0mpg according to its trip computer. That is quite impressive for a large car with raised ground clearance and only adds to the car’s long distance driving appeal. And it has plenty of that. Despite the ecoFLEX settings with standard engine Stop/Start, a prod of the Sport button will see the car powering away without fuss, while the FlexRide adaptive suspension

ensures good body control, enabling the car to be hustled along a twisting road with surprising ease. Most Country Tourers come with automatic transmission as standard, but our manual variant helps to ensure the good fuel consumption we are seeing and the manual box is light and slick. Standard equipment includes adaptive forward lighting with bi-xenon headlamps, offering good night visibility, even if some oncoming drivers find the lights a bit on the bright side. John Kendall

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GH4hS VERY rarely, a car comes out of the blue and redefines what people think of its maker. The first Mazda6 for example, and now, the Outlander PHEV. In its time on our fleet, this plug-in hybrid SUV has proved a remarkably good big car at going the distance on electric. For once, the makers’ claims can be backed up by action. I regularly got more than 20 miles on electric, and up to 25 on some occasions. Just as Mitsubishi said I would. On longer trips, the petrol engine cuts in and you won’t get much more than 35mpg in total. Just as Mitsubishi said I would. So this is a car for a specific need, which is somebody looking to save thousands of pounds in BiK, but not doing vast distances every day. If that is your drivers, then it fulfills that role. Also, it is a big car with lots of space front, rear and boot and the hybrid powertain is as smooth as any out there. It’s actually pretty difficult to work

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

out when it is running on petrol and on electric, it really is silent. Also, in these winter months I’ve loved the pre-heating facility that defrosts the car from the house with a dab on the iPod controller. There are some less impressive aspects though. If your drivers are used to Germanic levels of build quality in their 30 grand cars, then they won’t find it here. Some of the plastics really aren’t very good and the infotainment and nav system is slow, fiddly and arcane. It certainly feels at least a generation or three back from the best in the premium sector. That said, could you put up with some tinny construction and a decade old map screen in return for spending most of the time in saintly EV running mode, and a vast saving on tax bills? I know I could. Mitsubishi has come out of nowhere with this car, and put itself right in the fleet frame. Steve Moody

the figures OTR PRICE £34,999 (inc £5,000 grant) POWER 200bhp @ 4,500rpm (combined) TORQUE 144lb.ft @ 4,500rpm (combined) 0-62mph 11 seconds TOP SPEED 106mph COMBINED MPG 148mpg CO2 48g/km (5% BiK)

VAN

January 2015

FLEETW RLD

p77 Twizy Cargo is as niche as you can get in the LCV market, but it offers a low cost urban delivery option.

at a glance driven... Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Commercial, Renault Twizy Cargo, Paneltex Zeroed

plus... Contract hire, rapid charging INTERVIEW: Chris Black, head of fleet, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles vanfleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Dandelions offer tyre compound option

ontinental Tyres is to produce tyres from Russian dandelions within 5-10 years. No, it’s not April yet. The automotive giant is working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) to develop natural latex from the roots of the dandelion, as a commercially viable alternative to natural latex that comes from rainforest plantations. The dandelions can be cultivated on land that is not suitable for food crops, making it possible to create “plantations” beside central European tyre plants, cutting CO2 emissions from transportation. The move would also provide the company with some protection against the volatile global rubber market, with 10-30% of a van tyre currently coming from the rubber tree. The material, called Taraxagum, is being tested for the first time in Continental’s

WinterContact TS850P at the firm’s winter test site in Sweden. Continental is also working on a process to return waste rubber to the production cycle, allowing rubber from end-of-life truck tyres to be reused in both new and retread tyres. ‘Successful companies of the future will be those who can combine technologies,’ said David O’Donnell, head of global research and development for passenger car and light truck tyres. The latest tyre from Continental has been developed speci ically for hybrid vehicles, featuring a 30% drop in rolling resistance. There has been no compromise on safety however, as the tyre has been awarded A ratings for both rolling resistance and wet braking, typically the two con licting aims of the tyre manufacturer.

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

Doblo Cargo keeps Network Rail on track Network Rail has taken delivery of the first of 283 Doblo Cargo and Doblo Crew vans to assist technicians that inspect and maintain 20,000 miles of track across the UK. Both models have been ordered in short wheelbase form, with the 90hp 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel engine. Bespoke racking system and vehicle graphics have been installed by Bri-Stor Systems in Staffordshire.

Update adds to Korando value proposition

sangYong has updated its Korando light commercial with an improved engine, upgraded interior and a facelifted front end. Available as a two-wheel drive CS or a four-wheel drive CSX model, the Korando van can carry a 433kg payload in its 1.3m3 load area and is capable of pulling a 2.0-tonne trailer. Both models are powered by a 149hp 2.0-litre diesel engine and SsangYong claims greatly improved levels of noise and vibration. Emissions are down as well, with the 4x2 model producing 147g/km of CO2 and the 4x4 just 157g/km. The vans have a completely new dashboard design and both come with electric windows, cruise control, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. All SsangYong

models get a ive year unlimited mileage warranty. Prices start at £12,995 for the two-wheel drive CS model and £14,295 for the all-wheel drive CSX. ‘SsangYong has a growing reputation for producing extremely competent offroad vehicles, and the new Korando Commercial builds on this pedigree,’ said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong UK. ‘It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable LCV and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.’

L200 delivers pick-up challenge Mitsubishi has launched yet another version of its venerable L200 pick-up, majoring on value for money. The L200 Challenger is priced from just £16,499 yet comes with a 175hp engine, alloy wheels, cruise control, climate, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth and the longer load bed. Leather trim is available as an option. As well as the standard five-year/125,000 mile warranty, Mitsubishi is offering the truck with a three-year fixed price service plan for just £600.

Low emission status confirmed by VCA Conversion specialist ULEMCo has had its hydrogen fuelling system verified by the VCA, the UK Vehicle Type Approval authority, as achieving ultra-low emissions status. Under testing, Ford Transit vans equipped with the hydrogen system have achieved 59g/km of CO2, a 70% cut on the standard diesel vehicle. Tailpipe emissions also showed a 40% reduction in NOx.

64 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

INTERVIEW Chris Black, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Strength in numbers As Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates its best year in the UK, cementing a strong number two position in the LCV sector, Dan Gilkes talks to head of fleet Chris Black about current success and future prospects. lmost every van manufacturer will A have benefited from the UK’s rising LCV market in 2014, though Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ registrations were particularly strong. The company sold more than 41,200 vans to the end of November, passing its whole year 2013 total of 40,857 a month early. In that 11-month period, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles grabbed a 13.4% market share, putting it second behind Ford. That’s an impressive achievement, but even more so when you realise that Transporter, Caddy and Amarok will all be replaced or upgraded in 2015, with an all-new Crafter making an appearance late in 2016. These are hardly run-out figures. Fleet sales account for around 80% of Volkswagen’s van output, though the firm considers almost any business sale to be fleet. ‘A one man trader is just as important as someone buying 1,000 vans,’ said head of fleet Chris Black. ‘In every one of our 72 Van Centres we’ve got someone who is dedicated to fleet. Some centres have more opportunity, so they might have two or more, but every one has at least one. ‘We also have a team of five fleet managers who work with the Van Centres and customers, plus two key account managers to look after the 1,000 vehicle plus market.’ Despite this strong presence in the market, he admits that further growth will require additional resource, if standards are to be maintained and lifted further. ‘It’s where I would like it to be today, but we’ve got plans, we want to grow and we are ambitious, which will need more people,’ says Mr Black. ‘We need to look at how the customer wants to be served. How do we help people to find the right vehicle for the right job?’ Having experts that really understand the LCV market is particularly critical as the vehicles get larger. For some time now Volkswagen has been working to boost Crafter sales and its biggest van remains the firm’s biggest opportunity. That said, by the end of 2014, Crafter sales were up an impressive 41.9% on the previous year. This is in part due to the growing number of bodies available through the firm’s Engineered To Go programme, with a Luton the most recent conversion addition.

‘Engineered To Go is definitely a growth area for us,’ says Mr Black. ‘The vast majority of Crafters will have a reasonable amount of conversion work.’ The next Crafter will break with the Mercedes Sprinter, with which it has shared a chassis and production line, as Volkswagen moves its biggest van to a new site in Poland. ‘It will become immediately apparent to customers how different the new Crafter will be,’ says Mr Black. ‘We will have a much larger client base for new Crafter than before.’ Of course the big news this year is the imminent arrival of the sixth generation Transporter, plus to a lesser extent a new Caddy. Despite T5 coming to the end of its product cycle, the firm’s Hanover plant remains at capacity building the van, such is its popularity both in the UK and on the Continent. ‘It’s the value of the product, we’ve engineered a quality vehicle,’ says Mr Black. ‘Then there is TCO, service and support, the overall proposition has a different value. The demand for T5 is still really strong.’ This is in part due to Volkswagen’s enviable residual values, something that he is keen to maintain going forwards. ‘We are never complacent about RVs as we know it is one of the main strengths of what we do. We could put a lot into rental, but we don’t want to do that as our residuals would be challenged.’ While demand for T5 remains strong, it completely outstrips supply for the firm’s Amarok pick-up, which saw a 19.2% rise in deliveries in 2014. The problem for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is getting enough of the trucks from the production sites in Germany and Argentina. ‘We could comfortably sell a lot more Amaroks,’ says Mr Black. Looking forward, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is expecting another strong UK market in 2015, though in an election year there are understandably a number of things that could have a big effect on van sales. ‘Our view is that it will be relatively stable, similar to where we are today,’ says Mr Black. ‘We will however have a balancing act to fulfil demand. We want to be someone that a customer can rely on and use. Let’s make sure that the vehicle is the right tool for the job.’

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 65

helping bring a rapid charging network to London We’re working with Transport for London to find out where new rapid chargepoints for electric vehicles should be located around London in order to complement the journeys that fleets make everyday. You can now help map London’s future network of chargepoints by getting involved in our project and sharing some insight into where your fleet travels in and around London. Whether you’re already using plug-in vehicles within your fleet or just considering incorporating them, your application is welcome. Visit our website to find out about eligibility criteria and to send your application. Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/businesses/plugin Call 020 7222 0101

FEATURE Rapid Charging in association with

Could rapid charging spell the end of “Range Anxiety” R

ange anxiety is widely regarded as one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle uptake among leets, but while research is ongoing into battery cells, it’s rapid charging which looks set to transform the vehicles and the way they’re used in the short term. This is the technology which not only helps alleviate range anxiety, but it enables fully electric vehicles to recharge to 80% capacity in less than half an hour, in turn allowing them to cover longer distances when required. That’s important for passenger cars, but it radically alters the business for commercial leets, where the ability to double or triple-shift

an asset makes electric mobility a far more viable option for operators. The UK already has one of the most advanced rapid charging networks in Europe, set to reach around 500 locations in large conurbations and at service stations on all major routes by March 2015, but further growth is in the pipeline. A £15m funding package, announced in the 2014 Autumn Statement, will mean drivers will be no more than 20 miles from a rapid chargepoint on motorways or trunk roads by 2021, while the manufacturer-backed Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) will link airports and ferry ports across Great Britain and

Ireland with the rest of the continent. As plug-in sales grow, there are signs that rapid charging is encouraging longdistance travel. Ecotricity, which manages the 170-strong Electric Highway network, reported almost a fourfold year-on-year increase in use during the irst nine months of 2014. Now Transport for London is taking the technology into the Capital, and with the help of the Energy Saving Trust, it’s looking to identify locations for rapid chargepoints to encourage fleets to make the switch too. It means range anxiety might soon cease to be a barrier to uptake.

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

FEATURE Rapid Charging

Rapid growth Rapid charging could open up the market to a new group of van operators, says Dan Gilkes.

espite the arrival of rapid chargers, range remains the irst consideration with an electric LCV. Can the van actually carry out the journey that you require on a single charge? It has been proven for many delivery businesses, local authorities and urban van users, that the answer to that question is often yes. An easily achievable, realistic daily range of 70-80 miles is more than enough for

‘Van operators that require greater range than is currently available on a single overnight charge could benefit from rapid charger investment.’ 68 / fleetworld.co.uk

many operators, allowing them to return to a depot or home location to recharge overnight, ready for the following day’s travel. But what if you really do need that extra range, either on a regular or an occasional basis? Can you still take the electric option if you have to cover 100 miles or more in one shift? By incorporating rapid charging into a daily routine, there is no reason why not.

Charge with Ensto Chago

in association with

Daily plan Rapid chargers provide up to 80% of battery capacity in just 30 minutes, allowing a driver to rapidly recharge during a lunch break or non-driving work period. However integrating a rapid charge into daily use is not likely to be an ad hoc process. Fleet managers will need to plan their operation to incorporate a 30 minute charge period, optimise their routes to allow the vehicle to access a rapid charger at the right time of the day and have access to a rapid charge facility at the point where they require it. This could work well for multi-depot operations, where vans are regularly calling at a company’s own premises throughout the day. Likewise a local authority user, with access to a number of charging points within their working area, could easily integrate a 30 minute charge into their working day.

Taking a lead City of York Council, with the help of the Energy Saving Trust’s Plugged-in Fleets Initiative (PIFI) discovered that the Council’s premises were ideally suited to charging vehicles, with the capacity and space to charge up to 20 cars and vans. This provided the con idence to invest in electric vehicles and the Council has since added electric models into its pool car leet. Cumbria County Council has taken this a step further. Energy Saving Trust completed a review to assess the potential of electric vehicles for the Council and it was decided that 15 vehicles on the leet could be changed to electric drive. However there were only four charging points in the whole county. Together with the Energy Saving Trust, Cumbria applied for an infrastructure grant from the Of ice for Low Emission Vehicles, securing £1m to install charging points in the county by the end of 2014. Electric vans need not be reserved for delivery companies and supermarkets operating within central London. With intelligent use of the expanding UK rapid charging infrastructure and the option for companies to install their own charging systems within a broader business operation, rapid charging brings the option of electric LCVs to a much wider light commercial vehicle audience.

Ensto Enst o Chago o Electrical vehicle Electrical vehicle charging char ging solutions

www.ensto.com/chago w ww.ensto.com/chag go

FEATURE Rapid Charging in association with

Forming links Amid ever-changing funding and rapidly advancing vehicles and infrastructure, the Energy Saving Trust is looking to build the bridges which will underpin ongoing growth, as group director of transport, Andrew Benfield explains to Alex Grant.

What does your role entail? AB: Group Transport is a new directorate in the Energy Saving Trust, bringing together our sustainable transport activities in Scotland and England for the irst time. It’s an ambitious move and shows how important our work in clean, low carbon transport is to the organisation. What sort of fleets does the Energy Saving Trust work with? AB: We offer a range of independent and impartial advice and support that can be tailored to suit all leets sizes. We have a range of online tools that can help SMEs take the irst steps into understanding the potential savings they can get from implementing a low carbon leets. They can also do an online assessment of whether a Plug-in Vehicle will work for their business. We’re inding that both SMEs and the Public Sector are particularly interested in emerging low carbon transport technologies and management approaches. Smaller businesses, like Fruit for London and eConnect cars took our free consultancy and have now

switched their entire leets to pure electric vehicles. Our advice and support gave them an independent business case which showed that these vehicles were not only cleaner, which is important in a city like London where they operate, but also would be cheaper to run than the nearest diesel alternative. For large businesses, ESOS means they have to conduct energy audits on their leets for the irst time. We are developing a programme to help Lead Energy Auditors and people who may be involved in conducting transport energy audits for the purposes of ESOS, leading to an Energy Saving Trust approved status and recognised level of competence. Do you think fleets’ acceptance of e-mobility is growing? AB:We’ve seen a huge shift in interest and acceptance over the last two years. We’ve worked with almost 150 organisations around the country and around two thirds of them can integrate Plug-in Vehicles to their leets. While, they don’t suit every application, where they do they make

sense economically as well as environmentally. Our consultants build a robust business case which compares a plug-in vehicle to the nearest diesel and only recommend them where the whole life cost is less. As our consultants all come from leet industry backgrounds they are also able to offer practical guidance on how our clients might change their leet operations to realise even more bene its – it’s a pragmatic and hands on approach. How much money can fleets save by switching to ultra-low emission vehicles? AB: The 1,500 vehicles that we identi ied could be implemented in our participating leets will deliver savings of around three quarters of a million pounds for those organisations so savings are substantial. But we only recommend a plug-in vehicle where they will work. We want to create organisations and drivers who advocate these vehicles because they bene it their business and are fun to drive, not rubber stamp purchase decisions based purely on gaining positive CSR points. Are plug-in vehicles getting a wider role in businesses? AB: In the last six months a range of new plugin hybrids models have become available, giving businesses more choice. Vehicles like the Nissan e-NV200 and the Mitsubishi Outlander are broadening usage opportunities and dropping purchase prices are creating signi icant interest from the user-chooser market. For commercial vehicles, there has traditionally been a trade-off between battery size and load space, but rapid charging is starting to remove that problem. We’re working with a delivery business on how they can use trucks with smaller batteries to keep load space, then using rapid chargers to allow three shifts instead of two. Combining the new technology with innovative leet management in this way is helping to make the business case work where it didn’t before.

The Energy Saving Trust needs YOU!!! Energy Saving Trust is working with Transport for London to determine where new rapid chargepoints for electric vehicles should be located around the city. Interested companies are invited to apply to help map a network of chargepoints, that would encourage fleet managers to switch to plug-in vehicles and save money. 70 / fleetworld.co.uk

Applications are welcomed both from existing plug-in fleets and from those considering switching to electric vehicles, if they meet the following criteria: 1) Operate a minimum of 10 commercial vehicles up to 12.5 tonnes GVW 2) Operate vehicles partially or wholly in Greater London. Fleets could be based in London or elsewhere, but operate in London. 3) Able to supply telematics or vehicle scheduling data for a minimum of one month (historic or current). For more information contact Fergus Worthy on 0207 654 2613 visit the website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or email fergus.worthy@est.org.uk

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ALL-NEW RENAULT TRAFIC. YOUR SUCCESS BOOSTER.

Visit renault.co.uk/business or call the Renault Business Team on 0800 040 7344.

• Formula One inspired ENERGY engines with fuel economy of up to 47.9mpg combined* • Available from £204.95 per month on contract hire**

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BUSINESS USERS ONLY. *EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving style, road conditions and other factors. **Model shown: Renault Trafic SL27 Business + dCi from £24,699 inc. VAT. Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Business contract hire payment based on 3 months advance payment at £614.85 followed by 35 monthly payments at £204.95. Price excludes metallic paint, delivery and dealer related charges and based on 10,000 miles per annum. Prices exclusive of VAT unless otherwise indicated. You will not own the vehicle. Offer cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on Trafic until 31 March 2014 (orders).

FEATURE Rapid Charging in association with

case studies BRITISH GAS 100 Nissan e-NV200 vans that have been delivered to British Gas over the last year.

arly adopters in the electric LCV market have, in the main, taken up electric vans for their environmental credentials, more than for any inancial bene it. However, with purchase prices falling, range and charging infrastructure improving and increasing pressure on diesel engines in particular, the electric van is fast becoming a viable inancial proposition, as well as an environmentally sound purchase decision. Perhaps more importantly, leasing companies and inance providers are now con ident enough in the residual value or whole life cost of an electric van to provide a realistic monthly quote that, in many cases, stacks up well against a similar diesel model. Fleet solutions provider ALD Automotive has seen increasing interest in electric vehicles. ‘The leasing industry has a role to play,’ said operations manager Matt Dale. ‘Vital is the provision of expert consultancy to assess the viability of EVs for a leet’s bespoke needs. And once leets have elected to go down the EV route, their leasing partner should ensure their every need is preempted and supported. ‘It’s something that we are looking at very closely at ALD Automotive, we have recently delivered a batch of Nissan eNV200 vans to our customers.’ Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions was happy to fund the 100 e-NV200 vans that have been delivered to British Gas over the last year. ‘You have to be comfortable with TCO and this is the irst point where that has happened,’ says Jon Lawes, managing director of Hitachi Capital CV Services. ‘We are happy to take that risk now to create the market.’

‘Vital is the provision of expert consultancy to assess the viability of EVs for a fleet’s bespoke needs.’ Matt Dale, operations manager, ALD Automotive

72 / fleetworld.co.uk

Top Banana Electric vans are not just the preserve of multi-national leets. Fruit delivery irm Fruit 4 London has been operating a leet of Renault Kangoo Z.E. vans for over two years. They recently trialled an e-NV200 for its urban deliveries across the capital, with surprising results. Starting with a full load at New Spital ields Market in the East End, company director Laszlo Mulato made 15 deliveries over 36.6 miles, before returning to the depot with a 50% charge. On that performance the company could make 3,900 deliveries in a year, covering 10,000 miles for just £260 in electricity. In addition, Nissan is promising maintenance bills of up to £1,200 less than a diesel van over four years of operation. ‘This challenge really opened our eyes to the bene its of moving towards an electric leet and the e-NV200 in particular,’ said Mr Mulato. ‘It’s shown us just how much we could save by making the transition and, as a small business, it’s hard to argue with igures like that. ‘We were also really impressed to see irst hand how the eNV200 could help us win new business, with many of our biggest clients and potential customers expressing a preference to work with green-minded suppliers.’

FRUIT 4 LONDON Trialling Nissan’s e-NV200 has been an eye-opener for the fruit delivery firm.

So what are you waiting for? Electric LCVs offer a zero-emission delivery solution with the potential for greatly reduced running costs. They also provide virtually silent operation, making them ideal for night time deliveries in urban environments. With the freedom of a single-speed transmission, drivers can concentrate fully on road conditions, improving road safety and reducing fatigue. The ability to pre-warm or cool a vehicle before use, also cuts wasted time on cold winter mornings as drivers wait for windscreens to clear. As rapid charging infrastructure continues to develop, range anxiety looks set to become a thing of the past, enabling a wider range of users to bene it from the environmentally-friendly opportunity that electric LCVs present. And with whole life costs starting to fall in favour of the EV in the right operation, there has never been a better time to take a closer look at electric vans.

FEATURE Rapid Charging

In the market... ¡

There is an increasingly diverse range of electric LCVs available. Dan Gilkes looks at some of the options.

Rapid Charge Compatible

VW e-Load Up!

hile the full EV LCV market is running somewhat behind the car sector, there are a growing number of manufacturers keen to attract the early adopter market. From compact utility vehicles to light trucks, there is an electric LCV to meet most customer needs.

ePower Flex L3

Compact utility The smallest electric models come from the likes of French irm Ligier, whose Flex L3 is imported by Manchester irm ePower Trucks. Available with a range of bodies, with payloads of up to 400kg and load volumes of 2.3m3, the Flex L3 is powered by lead gel batteries delivering a 25mph top speed and a 35 mile range. Designed primarily for campus or industrial complex use, the road legal truck costs from £13,500.

Renault Twizy Cargo

Urban runabout Renault’s Twizy Cargo comes at the market from a slightly different angle, offering a single seat urban delivery vehicle with a 180litre storage compartment capable of carrying up to 75kg. With a 3.5 hour charge time the compact Renault has a range of up to 62 miles and a top speed of 50mph. Available with a huge range of colourful wraps, the Twizy Cargo is as much about marketing as load carrying. Prices start at just £6,200, plus battery hire that runs from £30 per month.

Citroën Berlingo Electric

Car-derived carriers The majority of the electric LCVs sold in the UK sit in this popular size range. Nissan’s e-NV200, Renault’s Kangoo Z.E., the Peugeot Partner Electric and Citroën’s Berlingo Electric all use conventional diesel van bodies with EV running gear. The vans lose nothing in load volume as the batteries are installed beneath the body. Payloads do drop slightly compared to the diesel models, but remain more than competitive for a van of this size. Until recently Renault has sold the Kangoo Z.E. and leased the battery packs, which has made it hard for the market to establish residual values. Recently however the company has added the choice of Kangoo Z.E.i versions, with the battery included in the purchase price. The Kangoo Z.E.i range starts at £16,161 after the government’s Plug-in Van Grant, compared to £12,995 for the van with additional battery lease. Battery hire starts at £33 per month, depending on mileage and duration of lease. Prices for the Nissan e-NV200 start at £13,393 after the PiVG, while the French duo come in at £17,040 for the Peugeot and £17,240 for the Citroën. Volkswagen is set to join the electric van market with the launch of the e-Load Up!, an LCV version of its compact city car with rear seats and windows removed. Of more interest is the excellent e-Caddy concept, that has been shown to the press, but as yet has not been con irmed for production.

Iveco Daily Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

Mid-weight sector Move up in size and the choices are slimmer, with Mercedes-Benz the only mainstream manufacturer offering a 1-tonne electric van at present, in the Vito E-CELL. The E-CELL is only available to lease over a four year period, as Mercedes wants to monitor the performance of the vehicles and batteries during and after irst life. The van takes ive or 10 hours to charge, depending on having a 400V or 230V supply and offers a range of up to 80 miles. Payload is just 775kg, but the van retains the standard vehicle’s load volume. 74 / fleetworld.co.uk

Heavy vans The choice of full weight electric vans is equally small, with Iveco the only manufacturer to offer 3.5 tonne and 5.0 tonne Daily van models. Powered by Zebra NaNiCl2 batteries, the vans offer 50-80 miles of range from an eight-hour recharge. The Daily Electric, which offers a very comfortable inner city driving experience, will be updated in 2015 in line with the diesel and CNG powered new Daily range.

in association with

Breaking barriers With three years’ experience of mapping duty cycles for electric vehicles, Route Monkey’s market-first fleet optimisation software will be a vital tool for developing London’s future rapid charger network.

aunched in 2011, Route Monkey’s Electric Vehicle Optimisation Software (EVOS) aims to tackle the main concerns leets have about switching to electromobilty. These main barriers, the company says, are range, cost, return on investment and charging infrastructure. EVOS is claimed to be the irst tool to help leets model, procure and schedule electric vehicles. Using tens of thousands of pieces of data, it can calculate routes using minimal energy, reducing road miles and environmental impact by 20%. Signi icantly, it can also optimise duty cycles to suit plug-ins, demonstrating a business case for the technology and illustrating how leets can work around charging infrastructure. It’s Route Monkey’s knowhow which will underpin the Rapid

Chargepoint Mapping Project. The company will work out which of the participants’ routes within the M25 can be carried out on a typical 80-mile battery range, and which routes can be covered with a 30-minute rapid charge. It will then cluster electric vehicle routes, marking out where new rapid charging infrastructure should be located. ‘Without rapid charge you have to assume that the daily range of the vehicle is limited by the maximum miles on a single full charge,’ says Kate Armitage (left), Route Monkey’s projects and strategy director. ‘By factoring in at least one rapid charge you can almost double the daily range. By extending the range of the vehicles you are able to increase the return on investment and further reduce carbon emissions from the leet.’

We’ve got what you need. • Fleet Policy Advice • Duty of Care • Vehicle Acquisition • Funding • Grey ﬂeet management • Salary Sacriﬁce • Maintenance and Servicing • Vehicle Rental • Accident Management • Workshop Management • Vehicle Conversions

You talk, we listen There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach at Venson. We sit down and listen to what you have to say and then we build a fleet programme to meet your financial and operational objectives. That’s because our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We put you first, which means you always feel like the most important person. On top of that, we continually develop new services and give you nothing but the best in customer care. All of which results in a true sense of partnership.

To ﬁnd out more call 08444 99 1402, email: sales@venson.com or visit www.venson.com

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

There’s no denying the technology in the PHEV Commercial, but Dan Gilkes wonders who it’s for.

he four-wheel drive SUV-derived van market has always been slightly niche. Apart from Land Rover’s venerable Defender 90 and 110, it has been left to companies like Mitsubishi with the Shogun and Outlander commercials, along with SsangYong’s Korando and Rexton LCVs to satisfy the few buyers looking for an all weather, all-terrain car-derived van. Though only offering around half the payload of a comparable double-cab pick-up, at around 500kg, the all-wheel drive van delivers an improved drive and greater load security. Customers typically include farmers, construction managers, forestry and utility companies. We’ve experienced the Outlander PHEV in car form, and its hardly surprising that Mitsubishi is also offering it as a van. Indeed the PHEV Commercial is available in three trim levels, as the GX3H 4Work that we have here, as a higher spec GX4h and as a range-topping GX4hs. The base model is hardly basic though, with 18-inch alloys, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth, front fogs, rear parking sensors and electric folding and heated mirrors. The Outlander also comes with Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) which combines front and rear drive for both slippery road conditions and for off-road forays, though slightly chunkier tyres might be best for those looking to spend a lot of time on the rough. In EV mode the vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This drives a front axle electric motor with up to 60kW and 137Nm of torque, plus a rear motor that can deliver 60kW and 195Nm. As with all electric

76 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Impressive technology, though it would take a very light foot and extensive electric use to get anywhere near the economy figure. A niche within an already small niche.

specification MODEL

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX3h 4Work Commercial BASIC PRICE £27,619 Incl. Grant ENGINE 4-cyl/1,198cc FUEL INJECTION multi-point POWER 119hp @ 4,500rpm TORQUE 190Nm @ 4,500rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,310 KERB WEIGHT 1,810 PAYLOAD 500 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,500 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,680 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,260 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,050 LOAD VOLUME 2.2m3 Cost considerations COMBINED MPG & CO2 148mpg/44g/km OIL CHANGE 1 yr/12,500 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/unlimited miles (EV components unlimited mileage up to 2 yrs, then 62,500 miles up to 5 yrs)

vehicles this torque can be called upon at any time, providing rapid acceleration and strong overtaking ability. The Outlander uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine to charge the battery in Series Hybrid mode. However if you require full acceleration or want to drive at higher motorway speeds, the petrol engine will also power the front wheels in Parallel Hybrid mode. The driver can decide to save electric power for urban use and drive on the engine, or to charge on the go while the engine is also powering the wheels. During deceleration the motors also function as generators, pumping electricity back into the batteries. You can decide how effective this brake regeneration is using gear-shift paddles behind the steering wheel, oddly marked with a – for more braking and a + for less. The driveline is incredibly clever, works faultlessly and is deeply impressive. However, there is a problem. Mitsubishi promises up to 148mpg, and that just isn’t possible. The best I got in daily driving was 42mpg, with a trip into central London on electric power alone lifting that to 55mpg. That was with a full overnight electric top-up and I didn’t even save the £11.50 Congestion Charge, as you have to apply in writing to register, at a cost of £10! Which brings us to the question, who is the Outlander PHEV Commercial for? It works brilliantly in an urban operation, but why would you need a 4WD van in the city? Towing capability is limited, so it’s not going to appeal to farmers, while construction sites aren’t going to boast a rapid charging facility to boost electric use.

Renault Twizy Cargo Is this the ultimate compact urban delivery vehicle? Dan Gilkes takes a drive in the Twizy Cargo.

attling with inner-city traffic to deliver parcels, post or food services can be a difficult task. It’s often not a case of keeping pace with traffic, but being able to nip through the smallest gap and find a parking space where others simply can’t compete. Add in low purchase and running costs and your choices are extremely limited, in many cases to a moped or a good set of boots. Enter (silently) Renault’s rather quirky Twizy Cargo, an LCV take on the French firm’s compact electric runabout. Looking like nothing else on the road, Twizy is just 2,338mm long and 1,396mm wide including door mirrors. That means that you can park sideways on in a standard parking space if required, with scissor doors allowing easy access. The Twizy car has two seats one beside the other. However for the Cargo model the rear seat has been removed and a lockable load area added, offering a surprisingly spacious 180 litre storage volume and a 75kg payload. Twizy is powered by a 6.1kW/h Lithium ion battery powering a 3CG asynchronous induction electric motor through a single speed transmission. With 57Nm of torque available from standstill the compact load lugger is quick to get away and can hold its own in urban traffic. It will even hit 50mph on the open road and feels surprisingly stable at full speed. It takes just 3.5 hours to charge from a standard three-pin 240V plug, with a connected lead stored in a flap on the front of the vehicle. Renault claims a full charge is

what we think Twizy Cargo is as niche as you can get in the LCV market, but it offers a low cost urban delivery option and a sure fire way to get your company noticed.

specification MODEL BASIC PRICE

Renault Twizy Cargo £6,241.67 plus battery hire from £30/month ENGINE electric asynchronous induction FUEL INJECTION na POWER 17hp TORQUE 57Nm @ 0-2,100rpm Weights (kg) GVW 559 KERB WEIGHT 474 PAYLOAD 75 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT na Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 570 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 570 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 980 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT (unladen) 690 LOAD VOLUME 0.18m3 Cost considerations RANGE 62 miles MAINTENANCE 1 yr/18,000 miles WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles

good for up to 62 miles of range, though 50 is probably closer to the truth in normal use. Drive it in the winter months, as we did, and that drops with the temperature to the mid-30s. The system does have brake regeneration however and it is fairly effective, pushing your available range back up as you slow from higher speeds. The all-round disc brakes are a little less inspiring and require a reasonable shove to halt the Twizy rapidly. Though equipped with the optional scissor doors (£545), the Twizy Cargo does without side windows or a heater, making autumn an interesting time to get behind the wheel. It’s a fairly simple drive though, just push the brake, turn the key until the lights go green and then select D from the three push buttons to the left of the dash. The under-dash handbrake will only release once the ignition is on, so there are no worries of someone reaching in the open door and dropping the brake to let the Twizy roll when parked. There is a fair bit of electric motor whine and, despite the light weight, the suspension can crash a bit over larger bumps. But other than that it’s a remarkably civilised drive. Twizy Cargo starts at £6,241.67, though as it is classed as a quadricycle there is no Government Plug-in-Grant available. Battery hire ranges from £30-75 a month, depending on duration and expected mileage. Battery hire includes a 24/7 breakdown service, even covering running out of charge.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 77

Paneltex Zeroed

As demand for electric vans grows, is there a case for more capacity. Dan Gilkes tries the Zeroed.

ange and cost are the two stumbling blocks for electric van buyers. Less talked about is weight, or more specifically payload. Electrical components like batteries impact on the carrying capacity of an LCV. With most vans operating at 3.5 tonnes, that makes increasing range through additional batteries a complex equation. ‘Customers were asking us for a larger electric vehicle with a refrigerated body,’ said Chris Berridge, managing director of conversion specialist Paneltex. ‘We couldn’t ind a base vehicle that would work for us, so we chose to build our own with an Isuzu chassis, as it has a very robust inal drive and the truck is relatively light weight.’ Paneltex developed the Zeroed electric trucks with gross weights of 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 11 tonnes, the most popular 6.5-tonne and 7.5-tonne models offering payloads of 1,900kg and 2,750kg respectively. ‘We felt that 3.5 tonnes just wasn’t going to give enough payload with a multi-temperature body,’ said Mr Berridge. Paneltex installed a 150kW permanent magnet electric motor with a fixed ratio gearbox. The motor offers a 100kW output, though a boost button provides 30 seconds at 120kW. The trucks use a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFEpO4) battery pack, mounted below the floor. Zeroed comes with an on-board 9kW charger, capable of recharging in seven hours, using a three-phase 32A commercial supply. Customers can also opt for a 50kW fast charger, that will top-up the batteries in 1.5 hours. The range of 90-100 miles of operation

78 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Zeroed feels like an OEM truck rather than a conversion, providing an easy driving experience and a fully integrated high capacity, zero-emission, temperaturecontrolled delivery option.

specification MODEL Paneltex Zeroed 6.5-tonne BASIC PRICE See text ENGINE Permanent magnet electric motor FUEL INJECTION na POWER 150kW TORQUE 2,380Nm Weights (kg) GVW 6,500 KERB WEIGHT 4,600 PAYLOAD 1,900 Dimensions (mm) BODY LENGTH 4,267–6,096 BODY WIDTH 2,286 BODY HEIGHT 1,240 Cost considerations BATTERY RANGE 90–120 miles COMBINED MPG & CO2 na/0g/km SERVICE INTERVALS 1 yr/12-weekly inspections

should be enough for local delivery vehicles. The traction batteries also provide power for a GAH fridge unit, that delivers multitemperature control in the insulated Paneltex body. The company retains the standard truck’s 24V batteries to power lights, wipers and other electrical systems. For the 11-tonner there is also an air compressor running from the battery pack, to provide power for the braking system. The truck uses an electro-hydraulic pump for the power steering and a vacuum pump for the brakes on smaller models. Paneltex has also opted for an electric water heater, to provide heating to the cab. Zeroed technology carries a premium, costing around three times as much as the diesel Isuzu. ‘We expect the batteries to last seven to eight years and the operator will see their money back after five, so at seven years you can demonstrate a saving,’ said Mr Berridge. Ocado has two Zeroed trucks working within London and Warburtons also runs the Paneltex vehicle. Kuehne+Nagel is testing a Zeroed truck for Whitbread. The company has built 15 Zeroed models, for customers and as demonstrators. However, Isuzu is changing its braking technology to incorporate ESP systems and Paneltex is unable to access the new models until April this year. ‘We need an ESP vehicle to convert for our own Type Approval,’ said Mr Berridge. ‘It is still a work in progress for us, but we are expecting to have a new range of vehicles available by the summer or autumn 2015.’

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

Avis Rent A Car Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5000 08701544 56 56 56 www.avis.co.uk www.budget.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk

Sortimo Central Tel: 0121 511 2303 www.sortimo-central.com

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tevo Limited Tel: 01628 528034 www.tevo.eu.com

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 382880 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Mycompanyfleet Tel: 0845 077 7760 www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bott-group.com

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.co.uk Vehicle Management

Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

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

UKVANLEASING

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.com

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

telematics & tracking

Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk

conversions Full listings online at

Clarks Vehicle Conversions fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0845 319 2787 www.van-conversion.co.uk

STEPS

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

fast-fits & tyres Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk

vehicle data

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

International Decision Systems Tel: 01256 302 000 www.idsdata.co.uk

risk management Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

LeasePlan UK Ltd Tel: 0844 493 5810 www.leaseplan.co.uk

fuel management

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

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

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

insurance Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

accident management

Flettner Ventilator Ltd Tel: 020 8200 2321 www.flettner.co.uk

Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 79

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1 million vehicles across 40 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike. Our LCV team are able to support all elements of LCV acquisition, conversion and up time management regardless of fleet size. With innovations such as our award winning ProFleet2 telematics proposition, ALD can help manage LCV fleets and reduce cost. ALD holds both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations. Contact: Matt Dale, LCV Operations Manager Tel: 0117 908 2000 matt.dale@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Vehicle Management

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is one of the UK's premier vehicle leasing companies. We’re a family run business - small enough to deliver a uniquely personal experience, yet big enough to deliver the professional fleet management you need. We are the largest dealer-based leasing company in the country and we have a characteristic no-nonsense business style. Because we're totally independent, you can always rely on us to provide unbiased advice. We've helped corporate clients, small businesses and government departments realise genuine savings and improvements in productivity. We listen, and we'd welcome the chance to work with you. Contact: Calum Ewart calum.ewart@arnoldclark.co.uk

Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk

Fleet Alliance Limited Days Contract Hire Days Contract Hire is one of the UK’s leading independent vehicle funding, leasing and fleet management companies, providing fleet solutions to businesses in the private and public sector for over 25 years. With no affiliation to a bank or vehicle manufacturer, we are well placed to offer impartial advice to recommend a fleet solution which is tailored to your business needs. As well as Contract Hire, Days are able to offer a shortterm Flexi Hire service and a host of ancillary services to assist in the management of fleets, all of which are supported by industry-leading technology and client facing systems. Contact: Neil Vaughan neilvaughan@daysfleet.com

Tel: 0845 2172 608 www.daysfleet.com

Lex Autolease Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading provider of specialist commercial vehicles. We have the industry knowledge to build the perfect commercial fleet for your business as well as the experience to meet the challenges of your vehicle requirements. With industry expertise, innovative service and a comprehensive range of vehicles, we can genuinely add value to your business and contribute to your success. We’ll work with you to understand all your requirements – from design to specification, to funding and maintenance – so we can create a bespoke solution to match your business needs. Contact: Marcus Puddy Tel: 0800 389 3690 marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk/commercial-vehicles

80 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Fleet Alliance is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. We manage in the excess of 16,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients. Our market-leading Fleet 360 model provides the best combination of products and advice delivered through our cloud-based fleet management system, e-fleet, and our award-winning smartphone app, e-fleet mobile. Recent awards successes include: • Top 5 UK Best Place to Work • National Business Awards: Customer Focus (Finalist) 2013/14 • National Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Finalist) 2013/14 • Scottish Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Highly Commended) • Best App Award, BusinessCar Techie Awards 2014 Contact: Grant Boardman Tel: 0845 601 8407 grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk www.fleetalliance.co.uk

Inchcape Fleet Solutions Inchcape Fleet Solutions has been providing flexible fleet management solutions to Corporate, Government and Non-profit sector clients throughout the UK for more than 50 years and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading fleet management companies. We currently manage in excess of 46,000 vehicles. IFS is a subsidiary of Inchcape plc, a leading global premium automotive group. Our customer centric fleet management solutions embrace simplicity to enable our customers to focus on their core business and we pride ourselves on the breadth of our services and the depth of our commitment to customers. Tel: 0333 222 0966 info@ifs.inchcape.co.uk

www.inchcape-fleet.co.uk

VAN

Approximately how many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

Do you employ dedicated specialists to offer advice & guidance on LCV specification?

Do you offer non-maintenance contract hire on LCV’s?

Do you offer funding & maintenance for ancillary equipment fitted to the vehicle (tail lifts etc)?

Can you create bespoke return conditions for your LCV customers?

Do you offer pooling of excess and credit mileage?

Do you follow the BVRLA’s guidelines on Fair Wear & Tear for LCVs?

Do you offer packages that are based upon re-using bodywork or Interior equipment?

Do you offer guidance to clients on Duty of Care legislation?

Do you offer a design & build service for extensive bespoke conversions?

Do you offer and arrange long term vehicle evaluations (6 months duration)

FLEETW RLD

16k

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

4.2k+

CLM

1.3k

Days Contract Hire

2.3k

Fleet Alliance Limited

3k+

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

13.5k

Lex Autolease

77.6k

Venson Automotive Solutions Limited

5.5k

Key to services

Service provided

Service unavailable

ALD Automotive

Venson Automotive Solutions Limited

The ALL NEW vanfleetworld.co.uk

Venson is a hands-on fleet management specialist with a proven track record in reducing costs and increasing vehicle availability. It’s our level of experience, knowledge and service that allows us to give you the kind of impartial advice that has real financial returns whether your business is in the private, public, not-for-profit or emergency services sector. From sourcing the right commercial vehicles to funding, maintaining and delivering vehicle fit-outs, we handle every aspect and we don’t let our clients down. Get in touch and reserve a free fleet audit and drive your business in a new direction. Contact: Alison Bell sales@venson.com

Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 81

ontheroad The festive season sees a marked change in driving standards as occasional motorists take to the roads, Anthony Ffrench-Constant reckons...

is’ no longer, thank God, the season to be jolly. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not coming over all Humbug here – I thoroughly enjoyed a traditional family Christmas, and everything that that entails: The elderly-appeasing tussle to raise living room light levels to those of an operating theatre, seat cushion heights to those of an Indian elephant saddle and TV volume levels to those of a thrash metal concert; the succulent 10lb turkey which, despite meticulous care, metamorphosed over the course of a fizz-fuelled morning into a giant walnut as dry as a camel’s instep; the lolling and dribbling under a paper hat having lost the What-colour-dress-will-HerMajesty-wear? sweepstake (you don’t?); the mysterious overnight disappearance of the entire contents of the seasonal Quality Street tub and the subsequent grovelling apology to the children once a yard of technicolour Labrador poo had the true culprit bang to rights... Indeed, the occasional whiffy maiden aunt aside, it strikes me that the only real downsides to any Yuletide are the depressingly sudden, Twelfth Night absence of colour and light in the corner of the room once – shedding “non-drop” needles like a Yeti with dandruff – the conifer has been consigned to the front gate for collection by the bin men in March, and, of course, driving. Anywhere. This, along with any form of musical stage production, I would normally avoid like the plague. Hence the grandparent-sponsored requirement to drag two children, kicking and screaming, away from the PlayStation, drive them to the other end of the country and plonk them in front of eighty artfully blotched children simultaneously yelping like puppies in a two-hour stage version of 101 Dalmatians. And, naturally, it just had to be the A34. If you think people drive badly on the M25, try the A34 on for size. Lacking the third lane of any respectable major artery and, hence, compressing all human life into just two, this rolling accident-looking-for-somewhere-to-happen offers customers a particularly heady blend of bickering families, mithering octogenarians, texting morons and dauntingly inarticulate artics on any day of the year.

If you think people drive badly on the M25 over the festive period, try the A34 on for size.

82 / fleetworld.co.uk

For the happy band of occasional car aimers, then, let’s start with the basics. Firstly, it’s called an indicator because it indicates your intent to manoeuvre; it doesn’t automatically entitle you to do so if there’s already another car where you wish to be. Particularly when you’re careering down a slip-road... And please stop indicating left after overtaking as if, in moving over, you’re affording me some special courtesy; it’s unnecessary, annoying and merely trumpets ‘I haven’t a clue’. Secondly, it’s not a “Motorway” light, it’s a FOG light, and – though probably ideal for driving round inside your brain – it’s superbly dazzling in the rain, so please switch the ruddy thing off. Thirdly, you’ll find your headlights are equipped with a dipping function. Try it sometime. Unless, of course, I’m behind you on a dark country lane, in which case full beam would be marvellous, but only until I have passed you, thanks. Speaking of overtaking, why does this take you even longer than the interminable, evenly matched lorry affair? And why do you then suddenly back out of it when, after five of your Earth minutes, it’s already threequarters complete? Still, I suppose I must be grateful that, having aborted, you do actually pull over... Interestingly, it doesn’t have to be the driver of a car housing a family treating the cabin like their living room – footwells festooned with fast food wrappers and fairy lights – who lunges into the outside lane, there to remain at a resolute 65mph for the duration; turns out that a surprising number of these classic hogs are singletons helming some fairly prestige machinery, invariably of a 4x4 persuasion. Guessing that which elevates either to rolling roadblock status at any one time – absent-mindedness or bloody-mindedness – remains tricky, but is essential in order to gauge one’s response. After all, in the event of the latter, flashing your headlights will merely glue the offender even more firmly in place. This is why I favour the continental approach; the polite “ahem” of the indicator. Not that it has any greater efficacy... Slade, I think it was, wished it could be Christmas every day. Not if they had to drive anywhere they wouldn’t. Oh, for the working days when people who drive for a living are back in their cars. You might despair of them sometimes, but at least the vast majority know what they are doing behind the wheel.

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Official figures: Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). New Corsa range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban 57.6 (4.9) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 88.3 (3.2). CO 2 emissions 140 – 85g/km. † = Offi cial EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. * = 2014-15 tax year. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. ** = Excludes fuel and lubricants; congestion charges; parking and speeding fi nes and the £250 insurance excess (if applicable). 3 Day Test Drive vehicles are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Please refer to www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Drivers must be 25 years or older and is available for Mainland UK only. All fi gures quoted correct at time of publication (January 2015). Images shown for illustrative purposes only and may feature options at extra cost.

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