Fleet World July 2013 by Fleet World Group

BMW Corporate Sales

bmwcorporate.co.uk Tel: 01344 480 800

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE MOST ADVANCED BMW 5 SERIES EVER. THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES. The new BMW 5 Series offers Business Advanced Navigation System, Xenon headlights, Dakota leather upholstery and EU6 compliance as standard throughout the range. With even stronger residual values and impressive fuel economy, the new BMW 5 Series achieves up to 62.8mpg (combined), CO2 emissions from 119g/km for manual and automatic transmissions, and only 18% BIK, making this the ultimate executive choice. To find out more or to arrange a demonstrator, contact your BMW Account Manager, call 01344 480 800 or visit www.bmw.co.uk/5series

July 2013

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

2013

Suited & booted

Audi A3 saloon breaks cover

2013 MPG Marathon Sign up to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier economy driving event

Driven

Range Rover Sport, VW Golf GTD, Skoda Octavia, Kia Pro_ceeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d GT

The robot fleet The future is closer than you think... fleetworld.co.uk

contents

July 2013

FLEETW RLD

All that matters in the world of fleet

New Mazda3 enhances the firm’s fleet proposition

2013

Suited & booted

Audi A3 saloon breaks cover

2013 MPG Marathon Sign up to the UK’s premier economy driving event

Why you need to keep a close eye on your drivers

The BVRLA’s new man at the top speaks out

Driven

Range Rover Sport, VW Golf GTD, Skoda Octavia, Kia Pro_cee’d GT

The robot fleet The future is closer than you think... fleetworld.co.uk

Publisher Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Motoring Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Refreshed and more fleet focused than ever: New Vauxhall Insignia

VFW Editor John Kendall john@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Luke Durkin lukedurkin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by

36 58

Behind the wheel of the impressive all-new Range Rover Sport.

A car that drives itself? It’s closer than you think.

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

New Kangoo, Combo Crew Van and contract hire news from Burnt Tree.

STAG Publications

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2012 17,724

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody has admiration for Renault’s return to form in the UK and a simple solution for the empty M6 toll road.

Renault returns to profit in the UK...

Renault UK has announced it will be profitable again by the end of the year. According to chief operating officer, Carlos Tavares: ‘We have put a healthy business plan in place focusing on returning to profit and supporting our customers. We are now leveraging the success of new products such as the Clio, ZOE and Captur. ‘For the first time the UK unit has a five-year mid-term plan in place called Go5plus and this has the full backing of the dealer network, which is on board with us.’ Tavares added that the company is also addressing pricing issues in the UK, bringing to an end such deals as zero interest finance and cashbacks, and that no decision has been made on whether to replace the Espace or Laguna. You have to admire Renault. It has gone through some horrific pain in the UK, culling its model range and dealer network, and making staff redundant. But it took the tough choices many other struggling car brands haven’t had the boldness to make. Break-even is now 75,000 units a year (it did about 55,000 last year), and with Dacia growing and good new products such as Clio and Captur, the future looks far brighter for the French brand.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

Make toll roads faster On my many trips though the Midlands, I’ve used the M6 Toll Road to avoid the hell that is the cooking M6 around Birmingham. Once you’ve paid your astronomical amount of money (about a fiver), it’s a pleasure to tootle along empty carriageways. In fact, it’s like being in France on an autoroute. But that’s part of the problem. It’s empty, and so not enough people are paying for it. No surprise then that Midland Expressway, which runs it, has debts of £1.03bn. Initial estimates reckoned it would carry around 74,000 vehicles each day, but even at its peak in 2006 only 48,000 vehicles were using it. It seems an utter waste of good road, of which we have so little in this country. Surely a simple solution (and therefore highly unlikely to ever happen) would be to allow higher speeds on it? If you could do 85mph, as in France, surely that would get the punters in, especially those time-sensitive business drivers.

Talking cars aren’t new Vauxhall is claiming that the ADAM is to be the first talking car, thanks to the use of Apple’s Siri iPhone integration. Apparently drivers will be able to make calls, choose songs or even check on the weather or football scores. Sorry, but Vauxhall is late to the party: Austin had got there with the talking Maestro 30 years ago…

for all the latest daily news, visit fleetworld.co.uk

business.peugeot.co.uk /2008

NEW peugeot 2008

compact crossover up to 74.3 mpg† • from 98g/km CO2† • BIK from £61 per month at 40%** • grip control*

SEE THE CITY IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT If your drivers need something bigger and tougher than a hatchback that still delivers great performance in the city, the New Peugeot 2008 compact Crossover is a perfect solution. It features a higher driving position, Grip Control* for more challenging conditions, plus roof bars and a generous boot that adds to its practicality. Fuel economy is as high as 74.3 MPG while CO2 emissions start at 98g/km†. From £12, 995 OTR** and with BIK from £61 per monthat 40%, this is a new take on city driving: perfect for urban explorers who need more from their vehicles. If you’d like to know more, call us on 02476 884 644. The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 2008 range are: Urban 68.9 (4.1) to 36.7 (7.7), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6) to 58.9 (4.8), Combined 74.3 (3.8) to 47.9 (5.9) and CO2 emissions 98–135. Achieved under official EU test conditions. Intended as a guide for comparative purposes only. Figure may not be reflected in actual on-the-road driving conditions. *Model shown is 2008 Feline 1.6 VTi. ** Price quoted is for 2008 Access+ 1.2 VTi 82 bhp. †Figures quoted for 1.6 e-HDi 92 EGC engine.

inbusiness

BVRLA: road taxes must be spent more fairly

fleetweet

@ PAMotors_mattk

he Treasury’s commitment to invest over £28bn from 2014 in the roads infrastructure is a positive step but road taxes need to be more fairly spread, the BVRLA has said. Treasury Minister Danny Alexander outlined over £100bn of public investment in infrastructure projects to 2020, including £28bn which will be used in enhancements and maintenance of national and local roads until 2020. This will include adding extra lanes to the busiest motorways and will address some of the most congested parts of the network including the £1.5bn A14 scheme between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Nearly £6bn of the funding will be allocated to help local authorities repair the local road network and over £4 billion to enable the Highways Agency to resurface the vast majority of the national network by 2020-21. In a statement, Mr Alexander said: ‘Government will commit to the biggest programme of investment in roads since the 1970s. By 2020 to 2021 the Government plans to triple the money spent on roads compared to 2013. This includes £6bn to help local authorities repair the local road network. BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney commented: ‘We welcome the Chancellor’s clear message that capital investment in roads and other transport infrastructure needs to be a priority. Nine out of ten passenger miles are travelled on UK roads, as is the majority of freight movement. Britain urgently requires major investment in its roads and road maintenance and we would urge the government to look at a fairer distribution of the £47 billion raised in motoring taxes each year. Taxpaying road users deserve more for their money.’

Road casualties 2012: the numbers

oad casualty ﬁgures have reached their lowest number since records began in 1926, according to the latest Department for Transport statistics. The provisional ﬁgures for 2012 show that: The number of people killed in road accidents decreased to 1,754 in 2012 from 1,901 in 2011 (a fall of 8%); The number of people seriously injured decreased by 0.4% to 23,039 in 2012 from 23,122 in 2011; the number of casualties in road accidents in 2012 was 195,723, down 4% from the 2011 total; total reported child causalities (ages 0-15) fell by 11% to 17,251 in 2012; the number of children killed or seriously injured also fell, decreasing by 6% to 2,272 in 2012 from 2,412 in 2011; there were 420 pedestrian deaths, 7% fewer than in 2011; the number of cyclists killed rose by 10% from 107 in 2011 to 118 in 2012; the number of car occupant fatalities in 2012 decreased to 801, down 9% compared with 2011; the number of seriously injured car occupants fell by 1% to 8,232; total reported casualties among car users were 119,708, 4% fewer than 2011.

One 4 the future BMW has released the ﬁrst images of the car which will replace the outgoing 3 Series Coupe later this year – the 4 Series – revealing CO2 emissions of 124g/km for the 20d version of its new compact executive coupe. The car marks the start of a new model line for BMW which, as Audi has done with the A5, will separate the sportier cars on the 3 Series platform into a new range of 4 Series cars.

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

a few soundbites from a month in fleet

(Matt Kimberley, journalist, Press Association Motors)

30 million Golfs, eh? I wonder what the average number of Golfs per square mile of the road network is.

@richardaucock (Richard Aucock, editorial director, Motoring Research)

Bennett: Autonomous driving could improve fuel efficiency by up to 50%. Car makers mindful of CO2 targets, take note… #SMMTSummit

@AAPresident (Edmund King, president, The AA)

In last 3 yrs M25 hasn't had one day without closures according to #BBCNews

@hiltonholloway (Hilton Holloway, associate editor, Autocar)

Jaguar, Volvo, Ferrari – included in makers who will support Apple's new in-car iOS. BMW has committed to Android.

@mg (Matt Galligan, founder of news app Circa)

Dude next to me on this @VirginAmerica flight is buying a @TeslaMotors Model S while on in-flight WiFi. The future, ladies & gentlemen.

New 3 signals Mazda’s full fleet power W

ith the launch of its new Mazda3 later in the year, Mazda will have a full range of fleet-friendly models, with significant growth expected next year, fleet head Steve Tomlinson reckons. Already, the CX-5 and Mazda6 have powered a leap in sales over the last 12 months, he said, and there has been investment in the business dealer network with new partners coming on stream, and new recruits in the sales team.

Tomlinson said that the low emission SKYACTIV technology has been well-received and understood by ﬂeets, with take-up of the CX-5 among corporate customers higher than expected as a result. The new 3 will contain the same technology, but expect emissions to be lower still, and sub-100g/km. It also comes with online connectivity. It will go on sale at the end of the year.

MINI puts focus on fleet sales

Tougher Congestion Charge kicks in

MINI has appointed a new corporate development manager, James Morrison, tasked with growing the brand’s 20% share of BMW Group’s total corporate sales in the UK. Last year, 10,000 MINIs found homes with fleet buyers, with user-chooser and job-need fleets both big areas for the brand. Morrison said the car was also popular with salary sacrifice and public sector fleets, particularly because of its suitability for signwriting, and that customers rated the cars highly for their personality and low running costs. Morrison believes public awareness of the new eight-model range is vital: ‘We need to establish the brand within the corporate market and for people to understand how MINI can make sense for fleets and how practical the range now is,’ he said. ‘With a range of models, classless appeal, strong residual values and the MINIMALISM technology – think BMW’s EfficientDynamics – offering low CO2 and emissions. MINI offers fleets and their drivers a real alternative to some of the vanilla models currently in the market.’ Ongoing work will include developing new and existing accounts from SMEs, handled by the MINI Business Partnership Programme, and larger fleets through Direct Sales, utilising both dealership-based business development managers and fieldbased contract hire and leasing teams, overseen by Morrison.

Transport for London’s new Ultra Low Emission Discount went live this month. Under the scheme, vehicles must be either pure electric or ultra low emission and Euro 5-compliant to gain congestion charge exemption. The ULED provides a single 100% discount from the Congestion Charge for electric vehicles and ultra low emission cars and vans. To qualify for the new discount vehicles must be either pure electric or emit 75g/km or less of CO2 and meet the Euro 5 emission standard for air quality. However, under TfL’s previous announcement, there is a “sunset period” for the GVD scheme in order to recognise that many drivers made the decision to purchase a lowemission car in order to beneﬁt from the existing discount. As a result, current owners of cars registered for the GVD will continue to receive a full discount for that vehicle for three years – an increase from the two years proposed in the consultation on the changes. This will mean that such vehicles will continue to receive the GVC until 24th June 2016. A previously announced increase in the level of penalty charge from £120 to £130 also kicks in.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt Roddy Graham, commercial director of Leasedrive and chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management, imparts his fleet experience. Employees People are the life blood of any organisation. It is people who make an organisation. They ultimately determine how successful an organisation will be through their commitment, dedication, enthusiasm, passion and hard work. I have never believed in top heavy organisations but I do believe strongly that successful organisations need key people at the top who have the vision and the drive to take the business forward. They need to share similar values and set the culture of an organisation. These key people need to be reliant on a strong management structure who can deliver on the objectives set. Everyone within the organisation needs to understand what the business is trying to achieve and therefore clear, honest communication is critical. And you need to invest in your people and provide proper training to support their job functions so that they can make better contributions.

Customers Without customers, organisations would not exist. It’s stating the obvious but I can’t believe how many organisations lose sight of this basic tenet. We place delivering the highest quality customer service at the fore of all that we do. We are passionate about providing our discerning customers with a premium fleet service experience. And we can only do this by really engaging with our customers and fully understanding their businesses. To ensure that we walk the talk, each board member acts as a customer sponsor and attends major review meetings so that we keep our fingers on the pulse and can make quick decisions.

Partners Working in close partnership with our employees, customers and suppliers is the only way to extract maximum value from a business relationship. Experience has shown that an honest, open approach is always the best way of getting the most out of relationships. Even if it’s bad news, recipients at the end of the day appreciate sincerity. Nothing will ever always go to plan and it’s

how you face up to issues and propose to resolve them that will determine the success of long-term partnerships. Usually how you have successfully tackled a problem will end up strengthening a business relationship.

Technology You can’t invest enough in technology. Once you’ve determined the solutions that your business requires now and in the future and identified the right technology partners to deliver on your requirements, you need to work hand-in-hand with them to ensure the right solutions are delivered on time. The technology you choose has to be flexible, intuitive, scalable and above all capable of integration with other systems used within the organisation. And you should not stop investing in technology if you truly want to position your organisation as an innovative, class leader.

Communications I have always placed strong reliance on great communications across the board. Excellent communications starts with your internal Affordable running costs are audience – your people – favouring young demand for used extend to your customers MINI, DS3 and new ADAM. and suppliers right through to the media at large. As with Both brands are reporting September any partnership, building up allocations are full, which is good good relationships with prinnews for used values. cipal media is essential to getting your key messages out into the market. And you need to be reactive to requests for press comment. I’ve never had a problem with the media because I believe I Cars covering over 20,000 miles understand their requireper year are suffering at auction. ments and aim to deliver quotes on message that will stand out from the crowd. The premium for large prestige

Fashion cars

BMW & Audi

HOT NOT

High mileage Newcomers

Learning And lastly, you never stop learning. Once you do, you’re dead in the water, if not six foot under!

SUVs and the A1 Sportback have fallen in line with the market. Not weak, but not as strong any more.

fleetworld.co.uk / 11

inbusiness

Maintaining focus... Dealers are drawing on local knowledge to offer focused fleet services, says Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader.

here's a popular misconception that fleets only use main dealers for sourcing cars. When it comes to service and repair work they go to an independent garage or a national chain because they are cheaper. This does not appear to be the case. Big and small dealer groups across the UK are heavily dependent on fleet work and the best of them will dedicate time and resources to winning and retaining fleets as they are an integral part of their customer mix. Take Vertu Motors. The listed dealer group, which trades as Bristol Street Motors in England and Macklin Motors in Scotland is one of the top 10 car retailers in the UK, selling around 95,000 new and used cars last year. It was founded at the end of 2006 with no sites, and now has 95 covering a wide geographical spread. Its founder and CEO is accountant turned entrepreneur, Robert Forrester, and he is under no illusion how important it is to offer a bespoke service to fleets customers. ‘Fleet is a fundamental part of our business,’ he said. The group recently reported its financial year-end for 2012. A remarkably successful year for the business with turnover up 15.7% to £1.2bn, a quarter of which came from its fleet operations. Forrester's interest in fleet is typical of many small, medium and large groups: it's an important market which is difficult to win and easy to lose. Fleets expect dealers to deliver highly professional local services at competitive rates. Most of them do, but everyone has a bad dealer story to tell. Vertu has invested heavily in local business specialists to make sure dealerships have a dedicated member of staff who can forge and build relationships. Most of the mainstream fleet car brands have similar programmes in place but Vertu, like a growing number of dealer groups, sees the pragmatic value of running its own scheme. Forrester funds the programme centrally from head office for 12 months to enable the fleet specialist to build a customer base and then hands over the funding to the individual sites as the expectation is to turn that cost base into a profit centre: it's a highly focused approach which guarantees results. ‘We have grown the number of local business specialists in our business and are keen to have one within each of our dealerships,’ he said.

FINDING YOUR WAY TO THE BEST STOCK DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

According to Forrester the programme works particularly well when the dealership represents a brand with vans in their lineup, enabling the specialist to address a wider range of fleet requirements with local businesses. As for the thorny matter of competing against independents for subsequent servicing work Forrester, for one, is adamant that his sites offer a better business case for fleets whether they represent an established fleet brand such as Ford and Peugeot, or an emergent one like Hyundai. ‘If you're a fleet and you've bought a brand new Hyundai i40 why on earth would you want to go to an independent? For starters they won't have the diagnostic kit.’ This improved relationship between businesses and their local dealers has been noticed by Ross Jackson, CEO of Fleet Operations, the fleet management consultancy. ‘Dealers’ ability to deal with fleet has radically improved over recent years. Even some of the lesser fleet names, such as Fiat, have actually now got some sensible fleet operations which historically they never had.’ However, he says fleets can find themselves unable to use their local dealers, even though they may have relationships in place, because of the limitations imposed by the funding companies they use: ‘Leasing companies are fairly insistent on using their preferred network of dealers or independent repairers and over time we have seen an erosion of businesses using the dealers they want to.’ Otherwise, Ross said a common scenario is for fleets to put premium cars through franchised dealers, in the belief that it will protect their residual values, and be less proscriptive about their mainstream vehicles. Although he acknowledges that car brands have worked hard to keep their vehicles within franchised networks with the likes of Vauxhall, Renault, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia all offering extended warranty cover. For fleets it remains a buyers' market. Clearly the better dealers, like Vertu, are addressing the specific needs of their local business customers and are delivering top notch services, but then so too are many independents who have upped their game. Ultimately there's a lot to be said for personal relationships when it comes to who will provide the best all round care for your staff and their vehicles; getting the best possible value, even in these straitened times, is not always down to price.

AUTOTRADE MAIL FOR A FREE TWO WEEK TRIAL CALL US ON 08433 089 279 EMAIL INFO@AUTOTRADE-MAIL.COM VISIT AUTOTRADE-MAIL.COM

MULTISOURCE: THE ONE STOP SEARCH Single search of stock from leasing, rental companies and major auction houses, including Shoreham Car Auctions, SMA and Aston Barclay Over 8,000 vehicles available at one time Find all your stock requirements with NEW MultiSource from Autotrade-mail

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...

missile attacks An increasing number of motorists are being attacked by missiles, such as bricks thrown from bridges, according to latest police figures. Attacks in 2012 more than doubled compared to 2011, with 1,021 reported incidents. Drivers in Leicestershire are 30 times more likely to come under attack than drivers in Somerset; the areas with the highest and lowest number of attacks respectively. Only 75% of the incidents are reported to the authorities.

Source: Autoglass

Matthew Mycock, managing director of Autoglass, commented: ‘It is alarming to discover that the number of motorists attacked with bridge and roadside missiles is on the increase. As many motorists don’t report incidents, the true extent of the problem is yet to be revealed. Our customers tell us about a wide range of problems they face on the roads each day, but this is by far the most distressing. What may seem a prank to some yobs is likely to result in tragedy and must be taken seriously.’

financing EVs Source: TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk

As part of a survey to assess how the UK market feels about the increasing shift to leasing rather than owning vehicles, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk asked its web visitors: “If you were buying an electric car, what would you prefer to do?” 46% of motorists surveyed said they would choose to both buy the car and its battery. 21% would choose to lease the car and the battery. 33% would buy the car but lease the battery. ‘We were surprised to find that motorists in the UK are still very ownership-focussed, even when leasing can provide them with greater security and can help purchase prices look a bit more palatable,’ commented the website’s editor, Faye Sunderland.

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle servicing A survey of 1,489 in-market car buyers suggests motorists are more likely to use a franchised dealer for servicing, rather than a local dealer, independent garage or workshop. 50% of the motorists surveyed said they use a franchised dealer for servicing – either the dealer they purchased the car from or their local franchised dealership. 28% take their car to a local garage or workshop. 16% go to an independent local dealer to service their vehicle. Those motorists opting for a local dealer or garage said the overwhelming reason for not using a franchised dealer for servicing was that it was too expensive (47%).

Source: Motoring.co.uk

smoking ban 56% of motorists think smoking while driving should be banned, according to a new survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). 75% of motorists think that lighting a cigarette while driving is a serious distraction 48% described the act of smoking whilst driving as “irresponsible”. 46% think smoking behind the wheel is as dangerous as using a mobile phone. Despite strongly supporting a proposed smoking ban, 45% of respondents think such a ban would be unenforceable. IAM chief executive Simon Best commented: ‘Smoking is clearly seen as a serious issue by motorists and highlights the impact of distractions in the car. ‘The health benefits may be clear but more research needs to be done to determine whether there are actual road safety grounds to act on these concerns by banning smoking and driving altogether.’

used vehicle market

Source: Institute of Advanced Motorists

A recent survey conducted by HPI suggests a growing interest in eco-friendly vehicles amongst used-car buyers. 77% of the dealers surveyed reported a greater awareness of CO2 emissions among customers. 85% of the dealers believe this is because of lower tax benefits. 47% said lower running costs are the main reason for customers “going green”. 37% said that CO2 emissions frequently affected a customer’s decision to buy a vehicle.

Source: HPI

Daniel Burgess, managing director of HPI, said: ‘While we might not be at the stage where customers choose their vehicle based solely on its emissions, CO2 is now a key piece of data that a buyer will use when considering a vehicle. Many dealers are missing a trick by not offering this data, or only doing so when prompted.’

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 15

inbusiness

The eyes don’t have it... Suzanne Randall, of Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, wonders why so much time and money is spent on car safety systems, when a third of drivers still fail the basic eyetest.

uring the past 12 months we have seen one in three drivers fail the basic test of being able to read a number plate at 20 metres. I would not have believed these figures unless I had seen for myself and actually witnessed so many failures. So much money has been invested in safer roads and technology to make cars safer, but surely a driver being able to see to drive safely is fundamental? Being able to see clearly is obviously one of the most fundamental requirements for driving. Yet, the test of vision still remains the same as when it was introduced in the 1930s: the ability to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres on the day of the driving test. If a driver passes this rudimentary check, then potentially they never have to verify their vision again (different rules apply for some groups such as HGV drivers, bus drivers, motorcyclists, etc). The law is ambiguous in that this practical test of vision is all that is needed to qualify for a licence but in actual fact drivers must have ‘a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale’ as well as ‘adequate field of vision’. In theory all drivers should visit their optician regularly to ensure their vision meets the requirements. This is not enforced, however, and is often a retrospective measure; in other words, it is a law that is generally applied after a collision, to ascertain responsibility. In Ireland, a full eyesight report must be submitted along with any application for a provisional driving licence. The eyesight test must be carried out by a medical practitioner or registered optometrist and checks both visual acuity (ability to see over distance) and field of vision (peripheral vision). Specsavers has long campaigned for all UK drivers to have a full eyesight check, by a qualified

FIN 50+ fleet in numbers

Number of e6 electric cars from Chines firm BYD set to go on trial with UK fleets.

SOURCE: BYD

optometrist, when they apply for their licence and, ideally, every two years thereafter. Even if the law only required an eyesight report when a licence is renewed every ten years, this would be a considerable improvement to the current situation. The vast majority of employees qualify for company-funded eyecare under health and safety regulations relating to the use of display screens. It would make sense for legislation regarding eyecare for drivers to also be in place.

While employers may be concerned about driver eyesight, many probably do not realise that they actually share some of the responsibility when it comes to employees driving for work purposes. An employer’s duty of care relates to all work activities and, therefore, includes ensuring that employees are fit to drive. Until comprehensive legislation is put in place, employers would be wise to consider implementing their own eyecare policy.

four out of five Proportion of firms still not using vehicle wholelife costs as the basis to select company cars. SOURCE: GE Capital

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

£5m

The vast majority of employees qualify for companyfunded eyecare under health and safety regulations

Savings seen by Fleet Operations clients over the last 12 months following their switch to multisupplier arrangements. SOURCE: Fleet Operations

STILL ABOVE

COMPARISON.

NOW BELOW THRES

THE NEW 14MY 129 G/KM JAGUAR XF SALO

The remarkable Jaguar XF continues to garner the awards, winning ‘Be

satisfaction survey for the second year running. Completing a remarkab

With accolades like these, there’s little left to add. So we’ve taken some

as 129 g/km CO2, bringing it below the threshold for an 18% write down

XF SALOON FROM £29,945. The latest 2.2 litre 163PS Jaguar XF delivers a remarkable 57.7 mpg combined and 129 g/km CO2, with DAB radio, alloy wheels, leather seats, 8-speed automatic gearbox with Intelligent Stop/Start and Satellite Navigation as standard on most models.

W W W.JAGUAR.CO.UK/FLEET 0845 366 0342

XF 14MY range fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 16.7–48.7* (16 (11.6–4.9*). CO2 emissions 270–129* g/km.

*Manufacturer’s estimate, subject to certification. Models shown are a 13MY XF 2.2 Diesel SE, priced f contain manufacturer’s estimates and are subject to official confirmation (in accordance with EU leg figures are for comparative purposes only. On the road price is the Manufacturer’s Recommended Re

SHOLD. ON AND SPORTBRAKE. st Executive Car’ in the J.D. Power / What Car? customer

ble sweep, we have also won the ‘Best Manufacturer’ award.

ething away. The latest 2.2 163PS engine now achieves as little

n allowance. Now that’s something else to celebrate.

XF SPORTBRAKE FROM £31,945. The stylish XF Sportbrake offers the same high speciﬁcation and improved running costs as the XF saloon, together with up to 1,675 litres of versatile load-space. Features include tailgate privacy glass, easy access and one touch rear seat folding.

6.9–5.8*). Extra Urban 32.8–64.2* (8.6–4.4*). Combined 24.4–57.7*

from £29,945 and a 13MY XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel SE 163PS, priced from £31,945. The ﬁgures provided islation). A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these etail Price plus, First Registration Fee and Delivery Pack.

ALWAYS BEYOND EXPECTATION. DISCOVER THE NEW 14MY 129 G/KM JAGUAR XF RANGE.

See how we measure up for yourself using our car comparator.

W W W.JAGUAR.CO.UK/FLEET

inbusiness

FIN fleet in numbers

49% £0 Percentage of all road users who still don't trust their sat navs. SOURCE: Be Wiser Insurance

Cost of home charge point and access to the POLAR public charging network in new British Gas scheme.

50% Increase in Mazda Fleet Specialist Dealer network. SOURCE: Mazda

SOURCE: British Gas

Reputation management The Insider on protecting brand with a better fleet.

he recent scandal where horse meat was being passed off as more palatable fare drew unfortunate attention to several leading food retailers and their processes. But the bigger issue was more about the customer feeling duped, and that if the retailer was prepared to mislead us about something so basic as food content, were we being had over a barrel in other areas too? These days most businesses face stiff competition from others, and any uncertainty gives the consumer an opportunity to consider taking his money elsewhere, so reputations are fiercely guarded. And so those retailers’ reputations were at risk and in the aftermath, they had an uphill task ensuring they retained customers and encouraged a resurgence of confidence in their brand. A prominent company car, van or lorry fleet gives the fleet manager and his management team plenty of opportunity for angst about reputational risk, even more so if the fleet is liveried. Accidents, speeding, smoking, littering, poor parking – any of these draw public attention to our company in a way we’d rather not. Earlier today I watched a bus driver merrily texting as he drove a passenger-laden bus through the local High Street. Yes, I did report the incident to his company, and I reconsidered how safe I would feel putting my life in the hands of that company’s drivers, if they were prepared to so blatantly flout the law. Now I’m pretty certain the bus company management will be livid when they read my complaint, and the driver will be disciplined, but the damage to that company’s reputation was done the minute I – and no doubt others – saw the guy on his phone. Recently we introduced a new paragraph to our company drivers’ policy. All cars must be left in gear when parked. This followed a spate of handbrake failures and

runaway vehicles, from a mix of manufacturers and both old-fashioned cable and electronic handbrakes. While we thoroughly investigated each incident individually, involved the manufacturers – with varying degrees of success – and even put a formal complaint to VOSA (which got us precisely nowhere) in the end my recommendation to management was that we adopt a belt and braces approach, and leave all cars parked in gear. Management got the point instantly and supported the policy change. They understood the likely damage to our business reputation if one of our vehicles ran away and mowed down an innocent bystander. Getting the drivers to understand the potential risk was harder. True, some of us always leave our cars parked in gear anyway, either because that’s what we were taught to do, or from previous unlucky experience. The more technically-minded drivers insisted that a handbrake should work sufficiently well to hold the car in any situation and naively expected the manufacturer to make sure it did. It was much harder to make them understand that it didn’t matter who was right, if someone got hurt both they and we were in serious trouble. So I reckon that reputational risk should be incorporated as part of one’s driver training initiative, hammering it home even if it’s already been covered in a more general company induction. The “How’s My Driving” stickers are along the right lines, because they encourage people to drive professionally. Some of us also have paragraphs in our policy about expected driver behaviour, especially when using liveried vehicles – but do we really hammer home the reasoning that it’s about the necessity to protect our brand and that drivers matter, and can make a difference? Anyone for a veggie burger?

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

inbusiness

fleetonfleet Liz Hollands talks to Denis Dugen, group fleet manager, WSP. Fleet size 400 (383 cars & 17 vans). WSP set up a salary sacrifice scheme with Venson. How is it working for you? Was it worth the effort, and is there as much reporting administration as we are led to believe? Our salary sacrifice scheme is still in place and is working well. This year sees the start of replacement cars under the scheme and I am already getting asked “when can I place my order?” so it appears the employees are happy with it too. I think that the admin issues have been overstated. There is no doubt that when we implemented the scheme we took the time to properly consult and explain it – with road shows at all our major offices. We did devote resources to launching the scheme and that was vital. For us it was a case of replacing one set of procedures with different ones but overall it is not really more onerous. You do need to ensure that proper agreements are in place for the salary surrender before you order a car, but previously we would ensure that the employee had signed off and confirmed that the car spec was what they wanted, and that they were aware of the tax implications of their choice, etc.

car – that is, the 3% diesel supplement withdrawn, and 2% uplift for a given emission level rather than the 1% they are used to. Fuel costs continue to be a problem. Currently there has been a welcome dip in prices but I have no doubt that will change and I am not sure that the Advisory Fuel Rates – which we use – are keeping pace with the rising costs as well as they have in the past

What are the two main fleet issues for you? My main concern at present is to be ready for the “peak” replacements due at the three year anniversary of our salary sacrifice later this year and to try to be sure that employees are aware of the changing tax situation that will apply over the next three years that they have their

Time for a hobby outside of work? Recently I have spent a lot of time visiting National Trust properties as I was bought membership as a birthday present, and have started exploring antique centres. I also collect lighters dating from the pre-war years and have become fascinated with this subject.

Do you run alternatively fuelled vehicles on your fleet – what’s your take on electric vehicles? We do have a number of hybrids on the fleet and have demoed electric cars Nissan LEAF, Renault Fluence and even a Twizy. I see a real future for plug-in hybrids/range extended vehicles , although the price is an issue with these, and I can see that electric cars are ideal where their use is a city centre application. Range anxiety is a real problem with electrics cars but there is no doubt that traditionally fuelled cars will be increasingly expensive to run so alternatives will be needed and we must encourage their development

trading places

in Howkins to head up Fiat division Former Vauxhall fleet operations director Karl Howkins has been appointed to head up Fiat Group’s new Commercial Operations division. The department will handle all fleet sales as well as passenger car retail sales and used and logistic operations, with Howkins taking the newly created role of commercial director.

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

out

Tattersall assumes new fleet role at ATS Simon Tattersall, previously head of national truck at ATS Euromaster, has been promoted to a newly created position that will see him lead the company’s growing portfolio of national fleet business, encompassing its largest car, van and truck customers. Tattersall said: ‘As our business grows, it makes sense to approach these key markets as a single identity.’

Jenner stands down as ACFO chairman Julie Jenner has stepped down from the chairman role at ACFO after six years in the role. Damian James, head of operations at Bracknell Forest Council, takes over the chairmanship having held the post of deputy chairman for the past 12 months. Caroline Sandall, fleet manager at Barclays Bank, takes over as deputy chairman.

Speech recognition From a simplistic system capable of handling only basic commands, speech recognition is allowing a far wider number of inputs including hands-free e-mails and text messages for drivers. Alex Grant explains how it all works.

What is it? Voice recognition is nothing new in cars, but the technology is evolving rapidly. The most modern dictation systems, such as the Dragon Drive! technology, allow drivers to dictate text messages, e-mails and instructions for satellite navigation all without removing hands from the wheel.

How does it work? The system uses the same microphone employed for hands-free calling. All the driver has to do is press a button, usually found on the steering wheel, and dictate a command or sentence to the car. Once received, the recording is converted from an analogue sound wave to a low-quality digital format, and uploaded via the car’s data connection to a remote server. Here, software is able to analyse the digital sound file, looking for heavy consonants and other recognisable sounds, before converting it to text which is sent back to the car. Based on years of research by Dragon’s developer, Nuance, the software is not only able to recognise sounds but intelligently distinguish between words based on the context, dramatically improving the accuracy of the service. By having the data on a remote server, the service is able to recognise millions of words without requiring on-board computing power or memory. It also means a wider selection of languages and dialects, with the possibility of adding more as coverage grows. The only disadvantage is that it relies on having a good data connection – uploading the voice recording can take significantly longer if coverage is poor. However, with a strong connection, it takes only seconds to transcribe.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

Hands free, eyes on the road Staying connected is a feature of modern business, with almost all long distance drivers equipped with a smartphone for hours spent on the road. Enabling hands free control of a far wider range of functions removes the temptation to handle the phone while driving, or to watch the infotainment screen while moving. Simply, voice recognition systems are designed to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times, without requiring complicated instructions and set phrases to operate. When will it be here? Nuance’s speech recognition technology is already featured in several infotainment systems, notably the latest versions of BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI. In both cases, it allows e-mails and text messages to be dictated and sent entirely through voice control. The technology is also found in Ford’s SYNC, co-developed with Microsoft, while the SIRI digital assistant found on Apple’s iPhone is also powered by Nuance’s speech recognition software. The latter is set to be integrated into eight manufacturers’ models starting in Europe with the Vauxhall ADAM supermini – said to be the first car drivers can have a conversation with.

Leap Motion Controller

g fleet e k

Forget about touchscreens, hands-free navigation is being touted as the future for interaction with PCs and Macs. The Leap Motion Controller basically senses your hands and fingers and follows their every move. It’s said to be easy to set up and accurate to up to 1/100th millimetre, with no visible latency. Price: $79.99, see leapmotion.com for details

Aves Aqua Bluetooth speaker Compatible with smartphones, tablets and laptops with a Bluetooth® connection, the Aqua is a compact speaker which allows music and calls to be streamed wirelessly from any device within 10 metres. Ideal for conference calling or note-taking over the telephone, and fitted with a rechargeable battery. Price: £60 see avesdigital.co.uk

IWI Mens Watches

Netgear R6300

British manufacturer IWI has launched this range of stylish wristwatches using stainless steel cases and leather straps all in a choice of colours and textures. Each is hand built, with Swiss internals, long-lasting stainless steel clasps and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. IWI will even build a bespoke timepiece using, for example, an up-cycled gemstone from inherited jewellery to your specifications. Price: From £2,500 from iwiwatches.com

Netgear’s new router is compatible with the latest Beamforming+ technology, which promises faster wireless connections with improved range, less interference and fewer dead spots. Starting to become a standard fit on new smartphones, and available as a hardware upgrade for computers, it means even moving devices are tracked and the router can adjust signal to avoid a dropped connection. Price: £199 see netgear.co.uk for suppliers

apps of the month

Swype

Anchor by Tomfoolery

British Airways

Developed by the creators of Dragon Dictation, Swype is designed to make it easier to write long messages. Swipe your finger across the keyboard and it’ll work out what you’re trying to say, predicting the next word based on how you’ve phrased sentences in the past. As well as 60 languages and voice support in 36, it knows local dialect and even works out if you commonly tap the wrong key. Price: 65p from Google Play and Ovi Store

Think of Anchor as a small-scale professional social network for your colleagues. It’s designed to link teams of co-workers together in set groups to share information, arrange meetings, and discuss projects via text chat in real time. Anchor also holds profile information such as phone numbers and previous posts for anyone in your group, so data is permanently accessible anywhere with a data connection. Price: Free from iTunes Store

The latest version of BA’s iPhone app adds compatibility with Passbook. It means as you approach the airport, or come close to departure time, an electronic boarding pass appears on your phone’s lock screen. A useful bolt-on to an app which also places all of your flight details and Executive Club points in one place. Price: Free from iTunes Store

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Vauxhall Insignia

Fleet-focused With a focus on the needs of the company car driver, the heavily refreshed Insignia will be a thoroughly competitive part of the D-segment, as Alex Grant reports.

chassis & engines While the Insignia will be home to Vauxhall’s latest 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, 85% of UK cars are diesel-powered. So it’s these which offer the most impressive gains. The new range features two new versions of the 2.0-litre CDTi, with 118 and 138bhp respectively, each of which returns 76.3mpg with tax-efficient CO2 emissions of 99g/km (72.4mpg and 104g/km for the Sports Tourer). Vauxhall has also spent time revising the Insignia’s chassis. New damper and anti-roll bar settings are said to improve ride quality and cornering control, while the electronic power steering fitted to all models except the VXR has been reprogrammed to offer a more natural feel. Noise, vibration and harshness, particularly in terms of diesel chatter, has also been reduced.

range structure A big part of the 2013 refresh is a substantially revised range, which shaves £2,000 off the entry price and drops from 14 trims to a far more manageable eight. This opens with the Design, replacing the entry-level ES and Exclusiv, and branches out to the sporty SRi and VXR, luxurious SE and Elite, a better equipped version of the fleet-focused Tech Line plus retail-targeted Energy and Limited Edition versions. Prices are rolled back by up to £4,825, depending on the trim. Vauxhall’s fleet marketing and Motability manager, Paul Adler, says the changes reflect two things. Tech Line, a trim rolled out across most of the Vauxhall range, introduces high equipment at a low list price, and the range has now caught up. Pricing is also in line with discounts, so these will be cut, which contributes to residual value uplifts of up to £750 for the new 138bhp diesel. Smaller alloy wheels on the Design contribute to lower SMR costs too.

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEET FACT Insignia’s two new 2.0 CDTi diesel engines both dip under 100g/km

design & luxury The Insignia was the first to feature the design language now rolled out across the range, so most of the body panels are untouched. For 2013, the car gains new headlamps and quotation mark shaped tail lamps, as well as a lower, wider grille with the thicker new Vauxhall logo bar. Revised front and rear bumpers include a panel to hide the rear suspension, while the tailgate includes a chrome bar running into the lamp units. It’s as substantial a change inside. Drivers familiar with the old car’s dashboard will notice the mass of buttons have been dramatically reduced, relocated to a new touchscreen infotainment system that will be standard fit on over half of UK cars. The instrument cluster has also altered, now featuring the option of a large, customisable display screen which can show digital or analogue speedometers. All cars now also include digital radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, cruise control and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat among their standard equipment.

motoring editor’s view The mainstream D-segment is under threat from all sides as drivers are offered new segments, increasingly capable C-segment cars and taxefficient premium models. So while this is a brave step, it’s clear Vauxhall has spent time finding out what company car drivers want and need. Reduced pricing, lower fuel economy and a jump down in whole life costs for drivers and businesses alike add up to a very competitive offering even for a car which enjoys a 27.5% market share. Adler is targeting a 5% lift in user-chooser volume and, with a focused dealer marketing programme behind it, this seems entirely realistic. AG

fleetworld.co.uk / 29

ALD Automotive • Shell FuelSave 2013

9 – 10 October 2013. Tankersley Manor, near Sheffield

We want YOU!! Spiralling fuel prices have made economy one of the most desirable factors when choosing a car, while forcing private and business drivers to consider everything they do behind the wheel. It’s a cost nobody can ignore. The MPG Marathon is a live demonstration of how both car and driver can make a massive difference to fuel costs and emissions. Now in its twelfth year, it pits teams of contestants together over a two-day event to push for the best fuel economy.

This year's event will take place at the fantastic Tankersley Manor, near Sheffield, on Wednesday 9th October – Thursday 10th October 2013. Previous competitors have included everyone from celebrities, academics and motoring journalists to senior figures in the automotive industry, with coverage across regional and national press. Visit thempgmarathon.co.uk for more info...

in association with

NOW Visit the website thempgmarathon.co.uk and register to drive in the UK’s premier economy driving event, for FREE! 30 / fleetworld.co.uk

108mpg! Last year’s winning Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, on its way to a recordbreaking fuel figure.

rs le he lab ine uc ai nl Vo av er o w d no or to

1 in 3 of your drivers would fail an eye test At Specsavers, we can tell you which one

At Specsavers we know how important the safety of your drivers is to you. So, just like their vehicles get an MOT, we can make sure their eyesight is legal and roadworthy too, and not a risk to themselves or other road users. For just £17, your employee can have a thorough professional eye test at a Specsavers store. Or for only £35, they can have an eye test plus a pair of glasses from our £45 range, or a £45 discount towards other ranges. It’s peace of mind for both you and your drivers. And now you can order our Corporate Eyecare vouchers online and distribute them to your employees’ email with the click of a button. And real-time reporting tools can help you lower the cost of fulfilling your duty of care.

To find out more, call Specsavers Corporate Eyecare on 0115 933 0800, email uk.corporateeyecare@specsavers.com or visit us at specsavers.co.uk/corporate

These findings are derived from 852 survey responses and 677 vision screenings carried out during the 2012 Drive Safe Road Show, run by Specsavers in association with the road safety charity Brake. Conditions apply. See brochures for details. ©2013 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

Audi A3 Saloon A niche model in the UK, but Audi’s first ever booted A3 is big news, as Alex Grant explains. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £24,305–£27,105 FUEL 50.4–68.9mpg CO2 107-129g/km

he A3 accounts for a fifth of Audi’s global volume, and despite a conservative styling evolution with the third-generation it’s comfortably the best seller in the premium C-segment. Yet despite a 16-year success story, the lack of a saloon version has left a gaping hole in its product offering. It’s hard to believe in Europe, where even the biggestselling hatchbacks struggle to find buyers when they grow a boot, but globally this is far from a niche model. Audi has opened a new factory in Hungary just to build the Saloon, and as many as half of Chinese and North American customers are expected to opt for the threebox version. Once the second factory opens in China – just for domestic customers – 30% of global A3 production will be the Saloon. So it’s big news. But Audi has no illusions that this will transform A3 sales in the UK. The Saloon arrives here in September, predicted for a 10% share of the model’s sales, and the manufacturer is hoping many of those will be conquests from the mainstream D-segment – customers looking to Saloon feel stocky rather than stretched, and bode well for downsize, but trade up to a more desirable badge. the next Cabrio which will be based on this instead of the So, in a similar step to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the A3 hatchback. Rear legroom is identical to the Sportback, Saloon is coming here with a smaller model while boot space has grown by 60-litres albeit range. Most markets will get three trim levwith a narrower opening than a hatchback. FLEET FACT els, as in the hatch and Sportback, with the S Launch engines include the 148bhp 2.0 line package on top. British buyers will be TDI which has proved popular in the rest of Forthcoming offered the mid-spec trim as the Sport, and the range, and this smooth, efficient unit is 103bhp 1.6 TDI the S line as its own model, with sales split predicted to find its way into 35% of UK cars. will emit 99g/km evenly between them. A 184bhp version will follow in December, But while the CLA is marketed as a fouralong with the 1.6 TDI with range-lowest CO2 of CO2. emissions of 99g/km. Despite the 45bhp door coupe Audi has stuck to the traditional drop in power, this is more than adequate for three-box saloon shape. It means the A3 feels most drivers while easily returning 65mpg on long jourbrighter and roomier in the back than the CLA, despite neys. The CLA offers no direct alternative, its most effibeing shorter overall. cient engine is the automatic-only 220 CDI at 117g/km. Wider wheel arches and a short boot make the A3 Petrol versions include the 1.4 and 1.8 TFSI units at launch, the smaller of which features Cylinder on Demand technology, allowing it to run on two cylinders at low loads. It’s a pleasure to use, light and revvy to drive and switches seamlessly into its fuel-saving mode, but despite a diesel-like 109g/km CO2 output it’s also £300 more expensive than the 2.0 TDI which will blunt its appeal. Tested on the Sports suspension which will be standard fitment on UK cars, with S line and standard setups as no-cost options, even on heavily potholed roads it felt suppler than the CLA without becoming wallowy through corners. It’s only the largest wheels which give it a tendency to thump uncomfortably over lumpy tarmac. The Saloon may not be a mass-market car for the UK as yet, but the A3 has become a well-rounded hatchback and its best qualities translate neatly into a worthy compact alternative to the A4. However, the CLA’s sleeker styling could tempt image-conscious buyers away from Audi showrooms.

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights 10% of UK A3s will be the Saloon – biggest markets will be US and China where half will be this body style Higher entry point than the Sportback, but only £2,400–£3,000 price difference between equivalent models

A more conservative-looking effort than the CLA, but the A3 Saloon offers higher fuel economy, better ride quality and a far less claustrophobic rear bench than its closest rival. With the running costs of a C-segment hatchback and a range based on well-equipped trims, it’s worth considering before defaulting to another A4, and a viable downsizing option from the mainstream D-segment too.

80% diesel mix, of which 44% will be the 107g/km, 148bhp 2.0 TDI Wheelbase is near identical to the Sportback, with an additional 45 litres of boot space Two-model range at launch, comprising Sport and S line, with 296bhp S3 Sedan to follow

key fleet model Audi A3 Saloon 2.0 TDI Sport fleetworld.co.uk / 35

Range Rover Sport Steve Moody goes up hill and down dale to find out if the new Sport can really do everything. SECTOR Premium SUV PRICE From £51,000 FUEL 22.1–38.7mpg CO2 194-298g/km

There will be a diesel hybrid version next year too, bringhe question has been posed quite often since the ing that figure down significantly further still. advent of the Range Rover Sport, that why would you But Range Rovers have never been about efficiency, and ever need to buy the full fat Range Rover? this Sport’s real selling point is the way it can deliver a brilAnd with the new Sport, which is plusher, more spacious liant drive in fantastically sumptuous surroundings. While and more efficient than the last one, you might well ask that the last model felt more like a posh Discovery, this feels more question with even more vehemence. like a slightly scaled down Range Rover. The cabin is much Perhaps only when you have the sums necessary to buy better trimmed and more spacious: while retaining dimensuch machines – more than £50,000 for the Sport and sions that contribute to its sporting character – overall length £70,000 for the big car – might you be able to make that has grown by only 62mm but it is still nearly 15cm shorter judgement. Taken in the context of its competition from than a Range Rover – its longer wheelbase has allowed for other brands such as Porsche, Audi and BMW though, and the option of an additional third-row of occasional rear seats. the Range Rover Sport looks a compelling proposition for It also drives superbly. Put it in a mode its ability to brook no compromise, that stiffens the springs and it is genwhether it be flashing along a motorway, uinely nimble, while in more relaxed dancing down a country lane, or up to its travel it just wafts along, making it a door mirrors in pond. superbly adaptable machine. And that The car, which looks like a beefed-up adaptability of course extends to off-road. Evoque, will come with a choice of three The initial line-up will comprise five engines: TDV6 with 258hp (early next equipment grades – SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic year), SDV6 with 292hp and the 510hp and Autobiography Dynamic with stansupercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol seen in dard specification giving leather upholperformance Jaguars. This petrol engine stery, automatic headlights and wipers, is staggering in the performance it can DAB digital audio, a power tailgate, intellimuster, but it’s no corporate choice. gent stop-start, two-zone climate control, The immensely refined and practical heated front seats, auto-dimming reardiesel is the obvious option, especially view mirror, HD navigation, four-corner now it is mated to the same brilliant ZF The Sport has been a air suspension with automatic levelling, eight speed auto gearbox that sees servtremendous success for Terrain Response and voice control. ice in so many supercars. Add in that Land Rover, and with the Prices start from £51,550, which is sigthanks to aluminium architecture and nificantly more than the outgoing car, but lightweight technology there’s up to a new model being lighter, Land Rover’s reasoning is that nobody 420kg weight saving over the outgoing quicker, refined, more bought a base one anyway: they were model, and the result is a huge improveefficient and engaging to always specced up. So instead the entry ment (relatively speaking of course) in drive, the Sport has it all. point is now where the real transaction efficiency of as much as 24%, with CO2 price has always been. emissions dropping to under 200g/km.

what we think

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

advertisement feature

Double success for Mazda

Best Upper-Medium Car Mazda6

Best Small SUV Mazda CX-5

The ability to perform the high mileage role while still being economical and practical is important to the winner of this category.

The winner of this sector will be an SUV that offers a competitive cost alternative to both lower and upper-medium hatches and saloons.

What the judges said: “The new Mazda6 oozes quality. It’s a big car with lots of space, rides beautifully and handles well, while the cabin is stylishly simple and built to a very high standard. Add in that the clever SKYACTIV technology ensures emissions are incredibly low, and you have an extremely fine business car.”

What the judges said: “The CX-5 shows that an SUV can be efficient, with low CO2, and still have the benefit of four-wheel drive. It’s also nicely built with lots of cabin space, and it drives well too.”

Mazda UK MD Jeremy Thomson accepts the award for Mazda6.

Best Upper Medium Car Mazda6 Best Small SUV Mazda CX-5

For more information visit mazda.co.uk

Volkswagen Golf GTD The GTD continues to set benchmarks for user-chooser desirability, reckons Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £25,285–£27,355 FUEL 60.1–67.3mpg CO2 109–122g/km

an you think of many more complete user-chooser exhaust noise into the cabin, there’s very little to give cars than the Golf GTD? Efficient, practical and low away that this isn’t the full-fat GTI. on tax, yet packed with kerbside appeal and great The same is also true outside. As with previous fun to drive, it strikes a brilliant compromise between versions, the GTD looks almost identical to the GTI save commuter workhorse and entertaining weekend car. for a few red pinstripes and stitches, all of which are The diesel hot hatch may have become a more common, reduced to monochrome for the diesel. Honeycomb more appealing, proposition in recent years, but Volkgrilles, large part-polished wheels and a twin exhaust swagen has had three decades to perfect its offering. Only separate it from the basic Golfs on the outside, while grey five years separated the arrival of the GTI and GTD badges tartan-trimmed sports seats and a flat-bottomed GTDin the UK with the Mk1 Golf, and it’s since grown from an branded steering wheel lift the interior. economy-focussed model with a few sports bolt-ons to be It’s an accessible car, too. Fuel economy of 67.3mpg with a far more convincing performance car. CO2 emissions of 109g/km for manual So much so, that in the last generation versions means it’s 13% more efficient Golf, the GTD accounted for almost 6% of than its predecessor. Around a third will all UK volume and, even in its final year get the DSG gearbox and resulting drop on sale, this single trim was only 500 in fuel economy to 60.1mpg with units adrift from the entire Jetta range. 122g/km CO2 emissions for the fiveAt 184bhp, the GTD is still 36bhp door – both of which are comparable behind the newest GTI but what it lacks figures to the 62.8mpg, 119g/km Golf in power it more than makes up for in Bluemotion launched in 2007. That’s a torque. Peak output of 280lb.ft is availremarkable advance in performanceable from 1,75rpm and there’s almost per-pound over just two generations. no point in the rev range where the Meanwhile, lower insurance groups engine doesn’t pick up with the urgency than its predecessor and residuals of a far more powerful car. between 47% and 49% (with the fiveBetter still, the newest of Volkswadoor manual at the top of the desirability Private buyers may gen’s 2.0-litre TDI engines are barely list) should keep running costs down for baulk at paying almost noisier than the direct injection petrols the 60% of GTDs expected to sell to fleets. as much for the GTD as found in the GTI. There’s a tiny amount So the GTD remains a benchmark for of diesel clatter with the window open, the hot diesel hatchback, offering the GTI, but for fleets but in most situations it’ll leave you almost all of the plus points of the GTI the diesel makes perfect checking the inside of the fuel flap to but with much lower running costs sense. Most of the GTI see what nozzle to pick up. With a than its petrol-powered counterpart. A perks, for a lot less outlay. sound actuator planned for the options well-rounded option which should be a list - which will pipe a gruff petrol-like popular part of any choice list.

what we think

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

Create your own… We know that the vehicle tracking or fleet management system you really want is unique to you. It’s probably similar to systems used by other companies, but your needs are diﬀerent; maybe you just want the so ware you use to fit your business and not the other way around? Telepath provide the means for you to weave your own valuable telema cs informa on into the fabric of your company processes: x x x x

Open up the system to clients: has a drop-oﬀ been made? Are your KPI’s being met? Integrate with other in-house so ware: pull loca onal data into your schedules Make the so ware look like yours: your logo, your colours, your branding Create your own portals to see the informa on that is important to you

...it really is that easy. To find out how, call now on

+44 (0) 843 515 9934 or email enquiries@telepath.uk.com m

www.telepath.uk.com

APPROVED NEW RENAULT CLIO SUPPLIERS To ﬁnd out why Renault Clio was voted Best Small Car in the 2013 Fleet World Honours, call a Renault dealer in your area to book a test drive... CHESTER

STOCKPORT

STOKE-ON-TRENT

Lookers Chester

Lookers Stockport

Holdcroft Renault

302 Sealand Road Chester CH1 4LQ t 01244 390009 e DarrenLevy@lookers.co.uk w lookers.co.uk/stockport

St Mary’s Way, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 4AW t 0161 333 3346 e DarrenLevy@lookers.co.uk w lookers.co.uk/stockport

Leek Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6AD t 01782 214371 e renault@holdcroft.com w holdcroft.com

New Clio: “Peppy, efﬁcient engines, funky looks, a smart cabin and an involving drive.” Steve Moody, Editor, Fleet World

Visit www.renault.co.uk for more information

Skoda Octavia Estate

The thinking man's estate car offers flexibility some MPVs can't match, reckons Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £16,790-£24,040 FUEL 53.3–74.3mpg CO2 99-124g/km

boot, but the smaller engines, a 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI both or Skoda, Simply Clever is more than just a slogan – with 103bhp, are ample for a car of this size. It’s these it's the backbone of everything the company does. It which will make up the bulk of sales, in retail and fleet means that while the Octavia Estate offers few real respectively, but the larger 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI are better surprises, it’s brimming with neatly-executed ideas which suited to those needing to haul heavier loads. make this an incredibly versatile load carrier. All-wheel drive is only offered on the two diesel engines This is a big part of Skoda’s European sales footprint. and in SE spec in the UK. It’s a clever Haldex system which It’s the biggest seller in its segment across Europe, and only sends power to the rear wheels when required, and UK sales are split almost identically between the Octavia’s while it’s best suited to the 2.0 TDI it doesn’t blunt even the hatchback and estate body styles. 1.6 TDI’s performance too heavily even on steep inclines. The Simplicity is even extended to the model range. British big sacrifice is in fuel economy and CO2 emissions, which rise buyers will get a choice of three versions, following the from 74.3mpg and 99g/km to 60.1mpg familiar S, SE and Elegance range strucand 122g/km on the smaller engine. ture Skoda employs across all its cars. Ride height is identical to the twoEngines comprise two petrols and two wheel drive models, which limits this to diesels, and the Estate gets four-wheel smooth but loose surfaces, but an outdrive as an option on the latter. A Greendoor pack and rugged Scout version are line package, which cuts fuel consumpboth coming soon. tion to 83mpg and CO2 to 87g/km on the Both four-wheel drive Octavias also 1.6 TDI, will be available on all trim levbenefit from a multi-link rear suspenels by the end of the year. sion setup, compared to the simplistic Stylistically, it's an elegant and simply torsion bar fitted to their two-wheel penned model, if a little conservative drive equivalents. Aside from the vRS, inside and out. The plastics are soft touch, which launches this summer with the doors close with a solid Germanic diesel and petrol engines and in both thunk, and everything is logically laid out. body styles, these are the only Octavias But beneath that simplicity, the Octavia With efficient engines, to get the more advanced setup. Ride is a brilliant piece of design. The boot high quality and versaquality even with the torsion beam is floor covers a compartment big enough to tile storage, the Octavia perfectly respectable though. store roof bars, and drops with a tug on a This isn’t a car which makes your hair handle at the back to offer extra loading is all the car you'll ever stand on end or your pulse race, at least height. Not only does the rear bench fold need, for a lot less not without a vRS grille badge, but it's a forward, but the front passenger seat will money than you’d think. model which delights on design and too, offering up to a three metre flat load Simple, but very clever. packaging, offering a more appealing length from tailgate to dashboard. workhorse than a C-segment SUV. We tested the car with a near empty

what we think

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

advertisement feature

ARI FLEET UK recognised for technological advances IMAGINE fleet management technology so advanced that it could analyse 400,000,000 records in 3 seconds, rather than the 7½ hours it would typically require. Reports that once took hours, days and weeks, could now be generated in minutes — if not seconds. That would be impressive. Now, that technology actually exists. It's called ARI analytics™ — an industry breakthrough, impressive enough to earn this year's Technology Award for ARI FLEET UK. Brought about by in-memory technology, this advanced technology provides something no ordinary reporting software has ever offered — tighter control — of budget, fleet operations, and lower total cost of ownership, while simultaneously eliminating guesswork and errors. But how does this amazing computing power translate into results when put to the test in the realworld? Keith Allen, ARI Fleet UK Managing Director, sums it up this way: “Fleet operators can explore the figures, analyse the data, look for trends and predict the future. They're interacting with the data and getting real-time answers to their questions.”

Nearly unanimous feedback from customers who are using ARI analytics cite three ways in which they have recognised immediate benefit: 1. Fleet operators were aware of a problem, but couldn't precisely identify it until they used ARI analytics. 2. Fleet operators were not only observing trends, but were able to project outcomes with ARI analytics. 3. ARI analytics provided answers to questions they didn't even know they had! The long added-benefits list for fleet operations includes greater visibility, better decision making, and significant savings in terms of total cost of ownership. Running a fleet gets more challenging every day. ARI has been building a reputation for being first-tomarket with innovative ways of giving fleet professionals greater control. ARI analytics is simply the latest example, and earns VAN FLEETWORLD’S 2013 Technology Award.

Keith Allen, managing director (right) of ARI FLEET UK, accepts the Technology Award at the 2013 VAN Fleet World Honours.

For more information visit www.arifleet.co.uk

Kia pro_cee’d GT Kia’s first hot hatch reflects rapidly changing consumer attitudes, says Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £19,995–£23,995 FUEL 38.2mpg CO2 171g/km

ot hatches may have become increasingly stylish in recent years, but the Kia pro_cee’d GT is one of the best looking. There, I said it. Seven years ago, the original cee’d gave Kia a fighting chance in the cut-throat lower medium segment, and now its successor has become the carmaker’s first hot hatch – proof that the badge really isn’t a barrier any more. Neither is the styling. The already pretty pro_cee’d looks great with the GT’s deeper, aggressive bodykit and it perches purposefully over a set of large, part-polished alloy wheels. Inside, the familiar soft touch dashboard gains a digital display showing turbo pressure and torque output, a pair of comfortable Recaro sport seats and plenty of red stitching. It’s a real head-turner. Helping it deliver performance to match the visual improvements is the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol found in the Veloster Turbo, but tuned to 201bhp. With a wide spread of torque from 2,500rpm upwards and impressive cornering stability, it adds up to a very entertaining, if not particularly quick, hot hatch. The only chink in its armour is the electronic power steering, which is quick to respond and nicely weighted but lacking in feedback. Making progress means guessing the remaining mechanical grip oﬀered by the chassis, of which there is plenty.

Its biggest barrier is CO2. The range includes a wellequipped entry-level model with a Tech version on top, but its high value doesn’t translate well for company car drivers. CO2 emissions of 171g/km put it up with the more powerful and barely pricier Focus ST, but residuals are looking promising. So while Kia’s first step into the hot hatch arena is respectable, arguably what the GT really needed to be was a quick diesel. Any sacrifice in dynamics would be worth it to augment its otherwise broad appeal.

Volkswagen Golf Estate Danny Cobbs finds VW’s latest Golf larger, lighter and more practical than ever... SECTOR Lower medium estate PRICE from £17,915 FUEL 72.4mpg CO2 102g/km

his, the new VW Golf Estate, is the largest and most practical load-lugging Golf to date. It boasts 100 litres more cargo space than its predecessor; 1620 litres with the backseats folded flat or 605 litres with them left in situ. And there’s an attention to detail we haven’t seen before in a Golf Estate – this is more than just a Golf hatchback with an extended rear end. The load bay has been thoughtfully

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

squared off, to make access easier, and the entry-lip flattened, ensuring heavier items won’t snag. The cargo floor is adjustable too, making the load area completely flat when the backseats are folded flat. And, whilst on the subject of folding the rear seats down, this is done by pulling a pair handles in the boot, which drops the sprung-loaded seatbacks in one, easy, clever movement. There is also the £110 option of a folding front seat, for those thinking longer items might be carried. The rest of the cabin is reassuringly much the same as its hatchback brother, the car on which it’s been based upon. There will be three trims levels – S, SE and GT – with prices starting at £17,915. Despite the extra cargo area, the Golf Estate’s handling characteristics haven’t been radically affected either and still delivers a ride similar to that of the hatchback version. On sale now for October deliveries, there are seven engines to choose from – four petrol engines and three diesels. Volkswagen expects the 1.6TDI 105PS, five-speed manual in SE trim to be favoured most by fleet buyers (although this might change when the super-efficient 1.6 TDI BlueMotion is introduced later this year). For now though, this is the lowest emissions engine at just 102g/km, and a fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg.

AWARD WINNING SOLUTIONS FROM ARVAL

“

Arval’s work in ﬁrst acquiring and then providing to its customers a balanced, comprehensive and unbiased view of the new technologies is a real beneﬁt. It allows them to improve their environmental performance without undertaking exhaustive research of their own, or taking unnecessary risks where cost and driver satisfaction are concerned.” Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World

“

Arval is one of the most active Driving for Better Business champions. The company goes beyond just ensuring safe driving among its employees; it is committed to promoting safe driving policies with its customers and the wider community.” Adrian Walsh, Director at RoadSafe

The ﬂeet service providers have demonstrated an appetite for innovation and it is a real pleasure to recognise the achievements of the best of these.” - Ross Durkin, Managing Editor of Fleet World

We are proud to have won two awards at the 2013 Fleet World Honours. This is testament to the exciting new initiatives that we are delivering for our customers. The Service Award provides great recognition for our new vehicle technology trials. A programme to test the latest vehicles, cut through the hype and speculation surrounding them, and provide practical, tangible and useful advice. The safety award is a powerful endorsement of the ongoing safety tools and practises that we share with our customers to reduce the road risk that their drivers face.

To ﬁnd out more, call us on 01793 887000 or email info@arval.co.uk arval.co.uk

Numbers. Sometimes they speak louder than words. So here are a few about the class-leading Civic 1.6 Diesel.

Fuel consumption for the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC range in mpg (l/100km): Urban Cycle 70.6 (4.0), Extra Urban 85.6 (3.3), Combined 78.5 (3.6). CO2 emissions 94g/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.

New Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Diesel from £195 Business Contract Hire* Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE 5dr

Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 5dr

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec ECOnetic 5dr

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi 16V ecoFLEX Exclusiv 5dr

120

105

110

Combined mpg

78.5

74.3

76.4

76.3

BIK (%)

13%

14%

Monthly BIK @ 20%

£43

£45

£44

£46

Monthly BIK @ 40%

£85

£91

£89

£93

Engine PS CO2 Emissions (g/km)

honda.co.uk/corporate Model shown: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE Manual in optional Alabaster Silver Metallic. *Contract Hire Terms and Conditions: Contract Hire available to Business users only. Contract Hire rental is based on Honda Contract Hire for the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE Manual only. Rentals are based on 6 months rentals in advance followed by 35 monthly rentals starting month 2 with 10,000 miles per annum, non maintained and no metallic paint. Excess and other charges may apply dependent on the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. All rentals are subject to VAT at standard rates. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Contract Hire rentals are available across the Civic range on a three year/variable mileage per annum, maintained and non maintained. Vehicles must be ordered between 1st July 2013 and 30th September 2013 with registration, delivery and funding by 31st October 2013 except for Civic 1.6 which must ordered between 1st July 2013 and 31st December 2013 with registration and delivery by 31st December 2013. Offer applicable at participating Honda Dealers and is at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. Promoter: Honda (UK), 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY. Honda (UK) is a division of Honda Motor Europe. Registered in England and Wales No 857969. Comparison data provided by independent industry source CAP Automotive Limited and correct as of 17/06/2013.

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

AC A good looking car and a very pleasant drive. Its underfloor batteries give a high seating position and 38 litres more boot space than the Clio. Battery leasing means the starting price is within the same price range as its rivals.

AC The vehicle has a limited range and this is quite variable depending on conditions. It is also quite heavy for a supermini and at times you can really feel that when you go into a corner, the regenerative brakes can grab a bit at times, but you would get used to them.

AC The lease of the batteries can be looked at as the monthly fuelling costs plus an extended warranty on the battery. In a conventional car you still have to put fuel in it for it to work, so this argument that the car is worthless because the battery isn’t owned is flawed from the very start. Without a fuel source an ICE vehicle is also useless but people don’t buy them and pay for their fuel up-front.

AC Battery leasing works for retail customers, with longer ownership and a warranty for the length of the lease, but as a business lease car it could make it quite a complicated work round that could put many off. Lack of government support is also a problem.

MJ ZOE looks great, unlike some electric cars, and has a spacious interior with a good quality finish. Equipment levels are high and pricing affordable, plus with a home charging unit (funded 75% by Government & 25% by Renault) giving a full charge in only 3.5 hours. AS The best all electric car so far, and the most affordable. Bright and modern styling that fits in with the crowd of small commuter cars, and clever technology such as air source heat pump etc. Congestion charge free.

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

MJ Journey range won’t meet everyone’s needs, but buyers should not base their decision simply on those few occasions when a greater range is required. No height adjustment to driver’s seat and no split rear seat. AS Despite the constant banging of the drum for the green credentails of electric cars, many buyers have already been turned off by all the negatives outweighing the positives. The only real thing that will re-kindle interest will be a significant increase in battery range.

MJ An electric car is clearly a practical alternative for a great many drivers and in many households the second car could satisfy those range-challenging journeys. The BiK tax savings for company car drivers can be significant and could perhaps fund a rental car for those occasional long trips. AS This will appeal to people who have to drive into London on a regular basis.

MJ The risk of the EV grant ceasing at the end of the current Parliament and before economies of scale help manufacturer costs would be a threat, but seems unlikely. Ultra-efficient ICEs pose the greatest threat! AS The battery lease is the big turn off – if you are a low mileage user, why not buy a city car for £10 to £11;, the monthly fuel bill will be less than the cost of the battery lease. Unless you drive into London daily the appeal is very limited.

Alan Senior (AS) Director, Vehicle Information Publishing

ZOE

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths

AC Battery lease means pricing is competitive. MJ Good looks, lots of equipment and free home charging unit are attractive. AS The best electric car so far, and the most affordable.

AC Limited range – varies on conditions. MJ Low range, and ultra-efficient ICE cars may be cheaper to run. AS Battery lease could cost more than monthly fuel bills for low mileage users.

Strengths

Toyota Yaris Hybrid T3

AC Great around town, affordable. MJ Well built, reliable, and the Hybrid looks even better than the conventional Yaris. AS Toyota has the best track record for hybrids.

AC Lack of driving dynamics, dull interior. MJ The hybrid’s CVT has the usual whine under acceleration, but should not be a deal breaker. AS No longer congestion charge free.

OTR: £15,195 P11D: £15,140 Fuel: 80.7mpg CO2: 79g/km RV*: £6,103 (40%) BiK: 10% SMR: £940 Fuel costs: £2,723 Insurance: £1,875 Finance: £2,044 NI: £710 VED: N/A Cost per month: £483

Strengths

Peugeot 208 1.4 e-HDI Active 5dr

Weaknesses

208

AC Good looking, good equipment, low running costs. MJ Agile and fun around town with low CO2, compact dimensions and great finish. AS Great fuel economy and an appealing package with dealer incentives.

Standard equipment: • Electric windows (front) • Radio and single CD player • USB and aux connections • 15-inch steel wheels • LED daytime running lights • Electrically operated mirrors • Dual zone climate control • Hill start Assist Control • Eco and Hybrid displays Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495

AC Not as dynamic as the Fiesta. MJ Manual is around £450 cheaper to run over 60,000 in spite of higher CO2 and lower economy. Food for thought! AS Stiff competition in this sector.

OTR: £14,995 P11D: £15,140 Fuel: 83.1mpg CO2: 87g/km RV*: £5,490 (37%) BiK: 13% SMR: £900 Fuel costs: £2,743 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £2,017 NI: £887 VED: N/A Cost per month: £504

Strengths

Ford Fiesta Style Econetic 5dr

Weaknesses

Fiesta

Renault ZOE Dynamique Zen OTR: £15,195 plus £93pcm Standard equipment: Net cost: £15,140 • Renault R-Link infotainment Fuel: N/A with TomTom navigation CO2: 0g/km • Bluetooth SD, USB and aux RV*: £7,738 (40%) • Front/rear electric windows BiK: 0% • Climate control SMR: £3,874 • Cruise control Fuel costs: £692 • Electric door mirrors Insurance: £2,655 • Parking sensors (rear) Finance: £1,954 • LED daytime running lights NI: N/A • 16-inch alloy wheels VED: N/A Optional equipment: Cost per month: £462 • Metallic paint £495

Weaknesses

Yaris Hybrid

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

AC Best car to drive, still great looking, with low running costs MJ Looks good, handles well, plus returns good economy. AS Strong appeal and a fantastic job on the re-style of this ever-popular model.

Weaknesses

AC Fussy and fiddly interior. MJ Poorly equipped, and the engine is a touch loud when driven hard! AS New price is top heavy but there is always a deal to be found on Fiestas.

OTR: £15,195 P11D: £15,140 Fuel: 85.6mpg CO2: 87g/km RV*: £6,278 (41%) BiK: 13% SMR: £850 Fuel costs: £2,663 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £2,044 NI: £898 VED: N/A Cost per month: £485

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio with 7” touch screen • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Electric windows (front) • Manual air conditioning • Electric door mirrors • Cruise control with speed limiter • Front fog lights • 15-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Auto headlights, wipers and dimming mirror £180

Standard equipment: • Radio and single CD player • USB and auxiliary inputs • Electric windows (front) • Manual air conditioning • Electric door mirrors • 14-inch steel wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Front/rear parking sensors £400 • Front fog lights £130 • Sat nav, DAB, Bluetooth, voice control and SYNC £700

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

The award-winning

New A-Class.

‘Best New Car’ from the ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer 2013’. Welcome to a new generation Mercedes-Benz. The new A-Class A 180 CDI SE features a dynamic look. Its aggressive styling includes a new grille, distinct 16” alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and sports seats with integrated headrests – adding a contemporary touch. It’s also a car that sets the standard in fleet efficiency, with the lowest ever CO2 level achieved in the Mercedes-Benz range.

Efficiency Advanced fuel injection and turbo-charging technology ensures maximum power with remarkably low fuel consumption. The new A-Class delivers CO2 emissions from just 98g/km* with 74.3mpg* and 14% BIK*.

*Model featured is an A 180 CDI SE at £22,015.00 on-the-road including optional metatllic paint at £570.00.

Style A long low stance complements dramatic, sweeping lines. The distinctly aggressive looks demonstrates the bold new Mercedes-Benz design philosophy in all its glory. Never before has a compact car looked so dynamic.

Connectivity Fitted as standard is the Audio 20 CD/ radio. Key features include a 5.8” colour display, telephone keypad and Bluetooth. A USB port allows content to be accessed from MP3 players and other storage devices. Pre-wiring for the Becker® Map Pilot navigation system is included too. There is also the option of COMAND online, a cloud-based multimedia system allowing you internet access from within the vehicle.

Safety The new A-Class also offers core safety technology found across other models, including the S-Class and the E-Class, as standard. Active Bonnet, for example, raises the bonnet level before an impact occurs, while Attention Assist helps combat driver fatigue. In addition, the new A-Class is also the first compact car to incorporate a radarbased collision warning system, which works with other safety innovation such as Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist.

The new A-Class has been voted ‘Best New Car’ and Mercedes-Benz the ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer 2013’. To discover more or to book a demonstrator, visit mercedes-benz.co.uk/fleet

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class range: urban 32.1(8.0)-62.8(4.5), extra urban 48.7(5.8)-85.6(3.3), combined 40.9(6.9)-74.3(3.8). CO2 emissions 161-98 g/km. Model featured on this page is the A 180 CDI AMG Sport at £24,260.00 on-the-road with optional metallic paint at £570.00.

INTERVIEW Peter Cakebread, DVLA

time to be bold The new chairman of the BVRLA, Peter Cakebread, thinks the leasing industry should get more credit for the successes of the past few years. By Steve Moody.

he leasing industry has ridden through the rocky landscape of the economic downturn, and come out the other side in pretty healthy shape. That’s the view of the new chairman of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, Peter Cakebread. A Cambridge economics graduate, Cakebread is managing director of Marshall Leasing, and has helped steer the work of the BVRLA for more than a decade, chairing its Leasing and Fleet Management Committee between 2007 and 2009. More recently, he was part of the selection panel that recruited the BVRLA’s new chief executive, Gerry Keaney, who recently took over from long-term incumbent John Lewis. He takes over from Hertz’s Neil Cunningham, who has stepped down after completing his two-year term. So how has he seen the last few years? ‘Funding obviously has been an issue over the past few years, but what we’ve seen is that as a result of some funders reducing their exposure, such as Black Horse, which was such a massive backer of fleets, others have come in. As a result, I think we now have a broader spread of funders than we did before, and that can only be a good thing as it spreads risk and opens up the market to even more competition. Clearly these financial institutions have recognised that the fleet market is a good place to do business,’ he says. ‘Currently sales seem to be broadly flat across the fleet market, which is certainly not disastrous given the trading conditions elsewhere in Europe, and it seems that a lot of companies are aware of the sound financial advantages of products such as contract hire. Here at Marshall Leasing we’ve seen business increasing by about 10% annually, and we put that down to an appetite among customers for stability: stability in the sense that they deal with the same people consistently, which brings good customer service and, secondly, an appreciation that there is room for smaller players as well as the huge firms. ‘There’s been quite a bit of consolidation in the industry over the past few years, certainly since the financial crash of 2008, and this could have been difficult for clients, with systems and even points of contact changing. ‘But in general these consolidations seem to have been handled very well, and we now seem to be in a period of stability. Certainly talk of backers exiting the market has dried up. I think that many recognise that car and van leasing and rental is a mature and resilient sector now – it certainly came through the recession with far fewer casualties than most business sectors, which suggests that we are doing something right.’ ‘And we haven’t seen the losses associated with increases in bad debt either, so there seem to be some underlying stabil-

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

ity around, even if overall growth is marginal at best.’ With a new chief executive in place as well as a new chairman, Cakebread see his role as building on the work of his predecessors. ‘What we have to press home over the next few years at the BVRLA is the benefit of the leasing industry to the entrepreneurial base of the economy,’ he says. ‘It frees up cash for companies to reinvest in products and services, and allows them to go and sell those products and therefore expand and create more wealth. It underpins much of the business economy, and we need to ensure Government and the business community as a whole recognise this. ‘As an association, I’ll be looking to be bold and trumpet what this industry does to help the economy to get back on its feet. ‘We need to continue to work with the Government and Whitehall on its policies. The legislation on First Year Allowances, for example, make no sense and so we need to continue to talk to the Treasury and explain these issues from our point of view. The legacy of John Lewis in his role as chief executive of the BVRLA is that the organisation is now a much more effective lobbying body in the corridors of power. We are listened to now, but the challenge is to build on all the great work John did still further.’ ‘I think one of the things I’d like to do while chairman of the BVRLA is hear the views of the smaller members more often. That’s not to say they have been ignored previously, but we have many firms who are members and we’d like to hear them tell us what they need.’ There’s certainly a fair degree of optimism in the market at the moment: the much feared wave of pre-registrations has not had the effect some were predicting on residual values or volumes, and carmakers seem to think the UK is a good place to do business while the rest of Europe stalls. Unsurprisingly though, as somebody who runs a medium-sized leasing company, Cakebread believes that the greatest strength of the leasing industry lies in the people who work in it. ‘What you have to remember is that a lot of the people that work in the leasing and rental industry are petrolheads: they’re really interested in cars. That’s why they got into it in the first place. And that’s a good starting point when it comes to delivering great customer service, because they care about the industry they are in. certainly that’s underpinned our success at Marshall, and I’m sure it’s the same at the vast majority of other leasing companies. ‘It’s the people that make the industry as successful as it is, because their enthusiasm and knowledge bring so much value to customers.’

‘As an association, I’ll be looking to be bold and trumpet what this industry does to help the economy to get back on its feet.’

fleetworld.co.uk / 55

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Rover SD1

era 1976-1986

UK sales 209,301

over’s ultra-modern SD1 had the potential to change the company’s fortunes when it launched in 1976. At a time when the brand had fallen into disrepute for poor build quality and dated cars, this chiselled executive carrier promised cutting-edge technology and a new style, launching to a media fanfare and waiting lists. But it wasn’t to last. The car was one of the first projects developed by newly-formed British Leyland’s Specialist Division, hence the name, but was never actually sold as the SD1. Instead, models were identified by their engine size. At launch, the range comprised a single 3.5-litre V8, known as the Rover 3500, with Triumph-derived straight-six engines following a year later – just in time for the 1979 oil crisis – badged as the 2300 and 2600. Designed by the same duo behind the P6, its predecessor, the styling was unashamedly inspired by Italian supercars – most obviously the Ferrari Daytona. An interior awash with soft-touch, Germanstyle plastics and keyboard-like buttons was a huge departure from the brand’s tendency for wood trim, while cubby holes, adjustable mirrors and a fully adjustable steering column were forward-thinking features at the time. Rover had also designed the car to be cheaper to produce. The SD1 featured simpler suspension than its predecessor and a symmetrical dashboard to make it easier to convert to left hand drive. Instruments were fitted into a box placed above the steering wheel, and the hole for the steering column on the passenger side was filled with an air vent.

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

Successor Rover 800

It didn’t seem to matter. The motoring press were wowed by its performance, handling and the 3500’s best-in-class fuel economy of 21mpg, awarding it European Car of the Year in 1977 and creating unprecedented demand at dealerships. Rover couldn’t keep up, creating huge waiting lists and pushing nearly-new residuals over the price of a new car. Sadly, things weren’t in the SD1’s favour. The sixcylinder engines proved unreliable and early cars were plagued with electrical, paint and rust issues, while frequent walk-outs at recently bailed out British Leyland furthered vehicle shortages. Production moved to what is now the Mini factory, near Oxford, in 1982 and the government-funded extension to the Solihull plant built for the SD1 closed shortly afterwards. Rover took the opportunity to facelift the car, adding a 101bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Morris Ital to get the SD1 around a new fleet tax threshold, and 90bhp 2.4-litre diesel mainly aimed at French and Italian markets. The 3500 also became the base for the high performance Vitesse and luxury Vanden Plas in 1984, both of which boasted a 190bhp power output and uprated suspension and brakes. Production ceased in 1986 to make way for the 800, by which time the SD1’s reputation had put a large dent in residual values. But police forces loved it, stockpiling cars which were still being registered in 1988. A final outing for a car launched too late into a troubled company.

FEATURE Autonomous driving

Autonomously driving vehicles are claimed to be only a few years away, and will bring significant cost and safety benefits to fleets. Steve Moody and Alex Grant investigate the claims.

The robot fleet H

ow much time do your employees waste on the road driving? For many businesses this time is signi icant, but vital: after all they have to get to their meetings and jobs. But they also could be doing something more productive in those lost hours on the motorways of Britain. What if they could be sitting in their car or van, illing out job sheets, meeting reports or catching up on emails instead? There have been many studies on just how much time is lost by business drivers in traf ic jams and congestion alone, with some quoting three to ive working days per driver a

58 / fleetworld.co.uk

year. But if much of this could be taken out of the working day, then time and motion become one and the same thing, as work and travel meld into one entity. The advocates of driverless cars claim that this will be possible in the near future, perhaps in the next ive years, when the car or van will take an instruction and set off all of its own accord. They also reckon this will cut the number of accidents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in approximately 90-95% of all road traf ic accidents, human behaviour is partially or fully responsible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that fuel economy and traf ic will improve too. However, there are many challenges

around technology, cost, public acceptance, legality, liability and infrastructure. Foremost is having the necessary technology available to do the job, and to define exactly what that job is. For example, there is full autonomy, where the driver could enter the destination into the sat nav, and take a nap until the car gets there, partial autonomy in a road train, or autonomous systems that can be switched on and off, or intervene automatically to avoid crashes or offer partial machine-only driving. For the fully autonomous car, the future is further away, because the technology is

more complex and more expensive. Google’s self-driving car, which has been developed intensively for the past three years, has now clocked up half a million miles of safe driving on US roads. But it requires a staggering amount of processing power, of nearly one gigabyte of data every second, in combination with GPS, laser range inding and mapping to determine its location and route and as a result, even Google admits that a projected cost of market-ready cars would be $150,000, of which nearly half is on the laser range inder. And a number of other technical obstacles remain. For driverless cars to work, every inch of road, every junction, road sign and signal everywhere will have to be mapped in perfect detail. This is being done anyway to support navigation systems for both cars and smartphones, but this takes time and a vast amount of money. However, there are cheaper alternatives. Researchers at Oxford University claim to have built a system of selfdriving-car cameras for £5,000, which could be eventually cost as little as £500. Its system is less ambitious than Google’s more pervasive one, by using camera in concert with a database of stored 3D images. When the cameras pick up an environment and road system it has committed to memory, it tells the driver it can take over control. This would clearly be something business users and delivery irms who use speci ic routes or commutes would ind of interest. The price will be of interest to businesses too, because according to a J.D. Power & Associates survey published earlier this year, 39% of people would be interested in owning an autonomous car, but only 21% said they’d be interested if it cost them an extra £2,000. The Oxford University system, while some way off being market ready, could be retro itted too, its makers claim. The sensors are the key in these systems, because without good quality information, full autonomy can never be delivered. For example, Bosch’s highperformance long-range radar sensor can detect objects up to 250 metres away. In addition, a stereo video camera can detect objects in 3D, calculating how far objects are away from a vehicle, as well as the direction in which they are moving. Fully autonomous driving will come

about one step at a time. At irst, driving on highways with an ever-greater degree of automation and at ever-higher speeds will be possible, until the highway pilot can take over the entire trip. But two major challenges remain: irst, inner-city driving, since automated vehicle functions have to deal with dense traf ic involving a large number of road users traveling in every direction; and second, developing a concept to ensure that the system’s functions operate reliably in all types of driving situation. It seems that before 2020, more simple – relatively speaking – automatic operating systems will become more prevalent, such as road trains. Last year in Spain a road train comprising a Volvo XC60, V60 and S60, plus one truck automatically driving in convoy behind a lead vehicle operated on a public motorway among other road users. The

‘Last year in Spain, a road train comprising a Volvo XC60, V60 and S60 automatically driving in convoy behind a lead vehicle operated on a public motorway among other road users.’ SARTRE Project believes the road train offers the attractive possibility to do other things while driving, promotes safer transport, and reduces environmental impact. Basically, a professional driver leads the vehicle platoon, for instance in a truck. All the following vehicles are driven autonomously at speeds of up to 60mph – in some cases with no more than a fourmetre gap between them – thanks to a blend of present and new technology. The cars drive close to each other and reap the bene it of lower air drag, and the reduced speed variations improve traf ic low, creating more ef iciently utilised road capacity. Intervehicle reaction response times are very quick thanks to the co-ordinated technology. Erik Coelingh, technical specialist at Volvo Car Corporation, who are partners on the project, said: ‘The energy-saving potential is 10-20%. ‘The road train is the best of two worlds. You can enjoy all the multi-tasking possibil-

ities of public transportation, behind the wheel of your own car.’ A prototype Human-Machine Interface including a touch screen for displaying vital information and carrying out requests, such as joining and leaving the road train, while a prototype vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit that allows all vehicles within the platoon to communicate with each other and vary their speeds accordingly if needed. An EU report in 2010 into autonomous driving saw the value in the development of these systems to the point of full machine control, but it recognised there were many hurdles before manufacturer, owner and operator all saw the bene its. The report said: ‘The most challenging issue for the private sector is to ind applications that bring value to all the players involved, from OEM and supplier, to leet owner, insurance company and end user. ‘Then, a quick uptake will happen and signi icant penetration rates of automated driving vehicles will arise. Besides the individual bene it of increased safety and fuel ef icient driving, a signi icant penetration rate of automated driving vehicles will increase the overall bene it of traf ic congestion reduction, reduced emissions and traf ic safety.’ Recently though critics have claimed that the US government is being more proactive in developing legislation to allow them to run on public roads than the European Union. There are signi icant legal hurdles around liability: just who is at fault should an accident occur? The OEM, “driver” or vehicle owner? It really is the philosophical stuff science iction writers have mulled over for decades, when the relationship between robots and humans becomes entangled. Do drivers really want to be subordinate to machines while in the car? Certainly if you see the erratic way some rain sensing wipers or active cruise control systems work on cars at the moment, the future of fault-free robot cars is rather further off than the experts would claim. But the National Highway Traf ic Safety Administration is all but admitting that the day is coming when the robot is at the wheel. ‘America is at a historic turning point for automotive travel,’ the agency said in its preliminary statement on autonomous cars. ‘Motor vehicles and drivers’ relationships with them are likely to change signi icantly in the next ten to twenty years, perhaps more than they have changed in the last one hundred years.’

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

FEATURE Autonomous driving

Driving autonomy in action

Google – Self-Driving Car What is it?: Fully autonomous driving, using webbased maps. How it works: Google is manually collecting detailed electronic maps of test routes , including junctions, lane markers and road signs, which are stored online. The car is able to combine this with GPS data, video and information from laser and radar detectors to avoid other traf ic and pedestrians, navigating to addresses and points of interest stored on Google’s database. When?: Google was the irst to demonstrate an autonomous car, but as yet no manufacturers have adopted it.

Audi – Piloted Parking What is it?: Automatic location of parking spaces, and the ability to manoeuvre into them. How it works: Using a wireless connection, the car is able to download a map of available parking spaces within a car park, and then use this to navigate to one of them. Once there, it uses ultrasound sensors to park automatically, then turns off the engine, locks the doors and contacts the driver. All the driver has to do is pull up outside and activate the system using a smartphone app. When?: Audi demonstrated Piloted Parking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year, but has yet to reveal when it will go on sale.

BMW – ConnectedDrive What is it? Adaptive cruise control with the ability to change lanes. How it works: Using data from camera, laser and radar systems, currently employed for accident avoidance and lane-keeping, BMW’s system is able to position the vehicle correctly in its lane and maintain a speed. Detailed GPS data forewarns the car about changing road layouts, while the windscreen-mounted camera means the car can overtake and change lanes to avoid joining traf ic. When?: Traf ic Jam Assistant and automated parking will debut in the new X5 and i3 electric vehicle later this year.

Mercedes-Benz – Intelligent Drive What is it?: Hands-free driving through slow traf ic jams. How it works: Stereo cameras at the top of the windscreen can recognise lane markings and groups of vehicles driving ahead together, intelligently deciding whether to follow the road or other road users in heavy traf ic at up to 37mph. This can take control of steering, brakes, throttle and gear changes, allowing drivers to sit back and even let go of the steering wheel in traf ic jams, reducing stress. When?: On sale this summer in the new S-Class.

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

VOLVO – Road Trains What is it?: Groups of cars which autonomously follow a manually driven lead vehicle. How it works: Volvo is the sole manufacturer partner in the SARTRE project, which allows a “platoon” of vehicles to follow each other automatically along stretches of road. The platoon is led by a vehicle with a professional driver behind the wheel, and following cars download and mimic the way this is driven while radar, camera and laser systems maintain a constant six-metre gap from each other. When?: Volvo has recently unveiled a self-parking system similar to Audi’s, saying its next generation of modular cars starting with the XC90 next year will feature some autonomous driving features.

Volkswagen – Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) What is it?: Automatic cruise control which can recognise road signs. How it works: TAP uses sensors from adaptive cruise control, lanekeeping and accident avoidance systems to monitor surrounding traf ic and road signs at up to 80mph. Cameras at the top of the windscreen monitor road signs and lane markings, allowing it to obey overtaking rules and speed limits, while a radar allows it to maintain a safe distance from the car in front even in start-stop traf ic. When?: Volkswagen showed a concept vehicle two years ago, but has yet to announce when the system will be commercially available.

M{ZD{ DEALERS M{ZD{6

HAMPSHIRE

SOUTH

HAMPSHIRE

Eden Mazda

Hendy Business

Masters Mazda

A30 London Road Old Basing Basingstoke RG24 7JD t 01256 866900 e Ian.ainge@edenmotorgroup.com w www.edenmazda.com

Hendy Business Newgate Lane Fareham Hampshire PO14 1TU e websitebusiness@hendy-group.com w www.hendyhireandbusiness.co.uk

Upper Elmers End Road Beckenham Kent BR3 3DB t 0208 658 7122 e philipwood@mastersgroup.co.uk w www.masters-mazda.co.uk

“The new Mazda6 oozes quality. It’s a big car with lots of space, rides beautifully and handles well, while the cabin is stylishly simple and built to a high standard.” Steve Moody, Editor, Fleet World

NORTH EAST Hodgson Mazda Newcastle

Hodgson Mazda Gateshead

Pentagon House Bittern Close The Silverlink Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE28 9ND t 0843 218 9838 e enquiries@hodgson-newcastle.com w www.hodgsons-mazda.co.uk

Holly House Derwenthaugh Road Swalwell, Gateshead Tyne & Wear, NE16 3BL t 0843 218 9837 e enquiries@hodgson-gateshead.com w www.hodgsons-mazda.co.uk

NORTH WEST

For more information, visit www.mazda.co.uk

NORTH EAST

MIDLANDS

RRG Mazda

Holdcroft Motor Group

288 – 292 Bury New Road Manchester M7 2YJ t 0843 308 8189 e Andy.houston@rrgcontracthire.com w www.rrgcontracthire.com

Leek Road Hanley Stoke On Trent ST1 6AD t 0800 280 0808 e ﬂeet@holdcroft.com

MANAGEMENT Fleet Academy

Join the Where do fleets get the biggest bang for their buck? Ross Durkin, Publisher, Fleet World Group

Fleet World magazine’s Fleet Academy is designed to provide a forum whereby those industry consultants and professionals in possession of valuable fleet information can impart it to a select audience of fleet decision-makers. At the heart of the Fleet Academy is a network of independent fleet industry experts whose work brings them into regular contact with end-user fleet managers and other organisations playing a key role in the industry. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of a discussion topic. 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 Fleet Academy and request membership, please visit:

www.fleetacademy.co.uk 62 / fleetworld.co.uk

The EU is to make eCall mandatory from 2015 under two new proposals adopted by the European Commission. The move will see all new models of passenger cars and light duty vehicles fitted with 112 eCall from 2015 in order to communicate the vehicle’s location to emergency services in the event of an accident, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a phone call. On the face of it, the proposals are a milestone for road safety, potentially saving up to 2,500 lives per year. But the technology will do nothing to counteract the underlying causes of accidents. According to reports, 95% of accidents are caused by driver error, with the remaining 5% made up of mechanical failure and changes to the road conditions.

Andrew Wright, Director, Fleet Influence Ltd replied... Call me ageing, call me cynical, (many do), but the continuing development of technology in cars does increase the kryptonite factor as you say, Ross. The fitting of Brake Assist and ABS undoubtedly caused people to take greater risks behind the wheel and the trend for ever more complex technology persists. Sadly, the lack of driver skill has never been seriously addressed and the current driving test regime is a joke. It is undoubted that many ﬂeets adopt driver training but it is invariably to tick the box that allows the MD to avoid a corporate manslaughter charge. Fleet driver training is at best a sop. You do not have to look much further than the predominance of German manufactured, recent plate cars in the outside lane during weekdays, all doing well over the posted speed limit, to conﬁrm this. There are solutions, and some are within the remit of the vehicle manufacturers, but in real terms it will only be when the government legislates AND the Police actually police that things will change.

Russell Hill, Operations Director , Chiltern Development Training Ltd replied... Driver CPC training is available for the drivers of larger vehicles. It is mainly classroom based which is totally alien to

in association with

debate... This means that out of the 28,000 people killed on EU roads last year, many thousands could have been saved if drivers simply adopted better behaviour. One former ACPO leader on road safety told me he thought the best way to get drivers to go at a speed which they considered safe for the road conditions at the time would be to remove the speedometer and weld a 12-inch metal spike to the centre of their steering wheel, thereby focusing the mind on what will happen to them if they go too fast. Is the investment in the eCall system and infrastructure really money well spent? Or does the increasing amount of in-vehicle technology simply add to drivers’ feeling of invulnerability like Superman’s green kryptonite? Would investing in training to tackle driver behaviour give a bigger bang for fleets’ bucks? Feedback from fleets with experience of these problems would be much appreciated.

most drivers but it is too expensive to take them out individually on the roads (although some modules do incorporate road driving). But at least some effort is being made with these drivers. The next category down is small vans (up to 3.5tonnes). Many drivers of these vehicles do not generally get any training; they are just tossed the keys and left to get on with it. There used to be a fantastic course called SAFED for Vans which was sponsored by the Department of Transport, but sadly the course is no longer subsidised and uptake has been poor. But what to do with company car drivers? Available at the moment are: • Online risk assessments – Not my favourite but I can see the appeal for larger companies for convenience and cost saving. What happens then to the drivers who are flagged as high risk? • On-road driver assessments – In my opinion there should be a set assessment process, agreed by the industry and backed by insurance companies offering incentives for companies to put their staff through the process. It should only be delivered by registered, qualified trainers. We all want the same thing, which is safer roads. I used to have a strapline on my emails that read: “The best money saving device in a vehicle is a well trained driver.” I still believe it to be true.

What’s the legacy of Chinese ownership? Natalie Middleton, Deputy Editor, Fleet World Group So, Sunseeker is becoming the latest iconic British brand to be sold to the Chinese? Clearly the acquisition will enable the brand to better target China’s burgeoning middle-class – the same class that is boosting sales of British brands such as Jaguar Land Rover. But will its new ownership affect the perception of the brand elsewhere in the world, particularly the UK? Thinking about it, I’m proudly driving a long-termer Volvo V40 at the moment, with its premium status not affected by the carmaker’s buyout by China’s Geely, helped by a clear focus on maintaining its image as an independent Swedish auto manufacturer. However, MG Motor UK, resurrected under ownership by China’s SAIC Motor, doesn’t seem to be faring so well in the UK, with just 782 models sold last year, although this seems to be down to memories of poor build quality. Meanwhile the launches of Chinese carmakers into the UK have not fared well in previous years. These have largely been hampered by crash test safety results and the sluggish economy – but does the British public’s perception of Chinese brands also provide a large barrier? And, as Chinese EVs go on trial with fleets in the UK, will fleets – notoriously conservative in many ways – prove a suitable sales avenue? So does Chinese ownership/Chinese brands hold attraction for UK buyers? Or are we largely irrelevant compared to the prospect of over half a billion middle-class Chinese buyers within the decade...

Alex Grant, Motoring Editor, Fleet World Group, replied... The Chinese carmakers are huge, which means they’re wellequipped to take European brands on board and invest heavily in making even the weakest ones work. I suspect, had Saab sold to a Chinese owner as planned, that there’d be some telephone number sized sums of money being pumped into Trollhättan at the moment. Europe has become a tight market, but China is booming and should continue to do so which means companies are being bankrolled by a parent with a solid ﬁnancial base. A European identity and heritage is what helps sell cars in China, so even under Chinese ownership I can't see this changing. I think the only thing which may be problematic is Chinese brands. It takes time to establish a brand identity in Europe, where there are already masses of manufacturers to choose from. But, as the Koreans and the Japanese before them have proved, if you sell reliable cars at competitive prices and keep improving then customers will notice. It's only a matter of time!

fleetworld.co.uk / 63

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

How capital allowances work Professor Colin Tourick on the tax relief available to businesses buying their own cars.

Last month we looked at the way that employees are taxed on the benefit of having a company car. This month we are going to look at the tax relief that businesses can obtain on the cars that they own or are in the process of buying on a finance agreement. Before businesses pay tax on their profits they are allowed to deduct an amount representing the depreciation in the value of their cars – capital allowances. There are two types of capital allowances on cars: first year allowances (FYAs) and writing down allowances. First year allowances give a business the right to deduct the full cost of a car from their taxable profit. This valuable benefit is only available on the purchase of low-emission or electric cars, and the government are tightening the CO 2 thresholds to restrict this benefit: Tax Year

Max. CO2 threshold for FYAs

2012-13

110g/km

2013-14

95g/km

2014-15

95g/km

2015-16

75g/km

2016-17

75g/km

2017-18

75g/km

You can find a car’s CO 2 emissions on its V5C certificate or at: www.carfueldata.dft.gov.uk. Prior to this April, leasing companies could claim 100% first year allowances

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

on low-emissions cars, but this has now ended. WRITING DOWN ALLOWANCES For 2013 14, cars emitting 96 130g/km of CO2 attracts an 18% writing down allowance. Above this threshold the WDA is just 8%, which is very low. The allowance is given on the “reduc ing balance” basis. This means that every year the 18% or 8% is applied to: • the cost of new cars that have gone into the pool, plus • the value in the pool that was brought forward from the previous year, less • the value of any sales proceeds received during the year. These cars go into the main plant and machinery capital allowance “pool”, rather than being accounted for as indi vidual assets. Therefore, the purchase price of all cars and most other plant and machinery are accounted for together, with a standard 18% writing down allowance being calculated on the total balance that is in the pool at the year end. Cars emitting over 130g/km go into a separate pool and attract an 8% writing down allowance. When assets are sold, the proceeds are deducted from the total balance of the pool, leaving a smaller amount of “unrelieved balance” on which to calcu late writing down allowances at the year end. If the disposal proceeds exceed the “unrelieved balance” of the

pool the excess amount gives rise to a taxable “balancing charge”. The fact that the business has sold the car does not necessarily mean it stops receiving writing down allowances. What actually happens depends on the overall behaviour of the pool. For example; let’s assume that a company buys a car for £10,000 on the first day of its tax year, holds it for three years then sells it for £2,900 on the last day of its tax year. Let’s assume the car qualifies for an 18% writing down allowance and is used solely for business purposes. The capital allowance calculation for that car will be as follows: £ Year 1 Cost

10,000

WDA 18% x £10,000

1,800

Carried forward

8,200

Year 2 WDA 18% x £10,000

1,476

Carried forward

6,724

Year 3 Sale proceeds

2,900

Sub-total

3,824

WDA 18% x £3,824 Carried forward

688 3,136

in association with

For further ways to reduce your fleet tax bill, visit business.peugeot.co.uk or call the Peugeot Fleet centre on 024 7688 4644.

So at the end of year three, the busi ness still has an unrelieved balance of ÂŁ3,136. In later years they will obtain tax relief on this at 18% p.a. on a reduc ing balance basis. This example has been presented as though there is only one asset in the pool. In practice a pool may contain many assets and the purchase and sale prices of these would affect the overall balance of the pool. For example, if the company had sold an asset for a particularly large amount, this might well have brought the unrelieved balance in the whole pool down to zero. If the sale proceeds are less than the unrelieved balance, the car will continue to be depreciated on a reduc ing balance basis and it will take many years for the business to receive full tax relief. If the car is the only asset in the pool, there would be a balancing charge or allowance on disposal. Under the income tax rules, if a car is not used exclusively for business purposes perhaps because the propri etor of the business or partner in a partnership uses it for commuting any FYA or WDA must be reduced by the private use proportion. If the car qualifies for FYAs the amount claimed will simply be reduced by the private use proportion. If it qualifies for WDAs it will go into its own special pool and the WDA claim will be restricted to the business use proportion.

The example below assumes the car is subject to 50% private use. PERIODS LESS THAN OR GREATER THAN ONE YEAR If trade starts or stops part way through an accounting year, the WDAs are reduced pro rata to the period of trade. If the accounting period of a company is more than 12 months it will be divided for WDA purposes into two accounting periods, each of a maximum of twelve months. However, if the business is a partner ÂŁ

ship or a sole trader, the accounting period can exceed 12 months for capi tal allowance purposes and the WDA will be increased pro rata. VERY EXPENSIVE CARS If you buy an expensive car that blatantly exceeds the needs of the busi ness, HMRC will seek to reduce your capital allowances, arguing that the choice of car has more to do with the personal choice of the driver usually the owner of the business than with the needs of the business. Disallowed

WDA Claim

50%

900

50%

738

50%

344

Year 1 Cost

10,000

WDA 18%

1,800

Carried forward

8,200

Year 2 WDA 18%

1,476

Carried forward

6,724

Year 3 Sale proceeds

2,900

Sub-total

3,824

WDA 18% Carried forward

688 3,136

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx Bynx is a developer and supplier of fleet management software for vehicle-based businesses. bynxFLEET enables vehicle leasing, contract hire, fleet management and rental operators to control the complete lifecycle of their vehicle assets cost-effectively. Customers are able to retain asset value, engage with stakeholders online, manage drivers and better utilise fleets. bynxFLEET provides a platform and all the tools and applications required to run every aspect of vehicle management whether the fleet is owned or managed on someone else’s behalf. It utilises special functionality to automate and streamline contract processing and enables customers to do more, faster, with fewer resources. bynxNET offers everything required to improve the user experience and communication between dealers, customers, suppliers and drivers.

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales @bynx.com

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Drive Software Solutions DRIVE Software Solutions Ltd is a privately owned UK business dedicated to the delivery of Fleet Management and Leasing solutions. Drive Software Solutions Ltd have created and own the DRIVE software product, a functionally rich and mature application that represents over 150 man-years of investment and development. DRIVE is a proven product, installed and operating successfully in 16 countries worldwide. Our policy of continuous product enhancements and DRIVE’s configurability enables us to meet the individual needs of each of our clients. This is backed by comprehensive professional services to ensure clients get the true ROI from implementing DRIVE. Contact: Simon West-Oliver Tel: +44 (0)1438 317731 simon.west-oliver@drivesoftwaresolutions.com www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Jaama Jaama’s market leading, multi award winning Key2 system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering everything from owning to disposing of vehicles, plant and asset related equipment. Recent enhancements include: EDS – a repository for fleet information allowing drivers (company car and grey fleet) to submit expense claims online and keep personal and vehicle data up to date as well as reducing administration for fleet managers and providing a fully auditable duty of care trail. Jaama continue to invest heavily to ensure the world’s only web based fleet system to use next generation .Net Microsoft ‘Smart Client’ technology – Key2 – remains visibly and functionally years ahead of the market. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA. Contact: Collette Dooley enquiries@jaama.co.uk

Mycompanyfleet Mycompanyfleet specialises in delivering appropriate scalable solutions to companies operating in the fleet and automotive industry. From supply chain management to leasing, from fleet management to service delivery and CRM, in multiple languages, we have a range of solutions that can be configured to meet every conceivable corporate requirement. Contact: Jon Tandy jon.tandy@ngahr.com www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Tel: 0845 077 7760

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

Sofico

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company

Sofico is an international fleet software provider with 25 years of experience in the industry with a solid reputation in the market due to our extensive knowhow. Sofico stands for innovation and technological leadership. Through continuous strategic investment, our software solution, Miles, always evolves with the market – both in terms of technology and functionality. Sofico employs 125 people across its four offices in Belgium, UK, Sydney and Tokyo and has customers in 16 countries. Our systems help manage over 1 million vehicles worldwide.

Teletrac’s Fleet Director® is the most advanced and interactive fleet automation software on the market, equipped with easy-to-use navigation and safety capabilities. With innovative features that include on-board navigation, lane guidance and two-way messaging, it is the premier software for fleet tracking intelligence. Tracking more than 250,000 vehicles globally, Teletrac saves fleet owners time and money while reducing their carbon footprint. Teletrac customers report up to 30% lower fuel usage, an average of 15% less driver overtime, 12% higher productivity and less unauthorised vehicle use.

Contact: Roger Smith roger.smith@sofico.be

Contact: Mark O’Neill fleetsales@teletrac.co.uk

66 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 07815 601622 www.soficoservices.com

Tel: 0845 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Do you provide a fully hosted software service?

Is your system suitable for multiple-user networking?

Do you provide on-line P11D submissions to HMRC?

Does your system permit electronic download of data from suppliers?

Does your fleet software provide electronic supplier invoice reconciliation?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your fleet software provide on-line grey fleet management?

Does your system include a fuel management module?

Does your system allow users to design their own reports?

Does your system use exception reporting?

Does your system integrate with external telematics systems?

Does your fleet software provide a driver vehicle selector based upon allowance?

FLEETW RLD

Bynx

Teletrac

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Civica UK Ltd

Provided, but not online

Drive Software Solutions Limited

Jaama

KeeResources Limited

Mycompanyfleet

Sofico

White Clarke Group

Key to services

Service provided

Service unavailable

Chevin Fleet Solutions

White Clarke Group

Chevin is an award winning global provider of flexible, fleet management systems. Chevin works closely with organisations, regardless of size, sector or fleet complexity, to reduce waste, streamline processes and optimise management of fleet assets. Chevin offers two comprehensive software offerings: RoadBASE – a robust desktop-based application designed enhance efficiencies for medium-scale fleet operations; and FleetWave – the world’s first web-based fleet management system, designed for larger, geographically dispersed fleets. With offices in the UK, Europe, The US and Australia – and with customers in over 100 countries – Chevin has been in business for more than two decades and is a trusted and experienced supplier to over 300 organisations.

White Clarke Group – The largest Motor Finance Technology supplier in Europe. We help companies in the fleet and contract hire sector to streamline business practice, reduce operational cost and deliver outstanding customer service. CALMS2, our award winning software solution is adding value around the globe. CALMS2 – Fleet, leasing and contract management solution: A unique multi-channel platform, covering both fleet and retail business. The only truly 100% web-based solution available from any supplier – covering a wide range of fleet businesses, from one to two vehicle operations to large corporate fleets. • Agile end-to-end multi-channel technology platform • Greater operational efficiency and cost reduction • Multi-country platform • Instant decisioning and instant take-on in an easy-to-use seamless environment • Self-serve capabilities

Contact: Kevin Hudson kevin.hudson@chevinfleet.com www.chevinfleet.com

Contact: Brendan Gleeson bgleeson@whiteclarkegroup.com www.whiteclarkegroup.com

Tel: 01773 821992

Tel: 01908 576 608

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

our fleet Lexus RX 450h F Sport

the figures

IF I had an index of how reluctant I was to hand back long-term test cars, the Lexus RX450h would be at the top of the list… for the time being at least. This is a car for those near the top of the corporate tree and it faces stiff competition from the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover and Porsche. But if rumours of a recovering economy and rising levels of boardroom pay are true, this small niche in the market looks set to stay buoyant for some time to come. The Lexus brand is something that never has to be justified and when you get behind the wheel of the RX it’s not hard to see why. Press the start button and the controls come to you, giving a warm, proprietary feeling and perfect driving position. Despite the more aggressive sports styling and the overall size of the RX, it’s not the most “stand-

out” of designs, but owners will probably not be too concerned by this. Sometimes a little understatement says more for your taste than the full-on car with endless body styling extras. It’s on the road that the RX really comes into its own. Granted, if your typical journey is a 300-mile motorway commute then there are probably more economical cars on the market. If a little more of your time is spent on stop-start urban roads, then the petrol-electric hybrid systems makes more sense, as one particularly difficult two-hour, 30 mile trip round the M25 recently demonstrated. But if you can see the value in arriving at your destination feeling fresh and un-stressed, the odd mpg may be of lesser importance. “Ten out of ten”, sad to see the RX go back. Ross Durkin

OTR PRICE £51,995 POWER 245bhp @ 6,000rpm TORQUE 234lb.ft @ 4,800rpm 0-62mph 9.0 seconds TOP SPEED 124mph COMBINED MPG 44.8mpg CO2 145g/km (20% BiK)

Volvo V40 D2 SE Nav

WITH Volvo having been in the news of late for its self-parking technology, it seemed pertinent to cover the Park Assist Pilot system on our long-termer. The technology is intended to aid parallel 68 / fleetworld.co.uk

parking, using sensors to assess suitable gaps then optionally steering into them while the driver controls the gears and throttle. That’s the theory but my attempts so far haven’t been hugely successful, despite having perused the copious notes on it in the owner’s manual. On my first attempt, which was in my local housing estate, it missed several gaps even though I was driving below the 18mph speed limit necessary for the system to work. The estate also proved too busy to use the system so I drove to the far corner of my local supermarket car park during a quiet period. Here the system also failed to pick up

several suitable gaps before finding one, then I lost my nerve half way through the manoeuvre when I thought it was going to hit the car to my left. It was a similar story in the next space where I again chickened out. And on another gap, I had to give up because of a car coming up behind me – my experiences so far have shown that it takes longer to parallel park using the system then it does to do it myself. But I remain undaunted and am pondering where next to try the system – somewhere very quiet and not near any expensive cars… Natalie Middleton

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro SE S tronic

Mazda6 2.2D Sport Nav I had racked up some 6,000 miles by the time I waved the Mazda goodbye – Ross Durkin is now spending time with the car. A recent press review suggested that the only problem the Mazda6 has is the Ford Mondeo and I’m inclined to agree. In fact, I think the Mazda has the better engine. It’s one of the most refined modern diesels I have driven, plus it has excellent performance and impressive fuel consumption. Add in the fine build quality, impressive chassis and good accommodation and I know I’m going to miss it – a fleet choice that would not disappoint. John Kendall

Kia cee’d Sportswagon 4 Tech 1.6 CRDi ISG

I’VE done quite a lot of mileage in the Q5 this month and an interesting thing has been happening to its rather unimpressive fuel consumption. It’s been getting better. If you can get it on a long motorway run, at a steady cruising speed the improvement in fuel economy is marked. I even achieved 43mpg over a couple of hundred miles, which is quite a step up from the mid 30s it usually manages. Probably, like most diesels, the addition of mileage is helping to loosen the engine up still further, and as with most VW group oil burners, they really only come into their own at about 15,000. So with 7,500 on the clock it still has some way to go. The fuel economy, or lack of it, has highlighted one thing though: Audi is really missing a trick not offering a two-wheel drive version of this car. BMW is introducing one on the X3 and SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga are already offered as front-wheel drive. And if you are worried about traction in poor road conditions, then winter tyres would probably cover all the bases just as well as four-wheel drive anyway. After all, you’re not going to buy a Q5 to go off-roading in deep mud tracks are you? Overall though, the Q5 continues to be thoroughly dependable and although it had a mid-life refresh last year it is still one of the older models in the Audi range, but you wouldn’t know it. Such is the firm’s tremendous consistency of delivery, that it feels as fresh as a daisy. Other than some of the last-gen dash buttons it still challenges strongly against newer competitors. It would be even stronger with two driven wheels… Steve Moody

the figures OTR PRICE £36,595 POWER 177bhp @ 4,200rpm TORQUE 280lb.ft @ 2,500rpm 0-62mph 9.0 seconds TOP SPEED 120mph COMBINED MPG 66.5mpg CO2 114g/km (13% BiK)

IT speaks volumes about what is still a relatively small car that, even compared to D-segment models, it feels comfortable and spacious inside. My first few long journeys in the cee’d have revealed that this is home to some of the most supportive seats I’ve ever experienced. Electric and ten-way adjustable, it’s not difficult to have a driver’s seat which feels moulded around you provided you’re prepared to spend a minute or so adjusting it. So I have, and the time spent has paid dividends. Long trips in as much comfort as something tailor made mean I’ve got nothing but praise for our capacious Korean. Anne Dopson

fleetworld.co.uk / 69

our fleet Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI BlueEfficienct Sport

THE A-Class range has been making motoring press headlines recently thanks to the launch of the snorting A45 AMG super-hatch. While it’s undoubtedly a serious piece of kit, looks-wise the A45 isn’t too far removed from our mid-spec Sport model. Sure, the AMG model has bigger wheels and a slightly more muscular look, but to the untrained eye they are very similar. And it’s the same story inside, with both cars being all but identical, save for the AMG’s additional splashes of colour.

All of which is good news to those of us who drive a £22,000, 136bhp A-Class rather than a £38,000, 360bhp version. Mercedes-Benz has realised that sporty models sell like hot cakes in the UK and the spreading of AMG-branded sportiness to the lower echelons of the line-up is paying dividends. Our A-Class isn’t even an AMG Sport model yet it still looks the part. For young user-choosers, this makes the AClass a very desirable choice, especially as the Sport trim level is well equipped and it has an interior which puts it on a par with, or even slightly better than, the Audi A3. Elsewhere, our A-Class was one of 111 cars in the UK subject to a recall to check on a potential fault with the front passenger airbag. The chances of there being a problem were slim anyway and our car wasn’t one which had a fault in the predetermined fracture point which enables the airbag to be deployed. Julian Kirk

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 bca.co.uk

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

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

driver licence checking

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ES-T THERE are just four inches between the tarmac and the plastic spoilers on the underside of the Civic’s bumper. It means I have to try very hard to get the car onto the driveway or over speed bumps without the painful sound of new plastic scrubbing the kerb. Not so long ago, low suspension would’ve been touted as a way to make a car corner flatter. But these days, low ride heights are becoming more commonplace for improving aerodynamics. Those slightly grazed plastic flaps are part of a package of improvements, including side spoilers below the rear lights, aimed at helping the Civic slip through

auctions & remarketing

the air a little more cleanly to save fuel. The double advantage is, these little plastic bolt-ons all help the already slippery Civic become impressively quiet at high speed. Rested on its soft fabric seats, I’m finding it’s a very refined motorway car. Helped by its equally hushed 1.6-litre diesel engine, which is barely audible while cruising. Honda may have come in for some flak over the rear visibility and those unusual lights, but it adds up to running-on-fumes fuel economy and relaxed long-distance hauls. The makings of a great company car. Alex Grant

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

eyecare Specsavers Corporate Eyecare Tel: 0115 933 0800 www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate

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

rental systems & programmes White Clarke Automotive Solutions Tel: 0870 787 2211 www.whiteclarkeauto.com

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

fleet management software

risk management

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

Days Contract Hire Tel: 0845 296 4423 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

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

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

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

Lex Autolease

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

Alliance Asset Management plc Tel: 01480 475000 www.fleetcentre.com

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

Peak Performance Tel: 01246 244200 www.peakperformance.net

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

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

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Sofico Tel: 07815 601622 www.soficoservices.com

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

Total Fleet Services Ltd Tel: 01543 431080 www.lease-hire.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

Europcar Tel: 01923 811250 www.europcar.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

DriveSense Tel: 01628 581930 www.drivesense.co.uk

Concept Vehicle Leasing Tel: 0800 043 2050 www.conceptvehicleleasing.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Alliance Asset Management plc Tel: 01480 475000 www.fleetcentre.com

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

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

fuel management

www.cardinusfleet.com

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

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

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

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

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

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

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 7 31 31 37 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

RAC Risk Management Tel: 0870 606 2606 www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

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

SageQuest Tel: 0808 163 9309 www.sage-quest.co.uk

Teletrac Tel: 0870 460 5693 www.teletrac.co.uk

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

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

Motrak Tel: 0800 054 6555 www.motivagroup.co.uk

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

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

Motiva Group Tel: 0800 054 6555 www.motivagroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

sgfleet Tel: 0845 144 721 www.sgfleet.com

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 71

Mileage Capture made easy

Coffee in one hand. Mileage control in the other. Discover five-minute PEAK Mileage Capture

Frothy macchiato or double espresso? However you like your coffee, make

PEAK Mileage Capture®. Five minutes. One device. One cup of coffee.

mileage expense claims short and sweet.

British businesses have already

a coffee break.

PEAK.

That’s why we’ve designed them to fit into

saved millions of pounds with Avoid hours of wasted time,

miscalculations and HMRC fines. Just plug it into the USB port or cigarette lighter of any car.

Find out more at www.peakmiles.com or call 0845 600 6880

VAN

July 2013

FLEETW RLD

Renault has updated its Kangoo van, incorporating the corporate grille with tapered headlights and a larger front bumper p75

at a glance Renault Kangoo & Vauxhall Combo Crew

Updates from a month in fleet

Burnt Tree looks to grow contract hire business fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

APS UK Isoli distributor Isoli has appointed a new UK distributor for its access platforms

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

Twizy Cargo

ccess Platform Sales (APS) has become the official UK distributor for Isoli vehicle mounted access platforms. The company completed the deal at the Vertikal Days exhibition 2013, staged at Haydock Park in June, where the company displayed an Isoli telescopic boom, mounted on a 3,500kg GVW Nissan Cabstar. This model provides a 22.5m working height with up to 13.5m outreach. APS will install the platforms on UK-sourced chassis at its workshops in Telford. Sister company PSR will provide nationwide product support, using its 23 mobile engineers. The complete range consists of telescopic and boom systems, offering working heights from 14m to 36m, with up to 23m available on a 3,500kg GVW light CV chassis. APS takes over as UK distributor after reaching an agreement with Promax Access, which was the official distributor until recently. Promax will support existing customers if required. The company will focus on other products in future.

Ford lands Speedy deal Ford has landed an order for 400 new light CVs, worth over £8.6 million with national equipment hire company, Speedy. Ford has supplied the company for the past 18 years. The latest order consists of 380 Transit vans, including the latest Transit Custom and 20 Ford Ranger pickups. Like other vehicles on the Speedy fleet, the new Fords will be fitted with telematics giving reports on driver behaviour. The vehicles will operate from Speedy’s 283 depots across the UK.

FIN fleet in numbers

A third

mph speed limits that would be introduced in some parts of London under TfL plans.

Renault has launched the Twizy Cargo based on the company’s electric two-seat quadricycle. A 180-litre boot with a 75kg load capacity replaces the rear seat. Items can be loaded from the rear using a lockable door, which opens to 90 degrees. Prices will span £6,242 to £7,795 including VAT, which can be reclaimed for VAT registered customers. This gives it a starting price £650 cheaper than the passenger model. VAT can also be reclaimed on the £36 per month battery rental cost. The Twizy has a range of 50 miles and can be recharged in three and a half hours from a standard electrical socket.

Renault Trucks Renault Trucks UK has appointed Ian Wrench as commercial aftersales director, succeeding Chris Sharp who becomes managing director of Renault Trucks Commercials, the company’s wholly owned dealer group. Ian Wrench joins the company from Pullman Fleet Services, part of the Wincanton Group. He had been general manager since 2007. He worked as national fleet account manager for Renault Trucks between 2000 and 2004, before becoming the group service manager for Renault Trucks Midlands. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing the strategy and management of all Renault Trucks’ aftersales activity in the UK.

31%

Increase in importance of CO2 emissions when setting company car choice lists.

SOURCE: TfL

Proportion of motorists prepared to pay for tolls for motorway driving. SOURCE: RAC Report on Motoring 2013

74 / fleetworld.co.uk

SOURCE: GE Capital

Renault Kangoo Renault’s popular Kangoo gets a facelift and an improved driving experience, reports Dan Gilkes.

enault has updated its Kangoo van, incorporating the corporate grille with tapered headlights and a larger front bumper. Also new are black textured front bumpers and black rear light extensions, while Kangoo ZE gets a blue finish to the Renault logo and the light surrounds. Kangoo comes with a 75hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine in Debut and Core models with a 90hp option in Core and Sport vans. Both can be ordered as ENERGY models, with Stop/Start and a deceleration energy recovery system. The vans also have an ECO button that cuts engine torque and can lead to a 10% fuel saving. The ML19 75hp ENERGY model offers a combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg, with CO 2 output of 112g/km, against the standard van’s 61.4mpg and 119g/km. ENERGY models cost an additional £300, which should be easy to recoup in reduced fuel use. Renault quotes the same figures for the more powerful 90hp models. Sport Kangoos are available with a 110hp version of the 1.5-litre engine and there will be a 105hp 1.6-litre petrol engine offered in the Core range with an automatic transmission. The Kangoo Maxi Debut comes with the 90hp engine. Service intervals have been set at 18,000 miles/two years for Debut vehicles and the petrol van, or 25,000 miles for all other diesel models. All Kangoos have ABS with EBD electronic brake distribution. ESC electronic stability control remains a £350 option on Core and Sport models, or £200 on Maxi models. It is not available at all on the Debut entry-level vans.

what we think Kangoo upgrades result in an improved driving environment, with lower noise. It is disappointing though to still see ESP on the options list, when it is standard on Citan.

specification MODEL

Renault Kangoo Core ML19 ENERGY dCi90 BASIC PRICE £13,650 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,500cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 90hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 200Nm @ 1,750–3,000rpm Weights (kg) GVW 1,950 KERB WEIGHT 1,280 PAYLOAD 650 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,050 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,476 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,218 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,129 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 558 LOAD VOLUME 3.0m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 60 litres COMBINED MPG & CO2 65.7mpg/112g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles

ESC comes with Hill Start Assist and Renault’s Grip Xtend system, which is designed to improve traction on slippery surfaces. There is also a Site Pack available, with heavy duty wheels, raised suspension and underbody protection for £150. Debut models have a height adjustable steering wheel, a sliding side door, a tubular bulkhead and driver’s airbag. Core models add electric widows and mirrors, a trip computer and front and rear disc brakes, as Debut has rear drums on the shorter model. Sport comes with 15” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a front bumper with silver insert, one-touch driver’s window, electric folding door mirrors, front fog lights, air conditioning and the R-Link multimedia system, with three months’ subscription to TomTom Live Services and access to Renault’s R-Link application store. All Kangoo vans come with a fouryear/100,000 mile warranty and four years of roadside assistance. Kangoo Maxi will be offered in panel van or Crew van models. The Crew van has a folding mesh bulkhead that moves with the folding seats. Kangoo can be ordered with a fold-flat passenger seat and a swivelling bulkhead, offering a load volume of 3.0m3 or 3.5m3 with the passenger seat folded. Kangoo Maxi offers 4.0m3 and 4.6m3 respectively. Kangoo has a payload of 650kg, though this can be raised to 800kg for an additional £150. Kangoo Maxi can carry up to 800kg, or 740kg as a Crew van. Prices start at £9,400 for the Debut ML19 dCi 75 and rise to £17,000 for the Kangoo Maxi LL21 dCi 110 Crew van.

fleetworld.co.uk / 75

Vauxhall COMBO

BEST IN CLASS COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Wheels of Business

Call 0845 740 0777 or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/vans

Vauxhall Combo Crew Vauxhall adds Crew Van to Combo range. Dan Gilkes takes a back seat.

auxhall has expanded its Combo light commercial range with the addition of a Crew Van option. As with previous models, Vauxhall will offer the Crew Van with or without rear side windows and rear door glazing. The Combo Crew Van has a load capacity of less than 1,000kg, so customers will not be able to reclaim VAT on the van purchase if they opt for rear side windows. However, order the van without rear side glazing and Vauxhall says that it should still be possible to reclaim the VAT on the deal. The Crew Van option can be ordered on the short L1H1 van or the long wheelbase L2H1 Combo. Either van can be powered by a choice of the 90hp 1.3CDTi engine, with or without Start/Stop, or the 105hp 1.6CDTi engine, which comes with standard Start/Stop technology. Side windows or not, the Crew Van has a second sliding side door to provide access to the rear seats. The rear bench has a 60/40 split and both sections can be folded forwards separately or together behind the front seats. However, there is no option to remove the rear seats completely. The Combo Crew Van can be ordered with a ladder-type rear bulkhead as a no-cost option. But unlike the mesh bulkhead in Renault’s Kangoo and the Mercedes-Benz Citan, it is not attached to the rear seats and doesn’t move forwards when you fold the rear bench. With the rear seating in place the L2H1 Crew Van has a 1.0m3 load volume in the rear and taller rear seat passengers will be able to get their legs in behind a taller driver. However, when you fold the rear seats it is neces-

78 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think The Combo Crew Van version adds to the van’s versatility and allows customers to make the most tax efficient purchase. A welcome addition.

specification MODEL

Vauxhall Combo Crew Van L2H1 1.6 CDTi Start/Stop BASIC PRICE £17,448 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,598cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 105hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 290Nm @ 1,500rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,300 KERB WEIGHT 1,470 PAYLOAD 705 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,341 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,714 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,305 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 545 LOAD VOLUME 1.0m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 60 litres COMBINED MPG & CO2 52.3mpg/141g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/21,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/60,000 miles

sary for taller front seat occupants to move their seats forward slightly to get the rear seat backs down lat. The Crew Van is completely the same as the standard Combo to drive, unless you opt for those rear side windows in which case visibility will be improved at junctions and roundabouts. This is no bad thing of course, as the Combo, and the Fiat Doblo on which it is based, picked up our Best Small Van prize at this year’s Van Fleet World Awards. Vauxhall continues to extend the Combo lineup and is currently assessing the demand for an L2H2 model, that Fiat calls the XL, from UK dealers and customers. The company is less keen on the Work-Up dropside however, though this too is being assessed for possible demand. Vauxhall is driving its conversion business and is keen to build upon its Core and Recognised conversions as Whole Vehicle Type Approval starts to bite. Conversions account for around 35% of all van sales in the 3.5–5 tonne market according to CV brand manager Steve Bryant, though he admits that for Vauxhall that figure is still slightly less. ‘We probably run at about 20% at the moment,’ says Mr Bryant. ‘So we have a big opportunity with conversions.’ Up to 50% of conversions are tippers, dropsides and box vans and Vauxhall has those covered under its Core Conversion programme. Vauxhall is currently looking at adding further to this line-up, with the possibility of a walk-through parcel delivery van and a 4x4 Movano from German all-wheel drive specialist Oberaigner in the near future. ‘We are hoping to bring a 4x4 to the market by the end of the year,’ says Mr Bryant.

FEATURE Contract Hire & Leasing

Back into contract hire... A new director signals a concerted move into contract hire from Burnt Tree. John Kendall reports.

ollowing the economic downturn in 2008, a number of van fleets looked for more flexibility in their operations than that provided by the contractual obligations of contract hire. That in turn may have encouraged some vehicle hire companies to focus more on vehicle rental business than contract hire, especially with flexible rental agreements. The cost to the customer may have been higher, but the ability to return vehicles when no longer needed at short notice and without penalties meant that they could still yield a cost saving, compared with contract hire. Shrewsbury-based Burnt Tree may be better known for its van rental business today, but the company has also offered contract hire in parallel for as long as it has been involved in rental business. Around five years ago, the company shifted its focus to flexible rental and light CV rental business. ‘About 80% of our fleet, if not higher, is vans and the majority of that is rental,’ explains marketing manager, Andrew Hill. The company is shifting gear again, having recruited Mark Howell from Ryder as director of contract hire in March. Mr Howell was sales and marketing director at CV contract hire and fleet management specialist, Euroway, when it was absorbed by Ryder in August 2012. He is tasked with establishing a dedicated contract hire division at Burnt Tree. ‘What we’re doing now with Mark Howell is bringing in someone who has a dedicated contract hire background, but also someone who comes with refrigerated and controlled temperature experience and that’s going to be a very big push for us,’ says Andrew Hill. Mark Howell’s arrival also signals growing interest in the heavy vehicle sector for Burnt Tree, but this does not

SHIFTING GEAR Mark Howell, director of contract hire at Burnt Tree.

mean that van customers will be neglected, ‘Contract hire on our vans probably won’t change in terms of the customer’s perception or experience. They will still be dealing with their rental sales contacts,’ explains Andrew. ‘We do have around 2,000 heavies on our fleet, so it’s not that we haven’t been offering it, it’s just that we have not had a dedicated contract hire focus on it.’ Burnt Tree expects to be looking at customers in the food distribution and pharmaceutical sectors. Business could also include supermarket home delivery fleets, building up Burnt Tree’s light CV contract hire business as well. ‘People have had to look very closely at balance sheets and I think they recognise that owning your own vehicles is probably quite an old-fashioned way of thinking about it,’ continues Andrew Hill. ‘It’s an asset than unless you are buying in a very sophisticated way is only going to depreciate in value. We manage our leet share very closely and part of our business model is being able to take advantage of residual values and being able to

manage the way we buy and sell our leet. For most companies it’s not their core business, so they don’t have that dedicated focus. So actually, they stand to lose quite signi icantly if they buy and sell at the wrong times.’ In the coming year, operators of both light and heavy commercial vehicles are going to be affected by Euro6 emissions legislation. This will add to the cost of vehicles because manufacturers will need to recover the additional costs of adding more sophisticated emissions control equipment. The costs will be higher for vehicles over 3.5-tonnes gross weight than for vans. Whole Vehicle Type Approval will also add to the cost of vehicle bodywork, particularly for vehicles over 3.5-tonnes GVW. Contract hire could help to reduce the impact of these costs for fleets. ‘Certainly with heavies, most people are trying to put off Euro6 for as long as possible,’ says Andrew. But with longer lead times for heavier vehicles, it won’t be possible to avoid the cost of Euro6 for much longer.

fleetworld.co.uk / 79

MARKET OVERVIEW Risk Management

VAN

Do you oﬀer on-line LCV driver appraisal?

Do you oﬀer psychometric driver proﬁling?

Do you oﬀer risk assessment for LCV’s as part of your programme?

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

Do you oﬀer a classroom-based LCV driver training programme?

Do your instructors provide a demonstration drive?

Do you oﬀer operator licence training?

Do you oﬀer CPC Training?

Do you oﬀer Driver CPC Periodic Training?

Do your instructors carry out a driver eyesight test?

Do you oﬀer a licence checking facility?

Are your training programmes Insurance Company approved?

Do you oﬀer Post Accident Investigations training?

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

FLEETW RLD

AA DriveTech

ALD Automotive Drivesafe

Cardinus

RAC Risk Management

Roadmarque

Key to services

Service provided

Service unavailable

DriveTech Cardinus

AA DriveTech

ALD Automotive

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, actions plans, licence validation, driver assessment (paper, on road and online) as well as invehicle work workshop training for all vehicle drivers including Driver CPC. Visit our website to ﬁnd out what customers have achieved from implementing occupational road risk strategies with us. Case studies include: • Center Parcs • Cordek • Feedwater • Thatcham – The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre • Sainsbury’s Online • Shred-it

The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages 960,000 vehicles across 37 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.

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 ranging from below 10 to the tens of thousands. Many blue chip, insurance and vehicle leasing companies use our wide array of fleet solutions which include consultancy, risk assessment, e-learning, practical training, licence, MOT and business insurance validation on a day to day basis. We can also offer non-fleet solutions to cater for your wider health & safety requirements. Our wider portfolio of solutions includes risk assessment, e-learning and practical solutions that cover fleet, property, environmental, DSE (display screen equipment), ergonomics, homeworking, fire, asbestos and risk engineering.

Contact: Francesca Hill Tel: 0845 299 6131 tellmemore@AAdrivetech.com www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

Contact: Helen Fisk Tel: 0870 00 111 81 helen.fisk@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Contact: Christian McKay Tel: 01733 426 015 christian.mckay@cardinus.com www.cardinusfleet.com

RAC Risk Management

ROADMARQUE®

An effective risk management strategy is an essential requirement for any business today. A successful strategy will help you and your business comply with road traffic and health & safety legislation, reduce accidents and keep fleet operating costs low. It will also help you to meet your Duty of Care, Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. RAC Risk Management Services offer solutions that are as comprehensive as they are easy to use. These include audits, seminars, workshops, online risk assessment, e-learning, driver document checking, practical training (all vehicle types), driver permit, post accident interview, vehicle inspection and driver CPC. We can also manage your programme on your behalf, and our goal is to provide you with a fleet solution that adds value to your business.

Roadmarque® is the industry’s most comprehensive road risk assessment system, developed by Imagitech – the UK leaders in driver assessment and driver education software. Roadmarque® is one of the most competitively priced, flexible, reliable and effective systems currently available. Roadmarque® profiles your drivers, completes a full DVLA licence check, fully risk assesses each driver, takes into account vehicle choice (using CAP data), estimates CO2 output, provides grey fleet management, engages the driver and reports back with a solution to ensure your company is protected – within budget. We are working with organisations of all sizes delivering simple, practical and effective solutions. As an independent provider, we are not going to sell you something you don’t need. Contact us now to find out more.

Contact: Christian McKay cmckay@fleetriskmanagement.net www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

80 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0870 606 2606

Contact: Dr Gerhard Manogg enquiries@roadmarque.com

Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD auctions & remarketing

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 bca.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

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

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

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

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

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

Lex Autolease

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

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Avis Rent A Car Tel: 0844 544 5000 www.avis.co.uk

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

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

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

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

vehicle data

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

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

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

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business

vehicle ventilation

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

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

Teletrac Tel: 0870 460 5693 www.teletrac.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

Full listings online at

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

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

fuel management

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 7 31 31 37 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

DriveSense Tel: 01628 581930

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

Total Fleet Services Ltd Tel: 01543 431080 www.lease-hire.co.uk

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

www.drivesense.co.uk

Incorporated into every issue of VAN Fleet World and interactive online at www.fleetworld.co.uk £400 flat rate for the year. Cost includes a rotating monthly listing in SUPPLIER DIRECTORY in VAN Fleet World. PLUS... • Full listing on fleetworldgroup.co.uk • Email link to sales contact • Website link to homepage • Full-colour company logo fleetworld.co.uk / 81

ontheroad Anthony Ffrench-Constant wonders whether driver aids are having a detrimental effect.

t’s pretty much the norm now that, in an increasingly irascible attempt to assess honest mechanical engineering rather than sly, over-solicitous electronics, I spend a good fifteen minutes behind the wheel of any new model I pile aboard frantically trying to switch everything but the engine off again. And in the case of one particular Mercedes E-Class I encountered a couple of years ago, I swear it was more like half an hour... Speed Limit Assist? No thank you. Lane Keeping Assist? Not right now. Blind Spot Assist? My neck works fine, thanks. Attention Assist sponsored by Starbucks? Lunch wasn’t nearly large enough to merit a snooze. Distronic Plus? I’ll manage, thanks all the same. Adaptive Highbeam Assist? Night View Assist Plus? Not at three in the afternoon, pal. Victim of a nanny state, the Chinese journalist who’d recently vacated the E-Class in question was clearly more than happy to be the victim of a nanny car to boot. Everything was on. Even the driver’s seat had been over-activated to writhe under its occupant like a beanbag full of gently miffed python. Suddenly, we have a Driver Assistance and Safety System epidemic. No; make that pandemic. Today, I can’t even climb aboard a humble Ford in the hope of being spared the ecstasy of the steering wheel-mounted control fumbling necessary to shut the car up and let me do the driving. And the parking, for that matter. Every manufacturer I challenge over this tells me it’s what you want. However, on the basis that all I really want is a DAB radio that accesses Test Match Special in

Because what really grates is that much of this stuff either only works properly under testbench conditions or actively promotes lazy, and even bad, driving. Worse, a deal of it is just plain annoying.

82 / fleetworld.co.uk

Snowdonia (fat chance), a heated seat that doesn’t take 20 miles to wake up, Bluetooth enabling the missus to legally shout at me whilst I’m out, air-conditioning and an accurate sat-nav system, I can’t help feeling the whole sorry boiling has significantly more to do with handsome profit margins on optional extras, or even safety. Because what really grates is that much of this stuff either only works properly under test-bench conditions or actively promotes lazy, and even bad, driving. Worse, a deal of it is just plain annoying. Invariably overriding the perfectly functional manual intermittent settings, rain-sensing wipers either steadfastly refuse to activate in what the Irish call “soft rain”, long after you can’t see squat through the screen, or flail about like a bulrush in a gale because one solitary drop has bull’s-eyed the sensor. Lane keeping systems that fondle your buttocks or mess with the steering if you drift over a white line without indicating actually promote bad motorway driving practice by penalising you for not indicating when you pull back in after overtaking. And I fondly remember one particular Mercedes in which the distance control system could not deactivate, the upshot being that it “detected” every car I overtook and promptly rammed the brakes on, on my behalf, mid-manoeuvre. Nice ‘n’ safe. Among my Top 10 annoyances must rank the BMW electric wiper stalk action, cars which mute the radio whenever you engage reverse gear (presumably to help me concentrate) and the Toyota Plug-in Prius I’m driving as we speak, which beeps relentlessly in reverse, but only inside the cabin; a trait so grating my missus refuses to go near the poor thing. I can’t remember who it was who first suggested we’d all be better drivers if every car was fitted with a six-inch nail sticking out of the middle of the steering wheel. But, noticing the number of ambling, middle lane motorway drivers who now let the car do all the work whilst they concentrate on scalding their crotches senseless with the cascading contents of a horse and gristle pastie, or chat away endlessly on their phones, I can’t help feeling he still has a point.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 5 Series range: Urban 22.2–54.3mpg (12.7–5.2l/100km). Extra Urban 38.7–70.6mpg (7.3–4.0l/100km). Combined 30.7–62.8mpg (9.2–4.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 214–119g/km.

For full details on our range, to request a brochure or demonstrator, visit bmwcorporate.co.uk

BMW Corporate Sales