Fleet World June 2015

June 2015

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

INSIDE Fleet software Measure efficiency, monitor costs and work smarter

Driven

2015 HONOURS

BMW 1 Series Golf GTD Estate Audi Q7

The Greatest Show in Fleet! fleetworld.co.uk

All-New

Renault KADJAR Dare to live

Panoramic sunroof and 19” diamond cut alloy wheels Integrated touchscreen navigation Bose sound system with seven speakers and sub-woofer

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Kadjar Signature Nav dCi 110 are: Urban 67.3 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

(4.2); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8); Combined 72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 emissions are 103g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 Model shown is All-New Renault Kadjar Signature Nav dCi 110. renault.com

All-New

Renault KADJAR Dare to live

The official fuel consumption ďŹ gures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Kadjar Signature Nav dCi 110 are: Urban 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8); Combined 72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 emissions are 103g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment ďŹ gures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. Model shown is All-New Renault Kadjar Signature Nav dCi 110. renault.com

June 2015

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

The best in fleet...

Turn to page 53 to see 2015’s fleet winners

fleetworld.co.uk

contents 20

What David Hosking of Tusker has learnt in fleet.

June 2015

26

Behind the wheel of BMW’s impressive new 1 Series.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

INSIDE Fleet software Measure efficiency, monitor costs and work smarter

Driven

2015 HONOURS

BMW 1 Series Golf GTD Estate Audi Q7

The Greatest Show in Fleet! fleetworld.co.uk

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

34

Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Welcome to the greatest show in fleet... find out more inside!

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Fleet Consultant Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

53

74

Honouring the very best in the world of fleet...

FLASHBACK: Mazda6

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

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

76

Six steps to getting the most out of fleet management software.

VAN FLEETW RLD

89

Volkswagen Caddy, Iveco Daily Hi-Matic, Ssangyong Korando, Peugeot Partner, LCV Software, Towing.

STAG Publications

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To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2014 18,000

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody thinks the hydrogen revolution is finally on the way, and revelas the key to the Fleet Show’s success year after year...

This time, hydrogen might really be coming…

About a decade ago, I went to a GM hydrogen event where one of their executives said that eventually the Middle East would decide that the most abundant resource in their region, the sun, is worth more to them than oil, and the global hydrogen economy would take off.

Last month, Ali al-Naimi, the Saudi oil minister said: “We recognise that eventually we are not going to need fossil fuels. I don’t know when — in 2040, 2050, or thereafter.”

In what was a remarkable address for a man in his position, he said Saudi Arabia was planning to become a global power in solar energy, adding: “I believe solar will be even more economic than fossil fuels.”

Obviously 2040 is still a fair way away, and in practice the hydrogen revolution has been nothing other than a lot of hot air, but if even Saudi sees that our vehicles will have to shift from burning fossil fuel to being run on clean energy, it suggests the first steps have been taken, and momentum will start to build.

The Fleet Show: refreshingly old school It’s been a ridiculously busy month at Fleet World, with the Honours in London and the Fleet Show at Silverstone. Every year, the Fleet Show gets bigger and bigger, and this year saw nearly 100 exhibitors inside the Silverstone Wing and on the track.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily news! Visit fleetworld.co.uk A few years ago, it seemed that the prevailing opinion was that the traditional show format was dead, with companies no longer needing to get out and show their wares and find new customers. The amount of times I heard comments from suppliers along the lines of “we don’t need to do shows, thanks to the internet and digital communication we know everyone there is to know.”

That view has proved to be wrong.

For all the claims made by digital marketers about their databases and ability to reach new customers, they just cannot beat the situation we saw at Silverstone this year: hundreds and hundreds of fleet decisionsmakers visiting stands, talking to exhibitors, finding out new ways of doing things and discovering innovative new products.

The simple fact is the Fleet Show has proved itself to be the pre-eminent event for the industry to meet up, do business and discuss ideas. The new comment I now keep hearing from those that attended is “we got lots of new leads at the show.” All sounds a bit old school. How refreshing.

Ford NEWS

All-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid

inbrief Allianz retains Ford in 250-car-per-year deal

THE all-new four-door Ford Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4 kWh lithiumion battery for 67.3mpg combined, reaching a stunning 100.9mpg for urban driving and 99 g/km CO2 emissions.

Available in Titanium series with optional Titanium X Pack which adds LED headlamps, leather seat trim, 10-way power heated front seats, keyless entry and privacy glass, the Ford Mondeo Hybrid offers the enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions of electric power, and the range and performance of a traditional powertrain.

The Ford Mondeo Hybrid offers pricing competitive with Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre diesel powertrain variants, delivering on Ford’s promise to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the power of choice. In most instances at low speed, and for short distances, the Ford Mondeo Hybrid runs exclusively on electricity. As speeds increase, or when additional power is required, the petrol engine takes over power delivery.

The financial case for the Ford Mondeo Hybrid versus its diesel equivalent is compelling, with a £58.89 monthly BIK tax bill for a 20% taxpayer and £117.79 for someone paying 40%, against £96.75 (20%) and £193.51 (40%) for a Ford Mondeo Titanium 2.0-litre TDCi Powershift.

One of the problems with some hybrid cars is that the boot is crowded with batteries, leaving it virtually unuseable. The Ford Mondeo Hybrid has no such problem, offering 383 litres of boot space, which compares favourably with the 550 litres of bootspace in a five-door Mondeo.

Powerful case for Ford Focus ST Diesel FORD’s diesel Focus ST, powered by a 185PS TDCi 2.0-litre engine with Auto-Start-Stop and available in ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3 series in both fivedoor hatch and estate bodystyles makes very good sense for user-choosers.

It also makes very good financial sense for fleets, with an independently predicted residual value of around 45% after three years/60,000 miles, with a £1,700 RV uplift versus the previous petrol Focus ST. It is in VED Band B, meaning £0 tax in the first year and £20 a year after that.

For company car drivers paying 20% the monthly BIK payment on a diesel Focus ST-1 hatch is £74.80 (£149.60 for a 40% taxpayer) while the payments on an ST-3 are £87.47 and £174.93.

The new 185PS 2.0-litre diesel engine has a top speed of 135MPH, with fourth gear acceleration from 31-62mph in just 7.1 seconds. Focus ST Diesel returns 67.3mpg for both hatch and estate, with 110g/km CO2.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

EMPLOYEE choice was instrumental in Ford beating 10 rival manufacturers to retain a contract to supply 250 cars a year to motor and general insurers Allianz.

Allianz undertook a three-stage review and tender process to whittle down the contenders for the contract to supply staff fleet vehicles, with a panel of 10 employees test-driving two models from each of the shortlisted manufacturers; they voted the Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo top.

The company, which has a singlebadge staff fleet of 850 cars on an 80,000-mile/four-year life cycle, also took into account safety, sustainability and whole-life costs.

The benchmark cars are the Focus estate 1.5 TDCi 120PS and all-new Mondeo 1.6 TDCi 115PS models, with all cars equipped with satellite navigation, cruise control, parking sensors and Ford’s Active City Stop lowspeed collision avoidance technology.

Abigail Swartz, corporate procurement manager, Allianz Insurance, commented: “Safe driving and the reduction of risk is of the utmost importance to Allianz, so it was crucial that our fleet provider was able to meet our benchmark vehicle performance levels. We were very impressed with the range of benefits that Ford was able to offer us, particularly the collision avoidance technology and the fuel-efficient diesel power units.”

Ford success at 2015 Honest John Awards FORD claimed four key accolades at this year’s Honest John Awards, with the all-new Mondeo scooping the title of ‘Most Popular Large Family Car’ and the ultimate ‘Car of The Year’ prize. Transit Custom was named ‘Most Popular Van’ for the second year running and Fiesta ‘Most Popular Small Hatchback’.

The World of Fleet

New Astra Revealed Lighter and more compact, Vauxhall hopes the new Vauxhall Astra, which goes on sale in November, will propel it right to the forefront of the C sector. Expect low CO2, a better quality cabin and the latest hi-tech OnStar connectivity.

For more details visit fleetworld.co.uk

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

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inbusiness

Alternative fuel vehicle take up still slow More than half (55%) of fleet decision‐makers currently make no use of vehicles powered by alternative fuels in their fleets, with those that do only using them in niche roles.

The research was carried out at the Fleet World Fleet Show, sponsored by Barclaycard Fuel+ in association with The Miles Consultancy (TMC). It revealed:

Almost half (48%) of respondents, said that the choice of vehicles which run on alternative fuels is currently too small and is hampering efforts to expand.

Of those that do use alternative fuel vehicles, just one in three (36%) do so for more than 10% of their fleet as a whole.

John Bostock, head of corporate and enterprise business, Barclaycard Commercial Payments, said: “It’s clear the industry’s decision‐makers are aware of their business’ impact on the environment but face a number of challenges in transitioning to an eco‐ friendly fleet.

“A limited range of eco‐friendly vehicles on the market, upfront costs and general lack of driver aware‐ ness means adoption rates have been slow to take‐off.”

Two in five (41%) senior fleet executives have no plans to increase the proportion of vehicles powered by alternative fuels.

One in three managers (36%) are planning to increase the number on their fleet.

46% said that the up‐front cost of such vehicles is too expensive.

GE sale talks advanced

BVRLA welcomes Government consistency

G

T

eneral Electric (GE) is said to be in ‘advanced’ talks to sell its fleet management business to Element Financial Corp.

According to Bloomberg, sources close to GE said that a deal for the $9bn (£5.9bn) vehicle fleet management business has not been reached yet, but GE hopes to come to terms on a sale of the operations by the end of the quarter.

Last month GE announced that it was looking to sell off most of its GE Capital assets including its fleet management and commercial lending and leasing businesses to focus the company “around its competitive advantages”.

According to Bloomberg, Element raised C$2.5bn (£1.3bn) in equity in a secondary sale last week to fund undisclosed “future acquisi‐ tions.” The company bought GE Capital’s Cana‐ dian fleet business in 2013 for $560m (£365m) and entered into a Canadian‐US cross‐border partnership. In 2014, Element expanded by purchasing the North American fleet management business of PHH Corp, PHH Arval, for $1.4bn (£950m).

08 / fleetworld.co.uk

he new Government’s appointment of transport ministers to their previous posts will bring consistency and stability to the fleet industry, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association reckons.

“We welcome the reappointments of Patrick McLoughlin, Robert Goodwill and Claire Perry to their Department for Transport posts,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.

“This rare consistency in the department will improve stability for the fleet industry and means the progress we have made with the government in the past five years will not be lost.

“Mr McLoughlin and Mr Goodwill are road transport experts and we very much look forward to working with them as the government implements its Road Improvement Strategy.

“Furthermore, the new faces of Andrew Jones and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon will bring new thinking into the department, which can only be beneficial to a modern and forward‐thinking industry like ours.”

Keaney also said he was pleased to see Robert Halfon MP appointed in the key policy role of Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, as he has actively campaigned against soaring fuel prices in the past, and predicted that David Gauke and Damian Hinds will continue to have a big impact on the government’s approach to business and vehicle taxation within their roles at the Treasury.

“We look forward to working constructively with these and other ministers over the next five years,” he added.

inbusiness

The return of Renault With the Kadjar launching and the rollout of a new-look dealer network, the brand is hoping to expand its fleet presence.

Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports.

A

t the end of 2011 I was invited to a press conference by Renault. The timing was curious as there was no new car due to be launched and Dacia was still on the drawing board. I turned up at the brand’s Maple Cross head office where I met up with a small group of motoring journalists. A quick chat revealed no one knew what was being announced, although with new car sales in serious decline the consensus was this was going to be bad news.

We were right on that score but none of us could have anticipated just how bad it was going to be. Thierry Sybord, the CEO at the time, painted a picture of a brand in decline weighed down by too many poorly selling cars being sold by an over-sized dealer network.

The solution was a cull of its vehicle ranges and dealer network. The Laguna, the car positioned to put Renault on the fleet map, was jettisoned along with the once-popular Espace, the Wind and Modus.

Renault also issued 12-month termination notices to a third of its network as a result of sales halving over the previous five years. This meant shedding 55 sites around the country to slim the network down to 135 outlets.

I subsequently discovered that Paris had seriously considered pulling the plug on its UK operations but wise heads prevailed and the GO5+ re-launch plan was approved and implemented. Central to this was the pending launch of the new-generation Clio and the rollout of the budget Dacia brand to all Renault dealers. A new 4+ servicing package was also unveiled, providing four years/100,000 mile warranty cover on all new cars; a sure sign of renewed confidence in build quality. Dealers were also briefed on forthcoming products including what would eventually materialise as the Captur and the forthcoming Kadjar C-segment crossover.

Fast forward four years and Renault is now in rude health. In 2014 its car sales were up 44% to 66,334 and van sales up 40% to 18,170. Sales this year have remained strong with car volumes up 16.6% and commercials up 37% in Q1. Furthermore the brand’s long-mooted Qashqai-sized (and derived) Kadjar is now poised to go on sale. The brand is also a significant player in the burgeoning EV market with the ZOE and Kangoo ZE, while Dacia’s no-nonsense, no-haggle approach has struck a chord with retail buyers.

Increased sales, better products and renewed confidence has led Renault to talk about expanding its dealer network, rolling out a new corporate look and reaching out to fleets.

Leading Renault Group in the UK since late 2013 has been Ken Ramirez, the Puerto Rico-born Nissan high

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

flyer who became the first senior executive in the Renault-Nissan Alliance to swap brands. As far as he is concerned the brand’s recovery is in line with the GO5+ plan deployed in mid-2013 with the intention of delivering more than 5% group market share, increased dealer profitability and a top 10 ranking in the annual JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey all by the end of 2017.

“For the past two years we have had a clear direction of where we are going to take the franchise. The renewal of the brand started in Q1 2013 when we knew we had the new Clio, ZOE, Captur and Kadjar coming as well as Dacia.”

Ramirez said the GO5+ plan was more structured than the short-term ones it replaced.

“We drew a line in the sand with our GO5+ plan. From 2013 to 2017 we have a direction. Importantly the plan is for five years. Previously we had a series of short-term plans that had in fact resulted in more damage to the brand and residual values and as a result lower retail performance, which inevitably damages network profitability. This is a five-year commitment,” he said.

The undeniably slick new Renault Store showrooms will help send out the right message to fleet customers.

Each site will be required to showcase Renault’s full range of cars, EVs and light commercials and have a designated Dacia area. Furthermore Renault has stuck by its commitment to reduce its previous dependence on fast-churn daily rental business which is good news for RVs, but only desirable new product will sustain the brand’s recovery.

“We have core models driving the image, the profit and the volume – Clio, Captur and now Kadjar. Together these cars will make 60% of our sales and take 60% of our resources. The armoury we identified in 2013 for the five-year plan is now complete with the third weapon, the Kadjar.”

Having seen the phenomenal success of the Qashqai, Ramirez knows exactly how important this vehicle will be at re-establishing the brand’s position in the fleet sector.

“We start the order take in September and start deliveries in Q4 so the quarter that becomes really important for us is Q1 2016 when we will have full delivery of the Kadjar into a market that is asking for it. The model is important in retail but also gives us a presence in local fleet and corporate fleet as well.”

After some years in the doldrums things are clearly looking up for the brand. The advance word on the Kadjar is positive and the rollout of the new look showrooms is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, much earlier than originally anticipated. Renault’s back and means business.

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inbusiness

A dystopian future The Insider worries that devolvement is going to bring admin chaos and endless bureaucracy.

T

he suggestion that UK cities could have devolved powers to run their transport infrastructure fills me with dread. This seems to be on the grounds that if one national body can’t get it right, multiple users will.

Wrong! While the vision is no doubt for devolution but with a national guiding hand, rather than revolution, one can only wonder what carnage will result from different interpretations of that guidance.

In my grandmother’s day, people were born in a village, grew up in it, worked, married, had children and died within its rural boundaries. So what went on in the rest of the country didn’t really matter so long as there was a roof over their heads and food on the table. OK, I may be over-simplifying that slightly. But now the model has changed, and the ability to travel quickly, and provide and receive nationwide services, means many of us regularly visit numerous different locations.

At fleet level, try understanding, communicating and managing the requirements for differing speed limits, multiple congestion charge zones run on differing bases, private toll roads and idiosyncratic niceties brought in by some well-meaning but misguided mayor of pioneering spirit. Can you imagine having to deal with the consequent penalties incurred by drivers as they misinterpret the rules? OK, now outsource your fleet and add another layer of complication.

I’ll use UK toll charges as an example of the confusion and extra administration this could bring. The Dartford Crossing and the London Congestion Charge Zone are really only a stone’s throw apart, and both are used regularly by many of us. Yet I can register all my cars with Dart Charge for free, so they are all covered all of the time. But a car must be registered specifically for London Congestion Charge, at a cost of £10 per vehicle. Why the differ-

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

ence? And in addition to that, through my LCC account I can autopay ad hoc charges for cars going into the zone on one-off occasions – but I can’t do the same with a hire car we have for a few days which needs to use the Dartford Crossing. Then it seems I have to put the car on the system and remember to take it off again. I can register for a Severn Tag and it needn’t be allocated to a specific vehicle; but if I buy M6 tags, they must be used by one designated vehicle. So there alone are four tags, and four inherently different systems to remember.

You would think, with ANPR and other technology, that one could dispense with tags and run all tolls using that, or perhaps through the use of vehicle telematics. But even that has to be complicated.

As telematics become standard across all cars, whose systems will be used? Could multiple systems still be used, provided they all conform to certain standards and who will lay down those standards? Will that be a UK ruling, or European?

What happens if the controlling provider goes out of business; or there is a major system failure or hacking (will that become known as a cloud-burst?) and all data is lost or misused.

I can be quick to see the pitfalls, and quite resistant to change. People say that comes with age, but I think maybe it’s through bad past experience.

If, as a result of devolved powers we end up with an affordable, clean and efficient local public transport system in all our regions, or improved park and ride facilities, then that’s to be applauded. If we end up with one system for all tolls, albeit owned by different bodies, that’s fine. But don’t let them mess with some of the other stuff. Call me old-fashioned, but I’d rather everything was laid out centrally, one set of rules for all. Just so long as the rule makers don’t turn our future into something out of George Orwell’s 1984.

inbusiness

Q &A Martin Port, the UK founder of Masternaut, on the latest developments in the telematics market and his new venture, BigChange.

What is the company’s main fleet offering?

BigChange provides an all-in-one system for transport, service & sales management called JobWatch. The JobWatch system helps companies plan, manage, schedule and track their mobile workforce. It works out of the box with little or no configuration required.

The system essentially offers three systems in one: a rich web-based back office app features Fleet & Resource Management, Job Scheduling, CRM & Financial, Health & Safety Compliance, Alerting and Mapping. The JobWatch Mobile App works on any Android phone or tablet supplied and, supported by BigChange, the app helps get rid of all the paper and manual processes.

How has your experience at Masternaut helped in launching BigChange?

At Masternaut we offered three systems that worked mostly independently and had a light integration between the three. These were Masternaut Vehicle Tracking, ThreeX mobile software and Microsoft CRM for the back office. The customer also purchased separate handheld computer hardware.

Essentially the systems were complex and expensive to maintain and implementation involved traditional professional services at an extra cost. While I owned Masternaut I always put a great emphasis on customer service and that was a key part of the success until I sold the company in 2011 – I never lost a customer while I owned the company.

When I sold Masternaut finally in 2011, I decided I wanted to research the market for a year. I visited over 70 telematics companies across Europe and what I realised is you could link together all the elements and build a system from the ground up, creating one system called JobWatch.

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

How is the UK fleet telematics market evolving?

The UK market has grown significantly over the last 20 years. I would estimate 70% of commercial fleets have telematics installed. The UK market is the most advanced and competitive in the world. The real game changer to the volume growth has been high fuel costs, accidents and the sharp reduction in hardware costs including a reduction in the cost of data. I would estimate prices have dropped by £30 a month per vehicle from £45 a month in the late 90’s to £15 a month per vehicle today. The installation cost is now more expensive than the manufacturing cost of the hardware.

Telematics is now a mature market in the UK. The real opportunity is next-generation systems like JobWatch.

You can buy the complete JobWatch system including vehicle tracking and the tablet computer for £49.95 per month, which shows you the enormous amount of value that can be gained from a small monthly cost.

How can fleets overcome issues involved with ‘data overload’ and legal issues of implementing telematics?

Companies now want integration of GPS data with operational activity. Organisations need to make sense of the data and understand how improvements can be made so managers, drivers and engineers that operate in the field can boost service, safety and growth.

Big Data reporting that compares the optimised plan with actual workforce activity can create powerful financial benefits. But leaders have to demand managers to present the data on weekly, monthly and quarterly bases, linked to sales activity and costs to make the most of the information. Only by continually improving and identifying the opportunities can all the benefits sold by telematics companies be achieved. That is exactly what JobWatch delivers and when you have much more of a holistic focus then the whole idea of ‘Big Brother’ disappears.

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BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys

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

grey fleet policy

Source: Total Motion

Companies are being warned of the need to sharpen up on their grey fleet legislation after a new survey reveals that many organisations still do not have a sufficient policy in place.

The findings of fleet management company Total Motion’s study indicate that over 25% of businesses with 10-5,000 employees do not have a grey fleet policy in place.

While over 30% of the 1,500 companies surveyed admitted they do not regularly check if insurance is valid.

60% do not check service and maintenance histories, whilst over 44% do not review the validity of MoTs.

“The work we have done clearly demonstrates that the issue of grey fleet is still not being taken as seriously as it should and that many businesses still have gaps,” commented Simon Hill, managing director of Total Motion. “It also shows that the risk to business is not being correctly addressed with the lack of systems in place.”

Only 12% of companies said they knew the actual mileage travelled in grey fleet vehicles, while more than 50% do not pay the maximum HMRC rates.

underinflated tyres

Source: WheelRight

Fleets are being urged to adopt best practice for daily tyre pressure checks after research carried out by WheelRight suggests that many motorists are habitually taking to the road with underinflated tyres.

Only 50% of the visitor’s cars tested at the NEC’s Commercial Vehicle Show had tyre pressures within 10% of their correct levels.

10% of vehicles tested had tyres that were underinflated by over 20% – significantly below the tyre pressure levels recommended by manufacturers.

The lowest tyre pressure monitored at the show came in at a worryingly low nine psi (pounds per square inch).

The company says its data, sourced from a wide range of visitors who travelled from all over the UK to attend the show, is a clear demonstration of poor tyre pressure maintenance and is consistent with other tests carried out by WheelRight’s demonstration unit at other public events.

WheelRight’s testing shows that drivers are incurring needless costs and endangering their safety through inadequate tyre inflation.

Approximately 25 deaths and nearly 1,500 serious accidents are attibuted to poorly inflated or defective tyres in the UK every year.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

female drink drivers

Source: Police Federation

Vital drink driving messages are not getting through to women, a recent report published by the Police Federation suggests.

Although more men than women are still caught drink driving, women’s convictions are up by 17%, while male rates are down by 24%.

40% of women surveyed admitted to driving after drinking alcohol, with many not realising they could have been over the limit.

33% believed they could legally drive after a pint or more of (5% abv) beer, true for some but not for everyone, and almost 15% thought they could drink more than a 175ml glass of (12% abv) wine and still be under the limit.

A study by Social Research Associates (SRA) points to a rise in alcohol consumption among middle-aged, educated women.

“This is the first specific research on the subject which has shown that many reasons for women drink driving are gender specific,” explained Kris Beuret OBE, director of SRA. “These include the effects of different metabolism on men and women’s bodies, confusion about how many units are in alcoholic drinks – especially wine – and thinking that the police would be less likely to stop them. Women need to be depicted in the generally male dominated imagery of anti-drink driving campaigns.”

vehicle selection factors

Source: LeasePlan

Size is more important than looks to drivers when choosing a new company car, according to new research from LeasePlan.

The company’s recent global survey, which polled over 3,000 drivers in 20 countries, revealed that the size of the vehicle is the most important factor for 80% of survey respondents.

However, 25% said they want to downsize to a smaller car in the future.

The global findings were echoed by UK drivers, 76% of whom said size was the most important factor and 29% already drive a small car, with a further 11% planning to drive a smaller car in the future.

However, in the UK, a low tax allowance and CO2 emissions were almost as significant as the size, with 75% describing them as important.

While vehicle size was the number one factor in 15 out of 20 countries there were noticeable exceptions – drivers in Brazil and Turkey both proved more aesthetically inclined.

“Appearance will always matter but for an increasing number of company car drivers, lower emissions is more important than looks,” commented Matt Dyer, LeasePlan UK’s managing director. “Amongst our UK respondents, CO2 emissions were joint second to low tax allowance, showing just how important environmental credentials are to drivers.”

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 19

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt David Hosking of Tusker on cleaning toilets and developing into a CEO.

On developing a strategic mind Spending time away from the operational side of the business to really focus on strategy and the future is, and was, a game changer. Back in 2008 I was working with one of our non-executive directors who was trying to help me develop from an MD into a CEO. He insisted that I spent one day a week away from the office, without access to emails or phone. Although initially I felt very guilty about doing it, for the next two months I spent my one day a week studying, reading and researching anything and everything. After about four weeks of doing this I found an article on the HMRC website that completely changed everything for Tusker and myself. It was about the case of Heaton Vs Bell, the very first salary sacrifice for cars scheme back in 1969. That article triggered my curiosity and was an absolute game changer. It led to us developing our salary sacrifice car scheme ahead of everyone else.

On working to the best of your ability It always amazes me how many people are willing to live with mediocrity. I like having my expectations exceeded. No matter what job you are doing, whether it is cleaning toilets (as I did in my first ever full-time job) or running a successful company, do it to the best of your ability. Hard work gets noticed and gives others the impetus to invest in you, which inevitably leads to something better.

On ‘doing the right thing’ It’s become a philosophy at Tusker to not necessarily just do what you’re obliged to do, but to do what’s right. We’ve had many examples of our customers’ employees who for various family reasons have needed to early terminate their cars and in many of these cases we went beyond what we were contractually obliged to do in the name of ‘doing the right thing’. We had one driver who tragically lost his brother and his sister-in-law in an

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

accident and took on the care of their two surviving children. With the addition to his family his car no longer had enough seats to transport everyone. We suggested to his employer that they share the cost of the early termination with us and we then matched our share again with a discount on a larger seven-seater vehicle, which meant the gentleman was able to swap into the more suitable vehicle at the same monthly salary reduction as his previous car. It was the ‘right thing to do’ in the circumstances.

On pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone The phrase ‘comfort zone’ suggests a limit, but it shouldn’t be fixed at all. I lost my daughter Beth when she was just 22 years old and embarked on a fundraising campaign to support the charity that had supported us through her illness. I took up running and found, to my surprise, that I was not limited to my initial 300 metres of breathless effort but was able to push myself, bit by bit, until I was tackling half marathons. If you continually push yourself, in whatever it is that you are doing, it does get easier and your ‘comfort zone’ expands.

On investing in the best team One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to surround yourself with the brightest people. Many people fear anyone cleverer than themselves but that’s a mistake, because you up your game to attempt to meet their level. Of course, along the way you also get the credit for what you all achieve together, as well as for employing them in the first place.

On learning to delegate Probably the most challenging lesson of all, especially when you are a very hands-on person like me.

My role now is to develop the company vision and strategy; to build the dream. I’ve got an excellent team of project managers and specialists who are far better than me at delivering that dream.

g fleet e k

Sony Xperia Z3+ Sony’s flagship smartphone is a technological tour de force, packing a powerful processor and high resolution 5.2-inch display into a thin and lightweight shell with curved edges.

It’s claimed to have a two-day battery life, with the ability to quick charge for one day in 45 minutes, while the 20.7 megapixel camera offers 4K video recording and uses expertise from the manufacturer’s video and digital camera technology.

Price: Dependent on tariff, see sonymobile.com for details

Nexpaq Nexpaq is a modular case for Android and Apple smartphones, enabling new functions to be added and removed to suit your lifestyle. There are six slots in the back, and a choice of 12 modules from launch, boosting battery life or increasing memory, adding a torch or laser pointer and even measuring air quality, all of which is managed via the included app.

Price: From £58 from nexpaq.com Phree Using three-dimensional laser technology, Phree makes a notebook from almost any surface, and turns mobile devices into a powerful graphics pad. The pen tracks movements and translates sketches and notes into digital form, transmitted to a number of compatible apps on tablets and phones. Annotations and ideas can then be shared from anywhere.

Price: £TBA from otmtech.com

apps of the month

go!drive

Zapp

Cortana

Ford’s new car sharing service, accessed via an app, offers a fleet of Fiestas and electric Focuses at transport hubs across London. Cars are available for one-way journeys with guaranteed parking at the destination, and costs are shown in real-time within the app. Convenience aside, it’s also gathering useful, anonymous, data about how vehicles are used in London.

Price: Free from go-drive.com

The beginning of the end for payment cards, Zapp can be paired with mobile banking apps and will enable mobile phone payments at a growing number of high street stores and supermarkets when it launches later this year. Speedier cashflow and reduced money handling costs and paper usage are claimed for business, with more convenience for consumers.

Price: TBA, see zap.co.uk

Microsoft’s chirpy digital assistant will be available as a free app for Android and iOS devices before the end of the year. It can give reminders, track flights, identify music and takes a huge number of vocal commands when you need advice or information.

All of these functions will also synchronise across all Windows devices and your smartphone.

Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Double Vision MINI reckons its latest prototype has cracked a way to make vast amounts of driver information less distracting.

Alex Grant finds out more.

What is it?

Billed as an alternative to a fixed head-up display, MINI has developed a prototype augmented reality display built into a headset which looks a little like a pair of aviation goggles. The aim is to increase the amount of information presented to a driver, without requiring them to look away from the road ahead.

How does it work?

MINI isn’t the first carmaker to hint at augmented reality becoming part of its future vehicles, but its approach is unique. Most so far have used flexible displays housed within the vehicle’s glass, or on interior panels, to provide extra data. The MINI Augmented Vision concept is worn by the driver, which means it can provide additional data wherever that person looks – it’s almost unlimited.

The headset itself is a collaborative project, with partners including technology giant Qualcomm. A pair of cameras and accelerometers enable the headset to work out what it’s looking at, while sensors within the car can pinpoint its exact location. It means information is shown where it’s needed and won’t obscure other road users if the driver isn’t looking straight ahead.

What can it do?

The headset contains two Liquid Crystal on Silicon displays, one for each eye. Typically transparent, these can display high resolution three-dimensional images, overlayed over the car’s surroundings. Connected to the car, this would enable navigation instructions to be projected into the driver’s line of sight, as well as icons giving information

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

about points of interest, speed limits and car parks.

With a high resolution display, the technology can offer far more than just basic information though. Cameras on the exterior of the vehicle could transmit live images back to the displays, essentially making parts of the car ‘transparent’ during tight manoeuvres. This would avoid blind spots from A and B pillars at junctions, or give a clear view of the kerb while parking, for example.

Smartphone integration is a big focus at BMW Group, and it’s part of this prototype too. Connected to the driver’s phone, the displays could offer last mile navigation when leaving the car, or direct them back to their parking space when they return.

It could also offer text alerts while driving, with the option to have incoming messages read aloud.

The next steps?

There’s no timeframe yet, but MINI says it is looking to develop this technology for production. Among the pre-launch updates, there’s scope for the headset to be able to track the wearer’s eye movements as well as their head, offering further accuracy.

With the pace of development in connected cars accelerating, distracted driving is becoming a key concern for manufacturers. Whether fixed to the car or worn by the driver, augmented reality displays offer a targeted, functional overlay with no need to look away from the road. Expect this to become a vital part of the next generation of vehicles.

We’ve done a lot of thinking too

Chances are, keeping running costs low and drivers happy are what occupy you most. Same goes for us. It’s why we redesigned the Civic’s rear wing. So now it not only looks sportier, but saves up to 5mpg.

Great minds really do think alike.

Discover more clever thinking at www.honda.co.uk/civicfleet

Fuel consumption fi gures for the Civic range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 37.2 – 70.6 (7.6 – 4.0), Extra Urban 54.3 – 85.6 (5.2 – 3.3), Combined 46.3 – 78.5 (6.1 – 3.6). CO2 emissions: 145 – 94 g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not refl ect real-life driving experience.

Model Shown: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SR Manual in Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.

BMW 1 Series Despite stiff competition, the stylish new 1 Series is more appealing than ever, reckons Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £20,245-£31,730 FUEL 35.3–83.1mpg CO2 89–188g/km

I

t’s a little under four years since BMW launched the second‐generation 1 Series, which says a lot about how much that sector has moved on in the meantime.

Audi has its broadest‐ever A3 range, Mercedes‐Benz and Volvo now have credible rivals, and the CT 200h is looking sharper than ever too.

So this refreshed version has, sensibly, taken cues from BMW’s sportiest small cars, and looks like a hatchback version of the 2 Series Coupe. It’s made this much easier to love for its styling, even if the elongated rear lamps are an odd fit across the tailgate from some angles.

BMW is taking steps to simplify its dizzying choice of variants, and the new range is much easier to navigate through. So the big‐selling Sport and M‐Sport versions are retained, while the entry‐level ES and design‐led Urban trims were dropped in line with British buying habits. Most customers had come in at the SE trim before‐ hand, which is now the entry point.

Only a third of UK volume goes to fleets, but the equip‐ ment range is tailored to suit business users. All cars get Not that any feel like a poor choice. The 1 Series inher‐ satellite navigation through the 6.5‐inch fixed display on its that same feeling of balance and stability as larger the dashboard top, as well as climate control, Bluetooth BMWs, with perfectly weighted controls, an excellent and digital radio. There is also a multitude of driving position and plenty of grip. It has a internet‐connected functions which can be proven record for real‐world efficiency, too, FLEET FACT added as an optional extra, including calen‐ helped by the selectable drive modes. dar connectivity, music streaming and down‐ But the star of the range is the new 116d.

65% of 1 Series loadable applications.

BMW, once known for its inline six‐cylinder Also good for fleets is the all‐new diesel engines, has just equipped its smallest model customers line‐up, which is now a step ahead of rivals. It with the same three‐cylinder 1.5‐litre turbod‐ are new to means the 118d, at the core of the range, now iesel as used in the new MINI Cooper D. It the brand. dips under 100g/km for the first time while produces 115bhp and a surprisingly wide offering respectable mid‐range performance power band, accompanied by the appealing of 148bhp. The 188bhp 120d emits less than 120g/km off‐beat growl of a three‐cylinder engine while under load, even with xDrive four‐wheel drive, and the 221bhp 125d yet it’s almost inaudible while cruising. returns over 61mpg.

This makes great sense from a business point of view, too. The 116d isn’t offered in either of the sporty trims, but the eco‐focused ED Plus version returns 83.1mpg and emits 89g/km CO2 ‐ a joint segment lead with the forth‐ coming A3 ultra. The only downside of its pursuit of effi‐ ciency is its stiffer, lower suspension setup to reduce drag also makes a marked difference to ride comfort. Sport versions ride better, despite the larger wheels.

Otherwise, it’s only interior space which lets it down.

For now, BMW is unique in this sector – at least until the 1 Series follows the lead of the brand's MPVs – in that this is rear‐wheel drive. The compromise for its resulting balance and driver focus is a cramped rear bench and smaller boot space than the A3 or A‐Class.

But neither has put a growing number of buyers off its predecessor, despite the surge in competitors that it now faces. Fresh design and fiercely competitive running costs mean it looks, as well as performs, like its bigger siblings.

They’re factors which are likely to find plenty more conquest buyers in one of BMW’s largest global markets.

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights

Class-leading mpg, 2 Series design cues and fresh technology put BMW back at the head of a competitive pack. At least for now.

Satellite navigation and 6.5-inch screen available across the range New 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine returns up to 83.1mpg, with 89g/km CO2 emissions Simpler model range with three trim levels, augmented by the ultra-efficient ED Plus version

key fleet model BMW 116d ED Plus

fleetworld.co.uk / 27

Audi Q7 The new Q7 is lighter, more powerful and more efficient. But it’s still a big beast, says Steve Moody.

SECTOR SUV PRICE From £50,340 FUEL 47.9mpg CO2 153g/km

D DAB – never a dull moment

F

J Just keeps going...

Up to 88.3mpg†

Flaunt it

T Turbocharged engines

Q Quids in for Whole Life Costs

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Corsa range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 76.3 (3.7),

† = Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. * = 2015-16 tax year. ** = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (May 2015). Images shown for illustrative purposes only

I

t just shows how far this remarkable company has come in a very short amount of time, that when the first Q7 was launched nearly a decade ago, there were some who wondered if it wasn’t a step too far for Audi.

Too big, not understated, surely not the sort of thing that appeals to drivers about Audi? Hardly. It sold more than half a million worldwide. Now we have an entirely new car.

For a start it is much lighter – by more than 200kgs on UK models – thanks to an aluminium and steel composite bodyshell, and the engine powering it is more efficient as well as more powerful. The launch model comes with a 3.0 TDI unit offering 272bhp which is 11 more powerful than the outgoing 245bhp model, but fuel economy is improved by 25% to 47.9mpg. CO2 improves by roughly the same amount to 153g/km.

It’s a strong engine, that is also superbly refined, mated to an eight speed Tiptronic gearbox. We tried models that come with the new optional all‐wheel steering system and those without, and the latter felt more agile, rather counter‐intuitively.

If parking such a big beast is an issue, then the four wheel steer system manoeuvres

K

it into tight spots with surprisingly agility.

I might say that I don’t think it is much to look at, with an awkward grille. However, inside the Q7 is an object lesson in quality, fit and finish.

Up in the front row the latest MMI system and the ultra sharp Audi Virtual Cockpit in front of the driver, takes the standard on from that of the TT. In fact, such is the incred‐ ible amount of information displayed that it can be hard to quickly ascertain key facts such as speed. The optional head‐up display solves that dilemma.

The materials in the cabin are of the very best stan‐ dard, while the superbly comfortable seats give an impe‐ rious view. In UK specification all models have three rows of leather seats as standard. A total of 770 litres of luggage space is available when seven passengers are on board, or up to 1,955 litres if only the front seats are occupied.

Unsurprisingly, it is not cheap: pricing starts at £50,340 OTR in the UK. But then, such is its popularity, Audi knows it can sell thousands of Q7s no matter what it charges, doesn’t it?

Love at first sight Love the tiny whole life costs Love the huge spec Love award-winning New Corsa

Kind on BiK – from just 15%*

G Gloves?

Who needs gloves with the heated steering wheel?

VAUXHALL FLEET Call 0870 010 0651 | visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

Extra-urban 57.6 (4.9) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions 140 – 85g/km.

Book your FREE** 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk or call 0870 240 4848

General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. and may feature options at extra cost.

Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate Performance, versatility and efficiency make this an attractive user-chooser car, reckons Danny Cobbs.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £28,285–£29,700 FUEL 58.9–64.2mpg CO2 115–125g/km

T

he Golf GTD five‐door hatchback continues to shine brightest among our fleet of test cars, so our recent drive in the estate version of the same car had much to live up to. No pressure then.

Apart from the obvious extra length, there’s hardly any difference ‐ internally or externally – between this estate model and its hatchback sibling. Standard equipment is also identical, so expect to find bi‐xenon headlights, Jacara black and white tartan sports seats, a touchscreen info‐ tainment system, illuminated door sills, 18” Nogaro alloys, black roof rails and dual chrome tailpipes.

It costs £695 more than its smaller five‐door brother, but it’s a small price to pay when you consider how much more extra space is gained. The 307mm of additional metalwork hanging over the rear axles brings with it 605 litres of cargo space. Fold the back seats down, and that figure increases to 1,620 litres, an improvement of 350 litres over the hatch.

The 2.0‐litre 181bhp turbodiesel remains its only source of power and is coupled to either a six‐speed manual or a DSG automatic transmission (£1,415 extra). Even though the estate shows a 100kg weight disadvantage over the hatch, its 0‐ 62mph time of 7.9 seconds is only actually 0.5 seconds slower.

As for the manual, Volkswagen claims it will average 64mpg with 115 g/km of CO2 emissions (the DSG fairs

slightly worse; 58.9mpg and 125 g/km of CO2), which again is only marginally less than the hatchback’s best of 67.3mph and 109g/km of CO2.

The added bulk has also done little to affect the way it drives. It still offers an impressive and ever‐accessible amount of torque, while the chassis remains tight and rigid through the corners. Purists could argue the progressive steering could do with a bit more feedback, but there are few diesel estate cars which can deliver such a compelling ride, particularly as it reaches the upper echelons of its 143mph top speed.

Q

B

Polo 1.4 TDI 75PS SE 5dr

£20,729

C

£20,242

Fiesta 1.6 TDCi 95PS Style ECOnetic 5dr

C

A

£18,786

B

Streaming.

Bluetooth® audio streaming with IntelliLink infotainment

I can see clearly now, with the heated screen

Specification

Whole Life Costs – 3 years / 60,000 miles1 New Corsa 1.3CDTi 95PS Design 5dr

I

New Corsa Design vs Ford Fiesta Style vs VW Polo SE

Quids in for Whole Life Costs

A

S

New Corsa

Fiesta

Polo

Heated windscreen

Cruise control

Bluetooth®

Digital radio

Touch-screen audio system

Front fog lights

LED daytime running lights

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Corsa range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 76.3 (3.7), Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 1 = Whole Life Costs All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (May 2015). Images shown for illustrative purposes only and may feature options at extra cost.

Citroën C4 Picasso The BlueHDi 120 rounds off Citroën’s C4 Picasso line-up, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR People carrier PRICE £17,540–£27,730 FUEL 50.4 –74.3mpg CO2 99–134g/km

C

itroën has completed the Euro 6 engine line‐up for its C4 Picasso and C4 Grand Picasso people‐carriers, with the launch of the BlueHDi 120. Replacing the previous 115hp diesel engine and expected to be by far the most popular option for UK buyers, the 1.6‐litre BlueHDi 120 comes as standard with Start/Stop technology and can be ordered with a six‐speed manual gearbox or a much improved six‐speed fully automatic transmission.

Citroën claims combined fuel figures with the manual gearbox of up to 74.3mpg for C4 Picasso and 70.6mpg for the seven‐seat Grand C4 Picasso. CO2 emissions are set at 100g/km and 105g/km respectively. There is almost no difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

The company has also introduced the three‐cylinder 1.2‐ litre PureTech 130 petrol engine in both cars. However, with UK buyers opting almost exclusively for diesel power, 98% in C4 Picasso, the 130hp engine will make little impact here despite promising up to 56.5mpg and 115g/km.

With almost 80% of C4 Picasso models sold to fleet buy‐ ers in the UK, and 88.4% of Grand Picassos, Citroën now offers a full Euro 6 line‐up of two petrol engines and three diesels across both models. All of the diesel engines have Start/Stop as standard and both the BlueHDi 120 and the BlueHDi 150 can be ordered with a choice of manual or

M

automatic transmissions. The BlueHDi 100 is available with manual only.

On the road, the 120hp diesel engine is more than power‐ ful enough to keep pace with busy autoroute traffic and deliv‐ ers rapid acceleration if required. When combined with the six‐speed automatic transmission, it offers a very relaxed driving environment and impressively low noise levels, which suit the laid‐back style of the family‐friendly Picasso models.

The BlueHDi 120 makes a welcome addition to the C4 Picasso line‐up, offering improved power with no sacrifice in economy or BiK.

Love to beat the competition Love the tiny whole life costs Love the huge spec Love award-winning New Corsa

Mine

W Warm bums, with heated seats

VAUXHALL FLEET Call 0870 010 0651 | visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

Extra-urban 57.6 (4.9) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions 140 – 85g/km.

Book your FREE* 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk or call 0870 240 4848

(3 years/60,000 miles) based on independently supplied data by CAP (April 2015). * = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details.

Peugeot 208 More power and economy boost Peugeot's popular hatch, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £11,695–£21,995 FUEL 52.3–94.2mpg CO2 79–125g/km

P

the 308 and 2008. The compact steering wheel is now eugeot’s B‐segment 208 hatch remains the French leather‐trimmed from Active specification up and the seven‐ firm’s best selling car, both in the UK and across inch touchscreen remains standard from Active trim.

Europe. More than 32,400 three and five‐door mod‐ New technologies for 208 include a reversing camera that els found customers here last year, with 45% of sales going uses the touchscreen as a monitor, plus the option of Active to fleets. Of that number, 59% relied on petrol power, City Brake, which works at speeds up to 20mph. As well as reflecting both the rising efficiency of smaller petrol engines standard Bluetooth, USB and Peugeot Connected apps, the and the lower mileages that B‐segment cars typically travel. touchscreen also offers MirrorLink, allowing drivers with an Behind the more assertive ‘3D’ grille, sharper front Android smartphone to show the phone’s homescreen and to bumper, two‐tone headlamps and LED signature lights there use driving‐related smartphone apps in the car. Apple iPhone are a range of Euro 6 petrol and diesel motors, offering up connectivity is expected to become available later this year. to 94.2mpg and CO2 levels as low as 79g/km.

Accentuating the new look, with its 3D These include extensions to the three‐ LED ‘claw’ rear lights, Peugeot is offer‐ cylinder PureTech petrol line‐up, with ing two textured paint finishes, in Ice Stop/Start technology now standard on Grey and Ice Silver. Produced on the line the 1.2‐litre turbocharged 110hp model. alongside more conventional colours, The 1.2‐litre PureTech engines, in both the matt finish has a granular feel thanks 82hp and 110hp versions, are expected to fine particles of silica and micro‐bal‐ to be the biggest sellers in the petrol loons of polyamide. Peugeot insists that line‐up. There is also the option of a 1.6‐ the finish is both easy to clean and more litre THP petrol engine in GTi and GTi by resistant to scratching. It will cost £645, Peugeot Sport models, offering 208hp. the same as a pearlescent colour.

Those looking for diesel power will be Also new to 208 is a GT Line trim level, offered the 1.6‐litre BlueHDi engine with adopting many of the styling cues of the 75hp, which should be the most popular, full GTi model, but without the power. plus 100hp and a range‐topping 120hp.

The GT Line will be available with the The two lower powered diesels and all of The 208 is a well-built 110hp PureTech petrol or a choice of the PureTech petrol engines have five‐ hatchback with a fine 100hp and 120hp BlueHDi diesels. speed manual gearboxes, while the choice of engines, In the UK, Peugeot will offer seven trim 120hp diesel comes with a six‐speed levels, from the base Access A/C, to the gearbox as standard. A six‐speed auto‐ delivering impressive range‐topping GTi by Peugeot Sport. Top matic transmission is available as an fuel and CO2 figures. selling fleet models are expected to be option on the 110hp PureTech model.

There should be somethe Active trim with 82hp PureTech Peugeot has continued with the i‐Cock‐ thing to suit all tastes. engine or BlueHDi 75hp motor, plus the pit cabin layout first seen at the 2012 Allure trimmed 82hp petrol model. launch of the 208, and since adopted in

what we think

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

The new Passat

looks as good on the road, as it does on a spreadsheet The Volkswagen Passat is an all-new car for 2015 – raising the game from its already high-quality predecessor.

It features advanced technologies and sophisticated assistance systems, providing new levels of comfort, luxury and performance.

The innovative lightweight design combined with sustainable engine technology reduces emissions, operating costs and fuel consumption to new low levels, benefiting both the environment and your pocket.

Auto Express award the new Passat 5 stars

A range of economical engines

+++++

“ Refinement and comfort are class-leading, plus with tauter handling it’s more engaging than Passats of old.”

See, hear and feel the luxury

Find out how good the new Passat is 0870 333 2229 Email us vglenquiries@vwfs.co.uk Visit makingleasingsimple.co.uk/newpassat State-of-the-art technology Model shown is new Passat SE Business 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology with optional metallic paint. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litre/100km) for the new Passat range: Urban 43.5 (6.5) – 62.8 (4.5); extra urban 60.1 (4.7) – 78.5 (3.6); combined 52.3 (5.4)– 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions 140-103g/km. Information correct at time of print.

Track...

SPONSORED BY

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

...and talk There was something for everyone at the Fleet Show 2015, with hundreds of fleet managers descending upon sunny Silverstone for the biggest and best fleet show ever... →

fleetworld.co.uk / 35

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Nearly 100 exhibitors ensured that there were plenty of new and innovative products for fleets to discover.

H

alls one, two and three of the Silverstone Wing once again offered atten‐ dees the chance to get to grips with the latest developments in the leet industry thanks to a wide range of exhibiting suppliers.

The event saw the launches of a number of new products, including a manage‐ ment solution for fleet expenses from MileageCount and aCloud Expense, a vehicle management package from Fleet Evolution and Ogilvie Fleet’s latest salary sacrifice offering.

With the abolition of the driving licence counterpart looming, licence checking suppliers took the opportunity to showcase their solutions. Driving Monitor presented its new DVLA licence checking service with a live demonstration, while Jaama explained how its bespoke service can help leets stay compliant.

Cutting‐edge automotive technology was on display on the POD Point and EVconnectors stands, with the charging point suppliers showcasing a selection of products for both business and consumer markets. XSNANO, meanwhile, presented its unique water‐based fuel catalyst which is designed to reduce emis‐ sions and improve mpg performance.

Bulb Things demonstrated how its innovative solution can help organisations manage vehicles and equipment using the Cloud, and was one of many exhibitors to present online solutions. Pendragon Vehicle Management showcased its new leet management platform, and vehicle rental specialist Nexus explained how customers can book a vehicle in 10 seconds using its enhanced dashboard.

Fuel card solutions were an important discussion topic, and Fleet Show sponsor Barclaycard presented its fuel card offering Fuel+ in association with The Miles Consultancy’s Mileage Capture platform. Representatives from a number of other suppliers, including Esso Card and fuelGenie, were also on hand to discuss how fuel cards can help leets save money and improve data accuracy.

Visitors were given exclusive access to a number of special Show offers, such as fuel cards with no additional fees for visitors to the Fuelmate stand, and special service rates for attendees who spoke to Halfords Autocentres’ representatives.

There were also multiple prizes on offer with competitions and business card drops, including entrance to the Goodwood Festival of Speed courtesy of Mileage‐ Count, and tickets to a premium West End show with ICFM. Fleet managers who missed out on the goodies on offer can take solace in the fact that a provisional date of 11th May 2016 has already been set for next year – with work having begun to ensure the 2016 Fleet Show is better than ever.

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 37

→

SPONSORED BY

Stand & deliver Hundreds of fleet operators took the opportunity to catch up with suppliers in-between the thousands of test drives taking place throughout the day. With record attendances and hundreds of cars available to test, the driving area of Silverstone was constantly buzzing.

→

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

Star cars...

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T

he Fleet Show gave visitors their irst chance to drive a slew of vital new corporate models. These included the new Jaguar XE sports saloon, which the maker is aiming squarely at the German brands that currently dominate the compact executive sector of the leet market.

Stable‐mate Land Rover had the new Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.2d in HSE Lux and HSE versions available for test driv‐ ing, while BMW had the latest addition to its One Series model range in the shape of the 116d Ef icient Dynamics.

Fleet market leader Ford previewed the all‐new Mondeo, including the petrol hybrid along with the country’s top‐selling

Fiesta, the Kuga SUV and the Focus ST with its irst ever diesel engine. Rival Vauxhall gave leet visitors the chance to evaluate the newly‐launched Corsa supermini.

Among brand new models on show at Silverstone were Kia’s all‐new Sorento, while Hyundai brought the new i20 and the facelifted i30. Mazda premiered the new Mazda2, along with current year upgrades for the Mazda6 and the CX‐5.

Amongst new cars making their debuts at Silverstone as static displays were the latest generation of the iconic Peugeot 208 supermini, while Swedish manufacturer, Volvo gave leet buyers their irst glimpse of the XC90 luxury SUV.

Getting behind the wheel A wide range of new models were available to test-drive.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

→

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42 / fleetworld.co.uk

It’s not all work, work, work!

While the Fleet Show is a great opportunity to catch up with suppliers and clients, there was still plenty of time to get out on the Silverstone circuits and have some fun testing the latest fleet models, and a few more exotic models too‌

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

2015 Fleet Driver of the Year crowned at Silverstone This year’s Fleet Show once again saw the country’s top company car drivers fight it out for the Fleet Driver of the Year title.

DriveTech

D

evised to put the abilities and skills of the UK’s leet drivers to the ultimate test, the 2015 Fleet Driver of the Year competition has once more played a key role in highlighting how important it is to target driver behaviour when it comes to cutting cost, risk and CO2 output.

This is the third year that the competition has been held by ALD Automotive, in association with Fleet World magazine, and event partners AA DriveTech and Toyota & Lexus Fleet Services.

The four‐stage competition included comprehensive testing of entrants’ knowledge of the Highway Code as well as an independent online psychometric assess‐ ment backed by 25 years of academic research.

Entrants also had their driving technique monitored for four weeks through in‐vehicle telematics, using ALD Automotive’s award‐winning ProFleet2 telematics to gain a unique on‐the‐road insight.

This year saw Stuart Parry, sales executive for NWN Media Ltd, take the coveted title, joined on the podium

by David Spruce of Neopost in second place and Andy Roberts of Univar, who came third.

David Yates, marketing director of ALD Automotive, said: “We were very impressed by the standard of driv‐ ing this year, as demonstrated by the in‐vehicle telem‐ atics monitoring, which saw very few drivers picking up events for issues that impacted on performance or safety, such as speeding. In addition, those drivers who did trigger events soon showed signi icant improve‐ ments in safety and fuel ef iciency, underscoring the bene its of the technology.

“Whilst Fleet Driver of the Year has been designed to be fun for competitors, it also has a more serious message of the need for safer driving. It also shows the clear benefits of using technology, including telem‐ atics, to provide a valuable insight into driver behav‐ iour, which can then be acted on through bespoke training as part of comprehensive road risk manage‐ ment policy.”

Jon Hunt, manager, Toyota & Lexus Fleet Marketing, added: “Toyota and Lexus are keen supporters of the FDOTY, an initiative which promotes the best of British drivers and its perfectly with our philosophy of deliver‐ ing ef iciency and continuous improvement – as illus‐ trated by the launch this summer of our own British‐built leet favourites, the New Auris and New Avensis.”

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

3rd

1st

2nd

Stuart Parry, sales executive – NWN Media Ltd Mr Parry said he has done some driver training before but found that he learnt a lot from the event.

Commenting on his win, Mr Parry said: “I was really pleased but it was a complete shock. On the Finals Day I was paired up with David who came second and we both observed how it’s opened our eyes to driver safety, especially with the braking distances and how much more care we should take behind the wheel. The telematics moni‐ toring also made me really aware of how I was driving on a day‐to‐ day basis – I’ve become far more conscious of what I’m doing.”

And Mr Parry has already noticed the bene its, saying: “My fuel consumption has already improved dramatically. Driving to the Finals Day at Silverstone I was getting around 75mpg just by driving more carefully and being aware of what was going on around me.

Obviously this will bene it the company too.”

1st

Photos: Chris Britton @ ALD Automotive

David Spruce, Enterprise Mail account manager – Neopost UK Mr Spruce already has vast experience of driving and has an HGV licence, a motorcycle licence and has driven various vehi‐ cles and said he has always been acutely aware of his driving, so it was just a case of emphasising and ine‐tuning the right way.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed driving. Knowing that I’d be able to pitch myself against other drivers was something to enjoy. It was one of the best days I’ve ever had.”

He jokingly added: “I wouldn’t want other drivers to do it as they’d be up against me and I’d have less chance of winning next year! But I would de initely recommend it to everyone as you can learn so much from it, both in what you’re capable of achieving and what modern driving safety technology can do for you. It was also great to get some recognition for my company that I’d done well.”

2nd

Andy Roberts, product manager – Univar Mr Roberts said all four rounds put drivers to the test – and even after 33 years of driving there’s still plenty to learn!

He commented: “The whole process from round one on a web portal to the Final at Silverstone was a great experience.

“Driving with advanced telematics activated for four weeks was sometimes challenging but it pointed me in the direction of a driving mode that felt safer and increased my fuel consumption. Now the telematics are removed, I am still adopting a safer and more econom‐ ical method of driving. The Final at Silverstone was good fun with a sense of seriousness when we were challenged to the four rounds.

“The ultimate reward to the day was a chance to passenger professional racing drivers in Lexus and Toyota cars – a real expe‐ rience as to how cars can be driven – but I don’t think the ProFleet2 telematics report would have made good reading!”

3rd

→ fleetworld.co.uk / 45

SPONSORED BY

Towards the crash-free fleet?

It is claimed autonomous emergency braking systems can reduce rear-end collisions by more than a third. So what will it take for fleets to see the technology as a ‘must have’ rather than a ‘nice to have’? Julian Kirk asks a panel of experts at the Fleet Show.

→ Go Ultra Low...

N

eed to know more about ultra low emission vehicles? Go Ultra Low is a campaign backed by industry and Government to provide all the information needed. The campaign partners are Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswa‐ gen the Of ice for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Society of Motor Manufac‐ turers and Traders (SMMT).

Go Ultra Low supported the Environmen‐ tal Fleet Management seminar at the Fleet Show, chaired by Jonathan Mitchell, head of strategy at OLEV. The list of those attending included representatives from leasing companies, vehicle manufacturers, the BVRLA and electric infrastructure suppliers.

Mr Mitchell outlined how the EV market in the UK had risen by 300% in 2014 compared with 2013. He also told the semi‐ nar that leet uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) grew by over 400% in Q1 2015 compared with Q4 2014. The wide‐ ranging discussion included whole life costs, the effect of tax changes announced by the Government, the charging infra‐ structure, residual values and developing battery technology.Overall, most viewed EVs positively, with drivers said to like the driving experience and driving them progressively further as they got used to managing vehicle range and understood how they could use the charging infrastruc‐ ture to best advantage.

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

A

utomotive industry centre Thatcham is calling for the Govern‐ ment to take a lead and ensure that only cars equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are used across its leet.

Responding to a EuroNCAP report, the technology (which automati‐ cally brakes a car if it senses an accident is likely at speeds below 50kph) was found to reduce rear‐end crashes by 38%.

Thatcham’s chief technical of icer Andrew Miller said: "We would like to see the new Government take a lead in the UK and mandate only AEB‐ equipped cars across its own leet and champion the take‐up of AEB across the all‐important leet market."

And while leet professionals recognise the bene its of such systems, getting management buy‐in to include them as extra cost options on vehicles is often a battle.

Les Stiff, the accident prevention and reduction manager at parcel delivery irm Yodel, said: “It is a question of culture within some compa‐ nies – a lot of irms see accidents as a fact of life. Any technology built‐ in, preferably as standard, on light commercial vehicles will bene it us.”

According to Driving for Better Business director Adrian Walsh, the biggest problem is that managers do not understand that they need to invest to reduce accidents. He said: “There is not a leet manager who does not understand the issue, but very few manage to get in luence in the boardroom. It is only when a director takes an interest, especially one from the health and safety area, that things get done.”

Nigel Trotman, recently retired from his role as a strategic leet consultant at leasing irm Alphabet, agrees. Having seen the industry from both sides of the fence, he believes lease irms have a crucial role to play in increasing the uptake of technology such as AEB. He added: “Lease irms have got to get customers out to try the technology, because once you’ve tried it, you say ‘why not?’.”

Wayne Millward, now working in a consultancy role at Arval and a former leet manager at British Gas, added: “It’s about spreading the word and telling customers what is in the market and the bene its to them in terms of inance, corporate social responsibility and employee welfare.”

But it is cost that remains the biggest obstacle to adopting extra, more expensive technology, especially for public sector leets. Mark Green, leet manager at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, said: “It would be very hard to warrant us going with AEB because of the cost – Joe Public can analyse public expenditure so we have to be very careful.”

fleetweet...

Exhibitors and visitors took to social media to Tweet how their day went at the Fleet Show…

Venson Auto Solutions @Venson_Fleet We had a fantastic day at the #FleetShow yesterday – lovely to see so many of you there. Bring on 2016 already!

Opus Claim Solutions @opusclaims Exhibition equipment from @theFleetShow unpacked and back at the office. #longday but well worth it. #fleetshow UK Fuels @UKFuels There’s a great atmosphere here at the #FleetShow today.

FleetConnexions @FleetConnexions Thanks to everyone who saw us @theFleetShow! Hope you had as much fun as we did! We’ll see you next year #fleetshow2015 #fun #backtowork Circle Insurance @fleetinsure @ZenithVehicles Sorry we didn’t come round we were too busy with our stand.

We’ll come and see you next year!

ARI UK @ARIFleetUK There’s lots going on at #FleetShow this year at Silverstone!

Concorde Auto Centre @ConcordeCentre Awesome productive day @theFleetShow @SilverstoneUK. Great to meet so many fleet managers and companies like us using Epyx’s 1link !

RAC Business @RAC_Business Impressive sight @theFleetShow with motor manufacturers lined up in the sunshine at Silverstone.

Sean Cronin @croni486 Great day @theFleetShow, now planning the 366 miles home using the amazing Nissan LEAF.

Barclaycard Business @BcardBusiness @theFleetShow Thank you for a great day – we really enjoyed it :)

dh Licence Check @dhLicenceCheck Fantastic day @theFleetShow – lots of positivity around the system. If you’d like to see it, give us a call!

Selsia @selsiavac Great Fleet Show at Silverstone yesterday, well done to Fleet World. Good to meet so many interested fleet managers on our stand!

Peugeot Fleet @PeugeotFleet Excited to be at @TheFleetShow today at @SilverstoneUK #FleetShow Zenith @ZenithVehicles We’re having a great day @theFleetShow.

RAC Business @RAC_Business Been a busy morning @theFleetShow here at Silverstone.

UK Fuels @UKFuels Thank you @SilverstoneWing & @theFleetShow for an amazing show!

Hope to see you again next year.

Chargemaster @ChargemasterPlc Fantastic day @theFleetShow yesterday.

Thanks to everyone who called by.

Brake and Service World @BrakeSvceWorld @theFleetShow it was a brilliant event, see you next year! thanks from @BrakeSvceWorld PEAK Miles @PeakMiles Great day had by all #Renault #twizy #highlight #EV thank you @theFleetShow Chevin Fleet Solutions @ChevinTweet We look forward to next year’s #fleetshow event :-) Telogis UK @TelogisUK @TelogisUK had a great day at #Silverstone yesterday with @FleetWorldGroup for the Fleet Show 2015

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

...and more experiences from the day!

Delighted to be part of the Fleet Show again this year and due to the rapid growth in plug‐in electric vehicles being added to leets over the past twelve months, we feel it is an impor‐ tant event to showcase our range of charging systems.

James Jean-Louis, group commercial director, Chargemaster plc Fleet Show 2015, was our irst leet event we’ve attended as an exhibitor.

The location at Silverstone was fantas‐ tic and the quality of delegates was equally as good. We look forward to exhibiting at the show again next year.

James Brook, marketing manager, JR Rix & Sons We carried out some research by visit‐ ing last year’s Show and carefully selected the site for our stand as a result. We were delighted with the attendance at the event and saw a number of existing customers, plus some that we’d like to become clients over time. In all senses, we thought it was a very worthwhile event.

Paul Chater, sales director, IFC Fleet Services Group The Fleet Show was a success for dh Licence Check. We had a very busy day with lots of interest in the product. In fact, we had visitors to our stand before the show even opened!

Richard Owen-Hughes, group marketing director, dh Licence Check

This was our second year at the Fleet Show and we’ve already booked our space for 2016. The quality of the venue, the organisation and our stand location are always excellent. Moreover, we get to meet some great people from the leet sector with whom we develop long lasting business relationships.

Neil Marcus, marketing director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres This was the irst time Ogilvie has exhibited at The Fleet Show. It was great to have representatives from the entire leet industry under one roof and to have so many decision makers there also. We’ll de initely be back next year.

Richard Jessop, head of salary sacrifice, Ogilvie Fleet This was our irst time at Silverstone, and the event provided us with a great opportunity to display and discuss our products and services to key leet deci‐ sion makers.

Joe Bhamra M.I.M.I, commercial director, Prestige Motor Care We were delighted with the customer response to our vehicle line‐up, and the volume of test drives which took place during the day. The organisation of the event on‐site was very slick.

Nick Themistocleous, director, fleet operations, Ford of Britain

We found the show to be very well organised, with visitors made up of genuine prospective customers and a healthy mix of small business and corporate customers.

Katie Moore, B2B marketing manager [SMEs], RAC Business Without doubt the most successful show to date with increased number of guests enjoying the Silverstone experience.

Martin Wilson, fleet director, Hyundai Motor UK After preparing for weeks for the Launch of FleetConnexions we were overwhelmed at the positive response from all our visitors. New business relationships and existing , a great day and something for all in the industry, we look forward to next year’s Show Anthony Matthews, marketing manager, Accident Advice Helpline Direct Limited The reaction to the all‐new XC90 was fantastic. The hall was buzzing and we had some good quality conversations to follow up after the event. And then the sun came out, what more could you ask for?

Selwyn Cooper, head of business sales, Volvo Car UK

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

SEE YOU IN 2016!

The 2016 Fleet Show at Silverstone has already been booked, for Wednesday 11th May. See you there!

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

It… is raising the bar, and raising it again.

ARI is known and trusted by fleet management decision-makers worldwide for setting industry standards and controlling costs.

It is about people. Empowering them and rewarding performance.

Finding new ways of helping customers to do a better job—with increased efficiency, productivity and safety. It is about fleet management success. Moving the needle, and the bottom line.

Learn more about ARI’s professional fleet management services: 0844 8000 700 | www.arifleet.co.uk

2015 HONOURS

And the winner is...

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fleetworld.co.uk / 53

FLEETW RLD

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2015 HONOURS

Consulting

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Car Awards Presenting the awards is Andrew Fellows, director, CAP Consulting (left).

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Design of the Year Renault Twingo the best of “ Combining Renault's small car and MPV

Claire Atkinson-Greig picks up the award for Renault

”

expertise, the Twingo’s chic styling is a nod to the Renault 5, while its rear-mounted engine enables a large, flexible interior to fit a small, manoeuvrable body. Clever, customisable and great value, it’s Renault at its very best.

2015 HONOURS

Safety Award Volvo XC90

“

Selwyn Cooper collects the award for Volvo 54 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

The XC90 is the next stage of Volvo’s promise that nobody should be killed or seriously injured in its cars by 2020.

High levels of standard equipment and world-first technology in an ultra-strong bodyshell show the carmaker continues to set high standards for safety.

2015 HONOURS

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Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Outlander PHEV’s “ The phenomenal success has

”

transformed Mitsubishi’s fleet presence. Over 10,000 sold here in its first eight months, overtaking the LEAF’s four-year sales to become the UK’s best-selling plug-in. With investment in dealers and expanding production, it’s only the beginning.

2015 HONOURS

Stewart McKee picks up the award for Mitsubishi

Technology Award Tesla Silicon Valley approach “ Tesla’s is shaking up the premium

”

sector, including a long range and short charging times, with on-board technology which can receive new features via overthe air updates. Add in high performance, luxury and coupe styling, and it’s no wonder it’s generating so much interest.

2015 HONOURS

Georg Ell collects the award for Tesla

Road Test Editor’s Award Ecotricity Electric Highway charging transforms “ Rapid EV ownership. The Electric

”

Highway offers an 80% charge in around half an hour at most service stations across the UK, enabling long-distance driving using renewable energy.

It’s widely used and removes a seemingly impossible hurdle to EV uptake.

2015 HONOURS

Simon Crowfoot picks up Ecotricity’s award fleetworld.co.uk / 55

2015 HONOURS

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Fleet Manufacturer of the Year Mercedes-Benz

“ A recent winner of our Most

Nick Andrews picks up the award for Mercedes-Benz

”

Improved Fleet Manufacturer, the progression has continued for Mercedes-Benz with year-on-year fleet sales increases and an everstrengthening line-up. The result is a wide range of cars and an offering that is second to none in the fleet market.

2015 HONOURS

Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer Nissan has invested heavily in “ Nissan its fleet team in recent years,

Michael Stewart collects Nissan’s award

”

launched excellent new cars, revamped its website and enforced new fleet service standards on its network. Sales in the corporate sector have also increased, meaning that the firm is increasingly a major force in fleet.

2015 HONOURS

Best New Car Jaguar XE

“

Jon Wackett collects the award for the Jaguar XE 56 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

A brilliant new addition to the compact executive sector, with handsome looks, a classleading, brand new diesel engine, strong whole-life costs and high RV predictions. Not only that, but it is wonderfully refined and drives incredibly well too. A sure-fire winner in the corporate market.

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2015 HONOURS

2015 HONOURS Best City Car Hyundai i10 smallest sector is also “ The the most demanding, and

Martin Wilson picks up the award for Hyundai

”

Hyundai is leading the pack.

Sales of 25,000 units in its first year set a new record for a Korean car, and take-up is heavily weighted towards top trim levels. It shows demand is driven by desirability as well as running costs.

2015 HONOURS

Best Small Car Vauxhall Corsa Corsa accounts for one “ The in 27 cars sold in the UK, but

Mike Brown collects the award for Vauxhall Corsa

”

Vauxhall isn’t resting on its laurels. It’s now better to drive, higher quality and filled with useful new technology. Yet it remains fantastic value, with CO2 emissions from 85g/km, and trim levels specifically targeting business users.

2015 HONOURS

Best Lower Medium Car Ford Focus overhaul has put “ Athethorough Focus back at the top of

Claire Killwick picks up the award for Ford 58 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

this segment. It sets new benchmarks for ride and handling, and almost all UK cars will get the intuitive new touchscreen system. From the 88g/km Econetic to the sporty ST, there’s a Focus to suit most needs.

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Best Premium Lower Medium Car Audi A3 set out the formula for “ Audi this segment with the original

”

A3, and has continued to innovate. It is as beautifully built and sharply styled as ever, and the recentlylaunched e-tron plug-in hybrid shows advanced technology remains at the heart of the brand.

2015 HONOURS

Tom Brennan collects the award for Audi

Best Upper Medium Car Volkswagen Passat lighter and more “ Smaller, fuel-efficient than its

”

predecessor, yet larger inside, the Passat shows premium quality isn’t the reserve of the premium brands, while the new SE Business trim offers all the essentials the fleet-heavy customer base demands.

2015 HONOURS

Mark Johnson collects the award for Volkswagen

Best Compact Executive Mercedes-Benz C-Class and feeling like a “ Looking downsized S-Class, the

”

technology-rich C-Class is home to the best interior in the segment and features a wide choice of engines, including a diesel hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

This should prove invaluable for the brand’s aspirations in the premium sector.

2015 HONOURS

Sally Dennis collects Best Compact Executive Award fleetworld.co.uk / 59

2015 HONOURS Best Estate Car Skoda Octavia luggage volume “ Extensive with under-floor storage and

Davina West collects the award for Skoda

”

a folding passenger seat show Skoda knows exactly what customers need from an estate car. Yet it manages to offer high value and premium quality across a broad range of engines and fleet-focused trim levels.

2015 HONOURS

Best Crossover Nissan Qashqai a swell of new “ Despite competition, the Qashqai

Michael Stewart picks up the Best Crossover Award

”

remains the benchmark. It’s the only car in its class to offer CO2 emissions under 100g/km, and strong RVs reflect ongoing desirability. With purposeful styling, clever technology and hatchback-like agility, Nissan is leading the pack.

2015 HONOURS

Best SUV Range Rover Sport

“

Jon Wackett collects the Best SUV Award 60 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

The Sport feels a cut above the rest of the SUV segment, taking the luxury of the full-size Range Rover and condensing it. Generously equipped, widespread use of aluminium means it’s also better to drive and more fuel efficient than ever, without compromising off-road ability.

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Best MPV Citroën C4 Picasso has form as a “ Citroën manufacturer of excellent

”

MPVs, and the C4 Picasso takes full advantage of this.

Infinitely practical yet also distinctive and stylish, the Grand C4 Picasso also remains the only seven-seat MPV to emit less than 100g/km CO2 without hybrid technology.

2015 HONOURS

Dave Holden picks up the award for Citroën

Best Executive Car Audi A6 A6 Ultra has “ The transformed its offering in

”

the fleet sector. High power with low CO2 means an executive doesn’t have to choose one or the other, and it’s available across a choice of sporty and luxurious trim levels too. It makes the A6 a very strong contender.

2015 HONOURS

Tom Brennan picks up the award for the Audi A6

Best Luxury Car Mercedes-Benz S-Class S-Class continues to set “ The the benchmark with its quality,

”

comfort and refinement, and, while many imitate, few manage to beat it. The choice of super smooth diesels, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains mean there is always the right type of car for every senior executive.

2015 HONOURS

Sally Dennis collects Best Luxury Car Award fleetworld.co.uk / 61

2015 HONOURS Innovation in... Awards

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Customer Service Tusker four tier customer “ Tusker’s service model uses

Iain Carmichael picks up the award for Tusker

”

individual experts at each specific stage to help employees through their salary sacrifice car choice.

The result is it is resolving 8,000 customer service enquiries every month, with a 97% satisfaction score.

2015 HONOURS

Contract Hire & Leasing Arval has introduced a raft of new “ Arval innovations: its Smart Experience

Robert Pieczka collects the award for Arval

”

dashboard and website, e-billing system, new account teams and the relaunch of its Driver Solutions package combine to offer its leasing customers a smarter, more efficient way to run their fleet, saving them both money and time.

2015 HONOURS

Service, Maintenance & Repair BMW Group

“

Matt Bristow picks up the award for BMW 64 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

It takes a lot of confidence to let drivers make unfiltered comments about your customer service on your website, but BMW’s Five Star Customer Rating System does exactly that. It’s a level of transparency in its aftersales service not seen before in the industry.

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Remarketing Manheim mobile auction “ Manheim’s unit brings defleeting to you,

James Davis picks up the award for Manheim

”

and the internet. With a bespoke double cab as a base, webcam, PA system and TV screens, vehicles can be sold there and then with hundreds of buyers joining live by Simulcast, taking at least one movement out of the chain.

2015 HONOURS

Telematics BMW Group is a mobile “ ConnectedDrive office on the road, allowing

Matt Bristow picks up the award for BMW

”

drivers to send their BMW emails, meeting notes, diary dates and directions, get in touch with an operator if they need help or advice, and receive real-time traffic information.

It integrates car, driver and a working life seamlessly.

2015 HONOURS

Risk Management Licence Bureau

“

Malcolm Maycock picks up the award for Licence Bureau 66 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

The slick new Compliance Managed Services portal allows fleets to analyse and manage their risk across HR, the DVLA, insurance and incident management, while offering alerts and interventions where needed, and is available on smartphones, tablets and desktop.

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Daily Rental Hertz 24/7 keyless entry “ Hertz’s and fleet management

Kevin Licorish picks up the award for Hertz

”

system for pool fleets uses a PIN pad and ‘swipe and go’ option allowing cars to be booked around the clock without the need for paperwork and keys. It has cut customer costs by a third as a result.

2015 HONOURS

Driver Management Lex Autolease Autolease’s new Driver “ Lex Portal helps employees choose

Christian Hook collects Lex Autolease’s award

”

their next vehicle by narrowing down their requirements and benchmarking competitors.

Once ordered, they can track their order’s progress, and use the Portal to book services and repairs, arrange new tyres and log their mileage.

2015 HONOURS

Fuel Saving & Management Barclaycard & TMC

“

Sarah Bunting and Paul Jackson pick up the award for Barclaycard and TMC 68 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

Fuel+ allows customers to see their fuel spend in real time, while scanning reports for anomalies that could be linked to fraud. With Chip and PIN and VAT-approved invoices, it is robust and time-saving, and also guarantees cost savings as well as offering indemnity against misuse by cardholders.

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Winner of the Innovation in Fuel Saving and Management award Barclaycard Fuel+, developed in association with The Miles Consultancy (TMC), is the next generation fuel card†, proven to reduce Ƅeet fuel expenses Ey an average of * ,tŠs powered Ey 9isa, meaning it’s accepted almost everywhere** and features an awardwinning Mileage Capture and Audit system. With no transaction charges and total visiEility, you can taNe full control of your Eusiness fuel spend. ,t’s the clear way to move your Ƅeet forward.

With Chip and 3,1 technology and 9AT-approved invoices, the Fuel+ system is roEust and time-saving for Ƅeets.

Steve Moody, (ditor, Fleet World Maga]ine To see how our fuel solution could maNe a diƂerence to your Eusiness, visit Earcla\card co uN Eusiness Ƃeetworld or call 0844 822 2400.^

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It’s called Fuel+ for a reason

3lease note that, at present, Fuel+ is availaEle only to organisations with a Eusiness fuel spend of more than e , p.a.

*This is Eased on the ƃrst year Eusiness fuel savings of TMC customers calculated in . TMC is a trading name of The Miles Consultancy /td, a provider of Mileage, Fuel and MoEility Management solutions. 5egistered 2ƅce TMC +ouse, Minshull 9ernon, Cheshire CW 5-. **3lease note that a few small fuel retailers with a shop may Ee classiƃed Ey their 9isa processing EanN as a supermarNet or convenience store and your card may therefore Ee declined. 2nly an outlet classiƃed as a fuel retailer will accept your card. ^For BT Eusiness customers, calls will cost no more than . p per minute, minimum call charge p (current at May ). The price on non-BT phone lines may Ee diƂerent.

Calls may Ee monitored and or recorded.

Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays BanN 3/C. Barclays BanN 3/C is authorised Ey the 3rudential 5egulation Authority and regulated Ey the Financial Conduct Authority and the 3rudential 5egulation Authority (Financial 6ervices 5egister 1umEer ) and suEscriEes to the /ending Code which is monitored and enforced Ey the /ending 6tandards Board. 5egistered in (ngland 1o . 5egistered 2ƅce Churchill 3lace, /ondon ( +3.

2015 HONOURS Cost Reduction Alphabet excellent “ Alphabet’s Business Mobility Roadmap

David Jones picks up the award for Alphabet

”

is a combination of consultation and mobility solutions that allows fleets to map out sustainable travel plans. The result is that fleets using it have seen huge reductions in the cost of employee travel.

2015 HONOURS

Accident Management Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres flexibility of the Selsia “ The Central web portal ensures

Neville Lidford collects the award for Selsia

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

”

that everyone involved in an accident is kept in the loop, all of the time. It liaises with all parties, insurance, the repairers and the fleet, with the result that administration and management costs are as much as halved.

2015 HONOURS

sponsored by

Consulting

Consulting

Mobile Communications Chevin Fleet Solutions FleetWave Mobile is “ Chevin’s one of the most flexible, cost

�

effective mobile apps we’ve seen for managing a mobile workforce. It allows paperless audit trails, pre-built forms and data capture such as mileage logs and expenses, all without the need for internet access or mobile reception.

2015 HONOURS

Joanne Barwell picks up the award for Chevin

!

ARE YOU TIRED OF CHEAP UPFRONT DEALS WITH HIDDEN END OF CONTRACT RECHARGES?

" "

fleetworld.co.uk / 71

FLEETW RLD 2015 HONOURS Fleet Manager Awards sponsored by

As sponsor of the 2015 Fleet World Honours Awards, Audi Fleet has built a reputation as one of the most competent organisations in the fleet industry.

With a broad infrastructure, Audi Fleet Sales can offer tailored solutions to fleets of all sizes and has the strength to deliver real-world solutions right across the corporate spectrum.

To find out more, visit www.audi.co.uk/fleet-sales

Fleet Environment Award Small Fleets Jesus Fellowship Life Trust

Ed Hunt and Richard Parker collect the award from Andrew Benfield, Energy Saving Trust and Tom Brennan, Audi

Large Fleets Birmingham City Council

Sylvia Broadley collects the honours from Andrew Benfield, Energy Saving Trust and Tom Brennan, Audi

Fleet Safety Award Small Fleets Iron Mountain

Philip Hayes and Susan Woodhouse collect the honours from Adrian Walsh, RoadSafe and Tom Brennan, Audi 72 / fleetworld.co.uk

Large Fleets Centrica

Jon York collects the award for Centrica from Adrian Walsh, RoadSafe and Tom Brennan, Audi

2015 HONOURS at a glance

CAR AWARDS

Consulting

INNOVATION AWARDS

Consulting

Consulting

Design of the Year

Renault Twingo

Safety Award Best ULEV

Volvo XC90 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Technology Award

Tesla

Road Test Editor’s Award

Ecotricity Electric Highway

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

Mercedes-Benz

Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer

Nissan

Best New Car

Jaguar XE

Best City Car

Hyundai i10

Best Small Car

Vauxhall Corsa

Best Lower Medium Car Best Premium Lower Medium Car Best Upper Medium Car

Consulting

Contract Hire & Leasing

Arval

Customer Service

Tusker

Service, Maintenance & Repair Remarketing

BMW Group Manheim

Telematics

BMW Group

Risk Management

Licence Bureau

Driver Management

Lex Autolease

Daily Rental

Hertz

Fuel Saving & Management

Barclaycard & TMC

Cost Reduction

Alphabet

Accident Management

Ford Focus

Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres

Audi A3

Mobile Communications Chevin Fleet Solutions

Volkswagen Passat

Best Compact Executive Mercedes-Benz C-Class

FLEET MANAGER AWARDS Fleet Environmental Award

Best Estate Car

Skoda Octavia

Best Crossover

Nissan Qashqai

Small Fleets

Jesus Fellowship Life Trust

Best SUV

Range Rover Sport

Large Fleets

Birmingham City Council

Best MPV

Citroën C4 Picasso

Fleet Safety Award

Best Luxury Car Best Executive Car

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Small Fleets

Iron Mountain

Audi A6

Large Fleets

Centrica

fleetworld.co.uk / 73

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Mazda6 (mk1)

A

era 2002-2007

UK sales 78,417

lthough Mazda has since abandoned its ‘Zoom Zoom’ slogan, the original Mazda6 was a formative launch for the brand when it was unveiled back in 2002. The first in a new line of products, this was the car charged with giving it a footprint in fleet, adopting a little of the driver focus of the MX-5 and scaling it up to a family car.

Despite being part-owned by Ford at the time, it helped that the platform underneath Mazda’s newcomer had been designed in-house. This gave the Mazda6 a rigid body on a relatively long wheelbase with no expense spared on the suspension setup, which included double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle, both aimed at giving it excellent handling and a supple ride.

That long wheelbase had packaging advantages too.

The Mazda6 could claim one of the largest luggage capacities and most generous rear legroom in its class, while the estate and hatchback shared a clever folding rear bench which could be operated with one hand, giving a flat load floor. Aesthetically, dynamically and in terms of packaging, this was worlds ahead of the 626 it replaced, with press recognition including the ‘Best Newcomer’ title at the 2002 Fleet World Honours.

From launch, UK buyers were offered a choice five four-cylinder engines, comprising 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrols, and two versions of Mazda’s own 2.0-litre common-rail diesel, equipped with a dual-mass

74 / fleetworld.co.uk

successor Mazda6 (2008-2012)

flywheel for added refinement. At the very top of the range, Mazda equipped the 6 with a 256bhp 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol and four-wheel drive. Badged MPS, it’s become a desirable rarity in the UK, despite not being directly replaced in subsequent models.

The Mazda6 had become the brand’s biggest-selling model by the time a subtle facelift arrived in 2005. This masked heavy upgrades under the skin, including a stiffer body with retuned suspension and plenty of extra sound-deadening material as part of efforts to improve NVH. Minor tweaks inside included swapping the cheap-looking silver centre console for a gloss black surround, giving it a more European feel.

Both diesel engines were overhauled in 2006 to meet Euro 4, with a new common-rail system, particulate filter and variable turbocharger, as well as alterations to the combustion cycle to reduce NOx output. This also boosted power from 134bhp to 142bhp for the more powerful of the two engines, while fuel consumption improved from 43.5mpg to 47.1mpg on both versions.

Mazda replaced the forerunner of its new product range in 2007, moving that sports-focused concept forward in the process. Now in its third generation, the Mazda6 is a staple part of a fleet line-up which is continuing to grow in popularity – Mazda is targeting a 25% year-on-year uplift during the next 12 months. While it’s never had the cult appeal of the MX-5, this remains one of the most important launches in the brand’s history, and a game-changer for its fleet presence.

® © 2015 TomTom Telematics B.V. TomTom ® and the logo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by TomTom N.V. and its affiliates. Our limited warranty applies to this product. You can review it at www.business.tomtom.com/legal

SAVE FUEL TOGETHER.

Vehicle tracking • Flee Ve et o ptimiss atio et o n • Wo Work rk k fo forc rc ce ma m nageme ment nt • Gr Gree een n an and d sa safe fe • B Bus usin ines esss in inte t grat a ion

EMPOWER YOUR TEAM TO DRIVE MORE RESPONSIBLY Give your drivers direct insight into driving behaviour so that together you can slash your fleet’s fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. WEBFLEET ® brings your drivers and office staff closer together, working better as a team.

Call 0208 822 3605 or E-mail business.uk@tomtom.com to arrange a free demonstration of WEBFLEET ®.

www.tomtom.com/telematics

FEATURE Back to Basics

6 steps to better...

Fleet software We talk to the experts about ways to monitor costs, measure efficiency and maintain and overview of fleet activity using fleet software solutions. By Katie Beck.

1

Benchmark performance

To run a safe fleet 24/7, driv‐ ers need constant benchmarking of their driving performance, leading many organisations to seek more sustained approaches than just one‐off driver training. Fleet software and tracking devices can provide the neces‐ sary information to create a profile of a driver’s key strengths and weaknesses, and help to improve driver efficiency.

So says John Cameron, general manager of Trimble Fleet Solutions: “Mobile apps, developed to allow drivers themselves to monitor their driving behaviour by getting data from the vehi‐ cle sent to their smartphone, are fast making an impact. For the driver, having the intelligence of how they are perform‐ ing at their ingertips greatly increases their road awareness and empowers them to make immediate improvements to be a better, safer driver. For the busi‐ ness, it can bene it from mitigated risk, a reduction in accidents and boast a safer workforce out on the road.”

2

Track SLAs

Management software can help keep track of expendi‐ ture and ensure that agreed Service Leasing Agreements (SLAs) set at the time of a rental contract being taken out are met.

“Our online system, IRIS, delivers rental booking and management for customers whilst providing a platform for suppliers to monitor performance against bespoke Service Leasing Agree‐ ments (SLAs),” explains David Brennan,

76 / fleetworld.co.uk

CEO of Nexus Vehicle Rental.

“IRIS streamlines the booking process, allowing customers to easily manage all rental through one portal and offers access to a number of report‐ ing tools to keep track of spend, service levels and invoicing via the dashboard.

It also manages pre and post rental administration including the manage‐ ment of damage and fines to minimise administrative costs.”

3

Ensure compliance

Risk management can be simplified through the adop‐ tion of a managed services portal which allows fleets to specify which risks need to be controlled, and track notifications accordingly. The Licence Bureau offers a Compliance Managed Services (CMS) portal to help fleets maintain a compre‐ hensive overview of their driver’s legal

status: “Our system allows for all staff to be identified as drivers or non‐ drivers so additional HR issues can also be managed,” says Malcolm Maycock, managing director of Licence Bureau.

“The system is linked to the DVLA, through which we make initial licence checks as well as rechecks and provide full driving entitlement. Automatic alerts can again be set depending on the company its style of vehicles and of course its appetite for risk e.g. over six points.”

4

Manage assets

Asset management software can help leets keep track of resources ranging from handheld devices through to vehicles, ensuring they are always available when needed and associated costs are controlled.

“Allowing management of all of a user’s assets in one place makes it much easier to control everything while keeping down costs,” explains Leslie Depond of BulbThings, an asset management specialist.

“BulbThings will connect your assets via a single, Cloud‐based solu‐ tion and as more things get connected, the solution will allow the tracking and management of them all.”

“Fleet software gives managers a birds‐eye view of the entire field oper‐ ation, checking the overall health, profitability and productivity of the fleet, whilst ensuring the workforce is operating the vehicle/asset safely as intended,” adds Paul Reynolds of logis‐ tics‐based services provider, Telogis.

→

FEATURE Back to Basics

6 steps to better...

Fleet software 5

Control fuel costs

Fuel reports can help to mitigate fuel spend by monitoring usage and pinpointing inefficiencies. Available through fleet software supplier Fleetio’s customer portal, Fuel Summary Report allows users to view summarised fuel metrics for single or multiple vehicles, all in one view.

The summary data is calculated across all vehicles returned in the list and, through the use of filters and column sorting of data, can provide details such as which vehicle has the best/worst MPG, what the average cost per mile for each vehicle is, and how many gallons of fuel was purchased for the fleet over a specified period. Using this data the fleet opera‐ tor can make informed decisions about whether the vehicle parc needs to be upgraded, or employees could benefit from eco‐driving training.

“Software can greatly help improve the accuracy of vehicle scheduling.”

credit: Freepik

→

78 / fleetworld.co.uk

6

Accurate route planning

The more accurate the informa‐ tion available to the fleet opera‐ tor during the planning process, the more realistic the final route plan will be. This can have a positive impact on driver work‐ loads, vehicle utilisation and predicted arrival times, helping to boost customer service levels.

Software can help to improve the accu‐ racy of vehicle scheduling, as Charles Nock‐ old of fleet software specialist Paragon Software Systems, explains: “Where a company’s route analysis or day‐to‐day experience shows that routes in some regions are consistently faster or slower, the underlying speed settings can be adjusted to ensure that the routing result is as accu‐ rate as possible. Speed adjustments and updates about temporary road works or local events can be made at any time using Paragon software; ensuring scheduling systems are accurate and well calibrated.”

iPad

CASE STUDY REDUCING ADMINISTRATION Construction giant Skansa invested in Jaama’s Key2 software across its leet of 1,600 company cars, 650 light commercial vehicles and 250 heavy commercial vehicles to cut its leet administration burden and utilise data to deliver inancial savings.

Skanska’s expansion through acquisition meant the leet department was operating on two systems functioning in parallel which, according to head of leet Julie Madoui, was proving to be administratively cumbersome and operationally inef icient.

“The management information available has enabled us to remove lots of spreadsheets,” adds Ms Madoui. “The ability to link data from different parts of the system enables us to make business critical decisions and save money for our customers. We are already bene iting from some ‘quick wins’, which administratively include the ability to automate processes such as sending block emails to hundreds of people with automated chasers.”

MARKET OVERVIEW Telematics and Tracking

Ctrack

Box Telematics

Ctrack provides technically-advanced vehicle tracking and telematics solutions that deliver immediate benefits and financial returns resulting from the ability to better manage a fleet operation. As a result, meaningful management information is available in simple and intuitive formats, such as dashboards, reports and alerts, to provide added operational insight and business intelligence.

Ctrack delivers real advantage by enabling fleets of all sizes to address business critical performance issues as a result of greater operational visibility, control and efficiency. This includes reducing fuel consumption; validating overtime claims; eliminating unauthorised out-of-hours vehicle use; monitoring driver behaviour; achieving more jobs per employee; enhancing service levels; supporting environmental compliance; and increasing protection against vehicle theft.

Ctrack is part of DigiCore Holdings, a global company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with more than 830,000 tracking systems fitted in more than 50 countries across five continents.

BOX Telematics design, develop and manufacture innovative telematics products and services that reduce fleet’s running cost whilst increasing efficiencies. All their products are produced in the West Midlands, at their state of the art manufacturing facility.

Through their extensive Dealer network, BOX Telematics offers a variety of Fleet Management solutions based around any sized fleet. BOX Telematics’ web based portal provides a user friendly, easy to navigate platform whilst producing comprehensive reports about a Fleet.

From real time vehicle tracking and activity reporting, to monitoring driving behaviour or reducing maintenance costs, BOX Telematics has the solution. Contact us for more information.

Contact: Steve Thomas steve.thomas@ctrack.co.uk

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

Kinesis Kinesis is the brand new telematics solution from UK Fuels, which can be fully integrated with its fuel card and online account management system Velocity. It is designed to be one of the most affordable and yet powerful systems on the market.

For those customers that use a UK Fuels fuel card, Kinesis will link your fuel transactions with your vehicle mileage providing 100% accurate MPG figures. And because UK Fuels offers the widest range of fuel cards in the country there is always a station available for your fuelling needs.

A unique price guarantee makes Kinesis one of the most competitive price-per-vehicle telematics solutions available.

Plus, with no long term contracts, customers are free to add and remove vehicles at any time without penalties.

Tel: 08000 56 44 32 info@kinesisfleet.com

www.kinesisfleet.com

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

Join the debate... theukfleetforum.co.uk

80 / fleetworld.co.uk

Contact: Sales Support Team sales@boxtelematics.com

Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com

In-Car Cleverness In-Car Cleverness is a leading-edge telematics solution from the AIS Group, now featuring new business upgrades.

The development of an interchangeable device brings easy access to information on any fleet vehicle, while the device’s customisable firmware also allows businesses to tailor the data they record according to their individual requirements.

The device reads accurate data from the engine management system via the OBD port without interfering with diagnostic procedures or warranty issues.

As well as vehicle tracking, driver behaviour, journey reports and CO2 measurements, In-Car Cleverness provides remote vehicle fault diagnostics, accurate fuel measurement/mileages, service countdowns and digital accident reconstruction.

In-Car Cleverness also benefits from an iPhone/Android app and a 24/7 support centre.

Contact: Paul O’Dowd Tel: 01675 435 169 / 07824 14356 Paul.O'Dowd@incarcleverness.co.uk www.onboard.co.uk

Motrak The addition of fuel card technology helps make Motrak, a new next-generation telematics system, stand out from the crowd.

Devised by vehicle solutions business Motiva Group, Motrak can now integrate fuel card data to give fleet managers precise costs per mile.

Innovative internet-based software also features mileage capture, route overlay, driver league tables, traffic warnings and excess mileage alerts that can each be tailored to individual customers.

Motrak helps reduce costs, mitigate risk and increase efficiency with flexible pricing plans, free installation and exceptional levels of service.

Contact: Paul.Holdcroft paul.holdcroft@motivagroup.co.uk

Tel: 07836 228050 www.motrak.co.uk

FLEETW RLD Navman Wireless

Phantom Ltd

Navman Wireless is one of the world's largest fleet management providers monitoring more than 220,000 vehicles owned by over 17,000 organisations worldwide.

The company ignited the industry by making real-time fleet monitoring and vehicle tracking accessible to all and reinvented the industry with the game changing M-Nav, the first combined fleet tracking, messaging and satellite navigation system. Navman Wireless products and services are designed to give businesses instant access to vehicle location and driver behavior information and are proven to reduce fleet running costs, increase business productivity, enhance customer service and improve driver safety. Navman Wireless continues to lead the vehicle and fleet tracking software evolution with its market leading OnlineAVL vehicle tracking platform and is defining the future of connected vehicle technology with its driver behavior monitoring technology and advanced remote applications.

Phantom Fleet tracking is the perfect solution for your fleet management; we provide both standard and bespoke services to suit any type and size of fleet.

After more than a decade of development our software has been optimised to help you reduce costs, risk and emissions while increasing productivity. Not only will you know who, what, where and when, but how.

Once you have taken all the available savings with the 4w’s (including, late starts, early finishes, speeding and unauthorised use) you can take even more by addressing “How”.

Give us a call to discuss “How”.

Contact: Sales Team info@navmanwireless.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company

Tel: 0845 521 1133

Quartix Ltd With tracking experience based on over 180,000 units installed in the fleet and insurance sectors, Quartix has established itself as one of the most respected vehicle tracking suppliers since its inception in 2001. The award-winning system’s wide range of telematics-based features gives fleet managers the tools to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Ginsters, one of the country’s premier makers and distributors of savoury pasties, is using Quartix vehicle tracking to greatly reduce outgoing fuel costs throughout their fleet of vehicles. In just a six-week period, the system reduced the company’s fuel consumption by a substantial 18%.

Contact: Dan Catterall www.quartix.net

Tel: 0161 476 4050 www.fleet-track.co.uk

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

Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Tel: 0870 0136663

TomTom Telematics

Telogis Telogis provides a cloudbased location intelligence software platform for global companies that require route optimisation, real-time work order management, telematics and mobile integration solutions for their mobile workforces.

Telogis is dedicated to enhancing the value of its customers’ businesses through intelligent integration of location technology, information and services. Telogis was established in 2001 and is headquartered in California and has global offices. Telogis’ products and services are used and distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Contact: Sergio Barata Sergio.barata@telogis.com

Contact: Steve Cherry Steve@phantom.uk.net

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

TomTom Telematics is a Business Unit of TomTom dedicated to fleet management and vehicle telematics. Our WEBFLEET platform is a Software-as-aService solution – used by small to large businesses to improve vehicle performance, save fuel, support drivers and increase overall fleet efficiency.

TomTom Telematics is recognised as the largest supplier in the European market and has over 450,000 subscriptions worldwide.

Fleet operators and drivers are getting the industry’s strongest local support network and widest range of sector-specific 3rd party applications and integrations. More than 32,000 customers benefit from the highest level of security, quality and availability of our ISO 27001 certified service.

Contact: Vernon Bonser uk.business@tomtom.com www.tomtom.com/telematics

Tel: 0208 8223605

fleetworld.co.uk / 81

Is your system internet based?

Is there any software or mapping required on the customers PC?

Does your system allow the geographical “ring fencing” of particular locations?

Does your system have the facility to send alerts by text message in the event of a security alert?

Does the system accept inputs from ancillary equipment such as panic alarms?

Can the system recognise and report on different drivers of the vehicle?

Does your system have a stolen vehicle location facility?

Can the police locate the stolen vehicle using your system?

Is it possible to export data from your system to other back office systems?

Can the device installed in the vehicle be updated ‘over the air’?

Do you provide web services for third party integration?

What is the minimum lease/ contract period for the device installed in the vehicle? (in months)

What is the minimum airtime/communications period? (in months)

MARKET OVERVIEW Telematics and Tracking

Ctrack

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Box Telematics

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Motrak

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Navman Wireless

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Phantom Ltd

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Quartix Ltd

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Kinesis

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TRACKER Network UK Limited

Trakm8

TRACKER is the UK’s number one supplier of vehicle tracking services, with over a million systems installed to date. Award winning TRACKER Fleet uses groundbreaking patented technology to allow businesses to operate at maximum efficiency. Cost savings are provided as TRACKER Fleet highlights fuel inefficiencies and reduces overtime claims. In fact, so confident is TRACKER it offers a ‘Fuel Savings Guarantee’ which provides customers with a refund to their subscription if they do not achieve savings of at least 10% in their first year. Customer service levels are improved as fleets are routed effectively, ensuring deliveries and collections are made on time. Additionally, driving styles can be monitored to ensure best practices and compliance with duty of care.

It’s now easier than ever to manage a fleet and make savings through the use of Trakm8’s intelligent telematics and user friendly vehicle tracking portals.

Trakm8 provides market leading Fleet Management Solutions and Telematics Hardware to companies dedicated to making fuel savings and improving efficiencies. Their customers benefit from improved operational efficiency, driver safety and fuel economy from utilising Trakm8’s intelligent products and services.

With the successful launch of the revolutionary T10 Micro, one of the smallest self-install devices on the market, Trakm8 now has over 100,000 units in 30 countries around the world reporting to their servers. To find out how you can benefit from our products, contact us now.

Contact: TRACKER Sales business@tracker.co.uk

Contact: Sales Support Team info@trakm8.com

82 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Tel: 03303 334 120 www.trakm8.com

our fleet Lexus NX 300h Luxury IT’S easy to become a ‘dyed-in-the-wool’ devotee in the world of motoring. Brand loyalty, engine size, even fuel types. So I wasn’t massively surprised when a

friend with close connections to the motor industry looked down her nose a little at the Lexus NX 300h and asked “what’s that?”

After a brief explanation she asked a little sniffily what the “hybrid bit” was all about and this was duly described with the help of her 23-year-old son, who also pointed out that it would be an ideal replacement for her petrol-powered Range Rover.

He went on to explain to her that with low tax, good fuel economy in town and exemption from the London Congestion

Charge, a hybrid would be ideal for her.

And, unlike a pure EV, it would still make a round trip from London to Cornwall without a problem.

As the penny slowly dropped I could see her wondering what the catch was, and therein lies the problem for motor manufacturers in this highly sceptical age. For no matter how good their cars and technology are, the general public is still wary (and occasionally ignorant) of ‘new technology’ even 20 years after it was first introduced.

Who said marketing was easy?

Ross Durkin

Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90

RENAULT was an early arrival in the compact crossover sector with the Captur and, by playing to its small car strengths, this was only ever going to be a brilliant addition to what’s becoming an increasingly hard-fought area of the market.

Having had the Clio on our fleet early last year, there’s a familiarity to the driving experience here. The Captur shares the supermini’s platform and that overall feeling of positive controls and compact car agility, despite the raised ride height and taller roofline, yet it adds a larger boot and airier cabin into the mix. As a flexible alternative to the Clio, for those who don’t want to move up to the Megane, it’s a very appealing option.

Our long-term fleet’s latest addition is a mid-spec Dynamique Nav trim, equipped with the same 90bhp 1.5-litre diesel which powered our Clio to a 62mpg six-month average fuel consumption figure last year. While it hasn’t been heavily marketed as such, the Captur is actually

incredibly aggressive on running costs and very well equipped against its closest rivals.

This also gets Renault’s MediaNav system, though we’ve upgraded to the internetconnected R-Link setup, complete with intuitive TomTom navigation, which adds £450.

The two-tone paint was £894 but seems to be a mandatory option box to tick, based on most Capturs we’ve seen on the road.

It’s joining our fleet at an interesting time, running alongside a C4 Cactus – another aggressively-priced option from a resurgent French brand – and with Renault about to add the larger Kadjar crossover to the range. With plenty of motorway miles ahead, and the need to move staff and equipment around, we’ll be finding out whether this appealing compact crossover can take the rigours of business use as effortlessly as the larger Megane. I reckon it’ll have no problems.

Luke Wikner

OTR PRICE £16,995 POWER 90bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 162lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62mph 12.6 seconds TOP SPEED 106mph COMBINED MPG 76.3mpg CO2 95g/km (17% BiK)

the figures fleetworld.co.uk / 83

our fleet Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI Flair ONE of the first things that struck me about the C4 Cactus when it was delivered is how deceptively small it is. Though it’s received praise as a rival for the Nissan Juke, its low roofline is dwarfed by my wife’s Kia Sportage, with which it shares a drive. Citroën was keen to point out at the launch that this is a hatchback, not a crossover, and they’re not wrong.

It’s a very impressive hatchback, too, moreso than the brochure figures might suggest. I’ve had two months of putting it through the rigours of transporting a toddler and it’s been much easier than I expected. Our bulky buggy fits into the boot without removing the wheels, and the supporting leg of our ISOFIX seat base tucks into a recess on the passenger seat. It means my wife still has legroom, even with the baby in the back.

As much as that might sound par for the

the figures course in the C-segment, plenty of other cars can’t manage either of those. Citroën hasn’t eaten into the load space with needless plastic trim, so every inch of the interior is well used with plenty of cubby holes. However, if you’re seeking the high driving position of a crossover, then the C4 Cactus isn’t the car for you.

There are some oversights, though. I’ve had to wedge a cardboard cupholder into one of the rear door bins to avoid spilling the spoils of a Saturday morning coffee run on the way home, and trips to Ikea require the Sportage if we’ve got the baby seat fitted, as the rear bench folds in one piece. But, considering its size and the tendency for its perceived crossover rivals to value style over practicality, the C4 Cactus is coping admirably with the challenges of family life.

Alex Grant

OTR PRICE £18,090 POWER 100bhp @ 3,750rpm TORQUE 187lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62mph 10.7 seconds TOP SPEED 114mph COMBINED MPG 80.7mpg CO2 92g/km (16% BiK)

Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI SE CoD 150hp S-tronic I have already logged 3,250 miles on the Q3 so the car is starting to settle down.

Fuel consumption seems quite weather dependent – the numbers are affected

84 / fleetworld.co.uk

by wind and rain fairly easily. But in ‘Efficiency’ mode with the car freewheeling on lift off or slipping into twocylinder mode when it can, the Q3 can hover around an indicated 40mpg on a long run, but will slip back to upper 30s when pressing on or the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Considering there’s only a 1.4-litre engine under the bonnet, performance is quite lively. Volkswagen’s TFSI engine will rev freely with a sporty exhaust note at high revs. Otherwise it hums away peacefully up front at lower revs.

I’m going to start experimenting with

the various settings for the car to see what difference it makes. Besides the fuel consumption optimised ‘Efficiency’, there are ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’ and ‘Dynamic’ which alter the settings of the electromechanical power steering system and throttle pedal. Auto will switch settings according to the driving conditions, while Dynamic offers performance oriented settings.

Overall, the Q3 is a reassuring and comfortable long distance car. The S-tronic transmission works seamlessly and makes city driving particularly stress-free.

John Kendall

Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi “2” Manual

Volvo V40 D4 R-Design Lux Nav WOULD you pay extra to have a premium sound system in your car? It’s a question that has been giving me pause for thought recently, as our V40 comes with Harmon Kardon speakers as part of its Sensus Connect system (£500).

Perhaps the question should be, how quiet is your car in the first place? Or would you notice the difference? Despite being tweaked by a music-tech savvy teenager, I really can’t tell if the Volvo’s stereo is better than that found in any of our long termers. I do know that the door speakers occasionally buzz with bass though.

Dan Gilkes

Volkswagen Golf GTD THE tyre low-pressure warning light appears on the GTD’s dashboard, so I check the air pressure on all four wheels. All okay yet the warning light remains lit. Flummoxed, I drive to my local tyre centre, who are very helpful but can’t find a problem with any of the 225/40 R18’s, either. They do manage to switch the light off, through the Golf’s set-up menu.

A week later, and after arriving back at Heathrow, I go to the car park to find the Golf’s off-side rear tyre complete flat. Coincidence or is the GTD a clairvoyant? Answers on a postcard, please.

Danny Cobbs

the figures

Our Kia Carens long-termer is now sporting two new front tyres after a 20p test found that the tread depth was approaching the legal minimum.

After some to-ing and fro-ing, including trying to go through our local Kia dealer but not hearing back, we eventually sourced the tyres through Kwik Fit, making the most of their offers. We initially opted for Pirelli Cinturato P7s as they were on promotion but then managed to persuade the local branch to fit the vehicle with Goodyear EfficientGrips for a similar price after reading a review that rated them slightly higher.

However, with just under 11,000 miles on the clock, the need to replace the front tyres so quickly has left me re-evaluating my driving style. We regularly report at Fleet World about how improved driving leads to reduced engine, clutch, gear and tyre wear, and it seems there is a need for me to increasingly practise what I preach – although the Carens did arrive with us with a few thousand miles already under its belt.

We’ve also undertaken a few, fully laden long journeys over the last few months and found that our lower-powered diesel version does struggle a bit under full load, although it’s capable enough for everyday usage. However, more enthusiastic drivers may need to check out the higher-powered diesel, although it does see CO2 jump to 132g/km and combined fuel consumption falls to 56.4mpg.

Ride on our model is also a little on the firm side compared with some MPVs but on the plus side it does bring noticeably less body roll in corners.

And our recent long motorway journeys have significantly improved its fuel consumption compared to our everyday round-town usage – we’re just edging back up to an average figure of 43.0mpg.

Overall, with nearly nine months of problem-free motoring in the Kia – other than the tyres and a cracked windscreen – it remains a competent choice for the family-minded fleet driver.

Natalie Middleton

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 85

our fleet Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 CDTi 163PS FWD

IT’S been a fitting end to the Insignia Country Tourer’s six months with us that, in the last few weeks on our fleet, it’s had the chance to remind everyone why an estate car is such an asset to a business fleet.

The need to move large display equipment, twice in as many weeks, has shown there’s a lot of value in a car designed with this task in mind. Loading heavy objects into the raised boot of a crossover isn’t easy, while the Insignia’s huge cargo area is accessed via a wide tailgate and offers a low load floor. For

the times where you need to pack it to the rafters, the Insignia delivers.

Plus the Country Tourer, with its protective cladding and raised ride height, has enough of the crossover about it to set the car aside from the rest of the range. It’s entirely a style statement with two-wheel drive but we’ve been rewarded with effortlessly high fuel efficiency, despite having an engine which has since been replaced.

It would be interesting to see what the lowerpowered engines would be capable of, paired with this car’s rugged styling upgrades.

But this is a unique proposition, the Passat Alltrack is not offered with front-wheel drive, and an interesting alternative to shifting into a crossover. With economy close to the regular Insignia, the capacity of an estate car and a hint of off-roader in its design, it’s an appealing user-chooser option with the ability to work hard when needed.

Alex Grant

BMW 330d M Sport Auto AFTER a few months in the very excellent 430d Gran Coupe xDrive, I swapped into its near relation, the 330d Saloon.

In many ways they are, unsurprisingly, very similar. Not least because the cabin is swathed in the same thick Coral Red leather, which I may have found a challenge to actually tick the box for if I was ordering one myself, but have become very agreeably accustomed too since.

Black is so dull, and the deep red gives the cabin such a luxurious feel.

The seating position and all those superb BMW infotainment options are all the same too, and this car comes with the dial which allows you to write sat nav addresses on a pad on top of the iDrive

SUPPLIER

DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

Ensto UK Ltd Tel: +44 7432 701524 ensto.com/chago

accident management Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd

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

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

dial. This is a very useful piece of safety equipment, because you can fill in addresses without taking your eyes off the road, once you’ve learned to write letters with your left hand that is.

There have been a raft of revisions announced for the 3 Series but this car, in M Sport spec with very smart 19-inch alloys doesn’t look like it needs a wash and brush up. In fact, it just goes to show how the right spec can make cars look pretty snazzy. So often you see small wheeled 3 Series for CO2 reducing purposes, and they look a bit drab. Not this one. And CO2 of 129g/km is hardly profligate for a car that looks this good and has 258bhp.

Steve Moody

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

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

insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

Bond Lovis Insurance Brokers Tel: 0870 458 5474 www.bondlovis.co.uk

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

86 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

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

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk Total Leasing Solutions for your business

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

www.thrifty.co.uk

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

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

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

DriveTech

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

Interactive Driving Systems Tel: 01484 551060

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

www.virtualriskmanager.net

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

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

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

FLEETW RLD FLEETW RLD November 2014

November 2014

All that matters in

the world of fleet

All that matters in the world of fleet

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

interview

Michael O’Shea of

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

Volkswagen

stopping power

Why fleets should

stopping power Why fleets should check their brakes

check their brakes

www.cardinus.com

Behind the wheel

of Tesla’s remarkable

Model S

Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

2014 2014 MPG Marathon 100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

MPG Marathon

100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate?

The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

www.soficoservices.com

fuel management

misfuelling MODE MODELPUPIL LPUPIL

Sofico

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

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email

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

fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk

tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

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

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 87

Fleet World Group

International Fleet World

The Fleet Show

EV Fleet World

fleetworld.co.uk

THE online resource for fleet decision-makers

Follow us on Twitter @FleetWorldGroup

Join us on Linkedin Fleet World Group

MPG Marathon

VAN

June 2015

FLEETW RLD

p95 Peugeot’s best selling van has been updated with the introduction of Euro 6 engines.

at a glance driven...

Peugeot Partner, Volkswagen Caddy, SsangYong Korando and Iveco Daily

plus...

Software and the benefits of towing

Thursday 8th October 2015 ArenaMK

Register for the show at... vanfleetworldlive.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

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

Nissan supports Red Bull F1 team

Euro 6 Citan offers new options

M

ercedes‐Benz is updating its Citan van range with the launch of Euro 6 engines in people‐carrying Citan Tourer models (formerly the Citan Trav‐ eliner). The engines, which meet Euro 6 without the need for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology or the need for an AdBlue additive, will be offered as an option in panel van versions of Citan later this year.

The emissions standard has been achieved through internal combustion improvements and the use of a storage‐type NOx catalytic converter. All Citan Tourer models already have the BlueEfficiency package as standard, including ECO Start/Stop. The Euro 6 engines, as well as being cleaner, produce up to 20Nm more torque, delivering a 10% increase in pulling power, though power outputs remain at 75hp and 110hp.

In addition, Mercedes is to offer a factory‐fitted navigation system, a panoramic roof and a reversing camera as options on the Tourer line‐up. The reversing camera image is shown in the interior mirror, with guide lines to help judge distances. Also added to the options list, for both Tourer and panel van models, is an anti‐theft alarm system with remote control on the key fob.

British Telecom stays with Vauxhall

V

auxhall has been awarded a massive fleet deal by British Telecom for 2,500 Vivaro vans and 330 Corsavans, to be used by the firm’s engineers nationwide. BT engineers were invited to visit Vauxhall’s Luton plant, where the Vivaro van is built, to ensure that the racking that has been fitted to each of the vans has been arranged for maximum efficiency.

“It’s important that our engineers are driv‐ ing the right van for them,” said Mike Langford, BT Fleet senior customer relation‐ ship manager.

“Our vehicles need to be future‐proof, reliable and user friendly, making the engi‐ neers who drive them the obvious people to help specify the vans. We had the previ‐ ous Vivaro on our fleet for many years, and the new model makes absolute sense with outstanding whole life costs. The fact that it is built in Britain is an added bonus.”

90 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Nissan is to continue supplying commercial vehicles to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One team.

Worldwide, the company supplies 80 LCVs for the team’s use, including e-NV200, diesel NV200 vans, the NV350 and the NV400. In the UK Nissan has delivered NV400, Navara and Primastar models to the team’s Milton Keynes base as part of Red Bull’s logistics operation.

“This partnership with Nissan LCV has brought significant benefits to our team and demonstrated the value of working with the right commercial vehicle partner,” said Christian Horner, team principal.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is managing the logistically complex operations of transporting people and equipment, and we are delighted to continue working with Nissan LCV in 2015.”

Rising demand for UK commercials UK production of commercial vehicles continues to rise, with overall manufacturing numbers up by 23.6% to the end of April. CV production for April alone was up by 36.8% over the previous year.

While much of the increase in demand throughout the first quarter was based on UK market growth, April saw a 50.1% surge in vans and trucks built for export, with CV sales across the EU showing a 13% rise so far this year.

“These figures are further evidence that commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK has turned a corner after a period of restructuring,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “April’s significant rise in exports is particularly encouraging, as the industry capitalises on increasing demand for vans, trucks and buses across Europe.”

Renault TRAFIC & MASTER Grow your business like your family.

Model shown is All-New Renault Trafic SL27 dCi 115 Business+ available from £189.95 per month on contract hire

Model shown is New Renault Master MM 33 dCi 110 Business available from £239.95 per month on contract hire

Your success booster.

DAB Radio with Bluetooth & iPod connectivity

All-New Trafic range available from £184.95 per month on contract hire BUSINESS USERS ONLY. All prices exclude VAT unless otherwise indicated. 36-month contract hire based on 10,000 miles and 6+35 profile (6x monthly payment in advance followed by 35 monthly payments). Vehicles shown have metallic paint, available at an additional £480 inc. VAT. Excess mileage 6ppm on Trafic, 8ppm on Master. Excess charges apply if the van exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage. AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT YOU WILL NOT OWN THE VEHICLE. Finance provided by Renault Finance, PO Box 149, WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident (excluding Channel Islands) to apply. Terms and conditions apply.

Participating dealers only. Offers shown cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on Trafic and Master until 30th June 2015. Trafic and Master shown have optional front fog lights available at an additional £180 inc. VAT.

A Daimler Brand

The New Vito.

Raise Your Game

www.newvito.co.uk

inbusiness

Self-drive trucks show future direction

inshort

aimler Trucks, the parent company of the Mercedes‐Benz commercial vehicle line‐up, is the irst manufacturer to be granted a licence for an autonomous heavy truck to be used on the road. Equipped with the irm’s Intelligent Highway Pilot system, the irst journey of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck took place on the US Highway 15 near Las Vegas.

Daimler provided the first demonstration of an autonomous truck last year, driving the Mercedes Future Truck along a closed section of the A14 Autobahn in Germany. However putting a truck onto the highway in live operating conditions was another step towards autonomous commercial vehicles.

“We are in a unique position among manufacturers that we are able to imple‐ ment technologies across all business units and brands,” said Daimler board member Wolfgang Bernhard.

“We have transferred our Highway Pilot system to our US Freightliner brand within a very short time frame and developed it for the world’s first autonomous truck to be licensed for road use.”

“Daimler Trucks is actively urging dialogue with politicians, authorities and all other parties involved. Our next goal is to test the Highway Pilot technology on public roads in Germany too. Preparations are already under way,” said Dr Bernhard.

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

D

E-Cell Vitos deliver zero emission travel British Gas has continued to focus its attentions on electric LCVs with the addition of two Mercedes-Benz Vito ECell Traveliners to its fleet. The electric minibuses will be used to transport its employees between a network of offices in and around West London.

British Gas electric vehicle specialist James Rooney said: “We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions and minimising the impact of our operations on the local environment. These new vehicles, which produce no pollutants and are also exceptionally quiet in operation, will help to strengthen our commitment.”

FTA calls for best van drivers

E

ntries are open for the 2015 FTA Van Excellence Driver of the Year competition, which is to be held this year at the Mercedes‐Benz facility at Wentworth Park, Barnsley, on July 16. Sponsored by LeasePlan, the competition is open to all FTA Van Excellence accredited operators, who are invited to nominate their best drivers.

There will be five tasks involved, each designed to test the entrant’s abilities across a range of skills. Elements include driving skills, fuel economy, maneuvering ability, risk awareness, legislative knowledge and the ability to identify defects.

“FTA is delighted to announce the second Van Excellence Driver of the Year competition,” said Mark Cartwright, FTA head of vans.

“This event offers a fantastic opportunity for van drivers to demonstrate the work they do within this vital sector of UK logistics, and enables them to gain the recog‐ nition they deserve for their skill and the importance of the job they do.”

The FTA Van Excellence Driver of the Year competition is supported by industry partners ATS Euromaster, Bott, BT Fleet, Hertz Van Rental, Lex Autolease and TomTom Telematics. The cost to enter is £50 per participant, with the winning driver awarded a £1,000 holiday voucher.

94 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Grass care solution from Fiat Doblo Lawn care provider Lawnrite has taken delivery of its first Fiat Doblo Cargo Maxi vans, for its Conway and Chester branches. The vans will be used to carry lawn care machinery, materials and equipment across the country. As well as the 4.2m3 of carrying capacity, Lawnrite was particularly impressed with the large van sides that have allowed the company to maximise the impact of its livery.

Peugeot Partner New engines and a facelift for Peugeot’s most popular van. Dan Gilkes investigates.

SECTOR Car-derived high-cube PRICE £13,045–£15,930 PAYLOAD 625–850kg CO2 108–143g/km

p

Partner will be offered in three trim levels. Behind that artner, Peugeot’s best selling van, has been updated revised grille, bumper and lights, the top trim Professional with the introduction of Euro 6 engines, improved level is the only van with a revised interior, as it gets a technology for the driver and a revised front end. seven‐inch touchscreen monitor in the dash.

The firm will continue to offer UK customers the existing This monitor provides access to a DAB radio, Bluetooth Euro 5 diesel engines until June 2016, though it claims phone connectivity and Mirrorscreen, a function that improved power and fuel economy for those opting for allows Android smartphone users to show the phone’s the Euro 6 line‐up. home screen on the dash monitor, using some of the There are four diesel models on offer in the Euro 6 range, phone’s apps through the van’s infotainment system. all powered by Peugeot’s 1.6‐litre BlueHDi engine. They Mirrorscreen is expected to be available for Apple iPhone start with a 75hp van, delivering a 21g/km drop in CO2 users later in the year. emissions versus the Euro 5 HDi 75 motor, at just 110g/km.

Rear parking sensors are also included Expected to be more popular however in the Professional specification and will be no less than three versions of the Peugeot’s Active City Stop system, front engine delivering 100hp. These will be a parking sensors and a reversing camera standard five‐speed manual version, the will become available later this year. five‐speed manual with Stop/Start tech‐ The company is also set to offer nology and a six‐speed automatic trans‐ Peugeot Connect Fleet Management on mission with Stop/Start.

Partner, with three levels providing fleet The Euro 6 diesel vans will come with management, fleet and driver manage‐ a 17‐litre AdBlue tank that should last up ment and a geolocation service. to 12,500 miles, so will need refilling Peugeot has sold more than 2.4m Part‐ between services. The additional weight ner vans and Tepees since the original has been partly offset by Peugeot using a van was introduced in 1996, with 30% of smaller 53‐litre fuel tank, down from 60 those sold outside Europe. It’s hard to litres on Euro 5 vans. The company says make direct comparisons at present, but that this will not result in additional Most Peugeot Partner a 100hp Euro 6, L1 van will set you back stops to refill, as the Euro 6 engines customers will stay around £540 more than the Euro 5, 92hp promise improved fuel consumption. with Euro 5, though diesel. It’s worth remembering however The vans have been re‐rated to take that the Euro 6 comes with Stop/Start this slight additional weight into account the additional power, and the promise of improved fuel too, so there is no loss of payload on any lower emissions and consumption to further offset the model. Partner remains capable of fuel savings give premium. The Euro 6 engine also puts handling 625‐850kg, in 3.3m3 and 3.7m3 Euro 6 the edge. out just 110g/km of CO2 with a manual in the same L1 and L2 body styles. gearbox, against the Euro 5’s 132g/km.

Also similar to the previous model,

what we think

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 95

Volkswagen Caddy Volkswagen adds three 2.0-litre Euro 6 engines to the Caddy line-up, reports Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Car-derived high-cube LOAD VOLUME 3.2–3.7m3 PAYLOAD 650–857kg ENGINE POWER 75–150hp

t

tem required to meet Euro 6. There is no loss of payload on o the casual observer, you might wonder what Volk‐ short or Maxi models. Volkswagen also claims that the Euro swagen’s designers do in the afternoon, after dashing 6 engines will be up to 15% more economical, with emis‐ off another quick nip and tuck update to an established sions as low as 104g/km promised. van before the morning coffee break. However closer inspec‐ That AdBlue tank is expected to last 4‐6,000 miles, tion of both the new Caddy and the sixth generation Trans‐ depending on driving style, so will require regular top‐ups, porter show that, at the front at least, almost every panel is with the tank easily accessible beneath the bonnet. changed, along with most of the components beneath.

All of the Euro 6 models will come with Volkswagen’s Some van buyers might also wonder why manufacturers BlueMotion Technology pack as standard, including are rushing out Euro 6 engines for their light commercials, Start/Stop and energy recuperation. Unlike Transporter, when the legislation that demands them won’t come into this will remain an option on the Euro 5 models. A specific force until later next year. The reason is that people‐carry‐ low consumption BlueMotion model will ing versions have to meet Euro 6 now, be added to the line‐up at a later date. and while the Caddy Life might be some‐ The 102hp engine is expected to thing of a bit player in the UK, the car ver‐ account for up to 80% of UK sales with sion accounts for almost 45% of sales in the lower and higher powered engines markets like Germany. taking an equal split of the remaining The benefit for van buyers however, is sales. Up to 10% of UK buyers opt for the that the car versions push driver assistance DSG automated transmission but, though and electronic content for all models. available on the Continent, 4Motion all‐ Volkswagen is making the full Euro 6 wheel drive will not be offered here this engine line‐up available, alongside its time around. Volkswagen is considering existing Euro 5 range. That means that as demand for a petrol engine though. well as the 1.6‐litre Euro 5 motors at 75hp The interior of the van is upgraded and and 102hp, plus the current 140hp 2.0‐ there are a host of optional driver assis‐ litre engine, buyers will be offered three tance systems available, including Adap‐ new 2.0‐litre Euro 6 engines delivering The changes to VW’s tive Cruise Control, Light Assist, City 75hp, 102hp and a range‐topping 150hp. fourth-generation Caddy Emergency Braking and Park Assist. Park These 2.0‐litre engines are new as well, are more than skin deep Assist can both parallel park into a line of they are not the same motor as the pre‐ vehicles, or back into a side‐by‐side vious 140hp model but an engine from and there are fuel space, with the driver simply changing Volkswagen’s MQB modular toolkit. consumption benefits gears and pressing the pedals.

One of the benefits of this is that the for earlier adopters of Pricing and full UK specifications will new engine, despite its larger capacity, is the Euro 6 engines. be available prior to the van’s arrival in in fact lighter, going some way to offset the fourth quarter. the 8‐litre AdBlue tank and dosing sys‐

what we think

96 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

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NEW VIVARO BUILT TO TAKE IT ALL Welcome to a whole new van for a whole new world of work. The latest award-winning BiTurbo engines deliver more power, torque and economy. FlexCargo gives you class-leading load length.

And a new design means it’ll take any job in its stride. No wonder What Van? has awarded the New Vivaro Medium Van of the Year for 2015.

Call 0845 740 0777 or visit vauxhall.co.uk/newvivaro Model shown includes FlexCargo, not available on all models.

SsangYong Korando Re-plating to carry 1-tonne makes SsangYong’s pick-up more attractive, says Dan Gilkes.

W

hen SsangYong introduced the Korando Sports pick‐up to the UK market, it went against convention and focussed on comfort more than load car‐ rying ability. Rather than equip the truck with sturdy leaf springs at the rear, as with its competitors, the Korean firm went for a car‐like multi‐link set‐up with coil springs.

This made it handle well, but most impor‐ tantly gave the truck a very comfortable ride, even when unladen. The downside was that the SsangYong only managed to carry 643kg, when equipped with a manual gearbox, or 630kg in the EX auto model.

While overall load‐hauling capacity might not be a primary concern for many double‐ cab users, the fact that Customs and Excise wouldn’t let a company reclaim the VAT on the purchase price certainly was.

With this year’s upgrade, SsangYong has boosted the rear suspension springs’ per‐ formance, though retaining the multi‐link design, and re‐rated the truck to carry a far more realistic 1,050kg. That single move instantly raises the appeal of the Korando Sports, with prices starting at just £14,995 and rising to £18,495 for this top of the range EX auto model without the VAT. Further good news is that the revised sus‐ pension seems to have had little effect on ride quality or handling, with the Korando Sports offering a smooth ride on all but the worst road conditions. The truck remains one of the quietest pick‐ups on the market too, unless you really push on through the gears, with very little engine noise in normal acceleration.

SsangYong’s 2.0‐litre motor puts out a rea‐

100 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think The Korando Sports remains a comfortable pickup to drive, but the added payload will make it a far easier choice for businesses able to reclaim the VAT on a commercial vehicle.

specification MODEL SsangYong Korando Sports EX BASIC PRICE £18,495 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,998cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 155hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 360Nm @ 1,500–2,800rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,740 KERB WEIGHT 2,110 PAYLOAD 1,050 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,700 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,275 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,600 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT na LOAD VOLUME 1.3m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 212g/km/35.3 mpg OIL CHANGE 1 yr/12,500 miles WARRANTY 5 yr/unlimited miles

sonably strong 155hp at a relatively high 4,000rpm, but this is backed up by 360Nm of torque, available from 1,500‐2,800rpm.

This makes for fairly leisurely progress, unless you really push, but it’s a driving style that suits the Korando and makes for a relaxing way to travel.

Similarly, you can change gears in the six‐ speed auto box yourself, with buttons on the steering wheel or by nudging the main trans‐ mission lever. But to be honest, unless calling for immediate overtaking potential, it’s as well left to its own devices, slurring away almost imperceptibly as the speeds rise.

SsangYong claims a combined fuel igure of up to 35.3mpg for the auto truck, or 37.7mpg for a manual. That might be slightly opti‐ mistic, but 30mpg is certainly easily achieved.

CO2 emissions are rated at 199g/km for the manual and 212g/km for this auto.

As befits a range‐topping model, this EX specification Sports boasts a full leather interior with seat heating in the front and a power adjustable driver’s seat. Door mirrors are electrically operated and heated and all of the windows are powered. You also get rear parking sensors and 18” alloys as part of the package.

That ‘Elegance’ hard top will set you back £1,995, while the rather fiddly Kenwood touchscreen sat‐nav/DAB radio with Blue‐ tooth is a further £999.

Service intervals remain at 12,500 miles or 12 months and the truck sits in insurance group 6E. The Korando Sports also benefits from SsangYong’s standard five‐year/limit‐ less mileage warranty, providing peace of mind for those new to the manufacturer.

It… is about being local and global.

ARI is known and trusted by fleet management decision-makers worldwide to streamline operations and control costs. We know that every company has unique fleet challenges and we meet these complexities with tailored solutions. We dig deeper and go further to unlock your fleet’s performance with sustainable business solutions. Across the globe, across the country, across your town—our fleet management experts are around the corner.

Learn more about ARI’s professional fleet management services: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

Civica UK Ltd

bynxFLEET contains a dedicated daily rentals module that manages all the backend (and many of the frontend) transactions for van fleet companies accurately, efficiently and cost-effectively.

It helps take costs out of the business so that the focus can be on launching new products, enhancing the customer experience and increasing profitability. We support you in taking your business online. We help manage the lifecycle of your vehicle assets, adhere to compliance, manage drivers and customer contracts and better utilise your fleets. And bynxFLEET can also improve communication between all stakeholders.

Tranman has a proven track record, enabling fleet managers to achieve cost and utilisation benefits through process improvements and increased management information. With over 500 customers built up over 32 years, Tranman is a leader in a number of markets. Customers include large commercial fleet operators, 95% of police forces, 50% of fire brigades and over 100 local authorities.

Key Benefits of the Tranman system include: • Reduce fleet operating costs • Better key performance analysis indicators • Improve analysis of accidents and fuel usage • Increase workshop productivity • Improve vehicle utilisation • Comply with duty of care • Award winning self-service pool car booking system • Customers and Suppliers can view and enter information via web

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales@bynx.com

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Contact: Jonathan Roberts jonathan.roberts@civica.co.uk www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Chevin Fleet Solutions Chevin Fleet Solutions is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management software. Their award winning software, Chevin FleetWave®, has one of the most comprehensive module offerings available on the market. It’s designed to improve the management of fleet information and all associated processes from one intelligent integrated system.

The software provides increased visibility of KPI’s, paired with advanced control of procedures, clever automation, alerts and reminders. Extremely flexible configurations are designed to meet the demands of any operation from any sector looking for solutions to significantly improve their operational efficiency, reduce administrative resource, ensure compliance and risk requirements, and highlight ongoing cost savings.

Contact: David Gladding sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

Tel: 01773 821992 www.chevinfleet.co.uk

Jaama Ltd Jaama’s market leading, multi award winning Key2 Vehicle Management system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering all aspects of owning, leasing, hiring, maintaining, repairing, running and disposing of cars, vans, commercial vehicles, plant and asset related equipment. As the first accredited software supplier for the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and the FTA's Van Excellence Scheme, Jaama is committed to raising standards and providing practical solutions to van fleet operators. Specific modules include defect management; ensuring compliance to VOSA recommendations, electronic driver services; a repository for fleet information allowing drivers to submit expense claims online, and driver quotes; allowing company car and van drivers data to compile their optimum vehicle solutions within pre-set grades and company specified requirements. Developed in conjunction with leading vehicle operators Jaama have invested heavily to develop a new breed of vehicle management software. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA.

Contact: Richard Evans sales@jaama.co.uk

102 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

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

Tel: 01454 874002

DRIVE Software Solutions Limited We are a privately owned UK business dedicated to the delivery of Fleet, Vehicle Management, Contract Management and Leasing solutions.

Drive Software Solutions Ltd are the creators and owners of the DRIVE Fleet Management and Leasing software product – a single generic product applicable to vehicle management requirements worldwide and which represents over 150 man-years of development by our software experts.

DRIVE is a proven product and is currently installed and operating successfully in 16 countries worldwide. Our policy of continuous product enhancements and DRIVE’s modular structure enables it to be configured to meet the precise and unique needs of each of our clients.

DRIVE is used throughout the world by leading vehicle leasing companies, major vehicle manufacturers, and other operators of large fleets to whom we continue to provide additional services and on-going 24/7 support.

Contact: Simon West-Oliver Tel: +44(0)1438 317731 simon.west-oliver@drivesoftwaresolutions.com www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company Teletrac’s Fleet Director® is the most advanced and interactive fleet automation software on the market, equipped with easyto-use navigation and safety capabilities. With innovative features that include on-board navigation, lane guidance and twoway 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: Mark O’Neill fleetsales@teletrac.co.uk

Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Does your system provide a workshop management module?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your system provide variable access/security levels?

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

Does your system have any special risk management features?

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

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

Do you provide full support & Maintenance cover?

Do you offer a KPI dashboard?

Does your system provide Driver Licence Checking?

Does your system support PDA/Phone devices?

Is your system web based?

Is it smartphone and/or tablet compatible?

VAN FLEETW RLD

Key to services

Bynx ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Chevin Fleet Solutions ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Civica UK Ltd ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

✔

DRIVE Software Solutions Ltd ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Jaama Ltd ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

✔ Service provided

Service unavailable

Iveco Daily Hi-Matic Iveco is dropping the AGile automated box in favour of an eight-speed auto, says Dan Gilkes.

D

emand for automatic transmissions in light commercial vehicles has been growing steadily, pushed in part by supermarket home delivery compa‐ nies, for whom clutch replacement costs more than outweigh the initial investment.

There are a number of automated manual gearboxes available, such as Iveco’s AGile unit and Volkswagen’s DSG, though only Mercedes‐Benz has been able to deliver a full auto, with the 7G‐Tronic transmission already found in its car ranges.

That has now changed, as Iveco is moving into full automatic transmissions with the option of Hi‐Matic across its Daily van line.

Built by transmission experts ZF, the eight‐ speed Hi‐Matic box is similar to that found in many prestige car models, from Bentley to Range Rover.

You can have the Hi‐Matic box with Iveco’s 2.3‐litre or 3.0‐litre engines, though this 126hp version of the smaller motor is expected to be the most popular with UK fleets.

Though expected to appeal to urban delivery companies primarily, the eight‐ speed transmission promises fuel savings at higher speeds as well. Indeed Iveco claims that the box is up to 4% more eco‐ nomical than the previous automated man‐ ual and 4kg lighter, while offering 10% lower maintenance and repair bills than a conventional manual gearbox.

Certainly the Hi‐Matic transmission is simple to use. A short lever next to the steering wheel provides gear selection, with the mode and gear displayed in the main dash. The standard setting is Eco

104 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think The ease of driving of a smooth automatic transmission, without any of the traditional fuel consumption downsides, makes it an attractive proposition.

specification MODEL Iveco Daily 35S13 H2 Hi-Matic BASIC PRICE £23,000 ENGINE 4-cyl/2,287cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 126hp @ 3,200–3,900rpm TORQUE 320Nm @ 1,800–2,750rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 KERB WEIGHT 2,080 PAYLOAD 1,420 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,500 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,130 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,800 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,900 LOAD VOLUME 10.8m3 Cost considerations CO2 EMISSIONS 202-221g/km COMBINED MPG 33-36 mpg OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/unlimited miles

mode, though there is a Power option that requires no more than a nudge of the lever to engage. This holds on to gears longer and changes down earlier, providing a power boost for hill climbing when needed.

You can also select gears manually if required by pushing forwards or back on the lever. The park setting uses a button at the top of the lever head.

While Iveco’s AGile automated manual was one of the better boxes of its type on the market, it could still suffer from hesitancy between gears and there was always a wait as it changed before you could pick up the throttle again. The Hi‐Matic transmission is more than a step forward in that regard.

It really is a select and forget box, leaving the driver free to concentrate on road con‐ ditions, other traffic, navigation and the many distractions of modern urban driving.

More than that though, the transmission seems to think ahead and was never caught out when approaching roundabouts or pulling away from junctions that didn’t require a stop.

The Hi‐Matic Daily also gets all of the lat‐ est van’s many upgrades, including the Quad‐Leaf front suspension that delivers an improved ride and handling. It has the upgraded interior too, with lower mounted driver’s seat and raised windscreen header line for greater forward visibility.

The Hi‐Matic transmission carries a list price premium of around £1,500 over a manual gearbox, the same as AGile. Given the cost to change a clutch, including hav‐ ing the van off the road, that probably isn’t that much to ask.

THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2015 MILTON KEYNES

PRE-REGISTER NOW ONLINE!

www.vanfleetworldlive.co.uk

FEATURE Towing

Added capacity With rising LCV weights under increasing scrutiny at the roadside, could this be the time to consider towing? Dan Gilkes hitches up.

P

ayload and load volume remain two of the main buying criteria for many van fleets. Yet managers are having to balance these factors with a desire to downsize and to seek increased efficiency from existing vehicles.

Combine this with the growing unladen weight of many vans, as manufacturers cope with emissions compliance technology, Stop/Start systems and a host of driver assistance, and payload in particular can be the part of the equation that has to suffer.

The answer for some fleets could be opting to tow a trailer. Yet simply fitting a towbar and hitching a trailer to your van or pick‐up might not be as simple as you think.

Firstly you need to assess the towing capacity of the vehicle, which is easily found on the VIN identification plate, to ensure that you don’t overload the van or pick‐ up. Secondly, you need to check that your drivers are entitled to drive a combination of that weight.

• If your driver passed their car test before 1 January, 1997, then they will have a B+E licence and are generally allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) or combined maxi‐ mum weight of up to 8.25 tonnes.

• Drivers that passed their car test after 1 January, 1997 will have a category B licence only, so can drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, or having a MAM of 3.5 tonnes with a trailer of up to 750kg. They can tow a trailer that is heav‐ ier than 750kg as long as the combined MAM is no more than 3,500kg. For anything heavier than that, they will need to take a B+E driving test.

• Drivers that passed their test after 19 January, 2013 will

106 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

also have a category B licence and can tow small trailers of up to 750kg, or a trailer that is heavier than that where the combined MAM is no more than 3,500kg.

If the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and the trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes, there may also be a require‐ ment to fit a tachograph and for the driver to adhere to driver’s hours regulations. As a company you may also be required to have an Operators’ Licence.

A tachograph is required if the towing vehicle is to be used for hire or reward and the MAM exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

There are some exceptions to this rule however. The first is that if you don’t travel more than 33 miles from base, then a tacho is not required.

Also utility contractors are in general exempt from the regulations, so can tow a mini digger to site without using a tacho. That said, a plant hire company pulling the same mini excavator behind the same type of van, will need a tacho if the gross MAM is over 3.5 tonnes, as this becomes hire and reward.

Complicated? Indeed it can be for the unwary. There can also be problems fitting a tachograph to a van or pick‐up, if the vehicle hasn’t been designed with a way for the techo drive to tap into the transmission. Retro‐ fitting a tacho drive can be considerably more expensive than ordering one when the vehicle is new, so it’s worth bearing in mind if you intend to tow when specifying vans and light trucks.

Towing a trailer can provide much needed carrying capacity or additional payload, but it is well worth fleet managers checking how the rules and regulations will effect their individual operation before looking for a suitable trailer and coupling.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

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

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

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

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.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

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

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

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

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

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

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

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

fast-fits & tyres

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

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

telematics & tracking

Vehicle Management

conversions Full listings online at

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

UKVANLEASING

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.com

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

Lex Autolease

STEPS

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

fuel management

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

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

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

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

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

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

accident management

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 107