Fleet World June 2017

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June 2017

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Analysis

Getting a grip Is early tyre replacement a false economy?

Driven BMW 5 Series Touring Suzuki Swift SEAT Ibiza

How government air quality plans could affect your fleet

ON THE GRID 2017 stars in the spotlight at the biggest ever Silverstone Fleet Show

fleetworld.co.uk

FIVE CARS. ONE SPIRIT. THE FIVE MODEL MINI RANGE. At MINI, we’re not just a one-car act, we’ve got a five-strong line-up.

Whatever your company’s needs, you’re sure to find a model that meets them with MINI Fleet & Business Sales.

The MINI 3-door Hatch is the compact city car, or you could go for the MINI 5-door Hatch which offers increased space and versatility.

The MINI Convertible works for both business and sunny Sundays, while the MINI Clubman with its unique split rear doors combines style with purpose. Finally, the new MINI Countryman with optional ALL4 all-wheel drive is perfect for getting off the beaten track.

FROM CO2

49 g/km*

134.5 mpg* (combined)

BIK

9%

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THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN PLUG-IN HYBRID. Now, you can add electric too. The new MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid, available in June, lowers CO2 emissions to 49 g/km*, meaning company car drivers can enjoy a BIK of just 9%.

With a high level of standard specification across the range, these versatile and efficient models tick all the boxes for company car drivers. Particularly important for business users, many of these models offer MINI Navigation and Park Distance Control as standard, making time on the road easy and stress-free. All in all, there has never been a more exciting time to choose MINI for your fleet.

Who’s in? Discover more at mini.co.uk/business

MINI Fleet & Business Sales

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI range: Urban 30.1-72.4 mpg (9.4-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 45.6-91.1 mpg (6.2-3.1 l/100km). Combined 38.2-134.5 mpg (7.4-2.1 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 49-169 g/km. *Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle using a combination of battery power and petrol fuel after the battery had been fully charged. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions.

The new MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid is an electric vehicle that requires mains electricity for charging.

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CONTENTS_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 19:08 Page 1

contents June 2017

32

SPOTLIGHT: Skoda Karoq

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Analysis

Getting a grip Is early tyre replacement a false economy?

Driven BMW 5 Series Touring Suzuki Swift SEAT Ibiza

How government air quality plans could affect your fleet

ON THE GRID 2017 stars in the spotlight at the biggestever Silverstone Fleet Show

13 Looking at the longterm challenges for fleet managers

fleetworld.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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

Find out why fleets flocked to the greatest show in fleet at Silverstone.

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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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

Why changing tyres early could be a false economy...

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Updates from the FW Fleet.

VAN FLEETW W RLD

63 DRIVEN: Vauxhall Vivaro LE, Peugeot Expert Long.

AND...

Risk Management, Short-term rental.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

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Ford NEWS

Ford Mobile Service programme expanded FORD is rolling out its Ford Mobile Service programme nationwide following a successful trial around Greater London.

Over 100 Ford Mobile Service vans with Ford qualified technicians, will operate from more than 90 Ford Transit Centres across the country, including Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Ford Mobile Service has been designed to ensure minimum disruption to fleet operators by reducing vehicle down time with on-site maintenance, which also improves service lead times in Transit Centre workshops.

The liveried Ford Transit vans will be equipped to handle a wide range of servicing, maintenance and repairs including warranty and pre-delivery inspections.

They will be manned by Ford qualified technicians trained at the Henry Ford Academy to ensure they are fully equipped to operate from the mobile units.

The vans will be fitted with a specially-designed Edstrom racking system, including custom shelving, storage and compartments to hold all tools required to carry out a comprehensive service.

Equipment includes a 2.5-tonne jack and axle stands to allow technicians easy access to the underside of vehicles, as well as a 4G-enabled on-board diagnostic system, allowing state-of-the-art servicing of all Ford vehicles, from KA+ to Transit. Each van will be able to service up to four vehicles per day in territories from Inverness to Truro, and with the potential to undertake multiple services at any location.

Ford dealers now cater for non-Ford vehicles FORD dealers are now able to supply parts and servicing for all makes of non-Ford vehicles following the introduction of the new Omnicraft brand from the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD).

Offering competitively priced, quality components and servicing from skilled Ford technicians, the new Omnicraft brand delivers greater convenience for car owners and an improved customer experience.

Omnicraft completes the Ford family of parts, leveraging the strength of the Ford network while also enabling dealerships to be a one-stop provider of parts that better serve fleet managers.

For launch, Ford focused on developing the most commonly requested parts, including oil filters, brake pads and discs, starter motors and alternators. In the coming months, Ford will introduce engine and cabin air filters, brake master cylinders and wheel hub assemblies, among other parts.

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

inbrief Transit Centres: putting the customer first

Ford’s network of specialist Transit Centres nationwide offer a full range of Ford commercial vehicles to see and test drive, together with a comprehensive service promise, Transit24.

With extended opening hours, easy to book while-you-wait servicing and priority treatment for urgent repairs in the 185 Transit Centre workshops, Transit24 is designed to ensure minimum disruption while vehicles are off the road – and 95% of the UK is within 45 minutes of a Transit Centre.

Transit Centres are RAC certified and independently audited

by RAC Inspection Services to ensure quality and consistency of customer care. They are open from 07.30 to 18.30 every weekday as a minimum and from 08.00 to 17.00 on Saturdays, with late-night servicing on Thursdays.

Servicing can be booked online, and there is the option of vehicle collection and delivery, alternative transport to keep clients on the move and, for while-you-wait service, free wi-fi is provided in the waiting areas.

Transit Centres also take advantage of Ford’s unrivalled parts availability – any genuine Ford parts not already in stock will be delivered to the dealer by 09.00 next day, or noon for the more remote regions of the country.

Ford also offers a maximum recommended pricing plan for fleets with more than 25 vehicles, ensuring the best price for routine servicing and fixed jobs.

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fleetreview Editor Alex Grant considers the fleet landscape post-General Election, previews the MPG Marathon and reviews a record-breaking Fleet Show 2017...

Calmer waters?

By the time you read this, we’ll (hopefully) have our new government in place and the start point for some stability after what’s been a turbulent couple of years.

With air quality, next-generation vehicles and Brexit’s effects on the car market all in the melting pot, has there ever been an election with more potential to impact the fleet sector?

Whoever’s in charge at Number 10, it’ll be great to have some idea of where that policy will be heading as we approach the end of the decade; 2020 and its promise of the beginnings of a new era of connected, autonomous, shared and electrified vehicles is only one vehicle lifecycle away, so it’s never been more important to forward-plan.

Petrol steps into the MPG Marathon limelight It’s full steam ahead at the Fleet World office getting ready for the 2017 MPG Marathon – our high-profile, two-day economy driving event – and we’ve got a few changes in store.

As well as moving to a new location, the Forest of Arden Hotel near the NEC, we’re introducing classes for petrol vehicles – a first for the Marathon, recognising growing consumer demand and huge improvements in petrol technology over the last few years. They’ll be lining up against the latest diesel and hybrid models to achieve the best economy over a 400-mile, real-world route, but with their own titles to aim for. It’ll be interesting to see how they do.

The MPG Marathon takes place on the 3-4 October 2017 and the event is now open for drivers to enter. See thempgmarathon.co.uk to find out more.

Breaking records at Silverstone Despite the looming election, this year’s Fleet Show at Silverstone attracted record visitor numbers, and we’re proud to say it’s becoming the event where the industry meets and does business.

Exclusive early test drive opportunities kept the manufacturer stands busy all day, while packed seminar sessions with plenty of audience participation spoke volumes about the quality of delegates coming through the doors. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike, and we’ve got plenty of fresh ideas to roll out next year. Watch this space.

In the meantime, thanks to the hundreds of you who paid a visit and we hope you had an enjoyable, valuable day.

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

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NATURAL SELECTION.

THE BMW PLUG-IN HYBRID RANGE. Using a combination of petrol and electric power, our iPerformance range delivers all the styling and performance you’d expect from a BMW, with the fuel efficiency of a plug-in hybrid.

Available across the 2, 3, 5, 7 and X5 models, the range includes intelligent adaptations such as Predictive Energy Management and optional eDrive mode. And as the largest selection of plug-in hybrids on the market, iPerformance means you can benefit from BIK rates as low as 9%, without compromising on model. Visit bmw.co.uk/iPerformance

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW iPerformance range: Combined 83.1-148.7mpg (3.4-1.9l/100km).

CO2 emissions 78-44g/km.

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BMW Fleet & Business Sales

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle using a combination of battery power and petrol fuel after the battery has been fully charged. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. The BMW iPerformance range is a selection of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that require mains electricity for charging.

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BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 16:18 Page 1

inbusiness At a glance

in brief 15% Year-on-year decline in diesel registrations in Europe in April, ensuring the fuel type has lost its dominance of the car market.

Arval launches multi-supplier reporting platform

Air Quality plans and their effects on fleets What do the plans involve?

Following a long legal battle, the Government finally published its air quality plans in May. Although the plans, which are due for final publication by 31 July, were expected to set out mandatory clean air zones and a scrappage scheme, Defra puts the focus on councils to come up with measures themselves where needed.

This can include the development of clean air zone proposals for vehicles not meeting Euro 6 emission standards for diesels (Euro 4 for petrols), with the option to introduce charging as a last resort.

Defra also looked at options for a scrappage scheme but says it would need to provide “value for money”. It could also be tied in with the existing plug-in car grant.

How will this impact on fleets?

We’re likely to see the introduction of some clean air zones using charging. This will impact on fleets running non Euro 6-compliant vehicles but there is some breathing space. For most local authorities that need to implement charging, Defra says it expects schemes in place by the end of 2020 or 2019 for the five local authorities – Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton – identified in the UK Air Quality Plan in 2015. This gives fleets time to ensure all vehicles meet emissions standards and look at alternatives.

The Government has also reaffirmed it will continue to explore the appropriate tax treatment for diesel vehicles, as outlined in the Spring Budget, with any tax changes due at the Autumn Budget.

But more stringent plans could follow – at the time of going to press, ClientEarth announced it’s taking the Government back to the High Court in a bid to drastically improve the plans.

Don’t default to diesel, fleets told Fleets are being urged to rethink their vehicle selection strategies as a new white paper says there is no definitive right fleet fuel anymore.

Puddy Vehicle Solutions (PVS) founder Marcus Puddy argues that although the trend is to move towards more plug-in technology, in particular following the recent publication of the Government’s consultation document on measures to improve air quality, there is no definitive right fleet fuel at present.

Puddy said: “There are many pros and cons for fleets regarding all vehicle fuel types. Ultimately it comes down to vehicle whole-life costs based on the type of journeys company cars will be undertaking.”

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

Arval has launched a new online reporting platform for clients working with multiple full service lease providers.

Dubbed Total Fleet, the new solution is hosted by an independent third-party firm and is intended to provide multisupplier fleets with a consolidated view of their fleet key performance indicators.

Campaign to make autonomous features mandatory The European Commission is being urged to make a number of autonomous features mandatory on new vehicles to help reduce deaths and serious injuries on European roads.

The call comes from a coalition of industry stakeholders who say new minimum vehicle safety standards are ‘absolutely critical’ to reducing deaths and serious injuries.

New engine for Peugeot 308 A refreshed Peugeot 308 range will arrive in the UK from September. Revisions include mild styling alterations, a new 3D satellite navigation system and an engine line-up which includes the first application of the 1.5-litre BlueHDI 130 diesel engine.

THE NEW INSIGNIA P11D FROM £16,930

BiK FROM 23% | CO2 FROM 105G/KM | UP TO 70.6MPG

YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL New Insignia Grand Sport puts driver safety first with protective features including Forward Collision Alert and Lane Assist. Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance are also there to safeguard, delivering help and assistance when it’s needed.** Pre-book your New Insignia 3 Day Test Drive.

Visit vauxhallfleet.co.uk/newinsigniatestdrive Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive.

New Insignia Grand Sport range fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 24.6 (11.5)-61.4 (4.6), Extra-urban: 40.4 (7.0)-78.5 (3.6), Combined: 32.8 (8.6)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 197-105g/km.

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. 2017/18 tax year. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. New Insignia Elite Nav 2.0 (260PS) Turbo 4X4 auto model illustrated (P11D of £27,155) features Dark Moon Blue two-coat metallic paint (£555), VXR Styling Pack (£850) and Driving Assistance Pack Four (£595), optional at extra cost. * = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. ** = Includes 12 months of OnStar services from date of first registration and a 3 month/3 GB Wi-Fi free trial period (whichever comes first) effective from the date the customer accepts the nominated network operator Wi-Fi Ts&Cs. OnStar services and 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot require activation and are subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Wi-Fi Hotspot service requires account with nominated mobile network operator. Charges apply after free trial period. The OnStar subscription packages could be different from the services included in the free trial package. Terms and conditions apply. Check vauxhall.co.uk/OnStar for details of availability, coverage and charges. Vehicles purchased without OnStar cannot have the required technology retro-fitted.

Destination download only available on vehicles with factory installed navigation systems. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (May 2017).

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inbusiness Trial to provide fleets with real-time emissions data

in brief

leets can sign up to a trial of new technology that will provide them with realtime CO2 and NOx emissions.

The six-month trial of 1,000 vehicles is being run by telematics firm Tantalum Corporation, which was recently awarded funding to develop the Air.Car solution to accurately estimate real-time NOx emissions and help fleet managers drive down these emissions, saving fuel and operational costs.

TRACKER, which is part of Tantalum, will install telematics units to vehicles’ OBD and give fleets access and training for its cloud-based fleet management software.

The trial will run within London and other UK cities where Clean Air Zones are to be established. Businesses interested in taking part can register online at the Tantalum website.

Road traffic reaches new record for latest quarter

F

HMRC urged to expedite AFRs for plug-in cars CFO has called on HMRC to publish Advisory Fuel Rates for plug-in cars for Q3 onwards to increase take-up and mass adoption by fleets.

The fleet decision-makers’ organisation has already provided HMRC with realworld mileage reimbursement figures for plug-in vehicles following its fleet industry summit in February, and has now reiterated its view that the absence of defined mileage reimbursement rates is a handicap to some organisations with such vehicles on their choice lists.

Ian Featherstone, fleet advice manager at the EST – which worked with ACFO in developing a methodology to calculate rates for plug-in cars, said: “Advisory Fuel Rates are easy to use and ensure tax liabilities are not incurred and fleets need the same mechanism to fairly reimburse drivers for whichever ULEV technology is chosen.”

A

Motor vehicle traffic set a new record for the year ending March 2017. Provisional data from the DfT shows car and taxi traffic reached a new high of 252.9bn vehicle miles, 1.9% above the pre-recession peak for the year ending September 2007, while van traffic increased by 4.5% to a record high of 49.6bn vehicle miles.

BP and Aral launch Europe-wide fuel card BP and Aral have teamed up to launch a new dual-branded fuel card.

The Europe-wide BP + Aral card is available to more than 200,000 BP and Aral fuel card customers and will also give users – as well as current BP Fuel Card customers – access to the ROUTEX network covering more than 17,000 sites across 29 countries in Europe.

Trakm8 and Strategic Analytics Team partner Trakm8 Group and logistics operational management specialist Strategic Analytics Team (SAT) have teamed up.

The partnership will see the firms promote each other’s services and share experience and knowledge with Trakm8 customers.

trading places

in

in

in

Audi appoints new head of fleet Audi UK has appointed Tom Brennan as head of fleet sales as James Douglas moves to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as head of sales.

Formerly the brand’s national contract hire and leasing manager, Brennan’s previous roles include 10 years with Volkswagen Financial Services, where he served as general manager Audi finance.

Dyer appointed BVRLA chairman The BVRLA has named Matt Dyer as its new chairman, taking over from Simon Oliphant, who becomes vicechairman after a two-year term.

Dyer commented: “We will be at the heart of the discussion on the big issues – from the challenges surrounding air quality and emissions to the opportunities surrounding connected data.”

New head of national fleets at ATS Euromaster Jess Jones has joined ATS Euromaster as head of national fleets and will spearhead new developments, including expanding the mobile inspection service for national fleets, and paving the way for more accurate demand forecasting to improve tyre stock availability. A new app is also planned to enable drivers to book up via their smartphone.

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

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inbusiness

Knowledge is power BT Fleet has teamed up with the AA to publish a new report examining the everyday and longterm strategic challenges for fleet managers. Natalie Middleton looks at some of the key findings.

Operational fleet market “in a really good place” The fleet industry has bounced back from the impact of the post-recession years, with higher vehicle demand from corporate fleet buyers generating greater confidence among suppliers across the industry, from manufacturers to service suppliers.

In particular, the research – carried out by Populus among over 360 operational fleet managers and 320 operational fleet drivers – found that 59% of respondents think the UK fleet market is currently performing better than recent years while 66% think it’s likely to continue growing in the next few years.

A majority (55%) felt positive about the Brexit referendum outcome, whilst just 31% felt negative (14% claim to feel neutral).

However the report warns of the need for strategic planning to help mitigate the effects of any future downturn.

Technology is key to dealing with many fleet challenges Fleets are waking up to the benefits of telematics and its link with many strategic fleet challenges.

In fact, the report found that 74% of fleets containing 100+ vehicles are using telematics, and 51% of all fleets.

The main reasons for its adoption include reducing unnecessary mileage, monitoring driver behaviour and improving fuel efficiency.

However, fleets face challenges with finding the time, expertise and authority to act on the data provided by telematics and the research also identified that more work needs to be done to overcome driver fears over privacy.

Effective manager-driver engagement is vital Although there is no accepted or standardised way for fleet managers to engage with their drivers, the research did identify the importance of a strong manager-driver engage-

ment, including ensuring drivers consider the impact their driving behaviour can have on the reputation of their organisation and the risks involved with driving for work.

Fleets open to future technology Although diesel remains widespread among fleets, the report showed that many businesses are already looking to the future, driven by increasing air quality concerns and the wider corporate social responsibility and environmental pressures. As a result, one quarter (24%) of fleet managers thought that the proportion of diesel-fuelled vehicles within their fleet will decrease over the next five years.

And 41% of managers thought that fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) will make up a proportion of their fleet within the next 10 years, rising to 61% amongst those in fleets consisting of 100+ vehicles. However, only 19% of drivers thought AVs would be on fleets within the next 10 years and 21% percentage of fleet drivers felt threatened by the prospect of autonomous vehicles.

BT Fleet Operational Insight report in numbers 30% – The average proportion of electric vehicles that fleet managers expect their fleet to consist of in 10 years’ time.

62% – Proportion of fleet managers likely to increase their spending on hybrid and electric vehicles in the next few years.

33% – Proportion of fleet drivers who have had an accident or near miss in the last 12 months.

60% – Proportion of fleet managers who thought that the spread of ultra-low emission zones will have a strong impact on their businesses.

67% – Percentage of fleet managers who said their organisation would benefit from advice on how to use their telematics data.

46% – Percentage of fleet drivers who felt positive about their company’s use of telematics – compared to 25% negative and 29% neutral.

fleetworld.co.uk / 13

EVNEWS_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 12:54 Page 1

Q &A

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, on the changing role of diesels for a 4WD-heavy manufacturer, and government support for the EV sector.

How was 2016 for Mitsubishi?

2016 was good – from a profitability point of view we’ve had a good year. Our volume was back a little bit almost entirely due to the change in the Plug-in Car Grant. It effectively put the [Outlander PHEV] price up £2,500 but it also took it above the list price for Motability.

The EV market is still a fledgling market. We’ve always said to OLEV we don’t expect the [grant] to last forever, but it’s expensive technology and we need time to get the volume up so the cost per unit comes down. We said if you’re going to change it, change it gradually or you’ll shock the market, but various pressures meant that’s what they did.

How much have VED changes impacted the market?

There doesn’t seem to be a joined-up government policy. EVs count for 3% of the market, it would have been easy to make [VED] £10 per year and add a pound to everyone else. But it

came across as something which hadn’t been given the thought it should have, and the signal is the government is backing off EVs. I don’t think that’s true, but most don’t get to talk to OLEV or the people who are committed to it.

How should the charging network progress?

I know a couple of the charging network companies well. They’re willing to invest but they need to know what the plan is. What we need is someone to say, what will the EV market look like in five years’ time, how many cars will we have, and what type will they be? We need someone to coordinate that information, and work out what charging infrastructure we need for that. The only organisation that can do that is the government.

Do you see a role for PHEV in the Eclipse Cross?

It’s to be confirmed, but we’ve spent a lot of time and effort in becoming a market leader in the UK with PHEV technology.

I would expect to build upon the success that we’ve had.

With Outlander sales weighted towards the PHEV, how long does diesel have a role in your range?

There’s a lot of talk about diesel, and some of it is a bit sensationalist from newspapers that don’t understand a modern diesel is quite a lot better than a diesel of ten years ago. But you can see, over the last couple of years, that the diesel share of the market has been declining, so we’re looking at whether we need to bring in a petrol Outlander. We’ve spoken to dealers in the last couple of weeks, and that’s likely to happen.

We’ve already got petrol in ASX, and Eclipse Cross will be launched with petrol - it’s becoming a bigger part of our range.

What’s the appetite like for used Outlander PHEVs? It’s very strong, they’re coming back off contract hire companies at a price where dealers will be selling for less than £20k.

We’re putting in a PCP programme where they’ll be £179 or £199 per month, and the margins were enough to pique their interest. Our dealers understand the technology more than anyone else as they’ve sold more than anyone else. We’ll be doing a campaign and encouraging them to buy from contract hire companies and Motability later in the year.

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EVNEWS_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 13:01 Page 2

For the latest EV news, visit evfleetworld.co.uk

Ecotricity cuts costs for motorway charging E

cotricity has revised the fee structure for its Electric Highway rapid charging points, with drivers paying for energy supplied rather than a flat rate for a set time period.

From 26 June, charges will be priced at 17p per kilowatt-hour, said to be equivalent to charging at home. Usage will be capped at 45 minutes, with a £3 connection charge per session, and drivers will be able to charge for two consecutive sessions. Ecotricity home energy customers will be exempt from the connection charge.

This replaces the structure introduced last July; £6 for a 30-minute charge, regardless of how much energy the car took on board in that time, with 52 free sessions per year for Ecotricity customers. The new system means charging is cheaper for the most popular plug-in vehicles. A 30kWh Nissan LEAF would cost £8.10 for most drivers, while a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV would cost £4.67, as both can almost fully charge within the 45-minute timeslot. This compares to £12 each, for two sessions under the old pricing structure.

Fleetdrive Electric aims for easy workplace charging easing company Fleetdrive Electric has launched a workplace charging solution, aimed at helping businesses to broaden their use of plug-in vehicles.

Developed with input from specialists at the University of Reading, the Crowd Charge system is based on an internet-connected charging point with vehicleto-grid capability. This offers the foundations for a scalable infrastructure, accessed via RFID cards for easy payment and billing, with detailed CO2 reporting based on the energy mix, and text messages sent to employees when their vehicle has finished charging.

The hardware is backed up by Fleetdrive Electric’s consultancy, helping steer fleets towards suitable vehicles and effective infrastructure to support them.

Mike Potter, Fleetdrive Electric’s managing director, said: “Although 90% of electric vehicle charging takes place at home, workplaces which can offer EV charging can effectively double the range capability of an electric vehicle making them a realistic option for many more drivers.”

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in numbers

Source: Renault/Qualcomm/Vedecom

62mph Speed at which a Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric van could travel while receiving a 20kW wireless charge, under recent testing.

in brief ‘Future-proof’ UK rapid charge network due late 2017 A network of 200 rapid chargers, capable of being upgraded to offer eight times the charging speed of today’s quickest units, will begin rolling out along the UK’s major routes this summer. It follows a ‘multi million-pound’ deal between Basingstokebased operator InstaVolt, and American manufacturer ChargePoint, installing units which can be upgraded to 400kW outputs for next-generation long-range EVs.

BMW 530e to get wireless charging

BMW will introduce wireless charging as an option for the 530e plug-in hybrid next year. The technology transfers energy via an alternating magnetic field between a pad on the ground and a receiving unit in the car. This offers charging at up to 3.2kW, taking three and a half hours to fully charge the 530e. No pricing details have been released yet.

EVs to offer five-minute, 300-mile charges by 2020 Electric vehicles with a 300-mile range and five-minute charging times could reach the market within three years, following a breakthrough by Israeli materials company, StoreDot. The company claims to have developed a more heat-resistant organic substitute for the graphite cathode used in most lithium-ion cells – the component which limits conductivity, capacity, charging times and durability.

Source: Tesla

10,000 Tesla ultra-fast ‘Superchargers’ set to be live, globally, by the end of the year. Twice the 2016 total.

fleetworld.co.uk / 17

A HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET Created from the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio – the pinnacle in Alfa Romeo engineering – the Alfa Romeo Giulia Tecnica version offers unparalleled comfort and outstanding specification for the Business user. The stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia Tecnica can be yours from just £31,840 (P11D) and thanks to its all-aluminium 2.2 Litre Diesel turbo engine, ownership is equally attractive.

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

Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulia range: Urban 33.6 – 53.3 mpg (8.4 – 5.3 L/100km); Extra Urban 61.4 – 80.7mpg (4.6 – 3.5 L/100km); Combined 47.9 – 67.3 mpg (5.9 – 4.2 L/100km). CO2 emissions 138 – 109 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations

Q1_Alfa Giulia Technica_Fleet World_297x420 DPS.indd 2

15/02/2017 11:10

and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Model shown is the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 Turbo Diesel 150hp Tecnica at ÂŁ32,590 OTR including metallic paint at ÂŁ695.

Q1_Alfa Giulia Technica_Fleet World_297x420 DPS.indd 3

15/02/2017 11:10

BUSINESS_CURTIS_FW_Jun17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:23 Page 1

inbusiness

Back on its fleet Honda has totally revamped the way it addresses the needs of its small fleet customers. Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports.

onda had a miserable time during the downturn. Sales were hit hard internationally, R&D was virtually suspended and an ageing product line-up served as a prolonged stop-gap even after the economy picked up.

However, the carmaker is back in contention with the rollout of a succession of desirable new products from the return of the HR-V to the latest generation Jazz and Civic.

As part of Honda's comeback as a mainstream contender, the company has thoroughly reviewed how it serves the fleet market, a sector in which it would admit it has punched below its weight.

That's set to change with the recent revamping and rebooting of its Platinum Programme which aims to build closer relationships with small fleet customers and user-chooser through its national dealer network.

Every Honda dealership has the opportunity to join the Platinum Programme and currently around twothirds of the network is signed up with 104 sites live and a further 25 set to join over the next three months.

Dealers who have joined the scheme are incentivised to provide user-choosers with a targeted number of 48 hour test drives regardless of whether they end up supplying a car. This gives the brand a useful USP which should appeal to user-choosers who will get time to live with the car rather than having a cursory 20 minute test drive whilst pretending they are a retail customer thinking of buying it.

For dealers this means they will be required to invest more in providing extra demonstrators and they will need trained fleet specialists. But, that investment could pay off as they will stand a good chance of looking after these customers for subsequent servicing, repair or warranty work, even if they did not supply the vehicle.

Heading up the programme is Marc Samuel, the recently appointed fleet sales operations manager.

This new role was created to help shape Honda’s renewed focus on the corporate business sector.

"The Platinum Programme aims to provide expertise and support to businesses where and when they need it; this approach is at the heart of our overall corporate strategy," he says. "To make this possible we're offering a true corporate sales experience from

H

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

all of our signed-up dealers. We want businesses of all shapes and sizes to be able to visit their local Honda dealership and speak to a fleet expert, face-to-face, about their needs," he said.

The prime target for the programme is the small business community made up of companies typically running up to 25 vehicles, although it can cope with the demands of larger fleets.

"All organisations, irrelevant of size, are significant to us at Honda, and SMEs are no exception," Samuel adds.

"The programme has been carefully designed to work with a range of organisations and complements our existing account management structures. SMEs have needs and challenges very specific to the size of their business and we want to ensure we understand and appreciate them.

"Many SMEs aren’t in the position to have a dedicated fleet manager, so selection and management of corporate vehicles can be an unnecessary burden. We see it as our job to ease this process, and that’s why all of our Platinum programme dealerships have undergone extensive training to remove any unnecessary complexity."

Additionally businesses can make use of a virtual account manager with specialist fleet support provided over the phone or through an online meeting when required.

So what can a user-chooser expect from the service when they walk into a showroom?

"A company car driver can walk into any Honda dealership and expect to be met with a fleet expert who can fully support them. Whether this is a question of what vehicle is best for their mileage, taxation or contract terms, they’ll get the answer. Additionally, our 48-hour test drives are perfect for allowing drivers to get a realistic feel for the vehicle in which they are interested."

Honda confidently believes it has a market-leading offering for local businesses and says it will evolve the programme over time based on its experiences.

"We will continue to review and invest in the programme as we see necessary to ensure our corporate sales offering is market-leading."

Having rediscovered its new product mojo, Honda could soon find itself punching above its weight in the small fleet sector.

BUSINESS_Insider_FW_Jun17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:25 Page 1

inbusiness

Close for comfort The Insider seeks feedback from his drivers and wonders if there really is a substitute for on-road training. t’s amazing the difference a subtle change in reporting lines can make in successfully implementing policy changes and cost savings. Recent networking with a fellow fleet manager revealed they now report directly to a company Board member. With a well-run executive board which meets regularly, new policies are proposed, and quickly implemented because the decision-makers can see the benefits across the whole business. As someone who formerly felt they were working alone in the wilderness, it has enriched their personal motivation, as well as saving the company money, so everybody wins. If only more companies took that view, instead of relegating their second-largest expenditure to a keen petrolhead with part-time responsibility for fleet or worse, outsource it altogether and retain no in-house expertise.

A fresh set of eyes often reveal practical and costsaving opportunities not necessarily obvious when one is close to the issues on a daily basis. Whilst one takes pride in running a well-managed fleet, wouldn’t it be great if we could trade places with our fleet manager contacts and cast an eye over each other’s fleets for a day or two to seek out new ideas?

I recently attempted the ‘fresh pair of eyes’ approach by involving a cross-section of our drivers in investigating a new project; or at least, I tried to. I figured that as they were the people out on the road using the vehicles, they should have valuable insight into what may or may not work. Note the ‘may not’ – we wanted to introduce something which was likely to be considered controversial and therefore sought honest feedback from the affected population. I am not wholly convinced about the claimed cost-savings, and the supplier’s proffered trial would have proven whether or not it was worth pursuing. But if it does work, there are material and wellbeing savings to be had for the drivers as well as the company. What I found instead was that too few drivers were willing to voice their opinion because they were concerned about peer pressure, should they recommend a course with which

I

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

others disagreed. This is disappointing, because I’m aware other companies set up focus groups which include the end user, with some success. As it is, if the project goes live, all we will get is grumpiness and “well we never wanted it anyway”. Not conducive to a great working atmosphere but one must move forward.

And finally for this month, I share with you the relief that I ended the period with the same number of drivers as I started, despite the efforts of a foreign registered left-hand drive lorry. A driver I never hear from between cart changes, who drives big mileage, doesn’t get tickets and has performed impeccably in any kind of on line or practical driving application thrown at him, was sideswiped by a lorry as he was passing it in narrow lanes of roadworks on Britain’s oldest motorway. The lorry driver didn’t notice, and broadsided the car some yards along the road, finally knocking it up the embankment where it rolled over and came to rest.

The car – a Honda as it happens – held up remarkably well and our driver escaped unscathed except for bruising. He only knows what happened because a following witness told him. When the airbags went off he couldn’t see anything and was along for the ride.

We pulled him from work for a few days in case of delayed effects and also decide whether to put him through a further driving assessment. Less than a week later, a similar thing happened to him again, only this time the lorry driver immediately felt an impact and the resulting damage was superficial, and very fortunately again no physical damage to the driver.

The popular fleet view is that one puts drivers through an on-line assessment with practical interventions where required. The two incidents described above are of a type rare on our fleet, and the risk profile for the specific driver low. Now, I am left with the feeling that we need to be doing more to equip our drivers, and that perhaps there is a case for practical on-road advanced training after all.

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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...

Motorists prioritise safety

Source: Goodyear Tyres

According to a recent survey by Goodyear Tyres, drivers prioritise safety as the most important reason to have a connectivity or infotainment feature installed on their car.

Participants were asked to rank a series of factors by order of importance as to why they would specify a feature on their vehicle.

Safety was the most popular reason, with 36% of respondents ranking it in first position.

Practicality ranked second highest, at 34%, whilst the way the car looks was selected by just 2% of drivers.

When asked to rank popular features in order of importance, 13% chose a sat nav, 4% opted for cruise control and autonomous capability, and 9% selected a Bluetooth device.

UK used car market

Kate Rock, spokesperson at Goodyear Tyres, commented: “Perhaps unlike past tastes that focused on how the car looked, todays driver preference appears to focus more on practical and safety features.

Cars are becoming increasingly tailored towards the needs of everyday drivers incorporating new technologies.”

Source: SMMT

The number of used cars sold in the UK hit a new record in Q1 2017, the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal.

2.1 million used cars were sold in the first three months of the year; a 3.4% rise on 2016 and the highest Q1 on record.

Growth was seen across the diesel, petrol and electric/hybrid segments, which were up 5.6%, 1.6% and 43.2% respectively.

The supermini segment continued to be the most popular, accounting for 33% of the used car market.

However, the mini segment was the fastest growing – with sales up 13%.

White cars saw the biggest growth, up 17.1%, with used car sales echoing trends seen in the new car market in recent years.

Although silver remained the best-selling colour at 463,959 sales, figures show its popularity may be fading with sales declining -2.1%.

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Smart motorway concerns

Source: RAC / Image: Highways England

Millions of motorists are unsure about what to do in the event of an emergency on a smart motorway, research conducted by RAC suggests.

52% of drivers surveyed did not know what an emergency refuge area on a smart motorway was, or that they should be using them in the absence of a hard shoulder.

There was also considerable confusion about how to use the refuge areas, with 64% not knowing what to do after stopping.

While 65% were uncertain about how to re-join the motorway.

And, of the 2% who had used an emergency refuge area, only one respondent knew that they should contact Highways England to facilitate their getting back on to the motorway.

Fines surge for fleets

RAC chief engineer David Bizley, said: “Vehicles should pull up to the indicated mark on the tarmac of the refuge zone or the emergency telephone, and then the occupants should leave the vehicle from the passenger side. Everyone should stand behind the barriers and call a Highways England representative immediately.”

Source: Lex Autolease

The number of motoring fines incurred by fleet drivers rose by more than a fifth in 2016, according to a study by leasing specialist Lex Autolease.

The research, compiled from 353,000 vehicles in the UK, shows that fleet drivers racked up a £14m bill last year, 26% up on 2015.

The rise was attributed largely to a clampdown on bus lane infringements (+37% rise in convictions), and illegal parking (+34%).

Earlier this year, BBC England research found almost 4,000 motorists a day are fined for driving in bus lanes.

Lex added that increasing numbers of receipts for the Dart Charge saw collections rise 55% year-on year, costing UK firms £736,244 in the 12 months to December.

Tim Porter, managing director at Lex Autolease, commented: “Organisations can better understand how the increase in fines and penalties impacts their business by benchmarking their data against similar fleets.

Businesses can also look to put in place straightforward driver policies and procedures to help reduce the risk and bring down the bill.”

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 25

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inbusiness

Thinking big The arrival of the ‘Big Data’ era poses plenty of advantages for fleets, but with plenty of challenges too, as delegates at ACFO’s Spring Seminar discovered. Alex Grant reports.

Data won’t make fleet managers obsolete Big data offers unprecedented access to real-time information, with the potential to reduce vehicle downtime, improve safety and enable early detection of faults and wear for those making the most of it. Ken Needham, director of fleet and logistics at Foxtons estate agents, told delegates that this live monitoring of the health of his 1,200-strong fleet means his drivers can focus on their jobs. But, he added, it’s increasingly requiring manufacturer-developed apps with a multitude of log-ins now that diagnostic ports are locked down for security.

ACFO chairman, John Pryor, argued that fleet managers have never been more vital, but said they need guidance: “Fleet managers want clarity on what the issues are; they want to understand how suppliers will access and use ‘big data’; and, critically, they want to know what the law is in respect of managing and using ‘big data’ sourced directly from ‘intelligent’ vehicles.”

It could change the tax system Underpinned by a three-fold rise in annual connected car registrations globally between 2014 and 2018, Audi UK service and technical manager, Nick Mitchell, said smartphoneesque ‘on-demand’ services in vehicles are likely to grow in popularity. Over-the-air updates could add features, even boost performance, for short periods, and potentially enabling drivers to up-spec during a vehicle’s life cycle. “That would have a massive impact on HM Revenue and Customs’ revenue,” Pryor said. “Legislation and the tax system as we know it will have to change and that will have to be dealt with.”

It could cut costs Lex Autolease foresees connected cars underpinning an ‘intelligence-led’ approach to contract hire; using data to benchmark performance and predict SMR requirements, cutting costs. Corporate director, Craig McNaughton, said the company is running a pilot, examining customers’ in-life expenditure with a view to offering a more bespoke service for operators.

“We have a long way to go, but we must change from a rear-view mirror perspective to using data to predict the future and move from a leasing company that provides management information to a data company that leases vehicles,” he said.

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Julian Combeau of insurance company AIG is also optimistic about the potential of big data. Premiums are calculated using licence checks, in the near future it could be based on more detailed, more recent information. This could recognise current behaviour, not previous incidents, and judge risk based on the time and conditions in which the vehicle is operating.

“With more data we can be more focused on individual drivers rather than the fleet portfolio,” he told delegates. “Traditional claims data analytics highlights lagging trends and targeted action can be taken to reduce risk. Ultimately, the introduction of connected cars will result in safer roads.”

It needs to be protected A new potential challenge for businesses, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force next May, with consultations underway with the automotive industry.

It tasks businesses to be transparent and accountable with the data they collect on employees, with fines of €20m or 4% of turnover (whichever is greater) for non-compliance.

Alex Ktorides, a partner at law firm Gordon Dadds, warned delegates that they could unintentionally be collecting masses of data, telling them to communicate their aims and have a plan in place to protect it. Anonymising this where possible can solve some of those issues, he said. “There is huge value in gathering data, but that must be balanced against people having a right to privacy,” he explained.

“Employers must put people’s rights at the forefront and show good governance and gain consent.”

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inbusiness

Q &A Driving dealer engagement and streamlining processes centrally are the start point for a more customer-focused fleet programme at Mazda Motors UK, explains head of fleet, Steve Tomlinson.

viduals. It’s important because when talking with end users we try to bespoke our offer to make sure we are putting the right car in the right grade at the right price to meet what the end user wants most.

We’ve also just decided to take a slightly different approach to the way in which we manage leasing companies and end-users. We had a contract hire managers for north and south and we divvied up the leasing company relationships between them, and four regional corporate sales managers looking after end-user relationships. We’ve now gone to five corporate sales managers and one contract hire manager, who will look after the major leasing companies. We’re going to give our regional corporate sales manager teams responsibility for the ones local to them. They’ve got fewer enduser accounts each, so they can spend a bit more time with end users, and provide a bit more of a consultancy service. Hopefully that will give a better customer experience but also perhaps sell a few more cars too.

This year marks the launch of important new models, including a new CX-5 and updated CX-3; how did you find the fleet market last year, and how have you laid the foundations for these newcomers?

We achieved our plan [in 2016], which was always a good measure. As a brand we don’t chase share, what we do is we come up with a plan and look to flawlessly execute it, and within our fleet channels that’s what we managed to achieve, which is rewarding and satisfying.

One of the major events that took place was we changed our white label contract hire provider. This enables our network to sell to businesses on contract hire. We had our best three years since we launched that product 12 years ago, and from that perspective ALD was a fantastic partner, but a challenge was always getting our network to be more engaged in B2B activity. We felt that maybe having a field force that was larger, and that the network was familiar with, would ensure contract hire was on the agenda every time they visited.

By partnering with Santander, who are also our retail funding partner, we felt that would give an opportunity to leverage the existing relationship and gain at a higher degree of dealer engagement. The zone managers for Santander have picked up the contract hire responsibilities, so they’re on first name terms with dealer principals, sales managers and salespeople. Their sole responsibility is to promote different funding methods to our dealer network.

Santander is new to the contract hire and leasing world. We have the opportunity to develop a class-leading white label product, because they’re open to suggestions we make, and I’m looking forward to developing the relationship over the coming years. We haven’t planned for any additional volume this year through that channel, but if we see an uplift then we’ll look to see if we can secure production to fulfil demand.

Are you widening your dealer support?

We increased our fleet specialist dealers from six to seven, midway through 2016. It’s not something we’re proactively looking to do, it’s more of a reactive process.

If a dealer feels they have too much capacity to achieve their retail targets and deliver a minimum of 200 fleet units, then I’d welcome them as a fleet specialist dealer.

What I would like to do is improve the overall network’s B2B selling capability. I am looking to introduce a six-month pilot this year for a select number of dealers. There are a lot of dealers in our network who sell a lot of fleet cars, but not necessarily for Mazda.

We’re looking to tap into that expertise, but also develop some of those dealers who have a desire but don’t have the knowhow.

Have you had any changes within your own team?

We’re in the process of putting a slightly different team structure in place. We’ve had quite a bit of churn in our corporate team, over the last 12-18 months, and we have I believe a very strong, capable, professional team of indi-

What standards would you expect?

It isn’t set in stone, it will be activity based. It’s making sure someone is responsible and doing the activity, not whether the person is employed specifically for it or dedicated to Mazda.

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SPOTLIGHT Skoda Karoq

Karoq Star Skoda’s indirect replacement for the Yeti takes a step into the competitive Nissan Qashqai segment, with some unique tricks up its sleeve, explains Alex Grant.

New Technology Moving to a new platform provides access to the latest technology, either as options or as standard equipment. All versions include a 6.5-inch colour display screen which can be equipped with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity – essentially offering low-cost navigation across the range via smartphone-native map apps. The latest assistance and safety features are also available.

Higher up the range, the Karoq offers a Wi-Fi hotspot with highspeed mobile data access, wireless charging for portable devices, and Skoda’s digital instrument panel. Similar to what’s offered by Audi and Volkswagen, this can be populated with a wealth of trip, media and navigation information, but it can also be pared back to a basic readout. All-LED headlights and programmable keys which pre-set assistance, comfort and media settings to different users, are also new compared to the Yeti.

A shift to petrol?

The Karoq launches with two petrol and three diesel engines, and it’s likely that the latter will account for the larger share of fleet sales. No surprises here; the 113bhp 1.6-litre and 148bhp 2.0litre units are available with two-wheel drive and an optional seven-speed DSG gearbox. These return 62.8mpg or 64.2mpg with CO 2 emissions of 118g/km or 115g/km respectively. A rangetopping 188bhp 2.0 TDI will also be available, always fitted with four-wheel drive and DSG, at 53.3mpg and 138g/km CO2.

However, customer attitudes are changing. SEAT has discovered that competitive petrol alternatives can sell in fleet, the Ateca’s ‘true fleet’ volumes split almost equally between the two fuels in the UK. Skoda might be about to follow suit; the 113bhp 1.0-litre TSI emits 117g/km CO2, while the 1.4-litre produces 148bhp with 119g/km CO2 emissions. Similar performance and lower Benefit-in-Kind bills could make both attractive to company car drivers.

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A Class Above The Yeti had been in a class of its own; shorter than a hatchback or Qashqai-sized crossover, but larger than the Juke and its rivals, which might be a reason why the name wasn’t carried forward. The Karoq is wider and significantly longer, almost identical in size to the very popular SEAT Ateca with which it shares a platform and production line in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.

Despite the visual similarities, the Ateca doesn’t share the Karoq’s clever interior. Skoda offers a slightly more spacious load area than SEAT, with a new ‘VarioFlex’ rear bench. This has three individual seats which can be adjusted, folded and removed completely. A unique-inclass feature which should appeal to the many drivers migrating to this class from an MPV.

FLEET FACT The Yeti set a UK sales record in its last full year; 13,600 units.

What we think...

The Yeti’s rugged styling and surprisingly flexible interior has made it a runaway sales success in the UK, ironically within a segment which other Volkswagen Group brands are only now catching up on. This is arguably a little less distinctive, in places perhaps a bit too similar to the Ateca, but with Skoda’s competitive pricing and eye for clever features, it should have no problems challenging the established players. Particularly its very successful SEAT stablemate. AG

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ROAD_FW_BMW_5 Series Touring_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 16:36 Page 1

BMW 5 Series Touring There are few moments where you’d feel short-changed by BMW’s executive estate, reckons Alex Grant.

SECTOR Executive PRICE £38,385-£49,460 FUEL 37.6-65.6mpg CO2 114-172g/km

t took BMW three 5 Series generations to add a Touring and the 520d is expected to be the biggest-selling version. to the line-up, and this is a range where 75% of UK This offers 62.7mpg and 114g/km in SE guise, compared to buyers still opt for the saloon. The all-round abilities of 68.8mpg and 108g/km for the saloon, but with 188bhp for the estate, though perhaps overshadowed by the biggereasy progress on high or low-speed roads. It’s exceptionally selling X5 SUV, attract around 5,000 buyers per year, and quiet and well-damped, too, only rising to a dull thrum this tech-rich newcomer is out to spoil them. when it’s working hard.

This is a format BMW knows well. The new Touring is There are also 229bhp 525d and 262bhp 530d diesel 36mm longer than its predecessor, growing the seats-up engines which, at 124g/km and 131g/km, could attract fleet boot capacity by around half the volume of a carry-on suitinterest on more lenient choice lists, the latter being the case. Handles inside the tailgate drop the rear bench and engine which suits the 5 Series best. Those needing xDrive almost triple the available volume over a near-flat load floor, four-wheel drive can add it to the 520d and 530d, albeit now with a space underneath for the load with a corresponding rise in consumpcover. A small but important detail for tion and CO2 emissions for both; to impromptu bulk-moving.

57.6mpg 129g/km and 51.3mpg and The old car’s best features are retained; 144g/km respectively. a tailgate which either opens in one piece However, there won’t be a 520d Effiand lifts the load cover with it, as well as cientDynamics at launch, and no plans the unique rear window which opens for a 530e plug-in hybrid. Fleets who separately for cramming the last items don’t fancy committing to a diesel have into a full boot. However, the E-Class offers the choice of the 520i and 530i which, a powered tailgate as standard equipment, at 132g/km and 139g/km aren’t quite where BMW offers it as an option. as scary on running costs as a petrol Growing the capacity means re-engiexecutive car might once have been, and neering the entire rear end, and the new 5 the 540i xDrive.

Series includes self-levelling air suspenMost are offered in SE or the more sion as standard equipment. Luckily popular M Sport trims, with a £2,000The E-Class offers more they’re changes which haven’t scuppered £2,500 price walk over the saloon, and room, and seven seats, its size-defying agility, though the larger almost half of UK volume will be a single but, with a broad range to wheels and 10mm ride height reduction version; the 520d M Sport. LED headon the M Sport version make a big, and lights, two-zone air conditioning and choose from, the Touring positive, difference to the weight and feel satellite navigation are standard equipis something to think of the steering. It’s the version to have. ment, while a full suite of assistance and about next time you’re The UK range spans three diesel and connectivity functions are available as looking at an SUV. three petrol engines, each with an eightoptions. All the best bits of the saloon, speed paddle-shift automatic gearboxes, with a little more space on board.

I

what we think

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

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ROAD_FW_Suzuki_Swift_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 14:28 Page 1

Suzuki Swift Lighter, more powerful and better equipped, Suzuki has big plans for the new Swift, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £10,999-£15,849 FUEL 56.5-65.7mpg CO2 97-114g/km

uzuki has big plans for its small cars. Having had its best year yet in the UK in 2016, with more than 38,000 sales, the company is planning for a further 9% growth this year. While Vitara is spearheading this advance, the third generation of the firm’s popular Swift supermini will be doing its fair share of work, particularly in the growing fleet segment.

Suzuki sold 5,225 cars into the fleet market in 2016 and wants to see that rise to 10,000 vehicles in the next three years, while protecting its retail market share. It’s a plan that seems to be working too, with Suzuki sales up 13% in the first four months of 2017, against an overall market that has risen by just 1%.

The new Swift is available in five-door form only. The car is 10mm shorter but boasts a 20mm longer wheelbase. It’s also 40mm wider and 10mm lower than the last generation.

More importantly Swift is 120g lighter, with all models well under a tonne, while being up to 20% more powerful and delivering a 10% cut in emissions.

Equally importantly, the only negative comment from Starter Generator (ISG) which acts as both a generator and buyers of the last generation model was a small boot, with the starter motor. A 12V lithium-ion battery beneath the the new car boasting a 25% increase in carrying capacity, passenger seat stores energy from the ISG delivering a without impacting rear seat room.

50Nm boost of torque for up to 30 seconds There are two engines on offer, a three-cylinduring hard acceleration.

FLEET FACT der 1.0-litre Boosterjet delivering 110bhp and The system, which weighs just 6.7kg, also a 1.2-litre Dualjet with 90bhp. The 1.0-litre restarts the engine instantly during Stop/Start turbo engine can be ordered with a five-speed Mild-hybrid 4WD operation. It also helps the Boosterjet engine manual gearbox or a six-speed auto in frontto deliver CO2 emissions of just 97g/km, which versions are the wheel drive only. The 1.2-litre comes with a should make the 1.0-litre manual car by far the most efficient in manual gearbox only, but with a choice of twomost popular Swift model for fleet buyers. the range. or four-wheel drive.

Indeed Suzuki expects the 1.2-litre engine to In top trim SZ5 specification, when account for just 15% of sales, mainly for those equipped with the manual gearbox, both the 1.0-litre buyers that require the all-wheel drive system. engine and the 1.2-litre ALLGRIP model come with Swift adopts plenty of new technology, with Bluetooth Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system. This uses an Integrated and DAB on all models. The SZ5 also gets an advanced forward detection system, dual sensor brake support and high beam assist, guide me home lighting along with a multi-information display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

Suzuki expects fleets to opt for the mid-range SZ-T model with Boosterjet. At just £12,999, the car boasts a rear-view camera, Smartphone link, 16” alloys and front foglamps.

However if you can stretch the additional £1,500, the SZ5, with the hybrid system and a car-load of additional specification, really wants for nothing.

We tried the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo engine in both manual and automatic cars and they both work equally well.

The real surprise was the automatic however, which is equipped with paddles to let you flick rapidly up and down through the gears. Automatic transmissions often struggle to work well on small cars with compact engines, but Swift is the exception and if it wasn’t for the £1,350 on-cost it would be our first choice. Certainly if you are city bound, it’s worth giving the auto a try.

S

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_Suzuki_Swift_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 14:39 Page 2

what we think With strong residual forecasts and high speciďŹ cations, Swift looks set to play a major part in the company’s continued sales growth.

highlights The new Swift is 120g lighter and 20% more powerful, giving the car a 35% higher power to weight ratio.

Though only 10mm longer overall, the latest Swift boasts a 25% larger boot.

The mild hybrid system gives a 50Nm boost of torque for up to 30 seconds when accelerating.

key fleet model Suzuki Swift BoosterJet SZ-T

fleetworld.co.uk / 37

All-New

Renault SCENIC & GRAND SCENIC Life. Style.

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Scénic (4.2); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8) – 76.3 (3.7); Combined 70.6 (4.0) – 72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 with EU Legislation and may not reflect real life driving results.

Signature Nav dCi 110 and Grand ScÊnic Signature Nav dCi 110 are: Urban 64.2 (4.4) – 67.3 emissions are 104-100g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance

ROAD_FW_Seat_Ibiza_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 14:25 Page 1

SEAT Ibiza Previewing a new generation of products, the Ibiza is a class act, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £13,130-£17,310 FUEL 57.6-60.1mpg CO2 106-112g/km

s the longest-serving member of the SEAT line-up, the Ibiza has lived through 33 years of nearconstant change. Born on Fiat underpinnings, sold under the early days of Volkswagen Group ownership, and a spearhead for the brand’s design since, generation five feels like the product of a renewed sense of confidence over at SEAT HQ in Barcelona.

With good reason; the brand's global sales have grown 30% over the last four years, to 408,700 in 2016, largely down to the wider Leon range but also due to the popularity of the Ateca crossover launched last year. It’s now profitable and, with a recognisable family style and a focus on brand-relevant segments and core models, it’s finally found its place within the Volkswagen Group portfolio.

The Ibiza isn’t just significant for SEAT. This is the first car on the Group's new supermini platform, so what’s underneath it will be shared not only with SEAT’s Juke-sized Arona crossover, but with the next Audi A1, Volkswagen Polo and similar-sized products. SEAT is previewing what’s coming soon. would have otherwise bought an estate, and the limited It bodes well. At nine years old, the outgoing Ibiza was fun demand for three-door superminis, the Ibiza will only be to drive but felt like a small car. The new platform, which is offered as a five-door hatchback this time, with no plans wider, has a longer wheelbase, larger diameter for a high-performance Cupra version. The wheels and a stiffer, lighter structure, can rival UK range comprises S, SE and SE Tech trim FLEET FACT larger cars on both ride and handling. It drives levels, topped off with either the sporty-looklike a small Leon, which is a good thing. ing FR, or the luxury-focused Xcellence – the However, behind the taut bodylines, the allonly model to get parking sensors and elecThe Ibiza’s LED headlights fitted to all except the entrytric rear windows. platform will be level version, and the upmarket design of the SEAT claims Ibiza customers are under the shared by the cabin, it does feel a bit like SEAT has been segment-average age, so there are plenty of next A1 and Polo. denied the pick of the Volkswagen Group plasclass-above options to pick from, but standard tics – particularly the matte grey panel across equipment is fairly generous. A frameless the dashboard on lower-spec versions. Otherwise, it’s very eight-inch touchscreen is standard from SE Technology difficult to fault. upwards, and it’s intuitive and lag-free to use. However, it’s Reasoning that the Arona will pick up customers who only FR and Xcellence that get DAB radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – these are £150 and £145 respectively on SE Technology trim. Surely both are attractive to young drivers?

The Ibiza is more petrol-weighted than most superminis too, even in fleet, and the latest version has some good options. It’s the 113bhp 1.0-litre turbo that’s the most appealing – quiet, keen to rev and with plenty of motorway ability – but it’s only available on the FR. The bulk of UK customers are expected to go for the 95bhp version of the same engine, which offers the same fuel economy on paper, and is offered across the range. It seemed noisier on the launch, and has five gears instead of six – this might make it less efficient in real-world use. Diesel versions will follow shortly after launch.

There’s a lot to like here, and a lot to look forward to from other Group brands if this is anything to go by. SEAT has put itself among the best in its class here, with a core part of its line-up. But, with a new Fiesta only a few months away, it could have a tough fight on its hands.

A

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_Seat_Ibiza_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 14:24 Page 2

what we think The Ibiza manages to offer both the agility of a supermini with the ride quality and refinement of a larger car – which bodes well for other Group products on this platform. A compelling all-rounder.

highlights All-LED headlights on all except the entry-level trim More interior space and a fifth more boot capacity Low-CO2 petrol engines, with diesels to follow

key fleet model SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI (95PS) SE Technology fleetworld.co.uk / 41

SWOT_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 15:08 Page 1

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Well priced, drives well and offers great practicality. Whilst it doesn’t always spring to drivers’ minds, it can’t fail to impress amongst its peers.

GA It’s not the cleanest out there and some users will just default to the Nissan or PSA offerings. Drawing the customer to consider the brand is the major issue.

GA There is undoubtedly an opportunity here. If TV campaigns continue, along with further investment in the fleet sector, then Vitara will enjoy further success.

GA The competition already enjoys relative success here, and it will be difficult to pull customers away from the default choices. Suzuki also needs to continue to work on emissions.

AC Diesel engine pulls well, and is slightly noisier than some rivals. The interior has an abundance of hard scratchy plastics, but they will last well, and the infotainment is easy to use but not quite as good as some of its main rivals.

AC The SZ-T is well priced which will give it an opening when people are looking at budget, and residual values are holding up quite well which helps monthly rental costs.

AC Good value and pretty good to drive, the Vitara is quite tall which gives an airy feeling inside and plenty of space for families.

It comes with plenty of kit as standard which makes it more appetising on the used market.

MJ Vitara has exceeded targets, selling 11,500 units last year - a key part of Suzuki GB's biggest-ever year. Competitive pricing helps create good whole-life costs, while bicolour and Rugged pack cars have attracted a younger audience.

MW The latest version looks modern, offers good value for money, and should appeal to many fleet buyers.

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

MJ Interior cabin plastics in areas such as door cards are harder than ideal, but not necessarily poor quality and acceptable at this price. Rear seats do not fold flat.

MW Suzuki is a well-known brand, but only really known by retail customers. Getting into fleet might continue to be a bit of an uphill battle.

MJ Vitara has been a key part of the change that Suzuki is going through. It has attracted new and younger clients and exposed the brand to lots of new prospects.

MW Suzuki hasn't had the number of dedicated people to get into the fleet market.

New models, engines, and an expanded fleet department mean it stands a better chance now.

AC There are so many competitors in this segment.

Suzuki has to work hard to keep volumes going, but they are making it work by offering very good value for money.

MJ Suzuki’s network is strong on customer service, but isn’t always in the most convenient locations. Corporate buyers will appreciate that service but need to be sure of convenient aftersales.

MW The Vitara needs to get on more fleet lists and not just be a retail car, and many dealers will need to have a better understanding of fleet.

SWOT_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 18:43 Page 2

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Suzuki Vitara

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

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Price and practicality. Trendy 80s/90s predecessors.

AC Airy interior, good value.

MJ Competitive pricing, younger image than some competitors.

MW A well-known name. Good value.

GA Brand awareness could be an issue.

AC Noisy engine, hard plastics, infotainment offering.

MJ Hard plastics. Rear seats do not fold flat.

MW Suzuki is known as a retail brand.

Strengths

Nissan Juke N-Connecta 1.5 dCi

GA Drives well, great aftersales service.

AC The trend-setter, still popular.

MJ Slightly lower sales volume may help protect RVs. MW Tried and tested fleet support.

Keeps getting better.

Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £500 • Dual-tone paint £800 • Rugged Pack £750

GA The looks aren’t to everyone’s taste.

AC Not the most practical, poor visibility.

MJ Diesel noise, cabin and boot space are a touch small.

MW Lack of interior space.

Strengths

Peugeot 2008 BlueHDI 100 Allure

GA The cleanest and most efficient here.

AC Nice interior feel, low emissions.

MJ More SUV-like post-facelift. Efficient, big loadspace.

MW By far the lowest on CO2, which helps with decision-makers.

Standard equipment: • DAB, BT, USB, aux-in • Satellite navigation • Cruise control, speed limiter • Reversing camera • Climate control • Front fog lights • Auto lights and wipers • 17-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £575 • Safety Pack £400

GA Peugeot needs to push this to its target audience.

AC Complicated infotainment system.

MJ Engine a bit harsh when pressed.

MW Looks expensive in this group.

OTR: £20,160 P11D: £19,985 Fuel: 76.3mpg CO2: 97g/km RV*: 5,900 (30%) BiK: 21% SMR: £1,861 Fuel costs: £4,275 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £2,698 NI: £1,931 VED: £400 Cost per month: £786

Strengths

SsangYong Tivoli ELX 1.6d manual

Weaknesses

SsangYong Tivoli

Standard equipment: • DAB, Bluetooth, USB • Satellite navigation • Cruise control, speed limiter • Reversing camera • Climate control •Front fog lights • 17-inch alloy wheels

OTR: £19,690 P11D: £19,495 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 104g/km RV*: £6,650 (34%) BiK: 22% SMR: £2,119 Fuel costs: £4,620 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,632 NI: £1,964 VED: £420 Cost per month: £746

Weaknesses

Peugeot 2008

Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDiS SZ-T OTR: £18,499 P11D: £18,304 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 106g/km RV*: £7,250 (40%) BiK: 23% SMR: £2,130 Fuel costs: £4,620 Insurance: £3,210 Finance: £2,471 NI: £1,920 VED: £420 Cost per month: £719

Weaknesses

Nissan Juke

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

GA Low price, but…

AC Affordable, Very practical and plenty of space.

MJ Looks good, affordable, spacious and very well equipped.

MW Value for money, spec, good looks.

Weaknesses GA …low residuals hurt monthly rentals.

AC Lacks a little refinement.

MJ Interior plastics, brand awareness, dealer locations.

MW Lacks awareness in fleet and retail.

OTR: £18,200 P11D: £17,984 Fuel: 65.7mpg CO2: 113g/km RV*: £6,225 (35%) BiK: 24% SMR: £2,468 Fuel costs: £4,965 Insurance: £3,000 Finance: £2,389 NI: £1,929 VED: £440 Cost per month: £750

Standard equipment: • DAB, BT, USB, aux-in • Apple Carplay, Android Auto • Cruise control, speed limiter • Rear parking sensors • Dual-zone climate control • Front fog/cornering lights • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer • Grip Control Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Satellite navigation £500

Standard equipment: • DAB, CD, BT, USB, aux-in • Satellite navigation • Cruise control • F/R parking sensors, camera • Dual-zone climate control • Front fog lights • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer • Heated leather seats • 18-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £500

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

MKT_FW_Daily Rental_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 16:29 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Europcar UK Group

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 50 years’ experience providing long and short-term tailor-made economical fleet solutions.

We have a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet operating in over 35 branches throughout the UK. Close manufacturer relationships mean we can offer competitive rates on a range of up-to-date vehicles.

We have packages to suit all industry sectors, providing fleet solutions tailored to meet each client’s needs.

We have an online booking facility available for retail and corporate clients. Our business customers can also benefit from dedicated online management reporting.

Contact: Sales Team car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.com www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Tel: 01786 468700

Europcar's fleet peaks at over 60,000 cars and vans available from a national network of over 250 locations. Customers benefit from having access to a range of flexible rental solutions including long term rental, make and model guaranteed, Delivery & Collection as well as the latest in-car share technology. Working with key manufacturers, Europcar can supply an extensive range of cars, LCVs and specialist vehicles including electric vehicles and hybrids, for both SMEs and larger corporate customers. At the heart of everything is Europcar's ongoing commitment to cutting costs, minimising administration and reducing the environmental impact.

Contact: Europcar Business Team businesssolutions@europcar.co.uk www.europcar.co.uk/business

Tel: 01162 173531

FleetEurope

FleetEurope is a multi-award winning, independent shortand mid-term vehicle rental provider. Our extensive network provides access to over 400,000 cars, vans and specialist vehicles from 1,500+ locations nationwide for delivery to your home or office address within two hours. Additional benefits include an industry-leading online booking system, dedicated account management, 24-hour emergency support, one-way vehicle rentals, a market-leading 99% invoice accuracy rate and extensive management reporting to continuously monitor and reduce your rental expenditure. Try our vehicle rental service for free today. Visit www.fleeteurope.co.uk and choose from a selection of cars and vans to rent free for a day.

Contact: Rental Team info@fleeteurope.co.uk

Tel: 01494 435000 www.fleeteurope.co.uk

Fourways Vehicle Solutions

Fourways Vehicle Solutions offers a distinctive customer service based approach to corporate vehicle rental. Through our vast supplier network we provide short and long term car, commercial and specialist vehicle hire right across the UK. This is supported by a state of the art cloud based rental system allowing real time access to reservations, billing and management information. In addition we also offer a dedicated, proactive account manager for every customer as well as a 24/7 emergency line manned by Fourways’ own staff. We would be delighted to talk to you about tailor making a solution to suit your vehicle rental requirements.

Contact: Sales Team info@fvsl.co.uk

Tel: 03448 000385 www.fvsl.co.uk

TCH Leasing

TCH Flexi-Fleet is the perfect, cost effective answer to your short term vehicle needs.

Whether you need a car for just a day or for up to 12 months we can cater for your needs either from our own stocks or through a variety of national rentals agencies with whom we have negotiated special rates.

With TCH Flexi-Fleet you have no long term commitment.

There are no termination penalties and billing is normally monthly in arrears so financial outlay is kept to a minimum.

TCH Flexi-Fleet is also perfect when you need: • Pre Contract Vehicles (Cars or Vans) • Short Term Contract Hire (3 to 12 months) • Short Term Rental (1 day to 3 months) • Relief Vehicles TCH Flexi-Fleet is... flexible: • Rental periods can vary from 1 day to 12 months • Various mileage options are available • Various makes and models of vehicle are available

Thrifty Car and Van Rental has 99 UK locations, offering a full range of commercial vehicles. Thrifty has a dedicated Central Reservation Team, providing an immediate response to enquiries and offering highly competitive rates, with access to a quality fleet of vehicles nationwide and an efficient delivery and collection service. Fast, accurate billing and detailed management information is available along with a dedicated account manager. For longer-term hires, Thrifty’s Flexi Fleet programme enables customers to rent vehicles on a short to medium term basis without being tied into a long term commitment.

Contact: Ann Green annie.green@tchleasing.co.uk

Contact: Caroline Gallagher caroline.gallagher@thrifty.co.uk

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0114 257 4200 www.tchgroup.co.uk

Thrifty Car and Van Rental

Tel: 01494 751550 www.thrifty.co.uk

MKT_FW_Daily Rental_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 16:29 Page 2

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Europcar UK Group

FleetEurope Fourways Vehicle Solutions Nexus Vehicle Rental

TCH Leasing

Thrifty Car and Van Rental

Telema cs

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Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Rental

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Hire

We’ll look after your fleet, you look after your customers.

Fleet Management

Vehicle Funding

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Here is a selection of our recent awards:

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Find out about how we can keep your fleet moving.

Visit www.btfleet.com or call 0800 028 4387

Service, Maintenance and Repair

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 19:31 Page 1

INSIDE

TRACK From city cars to SUVs, electric, autonomous and connected vehicles, Fleet Show 2017 highlighted the most signiďŹ cant newcomers in the fleet sector, against the iconic backdrop of the Silverstone circuit.

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:13 Page 2

AUDI Audi appeared at its second Fleet Show with a wide range of vehicles for fleet managers to try, including examples of the recently launched Q5 SUV and A5 ranges for driving, as well as the R8 supercar and RS6 super-estate.

BMW While the new 5 Series was among the multiple new models available to drive, the plug-in hybrid 530e iPerformance saloon made an appearance on BMW’s indoor stand. Likely to be a key part of its fleet offering, the 252bhp executive car offers CO2 emissions from 46g/km and a pure electric driving range of 29 miles.

FCA Fleet World Honours winner FCA was talking fleet managers through its extensive vehicle offering at the show.

Recently named ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’, FCA had vehicles from its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep brands to drive, and was also offering hot laps with professional drivers in the Abarth Spider, Jeep SRT and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Visitors were also told of the firm’s investment in its dealer network to support its fleet ambitions.

READY TO BREAK WITH CONVENTION? ACT NOW AND HAVE YOUR SAY. The choice is yours from city cars, to SUVs, executive coupés and more.

Put our world leading hybrids to the test and call 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/convention

→

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:13 Page 3

→

KIA Fleet Show 2017 provided three new firsts on the Kia stand, with the new Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Sportswagon and the Niro hybrid all making their debut at the event.

Showcasing the brand’s pledge to reduce the average CO2 emissions of its range by 25% by 2020, the new Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Niro crossover – Kia’s first dedicated hybrid – mark a step up in its electric mobility plans. Meanwhile the all-New Optima Sportswagon is the latest addition to Kia’s core fleet line-up, with a rangetopping 1,686 litres of load volume.

HONDA Honda was also out to show the breadth of its fleet offering at the Fleet Show. Not only with cars – the event offered early opportunities to test the all-new Civic with its efficient petrol engines – but with a return of its Motorcycle division. Honda Motorcycles had both a static stand inside the venue and the offer of bike demonstrations on the track; fleet sales continue to grow steadily, with its largest fleet-specific bike dealer opening in the coming months.

HYUNDAI With the Hybrid and Electric IONIQ and Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs accounting for more than 90% of Hyundai’s contract hire and leasing registrations, these models were a major focus on the carmaker’s stand at the Fleet Show, while the event also provided the first chance for many decision-makers to get behind the wheel of the new i30 lower-medium challenger.

Hyundai has reported huge growth in fleet sales so far this year, with dealer and contract hire business rocketing by 119% year-to-date.

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:14 Page 4

SUZUKI First-time exhibitor Suzuki had its entire range of models available to drive as it aims to capture more fleet business.

The firm has expanded its central fleet team as it aims to grow its corporate sales from 5,000 in 2016 to around 7,500 this year. Its ultimate goal is to reach 50,000 UK registrations, with fleet sales accounting for 10,000 of those.

Head of fleet, Graeme Jenkins, said: “We have gone through a long process of deciding the right way to go to market to increase volumes, and we are investing heavily in getting the infrastructure right for the fleet team to go to market and help them reach the goals we want to achieve.”

MAZDA Mazda’s hotlyanticipated new CX-5 was much in demand at the show, with buyers keen to assess the recent update to this popular mid-size crossover. Beneath the sharper styling, Mazda has retained its choice of petrol and diesel engines, though most fleet buyers will no doubt opt for one of the two 2.2-litre oil-burners. With the promise of 56mpg and 132g/km in two-wheel drive form, the CX-5 is not the most economical, but it remains Mazda’s second biggest fleet seller.

REDUCED BUDGET GET GIVING YOU HEADACHES? CHOOSE WISELY, AND TAKE AWAY THE PAIN. Meet your budget by switching to our world-leading hybrids.

See how much you can save by calling 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cost

→

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:14 Page 5

→ SEAT Fleet managers got their first chance to drive the all-new Ibiza supermini at the show, months ahead of its UK launch in September. Early lefthand drive models were on offer alongside examples of the popular Ateca crossover and recently updated Leon hatchback.

Peter McDonald, head of fleet and business sales for SEAT UK, said: “Bolstering an outstanding start to the year in terms of fleet sales, we are anticipating a very positive reception from our fleet customers to the new Ibiza, as well as the new Leon and Ateca.”

RENAULT With business booming at Renault, Fleet Show 2017 marked the first opportunity for fleet decision-makers to test-drive the all-new Renault Koleos.

Targeted at both large car buyers and those looking to upsize from the medium car segment, the Koleos marks Renault’s return to this area of the market and competes against models such as the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe.

MINI MINI’s first ever plug-in hybrid made its UK debut at Silverstone. Available to order now with deliveries set for June, the new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is priced from £31,585 and is also eligible for an additional £2,500 OLEV grant. Its three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce 224bhp – enough for 0-62mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds, CO2 emissions of 49g/km, claimed average fuel economy of 134.5mpg and electric driving at speeds of up to 78mph with a range of up to 25 miles.

VAUXHALL Few visitors could miss Vauxhall’s sleek new Insignia Grand Sport, which should be ticking plenty of boxes with user choosers and with finance managers. Offering BiK from as low as 21% and up to 70.6mpg, with a host of new technologies on board, the Grand Sport looks set to move the game forward for Vauxhall in the fleet market.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

FWFS Review_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:15 Page 6

NEXT MONTH!

VOLVO VIP security was the order of the day for Volvo with one of only two new XC60s in the country making its fleet debut at the show. In fact, someone had to sleep inside the car on the stand the night before the show, such is the car’s rarity.

But security was relaxed on show day, with keen interest in the new midsize SUV which is due to go on sale in the UK this summer. Volvo chose to launch the XC60 to fleets at Fleet Show 2017 and on track, visitors could sample the latest 90 series models – the XC90 in 49g/km T8 Twin Engine hybrid guise plus the S90 saloon and V90 estate.

YAMAHA Yamaha was a firsttime exhibitor at the Fleet Show, using its debut to get more businesses switched on to the idea of their staff using two wheels for business travel.

Andy Pumfrey, divisional manager of the new business division at Yamaha Motor Europe, said: “We are aiming to convince people that motorcycles are serious business tools. As well as a full range of bikes, from twist and go scooters and mopeds up to police motorcycles, we offer a head-to-toe fleet operation meaning we can arrange rider training, risk management, finance, insurance and even clothing.”

TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT? MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND BENEFIT TODAY. Our exceptional choice of world-leading hybrids helps you reduce emissions and save money.

For a test drive or more information call 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cleanup

Reviews, news and innovations from Fleet Show 2017’s extensive line-up of suppliers.

TOYOTA / LEXUS As well as showcasing its range of hybrid vehicles, the manufacturer was also talking to fleets about its new Business Plus services.

These are designed to be personalised to suit a particular business and include: three-day extended test drives; guaranteed same day access to a business manager or specialist sales executive; free vehicle collection and delivery, plus valet, when servicing work is required, as well as a guaranteed booking within three days; transparent costs; a range of finance solutions and business daily hire from £9.99 a day.

TAXATION_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 15:20 Page 1

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Danger! Diesel Professor Colin Tourick examines the backlash against diesel and weighs the alternatives. trolling through a leafy London suburb, I happened to notice a parked car onto which someone had written the words “Diesel Danger”. As I had been planning to write about diesels this month this was too good an opportunity to miss, so I whipped out my camera and started taking photographs.

I then noticed Bill Oddie standing next to me (yes, really, and if you are under 30 I’m sorry if you don’t know who I’m talking about). He was wearing a facial expression that said “Who the heck are you and why are you taking photographs of my car?” I introduced myself and explained that I was taking the photos to accompany this article. He said “Will you be able to do anything about the scourge of diesels?” and I said probably not, but I would try. He then smiled and invited me to look at the other side of the car, on which he had April Total written “They said it was safe….”.

2017 152,076 He’s right of course, they did tell us diesels were safe. When the tax 2016 189,505 system was altered to take % change -19.8% account of engine emissions, companies changed their car Mkt share 2017 schemes to favour diesels because Mkt share 2016 this was the environmentallyfriendly option that saved NI for the employer and income tax and Year-to-date Total NI for the employee.

2017 972,092 The problem was, whilst reducing CO2 would save the 2016 961,285 planet, an increase in the % change 1.1% number of diesel cars would boost the quantity of oxides of Mkt share 2017 nitrogen (NOx) being pumped Mkt share 2016 into the atmosphere, and NOx is

S

a pollutant that kills.

We now have a perfect storm brewing. Diesel is a dirty word, the fuel has no friends in the corridors of power, the Transport Minister has already warned people off buying diesel cars and from 23 October Sadiq Kahn, the Mayor of London, will introduce a £10 toxicity charge for cars, vans, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs not meeting Euro 4 standards.

DEFRA lost a High Court case in May as a result of which it was required to publish its draft plans for addressing the problem of nitrogen dioxide. We learned from this that the government likes the idea of local authorities introducing clean air zones (but isn’t too keen on motorists being charged to drive into them), expects Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton to introduce clean air Diesel

Petrol

AFV

Private

Fleet

Business

68,306

77,497

6,273

59,912

86,678

5,486

93,940

89,209

6,356

83,734

98,828

6,943

-27.3%

-13.1%

-1.3%

-28.4%

-12.3%

-21.0%

44.9%

51.0%

4.1%

39.4%

57.0%

3.6%

49.6%

47.1%

3.4%

44.2%

52.2%

3.7%

Diesel

Petrol

AFV

Priv iva iv vat ate

Fleet

Business

428,328

504,086

39,678

446,378

485,498

40,216

457,425

471,797

32,063

456,620

465,707

38,958

-6.4%

6.8%

23.8%

-2.2%

4.2%

3.2%

44.1%

51.9%

4.1%

45.9%

49.9%

4.1%

47.6%

49.1%

3.3%

47.5%

48.4%

4.1%

Source: SMMT

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

TAXATION_FW_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 15:21 Page 2

zones by 2019 and wants dozens more towns and cities to follow suit soon after. The much-discussed diesel scrappage scheme is still being considered, though if introduced it would clearly have to be focussed on removing the most polluting vehicles only otherwise the cost would be astronomical (£60bn were every diesel car and van to be scrapped).

For fleet managers, the key line in the report was buried in clause 54: “The Government will continue to explore the appropriate tax treatment Petrol for diesel vehicles and will engage with Emission stakeholders ahead of making any tax standards changes at Autumn Budget 2017”.

Euro 3 Whilst civil servants are not allowed to speak publicly on matters affecting policy in Euro 4 the run up to the election, the mood music coming out of the corridors of power is not Euro 5 that encouraging for fleet managers. The Euro 6 government urgently wants to reduce the number of diesel cars on the road. As someone told me, “They are looking at everyDiesel thing: Benefit-in-Kind tax, vehicle excise duty, writing down allowances, AMAP rates, Emission standards National Insurance, everything.”

Whilst sales of diesel vehicles are down Euro 3 6.4% year-on-year, there were still more Euro 4 than 400,000 diesel cars sold in the year to end April 2017 and the government thinks Euro 5 this number is too high.

Euro 6 As it happens the blanket ‘diesel is bad’ analysis is a bit unfair on car manufacturers, who have reduced NOx and other emissions in line with the latest Euro 6 standard, which makes new vehicles cleaner than ever before.

Emissions standard

Applied to new car approvals from

Applied to all new registrations from

Euro 1

1 July 1992

31 December 1992

Euro 2

1 January 1996

1 January 1997

Euro 3

1 January 2000

1 January 2001

Euro 4

1 January 2005

1 January 2006

Euro 5

1 September 2009

1 January 2011

Euro 6

1 September 2014

1 September 2015

Euro 6 was implemented for new vehicle approvals on 1 September 2014, and all new registrations had to comply with Euro 6 standards from 1 September 2015. So a significant proportion of existing fleet cars now emit very low levels of NOx indeed, as the charts on the right show.

However, you can be sure that as more members of public hear the message ‘diesel is bad’ they will be less inclined to buy used diesel cars. This can only reduce residual values and lead to an increase in lease rentals (or depreciation for fleets that buy their cars or fund them via hire purchase).

Which takes us to the key question for fleet managers:

given that the government is so keen to discourage the use of diesel cars, how can fleet managers protect their companies (and employees) against rising costs? The obvious answer is to start looking seriously at the alternatives.

Whatever changes the government introduces we can be sure they will still be committed to reducing CO2. The need to reduce global warming isn’t going to go away, so the safe bet is to look for low-CO2 alternatives to diesel-engined vehicles.

CO

HC

NOx

PM

PM

2.3g/km

0.20g/km

0.15g/km

1.0g/km

0.10g/km

0.08g/km

1.0g/km

0.10g/km

0.06g/km

0.005g/km (direct injection only)

1.0g/km

0.10g/km

0.06g/km

0.005g/km (direct injection only)

6.0x10 ^11/km (direct injection only)

CO

HC + NOx

NOx

PM

PM

0.64g/km

0.56g/km

0.50g/km

0.05g/km

0.50g/km

0.30g/km

0.25g/km

0.025g/km

0.50g/km

0.23g/km

0.18g/km

0.005g/km

6.0x10 ^11/km

0.50g/km

0.17g/km

0.08g/km

0.005g/km

6.0x10 ^11/km

And there are a lot to choose from these days.

For example, smaller, petrol-engined cars. Many manufacturers have done a great job in making smaller power units that are lighter but more powerful. Some of these cars deliver very good performance with low CO2 and NOx output.

If you haven’t yet added hybrid vehicles to your fleet, now is the time to consider these. Low emissions, high mpg, proven technology and pretty high residuals (which deliver low rentals). What’s not to like?

You don’t have any plug-in electric cars on your fleet?

Range anxiety can be an issue with battery-powered vehicles, but if you analyse the journeys your employees are driving you may well find employees for whom an electric car would work most of the time, except for the occasional journey that could be handled in a rental car or pool car. Most of these cars are still expensive to buy, even with the government grant, but the cost of the fuel is tiny compared with filling up at the pump.

This sort of analysis is valuable at any time but could be particularly valuable now that we know the government has diesel in its cross-hairs. Looking at your attitude to diesel now could make a lot of sense.

Professor Colin Tourick MSc FCA FCCA MICFM University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 53

FEATURE_Tyres_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 13:39 Page 1

FEATURE Fleet Tyres

USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT? NOT SO FAST...

Changing our tyres before we absolutely need to might be a false – and expensive – economy for fleets.

Craig Thomas discovers how Michelin is attempting to get us all to think differently about our rubber. he humble tyre is a hoop of rubber that might, on the (patterned) surface of it, seem a simple – albeit highly important – piece of automotive technology.

However, tyres are one of the most vital components of any vehicle. They offer those all-important postcard-sized contact patches with the road surface, support the weight of the car, help absorb any discomfort from the road surface, and enable the driver to steer, accelerate and brake.

Tyre safety is therefore hugely important, with clear regulations governing tyre wear: the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm, beyond which they have to be replaced, is a Europe-wide and practically global standard.

But there’s a received wisdom – promoted by numerous tyre manufac-

T

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

turers and safety bodies – that suggests that tyres should be changed at 2mm or even 3mm.

Drivers are heeding this advice: a 2014 study published in Tire Science and Technology pointed to an average 3.1mm tread depth of tyres in European landfill sites.

Michelin, however, is challenging this industry shibboleth, asserting that tyres with tread of 1.6mm can be perfectly safe. Indeed, Michelin says that tread depth isn’t the most important indicator in tyre safety: it’s the performance of the tyre that matters most, with some worn tyres proving to be safer than some brand new tyres.

Tyre performance is based on a number of factors, such as casing design, the quality of the materials and type of rubber compound used, the

tread design, and the shape of grooves and sipes. Indeed, the quality of the tyre – which is often reflected in price – is the most important factor in how a tyre performs, when new and throughout its functional life, all the way down to 1.6mm.

Terry Gettys, executive vice-president of research and development for Michelin explained what the company has discovered, after testing 24 different tyres currently on sale.

“Tyres wear out and the tyre performance changes as they wear out – for example, wet braking performance will worsen over time. All tyres are not equal when they are new.

“What our tests have shown is that tyre performance is even less equal when worn. In fact, the differences are very much accentuated once a tyre is

FEATURE_Tyres_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 13:39 Page 2

Worn tyres don't necessarily affect wet braking or cornering performance

“A worn tyre will stop a vehicle quicker in the dry than the same tyre when new.”

in the latter stages of its life. Quite surprisingly, we have discovered that some tyres worn to the legal limit have a wet braking distance virtually the same as some new tyres.”

Michelin has conducted a number of tests to evaluate the relative merits of different tyres – tests that it reproduced with Fleet World in attendance (and behind the wheel) to reveal some surprising results.

Worn, but not worn out First off was a standard dry braking test. This is the braking that most drivers undertake, most of the time (London, for example, has dry roads for

71% of days per year) and is significant because the safety of undamaged tyres actually improves as they become worn. That might seem counter-intuitive, but if you consider the tyres that racing cars use – slick tyres with no tread patterns cut into them – it makes absolute sense. A worn tyre will therefore stop a vehicle quicker in the dry than the same tyre when new.

This was evident in our testing, which found that worn tyres reduced braking distance from 60kph (37.2mph) to a dead stop by about 2.3m – which is half the length of a car – compared to the same tyre when brand new.

The claims

At the 1.6mm legal tread limit…

• Stopping distances are shorter than for new tyres, by 2.3m.

• Rolling resistance is 20% less than for a new tyre, cutting fuel consumption.

• Many premium-brand tyres have lost none of their wet braking performance.

Changing to a 3mm tread limit…

• Would cause 128m extra tyres to be disposed of each year.

• Would cost British drivers an extra £745m.

• Isn’t supported by data suggesting it would reduce accidents.

fleetworld.co.uk / 55

→

FEATURE_Tyres_FW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 13:41 Page 3

Premium performance Michelin's research has shown worn 'premium' tyres can outperform new budget tyres.

→

The next test was to determine wet lateral grip, which replicates cornering in the wet. The test does have a greater element of subjectivity than straightline testing, but it did show variations in the speed at which the vehicle breaks traction when fitted, with new budget tyres losing out to worn, midpriced alternatives.

The final tests involved wet braking.

These were perhaps the most instructive in showing the disparity in the performance of different tyres, both new and worn. What we discovered was that some worn premium tyres have shorter braking distances in the wet than new budget tyres – to the extent of differences of between five and 10 metres (one to two car lengths), which is significant in real-world driving conditions.

So on safety alone, it’s clear to see that some worn tyres, depending on their performance capabilities, can be perfectly safe – and even safer than cheap new tyres.

But it’s not just about safety: worn tyres are also more fuel efficient and better for the environment. One tank of fuel in five is used to overcome the rolling resistance of a vehicle’s tyres and, as the rolling resistance of a tyre at the legal tread limit is 80% of that tyre in a new state, keeping a tyre on a vehicle until the legal tread wear limit means that its most fuel efficient state is increased, reducing fuel bills.

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

And as for all those tyres with 3mm tread in landfill, estimates suggest that 400m tyres can be saved every year by waiting until they reach 1.6mm. Indeed, research from Ernst & Young shows that EU drivers are paying out €6.9bn (£6bn) as a consequence of more frequent tyre purchases and increased fuel consumption. That works out at an unnecessary £745m bill for British drivers alone.

As Gettys puts it: “If tyres are changed early, before the legal limit, this reduces the useful life of the product, and consumers would make unnecessary purchases. This would also have an adverse impact on the environment. So, early tyre removal has a huge environmental impact and also represents a significant and unjustified increase in costs for consumers.”

Rewriting the rules So what is Michelin’s endgame, on the back of its research? Cyrille Roget, Michelin’s group technical communication director, told us: “What we want is for, first, the industry to realise that it’s important to measure worn tyres, not only new tyres. Then what we would like is to have a threshold where you could keep the grading for the indication of the performance when the tyres are new, and then set a minimum performance for when the tyres are worn. In that case, you remove all the bad tyres. That’s the easiest way to do

it. It’s not a ranking, or a grading: it’s more a minimum performance that all tyres sold have to conform to, in order to be on the market.”

We asked Bridgestone, Continental and Goodyear Dunlop for their reaction to Michelin’s call for changes to the testing regime: none of them responded with a comment.

The testing we did with Michelin – and the research they showed us – certainly offered a convincing case for changing the regulatory test.

Will that happen? It took dieselgate for the emissions testing regime to change to the real driving emissions (RDE) test that will replace labbased testing later this year, which suggests that it takes something dramatic to convince the authorities to make a change.

In the meantime, the message to anyone looking to purchase tyres – especially on a large-scale, fleet-wide basis – is to look at better-performing tyres.

They will prove more expensive, but all the research suggest that they’ll be safer throughout their lifetime and, as they last better, won’t need to be replaced until the tread is at 1.6mm – which will save on fuel costs in the long term.

They might be just hoops of rubber, but selecting the right tyres, and using them to their legal tread depth, could save fleet operators significant amounts of money.

LTT_FW_Jun17_LAW.qxp 02/06/2017 18:20 Page 1

our fleet SEAT Leon ST FR Technology 1.4 Eco TSI 150PS

IT seems that someone was listening to my random thoughts on our outgoing SEAT Ateca, when I wondered if the 1.4-litre petrol engine might not, for lower mileage drivers at least, be the better bet than the 1.6-litre diesel. The petrol engine offers more power and the same amount of torque as the smaller oilburner, without too much of a sacrifice at the fuel pumps. On paper at least.

I was therefore very interested to find that our Leon ST is powered by the 1.4 EcoTSI petrol motor. Boasting 148hp, the compact petrol’s party trick is that as soon as you reduce pressure on the throttle pedal it cuts the spark to two cylinders and ticks along on just the other two. Apart from a light on the dash you would never know that this has happened, as the engine is whisper quiet unless you are really accelerating.

The cut in cylinders should help the compact estate to

achieve a claimed 57.6mpg, while dropping CO2 emissions to just 114g/km. We’re barely past the first 1,000 miles on the clock, so the Leon is hardly run-in, but I can report that the first two tanks of unleaded returned an indicated 48mpg, which is pretty impressive.

Our Leon turned up in FR Technology trim, which puts it three-quarters of the way up the Leon ST specification hierarchy. To be fair the car wants for very little, though a late Spring early morning frost exposed the fact that the Ateca’s heated front screen and driver’s seat are both absent on this Leon.

No matter, the Leon ST drives well, looks fantastic in Mystery Blue with optional 18” Performance alloys and, for now at least, doesn’t seem to be hitting me in the wallet. This should be an interesting test.

Dan Gilkes

Fiat Tipo Station 1.6 MultiJet Lounge THE era of the app has transformed mobile phones, single-handedly turning around the trend towards smaller handsets with tiny screens to the point where the lines are blurred between phones, tablets and the ‘phablets’ now straddling the gap between them.

This puts a huge amount of processing power in your bag, or pocket, including a choice of free-to-access mapping apps. It’s a hard act for car manufacturers to match, particularly given the longer lifecycle of a car compared to a smartphone. Though they have, at least, got the advantage of it being built in.

In Lounge trim, the Tipo Station 1.6 MultiJet gets built-in navigation as part of the Fiat Uconnect system – a screen which also offers internet and DAB radio, and a rear-view camera. But, measuring 5.0 inches from corner to corner, it’s only slightly bigger than the 4.7-inch screen on my iPhone. It’s fairly easy to use, but can be fiddly to operate at arm’s length and the navigation display can get a little cluttered too.

Perhaps it’s a sign of the times? With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both designed around the constraints of smaller screens, becoming more common, I wonder if manufacturer-specific infotainment is on the way out.

Another change brought in by ever-smarter smartphones Anne Dopson

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

LTT_FW_Jun17_LAW.qxp 02/06/2017 18:21 Page 2

our fleet BMW 520d M Sport I’M a big fan of technology – especially when it comes to new cars. As well as the actual driving experience of a recentlylaunched model, it’s just as much fun being able to play around with the latest gadgets on a vehicle. My current favourites are heated steering wheels and wireless charging – that might sound a bit spoilt, but in reality, I marvel at the fact that these technologies exist in the first place, so credit to whoever thought that they would benefit our lives so much.

To be honest, I got so used to the latter, having stepped in and out of a run of vehicles that had wireless charging, that I was momentarily taken aback when a Skoda Octavia I was in recently didn’t have it! However, the bluetooth-enabled tech is part of a problem I’ve had with the 5 Series this month. It’s all to do with the next-generation/oversized/overcomplicated (delete as appropriate) smart key – a development that seems to have divided drivers. The key keeps running out of charge – often because when I’m driving, my phone is sitting in the charging pod, rather than the key itself.

It’s not like a depend on the functions of the key – although being able to set the temperature and speed of the fans is going to be useful in the summer.

Another minor bugbear seems to be an audible warning that tells me the emergency phone isn’t working. One call to BMW Assist hasn’t fixed it, so I’ll try again and if not it will be off to the dealer. However none of this takes away any enjoyment of driving the car itself. The fuel economy is continuing to go up, while a lack of complaints from my rear passengers (Challen Jnrs) is always a good sign…

John Challen

Audi Q2 S line 1.4 TFSI CoD S tronic HEWN out of that familiar Apple approach, that the next big thing is the product you didn’t know you needed, the Q2 might be a new niche for Audi, but six months with this compact crossover have shown it’s no gimmick either.

Slotted – as the name suggests – between the A1 and A3 in terms of size, it’s a mix of off-road-esque ride height with the practicality and peerless-in-class cabin quality of an A3 Sportback. A car which manages to position child seats just at the right height to get our youngest family members on board, while offering just enough boot space to swallow a cumbersome ‘travel system’ buggy.

Full marks, too, for the drivetrain. The 1.4-litre petrol engine really does offer everything; peppy straight-line perfor-

58 / fleetworld.co.uk

mance when you want it, yet with quiet, vibration-free cruising ability and 50mpg on a gentle motorway jaunt.

Economy is helped by slipping into two-cylinder mode and with the S tronic transmission decoupling the engine to save fuel. It’s luring drivers out of 2.0-litre diesels in other Group products and, if your choice list allows, it’s worth a try.

Granted, there’s more space in an A3, and the hatchback is cheaper too. But the Q2 manages to be a tempting combination of the best bits of a couple of segments, and with a little more exclusivity on its side than its nearest sibling. But, like most things with an Apple logo on the back, it won’t be long before its space in the market becomes crowded.

Alex Grant

LTT_FW_Jun17_LAW.qxp 02/06/2017 18:22 Page 3

Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.7 CRDi GT-Line S auto IN the last report on our Kia, I mentioned the huge amount of useable technology fitted to our top-spec optima sW as standard. one of the main items which impresses is the combined parking assist system – handy on a big car such as the optima with a fairly shallow glass area at the back. the package contains smart park assist – essentially a selfparking device which automatically steers into a space. I haven’t used it, simply because with the 360 degree camera, parking is easy. there are four cameras positioned around the car to build up an overhead view of your parking area, all displayed on the main screen in the dashboard.

It works so well that there is no need to strain your neck looking behind you – the camera is clear and the display so accurate that there really can’t be any excuses for selfinflicted parking dings.

Combined with the rear cross traffic alert system, which monitors a 180 degree area behind as you reverse out of a space, and the Kia has the parking game covered. the only downside of our test so far has been the reluctance of the dash-mounted boot release button to do its thing – instead we’re relying on the button on the key fob to open the boot.

Julian Kirk

MINI Clubman One D Customers, apparently, are always right. But, after a few days in our now run-in one D Clubman, previously only having driven nearly-new versions, I’m not sure that they are.

With its sights on the A3, 1 series and A-Class, this is a range that now stretches all the way up to a 229bhp, £30,000 (before options) John Cooper Works model. And it’s got the fit, finish and refinement to hold its own, even in our comparatively lowly one D spec.

But I’ve always thought, and still do, that you don’t need to go far up the range to get that experience. the one D’s threecylinder diesel feels livelier than the more powerful Cooper D’s four-cylinder, and offers 60mpg fuel economy. I’d consider upspeccing this (the cloth sports seats are a must-have) rather than moving up a trim level. except people haven’t – with only a small hike in monthly costs to go up to a Cooper D, this version has been dropped, only available as a special order for fleets. Ironically, despite the size increase, the car that fitted the less-works-best mINI launch ethos best just didn’t suit British buying habits. It’s understandable, but to me it feels like a bit of a loss.

Alex Grant

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

LTT_FW_Jun17_LAW.qxp 02/06/2017 18:44 Page 4

our fleet AlphaCity BMW i3 REX 94Ah Corporate golf days. ‘Tis the season for the great, the good and the part-time golfers in fleet to dust off their clubs and engage in a bit of networking at the 19th hole. For us though, our first golfing excursion of 2017 was to Wentworth with Alphabet, for the BMW PGA Championship.

Some of our readers were probably there too as we were directed to VIP parking for BMW Group vehicles, where a sea of blue and white badges and MINIs were lining the fairways.

We arrived, silently in our i3, four-up, having opted for the low-carbon-footprint driving option, because the trains were a bit too much of a faff and let’s face it, sometimes a car is absolutely the best mobility option. We didn’t even need to recharge, as the i3 laughs in the face of range anxiety and the morning after at our offices, we were reminded about a great touch in the AlphaCity programme whereby your vehicle is periodically mobile-valeted to keep it looking fresh – the timing of which could not have a been more perfect. Brilliant!

Luke Wikner

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

accident management Selsia

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

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

Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 HSE Luxury 180hp Auto fleet insurance WE wave goodbye to our Land Rover Discovery Sport six months after the model joined our long-term fleet, having confirmed what a well-rounded and practical sevenseater SUV it is. Worlds apart from the Freelander it replaces, the Discovery Sport brings a flavour of its Discovery bigger brother in a compact package.

Over the last six months we’ve made the most of its seven-seat flexibility – the seats can be raised or folded away in a jiffy – but what I’ve really appreciated is just how compact a footprint you get despite those extra seven seats or the resultant boot space when not in use. I’ve also appreciated the 178bhp 2.0-litre TD4 Ingenium engine, with its 139g/km and 53.3mpg – although it does only come with four-wheel drive as standard, which may be a downside for fleet buyers, it’s a smooth, punchy and on the whole refined engine while the nine-speed auto offers fast performance with just the odd hesitation on down changes. And

although the ride on the Discovery Sport is a little firm at lower speeds, overall it offers a highly relaxing, comfortable drive.

We have had a couple of issues with the car. A fault warning on our first test model led to its return to Land Rover – although we benefited from being given the updated Discovery Sport instead, with extra safety kit and technology including a vastly improved infotainment system. And although the second model had to go into the dealers due to issues with the diesel particulate filter, I was extremely impressed by the service I received, which reinforced the model’s prestige appeal.

And that’s the key to the Discovery Sport – highly capacious off-road skills (that we hardly made use of) with relaxing on-road presence and the flexibility of a large boot or seven-seat layout but with a prestige badge and excellent manufacturer / dealership service to boot.

Natalie Middleton

insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

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

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

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

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_June17.qxp_SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 02/06/2017 15:05 Page 2

FLEETW W RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

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

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

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

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Lex Autolease

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Tel: 01484 551060

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

Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk Total Leasing Solutions for your business

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.virtualriskmanager.net

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

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

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

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

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

0845 2172 608

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

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

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

Sofico NV

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

Tel: +3292018040

www.soficoservices.com

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015 www.cardinus.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Bespoke Driver Training Tel: 01905 887 884 www.bespokedrivertraining.com

misfuelling AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

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

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

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

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Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

Tel: 0870 013 6663 euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

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

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

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

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

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

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VFW_LEAD_Jun17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 15:58 Page 1

VAN

June 2017

FLEETW RLD

p64 Editor Dan Gilkes analyses the UK electric van market.

at a glance Risk management The benefits of driver training to help reduce road risk.

driven...

Vauxhall Vivaro LE Peugeot Expert Long

vanfleetworld.co.uk

DAN_VFW_June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 12:30 Page 1

review VFW editor Dan Gilkes welcomes the potential growth of electromobility in the LCV sector and looks ahead to two van events that we’ll be involved in later this year.

Potential for electromobility Big city mayors and politicians in a number of countries have been making headlines with their desire to ban diesel vehicles from urban roads. This has pushed petrol back into vogue and continues to raise interest in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Unfortunately van drivers often don’t have much choice when it comes to drivelines. There are a few petrol engines on offer in smaller vans and Volkswagen is even bringing petrol to its T6 Transporter range. Yet despite the option, few customers seem keen to take the residual value risk of turning from diesel.

There are some very good electric vans on offer though, Renault and Nissan in particular should be applauded for persevering with Kangoo Z.E. and eNV200 in the face of limited UK demand. There are more EV vans on the horizon as well, with Master Z.E. and e-Crafter both hitting the roads later this year and the news of Ford’s hybrid Transit Custom.

In the coming months we’ll be trying the latest electric vans from Peugeot and Citroën, as well as the updated, higher-powered Kangoo. Perhaps the time is finally right for these vans to gain wider appeal.

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily LCV news!

Visit our website vanfleetworld.co.uk

Van growth Fleet World Group continues to invest in the LCV market, with the acquisition of the assets of the van news and features website VansA2Z. Editor Neil McIntee and publishing director Kevin Gregory will be joining the Fleet World team, bringing a wealth of van experience to the Group.

Fleet World will also take over the popular DriveVansA2Z live event, which will take place at Silverstone on 13 September 2017. The day provides a unique opportunity for van users and operators to try a wide range of LCVs in one place.

Marathon vans With increased coverage of the LCV market, in both fleet and SME sectors, we will be boosting the LCV element of this year’s MPG Marathon. The two-day event, which takes place in October, provides an opportunity for manufacturers to put their vans and pick-ups to the test, on varied roads across the UK. There will be a number of significant improvements to this year’s event, with more news over the coming months.

MPG marathon

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FEATURE-VFW-Risk Mgt-June17.qxp 02/06/2017 13:43 Page 1

FEATURE Risk Management

Reducing road risk Driver training can help to prevent accidents for high mileage drivers, says Dan Gilkes.

or the majority of company employees, driving on the road may well be the most dangerous part of the job. It is estimated that between one quarter and a third of all road casualties in the UK occur in accidents involving someone driving or riding for work purposes.

Protecting a company’s staff will always be a major consideration for a fleet manager, whether that involves purchasing vehicles with the latest safety features or installing sophisticated tracking and camera systems for personal protection.

Driver training also remains an important option for drivers at all levels, especially those covering high mileages. Everyone will have a different criteria for high mileage, but anyone covering more than 30,000 miles per year must be considered to be a higher risk motorist.

“Companies value you as a high risk driver, not a bad driver, but a high mileage driver,” said Steve Lewis, managing director of Rockingham-based Road Risk Reduction (R3) Training.

It is an important distinction - training is not a punishment, but an opportunity. R3 provides a range of training courses for companies and individuals, from complete beginners to highly experienced drivers. Whatever the course, the company’s training is about risk reduction, rather than accident prevention, though the two are obviously connected.

Key to R3’s training is the fact that delegates take part using their own vehicles, as this provides the most realistic simulation of their everyday driving.

Eurovia and Ringway are two divisions of the construction and infrastructure giant Vinci. Interestingly, both companies

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are heavily involved in road construction and maintenance, meaning that their drivers spend nearly all of their working day on the roads, either driving or carrying out other work.

Working in such potentially hazardous surroundings, often alongside live carriageways, perhaps makes the company more safety conscious than most. Certainly both firms have jumped at the chance to offer workers from all areas within the business the chance to attend a day long training course with R3.

“Eurovia takes driver risk very seriously, we incorporate it into our approach to health and safety as part of our road risk management programme,” said David Campbell, group HS&E director at Eurovia UK. “Working with the team at R3 Rockingham we developed a course for our high-risk drivers that gives them a far better understanding of the characteristics and reactions they may encounter should their vehicle be involved in a skid situation.

However there is a lot more to the course than just the skid pan element.”

The course takes place at the Rockingham race circuit near Corby. The day is split into three components with delegates attending from 9am through to around 4pm. The day starts with a general talk about the hazards of road driving, followed by a quick test paper that the delegates will complete again at the end of the day. Mr Lewis claims that company drivers tend to see a 208% average increase in knowledge when they complete the same test later in the day.

The group is then split into three smaller groups of around six drivers, to complete the three main training sessions.

FEATURE-VFW-Risk Mgt-June17.qxp 02/06/2017 13:46 Page 2

SKID AVOIDANCE Note that R3 calls this session skid avoidance, not skid control, the company is not training drivers to hold their vehicles in a perfect drift on Rockingham’s low friction wet surfaces.

Using their own cars and vans, vehicles that they are very familiar with, the drivers are gradually taught to identify when their vehicles are experiencing understeer and oversteer. They are then shown how to prevent the vehicle losing control in either situation and how to handle aquaplaning.

Despite all being high mileage drivers, not everyone will have had an opportunity to drive on icy or snowy roads, though most will have experienced very wet asphalt.

The wet track at Rockingham provides a variety of low friction surfaces on which to learn in safety how to recognise and to prevent where possible a loss of traction.

SPACIAL AND SPEED AWARENESS This is the one activity where delegates use R3’s own Volkswagen Golfs. This is partly because the Golfs have a dish on the bonnet with a ball in, that the drivers have to keep in the dish while manoeuvring the vehicles through a serious of coned areas.

“The slow manoeuvre section relates directly to the biggest category of crashes we have as a business,” said Mr Campbell.

R3 can also blank off the speedo and rev counter in the VWs, making the drivers use other senses to assess speed. One of the final tests involves driving towards one of the trainers (a highly experienced ex-policeman) who is aiming a speed camera at the car. The driver has to flash their lights when they think they are doing 30mph. Some are very accurate, others less so.

SAFETY WORKSHOP This classroom session takes a more in-depth look at the hazards of driving, covering everything from the correct hand spacing on the steering wheel to stopping distances in the wet. Delegates are also taught about the electronic safety systems in their vehicles. Mr Lewis said that it is surprising just how many people don’t know what ABS or ESP actually stand for, or what the systems can do.

Given the demands of their professions, delegates also discuss fatigue, distraction, thinking distances and other factors that can effect driver control. Divisions within Ringway and Eurovia already have no mobile phone in vehicle policies in action.

Despite all working for the same companies, the delegates are from different divisions and parts of the country, so many don’t know each other. Discussions soon get going though, with shared experience keeping the conversation lively.

As mentioned, all of the drivers take the same test at the end of the day that they completed on arrival, with some impressive improvements in knowledge. Every driver present felt that they had learnt something, which hopefully will help them to reduce risk in their working lives.

R3 claims that driver training can result in up to a 20% reduction in fleet costs, partly through reduced insurance premiums. Companies can also see up to a 5% improvement in fuel consumption and a further 5% cut in tyre, clutch and brake wear and tear from drivers.

“We are in the process of developing the course further with

R3 Rockingham, to allow our extensive range of winter maintenance vehicles to be used in a skid pan situation, to further increase the awareness of our gritter drivers,” said Mr Campbell.

While financial benefits will be popular with the finance director, the real benefit for the company is in the reduction of risk to employees.

“We see the development and cost of the course as an investment in the reduction of driving incidents across our business,” said Mr Campbell.

“This proactive approach through working with R3 will help Eurovia in its drive to further improve road risk management.”

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 67

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MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

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-

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Chevin Fleet Solutions

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Jaama Ltd

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Magenta Corporation Ltd

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Bynx

Bynx is a market-leading developer of software solutions for vehicle management. bynxFLEET enables leasing, fleet management and rental operators to manage vehicles, contracts, transactions and drivers while controlling lifecycle costs and increasing operational efficiency overall. Customers retain asset value and engage with stakeholders online. bynxFLEET provides a platform, plus the tools and applications required to run every aspect of a vehicle business - whether the fleet is owned or managed on someone else’s behalf. The product utilises functionality to automate and streamline processing and enables greater productivity, efficiency and utilisation. bynxFLEET improves the user experience and communication between dealers, customers, suppliers and drivers by bringing it all online.

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales@bynx.com

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Chevin Fleet Solutions is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management software. Their multi-award winning software, Chevin FleetWave®, is a web-based system used by fleet operations across the globe, proven to help businesses measure and reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance & risk requirements are met.

FleetWave is designed to meet the demands of any type of operation from any sector, by providing extremely flexible software configurations.

The system manages the whole lifecycle of a fleet, from initial acquisition of a vehicle, through to the deployment, operating expenses, incidents, work orders, maintenance, legal requirements and finally disposal. This includes businesses with cars, vans, commercial vehicles, heavy machinery, plant and associated assets. Covering nearly every aspects of managing the vehicles, assets, drivers, workforce and even workshops that make up the operation.

Contact: David Gladding sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

Drive Software Solutions Limited

DRIVE Software Solutions Ltd, is 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 200 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 ongoing 24/7 support.

Contact Drive Software Solutions to learn how your company can benefit from our market leading products and services.

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

70 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 01773 821992 www.chevinfleet.com

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: roy Baynham sales@jaama.co.uk

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

MKT_VFW_Software_Jun17.qxp 02/06/2017 16:57 Page 2

CASE STUDY London Marathon Events // Renault Vans

AROUND 40,000 people lined-up to run the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon. It’s a huge event, with literally millions of supporters and fans lining the 26.2-mile route, to cheer on everyone from elite super-athletes to fund-raising first timers.

One thing that the London Marathon team didn’t have to worry about was getting themselves and the elite athletes to and from their hotels, the start and finish points and even the airports. This year, as it has been for the last 26 years, Renault was the official vehicle partner for the event, providing a fleet of cars and vans to help keep the race rolling.

Renault supplied 30 vehicles in total this year, including two Kangoo Maxi vans, six Trafic people-carriers and six Master vans, both panel vans and conversions. Two of the Trafic vans were the lead vehicles for the men’s and women’s wheelchair races.

London Marathon Events has two full-time Renault vehicles, which are used for events and site visits throughout the year. In

the run-up to the race the additional vans and minibuses are brought in to collect elite and wheelchair competitors from the airport and to and from the race hotel near Tower Bridge.

On race day itself, the whole fleet is pressed into service, transporting guests and VIPs from the hotel to the start areas and then on to the finish line. The vans have additional duties, with the Operations and Logistics team moving equipment from warehousing in south east London to the start and finish venues.

There is also a vehicle for route checking and a car for the event director to move around in during the week before the race.

“The vehicles are essential,” said Lisa Thompson, operations director at London Marathon Events.

“While London is of course well served by public transport, in the days before the event we are working a 24/7 operation and can be called anywhere, at any time. Having access to a vehicle is vital for our senior management team.”

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When we set out to build a brand new Crafter from the ground up, the first thing we did was talk to the people who know what makes a really great van – our customers. With your help we’ve introduced features like new state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, and the largest range of drivetrains and body styles. The result is a Crafter that’s more practical, economical and innovative than ever before. But don’t just take our word for it, it’s already been awarded International Van of the Year 2017. Search ‘New Crafter’ or contact your local Van Centre to find out more.

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ROAD-VFW-Peugeot Expert-June17.qxp 02/06/2017 14:46 Page 1

Peugeot Expert Long The long wheelbase Expert arrives to complete Peugeot’s mid-weight line-up, says Dan Gilkes.

onger-bodied vans can sometimes blur the lines between sectors of the LCV market, offering almost as much load volume as the smaller models from a class above, often with improved payloads.

Peugeot’s Expert is a case in point, now that the Long version of the mid-weight has arrived on these shores. Boasting a load volume of 6.1m3, or 6.6m3 with the Moduwork bulkhead, the van is admittedly some way off the smallest Boxer, at 8m3. However with a payload of 1,311kg, it surpasses the carrying capacity of that Boxer by 156kg.

Downsizers for whom weight is more important than volume, should form a queue here.

In terms of overall length, the Long van measures 5,309mm from bumper to bumper, a fair bit more than the Standard van at 4,959mm and quite a different proposition to the Compact at 4,609mm. Yet from the cab there is virtually no difference between the three, especially as the Long van shares its wheelbase with the more popular Standard model.

The 1,153mm overhang doesn’t feel out of place and, like its smaller siblings, the big Expert is a good looking, modern design. Internal load height is unchanged on all three, but the load floor length goes up to 2,862mm without the Moduwork load-through bulkhead, or more than 4m with Moduwork.

The Long van is available with the 95hp version of the 1.6-litre engine if you must, but most buyers will probably opt for the 2.0-litre motor, which can be had with 120hp, 150hp or this range-topping 180hp output. The lower powered engines are

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what we think Few fleets will opt for an Expert with the the 180hp engine or the auto transmission, which is a shame as they work well.

specification MODEL Peugeot Expert Professional Plus Long BlueHDi 180 BASIC PRICE £27,365 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,997 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 180bhp @ 3,750rpm TORQUE 400Nm @ 2,000rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,000 KERB WEIGHT 1,689 PAYLOAD 1,311 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,200 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,862 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,628 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,397 LOAD VOLUME 6.1 m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 163g/km/45.6mpg FUEL TANK CAPACITY 70litres

offered with a manual gearbox, while the 180hp engine comes as standard with the EAT6 automatic.

As befits its status at the top of the line, the 180hp engine is also only available in Professional Plus trim. This adds body coloured bumpers, door mirror housings and side rubbing strips, front fogs, LED daytime lights, 17” alloy wheels and metallic paint, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors with rear parking camera and electrically folding heated door mirrors to the already generous Professional specification.

Unsurprisingly, the 180hp engine has more than enough power to make swift progress, even in the largest Expert body.

The automatic transmission does dull that performance very slightly, but makes for an extremely relaxed drive in all road conditions.

The auto box also makes the fairly slim cabin a more comfortable place when carrying three people, as it is controlled by a rotary dial, along with steering wheel paddles, rather than an actual gearlever, providing more space for middle seat passengers.

Peugeot claims up to 45.6mpg should be possible with this engine and transmission combination and certainly low-40s were not a problem, even with a relatively tight engine. That said, if you’re after economy you probably won’t be specifying the most powerful engine with an auto transmission.

If you want the ultimate Expert however, complete with Professional Plus trim, it’s a pretty convincing package.

ROAD-VFW-VX Vivaro-June17.qxp_Layout 1 02/06/2017 18:26 Page 1

Vauxhall Vivaro LE Specification boost lifts the range-topping Vivaro Limited Edition, says Dan Gilkes.

auxhall’s Vivaro remains a strong seller in the mid-weight market, having undergone a major overhaul that saw engines downsized and the distinctive bubble in the roof above the cab flattened out. The company has always offered a Sportive model, for those buyers who wanted a bit more specification and improved looks on the drive, but the market marches on and trim levels look set to continue their climb.

Enter stage left a new range-topper for the Vivaro line, the Limited Edition Nav. Available in panel van and double cab versions, you can have the LE Nav in L1 or L2 body lengths, though only with the standard H1 roof height.

The vans get some distinctive styling tweaks, including opinion-dividing graphics on the bonnet, roof and sides. The LE Nav also gets black 17” alloys that, in combination with the Flame Red colour scheme of our test van, certainly look the part.

Inside the cab the van has standard auto lights and wipers, along with Vauxhall’s Navi 50 IntelliLink infotainment system, with a 7” touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth and Aux/USB inputs. You also get a FlexCargo load-through bulkhead behind the second row of seats, plus twin sliding side doors to access those rear seats. Our van came with sliding windows in the side doors too, a £60 option.

Air conditioning, electric windows, rear parking sensors and a FLEXDOCK docking station for smartphones are part of the package too. In all it’s a pretty convincing deal and, equipped with the range-topping 145hp version of the bi-turbo 1.6-litre diesel engine,

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what we think The graphics might be an acquired taste, but the Limited Edition Nav is a very comfortable way to move people and goods.

specification MODEL Vauxhall Vivaro Limited Edition NAV L2H1 2900 Double cab 145 BiTurbo S/S BASIC PRICE £27,770 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,598 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 145bhp @ 3,500rpm TORQUE 340Nm @ 1,750rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,950 KERB WEIGHT 1,910 PAYLOAD 1,040 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,740 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,662 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,387 LOAD VOLUME 4.0m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 164g/km/44.8mpg FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80litres

the Vivaro LE Nav is a pleasure to drive.

To be honest the 125hp bi-turbo engine is just as good on the road, but if you have the additional £800 available we certainly wouldn’t discourage the move to the top engine. It won’t cost much in the long run either, with the 145hp motor offering 44.8mpg and 164g/km against the 125hp engine’s 46.3mpg and 159g/km.

Perhaps an easier decision, certainly for companies that can reclaim VAT, will be whether to go with the short wheelbase van or this L2 model. While the L2 double cab has a VAT-reclaimable payload of 1,040kg, the L1 double cab can only carry 989kg.

That means that buyers may need to talk with their local tax office to see if VAT can be reclaimed, though it is doubtful.

Vivaro is a big player in the retail market of course, where there will be plenty of SME customers for whom VAT is not a concern.

They will certainly welcome the work/leisure opportunities offered by the double cab layout though and might prefer the shorter body. After all, it’s an £800 jump from the L1 to the L2, though the reclaimable VAT is closer to £5,500.

Talking of cost, the Limited Edition model will set you back around £1,200 more than the Sportive van. As Vauxhall has little trouble moving Sportive models, it’s likely that the LE Nav will be an equally popular choice. It’s worth checking those specifications closely though, as the Limited Edition Nav boasts a far more comprehensive trim.

Certainly if you are looking for the best Vivaro to date, the LE Nav, complete with 145hp engine, would take some beating.

VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_June17.qxp_VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 02/06/2017 18:47 Page 1

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW W RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bottltd.co.uk

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk accident management

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

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

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

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

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

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

Selsia

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

telematics & tracking

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk vehicle CCTV

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

STEPS

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

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

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

AVS Steps Ltd

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

driver licence checking TMC

risk management IAM RoadSmart Tel: 020 8996 9600 www.iamroadsmart.com

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

VAN FLEETW W RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

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

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 75