PURE BMW.
MORE THRILLS PER LITRE. Cutting an even more sporty appearance, the bumpers, front and rear, have been redesigned along with new-look headlights, rear LED lights and kidney grille. 6OEFS UIF ‍ת‏PXJOH CPOOFU FOIBODFE FOHJOFT EFMJWFS DMBTT MFBEJOH QFSGPSNBODF BOE FWFO emissions from only 89g/km and up HSFBUFS FG‍׊‏DJFODZ BDSPTT UIF SBOHF 5IF SFTVMU JT $0 2 to 83.1mpg (combined). Inside, the impressive level of standard equipment includes 6.5� colour screen with iDrive controller and BluetoothŽ with audio streaming.
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To find out more about the new BMW 1 Series, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/New1Series5Door 0G‫ש‬DJBM GVFM FDPOPNZ ‫ש‬HVSFT GPS UIF OFX #.8 4FSJFT 4QPSUT )BUDI SBOHF 6SCBO NQH M LN &YUSB 6SCBO NQH M LN $PNCJOFE NQH M LN $02 emissions 188-89g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. #.8 &G‫ש‬DJFOU%ZOBNJDT SFEVDFT #.8 FNJTTJPOT XJUIPVU DPNQSPNJTJOH QFSGPSNBODF EFWFMPQNFOUT BOE JT TUBOEBSE BDSPTT UIF NPEFM SBOHF
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contents 28
14
What Alphabet’s retiring Nigel Trotman has learnt from 25 years in fleet.
Behind the sheel of Ford’s revised S-MAX.
PURE BMW.
Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Fleet Consultant Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
46
Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
The rise and rise of in-car cameras.
Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
52
Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
Face to face with Jeremy Hicks of Jaguar Land Rover.
Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
Published by
54
Six basic steps to better fleet telematics.
58
FLASHBACK: Ford Focus mk 1.
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69 INTERVIEW: Terry Rayner of Ford Vans, Transit AWD, New Transporter, Short-term rental.
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To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2014 18,000
fleetworld.co.uk / 03
fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody discusses the very real fleet dangers of diesel bashing, alongside some more welcome forthcoming legislation...
Danger in store with demonisation of diesel The demonisation of diesel continues apace, and without trying to sound sensationalist, the latest developments could be disastrous for the fleet industry. That’s because the Supreme Court has ruled that the ‘government’ (we’ll come back to this bit later) must speed up efforts to meet European pollution standards and submit new air quality plans to Brussels no later than 31st December. It said: “The new government, whatever its political complexion, should be left in no doubt as to the need for immediate action to address this issue.” What could this mean? It could result in a new tax on NOx and PM10 emissions, or city centre charges for diesel cars. It could mean that if you switch on a diesel car’s engine on a Tuesday while wearing green underpants, a man with a big stick will appear and give you a thrashing. Perhaps. I’m being facetious, but the point is we just have absolutely no idea, despite being right on a deadline, imposed at a moment’s notice. Bear with me, as this has been written before the election result with Fleet World coming out shortly after the dust has settled, but we could easily end up with plans submitted by a makeshift government that as far as we know has given little consultation and thought to it, with barely six months to come up with a sensible set of policies on the subject, with those policies having the ability to cause a seismic shift in the delicate balance of the market. And at this time of writing, it looks like we could have a government that will
04 / fleetworld.co.uk
be spending most of its time in a scrap for survival anyway. This is going to be low down their priorities. It looks like a lethal combination. At a stroke, we could get a set of proposals that wipe significant value off the UK fleet market, causing residual values books and financing to be dangerously out of kilter. The irony being, that in the last 15 years, the fleet industry has done more than any transport sector to help governments realise their CO2 and other environmental objectives, and generally new, well-maintained diesel fleet vehicles are not the villains of this piece. So a plea to whomever is currently in charge: please tread very carefully with this one. It’s a powder keg waiting to go off…
eCall by 2018 is a good thing A rather good new EU law was voted in last month: by 2018 all new cars and vans will have to have eCall, the emergency communication system, fitted as standard. Already some manufacturers have it, often in more expensive vehicles, but what it means is that when the system detects a severe impact, with the likes of airbags deployed, it will immediately send data to emergency services of things such as location, type of vehicle and number of passengers. It will save valuable time, and estimates suggest it could save 10% of lives currently ended in crashes.
Don’t miss out on all the latest daily news! Visit fleetworld.co.uk
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The World of Fleet
Not so Grand Theft Auto... The number of vehicles stolen in the UK has fallen by 70% in the past decade, according to the Office for National Statistics. Figures show 69,547 vehicles were stolen in the UK last year, compared to 231,323 in 2004 and is now at its lowest point since 1968, due mainly to increased security technology developed by carmakers, the report said.
fleetworld.co.uk / 07
inbusiness
Sale Season A number of major fleet firms have been the subject of acquisition and buyout speculation. We round up how those deals are progressing, or not. By Steve Moody and Natalie Middleton.
FOR SALE: GE Capital Fleet Services General Electric has announced plans to sell off most of its GE Capital assets including its fleet management and commercial lending and leasing businesses. GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said the move would be made to focus GE “around its competitive advantages.” In a statement, GE said: “GE Capital has been an important part of the history of GE. However, the business model for large, wholesalefunded financial companies has changed, making it increasingly difficult to generate acceptable returns going forward.” GE Capital Fleet Services added: “Here in the UK, GE Capital is open for business. We anticipate being able to sell our businesses to buyers who are fully committed to and invested in the financial services industry and can offer a good environment for growth.”
NOT FOR SALE: LeasePlan LeasePlan has announced that discussions about a potential sale have come to nothing and the firm will not be sold. Last month the leasing and fleet management firm announced that discussions about a potential divestment were taking place with unnamed investors. Now, LeasePlan has said that parties have not reached an agreement on the change of ownership and negotiations between parties have been ended. It said that its major shareholder GMH had informed the firm that it has no plans to pursue further sale options in the near future and confirmed that it will continue to support the company’s existing successful business approach.
SOLD: FMG Andrew Cope has led the management buyout of FMG, the specialist in incident management and roadside recovery, for an undisclosed sum. Cope, executive chairman at FMG, previously led vehicle leasing business Zenith through five successful private equity buyouts between 2003 and 2014, before investing an undisclosed amount in FMG in April 2014 and joining the board. The MBO sees Cope increase his investment and shareholding in FMG, with John Catling, CEO, and the rest of the senior management team also increasing their shareholdings. Founder Nick Brown remains a significant shareholder as well. Institutional investor Spirit Capital has sold its stake, which it acquired in 2008, and has been replaced by private equity house Endless LLP. 08 / fleetworld.co.uk
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inbusiness
Executive saloon to spearhead Porsche fleet sales
P
orsche is to step up its fleet efforts with a high‐tech executive car to rival the BMW 5 Series, positioned below the Panamera and utilising a new platform with hydrogen fuel cell and plug‐in hybrid drivetrains , it has been claimed. The carmaker launched its first ever fleet initiative in 2013, following a two‐year review, appointing a corporate sales director, launching national pricing for service, main‐ tenance and repair and making whole‐life costs more accessible in a move aimed at making it easier to add its products to choice lists. Its first ever executive saloon is due within the next three years and is likely to use the new modular platform under development at Porsche, which will be shared across the Group’s luxury vehicles. As per the Macan SUV, expect
141mpg: time your employees drove more efficiently?
A
production Peugeot 208 1.6‐litre BlueHDi has set a new long‐distance fuel consumption record, covering 1,337.19 miles on 9.45 gallons of diesel, at an average fuel consumption of 141.2mpg. The Peugeot 208 ran for 38 hours with several drivers each taking a turn of three to four hours at the wheel during the scrutinised test in France.
10 / fleetworld.co.uk
engines and pricing to rival the performance end of the sector, with V6 diesels and possibly the twin‐ turbocharged 2.0‐litre used in the new Passat. This also enables it to use the Volkswagen Group’s “electric toolkit” – a standardised electrification package earmarked for 40 models in the near future and designed for minimal re‐engineering. Porsche’s recent patent filings indicate that the newcomer could feature a rear‐mounted dual‐motor electric drive system with mountings standardised between hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid versions, as well as inductive charging technology. This would enable it to take on Tesla’s Model S and Model III, as well as the rumoured BMW i5 fuel cell vehicle.
BVRLA’s five-point air quality plan
T
he BVRLA has launched a five‐point action plan aimed at help‐ ing the government to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels in line with European Court of Justice rulings, which requires proposals for improving air quality must be laid out by the end of this year. 1. Help regional authorities to use their newly devolved transport powers by providing a national framework for ultra‐low emission zones 2. Adopt the current tax regime to cover NO2 emissions, possibly incentivising the adoption of new Euro 6 engines, ensuring that any changes are well‐signposted and non‐retrospective 3. Re‐introduce 100% first‐year allowances for companies renting or leasing ultra‐low emission cars 4. Provide better in‐life incentives, such as freedom from tolls, congestion charges or parking fees, to encourage greater uptake of ultra‐low emission vehicles 5. Do more to support car clubs, car sharing and other alternatives to car ownership, and provide more low‐emission public transport.
WHY HAVE ACCEPTABLE, WHEN YOU CAN HAVE EXCEPTIONAL? DISCOVER THE PEUGEOT PROFESSIONAL DIFFERENCE
“ AS A COMPANY THAT OPERATES A LARGE FLEET, THE QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE PEUGEOT RANGE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THIS COMPANY.” SITA UK
inbusiness
Smarter travel
Mapping company HERE has developed a navigation system which relies as much on the driver’s regular routes as it does on extensive information about the road network. With the first factory-fit application launching later this year, Alex Grant finds out how it could keep businesses moving.
What is it? Developed by Nokia subsidiary, HERE, this is a new generation of in-car satellite navigation assisted by the integration of a smartphone app. The aim is to provide a personalised service which can intelligently help drivers avoid delays and get around as easily as possible, based on historic and live data.
How does it work? The system relies on extensive cloud-based storage, connected to the car’s built-in SIM card and the driver’s smartphone app. Over time, it uses the GPS signal from both to build up a picture of the user’s daily travel – the commute to work, where they stop for coffee or shopping en route, and the times they are likely to leave. This is then combined with HERE’s own information about the road network, spanning 196 countries. It’s a mixture of historic data about likely bottlenecks, live data from traffic sensors and planned road closures. The cloud also synchronises routes between the phone and the car – so the driver could begin or end their navigation on foot and it will automatically transfer directions between the two devices.
What can it do? The enormous amount of data held by HERE enables the navigation system to make clever decisions to keep drivers moving. It can monitor the driver’s com-
12 / fleetworld.co.uk
mute for traffic, in real time, alternative routes even if they don’t ask for directions, and suggest earlier departures if they need to get somewhere by a specific time. The system also enables simple sharing of arrival times, plus updates, via SMS. Using a data connection means the map is always up to date, and there’s a huge amount of additional information which can be pushed to the car’s screen. This can display street-level images of the destination as the vehicle approaches, check local parking availability and even monitors the car’s fuel level, suggesting filling stations with live pricing and the option to select specific brands. Cloud-based data means colleagues and family members can also upload waypoints remotely, via their smartphones, to the car’s navigation system while it’s on the road, and the historic data on frequently visited places allows the search function to highlight likely destinations.
When will it launch? Anyone with an Android or iOS device can take advantage of some of HERE’s advanced navigation features, as the app is available as a standalone product. It’s also powering features in BMW’s ConnectedDrive system. However, the fully integrated version – which streams the app to the dashboard touchscreen – will be exclusive to the Jaguar XF, launching later this year.
inbusiness
What I’ve learnt As Alphabet’s Nigel Trotman retires after 25 years in the industry, he looks back on networking, the evolution of the industry and the importance of carpe diem.
Don’t underestimate the value of networking One of the main things I have learnt is how valuable networking with others within the industry can be. When I first started in the fleet industry, the only qualification I had was that I drove a company car, so my understanding of fleet management was pretty limited. But by regularly attending networking events, such as ACFO meetings, I found I was soon able to learn a lot and gain valuable insight and advice from the leaders in the industry. It’s a very tight knit industry, so there’s a real willingness to help others. This is something I’ve taken on board and tried to reciprocate to others. For me, organisations like ACFO provide such a valuable platform for both learning and networking; they have supported me with my career development from the beginning. Always seize opportunities When I look back at my career, I realise how important it is to seize opportunities. Initially I never set out to be a fleet manager or even work in the fleet industry – I qualified as a librarian and worked in a local government library. However, opportunities soon came my way and I embraced them on a journey that took me through the world of what is now facilities management and into fleet; from public to private sector. If I hadn’t taken those opportunities I wouldn’t have got to where I have today, so it taught me that if you’re given an opportunity, to grab it with both hands. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 25 years within the fleet world and I wouldn’t have swapped it for anything else. The fleet industry never stops evolving When I started out in the fleet industry, Rover was a market leader alongside Ford and Vauxhall, and BMW was a provider of cars to senior managers only. Nobody had even considered the Korean manufacturers as fleet suppliers, and if
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you had said electric vehicles would be making progress in fleets it would have provoked laughter. Who’d have thought CO2 emissions would become such a game changer? Today, the world of business mobility is evolving at an exponential rate. Now we’ve got innovative new corporate car sharing schemes like AlphaCity, specific electric vehicle services like AlphaElectric, and will soon have autonomous vehicles on our roads. The industry has moved on so quickly that things that were once considered fiction have become a reality. Don’t lose sight of the basics The role of the fleet manager has changed dramatically over the past decade. Whereas traditionally fleet managers were solely responsible for managing a fleet of cars and those cars only, today the boundaries between fleet management, finance and HR are continuing to merge. While fleet management and the provision of fleet management services isn’t rocket science, it’s about common sense, consistency and getting the simple things right. From my experience, too often organisations undervalue the importance of fleet management and getting the basics right. As a result, they run the risk of getting it wrong when it comes to more challenging areas like policy design and implementation, exposing them to hidden financial costs. Drivers make their lives complicated As a fleet manager don’t be surprised at the capacity of drivers to make their lives complicated. This can include finding ways to ‘beat’ the car policy, a total lack of common sense when operating their company car, and failure to take responsibility for their actions. I’ve always found that employees seem to lack respect for company vehicles, and it’s not until the vehicle is taken away that they realise its true value.
inbusiness
Vauxhall’s fresh approach Vauxhall boss Tim Tozer is on a mission to improve the lot of “true fleet” customers and that should be good news for small businesses. Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader reports.
A
growing number of car manufacturers talk about the importance of delivering top quality fleet services through their dealer networks. Fortunately, some are even backing their words with deeds. Take Vauxhall. You’d think the UK’s second biggest selling car brand would have most bases covered. Not so. Less than 18 months ago, Tim Tozer joined as the brand’s new CEO and chairman. He was an unusual appointment as, contrary to tradition, he was not from the General Motors family. However, he had an impressive track record having led Mazda and Mondial in the UK and Mitsubishi in Europe. More recently he had headed up AutoBinck, the Dutch-based car distributor and retailer that operates across central Europe. As an outsider, with experience in both the OEM and retailer camps, Tozer’s able to take a clean sheet approach to Vauxhall. The first visible external sign of his new tenure was the ending of the Lifetime Warranty package. This had been introduced to grow retail sales but, despite its name, was restricted to the first owners of new cars. It had also become pretty much redundant as a result of the recent boom in Personal Contract Purchase plans which have changed the typical ownership profile of many new cars to just three years. It was a decision that needed making and one that would have been welcomed by dealers who were obliged to make a contribution to the scheme’s funding. He’s also moved to cut down the model complexity of product line-ups. The process started with the new generation Corsa and will be rolled out to the all-new Viva as well as the Insignia, Cascada and next generation Astra. However, the ADAM will remain the exception with its bewildering array of bespoke options as befitting customer demands in that particular sector. Tozer has also turned his attention to the needs of small fleets and how they are supplied and supported by the carmaker’s vast national dealer network. Supporting his ambition to lead the “mainstream true fleet market,” Vauxhall is now actively targeting smaller fleets operating 25-99 cars and vans with a range of additional support through its dealer network. His thinking is straightforward yet refreshing. Refocus dealers to address the specific wants and needs of SMEs – which are, after all, different to retail customers – with clear processes delivered in a
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uniform manner across the network. In conjunction with this, Vauxhall’s internal fleet operations have been tasked to deliver the same levels of customer care expected by the big fleets to their smaller counterparts. None of this is ground breaking stuff but not all carmakers do it well. Clearly a shortcoming was identified and has now been addressed. “We have employed a new team of 12 area managers to concentrate on sub-100 fleets. We have a really great fleet operation with some brilliant relationships and we have a very strong position in the market, but we were stretched a bit thinly, particularly in those smaller fleet areas,” said Tozer. According to Tozer, the job of this field team is to work closely with SMEs to build relationships and then supply and service vehicles through Vauxhall dealers. “The focus of that team is to knock on doors and work through the dealers.” Supporting this initiative, Vauxhall has also updated its website with a number of new features designed specifically for SMEs to help them drive down costs. A new Fleet Knowledge area offers a range of videos and articles to help fleet decisionmakers better understand the key metrics to look out for when choosing vehicles for their fleet. This includes a look at whole life costs, Benefit-in-Kind taxation and P11D values. The strategy is being managed by James Taylor, Vauxhall’s fleet sales director, who is confident the brand has an opportunity to raise its game and deliver higher levels of customer care to many different types of small businesses. “We know that these businesses have slightly different requirements than larger, more structured fleets and we really want to show that we can offer them the right flexibility in terms of their overall fleet package,” he said. “We truly believe that supporting these businesses directly with the manufacturer is the best way forward as we can integrate them into all the initiatives and programmes we offer. In turn, we hope to reap the rewards of this investment as part of our overall fleet strategy.” Vauxhall’s move is well judged and if successful should help the brand to significantly build its portfolio of SME customers, many of whom will no doubt appreciate this more customer centric and local approach to how their fleet vehicles are supplied, maintained and serviced.
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inbusiness
You don’t know what you don’t know Much of a fleet managers’ work is being outsourced – but at what cost, The Insider wonders.
T
his week I learned of two more well-respected award-winning fleet managers whose roles have been outsourced. The first to a leasing company who promptly took on the redundant fleet manager themselves to help them cope with the aftermath – but hey, if he got a nice payout I don’t suppose he is sorry. The second person’s fleet was outsourced to an Eastern Bloc country where the company’s new fleet staff don’t even drive cars themselves, much less understand the intricacies of fleet. Oh, and there’s a third fleet manager whose new management apparently don’t approve of his exemplary methods, even though he has massively improved fleet costs across all areas and engaged with his fleet drivers resulting in an increase in staff morale. The people making these over-arching decisions may understand figures, but not the ramifications of the resulting loss of expertise. Nobody is indispensable and all aspects of fleet can be outsourced, but the fact is that as it becomes more prevalent, there is a wealth of knowledge being lost. In an ideal situation – and the outsource companies admit this themselves – there remains a technical expert within the client company who pulls it all together, and who can pass judgement on the proposition, both existing policy and future recommendations. Understandably, that might become a dual role, combined with travel or facilities or HR. But I don’t see much evidence of that happening; the country’s best fleet managers are being made redundant, maybe rocking up as consultants on the other side of the fence. There are a lot fewer fleet managers than five years ago. Without that in-house expertise crucial aspects of running a fleet are in danger of being lost, as the outsourced service may be pared back by the uneducated client to cut costs again. Licence checking?
18 / fleetworld.co.uk
Let’s not bother, of course everyone has a licence; accident reviews – what do we need them for, it was an accident for heaven’s sake. Tyre checks – don’t the garage do that when the car goes in for a service? Whole life costs – sounds complicated, tell you what, let’s just give everyone cash and then they can sort themselves out and we don’t have to worry. And against that kind of blind ignorance, standards will deteriorate and all the hard work the fleet luminaries put in to improve driver safety and promote a strong and ethical company image will be lost. Think I’m being over-imaginative? Maybe, but think again. As we lose these fleet heavyweights, it’s not just their own businesses which are losing that expertise, but the fleet community in general. When I got into fleet, much of what I learned was gleaned from other fleet managers’ experience, either through the fleet press or networking opportunities. The stalwarts were happy to share their knowledge with a newbie and there’s a lot to be said for learning by others’ successes – and claiming them as your own, of course. The networking and learning opportunities are still open to us, through channels such as ACFO and ICFM, whose doors are open to interested parties, but unless we actively support them, and indeed they broaden their appeal, they too may disappear. The internet has changed the world. Nowadays you can Google almost anything and gain knowledge within seconds – but that’s not the same as applied expertise, from practical fleet management learned over 20, 30, 40 years. It has often been claimed that fleet is the second largest business expense next to company pensions, so it would be foolish to look at it as an inconsequential and unimportant facet of one’s business. But unfortunately the new breed who have fleet loosely within their wider remit don’t necessarily know what they don’t know.
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...
road accidents According to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ (IAM) Drive and Survive division, many companies are not addressing road risk management to reduce the number of incidents on their fleets. In the IAM’s Fleet Incidents White Paper Report 2015; 86% of the 100 businesses questioned said that at least one of their drivers had been involved in a road accident in the past 12 months.
Source: IAM
The figures follow an IAM Drive & Survive conducted survey in 2014 which revealed 72% of people who drive for business reasons have been offered no training by their employer at all – even though 44% of them said they would welcome the opportunity.
100% of fleets surveyed said they have recorded an accident where one of their drivers was ‘at fault’. 30% of respondents said the incidents had occurred whilst parking or parked. Only 33% of fleets said at-fault drivers faced some sort of punitive measure, i.e. fine, excess payments. 80% said they had post-incident policies and procedures in place to assist a driver in the aftermath of a collision.
cracked windscreens New research carried out by Autoglass suggests a worrying lack of awareness among UK drivers about the dangers of driving with a cracked or incorrectly fitted windscreen. A survey of 1,000 UK drivers found that 53% were not aware that a correctly fitted windscreen is essential to a car’s roof crush resistance in a roll over situation. 71% of respondents were unaware that an incorrectly fitted windscreen can impact effective passenger airbag deployment. The research also reveals that the majority of UK drivers do not know the role that the windscreen plays in maintaining the structural integrity of a car. When asked what they considered to be the most important safety features in a car, the majority of drivers ranked windscreen as only the fifth most important factor, despite the fact that it can account for up to 30% of a car’s structural integrity. “Fleet drivers need to be aware of the crucial role the windscreen plays in the event of an accident,” commented Jeremy Rochfort, national sales manager at Autoglass. “Every chip will eventually crack...affecting the structural integrity of the windscreen.”
20 / fleetworld.co.uk
Source: Autoglass
consumer confidence
Source: Deloitte
As the SMMT reports March 2015 to be the best month this century for UK new car registrations, Deloitte has suggested growing business and consumer confidence. SMMT figures show that a total of 492,774 cars were registered in March, up 6.0% on last year and marking the best month since 1999. The fleet market saw particularly strong results in March, with a rise in registrations of 11.6%. However, the sub-25 business sector saw a decline of 6.6%. Year-to-date, the SMMT reveals the fleet market is up 14.6% from 309,545 units to 354,690, whilst the business sector has fallen 8.4% from 30,909 units to 28,327. Commenting on the figures, Neil Marshall, automotive analyst at Deloitte, said: “Whilst the Q4 2014 Deloitte CFO Survey rated the May election and any possible resulting policy change as the biggest risk to business, the recent announcements of significant investment by automotive manufacturers in their UK operations is a further indication of the UK’s automotive success story. This is supported by a new car market firmly established as the second largest in Europe.�
risk-taking
Source: VINCI Autoroutes Foundation
A new Europe-wide poll suggests that European motorists are putting their safety, and the safety of other road users, at risk by increasingly breaking the rules of the road. The annual IPSOS Global Trends survey revealed that 59% of UK motorists think the biggest cause of death in road accidents is down to lack of attention. These concentration lapses include using mobile phones while driving. Speeding (46%), drug or alcohol driving (46%) and sleepiness (5%) were among the other top reasons cited. In 2014, 61%of survey respondents believed that road fatalities would go on dropping substantially in the years ahead, compared to just 55% this year. 12% of European motorists admitted that they would still drive over the legal drink-drive limit. The report found that Britons are thought to be the joint third most responsible European drivers (level on 11% with Holland), behind Sweden (37%) and Germany (27%). The research was undertaken on behalf of VINCI Autoroutes Foundation for Responsible Driving.
for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 21
g fleet e k
Pump Pal With fuel tanks getting bigger – especially on vans and long-distance fleet cars, Pump Pal is designed to take the effort out of filling up. It’s a horseshoeshaped clamp which fits around the pump trigger, avoiding numb fingers and aching hands after a fill. Available in four colours, it’s a useful addition for any glovebox. Price: £9.99 from pumppal.co.uk LG G Flex2 LG’s powerful new smartphone uses organic LED technology for its 5.5inch LED display, which means it can be curved to give a clear view from all angles. The camera is gesture controlled and the battery fast charges to 50% capacity in half an hour to help users stay connected. Plus, with a self-healing back cover, case manufacturers don’t have to worry about tailoring to its unusual shape. Price: Depends on tariff, see lg.com/uk
Intel Compute Stick A fully-functional Windows 8 PC, on a four-inch stick. Plug it into an HDMIready monitor or TV, connect it to a wireless keyboard and mouse and it offers powerful computing with a 2GB memory and 32GB on-board storage. WiFi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity with a Micro SD card slot are all built in too. Price: £130 see intel.co.uk
TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Phantom Cutting edge materials combined with the Monaco’s iconic square case – the V4 mimics the pistons of a Formula 1 engine with the layout of its four movements, which in turn are connected by a toothed belt that’s the thickness of a human hair. The case is made from directed carbon, which means the fibres are individually angled for perfect regularity. Price: TBA, see tagheuer.co.uk for details
apps of the month
TomTom MyDrive
1Password
TripCase
Smartphone integration for TomTom’s GO series, enabling drivers to check traffic information, plan routes and send destinations to their device before they get in the car. The software also shows home, work and points of interest on the smartphone for easier planning, and the functionality can be added to older portable units via an update. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store
Store your passwords, access codes and credit card data in this cloud-based app, and it’ll automatically add them to website forms at the click of a button. Everything is encrypted and cloud-based, protected by a master access code, and the app has just launched on the Apple Watch for added convenience. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store
Available for smartphones and smartwatches, TripCase puts complicated itineraries into an easily-followed order and presents them simply while you’re on the move. It can display hotel check-in information, seat maps, weather and access codes for Uber, plus free flight alerts and important places with a few taps of the screen. Price: Free from Google Play, iTunes Store
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The new Passat
looks as good on the road, as it does on a spreadsheet The Volkswagen Passat is an all-new car for 2015 – raising the game from its already high-quality predecessor. It features advanced technologies and sophisticated assistance systems, providing new levels of comfort, luxury and performance. The innovative lightweight design combined with sustainable engine technology reduces emissions, operating costs and fuel consumption to new low levels, benefiting both the environment and your pocket.
Auto Express award the new Passat 5 stars
A range of economical engines
★★★★★
“ Refinement and comfort are class-leading, plus with tauter handling it’s more engaging than Passats of old.”
Find out how good the new Passat is 0870 333 2229 Email us vglenquiries@vwfs.co.uk Visit makingleasingsimple.co.uk/newpassat
See, hear and feel the luxury
State-of-the-art technology
Model shown is new Passat SE Business 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology with optional metallic paint. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litre/100km) for the new Passat range: Urban 43.5 (6.5) – 62.8 (4.5); extra urban 60.1 (4.7) – 78.5 (3.6); combined 52.3 (5.4)– 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions 140-103g/km. Information correct at time of print.
Skoda Superb Danny Cobbs drives the new Superb and comes away impressed by its quality. SECTOR Upper medium PRICE £18,585–£33,655 FUEL 56.5–68.9mpg CO2 105–132g/km
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here’s always been an unfiltered honesty about the Skoda Superb. And because it’s never strayed too far away from its core values – a well‐built, value‐for‐ money, executive car with a humungous interior – it has won itself a legion of faithful followers. However, there has been a bit trade‐off for this integrity, and that’s its exterior design. It’s always appeared a little too clunky. But it was never so ungainly that it didn’t sell. Since it was first introduced in 2002, Skoda has sold over 42,000 units; 2014 being the best year on record, with 5,955 sales. And that’s in a run‐out year; where it’s known there’s a new model on its way. And here it is, the third generation Superb, which goes on sale in September. The first thing you notice about this latest version is not that it’s grown by 28mm, or there’s been a significant increase in standard equipment and technology. No, the most impressive thing about this Superb is that it’s looks so good. Inspiration comes from the VisionC concept show car, and it demonstrates the direction the brand is taking. wasn’t so good. It suffered sluggish responses, and the It is wider than the old cars, by 47mm, so there is more navigation confused itself more than once. shoulder‐room up front, and rear passenger legroom The SE Business is aimed squarely at the corporate user. benefits from the longer wheelbase. Boot It builds on the equipment levels of the S and space is enormous and by far the largest in its SE trims, and includes 17‐inch alloys, Alcan‐ FLEET FACT class – 625 litres with the rear seat raised, tara upholstery, dual zone air conditioning 1,760 litres with them folded down. That’s 30 and LED rear lights. Despite all the additional Fleet sales have litres larger than before. kit, it actually costs no more than the SE. A five‐inch touchscreen is standard on the Out of the five engines on offer, the 1.6 TDI, accounted for entry‐level S trim, while the SE, SE Business, with either a six‐speed manual or DSG auto, 47.6% of all SE L Business and Laurin & Klement versions has the lowest CO2 emissions (105g/km), the Superbs sold. receive screens up to 8.5 inches wide. Graph‐ best fuel consumption (68.9mpg), and a 19% ics on the larger screens were razor sharp, and BiK. A Greenline version of the same engine, the swipe function works well, but SmartLink – a standard which promises 95g/km of CO2, will follow in Spring 2016. feature from the SE‐trim upwards that allows you to This diesel is a bit on the lethargic side, especially when mirror your smartphone’s apps on the dash screen – pulling away; and only really feels comfortable when it’s on the motorway. And that’s much the same story for the other diesel in range, the 2.0‐litre TDI. It comes with a choice of outputs – 148bhp or 188bhp – and even though its printed performance times are respectable enough; top speeds of up to 147mph and 0‐62mph times as quick as 7.6 seconds, not once did it display any sense of urgency. The lesser‐powered 2.0‐litre TDI is expected to account for the majority of fleet sales, yet the real jewel in the range is the 148bhp 1.4‐litre TSI petrol. It’s a lively and respon‐ sive unit, more so than any of the diesels, and because it has a decent amount of low‐down shove, it doesn’t need to be pushed too hard. It also features a cylinder on demand system, which helps deliver fuel efficiencies of around 57.7mpg and 115g/km of CO2 emissions. With a starting price of £18,640 – which is £50 less than the outgoing S model – it becomes the least expensive and a worthy consideration if it’s not going to cover a huge annual mileage.
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what we think
highlights Higher spec SE Business version than outgoing model
With its sleek styling, vast and generously equipped cabin and low running costs, the Superb trounces all the competition. The flagship L&K version raises the bar even higher, but it has a ÂŁ30k price tag to match.
1.6-litre TDI Greenline version with 95g/km CO2 emissions due Spring 2016 Five-door hatchback and estate variant go on sale together
key fleet model Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI SE Business
fleetworld.co.uk / 25
Jaguar XE 2.0D Can the new XE break into the German stranglehold in the executive sector? Steve Moody finds out. SECTOR Compact executive PRICE From £29,775 FUEL 99–109mpg CO2 67.3–75.0g/km
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pension uses a structure at the front similar to that in the F‐ any have tried, all have failed. Breaking into that Type, and a compact rear suspension that will see service fabulously profitable, voluminous premium exec‐ in the F‐Pace crossover and the new XF. utive market dominated by Audi, BMW and Mer‐ In the cabin, the desperately old infotainment has been cedes‐Benz has so far proved impossible. junked in favour of an all‐new system called InControl, Back at the turn of the Millennium, Jaguar had a go with which can do all sorts of clever things like connect to a the X‐Type. It didn’t work. Now, the firm is back with the XE smartphone to send the driver journey data, pre‐set the cli‐ for a second crack. mate control, book hotel rooms and make conference calls. Things are very different this time though. For a start, Jaguar In the cabin, the XE just about passes muster. It is per‐ is now part of the cash rich, Indian‐owned JLR Group so is not fectly fine, with a good seating position and clear instru‐ using Ford cast‐offs to make its cars. Instead the new XE is mentation, although some of the switchgear is a little brand new from the ground up: new chassis, new engines, plasticky, the overall design is perfunc‐ new tech, new look. Well, a fairly new look tory rather than classy and rear legroom at any rate: it’s not exactly the most radical is marginal. A C‐Class is higher quality. shape on the market, redolent of mid‐size But this new diesel engine is utterly Audis and the larger Jaguar XF. delightful. With either the stubby little Still, we are told the executive market manual six speed box or smooth eight is a conservative one, and it’s perfectly speed auto, it is amazingly refined, pulls handsome so perhaps Jaguar has pitched cleanly and revs quickly. It is exceptional it just about right, if that is the case. – way better in every respect than any of For corporate users, the all‐new alu‐ the three German units. What an achieve‐ minium diesel engine, the first in a range ment, straight out of the box. built in a whopping new plant in Wolver‐ Then there’s the way it drives, which is hampton and called Ingenium, has CO2 possibly an even more impressive feat. emission as low as 99g/km on the right Rear wheel drive, it is agile, amazingly wheels, while delivering 160bhp. There composed over all surfaces with lashings is also a 180bhp version at 109g/km. There is no such thing as of grip at all times, while gliding down Jaguar is also confident that residual The Big Three in the cormotorways when the mood suits. values are going to cement the XE’s posi‐ porate market any more. tion in the executive market: over 40% The XE is an unbridled pleasure to spend time in, yet also delivers on all after three years/60,000 miles, which is The brilliantly engineered, counts for a fleet managers. Jaguar reck‐ phenomenally strong. Allied to that is fabulous to drive, smart ons it will double its overall sales, with competitive pricing under £30,000 for an new XE has turned it most of those registrations going to fleets. entry level SE manual 2.0D. into The Big Four. I don’t doubt it: the only problem will be Much of the body structure is made of building enough to satisfy demand. lightweight aluminium, while the sus‐
what we think
26 / fleetworld.co.uk
Ford S-MAX Economy and technology upgrades bring Ford’s stylish sports MPV up to date, says Alex Grant. SECTOR Large MPV PRICE £24,545–£32,945 FUEL 31.7–56.5mpg CO2 129–204g/km
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he outgoing Ford S-MAX was one of those segment‐ busting vehicles which could so easily have not worked. Emerging from the MPV joint venture with the Volkswagen Group, it gave Ford an opportunity to widen its MPV family to include a sportier sibling along‐ side functionality‐led Galaxy. There was nothing like it on the market and, in the UK at least, there still isn’t. But it outstripped expectations. The S-MAX struck a chord almost instantly in the UK, and it still outsells the Galaxy. Of the two cars’ combined 14,295 sales last year, 8,045 were the S-MAX. Relatively small numbers for a Ford, but with a high share of conquests from other buyers, sales weighted towards top trim levels and plenty of return buyers, it’s been a game‐changer for the brand. This time, it’s a familiar product. Ford is predicting it’ll sell in similar numbers and, as before, the platform is shared with the new Mondeo and Galaxy, and also with the forthcoming Edge SUV arriving later this year. The SMAX will also be one of the first cars to get the luxurious Vignale trim, as the brand pushes to offer an upmarket rival premium‐brand cars while cruising. Yet it also ownership experience for its customers. manages to feel sure‐footed on cross‐country routes, with Engine options are close to the Mondeo’s but the S-MAX a great driving position and reassuringly positive controls. does without any of the 1.5‐litre diesels. Almost The trade‐off for that less boxy roofline is all UK cars will get one of three 2.0‐litre turbod‐ it doesn’t feel as focused on cabin space as FLEET FACT iesel engines, all of which return 56.6mpg and some other large MPVs. The third row isn’t emit 129g/km CO2, with almost 80% taking the significantly more spacious than the Grand CThe Ford 148bhp and 188bhp versions rather than the MAX, and the second row seating doesn’t 118bhp entry‐level unit. A twin‐turbocharged slide sideways for extra shoulder room. S-MAX has a 207bhp diesel engine and a selection of small‐ However, it’s got plenty of space for people 65% repeat selling EcoBoost petrols will also be available. and large loads. There’s a bank of switches customer rate. Arguably it’s not as daring as the original inside the tailgate to effortlessly flatten the S-MAX was when it launched, but Ford has rear seats, and three ISOFIX points on the successfully brought the spirit of the outgoing car up to middle row mean it’s got the hardware young families date here. This is best suited to the torque of a low‐revving need in a car this size. Titanium versions, expected to diesel engine, while offering comfort and refinement to take 75% of UK sales, get navigation as standard and all trim levels feature the SYNC 2 infotainment system. It also gets Ford’s latest high‐end technology, including glare‐free high‐beam headlights, the ability to automati‐ cally adjust its speed limiter based on road signs and a new variable power steering system which reduces the effort needed for low‐speed manoeuvres then dulls itself while cruising. The latter is an acquired taste, given that the S-MAX’s standard steering setup is excellent, but it’s a great option for city‐based drivers. But ultimately the new S-MAX is an evolution of the old car’s appealing ownership proposition rather than a radical new entry. That’s all it needs to be, too. Ford tried, and succeeded, to catch lightning in a glass bottle with the old car. With the new one, it’s repeated that seemingly impossible task.
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what we think highlights Navigation as standard on Titanium models, which take 75% of UK sales 118bhp, 148bhp and 178bhp 2.0-litre engines all return 56.5mpg and emit 129g/km CO2 No AdBlue solution for Euro 6 compliance on the diesel engines, reducing SMR costs
The S-MAX makes few compromises in versatility for what it offers in style and driver appeal over traditional MPV products like the Galaxy. It’s up against a much wider choice of crossovertype large SUVs, but Ford has the right car to replace its improbable, but popular predecessor.
key fleet model Ford S-MAX 2.0 TDCi (148bhp) Titanium
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Ford C-MAX/Grand C-MAX
Despite market diversity, the C-MAX shows the value of a great small MPV, reckons Alex Grant. SECTOR Compact MPV PRICE £18,195–£27,615 FUEL 44.0–68.9mpg CO2 105–149g/km
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often seen and touched. Titanium trims get the large new he recent boom in vehicle segments means tradi‐ SYNC 2 touchscreen system and a massive reduction in tional five‐door hatchback customers needing buttons, and it’s a lot more intuitive as a result. more space have never had a wider choice. Beyond Its Focus‐derived underpinnings show up behind the estate cars and MPVs, there’s the option to move up or wheel. Though it isn’t as sharp to drive as the hatchback, down into crossover products, sideways into an ever‐ it feels well‐planted and positive rather than top‐heavy wider choice of competitor products and even premium and vague, and does so without back‐breaking ride brands are muscling in on the core sectors. quality. Ford’s new 1.5‐litre diesel engine will be fitted to So a compact MPV has to cover a lot of bases to make most UK cars, alongside a 148bhp diesel and a choice of the cut. In this segment, that means hatchback‐like driv‐ 1.0‐litre three‐cylinder and 1.5‐litre four‐cylinder ing dynamics with estate‐beating versatility, styling EcoBoost turbocharged petrols. sharp enough to avoid being overlooked for a fashionable From the C‐pillar back, the two cars are soft‐roader, and economy that belies very different. Seven‐seat versions get load capacity. twin sliding rear doors for easier access The C-MAX has form here. In the UK, and the centre section of the rear bench it’s Ford’s best‐seller behind the Fiesta folds away, letting passengers into the and Focus and is only outsold by Cit‐ back without needing to tip the middle roën’s futuristic C4 Picasso in its seg‐ row forward. The second row of the ment. It’s also become a world car, and C-MAX tumbles forward, but UK cars don’t its Europe‐honed compactness, agility get the option to fold the centre section and style are its key selling points in away and slide the outer seats from side markets such as North America. to side to create more shoulder space. As per segment norms, the C-MAX is It’s also easy to turn both into small offered in two bodystyles. Unusually it’s vans when required, albeit without any the five‐seat C-MAX which shifts the storage for the tonneau cover, and largest volumes in the UK, something there’s enough space for adults in the Ford attributes to a wider choice of Focus driver appeal and third row of the Grand C-MAX. seven‐seat models than rival brands, economy in a versatile There’s a wealth of alternatives to but the Grand C-MAX with its sliding package. Sub-100g/km the C-MAX, including a couple within rear doors and third‐row seating costs Ford’s own product line‐up, but this is an extra £1,600. CO2 emissions would an established option with plenty of Behind Ford’s cleaner new corporate help, but the C-MAX has practicality and owner appeal on its front end and power dome bonnet, all the right components side. A sign that, despite the migration there are improvements to refinement to continue its popularity. towards crossovers, there’s plenty of and a wider effort to use more aesthet‐ life left in the MPV segment. ically pleasing materials where it’s
what we think
30 / fleetworld.co.uk
Honda Civic
Cost reductions and a little Type R attitude are just what the Civic needed, says Alex Grant. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £15,975–£26,970 FUEL 42.8–78.5mpg CO2 94–155g/km
D DAB – never a dull moment
F
J Just keeps going... Up to 88.3mpg†
Flaunt it
T Turbocharged engines
Q Quids in for Whole Life Costs
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Corsa range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 76.3 (3.7), † = Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. * = 2015-16 tax year. ** = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (April 2015). Images shown for illustrative purposes only
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onda has had a tough time in Europe recently. Prioritising hybrids over diesels and without a sporty halo car, it’s shrunk back from a diverse and engineering‐led product range to a compact line‐up that’s slipped off the radar a little. It’s even tougher in fleet, where the Jazz is a small player and the Accord looks expensive. Corporate sales fall almost completely on the Civic and the CR‐V, both of which have been upgraded ahead of some significant new arrivals. This will be a formative couple of years for the Civic. The European model is months away from being exported to North America, and the new Type R will help reinvigorate the brand’s sporty side, alongside the NSX hybrid supercar. The Civic is a good base, with proven reliability and an overall feeling of high quality. Plus it’s one of the most versatile hatches on sale – with a huge boot and rear bench base which folds upwards as well as flat, enabling loads to be stacked from the footwell to the roof. Honda’s 118bhp 1.6‐litre i‐DTEC engine is a star performer, too. It’s smooth, quiet, offers plenty of torque and real‐world
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economy comes very close to the claimed figures. With a short, light gearchange, well‐weighted steering and excellent high‐speed comfort, it’s a pleasure to drive. The updates recognise its shortcomings. Where the outgoing car found an uncomfortable medium between segment norms and the futuristic styling of its predeces‐ sor, there’s an unapologetic nod to the Type R here. For the first time since the Type S, there’s also a diesel‐powered Sport trim to bridge the gap with the sportiest version. Honda Connect, the brand’s new infotainment system, is now fitted across the range. Designed to offer pinch‐ swipe‐tap smartphone‐esque controls and optionally equipped with Garmin navigation for a very reasonable £610, it’s a welcome change from its dated precedessor and very easy to use. A price cut of up to £1,600 and colli‐ sion mitigation system which drops it two insurance groups, will both help it better compete for heads as well as hearts. This still has a tough task ahead, but with an expanding model range and a more distinctive sense of style, it’s head‐ ing in the right direction.
Love at first sight Love the tiny whole life costs Love the huge spec Love New Corsa
Kind on BiK – from just 15%*
G Gloves? Who needs gloves with the heated steering wheel?
VAUXHALL FLEET Call 0870 010 0651 | visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet
Book your FREE** 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk or call 0870 240 4848
Extra-urban 57.6 (4.9) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions 140 – 85g/km. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. and may feature options at extra cost.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Volkswagen stretches the Golf brand further with a rugged off-road version. By Danny Cobbs. SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £26,790–£30,595 FUEL 56.5–58.9mpg CO2 124–132g/km
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S
I
Streaming. Bluetooth® audio streaming with IntelliLink infotainment
I can see clearly now, with the heated screen
New Corsa Design vs Ford Fiesta Style vs VW Polo SE
Quids in for Whole Life Costs
Specification
Whole Life Costs – 3 years / 60,000 miles1 B
Fiesta 1.6 TDCi 95PS Style ECOnetic 5dr
C
Polo 1.4 TDI 75PS SE 5dr
£20,563
B
A
£20,252
New Corsa 1.3CDTi 95PS Design 5dr
£18,796
A
C
New Corsa
Fiesta
Polo
Heated windscreen
Cruise control
Bluetooth®
Digital radio
Touch-screen audio system
Front fog lights
LED daytime running lights
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Corsa range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 76.3 (3.7), Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 1 = Whole Life Costs All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (April 2015). Images shown for illustrative purposes only and may feature options at extra cost.
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t’s an inevitable addition, given similar products in the SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia Estate line‐ups, but the Golf Alltrack offers a little extra choice for the ubiqui‐ tous hatchback’s range. Behind rugged protective body cladding, it stands 20mm higher and features permanent four‐wheel drive to tackle light off‐roading when required. Based on the standard Golf estate, the Alltrack follows the equipment levels of the Golf GT, so Volkswagen’s Discover navigation system is standard fit, along with dual‐zone climate control and LED running lights. Boot space is unchanged despite the four‐wheel drive system; it holds 605 litres, rising to 1,620 litres when the rear seats are folded. There’s a choice between three diesel engines, the most powerful being the 182bhp 2.0‐litre diesel, coupled to a DSG automatic transmission. Economy is claimed at 56.5 mpg and CO2 emissions at 132g/km. A more frugal 148bhp version of the same engine is also avail‐ able, but only with a six‐speed manual gearbox. Volkswagen claims economy of 57.6 mpg and 127g/km of CO2.
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The third choice, the 1.6‐litre TDI mated to a six‐speed manual transmission, an iteration of the engine used in the Golf BlueMotion, becomes the entry‐level engine and costs £26,790. It is also the most prudent of the range – 124g/km of CO2 and 58.9 mpg. All these engines are familiar to the Golf family, with none of them feeling particularly different to drive than a standard Golf estate, which is no bad thing. The increased ground clearance and electronic differential lock gives the Alltrack a moderately useful off‐road ability, but it should never be mistaken for a hardcore mud‐plugger. It does, however, have a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg. If you're after a spacious estate that will do dirt tracks, muddy yards and the odd damp grass slope with more aplomb than your average front‐wheel drive wagon, this is well worth a look, and certainly for fleets that require some‐ thing more rugged than average, but not a full‐on 4x4. Mind you, be sure that the standard Golf Estate won't do the same job, since it's quite a bit cheaper.
Love to beat the competition Love the tiny whole life costs Love the huge spec Love New Corsa
Mine
W Warm bums, with heated seats
VAUXHALL FLEET Call 0870 010 0651 | visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet
Book your FREE* 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk or call 0870 240 4848
Extra-urban 57.6 (4.9) – 94.2 (3.0), Combined 47.1 (6.0) – 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions 140 – 85g/km. (3 years/60,000 miles) based on independently supplied data by CAP (March 2015). * = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
Who would have thought it: a front-wheel drive, seven-seat, MPV from BMW. Danny Cobbs investigates. SECTOR Compact MPV PRICE £24,710–£32,540 FUEL 44.8mpg–68.9mpg CO2 108–145g/km
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in the UK and offer enough space for two adults, as long as p until now, if you were after a mid‐sized seven‐ they’re fairly short. seat MPV, the last place you’d think to look was in When not in use, however, both chairs fold flat into the a BMW showroom. However, according to BMW, floor, to give a level and unimpeded luggage area. And while with the introduction of the new 2 Series Gran Tourer, not on the subject of luggage, the under floor stowage com‐ only will it now be able to fulfil that particular demand partment for the retractable, and detachable, luggage cover when it arrives in the Autumn, it also wants it known that is a thoughtful addition. This can also be said for the way premium practical family motoring doesn’t have to be an BMW has utilised redundant space under the seats and oxymoron any longer. around the cabin. By sealing off these nooks and crevasses Essentially then, the 2 GT is an elongated version of the with elasticised webbing its has created useful and fully 2 Series Active Tourer (which, when launched last year, functional stowage compartments. became BMW’s first foray into the MPV market). By Although there will be a choice of five extending the wheelbase by 11cm, then turbocharged engines – two petrol and adding a further 10cm to the rear over‐ three diesel – exactly the same as its hangs, plus raising the roofline by 5cm, shorter brother, we only had the it has allowed BMW to completely chance to drive just two; the six‐speed reconfigure the seating arrangement. manual 220i and the flagship model; And whilst a 2+3+2 layout is not exactly the £32,540, all‐wheel drive, eight‐ radical, it’s the most flexible and versa‐ speed auto, 187bhp 220d xDrive. tile car BMW has ever offered, and all While both proved themselves to be for just under £25,000 (£2,560 more more than capable, as you would expensive than the 2 Active Tourer). expect of any engine powering a BMW, The extra length has also had an the most efficient in the range prom‐ obvious effect on boot space, too. Load ises to be the 216d at £25,645. This is area is now expandable from 560 litres the same 1.5‐litre, 114bhp, three‐cylin‐ to 1,820 litres, and carries objects up to der diesel found in the MINI Cooper D, 2.4 metres long. Granted, this doesn’t BMW is chasing so it’s not exactly an unknown entity. It quite make it a market leader, but it is will be asked to power a car some equal to the cargo area of the BMW X5. those drivers who 110kgs heavier than the MINI though, The cabin, on the other hand, is pure want MPV versatility but it should still return performance BMW knowhow through and through. and a premium badge. figures of 68.9mpg, 119mph top speed, As soon as you step inside there’s an If such a market 0‐62mph in 11.4 seconds and 108g/km overwhelming sense of quality, sub‐ of CO2. But we’ll have to wait until stance and luxury. exists, the 2 GT scores... nearer the summer, when it goes on While the third row of seats is optional sale, to be certain. in Europe, they are standard equipment
what we think
36 / fleetworld.co.uk
GE T MORE BANG FOR YOUR BIK
Civic Tourer 1.6 SE Plus on Business Contract Hire Honda Connect
Class-leading boot space
Stay connected with Bluetooth
17% Benefit In Kind
Made in Britain
Low CO 2 emissions: 99g/km
Fuel consumption figures for the Civic Tourer SE Plus 1.6 i-DTEC Manual in mpg (l/100km): Urban 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6), Combined 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 99g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience. Model shown: Civic Tourer SE Plus 1.6 i-DTEC Manual in Crystal Black Pearl at £22,095 On The Road (OTR).
SPOTLIGHT Jaguar XF
In XF Lighter, more efficient and packed with new technology, Jaguar’s executive sports saloon has all the right ingredients to take on the German premium brands in fleet, says Alex Grant.
More affordable Though it’s become the backbone of Jaguar’s fleet sales in recent years, the outgoing XF launched as a retail-focused car and has had to evolve to meet the demands of the fleet sector. This time, it’s designed to compete head-on with the biggest-selling versions of its German rivals with an equal fleet-retail sales split expected in the UK. Lighter materials and new diesel engines bring CO2 emissions down from the old car’s 129g/km entry point to a class-leading 104g/km, with obvious tax benefits for drivers and operators, and residual value forecasts are stronger than its rivals. The six-speed manual gearbox – available for the first time in an XF – helps lower entry prices too. It means the XF makes sense financially as well as emotionally this time.
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Better to drive Jaguar is positioning the XF as a sports saloon, so the driving experience is vital. The aluminium-rich construction has cut 190kg from the weight of the old car while increasing stiffness by 28%, both of which will make it more agile than its predecessor. The variable electric power steering is derived from the XE’s, as are the dual-wishbone front and integral link rear suspension setups, offering supple ride quality and sporty handling. On-board technology is becoming just as important, and the cabin features Jaguar’s InControl Touch infotainment system with the ability to view and control smartphone apps. Most UK buyers are expected to upgrade to InControl Touch Pro, which replaces the traditional instruments with a customisable 12.3inch high-resolution screen. A collaboration with mapping specialist HERE means it can memorise the driver’s commute, monitor for traffic, and send text messages if they’ll be late.
Designed for life Considering its technological advances, the XF’s design is evolutionary – a sign that Jaguar got that bit right beforehand. It’s slightly smaller and more aerodynamic than its predecessor, while the straight shoulderline is designed to make it look leaner, in turn meaning it doesn’t look underwheeled in lower trim levels and reflecting its fleet focus. The range matches the XE, including luxurious Portfolio and aggressive-looking R-Sport versions topped by the S and with the Prestige at the entry level. Despite its shrinking dimensions, the wheelbase is longer and the cabin is a big improvement on the outgoing car. The aluminium dash pad with its rotating air vents and phosphor blue lighting is retained, and rear seat occupants get more head and leg room and – through the extra window on the C-pillar – more light too. Luggage capacity is best in class, and a Sportbrake estate isn’t far away.
What we think...
FLEET FACT Even the most powerful diesel, the 300bhp S, emits only 144g/km CO2.
The outgoing XF marked the start of a bolder, more stylish Jaguar brand back in 2007 and has become increasingly appealing in the years since – 2014 was a record year for sales. Its replacement combines that same sense of style with the brand’s latest engine, connectivity and construction innovations, and a sizeable decrease in whole-life costs will make it even more desirable. With a core diesel range under 120g/km, and the XE under 110g/km, Jaguar has the heartland of its product portfolio exactly where it needs to be, which can only grow its presence in fleet. AG
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MOTOR SHOW New York
New York’s newcomers
Amid the world’s most iconic skyline, the 115th New York International Auto Show put the spotlight on luxury, as Alex Grant reports.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class The M-Class gets a new badge with its mid-life refresh, which introduces a new nine-speed automatic gearbox on both of its diesel engines and a new 78g/km plug-in hybrid. Launched into a fleet-heavy sector, reducing CO2 emissions from 154g/km to 140g/km for the fourcylinder GLE 250d will give Mercedes-Benz a competitive option.
Jaguar XF Alongside the compact executive XE and the F-Pace crossover due to break cover later this year, the XF shows Jaguar has big plans in fleet. So this second-generation XF is lighter, technology rich and uses JLR’s new 2.0-litre diesel engines to achieve best-in-class fuel economy, tying up loose ends that held its retail-focused predecessor back as a business car.
Lexus RX The RX accounts for almost a third of all cars Lexus has ever sold, so this fourth-generation SUV remains an important part of the range. Under its NX-like creased bodywork, it features a longer wheelbase and more interior space, with six-cylinder petrol and hybrid drivetrains from launch. But this is a busy sector, and a 300h four-cylinder hybrid would be an asset in carbon-taxed Europe.
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BOLD LOOKS, BOLD INTENTIONS Launched under the newly-formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ALL-NEW JEEP RENEGADE is set to make serious inroads into the UK company car market, thanks to its standout appeal backed up by the carmaker’s solid fleet proposition. eep may not have historically been a brand foremost in fleet managers’ minds but the all-new Jeep Renegade is set to change that, thanks to its standout approach to business motoring. Although the Jeep name is already revered for its 70 years plus experience of providing iconic 4x4 sport utility vehicles, the new compact crossover stands out for being a landmark model in a number of crucial areas. Firstly it represents Jeep's first entry into the small SUV segment. It is also the first Fiat Chrysler Automobiles car to be jointly developed by Italian and American engineers and the first Jeep to be built in Europe. But perhaps most pertinently, it’s also set to put the Jeep brand firmly on fleet decision-makers’ radar, following its recently launched bigger brothers – the Grand Cherokee SUV and the Cherokee midsize SUV.
J
THE DRIVER’S PERSPECTIVE From the fleet driver’s perspective, the Jeep Renegade brings a winning combination of practical appeal – such as its best-in-class interior roominess combined with low pricing and low company car taxation. It also continues with Jeep brands’ approach to offering the class-leading levels of standard
All-new Jeep Renegade offers best-in-class interior roominess
equipment – along with its signature lifestyle approach, backed up by its legendary 4x4 capability. The Jeep Renegade will also be marked out for bringing excellent driving dynamics and for being the first small SUV to feature a nine-speed auto gearbox. And it is the first in its segment to have rear axle disconnect, which means that those opting for four-wheel drive Renegade models will see little impact on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. In fact, the Renegade boasts the distinction of being the lowest-emitting Jeep yet, with CO2 emissions of 120g/km, which will drop to 115g/km when the 1.6 MultiJet II diesel Euro 6 is introduced later in the year. Other firsts for the Renegade include unique-to-segment features such as the ‘My Sky’ sunroof, which comprises two removable panels that can be stowed in
To find out more about ALL-NEW JEEP® RENEGADE contact our Business Centre on 01753 519442, email fleet@jeep-comms.co.uk or visit www.jeep.co.uk/renegade
the boot, and a 6.5” full colour multiview display in its instrument binnacle. And this is joined by a long list of safety systems as well as the latest available in-car technology. UNPARALLELED FLEET PROPOSTION Most crucially of all, the Jeep Renegade also stands out for representing a change in the way the Jeep name is operated under the newly formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. As the resurgent Jeep brand continues to see fast-growing success across the globe, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles remains wholeheartedly committed to the UK market and, in particular, business users. This includes major investment in the Jeep dealer network with a specific focus on fleet sales, customer service and fleet after sales. And in a move to emphasise this focus on the UK fleet market, the Jeep Renegade takes to the road over the coming months to showcase its appeal – this includes its debut at the Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone on 12th May. Business users will also benefit from a comprehensive test drive programme, ranging from a single day to extended test-drive option – just one of the ways Jeep is providing the evidence of its firm commitment to the UK fleet market.
MOTOR SHOW New York
Cadillac CT6 The CT6 will spearhead Cadillac’s range as it relaunches in Europe. It’s the same size as a BMW 7 Series, but its weighs less than a 5 Series thanks to its aluminium-rich architecture. Engines comprise 2.0litre turbo, 3.6-litre V6 and 3.0-litre V6 turbo units, all with eight-speed automatic gearboxes, and a plug-in hybrid, but Cadillac has yet to confirm the diesel it will need to take on the German brands.
Toyota RAV4 Behind a heavy re-style, the RAV4 gets new equipment and improved materials from December, but the most significant addition is the first hybrid version. Its drivetrain is derived from the NX 300h’s four-wheel drive hybrid system, so expect sub-120g/km CO2 emissions, and it’ll join the European range early next year.
Kia Optima The Optima may be a relatively small seller in Europe, compared to the Sportage and cee’d, but it’s the most popular model in the United States, with production localised in 2011 to meet demand. This secondgeneration car has grown slightly and gets improved cabin materials, while styling reflects the Sportspace concept from Geneva, suggesting European markets will get an estate. Expect that important second bodystyle to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Mitsubishi Outlander The driving force behind Mitsubishi’s rapidly expanding global sales will be the first model to get the brand’s new family styling, previewed by its recent concept cars, before it launches in the United States. Design aside, the car is reengineered for better comfort, refinement and agility, likely to be reflected in a refreshed Outlander PHEV in the near future.
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SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Mazda2 against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
GA A change from the more common choices, it’s clean enough, drives well and enjoys Mazdas ‘safe choice’ and ‘reliable’ image.
GA Not the most fashionable choice, CO2 isn’t classleading even though in reality it’s almost there. On paper this may steer some potential users away.
GA Mazda can perform well, as long as people drive the car and don’t dismiss it because it isn’t part of the furniture.
GA The main issue is the well established competition, it’s just not on the radar for many. On paper it’s the dirtiest too, so Mazda must keep working to improve the CO2 position.
AC Like other new Mazdas, this is far more striking than before. The interior is well built and laid out, though some materials could be better, and the 80mm longer wheelbase means it’s more spacious with a bigger boot. MJ Fresh new looks and higher quality, while the lightweight construction and efficient SKYACTIV engines offer excellent CO2 emissions and MPG. The diesel also offers more power and torque than typical peers and is fun to drive. Good equipment levels. MW Certainly a pretty little thing, and looks appealing.
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AC Some of the interior materials do feel a little hard - not uncommon in this segment. Boot space, although much bigger than the previous model is quite deep so has quite a lip to lift things up and over. MJ The rear doors need more soundproofing. Limited range line-up - only available as a five-door. MW Like the rest of this group, apart from the Corsa, this has a ‘large’ diesel engine – it just doesn’t sound right. But they are all economical, so does it matter? The public may think so.
AC This segment is highly competitive and the Mazda2 will need to give the masses something different. But Mazda is seen as very reliable, and the new styling has certainly lifted it out of the boring category. MJ Mazda’s ultra-fresh product range is building the reputation of the brand. Mazda2’s wider lineup includes three petrol power levels. It should be easy to retain existing owners and conquest opportunities are only limited by forecast volume, although should provide some exclusivity! MW Good looks and broad appeal. Superminis are as popular as used cars as they are new, maybe even more popular as used, so residuals remain solid.
AC Where do we start? Fiesta, Corsa, Polo and i20 are extremely good cars and just a few of the excellent rivals that the new Mazda will have to fight against. MJ Modest volumes may slow the awareness of this car and how good it is. Massive volumes in the supermini sector mean the competition is huge with aggressive pricing. MW Buyers are looking for a bit more nowadays, something a bit more practical and flexible, and there is no shortage of choice – this sector is under threat by small SUVs that offer just that little bit more.
Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP
Mazda2
Gavin Amos (GA) Head of Valuations, CDL Vehicle Information Services
Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost
Strengths GA A change from the common cars, safe and reliable image. AC Competitive, good looking, great drive. MJ Lots of equipment, fresh styling, wide engine choice. MW Pretty styling, broad appeal.
Strengths
Vauxhall Corsa SE 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX
GA Vastly improved, very competitive. AC Nice interior. MJ Handling, space, low insurance and excellent IntelliLink system. MW New skin makes it look fresh. GA Less savvy users could still think ‘old Corsa’. AC Dynamically could be better. MJ Complex range is confusing. Exterior changes were too subtle. MW Threats from small SUVs
OTR: £15,770 P11D: £15,715 Fuel: 85.6mpg CO2: 87g/km RV*: £5,250 (33%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,694 Fuel costs: £3,782 Insurance: £1,875 Finance: £2,122 NI: £1,041 VED: £0 Cost per month: £584
Strengths
Volkswagen Polo SE Design 1.4 TDI BMT
GA Should be more successful – drives well and up there with the others on paper. AC Great build quality MJ Maintains the baby Golf look. Well built. MW A popular choice, efficient.
Standard equipment: • IntelliLink with DAB and 7-inch touchscreen • Bluetooth, USB and aux-in • Cruise control • Front electric windows • Manual air conditioning • 16-inch alloy wheels • Front fog/cornering lights • Auto lights/wipers/mirror dimmer • Heated seats, heated mirrors Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £545
GA Threatened by the Golf. AC Bland, not the most exciting to drive. MJ This engine offers 20bhp less than peers. Average handling. MW Growing compact SUV sector.
OTR: £16,575 P11D: £16,520 Fuel: 83.1mpg CO2: 93g/km RV*: £5,925 (36%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,673 Fuel costs: £3,895 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,230 NI: £1,094 VED: £40 Cost per month: £604
Strengths
Ford Fiesta Zetec ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi 95PS
Weaknesses
Ford Fiesta
Standard equipment: • DAB radio, CD , 7-inch touchscreen • Bluetooth, USB, aux-in • Cruise control with speed limiter • Front and rear electric windows • Manual air conditioning • 15-inch alloy wheels • Front fog lights • Auto brake with lane departure warning Optional equipment: • Satellite navigation £400 • Metallic paint £530
GA Not the most fashionable choice. AC Established competition in the segment. MJ Aggressive price competition, modest volumes planned. MW Large engine, threats from small SUVs.
Weaknesses
Volkswagen Polo
Mazda2 SE-L 1.5d 105PS OTR: £15,995 P11D: £15,940 Fuel: 83.1mpg CO2: 89g/km RV*: £5,000 (31%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,355 Fuel costs: £3,895 Insurance: £2,550 Finance: £2,152 NI: £1,056 VED: £0 Cost per month: £611
Weaknesses
Vauxhall Corsa
Andy Cutler (AC) UK Car Editor, Forecast Values Glass’s
GA Drives well, clean and very well received. AC Great drive, looks good. MJ Dominates the sector. Familiar trim levels, wide engine choice, good to drive. MW Still popular, keeps getting better.
Weaknesses GA Maybe people are ready for a change? AC Interior could be better. MJ Massive volume means no exclusivity. MW Engine looks large on paper.
OTR: £16,095 P11D: £16,040 Fuel: 85.6mpg CO2: 85g/km RV*: £5,296 (33%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,471 Fuel costs: £3,782 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,165 NI: £1,062 VED: £0 Cost per month: £597
Standard equipment: • DAB/CD, 6.5-inch touchscreen • Bluetooth, USB, SD and aux-in • Front and rear electric windows • Manual air conditioning • 16-inch alloy wheels • Front fog/cornering lights • Auto lights/wipers/mirror dimmer Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £540 • Satellite navigation £700 • Cruise control with F/R parking sensors £400
Standard equipment: • Radio/CD player • Bluetooth and USB inputs • Front electric windows • Manual air conditioning • 14-inch alloy wheels • Front fog lights Optional equipment: • Sat nav/digital radio £500 • Metallic paint £495 • Rear parking sensors, folding mirrors £300 • Heated seats £175
* 3yr/60k
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FEATURE In-car cameras
Silent witness Katie Beck investigates the rise of dash cams, and their potential benefits to fleets.
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Once the preserve of haulage drivers travelling through corrupt or potentially unsafe territories, the dashboard camera, or dash cam, is becoming an increasingly common sight on British roads. Billed by suppliers as a safeguard against insurance scams and a tool to encourage safer and more efficient driving, could dash cam technology benefit your fleet?
Growing popularity
Crash for cash
Dash cams have reached ubiquitous status in Russia, where drivers use them to guard against rampant police corruption and insurance fraud, and the technology is also commonplace throughout much of Eastern Europe, the USA and Eastern Asia. Although the number of drivers using dash cams is comparatively low in the UK, with only an estimated 4% of all vehicles fitted with the technology, research from the RAC suggests that public awareness of dash cams ‐ and the benefits the technology can offer ‐ is increasing. As part of the RAC’s in‐car camera survey, launched in October 2014, 39% of respondents said they were seriously considering fitting dash cams to their vehi‐ cles. Of the respondents who already had dash cams fitted, 59% said the main reason they purchased one was to provide evidence of their involvement in an acci‐ dent, while 21% specifically cited protec‐ tion against ‘crash for cash’ scams as the reason they had invested in the technology. There is a growing public awareness of the tactics used by scammers in crash for cash attempts, exacerbated by frequent news and press coverage featuring dramatic dash cam footage of attempted manoeuvres. Crash for cash refers to the practice of scammers deliberately braking sharply and unexpectedly (often with their brake lights disabled), causing the vehicle behind to collide with the back of their vehicle and leaving the way open for a whiplash claim. Around 550,000 whiplash claims a year are filed in the UK, and insur‐ ance experts have estimated that up to 60% could be fraudulent.
The desire of drivers, both private and professional, to protect their vehicles and themselves from law suits in the wake of the crash for cash boom has been a driving force in the soaring popularity of dash cam technology, a trend that SmartWitness CCTV, a dash cam supplier to the commercial vehicle market, has experienced firsthand. SmartWitness reported an 80% increase in dash cam unit sales at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show compared with the previous year. Speaking about the surge of enquires from fleets, the company’s inter‐ national sales director, Mark Berry, says: "This year the number of enquiries has been unprecedented and we took orders for £2m in just three days. There were orders for over 10,000 units which is up considerably on last year, and we were inundated with interest in the products right from the start.” According to SmartWitness, several major logistics companies made orders of over 1,000 units at the CV Show, and over 300 organ‐ isation approached them for CCTV vehicle systems. While dash cams are currently used mainly by commercial vehicle fleets in the UK, they can offer security and insurance benefits to car fleets too.
Scale of the problem It is now estimated that insurance fraud in the UK is costing the industry billions of pounds. Commentators have drawn compar‐ isons to America’s ‘sue happy’ culture, and as a result it is estimated that the average driver’s insurance premium rises by £50 each year to cover the cost. “For fleet policy holders the rise would be much higher as there are more vehicles covered under one policy,” explains Lyndon Wood, CEO of insurance firm Constructaquote.com. “As a side‐effect of the increase in fraud, the UK’s motorists and car manufacturers are taking measures to stem the tide of claims through the use of the dashboard camera. “The concept of the dash cam is nothing new; it’s been used by law enforcement agencies for some time. However there has been a considerable boom in its use amongst general road users with its usage rising by around 30% in the past year alone. The increase in the use of dash cams could be attributed to their assistance to motorists in relation to possible fraudulent insurance claims as it will capture any dangerous driving that results in a claim,” he adds.
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FEATURE In-car cameras
Silent witness... →
Improving efficiency As well as providing protection against crash for cash scams, dash cams can capture vehicle damage such as bumps while parking, hit‐and‐run instances and vandalism. Dash cams can also help to improve fleet efficiency and safety by giving drivers the added incentive of knowing that their behaviour on the road is being documented. Krispy Kreme, global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain, is aiming to improve road safety, reduce insurance costs and enhance duty of care following the adoption of a 3G forward‐facing vehicle camera solution from Intelligent Telematics across its entire commercial vehicle fleet. The camera provides a record of any collisions and driving incidents across the fleet via an online portal, with an email, screen pop up or SMS notification when an event has occurred. The company states that it has been able to use the dash cam footage and vehicle data captured by the units to support its driver training programme, defend against fraudulent insur‐ ance claims and prove who is at fault following an incident. “Our camera unit provides visibility of road collisions and other harsh driving events, so businesses can reduce the severity and frequency of vehicle fleet insur‐ ance claims, while helping modify driving styles and minimise poten‐ tial risk,” explains Sam Footer, head of international business at Intelli‐ gent Telematics. “As a result, we are seeing increasing demand for 3G cameras from car, van and commer‐ cial vehicle fleets.”
telematics unit, offering integrated fleet management tools. Other units function in ‘sleep mode’ and will only begin recording when G‐Force sensors detect a sharp manoeuvre (such as a swerve to avoid a crash for cash event), to reduce the amount of unneces‐ sary footage recorded, and most high‐end dash cams upload data immediately to secure online portals. Dash cams can range from £50‐£300 depending on the spec‐ ification of the unit, which some fleets might deem cost‐ prohibitive to fit in hundreds of cars, but as time goes by that unit cost is likely to drop as these devices become more popu‐ lar. In commercial vehicles carrying expensive goods or equip‐ ment, there is a more viable financial case. However, you can download apps to convert smartphones into temporary dash cams free of charge.
Impartial record Dash cams can provide vital evidence of a driver's true involvement in an accident.
Legal issues The technology Dash cam units are fixed to the windscreen, positioned on top of the dashboard or attached to the rear‐view mirror with a special mount. The position must be taken into consideration when deciding where to place the unit – it is a legal requirement that the software does not obstruct the driver’s field of vision through the front of the car. Dash cams range in sophistication from single lens cameras to multiple lens units capable of recording the front and rear of a vehicle simultaneously. Most units automati‐ cally start up with the vehicle and record footage on a removable SD card until the storage limit is reached, at which point the system overwrites the oldest files first to create a constant loop of footage. More sophisticated (and expensive) units will geotag files using 3G signal to allow drivers to pinpoint the exact location at which an incident took place, and Garmin’s recently launched nüviCam software features a dash cam incorporated into a
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There can be no reasonable expectation of privacy while in a public place, which the law deems public roads to be. The use of dash cam technology is therefore perfectly legal on British roads, but if the unit also records audio in the car, it is advisable to warn passengers that their speech may be recorded throughout the duration of the journey. Should you wish to use dash cam footage as evidence in a court case, a statement must be given to confirm that it contains a fair representation of the incident in question. Dash cam footage can provide vital evidence of which party was really at fault, and it is not uncommon for the existence of clear incident footage to bring about an early settlement. Dash cam footage can also work against the owner, however. The court requires all parties involved in liti‐ gation to produce all evidence in their possession, whether it is favourable to their claim or not, so be aware that your own footage could be used against you.
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Telematics
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FEATURE In-car cameras
Silent witness... →
The fleet perspective Glass repair company, Auto Windscreens, installed SmartWitness forward‐facing camera units in 340 vans and cars in 2014 to promote safer driving and protect its fleet drivers in the event of road traffic incidents. “We’ve already received very positive feedback from our drivers as they feel the cameras offer reassurance, eliminat‐ ing the potential for them to be falsely accused of causing a crash and driving recklessly,” explains Auto Windscreens’ managing director, Chris Thornton. Installed as part of a wider fleet operating strategy, the SmartWitness technology complements the Ctrack vehicle tracking solution installed last year into all Auto Windscreens’ vehicles to reduce overheads such as fuel consumption, whilst
boosting the utilisation of mobile technicians in the field. In‐car cameras can also help fleet managers to provide an extra layer of security for drivers as there is a completely impartial eye witness in the car. “Our research suggests that one in four motorists think having a camera on board would improve their driving, which in turn would lead to less wear and tear and improve‐ ments in things like fuel efficiency as a result,” adds Simon Peevers from the RAC. “We only expect to see the popularity of in‐car cameras continuing to increase, especially if more insurers offer discounts for those with cameras fitted, which will also help to bring down business costs especially for larger fleets.”
Caught on camera Dash cam footage accounts for thousands of hours of video on clip sharing sites such as YouTube. Here’s five of the most dramatic incidents captured on film:
1 ) Captured in February 2015, this dash cam footage of an aeroplane clipping a bridge in Taiwan went viral. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_NT43aJ_Jw
3 ) Also filmed in Taiwan, this dash cam user captures the moment a motorist narrowly avoids a landslide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaBBRmD8QHg
2 ) This video footage, captured by a SmartWitness dash cam, shows a crash for cash attempt on a lorry in the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHh8xttM9KM 4 ) Thousands of dash cam users in Russia captured this "small" meteorite streaking through the sky about the Urals region in 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpmXyJrs7iU
5 ) Captured in 2011, this driver miraculously avoids colliding with a lorry as it skids towards him across the ice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm0ywsD9V88
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Built for life
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Building on proven reliability, comfort and infinite interior flexibility, the refreshed CR-V now also includes the broadest ever choice of fleet-friendly drivetrains and technologies.
High Tech
Low Tax
Designed, developed and built in Europe, the CR-V is tailored to local tastes and road conditions. Behind refreshed styling, the 2015 cars feature re-engineered suspension to offer a sure-footed and more comfortable drive, while Honda’s most advanced technology makes journeys effortless. Camera and radar sensors mean it can actively avoid collisions, gently adjust cruise control to match traffic and features a world-first system which predicts lane cut-ins based on other drivers’ behaviour. Not only does this protect occupants, but it reduces insurance premiums too. The new Honda CONNECT infotainment system brings drivers’ mobile lives into the cabin. Based around a clear seven-inch display, this includes digital and internet radio, webpage browsing and Garmin navigation with intuitive smartphone-esque pinch, tap and swipe controls. Additional apps can be downloaded to add useful functions for life on the road, while MirrorLink technology enables compatible smartphone apps to be viewed and controlled from the touchscreen.
Drawn from Honda’s world-leading engine expertise, the CRV is offered with two versions of the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine to keep running costs low for business users. Fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg equates to some of the lowest CO2 emissions in its class, at 115g/km, while the selectable Econ mode and Intelligent Eco Assist display gives real-time feedback on driving style to improve real-world frugality. The all-new 158bhp 1.6-litre i-DTEC offers a versatile solution for those needing extra performance. Equipped with all-wheel drive, this all-new engine features two-stage turbocharging to provide strong pulling power from low revs, but with incredible efficiency of up to 57.7mpg. For premium-class cruising, this can also be fitted with an advanced new nine-speed automatic gearbox. Its wide spread of ratios to suit all driving conditions while returning 55.4mpg and emitting 134g/km CO2, further broadening the choice for company car drivers.
For more information visit honda.co.uk/cars/corporatesales
INTERVIEW Jeremy Hicks, JAGUAR LAND ROVER
Brick by brick With an engaged dealer network and a raft of new product launches in the pipeline, recent successes are only the beginning for Jaguar Land Rover, as UK managing director, Jeremy Hicks, tells Alex Grant.
A
few feet away from the global unveil of the Jaguar XF at the New York International Auto Show, Jeremy Hicks is feeling confident. And he has every right to – both the brands he looks after, Jaguar and Land Rover, are enjoying rising sales globally with record performances even for outgoing product. With new or refreshed models due for its five biggest‐selling lines within a 12‐month period, it’s hard to see that momen‐ tum slowing down. But while there’s unquestionable retail appeal, it’s the fleet sector which will underpin a lot of that sales growth over the coming years. Within 12 months, JLR will have at least four vehicles with versions under 120g/km, compared with a single engine option in the XF last year, and Hicks is looking forward to reaping the rewards of years of preparation. “The profile of our business is going to change substan‐ tially, and it’s not about taking away from retail sales, it’s about growing fleet sales. We want to match our retail strength with fleet and business strength,” he explains. That’s a revolution brought about, in part, by new engines. The Evoque and new Discovery Sport will, before the end of the year, come down to 109g/km and 119g/km respectively, both expected to drive user‐ chooser sales. Jaguar, meanwhile, has just launched the XE and the all‐new XF is close behind, each achieving best‐in‐class economy and emissions. It’s a big change for a brand which has, until recently, relied on a car launched with a 90% retail share and no four‐cylinder diesel engine until 2011. Even then, it’s encountered some hurdles. “[The 2.2 diesel] immedi‐ ately improved our position, but we lost a lot of poten‐ tial fleet money because the Write Down Allowances changed,” says Hicks. “So we kept having a stop‐start, stop‐start, some of it caused by our own making origi‐ nally, some of it caused by legislation. “Since we’ve got a car at 129g/km, with XF, our momen‐ tum has just grown. I think we’ve cemented a place where the leasing companies know us, they know our strategy, they buy into the strategy, and customers want a change. I really believe that – they’re ready for a change.” But the challenges go beyond launching new product: “When we started to lay down our growth strategy for the UK three years ago, I was really clear that we’ve got to have a very strong fleet and business operation,” he
52 / fleetworld.co.uk
continues. “The network is now fully enabled, we have training programmes and demo cars, and we’ve worked really hard with the leasing companies and RV setters. “Brick by brick we have put all the key enablers in place, which now makes launching a car like [the XF] really easy because the infrastructure is in place to do it, which we’ve been quietly doing over the last 12 months.” Dealer engagement has been critical. Hicks says the brand’s ability to deliver on promises meant the network is on side, and the showrooms are mirroring a changing customer base. Virtual reality configurators for the XE and Discovery Sport, and appointing fleet specialists in a third of its UK network mean it’s engaging with customers in a different way. “I know that user‐choosers get so hacked off when they go into a retailer and want to drive a car, because they browse like retail people, and someone gets a whiff that they’re a user chooser and maybe they don’t get a chance to sell a car, and they just get ignored. So that’s why we’ve been very specific about setting it up so the retailers are going to focus around selling these cars,” says Hicks. “You’ve got to keep the whole thing simple. Look at the way the fleet market is now structured where single badge deals don’t exist anymore, it’s about multi‐ ple options. You can’t suddenly decide to become a corporate player, you’ve got to have the infrastructure, and that means the retailers have to be geared up in certain way to have the right level of support to deliver for customers.” It’s already paying dividends. The XE, expected to be split equally between fleet and retail sales, is predicted to sell in volumes large enough to double Jaguar’s UK sales and the Discovery Sport is seen as being a significant growth area for Land Rover. Months before the produc‐ tion version is unveiled at Frankfurt, dealers are already getting enquiries about the F‐PACE crossover. “There aren’t bad cars in the marketplace, our job is to make sure that we, as a British manufacturer, can deliver to the highest levels and I think we’re a great alternative,” says Hicks. “It’s not about doing something spectacularly different in every dimension; it’s about doing everything and doing it really well. “So I think we’ve earned our stripes now to say we fully deserve to have a great place in the fleet market.”
“You can’t suddenly decide to become a corporate player, you’ve got to have the infrastructure.”
fleetworld.co.uk / 53
FEATURE Back to Basics
6 steps to better...
Telematics & navigation We talk to the experts about how telematics and navigation software can support drivers, improve communications and protect organisations from legal challenges. By Katie Beck.
1
Monitor driver behaviour
Businesses need to closely monitor and manage driver behaviour in order to run a safe, efficient fleet and meet regulatory compliance. Perform‐ ance analytic tools measure and inter‐ pret driving data gathered by in‐cab telematics units to determine individual driver performance and pinpoint areas in need of improvement. “Safety solutions optimise driver behaviour through the integration of analytics tools,” explains John Cameron, general manager of Trimble Field Serv‐ ice Management. “Reports can be generated which detail individual driver scores over a week/month and who has experienced the biggest detri‐ mental change to their driving that week, and why. This gives the manage‐ ment team the in‐depth knowledge they need to make quick, intelligent deci‐ sions to give individual drivers training in specific areas.”
2
Evidence against false claims
As well as helping to reduce insurance premiums by providing evidence of careful and safe driving, black box systems can also help to reduce accident fraud. "Using telematics, resolving issues out on the road doesn’t have to be a case of ‘my word against yours’, which can be good news for busi‐ nesses,” comments Caroline Coates, head of automotive at business law firm DWF. “Telematics can help them to protect their drivers from dishonest road users
54 / fleetworld.co.uk
(e.g. insurance fraudsters who stage an accident) as well settle commercial disputes such as queries over late deliv‐ eries. Businesses can also use this data to protect themselves from any unsafe drivers they employ, showing when they have knowingly broken their contractual obligations, or even the law.”
3
Address Big Brother concerns
In‐cab driving training systems can reinforce good driving behaviour by giving the driver the opportunity to correct bad driving immediately. “Using the Lightfoot in‐cab training system, the driver has two opportunities to correct any short‐term poor driving behaviour the telematics system detects, indicated by warning prompts,” explains Mark Roberts, managing director of Ashwoods Lightfoot. “When warnings are received, imme‐ diate improvement in driving style wipes the warnings and resets the gauge. If a third warning prompt is received, only then will a ‘violation’ be recorded on the fleet manager’s weekly email report. The Big Brother effect of traditional telematics can cause commu‐ nications between the management and drivers to become quite negative, but with Lightfoot all communications go via the driver in real‐time, which puts the driver back in control.”
4
Safety of drivers in the field GPS tracking services allow
managers to keep track of a driver’s loca‐ tion at all times, which is particularly important if they are driving alone or in an unfamiliar place. Lone worker solu‐ tions can help to safeguard the welfare of drivers in the field – services such as Panic Alarms automatically contact preset emergency numbers so monitor‐ ing teams can listen into a situation if a driver fails to check in, and automatic SMS messages with details of the driver’s exact location can be activated. “Real‐time GPS location mapping can also aid communication between HQ and drivers, providing live updates on time of arrival, which in turn supports customer service,” adds Nick Walker, MD of RAC Telematics.
5
Manage Big Data
The true value of a telematics system is only unlocked when it is used in conjunction with other soft‐ ware, such as fleet planning, risk management, performance analysis and route optimisation. “Telematics technol‐ ogy is a means to an end and should not be seen as a solution in itself,” warns Simon Patel of fleet management specialist Lex Autolease. “Instead it is purely an enabler that helps fleet managers get more accurate fleet data or pinpoint areas in need of change or improvement within their fleet. Telematics has become an invalu‐ able tool to those who will utilise this technology fully, but investing money in telematics without any additional invest‐ ment in the analysis of the resulting Big Data is likely to be a waste of capital and unlikely to realise fleet benefits.”
“Modern telematics solutions can provide vital insights across an entire operation.” CASE STUDIES across 6 Benefits the board Modern telematics solutions can provide vital insights across an entire operation, enabling intelligent business management decisions to be made across multiple departments. “Concerns regarding driver safety and vehicle occupants, as well as cost reduc‐ tion, have increased the usage of telem‐ atics in the automotive sector and it remains one of the biggest motivations for the fleet industry,” explains Gary Banister at fleet management specialist Hitachi Capital. “We conducted research across 4,500 of our fuel card customers, and the top reasons cited for using telematics tech‐ nology were saving fuel, improving driv‐ ing behaviour, boosting productivity and enhancing driver safety,” confirms Jakes de Kock, marketing director of UK Fuels. “Plus, 85% of those already using telematics felt they’d seen full return on investment. If that’s not an argu‐ ment in favour of implementing the technology then I don’t know what is!,” Kock concludes.
Improving driver skills Arriva Transport Solutions invested in Masternaut’s Connect ecoDrive solution across its fleet of 480 ambulances to ensure the safety and comfort of its 4,000 daily passengers. By monitoring harsh driving events using on‐board telematics, the company claims a 92% reduction in negative driving behaviours and a 70% reduction in vehicle idling. “As a provider of patient transport services we needed to make sure that the experience we offer our poorly and often elderly patients is a high quality one,” explains Steve Law, head of fleet and estates, Arriva Transport Solutions. “Our drivers are highly skilled and, thanks to the detailed reported provided by Masternaut Connect, are now more aware than ever of their driving behaviour and how this can positively, or nega‐ tively impact patient experience.”
Legal support Thanks to evidence provided by an In‐Car Cleverness (ICC) tracking device, a man who crashed a hired sports car at 100mph was recently convicted of perverting the course of justice after he claimed the vehi‐ cle had been stolen. Anti‐motor fraud specialist, APU Ltd, provided tracking data from the ICC device and collected further evidence that the driver was at the scene, including CCTV footage of him refuelling the car after the supposed theft. “Not only were we able to prove the driver’s claim that the car was stolen was fraudulent, but using evidence collected by the telematics device we were also able to reconstruct events and prove exactly what happened and when,” says Neil Thomas, director of investigative services at APU Ltd.
fleetworld.co.uk / 55
ontheroad It’s time to look at using our waterways to carry more freight, and free up the roads for other users, says Anthony Ffrench-Constant.
I
t being easily the most tedious, unnerving and potentially lethal stretch of dual-carriageway that regularly swims across my ken, my ears pricked up more than somewhat at a recent suggestion that lorries should be banned from overtaking on the A34. Albeit a local government euphemism for 'We can't afford to turn it into a three-lane motorway' the idea has merit, because eight out of ten A34 traffic thromboses are, indeed, caused by overtaking lorries (the ninth and tenth, of course, being reserved for the thumb-in-bumand-mind-in-neutral blockheads who only use their rear-view mirrors to dangle nasty little Scandapinereeking trinkets therefrom). With all lorries governed to the same maximum velocity, it allows sufficient adjacent cab time for the two helmsmen to have a chat rueing the demise of Page 3 and barter one of the wife's sweet 'n' sour egg sandwiches for an armadillo and custard roll while polishing off a closely-fought game of, say, chess. However, congestion isn't the only issue here. With the burgeoning influx of double-articulated, 80ft European monsters suspiciously coincidental to the annual growth in the ratio of HGVs involved in fatal accidents, surely the best way to minimise not only delays but also the risk of having your car suddenly compressed around you to something the size of a flat-screen television set is to find alternate means of transporting freight around the country. That idiot Beeching tore up enough railway track to ensure that, whereas we all now have somewhere nearby to walk the Labrador mile upon mile in a dead straight line, a respectable rail freight network is a thing of the past. However, as compared to a scant 2,050 miles of motorway, Britain does boast some 4,000 miles of navigable waterways‌ Remember the inexplicably knighted (presumably for services to pugilism) deck steward-turned-Deputy Prime Minster 'Two Jags' Prescott? Well, remarkably, deep within his rose-without-trace 'Integrated Transport Policy' lurked a surprisingly sensible proposal to ensure that a whopping, er, 3.5% of freight should be
56 / fleetworld.co.uk
carried on waterways by the close of that particular term of government. Not nearly enough (at least 50%, please) and, of course, it never happened. And that's because, today, we've come to think of a canal network built specifically for freight haulage as nothing more than a leisure asset; traffic limited to motorised plastic bungalows. The banks, by contrast, are positively heaving under the weight of fishermen. Every square inch of waterfront is occupied by a khaki-clad squatter armed with a steel stool and a writhing Tupperware box of prepubescent Bluebottles, watching a tiny orange blob bob by and cursing the passage of each and every boat for frightening the fish. Fishermen, then, effectively feel they own our rivers and canals. This is wrong. Angling should be restricted to bits of water that don't go anywhere, thus leaving the navigable stuff to barges and narrowboats crammed to the gunwales with trainers, flat-pack furniture and pop-up toasters. Let's face it, lorry drivers aren't happy with the status quo anyway. Local authorities deny them access to town centres, forcing them to split up loads at out of town depots, and the Big Brother tachometer puts their few remaining transport cafes - or even an alternative night's lay-by - out of reach. A good sized narrow boat will hold far more than the largest articulated lorry, can park up pretty much anywhere for the night, and is in no danger whatsoever of crushing your cars to the size of that flat-screen television set. Arm each lorry driver with a narrow boat and they could nudge each other senseless all day and, ruffled duck feathers aside, damage little more than Dulux. An added bonus is that this proposal will save even more lives: in some bizarre statistical quirk, fishing is deemed not only the most popular sport in Britain but also easily the most dangerous. Restricting angling to ponds and lakes would reduce the number of fishermen immeasurably, and thus the associated injuries and fatalities. Saving lives and reducing congestion at the same time: it’s time British industry took to the water.
® © 2015 TomTom Telematics B.V. TomTom ® and the logo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by TomTom N.V. and its affiliates. Our limited warranty applies to this product. You can review it at www.business.tomtom.com/legal
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Business integration
flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear
model Ford Focus (mk1)
T
era 1998-2006
he atmosphere at Ford’s pre-launch event at the Geneva Motor Show back in 1998 must have been tense. In front of a large crowd of gathered media, the carmaker was preparing to replace the Escort – its biggest-selling model with 20 million European sales over its three-decade lifespan – with a revolutionary newcomer. There was a lot to lose. Escort customers were loyal, and repeatedly bought into an evolving but familiar ownership experience, similar to that of the Volkswagen Golf. The Focus was anything but evolutionary, even down to its last-minute rejection of that well-known badge. This was as significant a change as the futuristic Sierra superseding the Cortina almost 16 years previously – something which had initially been a hard sell. Looking back, now that the Focus has become such a part of the landscape on British roads, perhaps they ought not to have worried. Where the Escort had become decidedly ordinary, the Focus looked cutting edge in ways that made the competition look dated. It made Ford impossible to overlook, not to mention being better built and more fun to drive too. Ford had taken a detailed approach to its newcomer. The cabin had been computer-optimised to fit all shapes and sizes of passenger and the wheelbase was the longest in its class to maximise space. Its stiff body structure was safe and incredibly light, and the Mondeo Estate-derived multi-link rear suspension meant it could provide excellent stability and ride comfort, yet still offer enough boot space for two suitcases to fit in side by side.
58 / fleetworld.co.uk
UK sales 779,087
successor Ford Focus (mk2)
At launch, buyers could choose from five engines. The four petrol engines included 75bhp and 98bhp 1.4 and 1.6-litre units shared with the Fiesta, the latter being the big-seller, while the 113bhp and 128bhp 1.8 and 2.0-litre options were from the Mondeo. A single diesel, producing 90bhp and returning 57.6mpg, was also available, replaced with a newer TDCi engine during the 2001 facelift. Sporty ST and RS versions – both popular in the UK – arrived from 2002. For fleets, the Focus offered best-in-class ownership costs by up to 15%, helped by up to 25% improved fuel efficiency, long service intervals, and components designed to minimise workshop time. It used far more recycled materials in its construction and was engineered to minimise waste at the end of its life. Ford hit the ground running. The Focus beat the Vauxhall Astra to take the European Car of the Year title in 1999 and received 300,000 orders within six months of arriving in showrooms. By the time the last Escorts were registered, its replacement was a familiar sight and no longer challenging – the Focus became the world’s bestselling car in 2001, with 917,000 sold globally. In doing so, it’s surpassed the Escort. The Focus has broadened its sales footprint over three generations and the car sold in Europe is now available worldwide. That once-guarded name change is now the world’s biggestselling nameplate, with repeat customers as loyal as its predecessor - a worthwhile reward for some sleepless pre-Geneva nights 17 years ago.
Business vehicle tracking for fleets of all shapes & sizes
Call or email for a FREE trial!
0800 161 5584 info@kinesisfleet.com www.kinesisfleet.com
MARKET OVERVIEW Fuel Management
Barclaycard in Association with The Miles Consultancy
BP
TMC and Barclaycard provide a total fuel solution. The exciting Fuel+ card gives you the power of integrated audited mileage capture with the ability to purchase fuel at nearly 99% of UK filling stations, including all supermarkets. It’s the single, powerful, secure solution for consolidated corporate vehicle fuel purchasing and mileage expense management. There are no transaction charges (although card fees may apply). Fuel+ offers unbeatable Chip & PIN security and you will love our customer service. Winner of the 2014 Fleet World Honours Best Fleet Service Award, Fuel+ offers multiple opportunities to control fuel and mileage expenses.
Whether you are managing a fleet of HGV’s, cars, vans or a mixed fleet, no matter what size, BP has a range of Fuel Cards to support your business. By partnering with the UK’s favourite forecourt you can benefit from: • Better control of your spend- via fuel savings and advanced security • Our extensive and strategically located network of sites • Account management and customer service teams • Reduction in fleet administration time and cost- via online fleet management tools Our Fuel Card solutions are used by thousands of companies across multiple industries, fleet sizes and fleet types. Find out how BP can help drive your business forward.
Tel: 0844 822 2400 reply@themilesconsultancy.co.uk www.barclaycard.co.uk/business/fuelplus
Tel: 0845 603 0723 BPCardsAdmin@bp.com www.bp.co.uk/fuelcards
euroShell Fuel Card
Fuelmate Ltd
With over 50 years of fuel card expertise, the euroShell card can give you greater control, convenience and security to overall save fleet managers money! The euroShell card is accepted at an extensive 3,500 stations across the UK which includes Shell, Esso, Texaco and Total sites. Here are some of the ways the euroShell Card can help you save time and money: • control amongst their whole fleet • access to secure online invoicing • simple card management (with options to select card PINs) • generate bespoke smart alerts Please give us a call 0800 915 6022 to find out how easy it is to become a euroShell card customer and start saving now!
Whether you operate locally, nationally or within Europe, Fuelmate can provide your business with the perfect solution to your fuel card needs. Sitting within a 5th generation, family owned business we proudly deliver over 30 years of fuel card expertise to our valued customers. Fuelmate offers a wide variety of different cards from the leading networks including; Shell, BP, UK Fuels, Keyfuels, Esso, Texaco and DKV. We also offer an innovative fuel card solution designed specifically for Fleets, recently launched, Fleetmate offers a fixed price deal across all networks.
Tel: 0800 915 6022 info@euroshellcard.co.uk
Contact: James Curtis / Joanne Hodder Tel: 0800 158 3582 enquiries@fuelmate.co.uk www.fuelmate.co.uk
www.euroshell.co.uk
UK Fuels UK Fuels has the largest selection of fuel cards available in the UK. Its team of experienced advisors understand the needs of all types of fleets, enabling them to offer tailored solutions for any size business. Customers have the flexibility to add further networks to their card and enhance coverage depending on their requirements. Every customer receives free and unlimited access to UK Fuels’ market-leading account management platform, Velocity, which offers a host of reporting tools, in addition to its innovative e-route journey planner.
Tel: 01270 655084 sales@ukfuels.co.uk
60 / fleetworld.co.uk
www.ukfuels.co.uk
What is the number of filling stations at which the card is accepted?
Is your card single-branded or multi-branded?
Do you provide management reporting?
Do you offer account and database management via the Internet
Does your card offer pan-European coverage?
Do you offer a card to pay for non-fuel items?
Do you offer rebates to major fleet customers?
What types of vehicles does your cards cover?
Do you offer a chip and pin security system?
Do you provide data download into PC-based fleet management systems
Do you offer a facility for splitting business and private mileage?
Do you charge a card fee?
Do you offer a non-pump price agreement?
FLEETW RLD
8.4k+
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euroShell Fuel Card
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Fuelmate Ltd
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Barclaycard in Association with The Miles Consultancy
* PIN only
Fuelmate, leading fuel card solutions to suit your fleet. We can offer: • UK & European fuel card solutions • Choice of all major brands • No hidden fee's • Access to in excess of 7,000 fuelling stations • Dedicated account team • Garage locator app Plus - Exclusive Fleetmate deal. Get one fuel price at all fixed price sites in the UK. Call: 0800 158 3582 Visit: www.fuelmate.co.uk Email: enquiries@fuelmate.co.uk
our fleet Peugeot 308 SW Blue HDi 120 Active SOME cars will just never be glamorous, desirable, envied by Barry from sales… and our 308 SW is one of those cars. Nothing wrong with that, it is a job-need
car that does what it needs to do very well. There’s little in the way of glitz and glamour, just a ‘get on with the job’ kind of attitude. Saying that, even in base-spec trim it is reasonably well equipped with a touchscreen system incorporating satellite navigation to lift the mood in the otherwise sombre cabin (and why does Peugeot insist on making cars with instruments that are concealed by the steering wheel?). While on-road performance is adequate, it is this car’s interior space with impresses most – with 610 litres of
luggage space the boot is huge, and positively cavernous when the rear seats are folded down to release 1,660 litres of carrying capacity (by contrast, a 508 estate offers just 508/1,598 litres). So the SW is roomy, comfortable and frugal, though real-world economy comes closer to 60mpg than the 88mpg claimed by Peugeot – just under 70mpg is the office record. This particular 308 will never top the user-chooser charts, but it was never meant to. Julian Kirk
Volvo V40 D4 R-Design Lux Nav WITH Volkswagen’s Golf and the new Ford Focus such strong contenders, opting for a Volvo V40 might be considered a slightly left-field choice. That is particularly true when you head to the sportier models in the range, like the Focus ST diesel and the Golf GTD that I ran for a few months last year. The plucky Swede comes out punching however, boasting a 2.0-litre D4 engine with a powerful 190hp and 400Nm of torque. With a slick six-speed manual box Volvo claims a combined fuel figure of 74.3mpg, and an admirable 99g/km of CO2. In normal use I’m actually getting low to mid-50s, though given the performance on offer that remains very impressive indeed. A recent run to just north of Paris saw that drop to the high 40s, as the V40 was allowed to stretch its legs a bit on the Autoroute. But the trip confirmed that the Volvo is an extremely comfortable way to cover the miles.
62 / fleetworld.co.uk
Part of that comfort is no doubt due to the fact that even in range-topping R-Design spec, Volvo has only fitted our car with 17” wheels, rather than the classnorm 18s. Not only does this add to the long distance comfort but, when a particularly nasty pothole damaged a front sidewall recently, it also resulted in a relatively inexpensive £119 bill from my local KwikFit for a replacement Continental. Our test car has had every box ticked on the options list, so comes with full heated leather, an excellent satnav, a Harman Kardon stereo, swivelling Xenon headlights, a full length panoramic roof and a host of other trinkets. Some of those boxes would be fairly easy to untick, which we’ll report on next month. The big question remains however, would I put my money in the V40 or stick with the Golf GTD? The jury is still out, but at present I’m leaning towards the VW. Dan Gilkes
Volkswagen Golf GTD ADMITTEDLY, it was never going to be the most scientific of automotive tests ever conducted, but as an exercise to see how far the Golf would travel, in the real world, on one tank of fuel, it was the easiest. The plan was to leave Brighton, head north, and keep on going until the Golf spluttered to a halt, or, as was the case, I got bored and turned around to head home. Nine hours and 544 miles later, averaging 50.8mpg, with just under quarter of tank remaining (or, according to its onboard computer, 90 miles until empty), and this study ended outside Holyrood Castle. However remarkable the GTD’s mpg figure may seem, it’s still almost 20% less efficient than Volkswagen’s claim of 67.3mpg (combined). In the Golf’s defence, however, 60mph wasn’t rigorously adhered to, nor was the air con switched off (or any other drivers’ aid which may have had an adverse affect on the consumption), and there could have been a prevailing headwind. But even so, if anyone had picked this car on the merits of its fuel economy, it might be a tad disappointing. Volkswagen isn't alone here, of course, and there are benefits from a BiK point of view – this is a lot of performance for not a lot of company car tax. But I think it might be time that those printed fuel economy figures came a little closer to reflecting real-world use. Danny Cobbs
the figures OTR PRICE £27,590 POWER 181bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 280lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62mph 7.5 seconds TOP SPEED 143mph COMBINED MPG 67.3mpg CO2 109g/km (19% BiK)
Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI Flair ALREADY familiar to HGV fleets, AdBlue (the urea-based solution which breaks down NOx in exhaust fumes to form nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide) is about to become a word lighter vehicle fleets get used to now Euro 6 is coming into force – another service and maintenance consideration for diesels. Our long-termer has given a first taste, with a short trip to Evans Halshaw Citroën in Cardiff for a recall check of its under-boot tank. A quick check revealed no faults, and otherwise it’s been plain sailing for its first couple of months on fleet. Alex Grant
Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer Nav (2WD) VAUXHALL is coining that lyric that says revolutions sound like a whisper, in this case with a new range of ‘Whisper Diesel’ engines that are rolling out steadily across its product portfolio. The Insignia – including the Country Tourer – have just fallen in line. For now, that means this car is available with either the outgoing 161bhp engine, as in our car, or the new 168bhp version. Not only does this cut CO2 emissions 19g/km to 124g/km, but it’s 8mpg more efficient too, at 60.1mpg, and over £1,000 cheaper. For the space, comfort and rugged styling, it’s a very competitive part of the range. Luke Wikner
fleetworld.co.uk / 63
our fleet Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE-T
the figures *
OUR CR-V has returned to Honda after six months, just as the first examples of its replacement arrive in the UK. It’s given me an unusual opportunity to try the old and new versions almost back-to-back. Van Fleet World editor, Dan Gilkes, has held the keys for most of the time it’s been with us, regularly reporting on its versatility and reluctance to use fuel. It’s interesting that, in a car of this size, the relatively small 1.6-litre diesel engine doesn’t feel overwhelmed, and that shows in the achievable fuel economy which regularly settles between 55 and 60mpg without much effort. Plus it’s incredibly refined for a downsized engine, especially at motorway speeds. This engine hasn’t changed in the newcomer, but Honda has broadened the choice of 1.6-litre diesels to include the 158bhp twin-turbo, which replaces the old 2.2-litre diesel in the four-wheel drive and automatic models. It’s even more impressive, lacking the narrow power band that a small high powered diesel
might once have had and offering realistically low CO2 for fleets. It’s just a shame it isn’t offered with two-wheel drive, or in the Civic Sport. Honda’s clever engineering is found throughout the car, from the solid thunk of the doors closing to the way the rear bench neatly folds itself away at the tug of a lever. The Civic and CR-V also now get the Honda CONNECT infotainment system, a big improvement on the unit it replaces, with intuitive Garmin navigation, downloadable apps and a far more upmarket appearance as you’d want on a car like this. So, while we’ve been impressed with the CR-V during its six-month tenure, I’m pleased to note that Honda has addressed its minor shortcomings with the latest update. As a crossover, or an alternative to a D-segment estate, there are plenty of reasons to add this to a choice list. Alex Grant
OTR PRICE £26,740 POWER 118bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 221lb.ft @ 2,000rpm 0-62mph 11.2 seconds TOP SPEED 113mph COMBINED MPG 64.2mpg CO2 115g/km (21% BiK) * figures are for the new CR-V
BMW 430d M Sport Gran Coupe SINCE running the 430d Gran Coupe I’ve been looking out for others. Mostly, I’ve just seen Audi A5 Sportbacks. Why is this?
64 / fleetworld.co.uk
The A5 has been phenomenally successfully as a corporate car, but to my mind the Gran Coupe is better on all counts. It is better looking, just as practical, has more power, drives better, has lower CO 2 and there’s not much in it price or running cost-wise either. I suppose it may be that it is taking a while for the Gran Coupe to enter the collective executive consciousness. I’ve been using the ConnectedDrive system a lot as I’ve been on the road a great deal, and it is excellent: a real office
on the go as I can send emails and addresses to the car, plan routes and avoid congestion. Added to that, this car has head up display, which is a brilliant safety device. You never need take your eyes off the road to check speed or direction. Overall, the Gran Coupe reeks of class. I’ve struggled to find any weaknesses, which has led me to the conclusion that as an overall package taking into account cost, style, performance and practicality, this is the best car BMW makes. Steve Moody
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10 years of managing risk As ARI celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its ‘Riskmaster’ multiaward winning risk management service, it looks at the many benefits that its service can deliver for companies and their drivers.
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riven by increasing legislation and penalties, a growing number of fleets are recognising the importance of running a comprehensive risk management solution. But what some fleets may not know is that in addition to helping to ensure compliance with at-work safety, such a solution brings many more benefits for fleets, ranging from cost savings, reduced carbon footprint and an increased Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) profile, as well as many benefits for drivers. According to BRAKE, at least one in three (31%) fatal crashes and one in four (26%) serious injury crashes in Britain involve someone driving for work. The effects on families, businesses and the wider community are devastating – but there is much that fleets can do to drive down the risk of at-work driving. With extensive experience of helping fleets to develop atwork driving safety programmes, it’s something that ARI has in-depth knowledge of. Founded in 1948 by Holman Automotive Group, ARI has grown into the largest privately held vehicle fleet management services company in the world. In the UK, Chippenham-based ARI offers a comprehensive fleet services portfolio, distinguished by award-winning fleet control and reporting technology. This includes the company’s risk management service branded ‘Riskmaster’ , which reaches its 10th anniversary on 17th May 2015. Whilst ARI is not alone in offering a risk management solution, Riskmaster stands out for actually helping to change driving culture in the long term. This is done by demonstrating to individuals that they have a clear responsibility for their actions when driving any motor vehicle, in particular on company business. In this way, ARI’s risk management service can help drivers think and act differently, which in turn influences the mindset of other drivers. Key to the whole Riskmaster strategy is the ‘permit to drive’, which manages driver compliance through an online application process that includes risk profile assessment and document verification. Importantly – particularly for companies with ‘grey fleet’ drivers – the process includes driver licence, insurance and MOT validation. ARI’s dedicated risk management team validates insurance and MOTs using the VOSA website. Meanwhile, for licence validation ARI utilises a bespoke system that requires drivers to make declarations pertinent to driving and accident history, general health, daily miles driven and hours on the road. In addition, the application
process will also require drivers to sign a licence-checking mandate. If drivers fail to respond by the deadline a noncompliance report will be sent to the client for management intervention to take place. Not only does Riskmaster ensure the driver plays their role in being issued their ‘permit to drive’ but ARI also puts the fleet firmly in control of its drivers’ performance by collecting information about drivers and vehicles and presenting it in the form of a driver operating life report. This is then used for management appraisal and/or intervention such as in-car assessments or driver training. Fleet managers can also quickly and simply identify the risks within a fleet of drivers. Users can drill through from high-level risk areas to detailed driver data with a simple mouse click while also allowing the manipulation of online reports and rapid data interrogation. The system also highlights serious risk issues requiring immediate management intervention, which are highlighted on the co-ordinator’s home page. The website’s search facilities allow co-ordinators to search for drivers, or vehicles using a range of criteria and also supports partial registration or incomplete driver details enquiries. Crucially, the system, as with all ARI solutions, can be tailored to meet bespoke fleets needs and also brings the company’s renowned inhouse expertise and 24/7 support – all of which are underpinned by ARI’s continuing commitment to investing in people, processes, and technology.
To learn more about our risk management service please contact us at 0844 8000 700 and speak to the sales team, email us at sales@arifleet.co.uk or visit www.arifleet.co.uk
our fleet Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI SE CoD 150hp S-tronic
THE A5 has morphed into a Q3 since last month – same floret silver metallic paintwork, but taller, shorter and narrower than before. Although the Q3 is based on the previous generation A3, the model has been recently revised and we have one of the first of the revised Q3s. Subtle exterior differences to the grille and headlamps (standard Xenon or LED) and rear lamps (LED) are the clue to the changes. Our Q3 comes with petrol power, mated to Audi’s S-tronic six-speed automated transmission. It’s the smallest petrol engine yet
fitted to the Q3 – the 1.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection unit introduced with the facelift and fitted with CoD and doubtless a few chips too. CoD stands for cylinder on demand, technology already in use on larger models within the VW Group such as the Bentley Continental GT V8 and some Audi V8 powered models. When very little power is needed, two cylinders are ‘switched off’ and this shows itself most on long flat sections of motorway or when running downhill. It’s almost impossible to detect when the engine switches mode and there’s a helpful ‘two-cylinder mode’ sign that appears on the driver display when active. The Q3 also benefits from drive mode select and in efficiency mode, will disengage the clutch when you lift off and let the car coast. So there’s plenty of opportunity for good economy if you’re easy on the throttle. So far, the car has registered around 37mpg on motorway runs although it has indicated 41mpg on one occasion. This model is front-wheel-drive only – there is no Quattro option with the CoD engine. John Kendall
SUPPLIER
DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Ensto UK Ltd Tel: +44 7432 701524 ensto.com/chago
accident management Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk
Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd
Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport Nav (2WD) LIKE a lot of fleets, our crop of long-termers has taken on an increasing number of crossover products in the last few years as segments shift and drivers get an everwider choice of vehicles to choose from. The latest of these is our new Mazda CX-5, one of the first since it was refreshed at the start of the year. I’m a big fan of the outgoing car, and I think it says a lot when the update is so subtle – clearly there was no need to rock the boat as far as style, performance or fuel economy is concerned. This was the best-performing
66 / fleetworld.co.uk
cars in its segment on CO2 and fuel economy, and it’s still very competitive. Ours is the two-wheel drive version, with the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. There’s no low-powered entry-level diesel, yet this still emits just 119g/km CO2 and returns 61.4mpg – not far off class-below crossovers – and it’s not over-worked, which means it’s genuinely efficient too. Despite the higher driving position, it feels almost as agile as the Mazda3. It really is a pleasure to drive. The Sport Nav trim comes at the top of the model range, and this feels as well-appointed as many premium-class rivals with its cream leather upholstery and intuitive new MZD-Connect infotainment system – another feature familiar from the Mazda3 and it rides impeccably over even the roughest of local road surfaces. It has a year on our fleet to highlight its strengths, and I’m confident it’ll continue to impress. Anne Dopson
Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk
fast fits & tyres ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk
fleet insurance Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk
insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com
driver licence checking Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk
FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com
Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk
Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk
Tel: 0845 815 0019 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk
Lex Autolease
Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk Total Leasing Solutions for your business
daily rental
risk management
fleet management software
Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk
Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015
Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622
www.cardinus.com
www.soficoservices.com
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk
Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023 www.billplant.co.uk
Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk
Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk
ARI Fleet UK Tel: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk
Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com
Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com
Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman
Sofico
Telephone 0113 250 0060
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
Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700 www.arnoldclarkrental.com
MAC GB Ltd Tel: 01745 828180 www.reduceroadrisk.com
Arnold Clark Vehicle Management
Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk
Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550
AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732
www.thrifty.co.uk
www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe
Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk
DriveTech
Vehicle Management
Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk
Pendle Vehicle Contracts Tel: 08456 025697 www.pendlelease.co.uk
Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk SMR
sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com
Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229 www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk
FLEETW RLD FLEETW RLD November 2014
November 2014
All that matters in
the world of fleet
All that matters in the world of fleet
Michael O’Shea of
IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk
Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk
Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com
Volkswagen
stopping power
stopping power
Why fleets should
check their brakes
Enterprise Software Tel: 0161 925 2400 www.essl.co.uk
www.virtualriskmanager.net
Autoserve Limited Tel: 0844 888 3001 www.autoserve.co.uk
interview
interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen
Interactive Driving Systems Tel: 01484 551060
Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com
Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk
Why fleets should check their brakes
fuel management
misfuelling MODE MODELPUPIL LPUPIL Behind the wheel
of Tesla’s remarkable
Model S
Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S
2014
2014
MPG Marathon
100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...
MPG Marathon 100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...
AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com
For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email
Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell
fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk
tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
telematics & tracking
Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk
BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com
Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com
Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk
Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk
Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com
Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk
MiX Telematics Europe Tel: 0121 717 5360 www.mixtelematics.co.uk
Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.
The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk
TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk
BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk
Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk
Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk
fleetworld.co.uk / 67
fleet mobility
Putting the driver at the helm Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, looks at the company’s latest driver-centric service developments in the fields of smart mobility and alternatively fuelled vehicles..
W
hilst the basic premise of the company car hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced in the 1970s to circumvent wage caps, the fleet indus‐ try itself has massively evolved since then. From the sophistication of today’s funding methods and fleet management services, the complexities of company car tax and the multitude of different models available, to the diversified nature of the actual fleet manager’s role and all the attendant health & safety and environmental con‐ siderations, the fleet industry is a very different one to that of 40 years ago. And one of the other many things that have changed is employees’ use of technology, which has fallen in line with our transformation into an information society. People now expect data to be at their fingertips 24/7, whether that is access to company info on a mobile device via the cloud or using a virtual desktop. As a result, terms such as ‘enterprise mobility’ are increasingly becoming bandied around to illustrate the need to provide employees with the tools they need to ‘work smarter, not harder’. And this applies to fleet as much as every other aspect of the workplace. As such, it is becoming increasingly vital for companies to ensure they provide their company car drivers with the right tools to support their fleet needs. At ALD Automotive we never forget that our customers’ employees are their biggest asset. In line with that focus, we continue to invest heavily in our IT infrastructure to ensure we’re utilising the latest technologies to underpin our service levels, not just for our customers but also for their drivers too. Such a focus means that our extensive range of on and offline driver support services are further enhanced through the latest driver connectivity and technology solutions. This includes our award‐winning ProFleet2 telematics system. This advanced technology is already unique with‐ in the marketplace, with over 40,000 units installed to date. ProFleet2 provides a powerful fleet management tool to meet a wide variety of needs, including monitoring vehi‐ cle usage and driver behaviour to offer a comprehensive risk management solution. Our latest developments are set to further open up the benefits of ProFleet2 to drivers, including increased inter‐ action, both in the form of feedback on their driving style Contact ALD Automotive:
68 / advertisement feature
t 087000 111 81
and the opportunity to link up through mobile technology to see tips on how to improve their driver behaviour, enhanced by an e‐learning module. Not only will this further assist the fleet driver by mak‐ ing them feel more involved in the risk management process but it is also set to bring benefits for fleets them‐ selves by showing evidence of a road risk management programme in practice. Other benefits are likely to include reduced driver costs, from lower insurance premiums for more careful drivers to decreased fuel costs and even reduced vehicle wear and tear. And this is just part of ALD Automotive’s work on new services to benefit both fleets and fleet drivers. A further key focus for us at present is on enhancing our services for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) to offer a truly comprehensive service that ticks all the boxes for employees and employers. As fast‐paced manufacturer developments make such vehicles an increasingly attractive option for fleets, we’re working with our customers to ensure we’re meeting their every need. Far from just providing them with a funded vehicle, this means working with our customers to assess their fleet needs and identify where AFVs have a role to play. Using our AutoSolutions team of experienced analysts backed up by bespoke software, we can look at the real‐world running costs of such vehicles using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model‐ ling whilst also addressing the best funding methods for them. But our work with our customers is far from focused on just vehicle choices – it’s about how we support customers opting for AFVs with help to get charging infrastructures implemented. And also to make sure that employees are fully prepared for driving and using such vehicles, from driver training to making sure they know how to charge them – in short a full consultancy service to ensure the fleet’s every need is pre‐empted and supported. Going forwards, we are also looking at additional servic‐ es to meet drivers’ requirements in line with changing technology demands, to help ensure we look after your company cars and company car drivers so that you can look after your business. For further details contact ukinfo@aldautomotive.com or phone 0870 00 111 81
e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com
w www.aldautomotive.co.uk
VAN
May 2015
FLEETW RLD
p78 If you do as much mileage on the road as off, the Transit AWD ticks a lot of boxes.
at a glance driven... Ford Transit
plus... Daily Rental, Ford’s new Transit Centres and the latest commercial vehicle news.
Thursday 8th October 2015 ArenaMK
Register for the show at... vanfleetworldlive.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk
inbusiness
Dacia to offer low-cost 4x4 van
inshort
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bitesize stories from a month in the van fleet world...
acia is returning to the light commercial vehicle market, with the launch of the Duster Commercial. The Renault Group company, which has carved a niche in the car market with its value approach to the market, will follow the same approach with the van, which starts at just £9,595. Duster will be available in both two and four‐wheel drive and in both Ambiance and Laureate trim levels. In both cases the Romanian production facil‐ ity removes the rear seats and installs a 1.4m long flat load platform, capable of handling up to 550kg. Load capacity is 1.15m3 in the 4x2 and 1.0m3 for the 4x4. All models are powered by the familiar Renault 1.5‐litre dCi 110 diesel engine, producing 107hp and 240Nm of torque. Dacia claims combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg for the two‐wheel drive models and 54.3mpg for the 4x4. CO2 emissions are pegged at 130g/km and 137g/km respectively. Despite the low entry cost, the Duster Commercial is well equipped, with the Ambiance models having ESC, Bluetooth, USB and Aux sockets, height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, load area lighting and four airbags. Pay the extra £1,250 for the Laureate specification and you also get alloy wheels, piano black interior detailing, heated electrically‐adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and satin roof bars. All‐wheel drive models have a central differential lock with selectable 2WD, Auto and Lock modes. “Our aim is to bring Duster, the Renault Group’s global best‐seller, to the UK’s van buyers in true Dacia style with a value‐for‐money product and transparent pricing,” said UK brand manager Andy Heiron. “Owners and drivers will benefit from a practical and functional vehicle that can be serviced and maintained in our network of 223 dealers and service outlets.”
Citroën delivers Euro 6 in Berlingo
Citroen’s updated Berlingo van range will go on sale from July, with a choice of both Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel engines. As well as the popular Euro 5 HDi 75 and HDi 90 motors, Citroën will offer the Euro 6 compliant BlueHDi 100 and BlueHDi 120. The Euro 6 vans use selective catalytic reduction with AdBlue to offer emissions levels of just 109g/km for the BlueHDI 100 with Start/Stop. The combined fuel figure rises to 68.9mpg.
Fleet sales boost for Vauxhall Vauxhall has been celebrating growing sales in the van fleet market. In the first quarter the firm saw fleet van sales rise by 42%, in a market that was up 26%. Retail van sales also rose by 19% in a market up 12%. Speaking at the recent CV Show, national LCV and B2B sales manager Richard Collier said: “Vauxhall sales are ahead of the market again in all segments. Vauxhall fleet and retail share is up again this year and we are number one in retail year to date.” “Our market share overall is 11.3%, which is up 0.8%.” Vauxhall has recently added both the L2H2 body size to its Vivaro range and the option of a Vivaro Combi.
70 / vanfleetworld.co.uk
inbusiness Renault cooks up conversion specials
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enault’s UK LCV market recovery continues apace with the company registering 39.3% growth in 2014. There has been no slow down this year either, as UK LCV product manager Steve Wilson reports a further 36.7% sales rise for the first quarter of 2015. The firm is not expecting any let‐up in demand either, with the recent intro‐ duction of the high roof Trafic and a nine‐seat minibus version of the Trafic van. The van is now available with a Sport+ option pack, while Renault will also offer its first factory‐standard Wheelchair Access Vehicle (WAV) on a Trafic chassis. Indeed conversions have become an increasingly important part of the LCV business for Renault, a fact underlined by the firm showing 17 converted vans at the recent CV Show in Birmingham. These included a Master welfare bus and Renault’s first entry into the catering business, with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver ordering two catering vans built on Renault’s Master Luton Loloader chassis.
inshort bitesize stories from a month in the van fleet world...
In-house telematic installation Ford Telematics, powered by US firm Telogis, has arrived in the UK and will soon be available in a number of markets across Europe. Available as a dealer-installed option, Ford Telematics is available on a three-year deal at around £20-25 per month, depending on options. Telogis has been working with Ford in the North American market for three years, with its largest fleet deal covering 50,000 vehicles. The company claims that its system, which interrogates the vehicle through the on-board diagnostic port, provides more information than competitors to deliver a more holistic approach. That means that the system can include routing information, driver data as well as vehicle output.
Ford celebrates Transit anniversary
Fleet focus for 50 Isuzu dealers
I
suzu UK has established a network of dedicated fleet centres around the UK. Having just won its largest order for D‐Max pick‐ups, with the Environment Agency taking 197 single, extended and double cab models, Isuzu has appointed 50 of its dealers as Fleet Centres. Each centre has signed up to a 14‐point Fleet Charter, that includes capped labour charges and parts rates, the option of courtesy vehicles and full access to technical support at all times. In addition if the vehicle is off the road for more than three hours, the dealer will find a suitable replace‐ ment vehicle. “We are moving into new territory with our fleet business and naturally we’re keen to ensure that our new partners are given excellent service and aftercare from the outset,” said Alan Able, Isuzu UK’s fleet operations manager. “We have an advantage in that our dealers only sell pick‐ups, which mean they are highly knowledgeable of the sector and pick‐up drivers. The purpose of establishing our network of Fleet Centre specialists will be to transfer that level of attention to the exacting demands of fleet customers.”
72 / vanfleetworld.co.uk
Four golden Transit vans have set off on a tour of the company’s Transit Centres to celebrate 50 years of the iconic van. A Transit Courier, a Connect, a Custom and a full size Transit will travel the UK for four months, before arriving at a birthday celebration with the Transit Owners’ Club in August. “The Ford Transit has touched the lives of most of us,” said Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “From house moves to moving people, the Ford Transit is an essential tool to get the job done. It has become a mobile office or workshop for some – and loved by us all.”
INTERVIEW Terry Rayner, Ford
Ford fires up Transit service Improved sales and service for van customers is Ford’s aim with its Transit Centres, as John Kendall finds out
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ord has now opened 105 specialist Transit Centres across the UK designed to give enhanced levels of serv‐ ice to its van customers, covering the entire model range from Fiesta van to Transit 2‐tonne. “If we go back to 2008 when we saw the new product being developed and we knew that come 2014/15 we would have the full line‐up, we had to start preparing for a new proposition,” says Terry Rayner, director Transit Centres, Ford of Britain. “It’s our view that we needed to have a different proposi‐ tion to demonstrate the product better, to present the product better and actually if we look back at where we were, we were largely, from a dealer perspective, a car company that sold a few vans. We were very successful at it but often it was car guys selling car and commercial. “Our view was that we needed to make a more distinct separation of the business, have dedicated sales teams and a completely different set of proposition standards. There’s a need for our dealers to grow their service capacity, whether that’s putting more lifts in or more people.” The new centres come with the Transit24 service promise, which includes extended opening hours, while‐you‐wait servicing and priority handling for urgent repairs in the Tran‐ sit Centre workshops. All Transit Centres carry RAC certifica‐ tion and opening hours from at least 7.30am to 6.30pm as well as Saturday mornings. Late night servicing is available on Thursday. Customers who drop a vehicle off by 4.00pm can
collect at 10.00am on Friday morning. On‐line service book‐ ing is available and Ford is offering a vehicle collection and delivery option. Ford opened the first Transit Centre in November 2013 at Abingdon. “That was our pilot study really,” says Rayner. “A chance to see how the process would work. We had some look and style standards for car and we wanted to do it for CVs, make things appropriate.” In addition to the 105 centres, Ford has another 83 service only locations. “Of the 105, we’ve got 32 dealers that have dedicated, new commercial vehicle showrooms, ranging from the largest at Abingdon to a small unit that has been built in front of a dealership,” says Rayner. “We’ve said to the dealers that we want to make a differ‐ ence with this, it’s about changing the process, so we’ve been very focussed on customer qualification. Rather than dealing with fleet and corporate tenders where the customer already knows what they want, we’re trying to attract a whole new set of business customers that perhaps don’t know what they want.” Ford monitors the standards it has set with mystery shopping to keep dealers on their toes. “For service, we took a different approach,” says Rayner, “We’ve got service outlets in for instance Truro, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Glasgow. They all have different market places and dynamics. Our view was that the proposition needs to be simple and equal across every dealership and it’s up to them to work out the capacity requirements in their area. “So we have a two, five and seven day proposition. A routine service and repair customer should wait no longer than two days to be booked in. For a collect and deliver service, the waiting time should be no more than five days and for a vehicle where a courtesy vehicle will be required, the wait should be no more than seven days. “If you’ve got a dealership in Birmingham, you might need 15 ramps to meet those criteria, but if you’ve got a dealership in Truro, you might only need two ramps. We mystery shop the lead times, not their capacity.” And it’s paying dividends, reckons Rayner. The Abingdon Centre has expanded sales and its customer area from a 15‐mile radius to 40. And the dealership is selling more cars as well.
vanfleetworld.co.uk / 73
A Daimler Brand
The New Vito. Raise Your Game
www.newvito.co.uk
VFW SPOTLIGHT Volkswagen Transporter
Six appeal The launch this year of Volkswagen’s sixth generation Transporter marks 65 years of the firm’s popular load-carrier, that started with the split-screen ‘Bulli’. Both Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines are available beneath that sharp new look, offering increased power and lower fuel consumption, says Dan Gilkes.
drivetrain There are four versions of Volkswagen’s proven 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel engine available, offering 84hp, 102hp, 150hp and 204hp. In the Caravelle, all four will be available as Euro 6 standard engines only. However in the Transporter van the four engines will remain Euro 5 until the change in emission standard next year. The 102hp motor can be ordered as a Euro 6 this year if preferred, with Volkswagen expected to charge around £1,000 more for the Euro 6 engine, though as mentioned this will come with a host of electronic driver aids as part of the specification. Despite remaining at Euro 5, Volkswagen claims up to a 15% fuel improvement is possible with all four engines, as BlueMotion Technology is now standard on all four. This includes standard Stop/Start. The 84hp and 102hp engines will come with five-speed manual gearboxes, while the two most powerful engines can be ordered with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automated gearboxes. Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel drive is also an option on the two top engines. 76 / vanfleetworld.co.uk
practicality Load carrying abilities are largely similar to the previous generation, with standard and long wheelbase vans offering 5.8m3 and 6.7m3 with a standard roof. Unlike the new Mercedes Vito, Volkswagen will continue to offer a medium-high roof option on both lengths, lifting load capacities to 6.7m3 and 7.8m3 respectively. There is also a high roof version of the long wheelbase van delivering 9.3m3 of load volume.
design As with the recent Caddy unveil, the T6 Transporter is very much an evolutionary design, with Volkswagen literally tightening up every line and crease in the metal. Available in both Transporter van and Caravelle people-carrying form, the T6 also comes as a Kombi, capable of mixing load and people hauling duties. Lower front air intakes, revised bumpers and new headlights, with optional LED lights provide a modern look, with defined swage lines running from front to back making the van look somehow lower and stronger. Inside the van is modern Volkswagen Group fare, with a high quality dash and controls and an emphasis on increased storage capacity for the driver. Technology also takes a central role, with Euro 6 models all getting Adaptive Cruise Control, City Emergency Braking and Automatic Post Collision Braking as part of the standard package.
what we think...
FLEET FACT With BlueMotion technology standard across the range, all engines are expected to deliver a 15% fuel saving.
In the last 65 years Volkswagen has produced an incredible 12 million Transporters, and the firm’s factories remain at capacity building the current T5 generation despite the imminent arrival of T6. Little surprise then that Volkswagen has gently evolved its biggest selling van. With more powerful yet frugal engines, improved cab comfort and a host of driver assistance systems on offer, there seems little doubt that the sixth generation Transporter will be equally well received. DG
vanfleetworld.co.uk / 77
Ford Transit
Ford’s AWD Transit has the ability to tackle the rough and the smooth, says Dan Gilkes.
F
ord’s full size Transit has been avail‐ able with a choice of front or rear wheel drive for a while now. However for some, even the option of twin rear wheels is not enough to cope with regular forays off the beaten track. There have been all‐wheel drive Transits in the past too, from the tough County Tran‐ sit conversions of old to more recent in‐ house AWD models. This latest generation gets an all‐wheel drive option too, available on a range of body shapes and sizes and based on the rear‐drive chassis with a choice of 125hp or 155hp. The electronically controlled system uses a high performance electric pump and AWD clutch coupling to distribute up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. In the standard auto mode the system automati‐ cally brings the front wheels into play, accord‐ ing to the road conditions and engine load. If the going gets particularly difficult the driver can activate AWD Lock mode through a switch on the dash. This increasingly applies up to 100% of torque to the front wheels for improved traction. The AWD transfer case and front drive axle are fully integrated into the transmission assembly so the van retains its standard inter‐ nal load height and there is no reduction in ground clearance. However, the load floor height is slightly raised, at 668mm, compared to 511mm for the rear‐wheel drive model. The driveline does add to the van’s unladen weight too, but only cuts the avail‐ able payload on this L2H2, 9.5m3 van by 81kg, to a still impressive 1,335kg. From the cab there is little to tell the
78 / vanfleetworld.co.uk
what we think All-wheel drive vans remain something of a niche in the UK, but if you do as much mileage on the road as off, the Transit AWD ticks a lot of boxes.
specification MODEL Ford Transit AWD 350 L2H2 Base BASIC PRICE £31,825 ENGINE 4-cyl/2,198cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 155hp @ 3,550rpm TORQUE 385Nm @ 1,600–2,300rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 KERB WEIGHT 2,165 PAYLOAD 1,335 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,800 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,044 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,784 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,786 LOAD VOLUME 9.5m 3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 251g/km/21.9 mpg OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles
driver that this is the AWD version, the only difference being a small button on the dash for AWD Lock. Hit that, and a graphic appears in the dash and the system disen‐ gages the on‐road traction control. The most noticeable difference between the two‐ and four‐wheel drive models though is aural. Where the rear drive L2H2 at this weight uses a 3.55 axle ration, the AWD drops that to a 4.1 differential. While this no doubt makes the van more capable off road, which is why it will be purchased after all, it does make the Transit rather noisy at higher road speeds. It also has a detrimental effect on fuel consumption, dropping the combined figure for the 155hp model from 33.6mpg to just 29.1 and raising CO2 from 221g/km to 255g/km. Of course that will be of little concern to those customers who need to get across a muddy construction site or down a forest track. The on‐road compromises that have to be made in the Transit AWD are far less than for dedicated mud‐pluggers like Iveco’s Daily, though the Italian firm is also set to launch a toned‐down 4x4 later this year. On the plus side, you also get all of the best bits of the latest Transit range, such as improved cab comfort, long service intervals and the backing of Ford’s recently renewed Transit Centre network. The technology is not cheap though, this L2H2 AWD in Base trim, with the more pow‐ erful 155hp engine, listing at £31,825 on the road. But the ability to drive anywhere, with little additional driver input, should be enough to tempt those users that need the additional traction.
It… is raising the bar, and raising it again. ARI is known and trusted by fleet management decision-makers worldwide for setting industry standards and controlling costs. It is about people. Empowering them and rewarding performance. Finding new ways of helping customers to do a better job—with increased efficiency, productivity and safety. It is about fleet management success. Moving the needle, and the bottom line. Learn more about ARI’s professional fleet management services: 0844 8000 700 | www.arifleet.co.uk
MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental
Alliance Asset Management
Built on service, growing by reputation Contact: Riane Cooke Tel: 0844 4142998 rcooke@fleetcentre.com www.fleetcentre.com
Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 40 years experience in the provision of long and short term tailor-made economical fleet solutions for corporate and retail clients. With access to a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet of over 55,000 vehicles in branches throughout the UK and close links with vehicle manufacturers, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental offers extremely competitive rental rates on a range of the most up to date cars and vans. An on-line booking facility for both retail and corporate clientele is available and business users can also benefit from a dedicated on-line management reporting facility. Contact: Sales Team Tel: 01786 468 700 car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.co.uk www.arnoldclarkrental.com
Thrifty Car and Van Rental As the largest privately owned rental business in the UK Thrifty Car and Van Rental occupies an enviable position in both the car and light commercial vehicle market. Operating from a network of 95 locations with the youngest fleet in the industry and a UK based Reservation Centre capable of handling multi-location, dynamic vehicle bookings it’s easy to see why Thrifty is expanding in the LCV market. Our experienced and loyal staff base provides industry leading service and our on-line IT system means that clients can easily access information and vehicles. Why not contact us to see for yourself… Contact: Graeme Lumley Graeme.lumley@thrifty.co.uk www.thrifty.co.uk
Tel: 01494 751500
UK connecting the UK’s fleet community ~ Formerly Fleet Academy
Join the debate... theukfleetforum.co.uk
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Europcar Continued investment in the diversity and quality of its commercial vehicle fleet and services demonstrates Europcar’s commitment to its customers, with up to 7,500 vans available during peak periods and a guaranteed delivery slot of 4 hours or less. In 2015 Europcar has reinforced its commitment to road safety standards with the creation of a dedicated fleet of Chapter 8 compliant vehicles. Plus a network of Van Supersites – running down the spine of the country – with the capacity to store hundreds of vehicles, means that customer needs can be met faster than ever. Tel: 01923 811250 businesssupport@europcar.com www.europcar.co.uk
Nexus Vehicle Rental Nexus Vehicle Rental is the leading provider of corporate vehicle rental in the UK, the only provider that offers you any vehicle, any time, anywhere! We have over 500,000 vehicles available in over 1,750 locations; our time-saving online system allows you to book in less than 10 seconds. Contact: Dean Rose feedback@nexusrental.co.uk www.nexusrental.co.uk
Tel: 0871 984 1940
How many commercial vehicles does your company operate? How many rental locations does your company have? Do you offer a one-way rental facility for vans? Do you offer a delivery/ collection service for vans? Do you offer an on-line booking facility for vans? Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility? Do you offer vans fitted with satellite navigation systems? Do you offer vans fitted with tail-lifts? Do you offer refrigerated vehicles? Do you offer a guaranteed no turn down policy? How many vehicle groups do you offer? Do you provide electronic invoicing and statements? Do you provide online damage management?
VAN FLEETW RLD
Key to services
Alliance Asset Management 100k 1.7k ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ All ✔ -
Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental 2.5k 35 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 ✔ -
Europcar 7.5k 170 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ All ✔ ✔
Leasedrive 45k 1.2k ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 30+ ✔ ✔
Nexus Vehicle Rental 500k 1.75k ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ All ✔ ✔
Thrifty Car and Van Rental 5.5k 95 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 42 ✔ ✔
✔ Service provided
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VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental
contract hire, leasing & finance
racking systems
tail lifts
fleet management software
Europcar Tel: 0116 217 3530 www.europcar.co.uk
Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229 www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk
Tevo Limited Tel: 01628 528034 www.tevo.eu.com
Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 382880 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk
Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com
Avis Rent A Car Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5000 08701544 56 56 56 www.avis.co.uk www.budget.co.uk
Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com
Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bott-group.com
DEL Equipment (UK) Ltd Tel: 01993 708811 www.del-uk.com
Mycompanyfleet Tel: 0845 077 7760 www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk
Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk
Sortimo Central Tel: 0121 511 2303 www.sortimo-central.com
Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com
Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com
Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk
Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman
fast-fits & tyres
Promote your company here and online for just £400/year.
Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk
telematics & tracking
Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk
LeasePlan UK Ltd Tel: 0844 493 5810 www.leaseplan.co.uk
Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com
TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk
Full listings online at
Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk
TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business
Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk
fleetworld.co.uk
conversions Full listings online at
Clarks Vehicle Conversions fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0845 319 2787 www.van-conversion.co.uk
Arnold Clark Vehicle Management
Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk
Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk
International Decision Systems Tel: 01256 302 000 www.idsdata.co.uk
risk management
fuel management
BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk
IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk
Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell
Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com
Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com
UKVANLEASING
STEPS
vehicle data
Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk
Vehicle Management
Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.com
ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk
AVS Steps Ltd
Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk
Lex Autolease
Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk
insurance Bluedrop Services Ltd Tel: 01706 658608 www.bluedropservices.co.uk
Full listings online at
fleetworld.co.uk
vehicle ventilation
accident management
Flettner Ventilator Ltd Tel: 020 8200 2321 www.flettner.co.uk
Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk
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