Fleet World October 2013

Less fuel in.

More miles out.

Go further with the new Honda engine 78.5 mpg in a Civic. Lee Wheeler explains Earth Dreams technology and what it can do for your fleet.

Introducing the CR-V 1.6 diesel The car your drivers want. The car your fleet needs.

Our new CR-V 1.6 diesel features Earth Dreams technology, which means your drivers can combine the practical benefits of an SUV with efficient running costs.

• Class leading 1.6 diesel engine • Low fuel costs at 62.8 mpg • Two wheel drive only • 119 g/km CO 2 • Band C VED • BIK rate from 18% Engine PS

CO2 Emissions (g/km)

P11d value

BIK (%)

Whole life cost per month*

Honda CR-V 1.6 Diesel S

120

119

£22,745

18%

£681

Volkswagen Tiguan (2.0 TDi Bluemotion Tech S 110 2WD 5dr)

110

139

£21,715

22%

£829

Mazda CX-5 (2.2 SE-L 150ps Diesel 2WD 5dr)

150

119

£23,240

18%

£697

Ford Kuga (1.6 TDCi EcoBoost Zetec 2WD 5dr)

150

154

£20,765

22%

£698

*Whole life costs per month includes initial registration fee, depreciation, fuel cost and car tax over 12 months and 10,000 miles per year.

Fuel consumption figures for the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S in MPG (1/100km): Urban 58.9 (4.8), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), Combined 62.8 (4.5), CO 2 emissions: 119g/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.

Powered by

honda.co.uk/cars/earthdreams

Model shown: CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S 2WD Manual in optional Passion Red Pearl at £23,300 On The Road. Disclaimer: CAP Motor Research Ltd (CAP) and Honda Motor Europe Limited trading as Honda (UK) (HUK) has exercised all reasonable care and skill in producing their New Vehicle Data, Future Residual Value & SMR products. CAP gathers its information from independent sources within the motor trade, unconnected with CAP and HUK, and as a result can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information passed on. Furthermore, information on valuations supplied are intended as a guide only to current market values; they cannot be considered in any way a substitute for a full and detailed inspection of any vehicle. Accordingly, neither CAP, nor HUK nor any of its offi cers, agents or representatives shall be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any direct, indirect or consequential liabilities or losses incurred by any persons having access to the information given.

October 2013

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Rewriting the rules Brilliant new 99g/km Insignia driven

IAA 2013

Make fast-fit fit faster

We report from Europe’s biggest motor show

How to get SMR done with less downtime

Dilly on Arval’s future New MD outlines bold plans

Driven New Mazda3, Focus Electric, Suzuki SX4 fleetworld.co.uk

contents

October 2013

26

Super September! A bumper month for the fleet industry.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Rewriting the rules Brilliant new 99g/km Insignia driven

22

IAA 2013 We report from Europe’s biggest motor show

Make fast-fit fit faster How to get SMR done with less downtime

Dilly on Arval’s future New MD outlines bold plans

Mercedes-Benz’s UK boss answers the questions.

36

Driven New Mazda3, Focus Electric, Suzuki SX4 fleetworld.co.uk

Stylish new Mazda3 aims for the heart of the user-chooser market.

Managing Editor Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Motoring Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editorial Assistant Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor John Kendall john@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executive Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

44

Looking back in time at the unforgettable VW Golf Mk2 .

50

What’s changing the fast-fits industry and why it’s good news for fleets...

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

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

56

We visit LCV2013 to update you on the latest developments.

VAN FLEETW RLD

69

Ford Transit Custom Sport, Andrew Lawson of Mercedes & Drivecam.

STAG Publications

®

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody ponders the long-term effects of a bumper September for the industry, whilst fighting parking fines and being impressed by the new Insignia.

Do September sales point to business revival?

The sales figures for September in the UK show the best month in five years, with many car manufacturers reporting record sales. Residual values are also looking very healthy too, and with registrations showing upward trends in some of those European countries that have been flagging badly in recent years, there is more positivity about than there has been in a while.

That’s not to say that things are all in rude health, because many businesses are still going through tough times. Speaking to Tim Porter, Lex Autolease’s new MD recently he reckoned analysis from Lloyds banking Group had shown that businesses were now less pessimistic than they were before about the economy. Not exactly optimistic as such, but certainly heading that way.

The danger of course, is that as we head out of this long downturn, firms will have to start investing again, and that means finding money to bring in stock and hire more staff. That’s always a tricky balance to strike on cashflow and funding – and an opportunity for the fleet industry too, for more vehicles and more leasing and outsourcing of non-core activities such as fleet.

Fight parking firms The AA is warning the private parking firms are reaping large sums from automated parking tickets a year after most wheel clampers were banned

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

from operating in private car parks.

Apparently the watchdog supposed to be overseeing this, POPLA, is straining under the weight of appeals.

Having been caught in one of these scandalous stings by a private parking firm, I have some advice: Fight them, ignore them and refuse to pay.

They have to give up in the end, because they’re cowboys trying to make a quick buck through idle threats and dodgy practices, and if you show an ounce of backbone, they know they don’t have a leg to stand on.

Let’s hear it for the Ds The D-segment is a much-maligned part of the car market which has been contracting for a number of years now, although it is still significant in number.

Yes, not as many people want a large saloon any more, preferring to downsize, or drive SUVs or smaller premium-brand products, but this month I drove the revised Vauxhall Insignia, which is cheaper, roomy, full of kit and has CO2 emissions of a scarcely credible 99g/km. And it made me think: If you want a car that offers an answer to pretty much every question asked in everyday life, there can be few as complete on sale today...

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

Ford NEWS International Van of the Year 2014...

VAN OF THE YEAR

THE all-new Ford Transit Connect has been described as “a good answer to the needs of small operators as well as big fleets to reduce the cost of transport of goods,” by the chairman of the jury which named it “International Van of the Year 2014”.

Pieter Wieman said the Transit Connect, which is available to order for delivery in late 2013, “impressed the jury on a number of fronts, and above all by the fact Ford has succeeded in building a light van with a strong accent on economics.”

He said: “The loading space offers several innovative aspects such as loadthrough hatch in the bulkhead, fold-up front passenger seat and a sliding side door in the long-wheelbase model which enables a Europallet to be loaded.

“Ford has also paid a lot of attention to durability and safety, subjecting the van to commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, and being first in its class to offer features like Active City Stop.”

Ford registered a record-equalling fifth “International Van of the Year” victory after the jury of 24 European specialist journalists awarded the Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163 to put it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (123) and Renault Kangoo (25).

The award presented at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow meant Ford became the first single manufacturer to win the award for two consecutive years. It follows previous successes for the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007) and Transit Custom (2013).

The prestigious award to the Transit Connect adds to Ford’s already impressive performance over the last two years. The Ford Ranger won the “International Pickup Award 2013”, and Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine was named “International Engine of the Year” in 2012 and 2013.

The award-winning Transit Connect offers van operators class-leading fuel economy, load carrying ability and durability, with the ECOnetic model delivering 70.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km – a 34 per cent improvement versus the current model. The highly fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine also offers class-leading petrol economy.

Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles, the Transit Connect also offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9 m3 and 3.6 m3 with a full bulkhead; maximum payloads of up to 1,000 kg match best in class. It is available to order for delivery in late 2013.

For further information on any vehicle in the Ford range please contact the Ford Business Centre on 08457 23 23 23, email info@fordfleet.co.uk, or visit www.ford.co.uk/fordfleet

Ford News Feature // 05

inbrief 1.0 EcoBoost experiences exceptional demand Exceptional demand for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – International Engine of the Year 2012 and 2013 – is fuelling a doubling of production capacity at Ford’s Cologne engine plant to more than 1,000 engines a day.

Already available on five European models, the 1.0-litre engine will be fitted to a total of 11 by 2014. The three-cylinder unit is accounting for 43 per cent of B-MAX sales, 32 per cent of Focus, 26 per cent of Fiesta; and 24 per cent of C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The Bridgend plant in Wales starts production of the new 1.5litre EcoBoost engine in 2014, alongside the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine introduced in 2011.

Ford commercial vehicle sales continue to thrive in the UK

The international award-winning Ford Transit Custom and Ford Ranger are both contributing to Ford’s success in the UK commercial vehicle market.

Total sales of Ford CVs for the first eight months of this year were up from 39,947 in the same period of 2012 to 41,587. Transit leads the one-, two- and 3.5-6.0tonne segments, with its share of the one-tonne segment boosted by the introduction of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom.

inbusiness

Honda targets user-choosers with latest model range H

onda is to spend 2014 bedding its refreshed product range into the fleet market, according to head of corporate sales Lee Wheeler, as it aims to reconnect with customers and offer useful alternatives to traditional corporate segments rather than chasing high volumes or single-badge policies.

Speaking to Fleet World, Wheeler said that from January next year, Honda will have Civic hatch, Civic Tourer and the CR-V all available with its new 1.6-litre diesel engine, and all built in the UK. However, it isn’t seeking vastly accelerated growth from the predicted 21,000 fleet sales this year, focusing instead on retaining high residual values and customer satisfaction.

But despite rumours, there are no plans to offer the 1.6 i-DTEC in the Accord. Wheeler said economies of scale meant even if Honda could achieve best-in-class fuel economy, it would be difficult for a Japanese-built saloon to compete with European brands. A competitive CR-V is being offered as an alternative, where policies allow.

‘Honda is not trying to be something it isn’t in fleet, which is a single-badge policy, because we don’t have a product in every sector,’ he said. ‘I think what Honda is going to start to open up for customers is alternatives.

‘It’s no secret Honda has had a tough couple of years globally for a number of reasons outside its control, and locally in the UK in fleet we’ve felt the effects of that. That’s meant we’ve lost some customers but it means we can work harder re-winning them back.’

RAC enters fleet telematics arena The RAC has announced the launch of a new telematics service aimed at fleets of all sizes.

Available from just a few pence per day per vehicle, the in-car unit can be installed in minutes according to the company and provides benefits including the ability to track the location, mileage and driver behaviour of each vehicle, along with HMRCcompliant mileage records.

As well as offering key duty of care benefits, the technology can deliver time and money savings that could save businesses with fleets as small as 15 vehicles in excess of £23,400 per year, according to the RAC. Other benefits include a potential 15% annual fuel saving thanks to a "driver score" function that allows fleet managers to monitor how efficiently their vehicles are being driven. And the device can also help to lower insurance premiums as it gives insurers the ability to use data on driver behaviour, car condition and mileage to more accurately tailor premiums as well as helping to decide who is at fault in the event of a collision.

Forthcoming diagnostic features will also enable the system to warn of certain malfunctions or underperformance issues such as imminent battery failure. This will enable the RAC response team to alert the fleet manager of a potential problem.

fleetweet a few soundbites from a month in fleet

@torquespeak (Ed Callow, deputy content editor, whatcar.com)

If Audi UK adopts the same pricing structure as Audi Deutschland, the A3 E-tron will cost a 40% rate taxpayer around £600 per year

@PhilipN_CAP (Philip Nothard , Black Book Retail & Consumer editor , CAP Automotive)

Jan to Aug, downturn ranging -3.6% Spain to -6.6% Germany -9.0% Italy & -9.8% France. Only UK out performed 1st 8 months 2012 (+10.44%)

@FordmotabSimon (Simon Parker, motabilty specialist for Bristol Street Motors)

Drove the 1.0 Focus 125PS Pet Zetec 45 miles today, 1/2 M/way 1/2 A roads through Birmingham City Centre. Average MPG 57.2 ! #drivingproperly

@pburgess123 (Peter Burgess, director, Motoring Research Ltd)

Wow! Have you seen the list price of the new #Insignia? Makes cars a size smaller look pricey

@sniffpetrol (Twitter account of satirical motoring news site Sniff Petrol)

I'm not saying the Jag concept is production ready but it has a tax disc and a parking ticket from Waitrose in Leamington

Astras go on crime-fighting trial Featuring leading-edge technology to provide a mobile police station, a fleet of 10 Vauxhall Astra police cars are going on trial with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The force is the first to test the high-tech equipment onboard, which includes a Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1, the first fully rugged tablet with Windows 8 Pro, an 8.4-inch high resolution multi-touch touchscreen monitor developed by KME and a 4G compatible broadband router enabling high-speed internet connectivity.

Pending the success of the trial, senior officers at Herts Constabulary are due to retro-fit 50 Vauxhall Astras already in service with the new technology.

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Hyundai announces Fleet Business Centre roll-out H

yundai has announced details of its Fleet Business Centre network, which will target local SMEs. The carmaker is aiming to more than double its share of the UK leasing sector within the next couple of years, according to fleet director Martin Wilson, and is putting the infrastructure in place to support ongoing growth of its corporate sales.

A total of 27 accredited Hyundai dealers have already signed up to become Fleet Business Centres and will offer a number of additional, bespoke services to business customers. They will also aim to deliver competitive purchase deals and contract hire rates for SMEs with fleets of up to 10 vehicles.

Fleets will be offered expert guidance by Hyundai Business Professionals who will have undergone specialist training on all aspects of fleet operations to ensure they provide local customers with the best possible advice when choosing their next vehicles.

Martin Wilson said: ‘Alongside recent appointments within our fleet team, the first 27 Hyundai Fleet Business Centres will be a vital asset in Hyundai’s ever-increasing fleet offering.’

Scottish Government drives electric take-up

A

mbitious plans to accelerate electric vehicle take-up to help rid Scotland’s towns and cities from petrol and diesel vehicle emissions by 2050 have been published by the Scottish Government.

The Electric Vehicle Roadmap document – entitled “Switching On Scotland: A Roadmap to Widespread Adoption of Plugin Vehicles” – comes as the Scottish Government commits to almost complete decarbonisation of the road transport sector by 2050 in line with Scotland’s stringent climate change legislation and targets as well as plans to tackle air quality.

The Government says Scotland has already begun to make progress in encouraging the adoption of plug-in vehicles, supporting the early market through purchase incentives and deployment of recharging infrastructure. However, in order to achieve the roadmap goals more extensive goals will be required, including:

• Investing over £14m over the next two years to encourage motorists and businesses to switch to electric vehicles.

• Installing charge points at Scottish Government buildings and replacing its fleet with electric alternatives.

• Offering 100% funding for the installation of home charge points.

• Offering funding to businesses and employers to encourage recharging points to be installed at workplaces.

• Supporting public sector fleet operators to access evidence-based analysis to create new opportunities for the deployment of plug-in vehicles.

• The deployment of rapid charge points at intervals of at least 50 miles on Scotland’s primary road network to enable extended all-electric journeys.

• Support for the promotion of shared plug-in vehicles through the Developing Car Clubs in Scotland programme.

Qoros 3 gets five stars in latest Euro NCAP ratings The new 3 saloon from Qoros has received a full five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP results, marking a milestone for a car developed in China.

The organisation said that the small family car showed good overall protection, with high scores in all four areas of assessment, and is a significant step up from previous Chinese exports tested by Euro NCAP. The 3 saloon achieved a 95% figure for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant, 77% for pedestrian safety and 81% for safety assist, giving an overall figure of 88%.

Euro NCAP praised the passenger compartment for stability in the frontal impact, along with the seat and head restraint, which provided good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

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...

Duty of care New research carried out by TomTom Business Solutions suggests that van drivers are much more likely to speed or drive erratically during working hours than in their own time.

Of the 872 van drivers surveyed, 59% said they were more likely to take risks when driving their work vehicles.

67% cited saving money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear as the main reason for driving more carefully away from work, whilst 29% said it was due to the absence of working time pressures.

75% of respondents admitted to speeding in their work vehicles, with 24% doing so regularly.

Only 20% of respondents said their company provides training to help them drive more safely and efficiently.

‘Inefficient practice will have a negative impact on business profitability, as a result of higher fuel costs, lower productivity and an increased number of accidents. The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers,’ said Thomas Schmidt, TomTom Business Solutions’ managing director.

Source: TomTom Business Solutions

Autonomous vehicles Several manufacturers are working to develop autonomous cars, but the results of a recent survey suggest that most consumers are not yet fully comfortable with the technology.

Of the 1,000 adults surveyed, only 18% said they would purchase an autonomous car.

Just 13% said they would trust the technology enough to take a nap or catch up with work whilst in the driver’s seat of an autonomous vehicle.

67% of respondents said they would not feel relaxed as a passenger in a self-driving car.

Whilst only 33% would feel confident allowing the on-board computer to self-park.

Even though the vast majority of road accidents are proven to be the result of human-error, motorists are clearly still nervous about the idea of handing control over to machines.

Source: Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

Parking fines According to the latest data from the Freight Transport Association (FTA), 890,000 parking tickets are issued by councils across the UK every month, costing motorists upwards of £30 million in parking fines.

The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Survey 2012 focuses on fines issued in London, where, perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority of penalties were handed out.

There has been a 50% rise in the number of penalty charge notices (PCN) posted in London since 2009.

80% of all PCNs were handed out by just a third of authorities, with the London Borough of Westminster, London Borough of Camden, City of London and Transport for London issuing the most.

Of the 53,321 PCNs analysed, 28% were appealed, 67% were paid (not appealed) and the results of 5% were unrecorded.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, said: ‘FTA is working with its members to help them better manage their PCNs through identifying hotspots and improving driver training. A well-targeted and intelligent approach to appealing unfair PCNs could save some companies hundreds of thousands of pounds a year.’

Source: Freight Transport Association

Labour rates Source: Warranty Direct

Labour rates have fallen at both franchised and independent garages over the last year, according to an annual survey by Warranty Direct.

The survey revealed a 10% fall in prices, with establishments charging an average of £8.16 an hour less than last year.

However, despite the drop, labour rates have still risen 33% overall in the last decade.

Charges still vary widely according to geographical location. It is, on average, 31% more expensive to get a vehicle serviced in London than Angus, Scotland the cities with the highest and lowest labour rates respectively.

Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director at Warranty Direct, commented: ‘From this year’s results, it appears, for the first time, that consumers are starting to win the price war as labour rates finally start to fall across the UK. We’ve seen almost a decade of spiralling costs to keep a car on the road and it’s good to see dealers competing more on pricing.’

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 13

inbusiness

Salary isn’t being sacrificed The Insider think that the current economic climate is making salary sacrifice untenable for many firms.

S

alary sacrifice is back in the news again with its devotees saying business is on the up, and the sceptics suggesting it still isn’t as popular as is made out. Would it be unfair to say that, as with so much in fleet – or indeed any other sector – those doing the upselling mostly have a vested interest? It is the way of the world.

Salary sacrifice best suits organisations with a stable employee population, predominantly male, driving low annual mileage, and a business model which suits cars with the lowest CO2 emissions. Those four requirements may give some clues as to why salary sacrifice is not exactly booming in the current climate.

At a time when many businesses need to keep their employee population fluid, so that more people are being employed on short or fixed term contracts, a car scheme which is inflexible and requires a high degree of continuity will suffer.

Funnily enough, the recession hasn’t stopped pregnancy and with more women working full-time, it stands to reason there will be numbers going off on maternity leave. If you have staff who may at some point go on maternity leave, or be off long-term sick, then you still have to leave them with the car, even though they may not be earning a salary from which to sacrifice. That cost then falls back on the company.

Of course you can buy insurance to cover penalties if a car comes back early, or cover the maternity/illness scenarios – or you can take the risk of a hit on-costs. But it’s a place you don’t need to go if you can offer a conventional company car scheme and write into your policy that reallocations occur before new cars can be ordered.

If you are effectively giving the employee ownership of the car, you can’t then allocate it to someone else when

you terminate their employment, or they leave.

Employers are squeezing their staff and their assets so that less people cover larger geographic areas. For the employee, the cost of the car will depend partly upon their annual mileage. Many leased company car schemes quote the driver at a benchmark mileage so that everyone is quoted on an equal opportunity basis. The actual mileage will be written for the contract miles required, which may be substantially higher. If the driver is funding that higher mileage lease contract himself, the option to hold financial responsibility for the vehicle becomes less attractive.

There are many more cars available with a low CO2 value now. But to gain the greatest benefit from a salary sacrifice scheme, you need to be choosing cars with low CO2 and a low P11D value; in other words, smaller cars, which may not be considered suitable for lengthy days in the driving seat on business. Another constraint for some companies.

On top of all that, there’s the thorny subject of end-of-lease damage. In a typical company car scheme, the company should, but may not, pass on costs for making good fair damage. The fact that they don’t is seen as a benefit to having a company car by the driver. Once it’s clear to the employee that all the cost would be borne by them, along with any excess mileage, interest wanes a little.

And for an employee keen to maximise his pension arrangements, salary sacrifice may mean figures are worked on notional salary rather than gross making the car scheme become “win some lose some”.

I’m not saying salary sacrifice isn’t a good idea; I’m not saying it doesn’t have its place; but my contention is that in today’s market, conditions aren’t quite right for the product, from the employer’s point of view. And in the current economy, it’s still the employer who calls the tune.

FIN £2,000+ £3,500 624 litres fleet in numbers

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

Saving that company car drivers can make by switching to new GS 300h hybrid from rival models.

Confirmed reduction in the price of the Vauxhall Ampera extended-range electric vehicle in a move to make electric mobility more accessible.

SOURCE: Lexus

SOURCE: Vauxhall

The class-leading boot space with the rear seats up for the forthcoming Honda Civic Tourer.

SOURCE: Honda

inbusiness

Surveying the horizon Knowing what customers think of dealers could play a useful role in fleet choice. Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports.

E

ver wondered which car dealers are happy to represent the brand displayed over their door and whose teams start every day with a spring in their step? Conversely have you ever considered which dealers are having a thoroughly miserable experience representing their chosen brand and are looking around for an alternative?

Clearly the feelings of both types of dealers are important to you as a fleet boss because you can find yourself in the position of entrusting them with the sourcing, servicing or repair of your vehicles; or all three.

Thanks to one of the automotive industry’s more revealing surveys, we know exactly how dealers feel.

Twice a year the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), an independent trade body, polls the views of its members and produces a weighty document. This is where the brands of the moment get to shine, while there’s no hiding place for those who have done badly.

Land Rover can’t put a foot wrong at the moment

moment, retained its position as the most valued franchise and achieved its highest ever score of 9.6. With a succession of brilliantly judged new models, Land Rover is the most desirable brand among dealers. BMW dealers are the second most content with the MINI brand scoring 9.0 and BMW scoring 8.9.

Other top performers, in order, include Audi, Kia, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Ford. While Mazda lifted itself out of the doldrums, having been starved of new product for a while, to become the most improved brand in the overall ratings.

The bottom rated brand was Alfa Romeo, a reflection of it becoming a bit player in the new car market with just a two model line-up; followed by Proton and Renault; the former a largely forgotten bit player and the latter clearly suffering the fallout from its 2011 product and dealer purge. Other under-performers included Mitsubishi, SEAT and Subaru.

But the biggest surprise here is Honda which, according to its dealers, is a below average brand to represent More than half of used having scored just 5.4. Who buyers want a hatchback, at could have predicted that? the expense of saloons So what do motorists think and MPVs BCA reckons. of the service they receive from dealers? JD Power/What Car? surveyed over 13,500 Average values have risen above customers and found a greater £9,000 for the first time on record. degree of satisfaction among the quality and prestige brands.

Jaguar, a brand that curiously underperformed among dealers, had the most satisfied customers followed by Lexus, Honda, Mercedes, Land Rover Less than one in five buyers are and Toyota. looking for a saloon, according to BCA. The worst performing brand was Chevrolet, followed by Alfa Romeo (it’s clearly not a great Despite an increased focus time to be an Alfa customer on cutting costs, warranty fears or dealer), Fiat and Peugeot. mean values are becoming Surprisingly the seemingly infallifragile for hybrids. ble Audi was below average.

Hatchbacks

Fleet & lease

This is warts and all stuff which can determine the strategic direction of many carmakers, especially those found wanting. After all, what can be more damning for a carmaker than the negative views of its dealers? Well, maybe the views of its customers.

The Summer 2013 NFDA survey took place when dealers were reaping the benefits of strong yearon-year increases in sales thanks to a plethora of manufacturer backed low and zero interest finance schemes which had boosted showroom footfall and sales. Over 1,000 dealers responded.

The big question is how they rank the value of the franchise they represent. The ratings are from one to 10 and the average score was 7.2. While there are no surprises at the top of chart, there are some surprising red faces at the bottom.

Land Rover, which can’t put a foot wrong at the

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

HOT NOT

Saloons

Hybrids

So what do these surveys tell us? As a fleet manager they provide a useful snapshot of who’s in the ascendancy and who’s in the sin bin and could prove to be useful when factored into your decision making processes.

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions’ CEO, Simon Oliphant, on a resilient industry and the importance of teamwork.

Amid all the change, some things never change...

In March this year I celebrated 25 years at Hitachi Capital. When I started out we had just 175 cars and there were only four of us, including a Japanese trainee. We now have 70,000 vehicles and 350 staff.

So I’ve witnessed plenty of change and at the same time learnt that some things never change, such as giving excellent service leads to long term customer relationships. I’ve also learnt that a good team will always beat a collection of good individuals and a company is only as good as the people that work there. I have worked with some great people and I am pleased to say I still do!

You just have to weather the recession storms I have experienced three recessions and my view is if you work with your customers, support each other and avoid the temptation of short term gains you will get through the tough times and both come out the other side. Competitive but sustainable pricing is another key element, which along with reacting quickly to changes helps limit the impact when RVs start to tumble.

Additionally, when times are tough there’s great pressure to cut costs and heads but if you can avoid the latter and engage employees with alternatives they will help get you through. I’ve read much research that shows companies that find ways to keep their staff rather than running wholesale redundancy programmes perform better through recessions than those that do shed staff.

Make sure you do your due diligence In short we didn’t do enough due-diligence. There was pressure on us to do the deal quickly and we found out subsequently that despite what

contracts stated, they weren’t all being followed and there were side agreements with customers we weren’t aware of that came to bite us later on. Since then we’ve done eight acquisitions and they’ve all been successful. I like to look at deals from three angles.

Firstly is it a strategic fit, secondly is there a cultural fit and thirdly, is the price right after we’ve conducted thorough due diligence?

The power of technology is transforming business One of the things I found in my time at a dot-com was the power of technology and the experience of a paperless office – a dream for most fleet offices!

Although our industry has seen great progress with the use of technology, there is still some way to go. We need government departments like the DVLA and manufacturers to do away with archaic, paper based practices and embrace technology based solutions that support automation and EDI. Personally speaking, the time outside of Hitachi Capital opened my eyes to e-business and the power of the web, underlined by our investment in recently launched and award-winning company car and grey fleet mobile solutions.

Nothing is ever as bad as you think it is Not much keeps me awake at night if I am honest. I use my journey to work to mentally prepare and the journey home to download thoughts and file accordingly so I can unwind and relax. Having said that, economic crashes and subsequent RV collapses are pretty scary. It can be like staring over a widening and deepening chasm and can cause sleepless nights.

However, having survived a few, in my experience they are never as bad as you think they will be and the industry always recovers.

trading places

in

Toyota’s Ewan Shepherd to cover fleet & retail sales in new role Ewan Shepherd has been appointed to a newly created role of sales director at Toyota.

Previously general manager of sales operations at the brand, Shepherd now gains responsibility for the delivery of Toyota’s sales aspirations in retail and fleet channels, and the continuing development of its dealer network.

in

Head of fleet services appointed at Lex Guy Mason has been appointed as head of fleet services at Lex Autolease as well as a member of its Senior Operating Committee. He will be responsible for the service maintenance and repair of vehicles within Lex Autolease’s 270,000-strong fleet.

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

in

Q &A

Q: Where is Mercedes-Benz in the UK today?

MB: We are the “new luxury” brand, with Audi and BMW as premium. We have grown by 34% through the recession. It was worth working hard in a difficult market.

We lost quality in the early 2000s, distracted by the Chrysler involvement. Now it’s fixed and we’re the fastest growing premium brand. In 2002 Mercedes-Benz was the no. 1 premium brand in the UK. By 2010, Audi and BMW had overtaken us.

We were weak in fleet because we switched it on and off.

We were badly advised to use fleet as an overflow valve.

Now we make offers available to all the major players and we are more consistent. Daily rental is useful as “rolling advertising”, but it needs control.

How do you expect the Daimler collaboration with Renault-Nissan to develop?

MB: We do not have a merger with Renault-Nissan, but we do have, as BMW has with Peugeot, a select co-operation.

I think that is controllable and it also helps to keep some costs at a reasonable level. We don’t take any major Renault element and just put it unchanged into a Mercedes-Benz, but create module elements. Then each partner uses them in different ways.

That’s similar to what Volkswagen is doing. You could have lengthy discussions about what an Audi being nothing else other than a Passat. But it is different, there are major elements that are shared, but then the question is what do you do with them? Some of us buy the same ingredients at Tesco and then we go cooking and the results might be very different.

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK. Car2go was one of the pioneering car sharing schemes.

What plans do you have for it in the UK? MB: When Mercedes came up with the car2go model I loved it. You load the app on your smart phone, then it shows you where the car is parked, it leads you to the car, you punch in the code and then you drive. You have to bring the car back into the defined urban area, not where you picked it up from and then you just pay for the time you use it.

We’ve started recently here in London. I thought, you just go to Boris Johnson and negotiate. He’s a mighty, powerful man. But you have to negotiate borough by borough to get the permit to park the cars there. So you have to talk to 33 boroughs. We started with three last December and we’re now in nine and we’re across the entire city of Birmingham as well. Birmingham is much easier. The parking charges from the authorities are factored into the equation. In London it’s slightly different borough to borough, but you can park in any council owned bay free of charge with a car2go car because that’s part of the 35p per minute rental rate. In Birmingham you can park more or less anywhere because it’s all one authority and that’s the same with other car2go cities around the world. The target is to get into the majority of London boroughs.

In the UK they are all mhd smarts, so they are all stop/start, petrol powered coupes and it’s a specific model line built at the factory so the car2go spec has solar panels in the roof to power the on-board diagnostics, where the key lives and the smart card reader on the windscreen.

ONE CARD. 3,500 STATIONS CHEAPER THAN SUPERMARKETS* EVEN ON MOTORWAYS...

WHATEVER TYPE OF FLEET YOU MANAGE, WE CAN HELP YOU SAVE. The euroShell Card is accepted at over 3,500 Shell and partner stations in the UK. And now, you can pay just one price at all these stations. That means you’ll pay the same on motorway sites as you’ll pay at your local site - how’s that for convenience and peace of mind?

Don’t limit yourself to just a few stations in search of savings. You can have it all and still save on fuel cost.

YOUR PARTNER ON THE ROAD. To find out more, call us on 0800 915 6021. www.euroshell.co.uk * Based on Shell list price vs average supermarket price January - August 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

in

September 2013: a sign of things to come?

The incredible performance of the motor industry in September adds weight to many analysts’ assertions that the economy is finally starting to pick up some real momentum. Sales records were broken, and residual values are as buoyant as they have been for some time.

170,569 fleet vehicles were registered in September, up 5.4% on the same month in 2012 (161,863).

At 23,723 units, business sales were up 15.3%.

Ford car sales in September were 51,084, up from 47,370 in September 2012.

Land Rover had its best ever September month of sales with 10,769 vehicles registered; up 11% on the same month last year and 13% up year-to-date.

September 2013 was the most successful month in the history of Mercedes-Benz in the UK, with every division reporting best-ever results.

Mercedes-Benz Cars registered 21,177 new models last month – up 28% on last September.

Audi UK posted an unprecedented total of 25,829 sales in September. These have also contributed to a new, alltime-high sales total of 114,261 cars for the year-to-date.

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

Kia ended September delivering a clutch of new records as it delivered 12,728 new cars to customers, a 9.65% increase over September last year, and beating its previous best one-month performance of 12,633 units in March this year.

Used cars averaged £7,007 in September, up by £692 (10.9%), year-on-year.

The average value of vehicles sold by fleet & leasing companies rose above £9,000 for the first time on record.

Total CV registrations were strong in September, up 12.4% to 49,197 units. The overall commercial vehicle market is up 8.1% for the year-to-date, at 239,356 units.

Mazda was one of the UK’s fastest growing brands with sales up 45.1% over September 2012 at 7,189 units.

SEAT UK sold more cars during September 2013 (8,948) than in any other month in its 28-year history.

NEW INSIGNIA

BEAUTIFUL TECHNOLOGY

Inspired design, ingenious engineering – from just 98g/km emissions.

VAUXHALL FLEET Visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Insignia range: Urban 24.8 (11.4)-62.8 (4.5), Extra-urban 46.3 (6.1)-88.3 (3.2), Combined 34.9 (8.1)-76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 189-98g/km.

*

Transformed by technology, New Insignia features sophisticated new engines, sportier exterior and all-new infotainment system. Championing the range ecologically are the 120PS and 140PS 2.0CDTi ecoFLEX models, with 98g/km CO2, 76.3mpg* (combined) and a range up to 1,175 miles; aided by class-leading aerodynamics. New Insignia showcases ingenious high-end technology, with incredibly low emissions. The future is beautiful.

Transform your business with beautiful technology: www.vauxhallfleet.co.uk/beautifultechnology/fw Book your FREE** 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhallfleet.co.uk/beautifultestdrive or call 0870 240 4848

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. All figures quoted correct at time of publication (October 2013). ** = Excludes fuel and lubricants; congestion charges; parking and speeding fines and the ÂŁ250 insurance excess (if applicable). 3 Day Test Drive vehicles are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Please refer to www.3daytestdrive.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Drivers must be 25 years or older and is available for Mainland UK only.

g fleet e k

Kensington Triple Treck Ultrabook Backpack

Tile A community-based tracking system for your possessions, Tile is an app which connects via Bluetooth to up to ten “tiles” attached to easily lost items, such as bags, keys or phones and shows locations on a map. Unique to tile is the crowd-based locating service, which uses other people’s tiles and mobile devices to track possessions which have been separated beyond the Bluetooth range.

Price: : £12 from thetileapp.com

Samsung Galaxy Gear Wirelessly connect this stylish metal watch to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet and it functions as a comprehensive hands-free kit, allowing calls to be made from your wrist and showing notifications about texts, emails and other alerts. It also includes a camera, a pedometer and can remotely set calendar entries and alarms on the connected Galaxy device.

Price: £TBA from samsung.com/uk

A compact, rugged backpack containing padded, fleece-lined, protective compartments for a small laptop, tablet, smartphone and all the associated power supplies, with a carabineer clip for keys and space for folders and a drink. If the backpack doesn’t suit, Kensington’s Triple Treck range includes a satchel briefcase and carry bag all featuring the same neat storage solutions.

Price: £54.99 from kensington.com

Lantronix xPrintServer Roughly the size of an iPhone, the xPrintServer allows portable Apple devices to print wirelessly to more than 4,000 USB and wired network printers. Setup is quick, connecting to multiple devices, requiring no apps or software to get it working, and saving time forwarding e-mails to the nearest computer to print the contents. Home and office versions are available.

Price: £62-£125 from lantronix.com

apps of the month

SwiftKey Keyboard

Aviva Drive

Docusign Ink

Designed to take the effort out of typing on a smartphone, SwiftKey not only monitors which words you use but how you phrase sentences, using this data to predict the next word before you type. Cloudbased backup means your unique profile is regularly backed up wirelessly and synchronized across all of your devices.

Price: £2.99 from Google Play

Although this free driver monitoring app is designed to track private mileage and save money on car insurance, it provides a simplistic tool for checking how efficiently and safely you drive.

It uses built-in sensors to monitor braking, acceleration and cornering, awarding skills badges and summarising progress after 200 miles of use.

Price: Free from Google Play or iTunes Store

Import and add a digital signature to forms and documents in formats including PDF, Word and images, then either send them on via e-mail or save them to remote storage such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote and more. DocuSign Ink encrypts everything it sends, offering security trusted by banks and law firms who already use the software.

Price: Free from iTunes Store

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

Frankfurt 2013 Highlights Alex Grant & John Kendall pick their favourite cars on display at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Hybrids become aspirational Now a mainstream technology, Frankfurt’s halls were peppered with new models featuring part-electric drivetrains showing increasingly diverse applications of the technology. The diesel-electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport and BMW’s X5 plug-in hybrid concept all retain four-wheel drive, while MercedesBenz showed its 69g/km S-Class plug-in hybrid. Even supercars are benefitting – the BMW i8 and Porsche 918 Spyder are both Congestion Charge exempt. AG

Volvo sheds cylinders

Citroën’s C Range gets a refresh With the design and luxury-focused DS Line now established, Citroën’s attention has turned to its C Range models. Designers say the Cactus concept closely previews a model due to be unveiled early next year, likely to replace the C4. In the meantime, the New C4 Picasso is the first production car to feature the new design language, and its seven-seat C4 Grand Picasso sibling will account for 75% of the line’s UK sales, offering CO2 emissions from 110g/km for its new Euro 6 diesel engine. AG

Finally separating itself from the Ford parts bin, Volvo has developed a new line-up of turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E engines and gearboxes which will be used across the range.

Volvo will vary power outputs using turbocharging and assistance from electric motors. The Concept Coupe, a modern interpretation of the P1800, combines a Drive-E petrol engine with an electric motor for V8-rivalling 400bhp output but with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. JK

Jaguar SUV showcases new platform While an SUV is an inevitable addition to Jaguar’s range, it’s what’s underneath the C-X17 concept that’s most interesting. This is a demonstration of the lightweight aluminium platform which will underpin the brand’s forthcoming compact executive car, announced for 2015. Using the carmaker’s new four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, this long-awaited replacement for the X-Type will target class-leading CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km for its most efficient version. AG

New Ford S-MAX looks sharp The production version of the next S-MAX is unlikely to change much from this Frankfurt concept car, which is likely to share its platform with the forthcoming Mondeo.

But don’t hold your breath. A spokesperson said the Mondeo is coming first, and it’s still a year away, so it could be another 18 months before this stylish replacement for Ford’s very popular MPV arrives in showrooms. AG 32 / fleetworld.co.uk

Lexus guns for the diesels Carbon-based taxation has traditionally made Lexus’s hybrid models a tough sell in the fleet market, but the new IS changes that and the GS is now benefitting from its fourcylinder hybrid drivetrain. The GS 300h arrives in the UK next January, matching the E-Class hybrid’s 109g/km but with a £4,000 lower P11d pricing based on a matched specification. Its new entry-level SE trim will be pitched at attractive BiK costs for company car drivers. AG

Infiniti targets C-segment Infiniti has desperately needed core fleet models to compete in the UK, and the arrival of the fleetheavy Q50 in November is the first step towards this. The Q30, which will be vying for a foothold in the highly competitive premium C-segment, is earmarked for production at the Nissan plant in Sunderland starting in 2015 and will be a backbone of its fleet presence in Europe. Infiniti has also hinted in the past that it could use the LEAF’s electric drivetrain. AG

Vauxhall puts emphasis on value Competitiveness was the key message on the Vauxhall stand. The refreshed Insignia arrives in the UK this month, with significantly lower P11d pricing and classleading 99g/km CO2 emissions for its core 2.0-litre diesel engines. Streamlined production in Detroit, meanwhile, has resulted in a £3,500 price reduction for the Ampera extended-range electric vehicle, while the ADAM finally has the three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines it needs, offering sprightly performance and sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. JK

Kia moves into new segments Kia is aiming to continue its upward trajectory, a plan which will include branching out into lucrative sectors such as the growing B-Segment crossover and assessing filling much-needed sectors such as an estate in the next Optima. For the short term, the all-new Soul will be repositioned to compete against key rivals the Juke, Yeti and Mokka, but the Niro concept hints at a design which could be echoed by a Europe-centric model destined for this segment. AG

Volkswagen goes electric While Volkswagen sees hybrids as having a bigger sales footprint in the UK, the carmaker will launch an electric up! city car in November followed by the Golf in mid-2014, expecting a fleet-weighted sales split for the two cars. Both will be positioned at the top of their respective ranges, including EV-specific navigation with charging points shown, and the company is looking into partnerships with charging equipment companies to support them. JK fleetworld.co.uk / 33

Frankfurt 2013 Overheard Frankfurt’s most important industry soundbytes...

Hyundai aims to double leasing share

Tesla sets sights on UK fleet market Tesla Motors sees the UK as a top three market for its Model S electric saloon, with a fleet-heavy sales mix. Right hand drive versions will arrive next spring, with a new retail site to open in the South East during 2014.

‘I see a very heavy swing towards fleet, driven of course by the BiK tax advantage,’ EU sales director, Bryan Batista, explained.

The company is working with residual value guides and leasing companies: ‘It’s really a process of getting to know each other, of education. It’s critically important that those people who set or guide residual values are well informed and know what Tesla is about.’

As Hyundai embarks on a product offensive, launching 22 new models or derivatives by 2017, fleet director Martin Wilson is hoping to double the brand’s share of the leasing sector. A national leasing manager has been appointed, and 30 new business centres have opened during 2012.

‘We probably have a market share in the leasing sector of anywhere between 1.3 and 1.7%,’ he said. ‘Ultimately we need to be aiming for a UK market share of about 3.5%. That’s a bold target but that’s something I’m aiming for in the next couple of years.’

Skoda boss earmarks fleet business for future growth Building up “true fleet” business is a key strategy for Skoda in the UK, says Skoda UK director, Alasdair Stewart. ‘We’re increasing our market share in fleet, but not as strongly as we would like. We are growing in an equalised way – we’re growing well in Motability and in rental. The area that’s still a challenge for us is “true fleet”. That’s challenging and we’re starting to put some actions in place to try and address that, to get ourselves back into an equalised growth in that area.’

Kia readies for full health European market No 1.6-litre diesel for Honda Accord Honda has no plans to equip the Accord with its new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine, with economies of scale meaning the Japanese-built saloon would struggle to compete with European brands. The engine will be available in the CR-V, Civic hatch and Tourer by January, and head of corporate sales, Lee Wheeler, sees these as an alternative fleet line-up.

‘Honda is not trying to be something it isn’t in fleet, which is a single badge policy, because we don’t have a product in every sector,’ he said.

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, told FW: ‘We’re very much becoming a brand of demand pull, not supply push. Whereas five years ago we were building cars and going to market to find buyers, we are almost in a total switch of that now.

‘We have a vision of where we want to be with fleet, and now we’re working on the implementation strategy. We see that we’ve got 18 months or two years to get our structure in place, so that when the market gets stronger and we get increased capacity, we want to be in a position where we’re ready to realise that opportunity in the fleet market.’

BMW i

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THE ELECT For businesses: The BMW i3 is designed to meet the challenges facing modern fleets, which are increasingly under pressure from rising fuel costs, evolving taxation and changing regulation, but also from driver expectations. Adopting the i3 on your fleet not only shows you’re taking active steps to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact, but with 100% Writing Down Allowance, low Class 1 National Insurance contributions and ‘fuel’ costs from less than 2p per mile (tariff dependent), it can help minimise running costs, too.

Steve Chater, Corporate Operations Manager at BMW Group UK explains how the carmaker’s new BMW i brand is a perfect fit for the modern fleet.

What makes the i3 different to other electric vehicles?

BMW i is one component of a much broader strategy for future mobility. It’s the first premium electric vehicle, and being designed for electric drive from the ground up, it presents a compelling case for customers. There is no compromise because of the way the car has been designed, not only from the product but the overall view of mobility, which is pretty unique in the market from what I’ve seen.

How important is the corporate market for BMW i, and why?

Running fleets has never been more challenging. We have rising fuel prices and tighter emission targets, so certainly ultra low emission vehicles are required alongside more traditional combustion engine vehicles. We’ve seen really high interest and I think that will increase as you see more incentives.

In the UK, the fleet market has been at the forefront of low emission vehicles - there are more incentives for them to adopt new technologies than in the consumer space. Also, if you look at the overall industry volume with 50% being company cars, pool cars and fleet cars the sector really does have the power to drive awareness and uptake across the rest of the market.

How have leasing companies reacted to the i3?

Leasing companies are very much driven by what their customers want. In the last 12 months they’ve seen customers becoming much more interested and aware about the potential of electric vehicles and the opportunity it presents in their business. Until now there perhaps hasn’t been the breadth or depth of product that’s suitable for a number of fleets, so leasing companies are now making sure they have the right products and services to go to market.

What share of fleet sales do you expect to be equipped with the Range Extender?

My view is that will be a higher take up in corporate than retail - I think early on in fleet it will be around 70-80%. It represents a bit of a comfort factor for drivers, and I think for some fleet operators it will give them greater flexibility in terms of reallocation and may have a premium in the used market. But I believe that will change over time. Once the infrastructure grows and certainly with the adoption of DC Rapid Charging networks, and I think you’ll suddenly find a situation where range becomes less and less of an issue.

For drivers: Desirable and great to drive, the BMW i3 has the familiar emotional appeal that comes with the BMW badge. Yet it does so at minimal cost.

Both battery-electric and range extender versions are exempt from the London Congestion Charge and attract zero Vehicle Excise Duty, while Benefit in Kind liability stands at 0% (5% for i3 with Range Extender) until April 2015. Plug-in car grants of £5,000 are available for both models, and against the BMW Wallbox, meaning environmentally-friendly premium motoring is also very accessible.

TRIC ADVANTAGE. Cost benefits for corporate customers vs. popular fleet models (3 years/30,000 miles) BMW i3

BMW i3 (Range Extender)

VW Golf 2.0 TDI Audi A3 1.6 TDI Audi A4 2.0 SE DSG 5dr SE 3dr TDIe

Exhaust CO2 emissions

0g/km

13g/km

119g/km

99g/km

112g/km

3yr fuel/charging costs*

£420

£723**

£2,817

£2,562

£2,964

BiK

0%-5%

5%

18-21%

14%-17%

17%-20%

3yr BiK cost (40%)

£613

£2,027

£5,423

£3,698

£5,902

Total

£1,033

£2,750

£8,240

£6,260

£8,886

Employer NI

£211

£699

£1,871

£1,276

£2,036

*overnight tariffs **10% via fuel

BMW i3 – BORN ELE THE launch of the BMW i3 marks a new chapter in electromobility. This is the first premium electric vehicle on the market, designed from its inception to run on electricity and to maximise the potential of its revolutionary power source.

Sustainability is woven into every material chosen for its construction. It uses a lightweight aluminium chassis and the first carbon fibre reinforced plastic passenger compartment in a large scale production vehicle, resulting in a kerb weight 30kg lower than a MINI Cooper S. This also allows BMW to reduce the environmental impact of its renewable energy-supplied Liepzig factory. Manufacturing the i3 requires 50% less energy and 70% less water than a conventional car.

Yet none of BMW’s trademark driver appeal has been lost. The car’s lithium-ion battery is mounted under the passenger compartment, offering a low centre of gravity, and powers a 168bhp electric motor located between the rear wheels. It means the i3 offers the same rear-wheel drive dynamics, high speed stability and low speed agility of conventional models, while matching the acceleration of a MINI Cooper S. Inside, unique materials include specially selected natural fabrics and leathers offered across four interior worlds, allowing drivers to customise the car to suit their tastes. The i3 is also available with a range extender, a small and efficient petrol engine used to maintain battery charge and increase the available range up to 186 miles of real-world driving. The result is environmentally conscious driving, but with no sacrifice in comfort, enjoyment or flexibility.

“THE NEW BMW i3 OFFERS ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS DRIVING, BUT WITH NO SACRIFICE IN COMFORT, ENJOYMENT OR FLEXIBILITY.”

ECTRIC.

BMW i...

40 years in the making.

360° ELECTRIC – Removing the question marks The i3 revolutionises more than the product itself. BMW has developed a comprehensive support package for customers to make electric drive even easier to add to your fleet.

Home charging BMW believes most charging will take place at home. So, working in partnership with Schneider Electric, the i3 is available with an optional Wallbox home charging system and installation package, designed to work with the car and providing 80% battery charge in under three hours.

Public charging The standard i3 features a bespoke satellite navigation system which shows public charging points and live availability. Drivers who subscribe to BMW’s ChargeNow service, developed with Chargemaster, will be provided with pay-as-you-go access to the UK’s largest network via a single card.

Flexible Mobility Pre-launch electromobility trials have shown the i3’s electric range of up to 100 miles is enough for everyday use, but this can be increased if the car is fitted with the range extender. For occasional long-distance trips outside this range, customers can arrange short-term access to BMW Group vehicles.

Assistance Services Technology rich, the i3’s Business Navigation system can find the most fuelefficient route and even plan journeys using public transport. Drivers can pre-set cabin heating* and access charging and battery information via a smartphone app, and the i3 is offered with 24-hour support and recovery.

BMW i marks the pinnacle of sustainable motoring for BMW, which has long pioneered fuel-saving technologies that don’t sacrifice driver enjoyment. The arrival of the i3 marks the culmination of a development process spanning more than 40 years.

BMW 1602 Electric (1972) The 1972 Olympic Games in Munich marked the debut of BMW’s first electric vehicle, based on the 1602 saloon. Used as camera cars and transport for the organising committee, the two cars featured nowfamiliar technology including regenerative braking through the motor, but heavy 350kg lead batteries and a 37-mile range meant the technology was far from production ready.

BMW E1 (1991) Debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991, the E1 concept was a compact city car with space for four. It featured lightweight aluminium in its construction, with plastic exterior panels and housed the battery pack under the cabin with a motor at the rear axle, while a range of 93 miles meant it was viable for day-to-day use.

MINI E (2008) Offering the most in-depth study of real-world driver behaviour yet, BMW Group deployed 612 electric MINIs worldwide in 2008, including 52 in the UK, for use as private and fleet vehicles. These covered an average of 29.7 miles per day, and drivers reported they were suitable for 80% of journeys, held back mainly by the prototype’s two seats and compact dimensions.

*with the optional Cabin preparation.

BMW ActiveE (2010) Based on a 1 Series Coupe, the ActiveE was the first vehicle to use the 168bhp electric drivetrain and technologies which would later be found in the i3. It marked a return of electric BMWs as part of the Olympic fleet, with 160 of the 1,000 cars deployed during the London 2012 games, and 20 have been retained for loans across the leasing industry since.

BECOME ELECTRIC. Experience the BMW i3 in full interactive 360° in the ultimate virtual test drive. Simply download the BECOME ELECTRIC App for free to get involved.

For more information on the BMW i3 visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk

BMW Financial BMW i Services

The Ultimate The Ultimate Driving Machine Driving Machine

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3: mpg N/A, CO 2 emissions 0 g/km, nominal power output (electric motor) 75/102 kW/hp at 4,800 rpm; peak power output (electric motor) 125/170 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (combined cycle) 12.9 kWh, customer orientated range 80–100 miles, total range (combined cycle) 118 miles. Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3 with Range Extender: mpg 470.8, CO 2 emissions 13 g/km, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11.5 kWh, customer orientated range without use of Range Extender 75-93 miles, weighted combined cycle total range 211 miles, weighted combined cycle range without use of Range Extender 106 miles.

EVENTS Fleet Management Awards 2014

2014 Fleet Management Awards Thursday 13th February 2014 www.fmawards.co.uk

Fleet Management Award Categories

FMA

Fleet Manager of the Year (Private Sector) • Less than 100 vehicles • 100-500 vehicles • 500-1,000 vehicles • 1,000+ vehicles • Category Winner

2014

Fleet Management Awards

Fleet Manager of the Year (Public Sector) • Less than 100 vehicles • 100-500 vehicles • 500-1,000 vehicles • 1,000+ vehicles • Category Winner

in association with

Fleet Manager of the Year (LCV Fleets) • Less than 100 vehicles • 100-500 vehicles • 500-1,000 vehicles • 1,000+ vehicles • Category Winner

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To enter the Fleet Management Awards 2014, simply visit

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International Fleet Manager of the Year (LCV Fleets) • Less than 500 vehicles • 500-2,000 vehicles • 2,000+ vehicles • Category Winner Environmental Initiative of the Year • Less than 500 vehicles • 500+ vehicles Safety Initiative of the Year • Less than 500 vehicles • 500+ vehicles Fleet Management Initiative of the Year • Less than 500 vehicles • 500+ vehicles

fleetworld.co.uk / 35

Mazda3 Can the new Mazda3 make a bigger impact in fleet than its predecessor? Steve Moody finds out.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £19,245 FUEL 68.9mpg CO2 107g/km

T

he new Mazda3 is longer, lower, wider, more refined, faster, more efficient, more responsive, higher quality and better looking than its predecessor. So will it be able to compete more effectively in fleet?

The previous car just couldn’t get any traction in the corporate market, mainly because it never seemed to be one thing or the other: not cheap enough to be a job-need volume hatch, but not stylish and high quality enough to be a user chooser favourite.

It doesn't look like this model will be piled high on fleets either, because it stands almost no chance of becoming a job-need special, as it is too powerful, and maybe too good looking as well.

With the muscular long lines of the excellent Mazda6 transferred very successfully to the smaller car, it’s a refreshing change to see a mainstream car that doesn’t follow the ubiquitous aesthetic of thick-set Germanic solidity. This could help set it apart for those looking to spend a monthly allowance on a car of their choice.

There are effectively three petrol engines: a 1.5-litre motor. With the lowest compression ratio for any diesel which will barely sell in the UK, and a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV engine, there’s less of that instant, excitable torque most in tunes of 120 and 165bhp. diesels have. So the Mazda3 needs revs, especially in second But for fleets, it’s the diesel that will pique or third, or it starts to grumble and bog. most interest. The entry level SE has a list But it revs cleanly and offers up enough FLEET FACT price nearly £2,500 lower than an equivalent acceleration to keep it barrelling along at a Golf with similar power and emissions pretty pace. As always with Mazda, the gearEntry-level SE output, at 150bhp and 107g/km, and has box is tight and accurate, and the steering parity on on-the-road price with a Focus, light and precise and it handles well. has a list price while being more powerful and better The cabin just about passes muster. It’s an £2,500 lower specced. However, Mazda will never be able improvement over the previous car but still than a VW Golf. to offer the fleet discounts of the volume feels a step below the German brands, with manufacturers, so it’s competition is more some of the materials not of the highest quality. likely to be with cars such as the former.

Where Mazda has spent a lot of time is in driver distracAnd it can compete with the Golf: the twin turbo diesel is tion. It has created a new human-machine interface (HMI) engaging to drive, although you have to treat it like a petrol featuring an innovative set of displays and controls.

The most vital information is positioned to enable the driver to read it with negligible eye movement, distinguished between a safe-driving zone in front of them and an infotainment zone to the side. The various controls follow this model, too, with a consistent design and layout for each zone to distinguish their respective purposes.

Around 10,000 units a year are expected to be sold to start with, with a third going to fleet. If there was a 1.6 diesel with sub-100g/km that number, and share, would be much higher. It’s a hole in the range that Mazda needs to address, because for all the clever SKYACTIV tech, drivers increasingly want low power, and the lowest possible emissions.

Also, it now means alongside the CX-5 and Mazda6, Mazda has a strong core range to offer to businesses which means more likelihood to get on choice lists. The question will be whether employees choose it over the ubiquitous Golf.

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights

The Mazda3 is a now a credible user-chooser car that looks great, drives well and is well-priced. But an even lower-emission economy special wouldn’t go amiss.

Diesel offers 150bhp and 107g/km.

Competitive pricing and well-specced.

Distinctive styling sets it apart from the German compeition.

key fleet model Mazda3 2.2 SKYACTIV-D SE

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Vauxhall Insignia Something amazing has happened to a car heading for middle age anonymity, Steve Moody discovers.

SECTOR Family saloon/hatch/estate PRICE £16,279–£29,329 FUEL 76.3–39.2 mpg CO2 99–169g/km

G

enerally mid-life refreshes are a bit of a wash and a brush-up of bumpers and lights, with the odd slab of cabin trim changed. Don’t assume that of the Insignia’s makeover though, because the changes are so fundamental, that they launch it from just another worthy D sector offering to by far the best car in its class.

For a start, you can now have a diesel Insignia with a scarcely believable 99g/km CO 2 rating. Add in on-theroad prices that have been slashed by thousands of pounds to the benefit of the tax position of drivers and their fleets, a much more refined drive and a vastly improved cabin and it really is quite a relaunch.

Still available as a five-door hatch, four-door saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up.

The range has been simplified, which should have a positive outcome on residual values. There are now eight trims (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers.

America that such a bold move needed to be undertaken.

It’s the 99g/km 140bp and 120bhp 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX On the outside, the changes are less evident, with some new models that will take most of the fleet business and Design and wider front spoilers and rear tail lamps. It does make the car Tech Line versions are packaged with all the kit look like it sits lower to the ground, but it is what especially desired by company car drivers, such isn’t seen that has had an effect on efficiency: FLEET FACT as Bluetooth, digital radio, cruise control and extended underbody covers and active grill shutalloys. In fact a 99g/km Design with sat nav has a ters help to contribute to the most aerodynamic More than list price of less than £20,000. The savings on tax shape in the segment.

80% of are huge, with some models giving company car The chassis has been uprated too, with drivers a four figure BiK saving over three years improvements to dampers, roll-bars and steerInsignias are against competitors such as the Passat ing, and new suspension parts, the result of sold to fleets.

Why the massive realignment? According to which is an improvement in noise and vibrafleet sales director, James Taylor, it’s the result of tion behaviour and higher levels of comfort. a decision for more realistic pricing when compared to transIndeed, out on the road, noise from the engine is noticeably actional price and the realisation that with this impressive new reduced and the ride quality is far smoother. The Insigina engine technology, the time was right to strike a massive blow was always a good long distance cruiser – now it is even against the competition. It’s to its credit that Vauxhall has better. It also feels more nimble and even though emissions managed to persuade powers higher up in Germany and have been reduced, there is no drop off on performance.

Inside, the cabin is a big improvement. A completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster has been simplified with fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a more high-tech look.

The old car’s cabin was strewn with buttons, but drivers can now skip straight to as many as 60 favourite stored functions using a fingerpad. An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control and full smartphone compatibility is now available on higher level models too.

167,000 Insignias have been sold since launch in the UK with around 80% of them going to fleets. It’s the bestseller in the sector already, although more by force of Vauxhall’s will than through desirability. Who would have thought, halfway through its lifecycle when anonymity usually beckons, that it would turn into such a compelling proposition?

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think highlights Emissions now from 99g/km.

Prices dropped by as much as ÂŁ2,000.

Standard spec includes DAB, cruise and Bluetoooth.

With emissions of 99g/km, vastly improved ride and cabin quality, alongside huge reduction in prices and tax and well-crafted, spec-heavy fleet-specific models, the Insignia is hard to fault. In fact, in the D-sector, it looks unbeatable on almost every metric you can apply.

key fleet model 2.0 CDTi 120 ecoFLEX Tech Line fleetworld.co.uk / 39

Built on a lighter, stronger platform the All-New 308 delivers a dynamic, intuitive driving experience and has undergone 4 million km of testing to guarantee long lasting performance. It’s a breakthrough in engineering and technology – and will be a benchmark for modern hatchbacks.

Offi cial EU fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km) for the 308 range are: Urban: 35.7 (7.9) to 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban: 61.4 (4.6) to 85.6 (3.3), Combined: 48.7 (5.8) to 78.5 (3.6). CO 2 134-95. These fi gures have been achieved under offi cial EU test conditions.

They are intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not refl ect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Model shown is a 308 Feline.

NEW PEUGEOT 308

NEW PEUGEOT 308

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER

To watch videos and find out more visit business.peugeot.co.uk/new308 or call us for more information on 02476 884 644.

Ford Focus Electric Ford’s first EV is so well executed that it’s only the projected sales which surprise, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £28,500 (after plug-in car grant) RANGE 100 miles CO2 0g/km

T

he Ford Focus is a backbone of British roads, so the shame, because this is an incredibly well-polished vehicle arrival of an electric version has the potential to that most short-distance drivers would have absolutely no introduce a new technology in a familiar form. But in problems adapting to. Under the bonnet is a 140bhp electric its first full year, Ford expects to sell just 30 here. That’s not motor, capable of 85mph, while a lithium-ion battery under a misprint. the rear bench offers a range of up to 100 miles. Charging Battery electric vehicles are still a relatively small market takes up to 11 hours, but with the Schneider-supplied 32A in the UK and Ford believes this is a niche car. So training wallbox the battery can be topped up in around a third of and equipment will be focused on the Dagenham Ford dealthat time erships in the South West and volumes will be kept low.

Silence and the lack of gearchanges aside, it offers an But volume is there if needed. The Focus Electric is built entirely conventional driving experience, accelerating on the same German production line as the petrol and diesel smoothly and swiftly, with no perceptible noise from the versions, which means Ford isn’t reliant electric motor at low speeds, whilst on large volumes. This also means it can seeming to handle as well as the familiar vary production to meet demand while petrol or diesel models. catering for countries that are more This is also true visually. Ford has receptive to the technology. equipped it with the new front end and But small volumes aren’t an indication there’s a charging port on the nearside of a lack of commitment. Ford has doufront wing. It’s similarly conventional bled the number of plug-in hybrid and inside, too, with a familiar automatic electric vehicle engineers employed in the gearstick and no sacrifice in boot or US, and it has converted a 285,000 sq.ft cabin space. facility in Dearborn, Michigan to become The biggest visual clue is the completely its new Advanced Electrification Centre. redesigned digital dashboard display. This So the Focus Electric is the lead-in features a central speedometer with model for a growing electrified range, screens either side showing battery capacmatching the models available in North ity, charging status and information about Practical and great to drive, America. This will include the C-MAX how efficiently the car is being driven. For the Focus Electric is one of Energi, a plug-in hybrid that is bound for every kilometre the driver adds to the the most polished EVs in left-hand drive markets only, and a range of the battery, an animated butterfly petrol-electric Mondeo hybrid with a tarappears to the right of the speedo. the UK. But against comget of sub-99g/km CO2 emissions. The Ford expects almost all UK cars to be petitive low-carbon ICE latter two are considered to be more sold to London-based fleets, mainly models, it’s a package few market-relevant in Europe, for now at joined onto large orders for petrol and drivers will get to try. least, than a pure electric car. diesel versions. Those lucky few will find But the niche Focus volumes are a real it’s a real asset.

what we think

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Suzuki aims to quadruple its fleet share with the larger SX4. Alex Grant finds out how.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £14,999–£23,549 FUEL 47.8mpg CO2 110-135g/km

W

hile the SX4 nameplate is a familiar part of the Suzuki line-up, it’s the only part of this new car that’s shared with its indirect predecessor. The SX4 S-Cross has taken a step up into the lucrative C-segment crossover, benchmarking the Nissan Qashqai and with sights set on four times the outgoing car’s fleet share.

It means the newcomer is noticeably bigger than the last car to wear the name. Suzuki’s only C-segment model is roughly the same size as a five-seat Qashqai, contributing to sizeable extra legroom and a larger boot than its new Nissan rival.

Engines comprise a retail-focused 1.6-litre petrol and a new 1.6-litre DDiS diesel with 118bhp. Around 80% of UK cars will do without four-wheel drive, bringing CO2 emissions down to 110g/km, but those who need the extra traction won’t hit monthly costs too hard. Equipped with the new ALLGRIP system, it emits 114g/km CO2 and costs £1,800 more.

Tuned for car-like agility rather than rugged off-road use, the S-Cross drives like a regular hatchback, but ride quality has suffered a little to get it this way. The petrol engine is remarkably refined, while the diesel is quiet at speed, delivering solid performance over 1,800rpm while returning over 55mpg on a route comprising mixed roads.

There’s plentiful evidence that Suzuki is laying the foundations of a fleet presence with its newcomer. The range includes a corporate-focused SZ-T trim level, benchmarked against Nissan’s n-tec and including Garmin satellite navigation, DAB radio, a reversing camera and parking sensors among its standard equipment. Service intervals are extended by a third, to 12,500 miles, to keep SMR costs down, while monthly rentals are minimised by solid residuals of 35% for the 1.6 DDiS SZ-T. Fleet sales of 2,000 units per year won’t make this a common sight in the company car park, but for Suzuki it’s a well-rounded entrant into the corporate sector.

Performance Driven Are you measuring produc vity across your organiza on? Do you know where your drivers and vehicles are at all mes? Are you giving praise where it’s due or judging employees unfairly when you haven’t got the full picture?

If these ques ons are painful to answer, maybe it’s me to make a few changes. It’s difficult to consistently monitor geographically-dispersed staff and assets that operate remotely. And, it’s frustra ng when you have to use your ™ can help you to monitor: ins ncts to judge how well you’re opera ng. Don’t leave it to chance, telemetrics™ x

How your drivers are driving Ranking tables show which drivers are driving safely and efficiently and highlights those who are not.

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Misuse of company assets Keep an eye on unauthorised fleet ac vity and track overall performance against predefined KPIs.

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Adherence to Service Level Agreements Improve your service delivery mes and reduce mileage; increase driver produc vity by planning and enhancing routes.

Call +44 (0) 843 515 9934, email enquiries@telepath.uk.com or visit www.telepath.uk.com.

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model VW Golf mk2

V

era 1983-1992

UK sales 310,000 Successor VW Golf Mk3

olkswagen had radically updated its presence in the small car market with the Mk1 Golf, replacing the ageing but well-loved Beetle with a modern front-wheel drive hatchback. Its successor may never be as iconic as the first model to wear the now familiar badge, but it had a big part to play in growing the carmaker’s UK fleet presence.

It arrived at the right time. Shown alongside the Jetta at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, British cars arrived early in 1984. Unlike the Mk1, it was backed by an established UK fleet sales department, which had opened three years previously, and during a period of prosperity which made the hatchback a must-have.

Longer and wider than its predecessor and based on a larger wheelbase, the Mk2 Golf was available with three or five doors and roughly the same size as the current Polo. Volkswagen continued to sell an updated version of the Mk1 Cabriolet and Caddy bodystyle throughout its lifespan, and didn’t introduce an estate until the Mk3.

But, under the skin, the Mk2 Golf featured a much broader range of engines. Basic models continued to use the 1.3-litre petrol engine from the Mk1, joined by 75bhp 1.6 and 90bhp 1.8-litre engines, the latter used in the velour-lined GL and available with Synchro four-wheel drive.

This was augmented by the range-topping GTI, offered in two power outputs for the first time. Early cars used the Mk1’s 110bhp 1.8-litre eight-valve engine, with the 137bhp 16-valve following in 1986 and a upgraded eight-valve with electronic fuel injection

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

arriving in 1987. Such was the popularity of the second-generation GTI that over 80,000 sold in the UK during the Mk2’s sales run.

Volkswagen had also seen the value of sports styling. The Driver trim and now-familiar GTD both shared the GTI’s plastic bodykit, but with 75bhp 1.6litre petrol or 80bhp 1.6-litre Umwelt turbodiesel engines respectively.

Not all Mk2 Golf variants came to the UK, though.

The supercharged G60 models and box-arched homologation-special Rallye model were never offered in right-hand drive. Neither was the Country, the closest ancestor to the Tiguan, with raised ride height, four-wheel drive protective bull bars and under-body cladding for off-road use.

Styling evolved throughout its time on sale. Early cars featured two-piece door glass, replaced with a single pane in 1987 with the mirror moved to the front corner. Full-size, part colour-coded bumpers, fitted to the GL, Driver and GTI, launched in the 1990 model year and, with half-tinted rear light clusters for the 16v GTI, helped to modernise the design in line with its closest competitors.

The Mk2 Golf and Jetta ended production in 1992 having totalled 6.3 million global sales, cementing Volkswagen as a core part of the C-segment in the UK and finally replacing the Beetle from 1985. High rust resistance kept it a common sight for over a decade afterwards, and while the Mk2 may never have the iconic status of its predecessor, this was a large step forward for what is now a ubiquitous badge.

Redefining the

compact estate Built in Britain

New Civic Tourer is designed to meet European driver’s needs.

I

t may be a compact tourer by definition but the all-new Honda Civic Tourer is far from being your run-of-the-mill small estate.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2014 Civic Tourer is set to carve out a niche space for itself, with its class-leading space and headturning style set to offer something new, not only to C-sector drivers but also D-sector drivers looking to downsize and MPV/SUV aficionados looking for something different.

Developed in Europe, specially to meet European drivers’ requirements, the new British built Civic Tourer employs standout styling without any sacrifice to the model’s impressive onboard space.

Boot space ranges from a classleading 624 litres with the rear seats in place to an impressive 1,668 litres with the seats down. Another key benefit to drivers will be the Magic Seats, which enables easy access to a range of seating configurations including storage for tall objects.

Two engine choices will be offered: the new 1.6 i-DTEC engine from the Earth Dreams Technology series and the 1.8 i-VTEC engine in manual or automatic transmission.

For a fleet driver, Civic Tourer’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine stacks up very impressively, combining competitive power (118bhp) and 300Nm of

torque with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km with average fuel consumption in excess of 74mpg.

Such engaging driving performance is heightened by the introduction of a brand-new Adaptive Damper System (ADS) that will help to enhance stability and comfort under varying load and driving conditions.

Overall, it’s a proposition that’s set to offer something different to fleets, as Lee Wheeler, Manager – Corporate Operations at Honda UK, explains: ‘The Honda Civic Tourer provides an alternative from the usual C-sector fleet models. It not only offers better boot space than its C-segment rivals but also trumps many D-sector estates too, while the Magic Seats add to its outstanding practicality. Meanwhile excellent whole-life costs, helped by its CO2 emissions of 99g/km and 74mpgplus fuel consumption, will help ensure low costs for both fleet operators and drivers.

‘But the Civic Tourer is more than just a practical proposition; it’s a desirable one too, thanks to its dynamic expression and almost sports car-like silhouette. Rather than being a car that sets the norm, this is one that breaks it.’

To find out more, simply visit Honda.co.uk/civictourer

advertisement feature / 45

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Citroën C4 Picasso against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

AC Looks smart and completely different from its rivals - far more futuristic than the other vehicles in the group.

MJ Perception of the brand is improving due to quality improvements and less volume, but the badge might not excite some. Robotised manual gearbox has been improved but not to double clutch standards.

AC It is still the SUV and MPV markets that are doing quite well at the moment so the opportunities are there, however I think the seven seat version is where the larger opportunities will lie.

MW The choice is immense so winning customers is getting more difficult. It has been on Motability in some considerable numbers before and this can affect the values considerably, so Citroën will need to be careful.

AS Well known in the corporate market, this is set to grow even further with class leading low running costs and practical design cues.

Residuals much improved.

MW The C4 Picasso is the latest kid on the block, looks good, and has a low C02 figure.

MJ Interior quality – particularly on higher trim levels – should exceed expectations.

Sitting on PSA’s latest high tech lightweight MP2 platform, it is 140kg lighter and handles well.

The mid range 112BHP 1.6 eHDi manual can achieve 70.6mpg (combined) and emits only 105g/km, so will cost a 40% taxpayer under £108 in the current tax year.

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

AS Although greatly improved on this model, in the past build quality has come in for some criticism and this can take some time to overcome.

MW The C4 looks a bit expensive now compared to the rest and despite its much improved quality, it may be tarred with the same brush as the previous car.

AC The poor reputation for reliability will have to be overcome with the brand being criticised for electronic dash issues in some previous models. The new dash is very stylish and clever, however it can be a little fiddly.

MJ The lower volume should help increase the proportion of the more up-market Exclusive/Exclusive + models on the road, which should attract conquest opportunities.

AS This is such a practical model that will appeal to all ages that need a multi-purpose vehicle and this is a real bonus for the fleet manager. Very low CO2 will help ensure it is always in a low road tax bracket.

MW This is a growing market, but at the expense of the more traditional C-Sector Estate. People are generally moving away from the load-lugger to an even more practical, flexible vehicle.

AC The main threats are coming from the more affordable SUV segments such as Qashqai. The much better seven seat offerings that are now available are a massive threat to their smaller, less practical, five seat cousin.

MJ Some volume is being lost to efficient two-wheel drive crossovers plus strong competition from Renault, Ford, Kia, Toyota and others. Got to be careful not to be pushed into disorderly marketing.

AS This is not competitive on new price, hence it is immediately drawn into the discount arena.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Citroën C4 Picasso

Alan Senior (AS) Director, Vehicle Information Publishing

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths

Citroën C4 Picasso Exclusive e-HDI 115 Airdream

Weaknesses

OTR: £21,555 P11D: £21,500 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 105g/km RV*: £6,750 (31%) BiK: 16% SMR: £2,096 Fuel costs: £5,477 Insurance: £2,775 Finance: £2,903 NI: £1,543 VED: £20 Cost per month: £823

Strengths

Renault Scenic Dynamique TomTom 1.5 dCi 110 S/S

AC Smart, spacious interior.

MJ Perception of the brand is improving.

AS Established, well-liked performer.

MW Low CO2 good for fleet buyers.

AC Reliability reputation not good.

MJ Auto needs improving still.

AS Perception of build quality.

MW OTR price is high.

Renault Scenic

AC Good to drive, spacious, practical, and lowest in BiK terms out of these four.

MJ The original Compact MPV. AS Recently tweaked and improved, lower running costs.

MW A tried and tested MPV. AC Styling is a little bland.

MJ Consumers may still be cautious of Renault after line-up reduction.

AS Now looking its age in this company.

MW Has been around a long time.

Strengths

Ford C-MAX Titanium 1.6 TDCi

AC Better dynamically.

MJ Well respected, Focus family MPV is a major seller, and does most things well.

AS Strong fleet appeal, a safe choice.

MW Well-priced and highly regarded.

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD with colour screen • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • TomTom satellite navigation • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual zone climate control • Folding passenger seat • Rear sunblinds and privacy glass • Synthetic leather/cloth upholstery

Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Reversign sensors, electric mirrors £485

AC Some will find the ride too firm, not the most spacious.

MJ Cannot compete with Picasso’s MPG and CO2.

AS Not as roomy as the Picasso.

MW Looks a bit dated compared to others.

OTR: £20,845 P11D: £20,290 Fuel: 61.4mpg CO2: 117g/km RV*: £6,925 (34%) BiK: 18% SMR: £1,558 Fuel costs: £6,158 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £2,739 NI: £1,624 VED: £30 Cost per month: £784

Strengths

Kia Carens 2 1.7 CRDi ISG

Weaknesses

Kia Carens

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with touchscreen • Bluetooth, 2x USB, aux inputs • Satellite navigation • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual zone climate control • Reversing sensor and camera • Folding front passenger seat • Rear sunblinds and privacy glass Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £520 • Half leather upholstery £700 • Motorised tailgate £400

OTR: £21,095 P11D: £21,040 Fuel: 68.9mpg CO2: 105g/km RV*: £6,100 (16%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,848 Fuel costs: £5,612 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £2,840 NI: £1,510 VED: £20 Cost per month: £819

Weaknesses

Ford C-MAX

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

AC Practical, spacious, functional.

MJ Seven year warranty is a major plus.

AS Great modern styling.

MW Much improved over the previous model.

Weaknesses

AC Bland interior and styling.

The highest BiK costs out of the four.

MW Highest C02 figure.

MJ Good economy and CO2, but not enough in this group.

AS Discounts are not competitive.

OTR: £20,595 P11D: £20,540 Fuel: 60.1mpg CO2: 124g/km RV*: £6,225 (30%) BiK: 19% SMR: £1,908 Fuel costs: £6,434 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,773 NI: £1,729 VED: £105 Cost per month: £823

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio.CD with SYNC • Bluetooth and USB inputs • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual zone climate control • Quick clear windscreen Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Satellite navigation £750 • Rear privacy glass £200 • Reversing sensors £225 • Powered tailgate £350

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD player • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual zone climate control • Reversing sensors • Folding front passenger seat • Electric windows • Rear privacy glass • Seven seats Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

FEATURE Fast-fits

How to make a fast-fit faster The fast-fit industry is making huge strides in technology with the aim of reducing vehicle downtime for fleet operators. Julian Kirk investigates the innovations.

I

n much the same way that Formula One teams have re ined the art of the quick pit-stop to give them on-track advantage, so the fast- it industry itself is investing millions of pounds in making its pit-stop services even quicker.

The aim is to reduce vehicle downtime for leet operators, an issue which not only hits a company’s ef iciency but also impacts on the bottom line. Estimates vary as to the average cost of a company vehicle being off the road for a day, but some van operators put the cost to the business in the region of several thousand pounds when lost business is factored in.

And with such ierce competition in the fast- it sector, the companies involved are all trying to develop an edge in their service offering. The approaches vary, but the end result is the same – faster fast- it services and vehicle downtime reduced as much as is possible.

Unsurprisingly, it is technology which is advancing the services offered, with a host of web and mobile device-enabled systems to speed up and simplify the booking and implementation of fast- it services.

National Windscreens has recently launched a mobile version of its website which can be accessed via smartphones and tablets, giving drivers instant access to information while out on business.

It is essentially a stripped down version of the irm’s main website, containing only the essential information needed, such as contact details, branch locator and an online booking facility.

The irm’s leet sales manager, Graham Furneaux-Porter (below left), said: ‘We understand that a key part of a leet manager’s remit is keeping vehicle downtime to an absolute minimum, so we’re constantly looking at ways that we can improve our service to help our clients in the leet sector.

‘The introduction of the mobile website is an extension of our existing service offering, speci ically designed to give customers the information they need when they most need it and to enhance our existing booking process.’

Technology is ‘an exciting enabler of change and ef iciency’, according to Mark Foster, service delivery director at Auto Windscreens. He said: ‘Our goal has been to develop a smooth end-toend solution for customers. A salesman doesn’t have time to wait for us to call them back or wait longer than necessary for his vehicle to be ixed. He needs to be back in business as soon as possible and that is what our technology supports.’

‘There is a host of web and mobile device-enabled systems to speed up and simplify the booking and implementation of fast-fit services.’

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

Making life easier New e-fleet app from Fleet Alliance simplifies the process of booking key fast-fit services.

Auto Windscreens has created a service management system that utilises an online booking portal, with a user interface providing work low updates, in addition to a central contact centre and hand-held PDAs. The solution is built around easy integration with mobile apps and partners’ systems to quicken processes, including validations and invoicing. The company also has what it describes as a ‘onecall’ system, where leet customers with urgent agreements are instantly escalated through to UK itting centre managers who schedule work, ensure the right technicians are available and order any glass needed immediately online.

Simplifying the process is also key to a new app developed

by Fleet Alliance. Compatible with Apple, Android and Blackberry devices, the e- leet mobile app offers company car drivers a whole suite of applications, including contact details for key support services including tyres, glass, servicing, maintenance and breakdown recovery.

Managing director, Martin Brown, said: ‘This development helps the leet manager run the leet more effectively in a number of key business driver contact areas through the more effective recording of vital driver information.’

Meanwhile, Kwik Fit Fleet is taking action inside its branches as it aims to cut vehicle downtime. Following a successful 18-month trial in eight centres, the irm has launched specialist Kwik Fit Plus centres, aimed speci ically at leet operators. These centres feature Hunter wheel alignment machines, scissor lifts (which reduce the time spent carrying out wheel and brake part inspections) and the capability to service the largest commercial vehicles and carry out MoTs on Class 4 and Class 7 vehicles.

Kwik Fit Fleet director, Peter Lambert, said: ‘We learned a lot from our initial eight-centre pilot project and we will continue to adapt the concept as we receive feedback from the increasing number of leets using the expanded network.

‘We will continue to monitor business volumes at Kwik Fit Plus centres. But the expectation is that the size of the network will increase and outlets in other parts of the UK will be designated Kwik Fit Plus. We will also look at extending opening hours later into the evening to better cater for small businesses and sole traders.’

It is also using the Hunder Quick Check system at its lagship branch in Slough. This device can assess and report on the condition of a car’s brakes, emissions, battery life, tyre tread and pressure and wheel alignment in less than three minutes – signi icantly less than the 40 minutes it would normally take a technician to carry out all the separate tests.

To book or not to book?

Opinions are divided on whether it is necessary to book an appointment at a fast- it or not.

ATS Euromaster believes it has the range of stock in place to service most customer requirements, while Michelin says that making appointments to change tyres is a far more sensible and bene icial approach.

Michelin’s head of leet, Dave Crinson, believes leets need to change their buying habits when it comes to fast- its in order to get the service and product they require. He advocates the approach used on the Continent, where leet drivers in Europe book appointments to ensure that the depot has the exact tyres in stock.

He said: ‘In the last 10 years the number of car and van tyres available from Michelin alone has doubled thanks to technological developments and the greater diversity of car models and associated load and speed ratings.

‘Nobody wants to turn up at their tyre supplier only to be told that the particular tyre they want isn’t in stock, so they either have to come back later or, worse still, settle for a tyre that wasn’t their irst choice.

‘And the stock issue doesn’t just apply to unusual or rare types or sizes of tyre. Our most popular leet tyre at the moment is the 205/55 R 16, and Michelin has no less than 10 different options in that tyre alone, including Energy Saver+, run lats and those that are speci ic to vehicle makes, such as Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

‘Tyres are much less of a commodity than they used to be and drivers want to make the most of the wider choice that they now have. To do that, they need to adjust the way they shop.’

But ATS Euromaster believes leets want immediate action to avoid unnecessary vehicle downtime. The irm’s group sales director, Peter Fairlie, added: ‘Fleets want a service provider which is easy to do business with – and in our experience that means speed of service delivery and technical expertise is crucial. Everything we do is about trying to minimise downtime for our customers.

‘Unlike many franchised dealerships, customers don’t need to book an appointment to visit an ATS Euromaster centre unless they require a full service or an MOT. We carry a comprehensive range of stock and if we don’t have a speci ic part in stock, we can usually get it delivered on the same day.’

¡ fleetworld.co.uk / 51

FEATURE Fast-fits

¡

CASE STUDY Landar Automotive Solutions LANDAR Automotive Solutions specialises in bespoke fleet management for blue chip clients that have vehicle numbers typically in excess of 300. The company became partners of Auto Windscreens in August 2012, with service speed and the capability for epyx 1link system plug-ins playing a major role in the decision to switch glass provider.

‘We log on to Auto Windscreens’ online portal, quickly entering user details and initiating the repair workflow,’ says Nick Lingard, Landar Automotive Solutions’ operations manager.

‘Through their service management systems, the validation team then addresses the claim, contacting our customer within an hour to schedule required work. This simplifies the process as there is no need for us to make a call, and it ensures quick approval from us, utilising the 1Link system and avoiding unnecessary delays.’

The portal also enables Landar to track each job’s progression and, once complete, technicians use PDAs to initiate invoicing.

Lingard added: ‘Almost overnight Auto Windscreens was able to alleviate any issues with our glass repairs and, through the use of technology, we have a faster service to offer our fleet customers, which is critical.’

FIN

Under the weather

fleet in numbers

ten

Number of different tyres offered in the most popular fleet size (205/55 R16) by Michelin alone

900 90% Number of mobile service vans operated

by ATS Euromaster.

17

Number of Kwik Fit Plus centres in UK.

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

Amount work carried out by Autoglass which is mobile.

1 million Number of calls to National Windscreens per year.

Around 90% of the work carried out by Autoglass is mobile, but damp weather can make sticking new glass in a vehicle dif icult.

To eliminate the vagaries of the weather, the irm has developed the Vanbrella – an extendable canopy ixed to its vans which means the repair can be carried out in the dry.

In the past six months the system has been rolled out across 300 of Autoglass’s vans.

Jeremy Rochfort, the irm’s national sales manager, said: ‘By facilitating mobile glass repair and replacement services in wet conditions, our customers can book their appointment whatever the weather, reducing downtime for leets by not having to arrange a later appointment in one of our branches.’

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INTERVIEW Benoit Dilly, Arval

A new start

Arval’s new managing director, Benoit Dilly, has ambitious plans for the Swindon-based firm, he tells Steve Moody.

I

meet Benoit Dilly, Arval’s new managing director, on the top floor of the BNP Paribas building in central London, a vast metal and stone edifice housing the French giant’s considerable banking might.

If ever you wanted to create the impression of permanence, then this is it, and it’s the first subject Dilly addresses. For some time, an easy shot by competitors across the bows of the French bank-owned leasing firm was to mutter about their commitment to non-banking activities in light of the downturn in the Eurozone. But Dilly is having none of it.

‘The bank was considering three or four years ago how interesting these business were to them, and we have seen others have decided that leasing cars does not fit into their plans. But here it was decided that it is in the group, and that in fact Arval should try to create more even synergy with other areas of the bank,’ he asserts.

‘More important for all our customers and prospects to know is that when we have a commitment, it is for the long run. We’re here, we’ve been here for 40 years, and as part of BNP for 12 years in the UK, and we’re growing. We have spent a lot of money migrating onto new IT systems in the UK. It has been a major project: everyone in the fleet industry would know how expensive an IT project is and anyone that knows about these things would say “why would you spend this money when you are selling?”. Clearly you would not.’

Dilly has been with BNP Paribas for 20 years and spent 11 years at Arval starting up new business in various countries and emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, Morocco and Turkey. More recently he was MD of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions in the UK. He took over from Bart Beckers in September, and already has plenty of plans for the business.

‘I know the UK market and I know Arval,’ he says. ‘The plan is for Arval is to grow in the UK in corporate and SMEs. We are number four in the market, with very strong competitors and having strong competitors is great because you know what they are going to do – they aren’t going to do any crazy actions.

‘Our next competitors, Alphabet and Leaseplan, are slightly bigger than us, but we would like to challenge them in the

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

next few years in terms of size. It’s still far away and I see no reason why they should get weaker. So it will be tough. But I would not rule out acquisitions if they are right and deliver tangible benefits.

‘We are close to a 90,000 financed fleet, and we need to get to 130,000. It’s a huge amount of business to win, but we have about a 5% share of the market and 120,000 would be 7%, so it’s not a huge amount of growth in terms of overall share. But I don’t expect to have an easy life doing it, but we know what we have to offer.’

He says the Allstar fuel card business is now successfully hived off, leaving Arval to concentrate on its core activities of leasing cars, and there is a major shake-up going on of the way Arval works with its customers.

‘Three years ago we sold the fuel card business because it was necessary because it was not our core business and it was a distraction. And we are happy partners with Allstar, and that is the way it should be.

‘So we now focus 100% on the leasing business and we have now fully dedicated corporate and SME teams and we need to get better at acquiring new customers and keeping our current them. But that’s the same as any of our competitors: it is basic corporate self-sufficiency.

‘The big thing we are doing is rolling out now a new account management system for contract hire, from quotation to endof-contract. So instead of having departments such as ordering, contracts, SMR each sitting together, they are split up into teams. So around the table, all the different actors of the contract management of a fleet work together as a team and they work for one customer, or one portfolio of customers.

‘It means that they know their customers better and can resolve problems more quickly. This is something we’ve implemented in other countries and it’s working fantastically well. To us this will be a key trigger to enhance the quality of service to our customers.’

So, a major IT project completed, a reworking of the way the company operates, and ambitions for major growth. As Dilly says: ‘Now we will show what we can do.’

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FEATURE LCV2013

The road ahead A technological showcase for the low-carbon industry, the LCV2013 event offered a glimpse of developments set to revolutionise road transport in the near future, as Alex Grant reports.

A

technological showcase for the low-carbon industry, the LCV2013 event offered a glimpse of developments set to revolutionise road transport in the near future, as Alex Grant reports.

Organised by Cenex, the Loughborough-based centre for excellence in low-carbon vehicle technologies, the LCV2013 event showcases the latest innovations in environmentally-conscious motoring. The event brings stakeholders together to demonstrate new projects, forming relationships which will underpin the working lives of the future leet.

Ultra-low carbon vehicles remain a niche in terms of sales volume, but popularity is growing and investment is following suit. The UK government has already put a roadmap in place to put British business at the spearhead.

Government strategy isn’t an indication of the immediate

demise of the internal combustion engine, and that it didn’t set targets for the uptake of ultra-low carbon vehicles (ULEVs), according to Richard Bruce, director of the Of ice for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). But it does set out incentives to encourage growth of stakeholder interest and demand from consumers.

OLEV’s vision is long term. By 2040, it wants every new car sold in the UK to be an ultra-low-carbon vehicle, effectively decarbonising the parc by 2050. In the meantime, its work will be focused on growing the industry and raising awareness.

The target is consistent incentives to purchase and to run ULEVs, and work to communicate the bene its to drivers, while inancing growth of the recharging infrastructure to support plug-in and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Evidence is already being collected which will inform where and how the £500m investment earmarked for 2015-2020 will be deployed.

Ford Focus: significant advantages in small detail But with technology and infrastructure still growing, the near future will be dominated by improvements in conventional engine technology.

Graham Hoare, director of global vehicle evaluation and veri ication at Ford Motor Company, believes signi icant advantages can be made by improving small details.

In its Focus platform, for example, Ford deploys six different fuel sources, ranging from petrol, diesel and ethanol engines to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric models. But with conventional engine technology still dominant, petrol and diesel units have been subject to rapid advances in ef iciency, achieved by downsizing, turbocharging and optimizing combustion.

Hoare says these small details have allowed Ford to achieve between 35 and 40% ef iciency for its internal combustion engines – a measure of how much of the energy used produces traction, with the rest lost as heat – and expects further improvements to boost this to 50% in the longer term. But he says Ford’s view is varying degrees of electri ication are the most effective route to larger reductions.

Customers increasingly keen on hybrid and electric Customer resistance to hybrid and pure electric vehicles is fading. Cenex and the Technology Strategy Board recently carried out a study of 349 drivers, investigating how quickly they had adapted to the new technology. Of these, 92% said they had found their electric car was fun to drive, and 72% said that even with the limited range it itted their daily needs – only using half of the battery’s capacity during a day. Drivers also reported preferring home recharging to needing regular trips to their nearest fuel station.

So projects are underway to make sure drivers are provided with adequate roadside charging.

Alastair Hay ield, associate director, emerging technologies at data analyst IHS, says the next few years will see a progressive move from a public push, backed by government, to a private one, as manufacturers and private individuals invest in the technology.

¡

‘Customer resistance to hybrid and pure electric vehicles is fading.’

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

¡

Pay-as-you-go is the future This presents certain obstacles. Hay ield believes pay-as-you-go charging, providing the ability to “roam” between independent charging networks and in turn allowing drivers to cover longer distances without requiring multiple memberships, will be vital to improve EV sales. He also advises that studies into the effects of the additional on the electrical grid will be required before volumes grow.

Cenex is playing a role, too. In addition to managing the Plugged-in Midlands scheme, which is rolling out charging points across a region spanning from Lincolnshire to Herefordshire, chief executive Robert Evans announced at LCV2013 that he would chairing the irst trade association speci ically for the companies involved in manufacturing or supplying charging equipment.

UK EVSE, as it is known, will be responsible for developing best practice and technical standards and operating charging networks. Some of the UK’s largest suppliers of charging equipment, including ABB, Chargemaster, Elektromotive, POD Point and Siemens, are among its founding members, and the association will play a major role in ensuring networks are inter-compatible.

Establishing a UK tech hub In addition to boosting the uptake of environmentally-friendly vehicles, government support is aimed at establishing the UK as a hub of electric vehicle technology. The country is already home to a plethora of specialist component manufacturers, and the Technology Strategy Board used LCV2013 as a platform to announce the companies which will receive a combined £29m of funding to develop low-carbon vehicle technologies in the UK. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover. Despite being owned by Indian company Tata, the manufacturer still carries out substantial R&D in the UK, and among its latest projects is a limited run of seven electrically-powered Defenders, utilising drivetrains developed by British companies. Under TSB and OLEV co-funding, Jaguar Land Rover will spend two years developing a trio of Evoque-based prototypes with a consortium of eight industry partners.

The Evoque_e programme will result in mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric drivetrains, featuring smaller, lighter and faster motors with fewer rare earth materials required for production. It will also be charged with investigating modular battery packs which can it into existing vehicle platforms, and indings are set to inform future production models.

Also emerging, OLEV sees hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a vital part of the UK vehicle mix. This utopian-sounding technology uses a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water vapour as the only by-product. Hyundai’s irst batch of series-manufactured, right-hand drive ix35 FCEVs will be delivered to leet customers in the next few weeks, with

numerous large OEMs set to follow within the next two years.

Infrastructure remains a large barrier here, but it’s potentially a quicker ix than for battery-electric models. Hydrogen tanks offer a much larger range than a battery, and take minutes rather than hours to ill, which means nationwide coverage requires fewer refuelling stations. OLEV has begun mapping out the irst 65 sites across the UK. But it’s a slow-burner. Toyota expects sales to reach tens of thousands globally by the 2020s, but the company is launching its irst hydrogen fuel cell car in 2015. The carmaker’s ‘Mr Hydrogen’, Katsuhiko Hirose, told delegates that its launch would be limited to markets with a refuelling infrastructure, namely North America, Japan and Europe. In the meantime, it is reducing the size of the fuel cell stack and components, which working towards a 20 fold reduction in manufacturing costs.

In the UK, the infrastructure is being supported by UK H2Mobility, a co-operative project between the government, energy companies and carmakers. Phase 1 results were published at the start of the year, identifying a business case against conventionally-powered vehicles which showed a 75% CO2 reduction against a diesel engine by 2050. In December, Phase 2 will begin, putting the indings into practice and developing consumer-ready technology.

But as innovation continues in the UK, emerging technologies will become more prevalent on leets – usually the irst sector to adopt low-carbon vehicles en masse. Whichever alternative drivetrain prevails, the short-term brings unprecedented diversity for leets.

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

MANAGEMENT Fleet Academy

Join the Time for some manners?

Natalie Middleton, Deputy Editor, Fleet World Group

Fleet World magazine’s Fleet Academy is designed to provide a forum whereby those industry consultants and professionals in possession of valuable fleet information can impart it to a select audience of fleet decision-makers.

At the heart of the Fleet Academy is a network of independent fleet industry experts whose work brings them into regular contact with end-user fleet managers and other organisations playing a key role in the industry. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of discussion topics.

Typical areas of interest include, but are not limited to: taxation, finance and accounting, legislation, environmental issues, fleet safety, insurance, fleet management, supply issues and security.

Fleet suppliers are permitted to respond to queries if it is felt that their response represents honest and impartial advice. This aspect of the service is strictly moderated in order to ensure that the quality of information provided remains of the highest standard.

We have already attracted a strong network of fleet professionals, and our expert contributors have submitted a number of thought provoking discussion topics, a few of which are previewed to the right.

We hope you will consider joining us in this exciting new venture into the world of fleet.

To find out more about Fleet Academy and request membership, please visit:

www.fleetacademy.co.uk 58 / fleetworld.co.uk

An AA patrol man once told me that urban traffic would flow a lot more smoothly if drivers were a bit more courteous at T-junctions. He said this whilst I was spending the day with him for an article and we happened to get stuck in traffic near a right-hand turn. He then allowed the next driver in the side junction to pull out in front of him.

I often think of his advice when I’m sitting in a queue of traffic with car after car turning right down the road I’m on without letting a single vehicle out first.

Now I know that there can be problems with taking on responsibility for letting drivers pull out, by either waving them on or flashing your lights.

The Highway Code says: ‘Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.’

It’s sensible advice, even more so now that the whole “flash for cash” insurance scam is just coming to light (where offenders flash their lights to let drivers out at junctions then deliberately crash into them).

But if you just remain stationary, most drivers get the message that you’re waiting for them and are pretty good at doing their own visual checks first. And the few seconds that it adds to your journey is nothing compared to the time it can save for the drivers waiting to pull out.

So, whilst I don’t want to sound Victor Meldrew-like, is it about time we were more courteous on the roads?

Fleets must employ simple practices to keep vehicle tracking legal Chris McClellan, Director, RAM Tracking Fleet managers have a legal obligation to inform drivers of the presence of vehicle tracking units to stay compliant with Data Protection, Human Rights and Employment Rights legislation.

However, the use of GPS vehicle tracking systems is perfectly legal as long as they are used transparently (i.e., not without the employee’s knowledge) and with

in association with

debate...

Video cameras on fleet vehicles Rob Chisholm, Managing Director, Applewood Vehicle Finance replied...

Andrew Houston, Head of ICT and Fleet, Altro Limited

There are a number of issues here; as you pointed out, there is the “flash for cash” scam issue to concern us all now.

There is also the established convention of right of way – it may sound very courteous to let others out ahead of you but it also confuses. Letting them out makes them rush; did they see that cyclist on the inside of you when you let them out?

I am a biker as well as a driver, and as nice as it is for some drivers to move over to let us pass easily the driver is, by doing that, attempting to take the decision to make an overtake out of the hands of the biker. I am experienced enough to mostly ignore these invitations and make up my own mind, but sometimes drivers are so persistent in their efforts to be courteous to us (or do they feel intimidated?), that it’s easier to relent than appear to be either unobservant or ungrateful.

I have even had it where a lovely old dear has sat at an entry to a roundabout where she had the right of way just so she could let me go first. I had to take my hands off the bars and avoid eye contact to encourage her to use her right of way properly.

For every driver you have been “courteous” to by letting them out from a side road on to a main road, there are one or more drivers you have been inadvertently discourteous to by holding them up.

Drivers can show more manners by not lane hogging, maintaining good observation, not driving through red lights, not texting/calling with phone in hand or messing with their sat nav whilst driving, by not positioning their sat nav right in the middle of their windscreens (how stupid is that?!), and by not driving at 40mph everywhere!

So, are video cameras on fleet vehicles a great idea to avoid scams, help in incident management and provide evidence, or are they a danger and a risk?

Picture (excuse the pun) the situation that you have front and rear cameras fitted, that are automatically operated whilst the vehicle is in motion. You are involved in a traffic incident, and want to put forward the evidence.

Does the record of your entire trip contain no other evidence that you may have contravened a traffic light, or that you tailgated or whatever? Might it in fact “prove” that you were to blame? Did the other driver see you have cameras fitted and demand to see the footage? Are you sure the insurer or the court will accept the evidence anyway?

Might a large bumper sticker proclaiming that cameras are in use be more effective than actually fitting them?

the employee’s consent to them being installed.

We advise business owners to issue a company-wide notice at the point of installation outlining how data will be used and why. They should also include details of vehicle monitoring into the company handbook for future reference.

In our experience, employees do not mind vehicle tracking systems being used so long as they know and understand what the tracking system monitors, and why. If a driver understands how tracking can be used to reduce fleet running overheads to the benefit of the wider business, and ultimately their own employment, they are more likely to be receptive.

Paul Gogolinski, Owner, Total Fleet Solutions Poland replied...

The complexity of implications for and against are quite mind boggling. However, it seems that the situation will only develop as technology gets ever cheaper and everyone, sooner or later, will either be filming or being filmed. It is also true that film can be technically adjusted to show just about anything the owner wants, therefore, unless the film (evidence) is obtained immediately, who is to say this it is the genuine, uncompromised article?

Finally, is it not true that if we are filming someone who has not given their permission or is not aware (or is regulated by law and usually clearly communicated, such as private property/airport monitoring systems), then this may be inadmissible in a court of law? A lot of questions, not enough answers. It would seem that some official guidance/legislation should be put in place to govern the issue...

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Part 2

Cutting through the jargon This month Professor Colin Tourick digs out his thesaurus for leasing and salary sacrifice.

Contract hire is a type of operating lease: the customer hires the vehicle, uses it for part of its life, then hands it back.

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

in association with

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

Last month we looked at some of the jargon associated with vehicle funding.

Now we need to look for jargon in two more areas: leases and salary sacrifice.

If you lease a vehicle you have the right to use it for a period of time.

In some countries, such as the USA, the agreement can also give you the right to become the owner of the vehicle at the end of the agreement. This seems weird to a UK reader because for as long as anyone can remember our tax regime has drawn a solid line between purchase-type agreements such as HP and conditional sale, under which you can become the owner of the vehicle, and leases where it assumes you can’t. From here on we’ll assume you are a UK-based reader (if not, avert your eyes now).

When leasing started in the UK it wasn’t originally called leasing. Car dealerships, keen to move cars off their forecourts and into the hands of customers, started to offer customers the option to hire the cars for a year or two. These suppliers needed an expression to describe what they were doing.

They couldn’t call this “car hire” because up until then cars had been hired for a few days or weeks, not months or years. So they came up with a new expression, “contract hire”.

Quite why they used these words is lost in the mists of time – after all, when people hired cars for a few days they also had to sign a contract – but the name stuck.

Contract hire started to become more popular. Someone looked across to the States and realised that contract hire was similar to American products called leases. In fact there was a whole US leasing industry offering these.

Anything American in the post-war decades – products, ideas, films, food, concepts – was automatically considered to be good, so UK suppliers started calling these products leases and a

UK leasing industry began to grow.

Fast forward to the 1980s and we started to see the development of national and international financial accounting standards. These defined two types of lease: operating leases and finance leases (yes, more jargon).

The label finance lease was applied to leases that transferred all the risks and rewards of ownership to the customer.

In other words the customer was contractually obliged to pay the funder a large proportion of the original cost of the item and bore the full cost of the reduction in value over the life of the agreement – the depreciation risk.

The other type of lease was called an operating lease. These were defined as any other lease that wasn’t a finance lease. Typically these were rental agreements where the customer paid to use the item for part of its life, then handed it back, leaving the funder to either sell it to recover the balance of his original investment or lease it out to someone else.

So, a finance lease is really just a financing arrangement. It puts the customer into a position akin to just borrowing money on a loan.

The word “lease” in “finance lease” doesn’t really help us understand the agreement. It’s just a label, another piece of jargon. But the word “finance” is in fact quite helpful because it helps us remember that this is a finance agreement not a hire agreement.

An “operating lease” is really a simple rental agreement and it doesn’t need to include any operating elements at all – the customer can just use it to pay to use an item over time and then hand it back at the end of the lease. In fact, suppliers and funders can provide operational service packages with finance leases as well as

operating leases. So “operating” isn’t a particularly helpful piece of jargon.

Contract hire is a type of operating lease: the customer hires the vehicle, uses it for part of its life, then hands it back and (generally) has no interest in the sale price the supplier achieves.

The accounting standard-setters introduced different accounting rules for finance leases and operating leases, reflecting the fact the first is a bit like a loan and the second is a rental agreement. It is highly likely that those rules will be replaced in the near future by new rules requiring both types of lease to be accounted for in the same way.

The final product type we need to consider is salary sacrifice. Here at least the label does help to describe the product because in salary sacrifice schemes an employee agrees to sacrifice part of their salary and to receive another benefit in its place. These schemes have been in place for many years and have been applied to cars for the last decade or so. They aren’t a form of business finance but can be a useful tax-effective way for employers to encourage their employees to stop using private cars for business mileage and to use leased cars instead.

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT Salary sacrifice schemes can be a useful tax-effective way for employers to encourage their employees to stop using private cars for business mileage and to use leased cars instead. fleetworld.co.uk / 61

our fleet Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ES-T THE last decade has been an unprecedented era of expansion in the automotive industry. A multitude of new segments has emerged, or expanded from former niches, meaning choosing a company car has never been more complicated. For many, it’s no longer a choice of different-sized hatchbacks with a saloon or estate at the top.

But after six months with the new Honda Civic, I’ve discovered it may not be necessary to opt into a supposedly larger vehicle. Using its clever Magic Seats, which allow the rear bench seat to fold flat or tip upwards for tall loads, this lower-medium model can swallow cargo like an MPV. The forthcoming Tourer will be even better.

I’ve also found there’s no sacrifice in refinement. The ES-T is agile yet rides well on its 16-inch wheels and, thanks to its aerodynamic shape, it’s near silent at speed with minimal wind or road noise. Equipment is plentiful, too, with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, cruise and climate control included as standard. All the bits you need.

Honda also now has the right engine for the fleet market. The 1.6 iDTEC is now available in the CR-V too, but this 118bhp unit fits the Civic perfectly. It’s perky enough for motorway use and not underpowered for the weight it’s pulling, but also very quiet and exceptionally efficient. A little restraint will easily nudge the dial above 70mph, which is beyond most MPV or SUV models.

If there’s any criticism to make, it’s the styling. Its predecessor’s floating instruments are gone and the toned down exterior is divisive. But any visual concerns quickly subside after a short time behind the wheel – this really is a very good car.

Alex Grant

Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport BACK in March we introduced our longterm A-Class and questioned if it had the necessary talents to become a credible rival to the ubiquitous Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in the company car park.

After all, the previous A-Class hadn’t exactly proved a hit among corporate buyers due to its quirky styling and lack of driver appeal.

After six months in our A200 CDI Sport, the general feeling is that the A-Class (and Mercedes-Benz) has finally come of age in the junior executive sector. The three-pointed star most definitely has a car to which user-choosers and fleet managers will be attracted.

To the former, the mix of brand appeal, sharp styling, great interior and low emissions spell good news, while for the latter the fuel economy and strong residuals point to a competitive wholelife cost proposition.

Our A200 CDI test car came with the

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

mid-spec diesel engine, offering 136bhp and mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox it provided the ideal compromise between fuel economy and performance.

Like the engine choice, Sport is an ideal compromise, bringing more sporty styling touches and the essential 17-inch alloy wheels (an SE-spec model on standard 16-inch alloys looks terribly underwheeled). Inside, this adds extra metallic trim touches and the lovely, comfortable sports seats trimmed in a mix of artificial leather and a chequered fabric. All in, it’s a strong package for £23,515, which translates into a monthly Benefit-in-Kind tax bill of £140.75 for a 40% taxpayer.

Fuel economy-wise, we never managed the claimed 62.8mpg (surprise!), but realworld figures in the low to mid-50s depending on the journey were the norm.

After six months of “ownership”, the A-Class has proved it has the style and desirability to unseat the sector’s

hegemony – Mercedes-Benz has finally done something about that glaring omission in its range.

Julian Kirk

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDI Premium SE HYUNDAI has traditionally enjoyed strong demand for the Santa Fe in North America. But this new version has Europe firmly in its sights, and pairing a downward push on CO 2 emissions with a move towards more upmarket materials and design, it should do very well with its newcomer.

Unusually, it’s the most powerful 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine which is the most efficient and, with seven seats, four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox it offers CO2 emissions of 159g/km and ample performance for motorway cruising and, though we didn’t get a chance to test the latter, towing. Four-wheel drive versions also get hill descent control and an electronically locking differential.

It looks great, too. The sharp-edged body lines and large, imposing hexagonal grille give it huge on-road presence, while the interior is styled to match the rest of the Hyundai range. Plastics and, where fitted, leather upholstery is befitting a luxury brand car, while comfort and refinement are equally impressive.

The last Santa Fe sold 350,000 examples in Europe, and while its replacement isn’t likely to be the backbone of Hyundai’s UK fleet offering, management-level user-choosers will find this an attractive alternative to the premium brands.

Anne Dopson

Mazda6 2.2D Sport Nav YOU can’t always tell how comfortable a new car’s going to be on a 10-mile test drive, but a 300-mile trip is a pretty fair test.

To date, our Mazda6 long-termer has passed it with flying colours, with a firm but well padded and highly supportive seat and really good driving position. All the controls are within easy reach too. I would add excellent all-round visibility here, but in heavy rain the sweep of the wipers pushes too much water across the middle of the driver’s window rather than up the A pillar, obscuring the wing mirror.

Otherwise, so far, very good.

Ross Durkin

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI S line

Ford Transit Custom ECONetic 310 LWB

OUR Transit Custom has a few extra items over the standard spec, although many of these would be more familiar to fleet buyers than the total £1,175 price tag might suggest. This includes the Moondust Silver metallic paint (£400), LED load compartment light (£80), in-cab power inverter (£60), cruise control and speed limiter (£150), ICE pack 11 which includes sat nav, DAB radio, and Ford’s SYNC sys-

tem (£310) and the visibility pack which includes Ford’s heated front screen and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors (£175). The last item is definitely worth having, especially as the car does not have air conditioning to help clear the screen on a damp morning. I would also give the thumbs up to the LED load compartment lights, even if they look expensive, and the power inverter, which adds a domestic three-pin plug just below the handbrake so you can plug in phones, laptops, tablets – anything rated up to 150W – leave the electric kettle at home.

Forget about in car phone chargers – just take the one your phone maker supplied.

The LED load area lights mean the interior is more brightly lit than any other van I’ve driven over the years.

John Kendall

I’VE been looking at the residual value performance of our A4 long termer, and despite the numbers on the road, it is still very impressive. After all, the used market loves an Audi estate doesn’t it?

After three years/60,000 miles, CAP predicts it will be worth just over £11,000, which in depreciation terms compares very closely with a 320d Touring M Sport, which will be worth just over £12,000, but is a grand more expensive at the front end. The equivalent Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI AMG Estate doesn’t do as well, being as expensive as the BMW, but is worth £10,300.

Steve Moody

fleetworld.co.uk / 63

our fleet auctions & remarketing

Volvo V40 D2 SE Nav IT’S just over a year since the UK launch of the Volvo V40 – probably the most important car launch for the brand in many years – and some six months since our long-term test version arrived but now it’s time to hand back the keys.

I still can’t make up my mind whether the best feature are its looks – with its strong sculpted lines that have gained it a lot of attention on the road – or its blend of performance and economy.

The 1.6-litre D2 unit that we’ve tested has delivered an easy, likeable drive, requiring just a little effort at low revs but driving very tidily.

Meanwhile although we’ve not got close to the official combined figure of 83.1mpg, my overall average of 51.8mpg is far from shabby, given my lack of eco-driving skills. And CO2 of 88g/km is not to be sniffed at.

Volvo’s trademark minimalist approach has also made the interior not only a pleasant space to spend time in but the controls are also very intuitive and simple to use. And now I’ve been informed where the full postcode functionality is on the sat nav, that’s become even more of a doddle.

And of course safety has been a key focus.

I’ll certainly miss the Cross Traffic Alert system and actually I’ve become reliant on the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which I find more handy as a gauge for when it’s safe to move back in to the inside lane when overtaking.

I’ve also not really got to grips with the Park Assist Pilot system – a spokesman for Volvo said that it does take a while for people to trust the system and to leave the steering wheel alone and they’ve even had to get people to sit on their hands before! Of course, as automated cars become more commonplace, this trust issue should become a thing of the past.

The only issue I’ve really had is with the size of the car – which is by no means small for the sector but struggles with the amount of family paraphernalia that I carry around.

But for a premium hatchback that offers a fresh design, a comfortable ride, excellent economy and superb safety credentials, you can’t go wrong.

Natalie Middleton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

fleet management software

risk management

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

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

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

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

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732 www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

RAC Risk Management Tel: 0870 606 2606

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

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

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

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946 www.arnoldclarkrental.com

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

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

Apex Car Rental Tel: 01323 745444

Sofico Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622

www.apexrental.co.uk

www.soficoservices.com

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

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

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

telematics & tracking

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

Lex Autolease

www.cardinus.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

fuel management

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 960,000 vehicles across 37 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike. With a reputation for delivering proactive and innovative vehicle management services, ALD has developed award winning risk management products such as DriveSafe and ProFleet2 in-vehicle telematics, complementing an established suite of online applications branded ‘threesixty’.

ALD hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations.

Contact: Ian Turner ian.turner@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Tel: 0870 00 111 81

Alliance Asset Management Alliance Asset Management is one of the UK’s leading independent fleet management and funding providers, offering bespoke solutions for fleets from 1 – 1,000 vehicles+.

Combining a wide range of products for both businesses and consumers with Alliance's purchasing power and consultative approach; Alliance consistently delivers competitive solutions.

Products available include contract hire, contract purchase, finance lease and a range of fleet management solutions including daily rental and Flexilease – Alliance’s cost-effective solution for rentals of 28 days or more.

All Alliance clients, irrespective of size, are treated with equal importance to ensure they all receive the same exceptional service.

Contact: Riane Cooke rcooke@fleetcentre.com

Tel: 0844 414 2998 www.fleetcentre.com

Fleet Alliance Limited

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is a family run, privately owned vehicle leasing company. We are the largest dealerbased leasing company in the country, and we provide a comprehensive portfolio of funding products and management services to clients right across the UK. As a totally independent business, you can always rely on us to provide sound, unbiased advice. We have a characteristic no-nonsense business style and a reputation for delivering a uniquely personal leasing experience.

We help corporate clients, small businesses and Government departments realise genuine savings and improvements in productivity. We listen, and we’d welcome the change to work with you.

Contact: Calum Ewart calum.ewart@acvm.co.uk

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

Fleet Alliance is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. We manage in the region of 11,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients.

Our market-leading Fleet 360 model provides the best combination of products and advice delivered through our cloud-based fleet management system e-fleet and dedicated smartphone app e-fleet mobile.

Recent awards include: • Top 5 UK Best Place to Work • National Business Awards: Customer Focus (Finalist) • National Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Finalist) • Scottish Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Highly Commended)

Contact: Grant Boardman Tel: 0845 601 8407 grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk www.fleetalliance.co.uk

JCT600 Contracts Limited

Lex Autolease

JCT600 Contracts provides a range of leasing and fleet management services on a cost effective basis to a broad spread of discerning clients. With a highly trained and experienced team using sophisticated systems the company is able to meet the increasing demands of its customers whilst offering the highest level of personalised service.

The company has one of the industry’s leading client retention rates at around 80% demonstrating that its services are widely appreciated. Continuous efforts ensure improved value and the careful development of new products.

The company’s financial strength and strategy for controlled growth bode well for future success.

Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading fleet management and funding specialist, helping companies large and small to lease vehicles.

Companies all over the UK trust us to take care of their vehicle leasing. We have in excess of 270,000 vehicles under management, making us the UK's largest leasing company.

But in a competitive market, saying we’re biggest isn’t enough.

It’s our ability to deliver excellent customer service that makes our customers happy.

Our approach is to develop a true partnership with businesses and public sector organisations, working side by side with you to help you face the challenges of running a fleet.

Contact: Rob Kellock rob.kellock@jct600.co.uk

66 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0113 250 0060 www. jct600contracts.co.uk

Contact: Emma Wilkinson marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Tel: 0845 769 7381

FLEETW RLD Marshall Leasing

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd

Marshall Leasing offers an independent choice and focus on fleet advice for clients who are seeking an alternative to the large dominant volume orientated providers.

Marshall Leasing are part of privately owned Marshall who own dealer group MMG which operates over 70 franchised dealerships, representing 24 different manufacturer brands, with a turnover of £1bn per annum. MMG sell 50,000 vehicles and maintain over 450,000 in its workshops. Marshall also manage the RAF’s Hercules fleet and own / operate Cambridge Airport through their Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group which delivers innovation and excellence in the air, on land and at sea.

Our commitment to existing and prospective clients is that we will ALWAYS provide industry leading service. Our recent award wins undeniably prove our words: 2013 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* 2012 FN50 "Customer Service Award - Team" *WINNER* 2012 Business Car Techies Awards *HIGHLY COMMENDED* 2012 Fleet News "Customer Service Award" *WINNER* 2012 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* 2012 Fleet News "Best New Product or Service (Ogilvie MiFleet)" *FINALIST* 2012 Fleet News "Reader Recommended" Contract Hire Company *SHORTLISTED* 2012 Scottish Business Awards "Customer Focus" Category *NOMINEE* 2011 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* We’re proud to serve our clients and our doors are always open to new customers.

Contact: Jonathan Ross Tel: 0777 443 9170 jonathan.ross@marshall-leasing.co.uk www.marshall-leasing.co.uk

sgfleet sgfleet is a professional fleet management company which combines international expertise with local knowledge, focusing on customer driven, service based solutions.

Our strategy is to work in partnership with our clients to identify and manage all the component parts of operating a vehicle fleet and to pro-actively manage these. Our focus is to help our customers run their fleets as efficiently as possible and drive down costs.

We provide a full range of fleet management and funding products, including a unique salary sacrifice structure, which does not create any scheme risk for employers.

Robust systems with industry leading on line reporting functionality and capability underpin our proposition.

Contact: Peter Crabtree pcrabtree@sgfleet.com www.sgfleet.com

Tel: 07970 516293

Tel: 0330 333 5677 www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Ltd Pendle Vehicle Contracts are specialists in supplying vehicles to business users and the private individual. We offer our clients a bespoke service whether we're helping you make the correct decision on your vehicle or arranging finance agreements to suit your needs on all makes and models of new cars and commercial vehicles.Please browse our site for the latest Special offers and to find out how Pendle Vehicle leasing can help benefit you.

Contact: Tony Thorne tony.thorne@pendlelease.co.uk www.pendlelease.co.uk

Tel: 08456 025697

Volkswagen Group Leasing

Venson Automotive Solutions Venson is a hands-on fleet management specialist with a proven track record in reducing fleet costs and increasing vehicle availability. It’s our level of experience, knowledge and service that allows us to give you the kind of impartial advice that has real financial returns whether your business is in the private, public, not-for-profit or emergency services sector. From sourcing the right vehicles to funding, maintaining and delivering commercial vehicle fit-outs, we handle every aspect and we don’t let our clients down, our 98% retention rate is testament to that. Get in touch, reserve a free fleet audit and drive your business in a new direction.

Contact: Anneka Gill a.gill@venson.com

Contact: Ashley Crookes Ashley.crookes@ogilvie.co.uk

Tel: 0208 339 1444 www.venson.com

SIMPLE is lots of car brands under one roof Volkswagen Group Leasing is a division of the Volkswagen Group – one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers and we’re here to make leasing simple. From simple funding to complete fleet management, we have a wide range of products and services to help make your life a little easier.

As well as offering the full range of Volkswagen vehicles including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we can also source any other manufacturer’s vehicle.

Our personal packages provide efficient administrative systems, sound management information and expert care to suit your individual business needs.

Contact: Tim Johnson vglenquiries@vwfs.co.uk www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk

Tel: 0870 333 2229

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

Approximately how many vehicles does your company operate?

Will you provide a bespokeInternet/Intrane t site for major clients?

Do you offer an open discloure/profit sharing option?

Do you offer bespoke total cost of ownership?

Do you offer integrated telematics solutions?

Do you offer an ECOS / ECOP scheme?

Do you have a dedicated phone-based facility for small fleets?

Do you offer an on-line solution for managing a grey fleet?

Do you offer a dedicated account management team?

Do you offer a salary sacrifice sheme?

Do you offer pooled mileage as standard?

Do you offer a fleet management option for non-funded vehicles?

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive

94k

Alliance Asset Management Ltd

+1.3k

-

-

-

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

41k

-

-

-

-

Fleet Alliance Limited

11k

-

-

-

JCT600 Contracts Ltd

7k

-

Offer credit mileage

Leasedrive Group

38k

-

-

270k

-

Marshall Leasing

6k

Open Disclosure only

-

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd

10.5k

Broker

-

-

-

-

-

2k

-

Venson Automotive Solutions

11.5k

-

Volkswagen Group Leasing

70k+

-

-

-

-

-

Key to services

-

Service provided

Service unavailable

Lex Autolease

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Ltd sgfleet

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

VAN

October 2013

FLEETW RLD

at a glance Ford Transit Custom Sport

High horsepower and a sporty image won’t appeal to everyone, but for those looking for the ultimate mid-size van, the Transit Custom Sport is one of the best we’ve driven. p74

Updates from a month in fleet

Mercedes-Benz is planning aggressive growth in the UK van market with the Sprinter leading the way

fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Ford raises the roof

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

Cool deliveries from Nissan

A

high roof option offering 20% greater load volume will add £500 to the price of Ford’s Transit Custom.

The steel roof, which is available on both short and long wheelbase models, can be used with a roof rack with a maximum load of 100kg, unlike many composite competitors.

The high roof models are 370mm taller than standard Transit Customs, with an internal floor to roof height of 1.78m.

Maximum load volume, for a long wheelbase van with a full height bulkhead, is 8.3m3. Tie-down hooks have been relocated on the body sides to increase the useable load area and a load through hatch in the steel bulkhead allows pipes and ladders up to 3.4m long to be carried within the long wheelbase model.

Orders for the high roof models are open now, with initial UK deliveries due later in the year.

FIN fleet in numbers

BlueMotion Caddy Volkswagen is to introduce a full BlueMotion version of the Caddy van. Based around the short wheelbase model with a 102hp 1.6-litre diesel engine, the Caddy BlueMotion has revised engine software, start/stop, low rolling resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration, a 27mm lower ride height and a number of aerodynamic tweaks.

The result is a claimed fuel figure of up to 62.8mpg, with a CO2 rating of 117g/km. That is a 6mpg improvement on a BlueMotion Technology Caddy and a full 12mpg improvement over the standard 1.6-litre van. Prices will be announced nearer to the on-sale date of Q1 in 2014.

£9k

Saving per vehicle that SME Fruit 4 London is set to achieve by going 100% electric, as identified in the Plugged-in Fleets Initiative.

SOURCE: Energy Saving Trust

Nissan has added a refrigerated van to its NV200 conversion line-up. Priced at £19,375, the NV200 Fridge comes with a full three-year Nissan warranty. The conversion, by specialist Gruau, provides refrigeration down to O degrees C throughout the 2.2m3 load space.

A compact Carrier cooling unit is fitted on the roof of the vehicle and combined with the insulated cell adds just 215kg to the base van’s unladen weight. Twin opening rear doors are standard and a sliding side door is available for an additional £300. The van is available with an overnight standby feature whereby the fridge can be plugged into a 230V socket to ensure the contents are kept cold.

VW shows concept electric van Volkswagen’s e-load up! concept, despite its rather unusual name, points the way to a possible urban delivery van of the future. Unveiled at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the electrically-powered light commercial is just 3.54m long, yet boasts more than 1m3 of load volume.

Maximum payload is just 306kg, but VW insists that would be enough for local parcel or food deliveries.

VW says that the compact load up! van could alternatively be ordered with a petrol engine or a natural gas motor, already available in the up! car.

Nearly 10% Percentage reduction in Environment Agency’s fleet CO2 emissions in the last year thanks to the use of smarter working and the latest engine technologies.

SOURCE: Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

3.1%

Rise in UK car manufacturing year to date, following 16.2% rise in August.

SOURCE: SMMT

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

We go the extra mile for our customers.

So Sky can go the extra mile for theirs.

Our service promise is just one of the reasons Sky chose us as their fleet partner.

As our partner, you can count on a certain standard of service, no matter what size your fleet. Our business understands the demands of yours. Which is why we work around your schedule, so you can reach us when it’s most convenient. It’s also why we offer to collect and deliver your vans when they’re due a service. And if courtesy vehicles are required, we’ll happily arrange that too.

Find out how we can work together at volkswagen-vans.co.uk/fleet or call us on 0800 808 9998.

89g/km Corsavan

126g/km Combo

174g/km Vivaro

199g/km Movano

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Wheels of Business

*CO 2 emission figures quoted are the lowest in each model range. ^Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm excluding Bank Holidays.

MINDED

BUSINESS FRIENDLY

There’s an ecoFLEX model for every van in the Vauxhall line-up.* So everyone can enjoy the real commercial benefits that lower fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions bring.

Our ecoFLEX range has won the prestigious What Van? 2013 Green Award, while the Vivaro picked up the 2012 MPG Marathon Award for delivering the most improved† miles per gallon.

Which is good news for your business.

Vivaro ecoFLEX†

To find out more, please visit your local Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Retailer, call Vauxhall Fleet on 0870 010 0651^ or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

All calls may be recorded or monitored for quality and/or training purposes. †Fleet World MPG Marathon 2012.

Ford Transit Custom Sport It may not be a mainstream fleet choice, but it could be the best Transit Custom yet, says Dan Gilkes.

F

ord’s Transit Custom has collected an enviable cabinet of trophies over the last year, including International Van of the Year. As Custom continues to filter through to the market, the company has been adding models, with the ECOnetic variants and Sport Van arriving in the summer and a high roof version due by the end of the year.

Aimed primarily at owner drivers and image-conscious fleets, the Custom Sport follows Ford’s tried and tested policy of concentrating on styling more than a change to performance. That said, the van is based on a short wheelbase 290 Custom with the most powerful version of the 2.2-litre TDCi engine, delivering 155hp and a useful 385Nm of torque, so is not short of motive force.

Despite riding on 18” alloy wheels with low profile rubber, the van maintains a 1,075kg payload and the full 5.95m 3 load volume. The sliding side door is standard, as is the full steel bulkhead, which helps to keep noise levels commendably low in the cab. More surprisingly though, it also maintains a really comfortable ride quality, in combination with assured handling and road holding.

The Sport builds upon the already high trim level of the Custom Limited van, adding part-leather seat trim, the high series instrument cluster with an extensive trip computer, a rear-view camera with Trailer Hitch Assist and a monitor in the rear view mirror, plus Ford’s Lane Keeping Alert with Driver Alert systems.

Lane Keeping Alert automatically detects

74 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think High horsepower and a sporty image won’t appeal to everyone, but for those looking for the ultimate mid-size van, the Transit Custom Sport is one of the best we’ve driven.

specification MODEL

Ford Transit Custom Sport 290 SWB £25,445 4-cyl/2,179cc Common-rail 155hp @ 3,500rpm 385Nm @ 1,600rpm

BASIC PRICE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION POWER TORQUE Weights (kg) GVW 2,900 KERB WEIGHT 1,825 PAYLOAD 1,075 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,555 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,775 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,406 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 534 LOAD VOLUME 5.95m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres COMBINED MPG & CO2 40.4mpg/186g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles

when you move over the white markings of your lane without indicating, gently vibrating the steering wheel and turning the lane graphic in the dash from green to red. The rear-view camera is by far the most valuable system on offer though, working with the standard front and rear parking sensors to allow easy parking in the tightest of spaces.

If the decision to buy is based around image, then the Sport certainly has visual impact. Front and rear lower bumper spoilers, body coloured side skirts, wheel arch extensions and front fog lights all contribute to the sporty feel. You can delete the stripes on the bonnet if you prefer and there is a wider choice of colours available this time around.

In the cab the Custom Sport has one of the best driving environments on the market. While it doesn’t have quite as many storage cubbies and boxes as previous Transit models, it is easy to find somewhere to put everything on a daily basis. A lift-up passenger seat squab provides storage away from prying eyes for laptops and other valuable items.

Our test van came with an integrated satnav (£690), completing possibly the most extensive specification available on an LCV today. You really want for nothing in the Sport, though with a list price of £25,445 before the VAT you would hope so too.

However, with mid-30s fuel economy (claimed 40.4mpg), two year/30,000 mile servicing and a 100,000 mile warranty, the running costs shouldn’t be too far from the standard van.

A TOUGH TRUCK THAT MEANS BUSINESS

Pick up 3.5 tonnes* of pulling power with the all new Isuzu D-Max. With maximum power and class-leading towing, this pick-up has all the drive you need. Built, sold and used by professionals it’s tough, hardworking and dependable – and you don’t have to break a sweat to get hold of it, making it perfect for your business.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ISUZU FLEET SERVICES JUST CALL 01908 579555 OR VISIT ISUZU.CO.UK/FLEETSERVICES

FLEET SERVICES

*4x2 Single cab 2.5 tonnes. †5 year/125,000 mile (whichever comes first) warranty applies to all new Isuzu D-Max models. Terms and conditions apply. See isuzu.co.uk for details.

TELEMATICS DriveCam

Video reduces risk Camera systems seem to be gaining in popularity with a new entrant from the US introducing new thinking, as John Kendall reports.

I

n-vehicle camera recorders are one of the tools that leet managers have at their disposal to help improve driver behaviour and with it, reduce injury and damage, as well as fuel consumption. Cameras can also be used for security monitoring. Many of the systems are passive in that they record video, usually forward facing, from a camera mounted behind the windscreen. Video images are then frequently recorded on a card, which can either be removed for later analysis, or the system may have a modem to permit uploading of the images. The system may over-write data, recording continuously, including normal driving events. Just as telematics systems can transmit data from a number of vehicle sensors, they can also transmit video data from a number of cameras mounted on board a vehicle.

DriveCam is based in San Diego California, in the US and a few months ago, the company opened an office in London to expand its operations in the UK and Europe. The London office is managed by Paul Jones, vice president and general manager, UK operations.

76 / fleetworld.co.uk

The company offers a camera system which only records when the system is triggered. This occurs automatically when on-board sensors record excessive acceleration, deceleration or cornering forces. The driver can also trigger the system manually, for instance to show when access to a location was barred by a locked gate. In an impact, the system will record the impact forces.

The system incorporates a forward facing camera, which records a 131-degree horizontal view and a 152-degree vertical view in front of the vehicle. In addition, the DriveCam system comes with an in-cab lens which will record events inside the vehicle, including driver behaviour and what may be visible through the rear and side windows. The system will record for 12 seconds after it is triggered, designed to capture the eight seconds before and four seconds after an event. This means that the leet manager does not need to keep hours of video footage, but only the seconds where the system has detected risky behaviour, or evidence from an accident.

The recorded material is uploaded in a secure, encrypted format, via the

Vodafone mobile network in Europe, to DriveCam’s Analysis Centre. The data is then analysed by experts and risky driving events are notified to fleet managers. The events can then be discussed with the driver and appropriate driver training can be given, if necessary.

In an accident, the fleet manager also has video evidence of what was happening in front of the vehicle and inside it in the seconds before the accident.

The system does not permit camera monitoring in real time, so driver’s need not worry that the system is being used to “spy” on them.

The video database has given DriveCam the opportunity to analyse many driving events, using trained analysts.

The information is then used to predict driver behaviour and identify drivers most at risk of accidents before they happen. DriveCam claims it can reduce collisions by up to 75%. All video material is password protected, so can only be viewed by those authorised to view it.

In addition to this, the DriveCam system will give real time feedback to the driver in the vehicle to help them improve their driving.

The system can be integrated with fleet tracking and fuel management to extend its fleet appeal.

Cobra’s Global Live system is designed to deal with vehicle security issues, rather than driver behaviour.

Cobra says that up to 16 cameras can be mounted in a van, including an in-cab forward facing camera for accident monitoring purposes. If a vehicle were involved in an accident, footage of the event would be available and may help to avoid a conviction for the driver. Both the interior and exterior of the vehicle can be monitored by using multiple cameras. The images can be monitored remotely for 24 hours a day if needed.

Cobra says that earlier this year, video evidence from a dash-mounted camera was used to help convict a gang who deliberately drove into a van in an attempt to make a fraudulent insurance claim.

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Agriculture

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

VAN

Does your system provide a workshop management module?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your system integrate with external parties such as telematics, fuel providers etc?

Does your system provide variable access/security levels?

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

Does your system have any special risk management features?

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

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

Do you provide full support & Maintenance cover?

Does your system provide a dash board reporting function?

Does your system provide Driver Licence Checking?

Does your system support PDA/Phone devices?

Is your system web based?

FLEETW RLD

Civica UK Ltd

-

Drive Software Solutions

Jaama Ltd

Mycompanyfleet

Teletrac

-

-

-

-

Key to services

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

Civica UK Ltd Civica’s Tranman fleet software helps you to control costs, manage compliance and improve operational efficiency.

With a track record of over 25 years in the sector, the Tranman software is proven to enable fleet managers to achieve cost and utilisation savings through improved management information and analysis. The resulting benefits include; reduced fleet and whole life operating costs, improved accident and risk management, better control over fuel usage, increased workshop productivity, minimised vehicle downtime and reduced stock holding.

Tranman customers save money, find out how.

Contact: Jon Roberts tranman@civica.co.uk www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Tel: 01454 874002

Jaama Ltd Jaama's market leading, multi award winning Key2 Vehicle Management system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering all aspects of owning, leasing, hiring, maintaining, repairing, running and disposing of cars, vans, commercial vehicles, plant and asset related equipment. As the first accredited software supplier for the FTA's Van Excellence Scheme, Jaama is committed to raising standards and providing practical solutions to van fleet operators.

Specific modules include defect management; ensuring compliance to VOSA recommendations, electronic driver services; a repository for fleet information allowing drivers to submit expense claims online, and driver quotes; allowing company car and van drivers data to compile their optimum vehicle solutions within pre-set grades and company specified requirements. Developed in conjunction with leading vehicle operators Jaama have invested heavily to develop a new breed of vehicle management software. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA.

Contact: Ellie Whiten sales@jaama.co.uk

78 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commercial Vehicle Mobility is on the Move.

At Alphabet we’re always developing new, more efficient ways of operating van fleets.

It’s all part of our vision for the future of commercial vehicle mobility.

Existing forms of fleet management underpin this vision. But there’s certainly more to come.

Van operators are under mounting pressure to condense costs, reduce fuel bills, comply with health and safety law, increase efficiency and maximise their fleet’s productivity.

Whether it’s a car-derived van or something more specialist, you need a safe pair of hands – and that’s what our dedicated commercial vehicle team offer.

Find out more:

Tel: 0870 50 50 100 Email: alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

FEATURE Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Sprinter heads for silver Mercedes-Benz is planning aggressive growth in the UK van market, with the latest Euro 6 Sprinter leading the way. National fleet sales manager, Andrew Lawson, talks to Dan Gilkes.

‘We have a strategy to grow our volume, both new and used. We want to be number two by 2016, so we are aspiring to substantially increase our van sales,’ says Lawson.

Mercedes-Benz will sell around 20,000 Sprinter vans and chassis cabs in the UK this year, from a total LCV volume of closer to 30,000 vans, including Vito and Citan.

So far this year the order uptake has grown rapidly and Sprinter registrations are up 7.8%, against a van market that was up 6.5% year on year by early September.

Bear in mind that result has been achieved with an outgoing van, as the updated Sprinter complete with Euro 6 engines is only now hitting dealer showrooms.

While the Euro 6 driveline, with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and an AdBlue additive, might grab the headlines, few customers are expected to make the change instantly. Mercedes will offer all 2.1-litre four-cylinder engines in Sprinter in both Euro 5 and Euro 6 specification, only making Euro 6 standard on the 3.0-litre V6.

With no major fuel benefit from Euro 6, a premium of around £1,120, plus the added 34kg of AdBlue tank and fluid reducing the van’s payload, there is little financial incentive to change early,

although there will always be those fleets that want to be seen as green. Lawson believes that around 10% of Sprinter orders will be for the new engines.

For those not so keen to sign up early, the Euro 5 models have also been improved, with what Mercedes now calls a Euro 5b driveline. This contributes to an average 7% fuel saving compared to the previous model, with Blue Ef iciency vans 6% better than that. While much of that improvement is down to the driveline, a 30mm reduction in ride height is said to account for 2% of the economy boost.

Driveline aside, the new Sprinter continues to major on safety, much as the previous models pushed safety systems such as ESP. A new system called Crosswind Assist will be standard on all panel vans, while Collision Prevention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Assist all join the options list. Bluetooth also becomes standard on the new van and Mercedes will offer a Becker Map Pilot satellite navigation option on Sprinter for £700, considerably less than its own COMAND system.

While it is doubtful that many customers will be ticking all the boxes, there are plenty who trust the Mercedes safety message.

‘We secured our business with construction company Balfour Beatty on the safety of the vehicle,’ said Lawson.

‘Additional safety equipment improves resale value too.’

This is becoming an increasingly important point, as the company and its dealers are taking greater interest in pre-owned vans.

‘There are definitely some fleets that we are targeting that have a used vehicle policy. So our dealer network is very focused on used vehicles,’ he says.

‘We see more and more companies reducing their length of ownership and we are actively recycling to get good used vans. Mercedes-Benz Finance is an integral part of what we do, and that includes used vehicles.’

The dealers are also being encouraged to prepare for sales growth, to cope with Mercedes’ ambitious van plans. Mercedes-Benz currently has 21 franchised dealers with 98 outlets. Don’t be surprised to see that number rise and the LCV offer increase in visibility, as we move towards 2016.

‘We want to be number two and we need to ask our dealers to handle the projected growth too,’ says Lawson.

LCV VOLUME Mercedes-Benz will sell around 20,000 Sprinter vans and chassis cabs in the UK this year.

80 / fleetworld.co.uk

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD auctions & remarketing

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

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

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

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

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.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

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk daily rental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apex Van Rental Tel: 01323 745444

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

www.apexrental.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

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

UKVANLEASING

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.co.uk

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

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

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

Lex Autolease

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk risk management

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

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

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

fuel management

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

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

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

Flettner Ventilator Ltd Tel: 020 8200 2321 www.flettner.co.uk Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

fast-fits & tyres

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 81

ontheroad Recycling, the council and an argument over what is, or isn’t, a commercial vehicle.

Anthony Ffrench-Constant explains.

I

f, like me, you have been led by sundry children’s motoring programmes to believe that, when it comes to practicality, flexibility and all-round indestructibility, the Toyota Hilux pick-up is the absolute bee’s knees then I am, sadly, about to wee on your firework.

Entirely won over by the threat of an endless supply of Desperate Dan pies, I recently succumbed to the missus’ request for a freezer in the outside shed. Not, you understand, the sort of chest freezer in which one might conceal an aged relative whose last words were: ‘What are doing with that hammer?’, but something of more modest size.

This, nonetheless, still necessitated what those in my family heading for the smallest room in the house (and old enough to remember the January sale advertising) know as a “Queensway” – a massive clearance.

Happily, said shed clear-out coincided with the presence on the drive of a spanking double-cab Hilux, into the flat bed of which I ruthlessly lobbed everything I could find that failed the six month test (use it or lose it); an old door, a disassembled cot, rafts of tired, sun-bleached plastic toys, dog-chewed booster seats, wok-sized spiders, enough diverse paint to turn the Titanic’s funnels psychedelic…

By the time my neighbours all got wind of my impending tip excursion, the hapless Hilux’s leaf springs were working harder than a longbow at Agincourt. Still, small price to pay for fulfilling the recycling needs of an entire lane.

Now, our local Mudfordshire “Household Waste Recycling Centre” used to be just an old stove’s throw away.

Sadly, and just an unfortunate coincidence no doubt, the tip closed the instant our local MP became Prime Minister.

Absurdly, its local replacement may never open. In a hilarious and all too predictable display of bureaucratic

By the time my neighbours all got wind of my impending tip excursion, the hapless Hilux’s leaf springs were working harder than a longbow at Agincourt.

82 / fleetworld.co.uk

pomposity, incompetence and general snit, our local town and county councils cannot agree on the amount the latter should pay the former for access to the potential site.

As a result, my two nearest tips are both sufficiently distant to require the construction of a packed lunch.

The nearer is actually in another county so, strictly speaking, is off limits to Mudfordshire residents. But it never came to that.

‘Sorry,’ came the cheery greeting as I pulled up. ‘You can’t bring that in here, it’s a commercial vehicle.’

‘No it isn’t,’ I spluttered. ‘It belongs to Toyota, and I borrowed it specifically to bring all this stuff to the tip.

Besides, I know loads of people who own these because they so practical, flexib…’

‘That’s as maybe. But if you want to bring it in here you’ll have to apply for an annual permit.’

‘But it goes back tomorrow, and I’ll probably never see it again,’ I griped. ‘What good is an annual p…’

‘And that’s paint,’ came the riposte. ‘We don’t take paint.

You’ll have to go to Leamington Spa and put it on a weighbridge. Might cost you a bit. Now, if you had an old freezer on that lot I could take it as general household waste.’

‘It is general household waste. And I’m getting rid of it to make way for a new freezer, for Christ’s sake.’

And so the morning wore amicably on. To accompany the flea in my ear, I was given a leaflet explaining that the new permit scheme was designed to tackle the “illegal disposal of trade waste” and “increase recycling”. Oh really?

The only truth in the entire sorry tale is that the scheme is also “helping to reduce congestion”. Because unless you can fit that old Welsh dresser into a small family hatchback, you’re unlikely to be allowed anywhere near the site.

My point is this: why should car manufacturers spend a fortune on painstaking engineering advances to inch fuel consumption and emissions ever lower whilst numbskull bureaucrats simultaneously engineer ever longer, costlier and potentially fruitless journeys for those of us who merely wish to offload the occasional dead door?

No wonder so many owners of the suddenly surprisingly useless Toyota Hilux simply lob their household detritus into the nearest hedgerow.

Civic 1.6 diesel Where performance meets economy The Civic 1.6 diesel is a sleek, performance driven car, with efficient running costs to match. Powered by Earth Dreams technology, the Civic combines power and practicality, to satisfy your driver’s heads and hearts.

• Class leading 1.6 diesel engine • Low fuel costs at 78.5 mpg • 94 g/km CO 2 • Zero VED • BIK rate from 13% • Insurance group from 15E Engine PS

CO2 Emissions Combined (g/km) mpg

BIK (%)

Monthly BIK @ 20%

Monthly BIK @ 40%

Honda Civic 1.6 Diesel SE

120

94

78.5

13%

£43

£85

Volkswagen Golf (1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr)

105

99

74.3

14%

£46

£92

Ford Focus (1.6 TDCi Zetec ECOnetic 5dr)

105

99

76.4

14%

£43

£87

Vauxhall Astra (1.7 CDTi 16V ecoFLEX Exclusiv 5dr)

110

99

76.3

14%

£47

£94

Fuel consumption figures for the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 70.6 (4.0), Extra Urban 85.6 (3.3), Combined 78.5 (3.6). CO 2 emissions: 94g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience.

Powered by

honda.co.uk/cars/earthdreams

Model shown: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE Manual in optional White Orchid Pearl at £20,075 On The Road. Disclaimer: CAP Motor Research Ltd (CAP) and Honda Motor Europe Limited trading as Honda (UK) (HUK) has exercised all reasonable care and skill in producing their New Vehicle Data, Future Residual Value & SMR products. CAP gathers its information from independent sources within the motor trade, unconnected with CAP and HUK, and as a result can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information passed on. Furthermore, information on valuations supplied are intended as a guide only to current market values; they cannot be considered in any way a substitute for a full and detailed inspection of any vehicle. Accordingly, neither CAP, nor HUK nor any of its offi cers, agents or representatives shall be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any direct, indirect or consequential liabilities or losses incurred by any persons having access to the information given.

Less fuel in.

More miles out.

Go further with the new Honda engine 62.8 mpg in a CR-V. Visit Honda.co.uk/corporate to find out more about the Honda fleet range.

Fuel consumption figures for the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE/ CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S in mpg (l/100km): Urban 70.6/58.9 (4.0/4.8), Extra Urban 85.6/65.7 (3.3/4.3), Combined 78.5/62.8 (3.6/4.5). CO2 emissions: 94/119g/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.

Models shown: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE in optional White Orchid Pearl and CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S in optional Passion Red Pearl.