Fleet World October 2015

October October2015 2015

FLEETW RLD All All that that matters matters in in the the world world of of fleet fleet

NEW ASTRA

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY

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Striking new exterior and interior design From only 82g/km* Inspired in-car connectivity with OnStar Stunningly low P11D prices

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CO2NNECTED to your budget Emitting just 82g/km*, New Astra’s sophisticated engines help deliver class-leading Whole Life Costs.

CO2NNECTED

CO2NNECTED to the road Weighing in at up to 200kg less than its top-selling predecessor, New Astra brings even better handling, performance and economy. Its inspired lightweight body design is aerodynamic and fuel efficient, allowing it to be more compact on the outside but with more space and comfort on the inside.

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05/10/2015 20:13 Page 1

October 2015

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Behind the wheel of Vauxhall’s impressive new Astra.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Day in the life... of Crackers Patel of RAC.

What next for Volkswagen?

Analysis: The emissions scandal and what it means for UK fleets

Driven

Frankfurt special

The Fast Show

Vauxhall Astra Mercedes A-Class BMW 3 Series Audi A4

Top executives interviewed about their 2016 fleet plans

How innovations in fast-fits are minimising downtime

Friday 23rd October 2015 ArenaMK

FLEETW RLD

Register for the show at...

vanfleetworldlive.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

42 The stars of Frankfurt and what the UK executives had to say at the show.

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

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This month’s spotlight falls on New Megane.

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

Published by

60 How the emissions scandal could affect the fleet industry.

64 How fast-fit companies are minimising fleet downtime

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

VAN FLEETW RLD

77 DRIVEN: Iveco Eurocargo, Citroen Berlingo, Transit Tipper, VW Caddy.

SWOT: VW Transporter.

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fleetworld.co.uk / 03

Future nology avoid what e mean

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody offers some thoughts on the Volkswagen emissions scandal...

Remember where we’ve come from As we went to press, the MPG Marathon has just finished. In it (and I won’t spoil the results ahead of next month’s issue!), a fleet favourite of the mid-nineties, driven expertly, managed 42mpg. The fuel economy of the equivalent version from 2015, also competing in the event, was almost exactly twice that.

Add in the fact that cars are bigger, safer, more reliable, faster and packed full of more comfort features and it is remarkable to think how far they have come in two decades. All the while, carmakers have been under huge pressure from legislators and governments to reduce emissions and fuel economy.

Before anyone gets too high on their horse about the duplicity of VW Group or any other manufacturer, has any other industry made such incredible strides in that time?

Be careful what you wish for...

The testing procedure doesn’t produce efficiency results that the average driver can replicate in everyday driving, and is not fit for purpose. The caveat to that is the average driver doesn’t have a clue how to drive efficiently – a combination of their own lack of technical understanding, ability and extraneous conditions (weather, traffic etc).

This scandal has accelerated the move to a test with more ‘realistic’ figures. Let’s just hope the Government realigns its tax bands accordingly, because otherwise businesses and their drivers are going to be paying a lot more money out, yet fuel cost won’t have changed one iota…

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That this has happened to Volkswagen is mindboggling...

As a corporate entity, the Volkswagen Group is risk averse, conservative and comfortingly predictable. This is what has made it such a roaring success. That, on some level not yet ascertained, a number of people within the organisation were engaged in this activity is mind-boggling, and hugely unrepresentative of the way the group usually operates.

The cars you are running today are the same as yesterday’s cars...

The reason VWG has been so successful in fleet is that year after year their cars and vans deliver. That hasn’t changed. If those cars were doing the job for you yesterday, last month, last year, they will tomorrow, and in the future.

VWG RV prediction...

It’s what everyone in fleet is talking about. My prediction for what it’s worth (not much!) is that Volkswagen product RVs will stabilise quickly. The mindset of a used buyer is: “Ooo, there’s a bargain to be had with VW cars – let’s go and hammer out a deal.”

Demand will increase, and prices will firm up too.

Emissions: what’s really causing the problem?

In London, the poorest boroughs (and Oxford Street) have the worst air quality, according to research. They are not full of three-year-old, ‘cheating’ Volkswagens. They are full of old, often idling, buses, knackered taxis, vans and bangers…

fleetworld.co.uk

Ford NEWS

inbrief Efficiency gains for new Ranger

Mondeo debuts premium Vignale range THE new Ford Mondeo Vignale is the first model in a new range of upscale Ford Vignale vehicles hand-finished using the latest technology to support 100 additional quality checks.

Ford Mondeo Vignale delivers superior refinement, with the European debut of Ford’s Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced sound insulation and integral link rear suspension.

Its premium specification includes Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent AllWheel Drive, and high power bi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi and hybrid powertrains.

Contemporary design cues – with tuxedo-stitched quilted leather – are influenced by iconic coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, and mirror the latest trends in architecture and fashion.

The Ford Mondeo Vignale offers sophisticated driver assistance technologies and equipment. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether. Also available are: • SYNC 2 enables drivers to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems using simple conversational language • Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to detect and reverse hands-free into parking spaces • Traffic Sign Recognition provides the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking restrictions • Active City Stop will apply automatic braking to mitigate or avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead at speeds of up to 25 mph • Ford Dynamic LED headlights Comfort and convenience are further enhanced for drivers with features including a power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, power tailgate and heated steering wheel.

Advanced Mondeo Hybrid delivers 99g/km CO2 THE all-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid achieves 67.3mpg combined, 100.9mpg urban and 99g/km CO2 emissions by using a combination of a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

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

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

Ford News Feature // 05

FORD’S tough new Ford Ranger pickup, on sale from late 2015, offers outstanding fuel economy, with a more efficient powertrain range – enhanced by Auto-Start-Stop technology, new final drive ratio options and the introduction of Electric Power Assisted Steering – delivering reductions in fuel consumption of up to 20 per cent, depending on axle chosen.

The improved diesel line-up features a 160PS variant of Ford’s latest 2.2-litre TDCi engine – delivering increased output compared to the 125PS and 150PS engines in the outgoing model – and the powerful 200PS five-cylinder 3.2-litre TDCi unit. Both sixspeed manual and automatic transmissions are available, and customers can select fourwheel drive and two-wheel drive variants.

All variants achieve significantly improved fuel efficiency, with the 160PS model offering 43.5 mpg and 171g/km CO2 emissions – down from 36.2 mpg and 206g/km CO2 in the outgoing model.

The new Ford Ranger will wade through water up to 800mm deep, and has 299mm of ground clearance, with a 28degree approach and 25-degree departure angle.

The World of Fleet

The Great Fuel Duel...

Dozens of competitors took part in this year's MPG Marathon, in partnership with Barclaycard Fuel+ in association with TMC, which took place in glorious autumnal sunshine in the Cotswolds.

Proving that you can beat combined ďŹ gures in the real world, the results were even more astonishing than ever, with three cars averaging more than 100mpg.

See next month’s issue for the full story.

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 07

GO WITH YOUR GUT. THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN – ARRIVES OCTOBER. With a striking exterior, unique interior features, satellite navigation and Bluetooth® as standard, the new MINI Clubman is set to cause a stir in a new market segment for MINI. A range of advanced TwinPower Turbo petrol and diesel engines offer competitive fuel economy of up to 68.9mpg (combined), CO2 emissions from 109g/km, and a BIK rate starting at just 19%.

Go with your gut and find out more. Visit www.newminiclubman.co.uk or call 01252 920800 to book a fleet demo.

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Clubman Range: Urban 35.3-60.1 mpg (8-4.7 l/100km). Extra Urban 52.3-76.3 mpg (5.4-3.7 l/100km). Combined 44.8-68.9 mpg (6.3-4.1 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 147-109 g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

inbusiness

Government ponders urban charge for diesel fleets leets could face restrictions on diesel car use in city centres under new Government plans to tackle nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions in the UK. Announced by Defra, the plans have been published for consultation and are intended to help bring the UK into compliance with limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in a number of areas by 2020 and in London by 2025. Defra said the plans targeted major cities such as London, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton and Derby, with drivers possibly facing a £12.50 charge to enter them.

The plans ask local authorities who are facing particular challenges to look at further action such as creating Clean Air Zones, introducing low emission buses and taxis, and using data to inform new road layouts. Defra added: “Clean Air Zones, in particular, can be a local focal point for action to enhance public transport and accelerate electrification of buses, taxis, vans and cars, to increase both local uptake and support national ambition.”

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “Tackling air pollution is a priority for this Government, and we want local authorities and members of the public to come forward and share ideas on action to be taken at local level to make our nation cleaner. From improving bus and taxi fleets to investing in cycling infrastructure and upgrading roads so they run more smoothly, we want to work with our great cities and help them make changes to become greater still.”

In response, RAC Business spokesman Simon Peevers said: “Banning cars from towns and city centres is potentially damaging for businesses, especially without any clear guidance on long-term solutions.”

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Defra’s urban clean air options Charging diesel car users to enter zones Networks of electric car charging points Introducing low emission buses and taxis or converting fleets Upgrading cycling infrastructure Introducing or expanding park and ride schemes

High-tech new Renault Megane targets user-chooser growth

he new Renault Megane is targeting class-above technology levels as it looks to increase its true fleet appeal alongside a three-strong family of crossovers in the UK. Deliveries will begin next summer, and Renault UK managing director, Ken Ramirez, said the Megane will position itself to attract downsizers with its tablet-style touchscreen, significantly increased interior space and sharper design, while also offering CO2 emissions from 86g/km, up to 86mpg and a targeted rise in residual values. A mild hybrid is due in 2017, which will take the car over 90mpg, Ramirez added.

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As well as access to discounted diesel at 1,780 sites, part of the UK’s largest fuel network of 7,600 fuel sites, you’ll also benefit from the security of Chip & PIN technology. Choose to use your card just for fuel or enhance your card with the ability to pay for glass repair and replacement, M6 Toll, servicing, roadside repair, tyres and much more, whilst enjoying significant savings. What’s more, because all transactions are on one, consolidated, HMRC compliant invoice, you’ll be able to dramatically reduce your administrative burden.

To find out more about how to shape your One world, call us today on 0845 619 6322 or visit www.allstarcard.co.uk

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inbusiness

Kia aims to quadruple Optima sales with wider range ia is aiming to quadruple UK sales of the Optima, helped by a broader engine range, performance versions and a wagon bodystyle in Europe, as it joins new cee’d and Sportage models both aiming for fleet and retail growth.

The second-generation Optima launches in Q4 of this year with a similar range to its predecessor – comprising a 1.7litre diesel engine and saloon bodystyle. In mid-2016 Kia will add a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and an estate version, previewed by the Sportspace concept car shown earlier this year, as well as a 245bhp GT model, aiming to align it more closely with European tastes.

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President and CEO of Kia Motors UK, Paul Philpott said: “With the new 1.7 sedan which goes on sale in January, we’re looking to maintain our sales at about 1,000 a year as an annual sales pace. Once we get the broader range of offering, wagon, GT and then the alternative powertrains as well we’re looking to increase our annual sales to 4,000 units.”

For more Frankfurt Motor Show news, turn to page 42

New solution to help fleets optimise business car pooling

Fleet insurance broker launches risk management solution

beeqo, a French start-up specialising in car-sharing, has launched its Bettercar proposition in the UK to provide fleets with a tool to optimise business car pooling.

Already in use by key brands in Europe, including Airbus, Bosch, L’Oreal, Michelin and Societe Generale, the solution is said to have achieved significant savings of up to 38% for clients.

Benoit Chatelier, founder of Ubeeqo, said: “We firmly believe this is a real step-change in business mobility, accessible to businesses of all sizes and supporting all levels of business travel requirements.”

edicated motor fleet insurance broker, Just Fleet has launched a risk management solution designed to help car and van operators to improve safety and reduce insurance costs.

The new offering follows the company’s decision to fit all vehicles with a 3G forward-facing accident camera and will enable fleets to identify areas of risk within the business and also gain from post-accident intervention to support client claims and gain added insight of events.

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While BlueHDi diesel engines deliver class-leading figures for CO2 and MPG and feature Stop Start functionality for added efficiency. For economy without compromise the New 208 is the business.

Visit business.peugeot.co.uk or call 0800 9548781 to discover the New Peugeot 208 re-energised.

Official Fuel Consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the New 208 Range are: Urban 40.4 (7.0) – 78.5 (3.6), Extra Urban 61.4 (4.6) – 104.6 (2.7), Combined 52.3 (5.4) – 94.2 (3.0) and CO2 125 – 79g/km.

MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Consumption figures provisional.

NEW PEUGEOT 208

inbusiness

Medical Schooling The Insider reckons the industry needs to learn to be more thorough on checking employee’s medical records. he Glasgow bin lorry crash, together with other similar cases that are now coming to light, is incredibly sad, and highlights a number of areas where the law is failing to protect employers. As a result I am re-evaluating our own company procedures. Even though our drivers aren’t in public service vehicles, or even large vehicles, the thought of any driver in our employment becoming semi or fully-unconscious behind the wheel, and running out of control, doesn’t bear thinking about. And although the moral standpoint is the key factor, the inevitable publicity surrounding such an event would hardly be good for business either.

I made this point to HR recently and received a response. “What must we do legally?” Surely this is no longer about what we must do legally, but what we should be doing to ensure the safety of our own employees, and members of the public? To be fair, they did follow up with “And what is best practice?”

On a non-vocational fleet – by which I mean where the employee drives in order to complete his job, but that driving per se isn’t his actual job – it has frequently been accepted that checking for a valid driving licence and perhaps undertaking some kind of practical assessment is the norm.

Although I’ll bet most companies aren’t doing the practical bit either. The company car policy will likely also cover self-declaring any medical conditions, although that’s probably slightly hidden away on page 25 or some such.

But the requirement for more detailed preemployment medical questioning has always been down to HR to check and really, it’s now looking a bit inadequate. HR will claim they are hamstrung by Section 60 of the Equality Act which says they may not ask very specific questions about an individual’s health but as I see it, if driving is an intrinsic part of the job – which it must be to allow the appli-

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cant to carry it out – then some questions would be fair; especially if couched in such a way that the employer needs to know in order to make any appropriate adjustments to help the employee.

It is also unacceptable for a reference from a previous employer to include any detrimental information about a potential employee, so we can glean nothing from them. And if DVLA state that it is an offence to give a false declaration about medical conditions affecting one’s ability to drive, carrying a potential two year prison sentence, yet are unwilling to prosecute when that happens, how are employers supposed to satisfy themselves? Congratulations DVLA, because with that confirmation that you won’t prosecute, in the face of plenty of incriminating evidence, you’ve just opened the floodgates to other unscrupulous characters knowing they can flout the law and get away with it.

I suspect the Glasgow scenario is not as unusual as we would hope and that, across the UK, there are already numerous employees protected by systems which don’t ask too many questions.

In an age where complete honesty is not seen as the best policy by many people, surely we owe it to our colleagues – who may be asked to travel with these people – and the public, to ensure we have done everything in our power to keep our roads safer. And if a position of trust is regularly being abused by those willing to make false declarations then I’d like some help in that direction with a change in the law which allows a more detailed line of questioning on medical issues, backed up by valid proof from a GP or company nominated practitioner.

This is not about feeling sorry for an individual who is unsuitable for a particular position in terms of their health. It’s about the safety of you and me, and all those to whom we owe a duty of care.

Sponsored feature

Top 10 reasons to fit Michelin CrossClimate tyres Wondering how Michelin’s new CrossClimate tyres – the first summer tyre with winter capabilities – can help your business? Michelin’s Head of Fleet, Andy Fern, explains: “CrossClimate tyres are Michelin’s most important product launch in a decade. The fitments are ideally suited to the UK’s unpredictable weather, and provide the benefits of a summer tyre for dry or wet braking, mileage potential and energy efficiency, married to the braking performance and traction of a winter tyre on cold and occasionally snow-covered roads.

“We’re confident that CrossClimate tyres are the right fit for the UK’s fleets – not only do they offer Michelin’s durability, longevity and on-road performance, they also offer peace of mind on safety and, crucially, help lighten the burden of fleet management. Here are my ‘top 10’ reasons to fit Michelin CrossClimate tyres.”

1: CROSSCLIMATE TYRES ARE PERFECTLY SUITED TO THE UK’S ERRATIC WEATHER

“Come rain or shine, when you’re a fleet operator, you need your vehicles on the road – but on the road safely – and that’s where CrossClimate tyres come in. The vertical and lateral waves of the tyres’ sipes give the tread blocks greater rigidity, benefiting longevity, steering precision and general dry road performance, while a new rubber compound enhances the tyre’s ability to match variation in road surfaces, helping to optimise grip in wet conditions.

“The CrossClimate’s self-blocking 3D sipes and V-shaped tread are also designed to provide traction in snow. The tyres have even been granted Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) certification, meaning they can be used in countries that require special winter equipment at clearly defined times of the year – and are therefore more than capable of handling the snowy weather that can turn Britain’s roads into car parks.”

2: MAXIMISE SAFETY AND MOBILITY WITH JUST ONE SET OF TYRES, ALL YEAR ROUND “By fitting CrossClimate tyres, you can maximise mobility and safety all

year round, while also enjoying the durability, longevity and low total cost of ownership inherent to every Michelin tyre. This in turn could cut the number of wheel interventions – reducing fitting costs and improving uptime.”

3: THERE’S NO NEED TO PAY FOR A ‘TYRE HOTEL’

“With CrossClimate, since you no longer need to switch between seasonal tyres, there’s no need to pay to store one set in a ‘tyre hotel’ during the off-season.”

4: SWITCHING OVER TO A CROSSCLIMATE POLICY IS EASY

“A CrossClimate policy is simple to adopt as you don’t have to replace all four tyres at the same time unless wear dictates – as you do when switching from regular summer to winter tyres, or vice versa. CrossClimate tyres can be fitted in pairs on a single axle, with the new tyres fitted at the rear.

“This makes switching to a CrossClimate policy both cheaper and far easier to organise – and considering fleet managers’ workloads, that’s a very good thing.

However, ideally – especially going into the winter to get the full winter performance benefit – it’s best to fit four tyres.”

5: ENJOY EXCELLENT MILEAGE PERFORMANCE

“An extensive testing programme has shown that CrossClimate tyres deliver at least the same excellent mileage performance as Michelin’s current summer tyres – and in some cases an improvement. This gives you the reassurance that a move to CrossClimate won’t see tyre life reduce.

However, if you currently fit winter tyres all year round, you will likely see a large improvement in wear rates.”

6: THERE’S NO NEED TO COMPROMISE ON BRAKING POWER OR FUEL EFFICIENCY

“Some 90 per cent of winter tyres sold in the UK aren’t removed during the summer. While it’s not unsafe to run on winter fitments all year round, using winter tyres in summer can have a negative impact on fuel efficiency, and they lack CrossClimate’s braking ability on hot days. By fitting CrossClimate tyres, you’ll no longer need to compromise – you’re covered, whatever the weather.”

7: CROSSCLIMATE TYRES TOP ‘ALL-SEASON’ COMPETITORS

“Tests carried out for European tyre labelling have shown that CrossClimate

tyres – as a summer tyre with winter capabilities – perform significantly better than competing brands’ ‘all-season’ fitments in terms of braking on wet roads. All-season fitments show ratings of between ‘C’ and ‘E’ for wet braking, while CrossClimate tyres have earned an ‘A’ rating under the same conditions.”

8: CROSSCLIMATE TYRES ARE ALREADY WIDELY AVAILABLE

“CrossClimate tyres are already available in 23 sizes, ranging from 15 to 17 inches and covering 70 per cent of cars and car-derived vans sold on the European market, as well as many leading makes of car-derived vans.

Additional fitments in these rim sizes, plus the first CrossClimate tyres for 14 and 18 inch rims are expected in 2016, while a specific fitment for SUVs is also in development.”

9: A SIMPLER RANGE, FOR MAXIMUM STOCK AVAILABILITY

“Michelin has introduced CrossClimate tyres with no more than two speed ratings for each tyre size. This makes finding stock in the relevant size easier when the time comes to replace tyre sets.”

10: WELL-RESPECTED FLEETS HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED CROSSCLIMATE “British Gas has adopted CrossClimate tyres as standard for its commercial vehicle fleet, trusting the Michelin tyre technology to keep its engineers safely mobile, even when the weather turns and overtaxed home boilers struggle to cope.“ For more information on Michelin’s CrossClimate tyre, go online to www.crossclimate.michelin.co.uk

CASE STUDY

Michelin CrossClimate cooking with British Gas Britain’s largest energy provider, British Gas, is to fit Michelin CrossClimate tyres to its fleet of 13,000 commercial vehicles.

Fleet Manager Colin Marriott tested the tyre at its launch event in Geneva, comparing the new technology to Michelin’s summer and winter ranges as well as some competitors’ all-season tyres.

He says: “I was impressed by the performance of the CrossClimate tyres. On dry roads there was absolutely no doubt they performed as well as Michelin’s summer tyres, and they outperformed the winter tyres and all-season tyres by some margin.”

He adds: “It was a very easy decision for us to fit these tyres, due to the quality of the product.”

The tyre was granted Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake approval after being evaluated by three independent European testing organisations – TÜV SÜD, Dekra Test Centre and UTAC, and has earned the top ‘A’ rating for wet braking on European tyre labels and ‘C’ for rolling resistance, with a noise rating of 68 decibels.

British Gas will be asking OEMs to supply CrossClimate tyres on its new vehicles where possible. All replacement tyres will be fitted by ATS Euromaster, which has already hailed the tyre as a ‘true game-changer’ for the UK fleet sector.

DAYIN THE LIFE..

Crackers Patel > lead patrol, RAC

Ready for action Crackers can deal with most issues at the roadside with his VW Caddy patrol van.

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FLEET BRIEFS ‘Crackers’ Patel, lead patrol for RAC, talks to Katie Beck about why there’s no such thing as an average shift and the importance of keeping up-to-date with the latest innovations.

A multifaceted role My role as lead patrol means that as well as attending customer call-outs in the field, I am the first point of contact for any day-to-day concerns that a member of my patrol might have. I have also been privileged to attend a number of formal events as a representative of the RAC, including a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and a meeting with the Prime Minister. This is an aspect of the job I never take for granted!

Working with fleets Everyone in London is in a rush to get from A to B and I am aware that fleet customer’s schedules are so tightly packed that if anything goes wrong with the car, it can throw a whole day out of sequence and lead to panic mode. This can make these call-outs more pressured. It’s a completely different dynamic with business customers than private motorists; often they’ll be on the phone or laptop when I arrive and will utilise every moment they have, whereas private motorists tend to be more relaxed.

The influence of new technology It used to be that a puncture would be the easiest problem to solve – you’d take the wheel off, put the new wheel on, and the motorist would be back on their way in a matter of minutes. Many new cars now have locking wheel nuts and so many people forget to carry the key with them, which instantly makes things trickier. A lot of manufacturers also now don’t supply spare wheels which makes the whole procedure so much more time consuming. All

Patrols are given ongoing training; this involves attending courses and doing extra reading to make sure our knowledge of the latest technologies and innovations is fully up-to-date.

Tooled up I carry a huge range of equipment in the back of my van and I take stock of what’s in there every year to check that tools have not been rendered obsolete by technological advancements. Space is at a premium so I need to make sure it’s used as effectively as possible; a mobile charging unit that can charge up a stricken EV at the roadside is a recent addition. With this carefully selected range of equipment I can deal with most call-outs in the field.

All walks of life I have been based with London patrols for more than 30 years now, and working in the Capital is totally unique. The part of my job I enjoy the most is the variety; from one call-out to the next I could be assisting a barrister, a mother, a couple on holiday… when you’re in that situation one-to-one with them, you can have some really interesting conversations and learn lots of new things about all walks of life. For me, my job is all about trying to make a stressful situation as comfortable as possible so that the client can get on with their day with minimal fuss. Making eye contact and really listening is so simple, but it can make such a difference. Some clients can be challenging and in those situations it’s all about finding compromises and the best possible alternatives if their demands are unreasonable. No two shifts are ever the same, and I love that!

AutoWindscreens buys AA AutoWindshields Auto Windscreens has announced that the deal to purchase AA AutoWindshields has completed.

The agreement sees AA AutoWindshields’ Preston offices and its 200 staff and technicians integrated with Auto Windscreens. In addition, under a 10-year partnership arrangement, the AA will continue to use Auto Windscreens to deliver glass repair and replacement services for AA members, businessto-business and insurance customers.

Speeding still top offence Speeding is still the biggest motoringrelated offence where the defendant is found guilty, with the numbers having risen over the last 12 months, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Figures obtained by the IAM show that the numbers of those found guilty of the offence have from 115,935 to 148,426, an increase of 28% and the highest number since 2005.

Road deaths rise The Department of Transport’s Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2014 Annual Report says there were 1,775 reported road deaths in 2014, an increase of 4% compared with 2013.

In addition, the number of people seriously injured in reported road traffic accidents increased by 5% to 22,807 in 2014.

A total of 194,477 people were killed or injured in reported road accidents in 2014, the first increase in overall casualties since 1997.

Traffic biggest driver concern Company car drivers are more concerned about rising congestion on UK roads than any other issue, according to the RAC Report on Motoring 2015.

Among its findings the annual study shows that more than one in 10 (12%) company car drivers now rate congestion as their biggest frustration about driving in the UK. The report found that the majority of company car drivers believe congestion has in fact become worse in the past year (65%).

For daily news, visit fleetworld.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

inbusiness

Hour by hour Every year Auto Express invites readers to name the best dealers. The results make for interesting reading for SMEs. Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports. ow much do you pay for service, maintenance and repairs? The answer, invariably, is too much. However, you could actually be paying over the odds if you run a small fleet and have not negotiated a rate with your local dealer.

As part of its 2015 Driver Power survey, Auto Express recently reviewed hourly rates charged by dealers around the country. The data, produced by Warrantywise, showed an eye-watering gap between the lowest and highest and revealed how important a factor geographical location can be.

The research found that the average hourly rate across the UK is £84.30, so as a fleet manager that’s a pretty good yardstick to negotiate your hourly rate from. The cheapest place to get a car repaired is in a garage in Kirkwall, Orkney, where the average rate is just £44 per hour. Contrast that with Twickenham, in south west London, where the average is £141 per hour!

But, as the research shows, you can pay a lot more than that. According to the survey, the highest recorded hourly rate of an individual garage was £240 per hour in West Byfleet, Surrey, with the lowest cost found to be £36 per hour at a garage in Smethwick, Birmingham – a staggering 566% difference.

Fleets within the M25 should note that London, predictably, recorded the highest average labour rate of £101.60 and was the only part of the country to break the £100 mark. Scotland was by far the cheapest with an average labour rate of just £71.42; that’s 42% lower than the capital.

Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise, described the differences charged by individual garages, which equated to £204 per hour, as “offensive”.

“Regional variations are to be expected, particularly when comparing London with the rest of the UK, but some of the differences we discovered are, frankly, offensive. Our advice is simple: shop around, negotiate and remember that as a paying customer, you are holding the ace cards.”

Despite some motorists paying a premium for repair work, the Auto Express’s Driver Power satisfaction survey, which polled more than 61,000 drivers, has revealed that Brits are actually happier than ever with their dealers.

The average satisfaction score was 87.8%, up from 86.8% in 2014. Around half of the motorists who took part said they would be “highly likely” to recommend their dealer to a friend.

H

Lexus was voted as having the best dealer network with an overall score of 93.5%, with sister brand Toyota in second place (91.4%); a sure sign of dealers using best practices across brands as Lexus sites tend to be operated by groups who also represent Toyota.

Jaguar came third (90.9%), Honda fourth (90.6%) and Peugeot fifth (90.2%).

At the other end of the scale the worst performing dealer network was Suzuki (83.7%), followed, somewhat surprisingly, by Volkswagen (84%), Nissan (85%), Chrysler/Jeep (85.6%) and SEAT (85.7%).

The Lexus victory, for the 14th consecutive year, was remarkable as it beat all other brands across the criteria set for the helpfulness of its staff, standard of workmanship, site cleanliness, technical knowledge and cost of work. It also won the reader’s vote for Best Car with the third generation Lexus IS. Lexus' success can be attributed to it still being a relatively new brand in the UK, and therefore keen to do things differently, and the fact that it operates from just 45 centres which helps it maintain standards.

The report said: “Lexus has always made delivery of the highest customer service standards a hallmark of its brand and it continues to raise the bar. It is rolling out new-look showroom designs across the country, to appeal to the kind of style-conscious customers who appreciate Lexus’ advanced, contemporary designs.

Physical changes to areas such as the customer lounge, private consultation rooms and vehicle hand-over areas are complemented by new digital tools to help staff deliver even better, personalised service.”

It's a model the brand has used successfully in the US and is one that other premium brands here scrutinise to see how they can up their game.

Average Labour Rates Across the UK 2015 London

£89.12

East

£88.75

South

£86.00

North West

£84.72

Midlands

£83.77

Wales

£77.00

North East

£76.33

Scotland

£71.42

Source: Auto Express/Warrantywise

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

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inbusiness

What does the European Court of Justice ruling on travel time for mobile workers mean for businesses? Fleet World looks at the facts.

What’s happened?

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that for mobile workers – who have no fixed place of work – the time they spend travelling between home and their first and last place of work each day now counts towards the 48-hour working week under the Working Time Directive.

This marks a change from the rulings for workers with a fixed office where time spent travelling at work counts towards their working hours but “normal travel to and from work” and “travelling outside normal working hours” does not.

As a result, businesses that have mobile workers are being urged to look at such workers’ travelling time and their pay procedures.

What’s the history behind the ruling?

The case relates to Spanish security system installation firm Tyco Integrated Security SL, which closed its offices in the provinces in 2011 and assigned all its employees to a central office in Madrid.

The firm’s technicians use company vehicles to travel to appointments across Spain, but the employer does not treat the first journey of the day (from home to the first appointment) or the last journey of the day (from the last assignment to home), as 'working time'.

Instead they regard this travel time as ‘rest time’ under the Working Time Directive.

However, before the firm closed its offices it used to require staff to go into the office to pick up vehicles and customer lists and to return there at the end of the day to leave the vehicles. This time was counted within the employees’ daily working time.

In response to the change, the technicians brought a claim, which the Spanish courts referred to the ECJ. What did the ECJ say?

The Court ruled: “Where workers, such as those in the situation at issue, do not have a fixed or habitual place of work, the time spent by those workers travelling each day between their homes and the premises of the first and last customers designated by their employer constitutes working time within the meaning of the directive.”

The ECJ added that the journeys are a necessary means for employees to provide their technical services at the premises of those customers. “Not taking

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

Q &A

those journeys into account would enable Tyco to claim that only the time spent carrying out the activity of installing and maintaining the security systems falls within the concept of working time, which would distort that concept and jeopardise the objective of protecting the safety and health of workers.”

The ECJ also pointed out that during the necessary travelling time – which generally cannot be shortened – the workers are therefore not able to use their time freely and pursue their own interests.

It also said Tyco’s prior policy before the abolition of the regional offices, which shows that the work consisting in driving a vehicle of a regional office to the first customer and from the last customer to that office was previously among the duties and activity of those workers. The ECJ added that it is only the departure point of the journeys that has changed.

What does this mean for fleets?

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has said that the ruling will have significant implications for companies that employ mobile workers who spend a lot of their time travelling to different appointments.

Partner Christopher Tutton added that thousands of companies may need to make changes, for example, by ensuring that assignments at the start and end of the day are near employees' homes, adjusting working hours generally or asking employees to opt out of the 48-hour working week.

Tutton warned: “If they don't, employees could quickly exceed the number of working hours that they are legally allowed to work and bosses could therefore soon find that they are operating illegally and at risk of facing costly claims against them.”

He added: "The UK Government will also be under pressure by unions and workers in relation to issues surrounding the National Minimum Wage Regulations to require employers to pay for this time. Currently, travel from a worker's home to their place of work is not counted and does not have to be paid. Where home is their effective place of work, it will be difficult for the Government to sustain an argument that time that is deemed to form part of a worker's hours should not be paid for and if employers are required to pay for this, it could dramatically increase the payroll costs of businesses who employ low-paid staff."

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Urban 74.3 (3.8); Combined 72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 emissions are 103g/km. EU Directive Regulation 692/2008 test New Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav dCi 110.

renault.co.uk

inbusiness

What I’ve learnt Andy Fern, Michelin’s head of fleet, reveals how life in the Formula 1 fast lane gave him the drive to succeed.

On the grid with McLaren I’m a petrolhead – it comes with the job – so getting to start my career with Michelin in 1998 straight out of university was incredibly lucky. Before long I was working as a part-time race tyre technician supporting the British Touring Car Championship, and later I became a Michelin race tyre technician with the McLaren Formula 1 team, travelling around the world and helping the team get the best out of every Michelin tyre in terms of longevity, durability, safety and – most importantly – grip.

On the motorsport greats The tyres the Michelin support team were working with at McLaren were phenomenal; so finely tuned – and there’s me, at such a young age, giving advice to one of the world’s best racing teams. I must have done 90-plus races over five seasons, and I never missed a race. I was living the dream – globetrotting tyre troubleshooter for the team, supporting motorsport legends like David Coulthard and Kimi Räikkönen. I was in the pit lane for so many tense moments of Formula 1, and getting a ‘ring-side’ seat like that is an experience I’ll never forget.

On coping with tyre pressures My time in F1 changed me as an individual – I felt I matured rapidly, working under pressure, travelling far and wide as part of a team that was always in the public eye. Living away from my family and friends in a different country was often difficult, but nothing will ever get close to my time as part of the team. When I returned to the UK at 29 I felt that much more capable and relaxed under pressure. I had developed an eye for detail, and a desire to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’ to ensure maximum productivity of both tyres and team – skills that Michelin put straight back to work once I’d finished my time as part of the McLaren support team.

On becoming a master of management As Michelin’s head of fleet I have a whole host of new responsibilities, but the skills I developed on the road and racing circuit with McLaren have transferred well to my new role. Teamwork is

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

essential, and I find that ensuring my team have my support whenever they need it pays dividends. That said, it can often feel like you never have enough time, so learning how to make the most of the working day while ensuring a focus on the company’s goals is paramount to all of us. At the end of the day, you can look at your achievements with a sense of pride when you work in a team – that’s the fuel that keeps the engine of commerce going.

On the Michelin men Michelin differs from other tyre manufacturers. It’s not enough to be a good salesman – you need to understand the product and what it can offer the consumer; whether that’s the McLaren F1 team, a farmer looking to protect his crop or fleet managers with an eye on saving money. Crucially, you have to be able to explain the tangible benefits of the product clearly, with attention to detail and a focus on the good that premium tyres can do for the customer’s bottom line. That’s where my time in F1 really comes into its own – it’s about efficient communication between a team and customer; working together to come up with the bespoke tyre solution that fits perfectly, meeting the customers’ needs, while keeping the total cost of ownership low and the vehicles on the road. We set out to do everything well, and compromise on nothing. Just like a Formula 1 race team, we’re finely tuned.

On maintaining a fleet focus Since I took over as Michelin’s head of fleet we’ve really gelled as a team, and we have every intention of building on our successes. British Gas selecting Michelin’s CrossClimate tyres for its 13,000 vehicles was something of a turning point, and for the next 12 months, I’d say that everything is going to revolve around CrossClimate. We aim to raise the bar on fleet supplier service, and with a genuine technological breakthrough like CrossClimate hitting the market, it’s almost like being back in the pit lane again – the adrenaline is pumping, and my team and I are working hard to hit our targets, and help our customers hit theirs too. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what we hope to do with CrossClimate.

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in

in

in

New managing director at Vauxhall Rory Harvey has been appointed as chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors and CEO Opel Ireland.

He succeeds Tim Tozer who has made a surprise exit from the company to pursue his career outside of General Motors after only joining the carmaker in February 2014.

Harvey brings wide experience within GM’s European operations, working in several areas of sales and aftersales.

Alphabet recruits e-mobility manager Alphabet has appointed Daniel St Claire as car sharing and e-mobility manager.

St Claire will oversee the delivery of Alphabet’s mobility products, AlphaCity and AlphaElectric. He has extensive knowledge in both public and private sectors through experience he gained in previous roles at Northgate Vehicle Hire and Dawson Group Plc. Kit Wisdom, head of corporate mobility, said: “Expanding the team highlights the significance of Alphabet’s unique products – AlphaCity and AlphaElectric – in assisting customers with their ongoing mobility quandaries.”

Hyundai bolsters fleet team Val Geary has joined Hyundai as rental and Motability manager.

Part of Geary’s new responsibilities will be to ensure the best product mix within both rental and Motability fleets, as well as protecting and enhancing residual values. In addition to securing new business, he will focus on ensuring existing customer satisfaction to ensure retention and repeat business.

Geary brings more than five years of experience at Motability Operations, having progressed to the role of manufacturer account manager after starting in a graduate role in 2010.

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Vauxhall Astra Lighter and technology rich, can the Astra broaden its user-chooser appeal? Alex Grant finds out.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £15,295–£22,815 FUEL 45.6–91.1mpg CO2 82–146g/km

ew cars can claim to be quite the same level of fleet stalwart as the Vauxhall Astra. In the UK, its biggest European market, six previous generations have built a reputation for hard-working durability, functionality and value for money – factors which have steered it towards a 70% fleet mix. You know what you’re going to get.

Vauxhall isn’t tipping that apple cart, but does want to bolster its second-biggest-seller’s user-chooser appeal.

Despite its popularity as a business tool, the Astra lags behind in ‘true fleet’ sales compared to the rest of the range. With twice the volume opportunity of the Corsa, and 50% more than the Insignia, you can understand the business case.

So the simplified range recognises two distinct user groups; Design and Tech Line for job-need customers, with the usual long-distance necessities and a price reduction over the old car, while the big growth opportunities come from company car-focused SRi and Elite trims. Vauxhall reckons these could double their share of UK sales, to 50% of the total, and both feature RV-friendly Nav versions and a sizeable P11d reduction of £2,000 to tempt end-users. agile, and a lot more fun to drive. Improvements to sound Its claimed pricing was reverse-engineered from a classdeadening mean the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ now lives leading whole-life cost position. up to its name, and its aerodynamic efficiency cuts wind Fuel efficiency helps, of course, and the noise too. However, this does amplify road Astra’s pursuit of frugality has snowballed into roar on large wheels.

FLEET FACT a package of benefits for drivers and operators.

The cabin feels like the new Corsa’s, and The bodyshell is lower and smaller than before, concave front seatbacks and a sculpted rear Vauxhall says 25% bench mean back-seat passengers get 35mm aerodynamically optimised to avoid underbody panelling and underpinned by a 20% more legroom than before. All UK cars get at of UK motorists lighter structure. Chassis components, driveleast a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple have owned or trains and even the seats have shed weight, in CarPlay and Android Auto, Nav and Tech Line driven an Astra. turn allowing a smaller, more common, and trims move up to eight-inches, and Vauxhall has thus cheaper tyre and brake setup to be used. relocated many of the physical buttons to the Coupled with re-tuned steering and suspension, that screen. A handful of climate control and vehicle functions are weight reduction is obvious from behind the wheel. It’s grouped lower down the dashboard. It’s much easier to use. made the Astra quicker off the mark, noticeably more Technologically, though, the Astra’s trump card is OnStar.

This bundles a sort of directory enquiries-style destination download for the navigation with a suite of telematics functions, including emergency services calling, vehicle condition, diagnostic and location services, smartphone control and a WiFi hotspot. All valid for business users, especially as it can integrate with a fleet’s back office system.

The Astra's real advantages arrive with the full engine range early next year. An ecoFLEX version of the 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel, which returns up to 91.1mpg, is expected to account for most fleet orders and the larger wheels of SRi and Elite models don’t affect its BiK banding. There’s also a 96g/km 1.0-litre petrol turbo with diesel-challenging BiK coming in early 2016, but only with an automated manual gearbox.

The Astra’s position as a staple part of the UK’s fleet diet speaks volumes about its functionality and value for money.

With a focus on technology, design and meeting rivals’ high benchmarks for driver enjoyment, it’s well-equipped to take on the challenging user-chooser sector too.

F

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights Up to 200kg lighter than the old car, and more aerodynamic, improving running costs, comfort and agility.

Forthcoming ecoFLEX 1.6-litre diesel returns 91.1mpg and emits 82g/km CO2 (88.0mpg and 85g/km for the SRi and Elite versions).

Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard in the UK, OnStar included on SRi and Elite versions.

Big steps forward technologically, aesthetically and dynamically for the Astra, which should pay dividends for Vauxhall. OnStar offers tangible benefits for drivers, and running costs look competitive with the forthcoming ecoFLEX version.

But, with growing company car demand for crossovers, perhaps it’s time for a larger Mokka to growVauxhall’s true fleet share?

key fleet model Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX SRi Nav

fleetworld.co.uk / 31

BMW 3 Series BMW has made a number of mid-life changes to its core fleet car. Steve Moody investigates.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £24,975–£40,330 FUEL 36.7–74.3mpg CO2 99–179g/km

Now, all the three, four and six-cylinder petrol engines, ith a new Audi A4 and a new Jaguar XE this year, and the four-cylinder diesel units in the BMW 316d, BMW being a three year old BMW 3 Series isn’t ideal.

318d and BMW 320d (all now £310 more expensive), are Fortunate then, that BMW has timed the mid-life sourced from the newly developed, modular BMW Effirefresh of its fleet stalwart to coincide with the assault from cientDynamics engine family and are equipped with the competitor brands. latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which results in Not that you would especially notice from the outside, for improved efficiency, while power is increased too. the changes can be summed up with the phrase ‘some very As an example, the output of the new BMW 320d has slightly different lights’. That said, a 3 Series in M-Sport trim risen from 184bhp to 190bhp and CO2 emissions have been on large wheels is still a very handsome beast – ubiquity reduced by 6% to 11g/km, while the 320 ED Plus has a tends to mean this the 3 is often not noticed these days, but 10g/km saving to 99g/km when on 16-inch wheels. There’s it is a car whose looks are ageing well. also a three cylinder petrol 316i with It is a slightly different story on the CO2 of 122g/km and 136bhp which is inside where the cabin has had some surprisingly smooth and peppy to drive, upgrading, with even more high quality although not really a high mileage choice. materials. The central control panel is now Other engineering changes include finished in high-gloss black, chrome firmer suspension, a revised eight speed accents feature on the new controls for the gearbox that is smoother changing and electric seat adjustment, the electric has predictive shifting based on sat nav window controls and the air vents, and the information, as well as a fuel saving coastwider 6.5-inch colour screen is now staning mode. When the driver lifts off the dard. Add in as standard on all models air throttle at higher speeds, the engine is con, Bluetooth, DAB, auto wipers, rear automatically decoupled from the powerPark Distance Control, cruise control and train and the gearbox goes into neutral. the Drive Performance Control system The result of all this is surprising. which lets you switch between various Rather like those ‘marginal gain’ philosodriving modes and the 3 Series is a very New, more refined phies you might have heard sports teams well specced car, even in cooking form. engines, lower CO2 and talking about, the changes to the 3 Series The biggest change though, is in the more power, higher cabin are small in many areas but add up to a drivetrains, where BMW has got itself back greater whole. The diesel engines are to the front the pack in terms of emissions. quality and increased noticeably more refined, the car handles For years, BMW’s Efficient Dynamics has standard equipment: the and rides with plush precision, and the seen it comfortably the industry leader ‘new’ 3 Series is an excelcabin feels more luxurious. It seems in the field, but in the last couple the ebb lent all-rounder for fleet.

BMW is intent on taking the fight to the and flow of product development and new competition. lifecycles has seen it overtaken.

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what we think

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Comfort and efficiency improvements address criticisms of the old A-Class. Mark Nichol investigates.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £21,010–£39,760 FUEL 40.9–80.7mpg CO2 89–171g/km

that the most pliant new A-Class models are those he A-Class, in its current, traditional hatchback equipped with the £595 adaptive damping option, only guise, has been phenomenally successful, introavailable on AMG Line models and above. But, even in ducing the three-pointed star to a new generation Comfort, it's far from the sort of wafting relaxation you who might never have encountered it until middle age. might expect from a Mercedes.

But in the quest to make it the ‘sportiest’ posh hatchback Precise and well-weighted steering makes the A-Class for younger customers, it in fact created one of the stiffest feel tack-sharp on the right roads, though, and while the and most uncomfortable. ride can be over-firm around town, at higher speeds it So this midlife update looks to address that, as well as helps make the car an accomplished motorway cruiser. doing the usual in terms of improving efficiency, upping That’s the case whether you chose the standard sixequipment levels, marginally updating the looks and speed manual or Mercedes’ very good seven-speed autobumping up the price. matic, which serves as the only choice The best news for fleet buyers is that for buyers of the most powerful 2.1the base A180 d diesel now emits just litre diesel, badged A220 d.

89g/km as opposed to 98g/km, meanThat's the only version we've driven ing a 3% BiK rate drop to 16%. At the in this updated model, and it is as noisy other end of the spectrum, the 375bhp as ever. So although there is plenty of A45 AMG model is now supercar quick, punch and the 7G-DCT automatic gearwith a 4.1-second 0-62mph sprint. box finds the right gear in monumenThere are SE, Sport, AMG Line and tally snappy time, you’ll tire of the very AMG trims officially, but as before there sub-premium rattle that crescendos in are a bewildering number of A-Class front of you. Both BMW and Audi – and variants to wade through once you’ve plenty of ‘regular’ manufacturers, in combined the engine, trim, package fact – make four-cylinder diesels much options and special editions available. more subdued than this.

It means an A-Class can become very The looks are almost identical to before expensive very quickly. However, Better mostly because (regardless of what the brochure will tell Mercedes claims the update brings it's more comfortable, you) though overall cabin quality has £1,100 worth of extra kit for a £350 but it takes a P11d in been improved slightly. And it is slight – model-for-model price increase. the hard-and-hollow lower level plastics, Whichever way you choose, excess of £30,000 to button-heavy dashboard design and Mercedes has stuck its strategy to make the A-Class feel fiddly infotainment system all remain. present the A-Class as the ‘dynamic’ premium. Rivals do Subjectively, the A-Class lags well behind German premium hatchback of choice. this better for less. the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series for both So it’s the least comfortable, but better quality and cabin ambience. than it was. That said, it’s an irritation

T

what we think

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

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fiat.co.uk Fuel consumption figures for new Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) – 65.7 (4.3); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 83.1 (3.4); Combined 60.1 (4.7) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 110 – 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Audi A4 Audi’s high-tech new saloon makes choosing a compact executive even tougher, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £25,900–£38,950 FUEL 45.6–74.3mpg CO2 99–141g/km

ven using the outgoing model as a visual aid, it wouldn’t be difficult to persuade your average member of the public that the new Audi A4 is simply a heavy facelift rather than an all-new car.

There's nothing wrong with that. Despite being the oldest model in its segment by almost five years, the outgoing car was still competitive on CO2, keenly priced and looked modern. But, on a lighter new platform and with an injection of Audi's new technology, the new A4 amplifies its predecessor's best bits while addressing its weaker points.

Most of the latter, it would seem, were inside. Modern Audis were showing the age of the outgoing A4’s cabin. Its replacement is impeccable with its satin silver highlights, soft-touch materials, frameless mirror and £450 all-digital instrument cluster. It’s noticeably more spacious in the back too.

It’s not flawless, though. The left-hand drive cars on the launch had slightly offset pedals, and there’s still a large bulge in the transmission tunnel, intruding into what will be the driver’s side footwell on UK models. A lingering problem which also affected the outgoing A4. in turn weighted towards the lower-powered 148bhp unit.

But the driving experience itself is much improved. It isn’t With British drivers slightly more concerned about style quite as driver-focused as a 3 Series, but there’s a reassuring than comfort or outright CO2 performance, the smallest weight to the controls and new-found agility wheels won’t be offered here – the result is a and confidence from its lighter body. Ride quallead-in emissions figure of 99g/km rather FLEET FACT ity is a revelation on small wheels, but also than the 95g/km in other markets. impressive on the sizes British buyers tend to It was the 320d-rivalling 188bhp diesel which 2.0 TFSI Ultra S opt onto. The brand’s most streamlined was available to test, equipped with a manual bodyshell to date means wind noise is almost gearbox, Sport styling and on-the-money CO2 tronic is more dialled out, with the flip side that it shows up emissions of 102g/km. Performance is brisk and efficient than an the tyre roar instead. refinement impressive, let down only by an A1 1.4 TFSI S tronic. under-damped drivetrain vibration through the There are now three engines under Audi’s low-carbon Ultra banner: two diesel engines gearstick, though it’s an engine which feels and, shock horror, a petrol. It should come as no surprise tuned to yawns of overtaking muscle, rather than outright that the latest-generation of the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0performance. Both diesel Ultras get a 40-litre fuel tank, with litre diesel will account for the bulk of corporate orders, the usual 54-litre tank as a no-cost option.

There’s been a trickle-down of economy improvements across the range. Even the V6 diesel emits only 109g/km, and there are some compelling reasons to consider a petrol engine. Notably the 2.0 TFSI Ultra which, as well as being vibration-free and almost silent unless revved towards its slightly tinny-sounding power band, offers CO2 emissions from 116g/km plus a pleasingly spread of torque and less turbo lag than the diesel, despite producing the same 188bhp. Like for like, it’s also £2,350 cheaper.

The A4 can also use other on-board systems to improve real-world economy. S tronic dual-clutch transmissions can ‘freewheel’ at low loads to save fuel, which also works with cruise control switched on. The drivetrain can even use navigation data to pre-plan freewheeling opportunities and gearshifts based on corners and topography ahead, or make suggestions to the driver.

All of which is change where it counts. The A4 might look evolutionary in terms of styling, but the technology underneath is anything but.

E

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what we think highlights Up to 120kg lighter, and the most aerodynamic Audi to date 148bhp 2.0 TDI Ultra emits 99g/km CO2 on SE and big-selling Sport trims Seven-inch infotainment with Apple/Android integration across the range

The new A4 is a revolution disguised as an evolution.

Home to one of the best cabins in its class, and able to satisfy as a driver’s car as well as on the details and technology Audi is known for, choosing a compact executive car has never been more difficult.

key fleet model Audi A4 2.0 TDI (148bhp) Sport Ultra eetworld.co.uk / 39

Kia cee’d Kia’s stylish hatchback gets new technology and a focus on sportiness. Alex Grant finds out more.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £14,905–£23,605 FUEL 38.2–78.5mpg CO2 94–170g/km

ment cluster on top versions. Autonomous braking is an he Sportage might be Kia’s standard bearer, but the unusual omission though. cee’d – a car which is equally important in Europe – The new infotainment system includes Kia Connected provides a fascinating barometer for the brand’s Services, a suite of internet-enabled live information move into the mainstream. powered by TomTom. That means real-time traffic and In the eight years since it started giving punctuation speed camera data should be very accurate, and weather pedants sleepless nights, its progression from suddenly forecasts and local search functions are included in the credible but slightly anodyne to a three-strong line-up seven-year access plan. including Kia’s first hot hatch, is perhaps the best reflection Most of the engine line-up is unchanged, except for of how far the brand has evolved in the meantime. upgrades to meet Euro 6 requirements. But the 134bhp 1.6Mainly because Kia now has its own identity; its litre diesel now featured extra sound absorbing material customers say they buy into its sporty styling and techbehind the dashboard compared to the nology, and those are the foundations petrol versions, as well as a foam-wrapped for a mid-cycle refresh which, yet again, engine to suppress clatter. It shows, too, reflects where the brand is today. with impressive high and low speed On the sporty side, the cee’d introduces refinement compared to the old car. a GT Line trim. Familiar from other The good news for fleets is that the midbrands, this takes a little of the GT’s spec 1.6-litre diesels now emit 99g/km styling and combines it with a broader CO2 and return 74.3mpg, while GT Line range of engines and bodystyles. Kia will and top-spec 4 versions aren’t far behind offer the same on the next Optima and at 72.4mpg and 102g/km. On the entrySportage, and likely roll it out to the rest level 1 trim, the cee’d drops to 94g/km of the range in the near future. with fuel economy of 78.5mpg. It's also The cee’d drives well, its handling now available with a new dual-clutch transmisaided by a torque vectoring system which sion, at 67.3mpg and 109g/km. brakes inside wheels while cornering, Also interesting is the new 1.0-litre and even the GT Line is plenty soft One of the best-looking three-cylinder petrol turbo. Available enough on rough surfaces, but the rehatchbacks on the with 98bhp or 118bhp, it delivers dieseltuned steering still lacks weight and feedmarket, now with added like low-rev torque and a pleasing willback, even on the Sport setting. It’s not as ingness to rev, while CO2 emissions of sporty to drive as the styling implies. user-chooser appeal.

113g/km and 57.6mpg mean it’s far That’s not a criticism you can level at The Kia cee'd is a very more viable than the 1.6-litre petrol it its technological side, now including credible contender in a replaces. However, there’s only a small the usual traffic sign recognition, autocompetitive sector. price difference compared to the 1.6 mated parking and monitoring of other diesel which limits its fleet appeal. road users as well as a digital instru-

T

what we think

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Frankfurt 2015 Highlights

Frankfurt’s top 12 fleet models Amidst all the glossy concept cars on display, manufacturers unveiled key fleet additions to their ranges. We pick our favourites.

Vauxhall Astra

Volkswagen Tiguan

The all-new version of Vauxhall’s key fleet challenger includes Apple’s CarPlay system (replicating an iPhone on the car’s display screen) or Android Auto for those not of a Mac disposition. It also features 4G LTE – turning the Astra into a mobile WiFi 4G hotspot. Familiar engines carry over, with emissions from 82g/km in the 1.6 CDTi ‘whisper diesel’. Lighter than the out-going model, the new Astra is trading heavily on its ‘built in Britain’ tag.

The order book for Volkswagen’s new small SUV opens next spring, offering a choice of two or four-wheel drive models and a range of eight petrol and diesel engines. A GTE petrol/electric hybrid was shown in concept form, and this will be a production reality by the end of 2016.

Bigger than the old model, new Tiguan features better interior packaging thanks to the adoption of the MQB chassis architecture shared with the Golf and Passat.

Ford Edge The Edge is Ford’s attempt to muscle in on the burgeoning SUV sector with an offering above the Kuga. Four-wheel drive is standard, and engine choice is diesel-only – either a 2.0 TDCi with 180bhp or a twin-turbo 210bhp unit. Ford claims sub-150g/km emissions in the lower power manual gearbox version. Although bigger than the Kuga, the Edge is only offered as a five-seater and goes on sale next year.

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

Jaguar F-Pace The new F-Pace (available to order now) is priced from £34,170 to compete with the Porsche Macan and Audi Q5. The UK line-up will feature a 180bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel, available in rear or fourwheel drive format and with manual or automatic gearbox – a manual two-wheel drive version will emit 129g/km of CO2, making it a tempting user-chooser option. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel is also being offered. A generous spec-list sees even entry-level models offered with satellite navigation, leather seats, powered boot release, cruise control and WiFi.

MINI Clubman MINIs just keep on getting bigger – and this new Clubman is the biggest of the lot – it's now the same size as a Volkswagen Golf. The Clubman retains the quirky split-door tailgate of previous models and opens for ordering at the end of October with prices starting at just under £20,000.

There are two new diesel engines: the 150bhp Cooper D with combined fuel economy of nearly 70mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, and a 190bhp Cooper SD unit delivering 62.8mpg on and 119g/km of CO2.

Nissan LEAF Although visually unchanged, the LEAF is now available with a larger-capacity battery pack offering a 25% increase in range. A £1,600 option on all except the entry-level Visia trim, the catchily-titled LEAF 30 kWh travels up to 155 miles on a single charge and is priced from £24,490 (after the Plug-in Car Grant). An upgraded infotainment system witn charging map and improved navigation is also included. Sales begin in December.

Infiniti Q30 User-choosers wanting something different from an Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class or BMW 1 Series will soon have another choice thanks to the Infiniti Q30 hatchback. Built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, the Q30 is key to Infiniti’s growth plans – and attracting fleets will be central to that. To that end, power options include familiar Nissan units in the form of a 1.5-litre diesel with 109bhp and CO 2 emissions of 103g/km. A 2.2-litre diesel with 170bhp and 133g/km of CO2 will also be offered.

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

Frankfurt 2015 Highlights

Renault Megane On sale next summer, the new Megane will be offered with a choice of six engines – the most parsimonious of which will be a 110bhp dCi diesel with fuel economy of 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 86g/km.

Renault claims a number of technology firsts in the sector, including the availability of colour head-up display and four-wheel steer on certain models, while a diesel mild-hybrid will join the range in 2017.

Kia Sportage Audi e-tron quattro concept A preview of Audi’s 2018 electric SUV, likely to be badged Q6, the e-tron quattro is the brand’s answer to the Tesla Model X. Its under-floor battery offers a range of 310 miles, fully charges in 50 minutes and supplies power to a 496bhp three-motor drivetrain with four-wheel drive.

On sale early next year, Kia’s revamped Sportage is a crucial car for the brand as it accounts for more than a quarter of Kia’s European sales. User-choosers will be a primary focus. Power comes from the 1.7-litre diesel which is carried over from before alongside an upgraded 2.0-litre unit in 136 and 184bhp guises.

Toyota Prius Bringing new styling and updated hybrid technology, Toyota’s new Prius was billed as bringing the “biggest leap yet in performance”. On sale from early next year, the fourth-generation Prius model is said to improve CO 2 emissions by 18%, due to smaller, lighter components, motors and batteries, higher power densities and reduced internal losses, while a more sophisticated platform and chassis set-up brings better handling.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Although the Giulia unveiled at the show was a 510bhp V6 version, it showcases the stunning looks and technology that will available to fleet buyers in more prosaic models when the car goes on sale in the second half of next year. Rear-wheel drive, a full set of connectivity features and Italian flair will give fleets an alternative to the usual German compact executives.

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

We’ve done a lot of thinking too

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

Great minds really do think alike.

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

Fuel consumption figures for the Civic range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 37.2 – 70.6 (7.6 – 4.0), Extra Urban 54.3 – 85.6 (5.2 – 3.3), Combined 46.3 – 78.5 (6.1 – 3.6). CO 2 emissions: 145 – 94 g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience.

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

FRANKFURT SHOW

Jeremy Hicks managing director JAGUAR LAND ROVER

“XE is ahead of the retail performance and that’s where I wanted to be, it’s a 70% fleet car.”

A combined approach and competitive new product portfolio means JLR can offer fleets something different, managing director Jeremy Hicks tells John Kendall.

How will Jaguar convince fleet buyers that JLR has the right products for them?

You can pin nearly all our growth in the last five years to retail. If you look at our fleet and corporate performance, it doesn’t follow the same trajectory. I put that down to having a competitive offer in the market place both from a finance/cost of ownership perspective and also from a CO2 point of view. The third thing is range, having the cars. We’re now in a position where we can really start to exploit that with XE, XF, Discovery Sport and Evoque which all have the new Ingenium engines. We’ve got 99g/km CO2 from the XE, 109g/km in an Evoque, 129g/km in the Discovery Sport and FPace and 104g/km in an XF. What about RVs? We have worked really hard with the residual value setters to make sure we can benchmark against the competition on RVs. Then things come together, so we can go to the fleets and say we’ve got the range. We always go as Jaguar Land Rover to fleets – business to business and we’re really happy to do that. We will never merge the brands together anywhere else, but we will go as Jaguar Land Rover.

How does the JLR fleet structure work?

We’ve supplemented that with our own dedicated national account managers, we have demonstrators, we’ve got fleet specialist retailers, focused on delivering this and it’s starting to pay dividends. XE is ahead of the retail performance and that’s where I wanted to be, because XE is a 70% fleet car.

We had separate Jaguar and Land Rover fleet teams, but fleets were saying to us, “Why do I see Fred from Land Rover on a Monday and Bill from

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

Jaguar on a Tuesday? I want to have one discussion please.” So it was the natural thing to do. We always thought the brands have got to be separated but it just became so obvious in that environment that one person should go in and represent both brands. So that’s what we’ve done and it has been well received.

What else can JLR offer the fleet sector?

The other thing we are trading on is the Britishness and being the challenging alternative to the established players. We know who the stable of competitors are and when you have had two or three or maybe four, there comes a time when you want something different. Because so many people lease cars, we can say to the leasing companies that they should balance their asset portfolios and we can provide a good balance. That’s the other bit of the argument.

How will F-Pace fit in when you have Discovery Sport too?

If you look at the SUV/Crossover market, we’re forecasting that it’s going to grow by another 40% over the next six years. It has more than doubled over the last five years and it’s the biggest growth market in the world.

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FRANKFURT SHOW

Andy Barratt chairman FORD OF BRITAIN

“Lots of traditional fleet customers are looking at salary sacrifice as an added benefit for employees who would not be eligible for a company car.”

Broader user-chooser appeal and a wide range of cars and CVs is continuing to build Ford’s relationships in fleet Ford of Britain chairman, Andy Barratt explains to John Kendall.

How does Ford see the fleet sector developing at the moment?

The fleet sector is hugely important to us both on car and commercial. The car sector is highly competitive, even more so than ever before. There’s huge fragmentation – we’re seeing lots and lots of changes in that market – growth of contract hire and growth of personal contract hire for people who are opting out and also growth of salary sacrifice. It is starting to gain some degree of momentum. Lots of traditional fleet customers are looking at salary sacrifice as an added benefit for employees who would not be eligible for a company car.

There are big changes too in acquisition method.

Clearly there’s a lot of market testing going on with a lot of fleets bringing in outside consultants and growth of ‘eauction’ type activity, which is very much commodity based. That means no emphasis on brand, or relationship, or on aftersales support, it’s purely straight down to price.

How is Ford dealing with these changes?

We have traditionally done business not only on having a very wide product range and what we believe are outstanding products, but also on a great relationship.

We have a dedicated aftermarket fleet base with people

on the road looking after fleet customers. We will do a lot of things in the aftermarket space around delegated warranty with people with their own fleet workshops, around roadside assistance and fleet parts pricing. And we do a lot of investment around keeping vehicles mobile for fleet operators to continue their work. So it cuts across all that and takes it down to a commodity price, which is not the way we traditionally do business. So there’s a lot of change.

How is the Ford product range responding to changes in the market?

Fiesta remains number one; it’s also a very high fleet seller, the number one small car in fleet. Focus continues to perform very well, particularly with traditional fleets.

We’re seeing huge demand for Focus ST diesel in the fleet market - very much a user-chooser car of choice, which is really exciting. Mondeo has come at the right time. It’s a fresh face in that family-sized fleet market.

We’re seeing growth of SUVs in fleet as well. The overall market is growing. We have Ecosport, which performs quite well. It has started to make inroads into the public health sector. Kuga is very strong, particularly in the SME segment and through contract hire, then we have Edge coming in the spring.

What about commercial vehicles, traditionally a Ford strength?

It’s the first full year of having full product supply of the new range. We’re seeing a real change in demand.

They are all heavily specified. It’s not unusual to have air conditioning or satellite navigation. More and more we’re seeing driver panels involved in the selection of commercial vehicles and a number of fleets doing a longer-term test, maybe up to three months to gather real world fuel economy.

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

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FRANKFURT SHOW

Ken Ramirez managing director RENAULT

“We are making a Megane in 2017 with Hybrid Assist which will give it fuel economy in the 90s and CO2 emissions in the 70s.”

After three years of residual value repair, Renault is targeting fleet expansion in some of the UK’s fastest-growing segments, as UK managing director Ken Ramirez explains to Alex Grant.

What are your plans for next year?

Next year is an important year for us. We’ve already outgrown the market this year, we’ve had 17% growth in fleet. Next year we have a full year on Kadjar, then we add Megane next summer. From a fleet perspective we’re growing significantly because [new products] have been able to add an RV boost which we’ve been able to sustain with our retail strategy.

With Captur at 42% and Kadjar at 43%, it is clear where the brand is going. The brand average residual value until 2013, for three years and 60,000 miles, was 27%. Now we’re 35 or 36 by the end of this year.

Clearly we’re moving positively and, because of that, we’re able to have more sustainable performance and incredible offers in fleet.

How much will the Megane contribute?

Our growth on the fleet side has been driven by new models. Megane today hasn’t been able to maintain that because it’s an aged model and the residual values aren’t really there. The performance with this model should definitely be faster than the segment, faster than the fleet growth for the brand.

If you make a very rational offer you appeal only to the large fleets that purchase on numbers but not on the interest in the vehicle. What we bring is an appealing design, emotional content and a rational offer as well.

Has your small model range hindered you in fleet?

Not at all. I think that the vehicles that were removed wouldn’t have been able to command the appropriate RVs, and would have forced us to consider commercial means that would otherwise have damaged the retail performance of the brand. It’s clear that those would not have contributed to fleet, and could have contributed negatively.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

Do you see a role for your big cars – Espace, Talisman and Koleos – in the UK? Each of those is different. For Espace the segment in the UK is outgoing, it’s moving to crossovers. So we have chosen to refocus on a crossover family. We’ve added Captur in the fastest-growing segment, we’re adding Kadjar into second-fastest, and we’ll have a D crossover, whether it’s Koleos or not, coming to the UK. These are adding exactly where the growth is, where an MPV of that size is decreasing significantly. There is a space, though, for Scenic and Grand Scenic.

The D-sedan in the UK is stable but dominated by high RV players. If you can’t command a high RV you will damage yourself. So consciously we chose not to be in two of those three, but we do choose to be in the crossover world with a competitive family of products.

These will be significantly and increasingly important.

Are there any plans for plug-in hybrids alongside the ZE range?

We’re very clear that the route is zero emission, however we are making a Megane in 2017 with Hybrid Assist which will give it fuel economy in the 90s and CO 2 emissions in the 70s. It’s not to apply hybrid across the range but strategically in specific models.

QUITTING LETS NICK BREATHE EASY

Aiming to halve corporate emissions and save £140,000* on contract hire and fuel.

By quitting a conventional fleet for petrol full hybrids, Nick is helping to cut Itec’s CO2, NOx and particulate emissions by 50%. Thanks to lower BIK, drivers will also pocket average tax savings worth £1,200 each over the next three years. And, as contract hire and fuel costs will also fall by £140,000, Nick can breathe easy too.

Read Nick’s story at quitclub.org.uk

Nick Orme, CEO, Itec

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FRANKFURT SHOW

Jim Wright managing director NISSAN

“In Oslo you can drive in bus lanes if you have an EV. EV penetration in London would go through the roof if EVs could drive in bus lanes.”

Fresh products and renewed focus on the corporate sector are expected to drive ongoing growth for Nissan this year, UK managing director Jim Wright tells Alex Grant.

How has 2015 been for Nissan, so far?

In terms of car share, we’re about 5.8% which is about 0.6% up year-on-year, and in fleet it’s the same kind of order, it equates to about 10,000 cars. On year-on-year comparisons we’re one of the best performing brands in the marketplace. Why? With Navara we’re coming to the bookend of a lot of product introductions, so we’ve got a really young line up. It doesn’t mean to say we can’t be better, of course.

What are you doing to expand your fleet presence?

If you’re looking at Nissan’s penetration, then in the leasing companies – so the biggest customers – and SMEs, we punch above our market share in those segments. But, in the middle, fleet sizes between 50 and 200 vehicles, we’re a little bit weaker. So that’s where our opportunity lies.

We’ve refreshed our dealer Business Centre programme, we’ve put more boots on the ground, given dealers more resource. But in terms of our opportunity it’s large corporates. We’re investing in a field team to basically prosecute a part of the market that, if I’m honest, we haven’t been in. So with a combination of all those things, plus the product offering, we have an expectation that we can do more.

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Are fleets changing the way they use the LEAF? Up until probably a year ago we were selling ones and twos, occasionally we were selling ten. Uptake in fleet is less than retail, but we’re getting deals of 20s and 30s. Businesses that have taken ones and twos then coming back for more, businesses that have bought LEAFs coming back for e-NV200, businesses who have bought e-NV200 buying LEAFs. So slowly you can see the ripple effect starting to wash out.

We’re also getting [fleet and retail] customers to share their experiences through video. If you can demonstrate to one business type that another business type has made a success of this then it becomes an easier sell.

How could the UK Government better support the EV market?

Support for infrastructure; we’ve said you need to give this to companies as well, so they can put charging infrastructure on their own premises and people can charge when they get to work. It’s not just about domestic charging.

There are many other things which are not financial that they can do. If you look at Norway, in Oslo you can drive in bus lanes if you have an EV. EV penetration in London would go through the roof if EVs could drive in bus lanes. It’s getting there, but it’s taking an incredible amount of time.

What are your aspirations for the new Navara?

The current vehicle is eight or nine years old, it’s had a long life and we’ve been selling in the UK 10-12,000 vehicles year in year out. At one point we were taking 25% of this market. There are far more competitors, so I don’t think we’ll take that share again but in terms of volume opportunity it’s a big one.

FRANKFURT SHOW

Paul Philpott president & CEO KIA MOTORS UK

“The introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid going forward will be a significant part of our strategy to grow by 2020.”

Three vital new products and expansion of the dealer network is set to continue Kia’s drive for 100,000 annual sales by 2020, UK president and CEO Paul Philpott tells Alex Grant.

How is 2015 shaping up so far?

We’re on track to do about 80,000 units this year, that’s the first time we’ve broken through 80,000. Last year was 77,200, 3-4% growth is what we’re targeting. We always said 2014 and 2015 would be years of consolidation because the new products come from 2016 onwards. Our fleet business is in good shape – we currently have 24 Business Specialist Dealers, and with the new product we’re looking to grow that to around 30 during 2016.

What are your expectations for the new Sportage?

Sportage is a bit of a phenomenon for us. In its last year we’ll hit a record volume of over 22,000, and we’re looking to grow further. The SUV segment is still growing, if you look at the Nissan Qashqai it’s selling over 40,000 cars. Therefore 22,000 shouldn’t be a limit for Sportage, even though today it represents 2728% of our total sales. CO2 comes down under the 130g/km which will open up a lot of fleets that used to buy it but, since the 130g/km capital allowances, we’ve not been selling to them.

To what extent has the Optima been held back by a limited range?

We’ve sold on average about a thousand a year, and we’re Europe’s top market at that level. Optima has always been well accepted in terms of its design, but I think the biggest restraint was only having a sedan. In Europe the segment is 75% wagon, in the UK it’s about 45% wagon, so having two body styles, broadening our engine range and having a high performance GT version all adds to the opportunity.

New Optima will launch with the 1.7 CRDi sedan.

With that, we’re looking to maintain our sales pace at about 1,000 per year. Once we get a broader offering

we’re looking to increase our annual sales to over 4,000 units, which is significant growth. We’re also setting out our strategy with user-choosers in mind, so it will come with standard full-screen navi from the entry grade onwards.

Has there been a change in the way people buy Kias recently?

Across the range, more and more cars are going to 3 and 4 grades. In new Sorento, sales are up 60%, versus the same period last year, and within that 55% of sales are KX-3 and 4 grades, on the old model it was about 30%. When you think that KX-3 is priced at almost £36,000, KX-4 is at £41,000, we’re not talking about high value, low price Kias. That’s where our growth is coming from, which says that a broader section of the population is buying into the Kia brand.

What role do you see for alternative drivetrains?

I think they will be another major driver of the growth going forward. Compared to someone like Toyota with their hybrid offering, we’ve had – in the UK and right hand drive – Soul EV plus petrol and diesel. The introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid going forward will be a significant part of our strategy to grow by 2020. They’ll broaden our offering.

fleetworld.co.uk / 53

SPOTLIGHT Renault Megane

Think Big Drawing on style and technology from the upper-medium segment, Renault hopes its sharp-suited new Megane will find broader appeal in the corporate market, explains Alex Grant.

Technology With nothing in the D-segment, the Megane has to cater for downsizers from larger cars. This is reflected in the extensive list of technology, some of which is shared with the larger Talisman sold elsewhere in Europe.

Drivers can choose from a full suite of assistance and safety features, allLED lighting, a full-colour head-up display and 7-inch digital instrument cluster in the cabin, aimed at giving it class-above luxuries.

Most UK cars will feature the RLink 2 infotainment system, on a seven-inch landscape touchscreen, or a Tesla-like 8.7-inch portrait alternative. The latter features smartphone and tablet-like inputs, and both offer customisable homepages for easier operation, as well as TomTom LIVE information services and downloadable apps. Criticisms of the outgoing car’s plasticky cabin have also been addressed, with a focus on high-quality, soft-touch materials and accents of chrome.

Chassis & Design The Megane uses Renault-Nissan’s new Common Module Family (CMF) platform, shared with the Kadjar crossover. Although 25mm lower to reduce drag, it’s a significantly larger car – 64mm longer, with 28mm extra in wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks. Renault says this has added 20mm in rear legroom, while the boot capacity has grown from 405 to 434 litres. Only the Honda Civic and Peugeot 308 offer more space for luggage.

Drivers can modify the way the car responds using the Multi-Sense switch on the centre console, accessing four pre-set driving modes; Sport, Normal, Comfort and Eco. A fifth mode enables the driver to individually alter throttle and gearshift responses, and to tweak cabin ambient lighting and the massage functions on the sets to suit the road ahead.

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Engines Six engines – three diesel, three petrol – will be available from launch – and it’s the familiar 1.5-litre dCi 110 that’ll be the core of the range, according to Renault. The outgoing car was still competitive on CO2, but its replacement will be amongst the best in its class, at 85.6mpg and 86g/km. A mild hybrid, with a small motor-generator capturing energy and releasing it as extra power while accelerating, will follow in early 2017, targeting over 94.1mpg and 76g/km CO2 emissions.

At the other end of the range, the Megane will be out to target userchoosers with the GT version, developed with the carmaker’s motorsport division, Renaultsport. Though this will only be available with a 205hp petrol engine at launch, a 165hp diesel will launch next year, sharing the customisable dual-clutch transmission, four-wheel steering setup and sports styling add-ons and adding to its end-user appeal.

What we think...

FLEET FACT Renault has sold 6.5 million Meganes since it launched in 1995.

While the outgoing Megane solved its predecessor’s reliability gremlins and is still competitive on CO2 after seven years, it’s perhaps a little anonymous. Style and quality are the new car’s strong points – both should get user-choosers’ attention – yes it’ll polarise, but it’ll get noticed. Kadjar might be the bigger-selling model, but those with restricted choice lists now have an option with its predecessor’s rational appeal, while offering the design and upmarket tech drivers desire. AG

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FEATURE Fleet advice

Ask the EXPERTS Our panel of experts answers your latest fleet conundrums...

Cedriane de Boucaud

Adrian Walsh

CEO

Director

Tantalum

Roadsafe

“In light of recent news, is it actually possible to use real-time data to come up with emissions figures?”

“Is there a business case for ensuring all our cars are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking?”

RS, logistics, Midlands.

Following revelations of the emissions tests scandal, confidence amongst motorists is low, in particular with fleet owners. There is an obvious need for a trusted solution to provide an alternative.

Real-time performance data – taken directly from vehicles on real roads – is the only answer, for drivers, fleet operators and manufacturers. Despite people claiming to the contrary, there is now software and services that can remove the reliance on output from controlled testing and enable responsible fleet owners and governments to understand the true emissions data.

Accurate, real-life data for C02 emissions and MPG is possible for the majority of the global car park. There is no reason we should rely on testing data in labs to get accurate information. We can take readings every minute directly from the vehicles themselves, and this is the way to manage pollution and the environment going forwards, with independent firms trusted to collect, manage and share the data.

The issue of emissions is already high on the agenda for fleet operators who manage large volumes of vehicles on UK roads. This concern is now heightened with the realisation that they may well have been basing buying decisions on false data. Installation of technology such as ours in vehicles provides vital insights for fleet owners in particular to address CSR concerns, and it also gives the manufacturers themselves a valuable way to rebuild confidence with their customers.

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LG, clothing chain, London.

Why Autonomous Emergency Braking? It seems nonsensical to me that more fleets are not adopting crash avoidance technology. Surely any company which takes its duty of care responsibilities seriously would immediately see the benefits. Not only does it reduce risk, but it also reduces crash costs.

Thatcham has highlighted recent data from Euro NCAP AEB is a hugely which shows that low speed important AEB technology leads to a active safety 38% reduction in real-world technology. rear-end crashes and that there is no significant difference between urban and rural crash benefits.

As Andrew Miller, President of Euro NCAP and Chief Technical Officer of Thatcham Research says: “Low speed AEB technology needs widespread fitment for maximum benefits and is becoming increasingly common on modern passenger cars. The low speed option normally consists of an automatic brake function that operates effectively at speeds up to 50km/h.”

At this level of effectiveness, AEB is a hugely important active safety technology. In the last six months alone we’ve seen an additional 46,000 Mercedes and 28,000 Volkswagens on our roads with standard fit AEB. The biggest game-changer though will come when some of the UK’s best-sellers like Ford and Vauxhall begin to fit the system across their whole range. Crash-prevention technology is no longer a premium-brand luxury and has the potential to bring significant safety benefits to fleets large and small.

AEB technology is now a key discriminator in the safety rating of new vehicles – which is reflected in ABI insurance group ratings. The cost benefit case is clear as is the moral case.

in association with

nissan.co.uk/fleet

Cameron Bryce

Mark Middleton

Director

National LCV and Business Centre Manager Nissan Motor GB

DPF Clean Team

“We seem to be having a lot of problem with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Is this a model-specific thing or down to usage?”

“How are manufacturers helping SMEs reduce their fleet costs?”

VB, fleet administrator, Cardiff.

TF, financial services, Basingstoke.

We have done research about this, and there are some vehicles which are more prone than others. The most reported DPF issues throughout 2015 to date are on Mercedes Sprinter vans and Mazda 6 cars with enquiries we have received for blocked DPFs on these models amounting to 43.5% of the total.

In vans, the Mercedes Sprinter comprises 22% of enquiries, closely followed by Volkswagen Crafter, which comprises 12% of all enquiries. In cars, the Mazda 6 was the most problematic vehicle fitted with a DPF, with 21% of enquiries. The BMW 120d, 320d and 520d comes a close second with 13% of enquiries. BMW 330 and 530 models also made the top five.

However, it’s not always a case that the vehicle has a Seek help poorly performing unit fitted, immediately but that the driver or fleet whenever the manager is not paying due DPF warning light attention to its maintenance. is illuminated. Fleet vehicles doing lots of short journeys are more likely to experience an issue because a unit is not given the required time to regenerate.

Our advice to fleet managers and drivers is to seek help immediately whenever the DPF warning light is illuminated on the dashboard because the more you leave a problem, the worse it can get.

Make sure that you take your vehicles on regular long journeys to allow the DPF to regenerate and have it checked and cleaned regularly in order to keep it operating to full capacity. DPF cleans are a lot more cost effective and quicker than sourcing a replacement and, of course, removing the filter will now cause a vehicle to fail an MOT, as well as this being illegal.

Whole life costs are critical to any purchase decision given the general need for any business to manage its costs effectively.

When it comes to vehicles however, the more obvious factors such as lowest price or best fuel consumption figures do not necessarily always equate to the most competitive overall whole life cost. There are many less obvious costs a business must consider over the ownership cycle. At Nissan we understand this and as a result have taken various actions to ensure our customers are looked after.

To start, we offer a range of Safety Shield technologies, which can help to minimise the chance of collisions, reducing downtime, expensive repair costs and improving overall safety. All of these technologies, available on many models, can help fleet operators to increase their productivity and lower their running costs.

In addition, at Nissan we are at the forefront of ultralow emission technology too. Our market-leading 100% electric vehicles – the LEAF, e-NV200 van, combi and Evalia– offer the ultimate combination of low running costs and zero emissions whilst driving. For many of our customers this has reduced tax and fuel bills alike.

For many SMEs a commercial vehicle proposition is also very important and so we have taken time to invest in our specialist Business Centre network ensuring Nissan continues to offer the widest range of vehicles, including the brand new NP300 Navara, due early 2016, expert advice and comprehensive servicing solutions to all businesses regardless of size. In addition, all Nissan LCVs registered from 1st September 2015 now come with an impressive five-year, or 100,000 mile warranty.

This increased warranty shows our confidence in the reliability of our LCV products and serves to provide our customers with that peace of mind they deserve.

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Just about class-leading for CO2, pricing and MPG. Vastly improved ergonomics and it drives well too.

GA Vauxhall hasn’t done itself any favours in the past with its ‘churn them out’ philosophy… it’s recoverable but certainly not an overnight process.

GA This is good enough to win more market share. Marketing and getting bums on seats is key for Vauxhall.

GA The well-established competition are always pushing to better themselves and Vauxhall need to keep improving their offering to keep up with the Joneses.

AC Large weight reduction makes it far better to drive, with lower running costs.

The 1.6 CDTi engine is very economical - ecoFLEX models are down to 82g/km.

MJ Crisper styling and a 26mm reduction in height, contribute to less wind noise. Yet there’s also more interior space, and it’s sharper to drive.

Equivalent ecoFLEX 110PS versions offset 100% of their additional cost. Good equipment levels.

MW The all-new Astra is certainly a good looker, and the 1.6CDTi 'Whisper Diesel' is really very quiet, hardly any noise in the cabin.

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AC Vauxhall lost a little of its draw due to high list prices and larger discounting at the front end. It’s said 25% of the UK population have either owned or been in an Astra, which is great but also means there is a lot of legacy from some of the less well-produced older models.

MJ Prior product was competent if a bit dull which this product should address.

MW It might be tarnished with its predecessors’ poorer quality and heavy old engines.

AC The opportunities are there if Vauxhall can attract new people into the car. This vehicle will keep the workforce of Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory in employment for the foreseeable future.

MJ This sector is worth 16% of UK sales, and Vauxhall’s consistent approach in fleet will help.

P11D pricing has been reviewed and reduced, helping driver BiK. Efficient new petrol units include the 103bhp 3-cylinder 1.0 Turbo - a good alternative to a low power diesel.

MW More appealing in terms of design and quality, and good value. I'm sure more fleet drivers will pop into their local Vauxhall showroom for a look.

AC There are many threats in this ever-so crowded sector with not only these rivals but also many others from many good manufacturers.

MJ The big players are Focus and Golf, which both outsell Astra, with A3 chasing hard. Civic, 308 and c’eed are also strong alternatives.

C sector SUVs continue to be a threat.

MW The amount of all these cars, and many more from other manufacturers, sold to fleet is eye-watering. These all have to find second and third homes, which is bound to put pressure of used car values.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Vauxhall Astra

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

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Just about class-leading figures.

AC Now lighter and better to drive, OnStar is useful.

MJ Well equipped, quiet and spacious.

MW Good looking, quiet diesel engine.

GA Image is based on old vehicles.

AC Legacy of less well-produced predecessors.

MJ Vauxhall badge doesn’t always appeal.

MW Large volume segment, can put pressure on RVs.

Strengths

Honda Civic Sport Navi 1.6 i-DTEC

GA Competitive and drives well. Different.

AC Great engine, decent boot space.

MJ Distinctive styling, a fun drive and an interesting alternative.

MW Sweet diesel engine, high build quality, strong RVs.

GA Often overlooked in this sector.

AC Marmite looks, poor rear visibility.

MJ Looks may not have universal appeal. Rear visibility is poor.

MW Lack of fleet strategy and presence.

Strengths

Ford Focus Zetec S 1.5 TDCi 120PS (Nav added)

GA Dynamically a good car, well specced, competitive.

AC Great dynamically, well equipped.

MJ Good all-round product, new engine addresses prior CO2 weakness.

MW Looks modern and distinctive.

Standard equipment: • Sat nav with 7” screen • Bluetooth, DAB, 2xUSB, Aux-in • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual-zone climate control • Front and rear electric windows • F/R parking sensors, camera • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, AEB • Metallic paint Optional equipment: • Auto wipers, dimmer, TSR, LDW, BSM, CTA £600

GA Not at the top of everyone’s wish list.

AC Not the biggest internally.

MJ Lack of exclusivity. Rear legroom.

MW Some might assume the small engine is underpowered.

OTR: £21,295 P11D: £21,240 Fuel: 74.3mpg CO2: 98g/km RV*: £7,100 (33%) BiK: 17% SMR: £2,072 Fuel costs: £4,052 Insurance: £2,550 Finance: £2,867 NI: £1,495 VED: £0 Cost per month: £756

Strengths

Volkswagen Golf Match 1.6 TDI BMT 110PS (Nav added)

Weaknesses

Volkswagen Golf

Standard equipment: • Sat nav, 8” touchscreen, OnStar • Bluetooth, DAB, USB, Aux-in • Cruise control with speed limiter • Manual air conditioning • Front and rear electric windows • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers, rear dimmer • AEB, LDW, TSR Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £545 • Park assist, front/rear sensors £595

OTR: £21,430 P11D: £21,375 Fuel: 76.3mpg CO2: 98g/km RV*: £7,425 (35%) BiK: 17% SMR: £1,614 Fuel costs: £3,946 Insurance: £2,550 Finance: £2,886 NI: £1,504 VED: £0 Cost per month: £736

Weaknesses

Ford Focus

Vauxhall Astra SRi Nav 1.6 CDTi 110PS OTR: £20,295 P11D: £20,240 Fuel: 76.3mpg CO2: 97g/km RV*: £6,725 (33%) BiK: 17% SMR: £1,691 Fuel costs: £3,946 Insurance: £2,430 Finance: £2,732 NI: £1,424 VED: £0 Cost per month: £716

Weaknesses

Honda Civic

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

GA Historically all conquering; well built, drives well, and a desirable badge.

AC Best all-rounder still.

MJ The benchmark, aspirational.

MW Popular used, strong RVs

Weaknesses GA Recent publicity, but this won’t affect it in the long term.

AC Growing volumes aren’t helping.

MJ Pricing is relatively high, and Whole Life Costs reflect that.

MW Well admired but a bit steep now.

OTR: £22,710 P11D: £22,655 Fuel: 74.3mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £7,550 (33%) BiK: 17% SMR: £1,395 Fuel costs: £4,052 Insurance: £1,980 Finance: £3,058 NI: £1,594 VED: £0 Cost per month: £757

Standard equipment: • Sat nav with 8” touchscreen • Bluetooth, DAB, CD, USB, Aux-in • Manual air conditioning • Front electric windows • 17-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Cruise control, speed limiter £250 • AEB, TSR, LDW, Auto lights, wipers, dimmer £550 • Park assist, front/rear sensors, electric mirrors - rear windows £850

Standard equipment: • Sat nav with 6.5” touchscreen • Bluetooth, DAB, SD, USB, Aux-in • Adaptive cruise control with AEB and speed limiter • Manual air conditioning • Front and rear electric windows • Front and rear parking sensors • 16-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, wipers, rear-view Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £540 • Park assist £150

* 3yr/60k

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FEATURE Emissions Testing

THE VOLKSWAGEN

SCANDAL What exactly has Volkswagen been accused of, and what are the implications for the fleet industry?

Steve Moody and Alex Grant investigate.

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What is Volkswagen accused of?

Cheating to get its 2.0-litre diesel engine through the emissions tests needed to sell a car in the United States. Volkswagen has admitted using a ‘defeat device’ – a software algorithm which makes its exhaust after-treatment system go into overdrive during a test. Outside laboratory conditions, the engine was found to emit between 10 and 40 times more NOx than U.S. emissions standards allow, varied due to urban and highway use.

How does it work?

The device is said to affect the performance of two emissions control systems in the exhaust. Volkswagen uses a Lean NOx trap; a catalytic converter which traps the molecules and periodically purges itself with diesel to form water and nitrogen. Later vehicles also use Selective Catalytic Reduction, which injects a urea solution into the exhaust system, breaking NOx down into water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Because laboratory conditions are controlled, the car is able to use steering, speed and pressure sensors to detect a test is taking place, triggering a specific low-NOx calibration to ensure it passes.

Specific details about how it does so have not yet been released.

How was it discovered?

The discovery stems from a 2014 study by the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) and West Virginia University, which showed some diesel engines emitted significantly higher levels of NOx on a real-world test cycle compared to the laboratory. This caused concern with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Confronted, Volkswagen USA claimed this was the result of ‘unexpected in-use conditions’ and technical issues, but issued a voluntary recall last December to recalibrate the emission control systems. Further CARB testing showed reduced NOx output, but that the vehicles

were failing some certification tests and were significantly higher in on-road use.

With CARB and EPA indicating that they would not give a Certificate of Conformity to 2016 model year diesel vehicles until the results could be explained, Volkswagen admitted in September that it had used a ‘defeat device’ on the engines.

What vehicles and brands does it affect?

Volkswagen says the software is present on all of its Type EA 189 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines – fitted to 11 million vehicles globally, built between 2009 and 2015. In the UK, this includes 508,276 Volkswagen, 393,450 Audi, 76,773 SEAT and 131,569 Skoda cars, as well as 79,838 Volkswagen commercial vehicles.

All petrol engines and the V6 and V8 diesels are unaffected.

So far, €6.5bn (£4.8bn) has been set aside to investigate and cure the problem, and a technical solution – possibly involving mechanical as well as software changes – is due to be presented in October and applied before the end of the year. A self-service database and dealer information will let customers check if they are affected using their Vehicle Identification Number.

The news is better for fleets, though.

Volkswagen began using the EA 288 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels with the latest Golf in 2012, and most updated or renewed models across the Group’s product portfolio have now moved over to this newer engine. Euro 6 has made the EA 189 engines obsolete in new passenger cars since the 1st September this year, the van deadline is a year later, and the remaining vehicles with the old engine – 4,000 units – have been temporarily removed from its UK runout stock.

What is likely to happen next in the USA? Volkswagen has violated two sections of the Clean Air Act, and faces penalties of up to $3,750 (£2,474) for each vehicle manufactured, and up to $37,500

(£24,740) for each one sold in the United States. It will be required to recall all of the affected 482,000 Volkswagens and Audis sold there, and, as NOx is a proven cause of breathing problems, class action lawsuits for threatening public health are already being filed.

Are any other manufacturers suspected of wrongdoing?

Officially, no. However, the EPA recently announced that it would be carrying out additional testing on other manufacturers’ vehicles, specifically aimed at identifying defeat devices using a drive cycle with conditions said to be closer to normal road use.

The Department for Transport is planning similar multi-manufacturer tests in the UK, and the European Commission is asking Member States to carry out their own investigations. The EC said data gathered during type approval needs to better reflect driving conditions, and a new test procedure will be phased in from 2016 alongside the laboratory-based tests used today. However, EPA NOx limits are lower than in Euro 6, and the test cycle is very different to the NEDC, with more high-load driving.

Emissions Analytics, which supplied some of the data to the ICCT study, said Volkswagen Group models were actually at the cleaner end of those results. It also added that, while there was still a discrepancy between laboratory and real-world results in Europe, this gap is narrowing.

“When the ICCT published their report they found NOx emissions more than seven times above the limit but we are now seeing them average four times higher, so moving in the right direction as new abatement technologies are added,” explained Jane Thomas, the company’s global sales manager.

“Europe is planning to introduce Real Driving Emissions from 2017, and this is something we fully support as the manufacturers will have to prove that their vehicles meet emissions standards on the road as well as in the lab.”

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→

FEATURE Emissions Testing

THE VOLKSWAGEN

→

SCANDAL Fleet Analysis: residual values and reputations Will used prices of diesels, and specifically Volkswagen Group diesels, be affected by the scandal? It seems the guides are divided on the issue. eeResources believes that there will be little or no RV impact from this affair. Denis Keenan of KeeResources said: “Specifically related to the affordability of their purchase, the used buyer is firstly concerned primarily if cars have decent economy, and in this case the reports seem to suggest that the software in question actually improves fuel economy and or performance, albeit whilst affecting emissions.”

Keenan continued: “The negativity surrounding diesel is being hugely overblown, as even EU5, let alone EU6 diesels are up to 50 times cleaner than sixyear-old cars. The technology simply works, is viewed as well-proven, and as the parc renews and gets younger with increased new volumes over the last couple of years, the impact lessens year-on-year.

“The cars still drive extremely well, and have a decent operating cost (and tertiary used values), and that is what rules all.”

Dylan Setterfield, senior forecasting editor of CAP Black Book reckoned: “The overriding view is that diesel vehicles are more economical than their petrol equivalents (even if this is not always the case), and the torque characteristics of diesel engines are generally popular with drivers,” he added.

His colleague Derren Martin, CAP Black Book editor said: “It really is too early to be making any substantive calls on the market. Our team of experts has seen no discernible change to values.

“Our team of seven Black Book editors are monitoring values in real-time. We have spotted some weakness on Golf diesel 1.6 TDI 105, but this can be attributed to higher volumes in the market

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over the last few months, and we have reflected this in our values.

“Any naysayers in the market seem to be jumping the gun. It’s important to remember overall values across the industry are likely to decrease in the last months of the year due to seasonal supply and demand trends.

“We are not discounting there may be some short term impact on prices across the marques in the Volkswagen Group over the coming weeks, due to the amount of negative media coverage.

However, we haven’t seen it yet.”

Rupert Pontin, head of valuations at Glass’s, is less sanguine. He said: “Whatever the final truth, this is potentially very damaging for the Audi and Volkswagen brands. Essentially, the company has deliberately set out to mislead legislators and customers.

“If you are a fleet who has chosen a Volkswagen or Audi, with the emissions performance of that vehicle being a major benefit, then you are going to feel cheated. No question.

“Exactly how this plays out is very difficult to predict but it could affect the used values of Audis and Volkswagens.

Residual value movement for the Golf has, so far, been caused by increased used volumes rather than dimming interest from buyers.

These are brands built on decades of credibility and that credibility has been badly damaged.”

Pontin added that it did not help that Volkswagens and Audis had, in his view, started to reach a saturation point in the UK market in recent years.

“Our view has been for a while that Volkswagen sells too many cars for a semi-prestige brand and Audi too many for a prestige one. The volumes are large enough that they are creating downward pressure on RVs. “The emissions scandal is obviously not going to help this situation. If buyers lose trust in the brands, then there is inevitably less demand and values suffer.”

Until the full impact of the issue understood it is very difficult to for fleets to plan around the problem, said Dylan Setterfield.

“It is always worth keeping a close eye on residual values and plan de-fleet and remarketing strategies accordingly. Black Book Live reports movements on a daily basis, keeping fleets updated real-time. If there were to be any impact on used values, our Black Book Live customers would be the first to know.”

Professor Colin Tourick thinks the strength of the brand will see it through: “Volkswagen is one of the great brands of the UK fleet industry, and is hugely respected. This will come as a shock to 99% of their employees and I suspect 100% of those in the UK. “I believe the average used car buyer is just happy to get the fuel economy that diesel delivers. So I don’t think the used prices of diesel Volkswagens will be affected by this news.”

Testing procedures he testing procedures in Europe have come under scrutiny as a result of this scandal. It seems that the general public’s dissatisfaction with the difference between real-world and official economy figures has spiked due to this episode, and it seems many people are demanding more stringent testing, without realising that it could result in higher official CO2 figures, and higher tax bills as a result.

But as fleets know from extensive running of vehicles, it is the realworld figures that ultimately count for whole life costs.

Paul Hollick, commercial director, The Miles Consultancy thinks fleets should be immune to surprises such as this, because they generally have much more information than the average consumer, but it shows the importance of real-life data: “What happened in the USA was primarily about NOX but it could easily have implications for taxable CO2 emissions in markets like the UK in the long run,” he said.

“TMC holds real-world data on hundreds of thousands of vehicles, giving our clients a fact-check of their performance against official data obtained under test conditions. Roughly speaking, the lower the official CO2, the more widely the ‘reality gap’ varies according to usage patterns and driving style. Fleets need to be aware of how this impacts whole life fuel costs and CO2 emissions.”

The fleet industry has long believed the current tests to be outmoded. But while real-world economy will be worse, buyers are aware of the discrepancy, reckoned Denis Keenan.

“As the average car buyer is now more informed than ever, the great majority know full well that the figures they will achieve are not those stated by the manufacturer. The manufacturers are simply, and naturally, maximising their overall positioning within the regulations.”

Gerry Keaney of the BVRLA thought it is time for an overhaul of the system. He said: “In recent years, the UK’s tax regime has encouraged fleets to choose vehicles based on official emissions figures, and while our emissions test is a fundamentally different system to the US, these revelations reinforce the need for a more accurate testing regime.”

Keenan continued: “As it stands, the car industry is simply creating ECU maps to best-fit what are very out-dated standards. The standards need changing to being a more real-world test style such as the US EPA, where most reasonable drivers should achieve the stated numbers quite routinely.

“The manufacturers cannot be held responsible for quoting numbers based upon ‘the standard’ imposed upon them, and we don’t believe that once all the facts are in the open it will tarnish either the broader industry or diesel any further. The overall impact in the EU of this affair should be negligible, albeit with a degree of tarnish attaching to any manufacturer who gets discovered ‘cooking the books’.”

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FEATURE Fast-Fits

At your service Speed and customer convenience are now more important than ever before in the fast-fit process. Katie Beck examines the latest developments.

ATS Euromaster

Autoglass

Vital statistics: 340 centres, 820 mobile units.

Vital statistics: 1,200 mobile technicians.

Introduction of MasterCARE This year has seen the introduction of MasterCARE, a new service package designed to provide easy access to a range of preemptive tyre safety checks. The package is focused on scheduled, electronically managed tyre inspections to minimise the risk of tyre failures and prolong tyre life, through optimal tyre maintenance and identifying potential service issues before they lead to vehicle downtime.

MasterCARE comes with a variety of service options, including checks of tread depths, valve caps and tyre pressures by expert technicians, along with general visual damage checks. Once completed, ATS Euromaster provides an electronic report detailing tyre condition, work carried out at the time and what anticipated remedial work will be required in the near future.

All-weather solution Windscreen repair and replacement needs to be done in dry conditions, so Autoglass offers a mobile wet weather solution called the ‘Vanbrella’ to facilitate all-weather servicing. This is an extendable canopy contained in a roof box on top of vans which provides cover for technicians to work in wet weather conditions to help get fleet vehicles back on the road more quickly. Autoglass also offers an emergency temporary glazing service until the correct replacement glass can be obtained and fitted if it is not currently in stock, reducing downtime.

Online services Online booking is provided for both centre appointments and mobile fitting, so that it’s as easy as possible to get an appointment at a time that best suits a business. Many procedures such as tyre fitting can be carried out by a service van, but some procedures, such as MOTs, have to be conducted at centres. The online booking system means it’s quick, simple and reliable to schedule work.

Investment in the network The company has targeted strategic areas of Britain for expansion, meaning the addition of 10-20 new centres over the next five years and investment in expanding MoT facilities. ATS Euromaster plans to provide as much assistance as possible on a mobile basis, and to continue expanding services to meet the growing needs of modern vehicles.

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Optimisation of services Autoglass has invested heavily in new systems to support customers and increase the efficiency of operations. This includes a new online scheduling system (Click), workforce management and labour optimisation programme (Kronos), and the roll out of new PDAs/Mobile devices for technicians to support the new operating model.

Autoglass recently became the first UK vehicle glass repair and replacement company to adopt a mobile operating model. This was in response to customer demand, with over 95% of customers already preferring to book a mobile appointment. The service has full national coverage.

Future-proofing offerings A lot of new vehicle technology, for example, automated emergency breaking, is reliant on the windscreen (due to the location of the camera) and windscreens will continue to be an integral part of new in-car technology.

As vehicle glass becomes more complex, repair and replacement also becomes technically more challenging.

For this reason, Autoglass states that it is important to continue to invest in research, development and training so the expert skills of technicians are ‘future proofed’ to deal with every eventuality.

Kwik Fit

National Windscreens

Vital statistics: 775 centres, 200 mobile units.

Vital statistics: 108 centres, 800+ mobile units.

Keeping customers informed Kwik Fit launched its ‘Kwik Fit Plus’ centre initiative in autumn 2013 to increase the volume of mechanical work being undertaken on both company cars and vans. There are currently 29 Kwik Fit Plus centres across the UK. Customers are informed about how long it will take to complete work on their vehicle within 15 minutes of arrival at a Kwik Fit Plus centre. If work is likely to take longer than 60 minutes, the driver is provided with an estimated job completion time and given the option to wait, or to make a return appointment at a time that is convenient for them.

Europe-wide coverage National Windscreens’ extensive fitting network enables the company to store more than £9 million worth of glass stocks at any one time. This means that, on average, a UK motorist is never more than 20 minutes or 11 miles away from a National Windscreens technician.

Enhanced logistics strategy Kwik Fit has refined its logistics service so that its centres, which also act as a hub for the company’s mobile tyre fitting service, now receive tyre deliveries 11 times a week instead of the previous three to six, to ensure constant availability of stock where it is needed most.

Additionally, Kwik Fit is in the process of introducing a new operating system that further supports its mobile tyre fitting service to enhance customer service. It claims introduction of the Mobile Control Centre Application in tandem with live in-mobile vehicle telematics data gives greater visibility of the up-to-the-minute workload of each mobile van and will enhance Kwik Fit’s ability to accept same-day work later in the day.

Development of mobile tools An ‘intelligent’ fleet web booking service is under development for launch in the second quarter of 2016. It will enable drivers to make an appointment at a centre of their choice or Mobile via smartphone, laptop, PC or tablet. The Kwik Fit database will check tyre stock availability, available fitment centre slots and and the location of Kwik Fit Mobile units.

Introduction of Partscheck National Windscreens cites Partscheck as the most significant development in recent years to impact the level of servicing technicians can offer. Partscheck is a piece of software developed in-house that identifies the correct replacement windscreen by inputting the Vehicle Registration Number.

Partscheck allows technicians to complete a higher percentage of windscreen replacement jobs ‘right first time’. In turn, the company says it has also increased daily productivity - technicians are able to carry more correct stock and spend less time revisiting customers to complete jobs.

Importance of a mobile service The current trend in the windscreen repair and replacement industry appears to be an increasing shift towards offering a purely mobile service. Customers value the fact that they have the option to visit a fitting centre at a location and time of their choice if they want to. National Windscreens states that its service is designed around customer needs, and is therefore firmly committed to retaining its physical locations as well as its mobile workforce.

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive

ALD Automotive is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1,000,000 vehicles across 40 countries worldwide. Within the UK, ALD finances and manages over 117,000 vehicles, providing customers with total fleet management flexibility from pure financing of cars and vans to comprehensive outsourcing operations.

Established in 1958, ALD UK has over 57 years’ experience in vehicle funding and ancillary support services within both corporate and consumer markets. ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of innovative, award-winning products for major PLCs, small businesses and individual drivers alike.

ALD hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.

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

Tel: 0870 00 111 81

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is one of the UK's premier vehicle leasing companies. We’re a family run business - small enough to deliver a uniquely personal experience, yet big enough to deliver the professional fleet management you need.

We are the largest dealer-based leasing company in the country and we have a characteristic no-nonsense business style. Because we're totally independent, you can always rely on us to provide unbiased advice. We've helped corporate clients, small businesses and government departments realise genuine savings and improvements in productivity. We listen, and we'd welcome the chance to work with you.

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

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

Fleet Alliance Limited

Alphabet

Alphabet is the leading provider of Business Mobility services.

Helping both private and public sector organisations to meet their changing business travel requirements and enabling employees to get where they need to go as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Innovative mobility products, like the corporate car sharing solution AlphaCity, are changing the way UK businesses finance, manage and use company cars. Another pioneering service, AlphaElectric, enables organisations and their employees to switch on to electric vehicles as part of their mobility mix.

Alphabet’s portfolio of business mobility services includes a comprehensive suite of funding solutions and fleet management services, corporate and employee car schemes, commercial vehicles, risk management, vehicle rental, accident management, fleet management and maintenance.

Based in Hook, Hampshire and Leeds, we manage over 120,000 fleet vehicles in the UK while internationally Alphabet operates in 19 countries and supplies over 500,000 vehicles.

Tel: 0370 50 50 100 alphabet@alphabet.co.uk

Vehicle Management

www.alphabet.co.uk

Fleet Alliance is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions, and managing in excess of 18,000 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 our awardwinning smartphone app, e-fleet mobile.

Recent awards successes include: Experteye Award for Customer Service 2015 National Business Awards: Customer Focus (Finalist) 2015 National Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Finalist) 2015 Best Small Fleet Leasing Company award 2014 Best Small Fleet Leasing Customer Service Excellence award 2014 Best App Award, BusinessCar Techie Awards 2014 Investors in People Gold Accreditation

Contact: Grant Boardman

Tel: 0845 601 8407

grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk

Lex Autolease

Inchcape Fleet Solutions has been providing flexible fleet management solutions to Corporate, Government and Nonprofit sector clients throughout the UK for more than 50 years and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading fleet management companies. IFS is a subsidiary of Inchcape plc, a leading global premium automotive group that operates in 26 markets with a portfolio of the world’s leading car brands in the fastgrowing luxury and premium segments.

The voice of our customers is the driving force behind our innovation and we are committed to creating an incredible fleet customer experience for the best car brands and fleet management services in the world.

Lex Autolease builds vehicle solutions around your business.

As the UK’s leading vehicle management and funding specialist we currently manage over 307,000 cars and vans for organisations of all shapes and sizes.

But in a competitive market, being the biggest isn’t enough.

We satisfy individual customers by providing tailored solutions and services to meet their needs.

For large fleets, our Fleet Consultancy team can help you improve operational performance while saving money.

By assessing aspects such as sustainability, funding, cost reduction, duty of care and policy, we’ll make sure your fleet runs as efficiently as possible.

For smaller vehicle numbers, we’ll ensure a smooth, seamless leasing process from quotation to delivery – together with critical additional services including vehicle servicing, maintenance and repair, and tyre, glass and breakdown.

Contact: Matthew Boswell sales@ifs.inchcape.co.uk

Contact: Jane Kendall Tel: 0344 824 0115 marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

66 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0333 222 0966 www.inchcape-fleet.co.uk

Do you offer a recovery service for electric vehicles?

Do you offer EV drivers access to petrol or diesel models for longer trips?

Do you offer a consultancy service for fleets looking to use plug-in vehicles?

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

Do you offer pooled mileage as standard?

Do you offer a salary sacrifice sheme?

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

Service unavailable

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

-

Do you offer an ECOS / COP scheme?

Service provided

Do you offer an open discloure/profit sharing option?

✔

Will you provide a bespoke Internet/Intranet site for major clients?

Key to services

Approximately how many vehicles does your company operate?

FLEETW RLD

ALD Automotive

117k+

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

Alphabet

126k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

41k

✔

-

-

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

-

✔

Fleet Alliance Limited

18k+

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions Ltd.

65k+

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

44k

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Lex Autolease

307k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Pendragon Vehicle Management

14k

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

-

-

✔

Venson Automotive Solutions

10k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Pendragon Vehicle Management

Pendragon Vehicle Management is part of the corporate division of Europe’s largest motor group, Pendragon PLC. Offering solutions-driven vehicle management and contract hire to a wide variety of business sectors, Pendragon Vehicle Management remains a significant player within the UK backed by over 30 years of experience. Having recently launched a new fully responsive website and operating platform, Pendragon Vehicle Management provides clients with an enhanced service, across a wide range of integrated products and services. Fleet Managers and Drivers are further supported by individually designed, advanced extranet sites, enabling access to a variety of bespoke information specifically for their fleet.

Contact: Jon Hilton Tel: 01332 267389 jon.hilton@pendragon.uk.com www.pendragonvehiclemanagement.co.uk

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 95% retention rate is testament to that. Get in touch and drive your business in a new direction.

Contact: Danielle Tilley sales@venson.com

Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

How should we fund our cars?

There are a number of questions you need to ask before you can choose the right method of supply for your cars. Colin Tourick looks at some. t’s troublesome having to explain what we do. “I work in the car fleet management industry,” normally evokes the response “The what industry?”, whilst “I work with companies that supply and manage company cars” normally evokes a blank look or a polite smile.

Typically, I then say: “You know all those company cars that people run? Well, that’s a £24bn business employing tens of thousands of people, and that’s the industry I specialise in.”

I’m never sure if I’m being passive-aggressive when replying in this way. Am I really saying “This is a giant important industry and if you don’t know about it that’s your silly fault not mine?”

But at some point they get it so next comes the question: “Oh you know about cars, do you? I’m about to change my car. I normally buy my cars but am thinking of leasing. Is this a good idea?”

At that moment you probably have some idea of what it’s like to be a surgeon at a dinner party when another guest asks what they should do about a backache. Trouble is, to avoid looking like a complete idiot you have to come up with an answer. So let’s explore the possible answers here. The question is, “How should I finance my car?”

If it’s just the one car a few simple questions should point the way. Do you plan to get a new or a used car? How long will you keep it? Do you have something to part exchange?

Do you have the cash to buy the car or will you need to pay for it over time? Do you have a deposit? What car are you planning to get? Depending on the answers to these questions the answer might be that they should consider buying secondhand from a franchised dealer or (my personal favourite) a car auction, or take out a personal contract purchase contract (PCP) or, increasingly, they might like to think about personal contract hire (PCH).

BVRLA members wrote 1,078,208 PCP and PCH contracts combined in 2014, up 34% on 2013. Growth has continued this year albeit at a slower rate. In fact personal contracts represent the fastest growing component of BVRLA member fleets:

I

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

2,000,000

BVRLA MEMBER FLEET

1,800,000

1,600,000

1,400,000

Car corporate contracts Car personal contracts LCV corporate leasing Car short-term rental

1,200,000

CV corporate leasing LCV short-term rental CV short-term rental 1,100,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 (pro)

CAR CORPORATE CONTRACTS 1,600,000

Finance Lease Cars Contract Purchase Cars Contract Hire Cars

1,400,000

Fleet Management Cars

1,200,000

1,100,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

2008

2009

2010

2011

PCP has become very popular in recent years. We discussed this product a few months ago so I won’t dwell on it here, save to say that at a time of rising used car prices this product delivers a win-win-win-win for the car manufacturer, motor finance company, car dealer and consumer.

There is also no doubt that PCH is becoming more popular, particularly amongst younger people. As house prices have become so unaffordable younger people seem to have become resigned to the idea that they have to stay with their parents for longer and that when they do leave home they’ll rent rather than buy. That willingness to rent seems to have spilled over into a general disinclination to own things. This generation doesn’t own big computers – they store things in the cloud; they don’t buy music – they stream it online; and they’re happy not to buy a car – they prefer to belong to a car club or to rent (particularly in urban areas), and when they do decide they need a car long term they seem much more inclined to lease (i.e. to rent) than their peers were in earlier generations.

So what’s the answer if the dinner-table questioner owns a business and runs a number of cars?

Here again, the same questions apply: do they want new or used cars? How long will they keep them? etc.

But here we need some additional questions. Are these perk cars or essential use? What’s the split between business and private mileage? Can you recover VAT in full? Is your business profitable? Do you want to take residual value or maintenance risk? Are you happy to cap the CO 2 emissions on the cars you choose?

2012

2013

2014

Armed with this information you can get some quotes and do some calculations. Once again, as we have discussed these calculations in previous months we won’t go into them here.

Let’s look again at the BVRLA statistics. The biggest category of course is Cars – Corporate Contracts (cars for businesses) which enjoyed 7% growth in 2014.

This second chart analyses the ‘Cars – Corporate Contracts’ line in the first chart.

The 1,820,828 total at the end of 2014 was an all-time record and up 6.6% on the previous year. This is good data to fire back at someone over the dinner table when they ask “Do people still get company cars?”

That total includes 48,000 cars funded on contract purchase, 33,000 on finance leases, 262,000 fleet managed cars and a whopping 1.48m cars funded on contract hire.

Contract hire grew by 7% in 2015 and is set to grow by the same amount this a year, which shows the enduring strength of this product. It also tells us that businesses realise that contract hire gives them all of the benefits of outsourcing in a relatively straightforward product that allows them to get on and run their core business without the need to become experts on the automotive industry.

That’s why, when asked over the dinner table which method of funding a business should choose, I’ll always say “Have you looked at contract hire?”

Colin Tourick Grant Thornton Professor of Automotive Management, University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 69

our fleet Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI 100 Flair I had wondered if, behind the good first impression the C4 Cactus made when I first drove it, the appeal of its design might

wear off after a few months of living with one. Interestingly, they haven’t.

Instead, I’ve found it copes brilliantly as a family car. Citroën has maximised the available boot and cabin space within what’s actually quite a small car, and I’ve been surprised at its cargo and peoplecarrying ability. Fuel economy in the low-60s on the motorway is respectable, and I’ve been able to forgive some of the infotainment’s sluggishness for its ability to find clever off-piste routes.

That’s not to say there aren’t loose ends though. There’s an inflexibility to

the driving position which doesn’t suit tall drivers, the infotainment is slow and unintuitive, and the cruise control judders on downhill motorway stretches.

I’ve also got issues with the gearbox, which is an overdrive gear short of being the right one for this engine at motorway speeds, and feels sloppy.

But while many manufacturers lay claim to mould-breaking, the C4 Cactus does it better than the rest. Clever, characterful and great value, it’s (unusually) nothing ‘like a Golf’ – and I say it’s all the better for it.

Alex Grant

Renault Captur Dynamique Nav dCi 90 AFTER 8,000 miles on the fleet, our trusty Captur once again became the event support vehicle of choice, and this time, it saw service in the MPG Marathon in late September.

If anything, it wasn’t really ideally suited to the role, given that we were often travelling three-up with nearly 75kg of additonal equipment on board.

The Captur coped as manfully as it could but inevitably, there were a few occasions when the 90bhp 1.5 dCi unit felt a little overwhelmed. It seems others agree as this spring, Renault added the 110bhp dCi engine to the line-up to fill the gap. The 110 model offers 191lb.ft, and virtually identical combined mpg and CO2 emissions figures, so on balance – and taking into acount the £700 premium for the extra power and torque – would probably be

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

the one to go for if the compact Renault is to carry more people and luggage more often.

One thing the MPG Marathon – a logistical and navigational headache at the best of times – did highlight was the brilliance of the Captur’s integrated TomTom sat nav. Having, in the past, clumsily leapfrogged from venue to venue with the aid of OS’s finest, the latest navigation systems with inbuilt (and accurate) traffic data and redirection capabilities just make life so much easier.

The fact that on more than one occasion, passers by on the event thought our Captur in its unusual Ivory hue was a MINI, probably says more about their lack of car knowledge than the Renault’s lack of distinctiveness.

Luke Wikner

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

FLEETW RLD FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2015 MILTON KEYNES

PRE-REGISTER NOW ONLINE!

www.vanfleetworldlive.co.uk

our fleet Lexus NX 300h Luxury

IT’S always interesting to read a motor manufacturer’s press pack for a new car, as much to pick up the detailed technical information on what lies under the skin, as to get an idea of how the car is pitched at an ever more sophisticated and fragmented market.

In the case of the NX3 00h it’s fair to say that while it has the outline of an off-roader, owners are no more likely to take the NX into a muddy field than they are to load a pallet of breeze blocks in the back.

The NX 300h – Lexus’ first foray into the compact premium SUV sector – is designed to evoke thoughts of high quality sports watches rather than wellington boots and, with its ‘edgy’ exterior styling and premium-feel interior, that’s just what it does. It might not actually say this on the tin (or in dealer showrooms) but it’s not hard to work it out.

That’s not to say that Lexus’ innovative all-wheel drive system couldn’t cope with rough terrain. Electric motors

send power to the rear wheels when required and it feels really solid on all road surfaces. But its target audience of active urban dwellers is likely to have more sense than to risk damaging what is a striking vehicle from all angles by taking it up a mountain track.

The E-CVT transmission takes a little getting used to – especially in hilly areas where it tends to send the power needle soaring. But as with so much in this technologically advanced car, it almost feels in keeping with its futuristic styling, rather than being bound by tradition.

The NX 300h in Luxury trim is a superbly comfortable car both on long journeys and around town, adaptive cruise control being especially welcome on a run.

The hybrid drive system means boot space is less than on a normal SUV but buyers who value fashion appeal over practicality are unlikely to be disappointed.

Ross Durkin

Nissan Pulsar 1.5 dCi N-Tec IT’S fair to say that the buying decision involved in choosing a Pulsar will be driven by the head rather than the heart.

To that end, I thought it appropriate to investigate a few of the Pulsar’s on-paper credentials – essential for any fleet looking to add one to its choice list.

From a company perspective, a competitive price and low emissions spell impressive operating costs – monthly leases hover around the £150/month mark for a benchmark 36/60k deal, while running costs over the same period come in at a smidgeon over 31ppm (according to

72 / fleetworld.co.uk

figures from CAP). Employers’ Class 1A National Insurance Contributions are £460 per annum. In terms of SMR, CAP estimates our Pulsar will cost £1,679 over the typical fleet operating cycle to keep on the road.

And for the driver, company car tax comes in at a devilishly low £666 per annum (or £55 a month) thanks to its 16% Benefit-in-Kind banding.

All of which makes the Pulsar an affordable option - especially when you factor in the high level of equipment fitted as standard.

Julian Kirk

Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport Nav (2WD)

Volvo V60 D3 Manual SE Lux Nav nOW the days are shortening, the Volvo’s active High Beam is demonstrating how good such systems can be. i have run cars with automatic headlamp dipping before, but this is something else. Firstly, no driver has flashed me yet, even though the system effectively stays on main beam. instead, it uses shutters and refocusing of the individual beams to ensure that no vehicle either in front or coming towards the car is dazzled. at the same time, it illuminates more of the road than is possible with a conventional dipped beam. it’s impressive and an option worth having.

John Kendall

Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC SR

Walking around Mazda’s stand at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, it struck me how complete the brand’s new family style is looking these days. a line-up of cars finished in the trademark Soul Red metallic paint, each now instantly recognisable as a part of the Mazda range – it’s a good era for the brand. numbers are clearly important in the fleet decision-making process, but there’s an argument that even the lowest running costs can struggle to get noticed if the design isn’t up to scratch - particularly among user-choosers. if your car doesn’t look right, then it can be hard to get company car drivers to take notice of the rational benefits underneath.

Potentially an even bigger challenge for Mazda, which is taking on a segment full of strong rivals with the CX-5, and straddling volume and premium brands with the trim levels available. as a relatively small brand, volume wise, design becomes doubly important to avoid getting overlooked.

We’ve had recent proof that it doesn’t have anything to worry about though. Our car park is on the edge of a business park courtyard, and the CX-5 is visible from all of the surrounding offices. Our postman recently pointed out that, having heard employees of a neighbouring business asking about our car, a near-identical CX-5 has appeared opposite our office.

Mazda clearly has its numbers in check with the CX-5. it’s still competitive, if admittedly not class-leading, three years after it broke this segment through the 120g/km mark. But if that wasn’t enough to make potential customers take notice, then anecdotally i think we’ve seen that the styling will be plenty powerful enough to do the job. Once they’re behind the wheel, the driving experience will do the rest of the selling. a powerful proposition.

Anne Dopson

EigHt weeks in, and Civic tourer continues to impress as an everyday workhorse. admittedly, not every detail is perfect, though; the buttons on the infotainment system are fiddly and it’s also slow to react to touchscreen commands. More concerning, and given the recent Volkswagen debacle, i’m not entirely convinced if it’s really as economical as its manufactures claim. it could be simply that its 1.6-litre i-DtEC engine is still factory fresh and needs a few more miles before it’s properly run-in. But before i cast any further doubt, over the forthcoming month i’m making it my mission to see the exact disparity, if there is one. Watch this space……

Danny Cobbs

fleetworld.co.uk / 73

our fleet Mitsubishi L200 2.4 DI-D 4WD Barbarian Double Cab Auto i will admit to feeling a bit more manly over the past few weeks, as i’ve been trucking along in our new Mitsubishi L200.

That’s because the L200 has always been the lynchpin of the pick-up sector, the go-to tough nut when you need a tool for a job, with a large load bed, a big double cab for rough hewn men and four-wheel drive capability that will get you and your kit to every location, not matter how remote. The upshot of this was that the old L200 was pretty agricultural in a number of ways.

This version, though, is the new fifth generation launched this year which Mitsubishi promises has a softer side. All versions come with air-conditioning, bi-xenon headlamps, the electronically switchable 4x4 system and an array of safety kit including seven airbags, traction control and Trailer Stability

Assist, as well a improved ride and engine refinement and less boat-like handling.

We’ve gone for the top-spec Barbarian, which is even more plush: superbly comfortable and supportive heated leather seats, climate control, privacy glass, auto box (with paddles!), chintzy chrome detailing and tread plates that glow with a soft blue ‘Barbarian’ welcome when you step in.

First impressions are the engine gives it serious shove, and is far smoother, the cabin is a very comfortable place and the handling on smooth roads is excellent. On the downsides, on rougher surfaces the ladder frame chassis and rear leaf springs make it unsettled, and the infotainment system is lamentable. But it is clear that overall it is a huge step forward.

Steve Moody

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

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

accident management Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd

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

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

Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI SE CoD 150hp S-tronic Audi wants the Q3 back, much to the disgust of my family. To my surprise the compact Audi has proven incredibly popular with us all, finally dispelling my cynical feelings towards faux 4x4 crossovers.

A 1.4-litre petrol engine, dSG transmission, only two-wheel drive? i wasn’t won over by the spec when i took the car on. it sounded like a recipe for little more than a school run special.

Yet the Q3 has proven so much more than that.

True it has a relatively small petrol engine, but it boasts a powerful 150hp, and runs on two cylinders when you are cruising. This has resulted in numerous effortless long distance journeys and a fuel consumption average that is always in the high 30s. Surprisingly, we have covered over 11,000 miles over the last few months together.

Though the entry-level SE model, our Q3 boasts excellent sports seats, with the all-important extendable seat squab that makes them so comfortable for those over six-foot tall. They have four-way electric lumbar support too,

74 / fleetworld.co.uk

though it was never called upon. Excellent Xenon headlights also come as standard and have been proving their worth as we head into Autumn. despite sitting on optional 18-inch alloys, the Q3 rode well and proved as effective on bumpy country roads as it did on the motorway. The smooth-shifting six-speed dSG box should also get an honourable mention, easing numerous late night M25 journeys back from the airport. it will be missed.

Dan Gilkes

fleet insurance insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

Bond Lovis Insurance Brokers Tel: 08000 113 444 www.bondlovis.co.uk

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

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

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance Zenith Tel: 0844 848 9311 www.zenith.co.uk

daily rental

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

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

risk management Interactive Driving Systems Tel: 01484 551060

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

www.virtualriskmanager.net

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

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

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

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

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

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Tel: 0845 815 0018 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.cardinus.com

Lex Autolease

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023

www.thrifty.co.uk

www.billplant.co.uk

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

SMR

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

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

Sofico NV Tel:+3292018040

www.soficoservices.com

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

Total Leasing Solutions for your business

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Page 1

November 2014

FLEETW RLD FLEETW RLD November 2014

All that matters in

the world of fleet

All that matters in the world of fleet

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

interview

Michael O’Shea of

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

Volkswagen

stopping power

Why fleets should

stopping power

check their brakes

Why fleets should check their brakes

misfuelling MODE MODELPUPIL LPUPIL Behind the wheel

of Tesla’s remarkable

Model S

Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

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

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

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

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

DriveTech

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk

tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 75

fleet management

New evidence of the benefits of a TCO approach Helen Fisk, AutoSolutions manager at ALD Automotive, looks at how employers can cut both costs and CO2 whilst also enhancing their company car proposition by simply switching to Total Cost of Ownership. he use of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) may be nothing new to the fleet sector but many fleets may be pleasantly surprised to find out just how much they could benefit from their introduction.

In fact, as cutting costs and CO2 emissions continue to top the agendas for many fleets, turning to TCO could provide a neat ‘double whammy’ solution to both issues whilst also aiding with yet another concern to some fleets in the current climate – employee recruitment and retention.

The premise behind a TCO approach is quite simple, taking into account vital taxation and environmental parameters to build a true reflection of a vehicle’s costs.

Yet with industry research suggesting that only a small percentage of organisations use TCO when compiling choice lists, it seems there is a lot of scope for more fleets to take advantages of these benefits.

Many fleets still select vehicles based on their purchase price or P11D banding – however, this doesn’t provide an accurate picture of a vehicle’s true costs across its lifetime on the fleet.

But although two cars may appear to cost the same – even down to identical monthly rentals – in reality one car could end up costing significantly more over its life cycle.

Only by switching to TCO can fleets ensure that they are adopting a holistic approach that provides fleets with all the information they need to ensure they are running the most cost-effective vehicles for their business.

However cost savings are just one benefit of a multifaceted solution and another core advantage of switching to Total Cost of Ownership is the resultant improvement in company car choice for employees.

In fact in many cases TCO can enable fleets to offer drivers an enhanced line-up of vehicles previously out of reach but now opened up due to their low running costs. This has obvious benefits for staff recruitment and retention.

And a TCO vehicle policy can also help fleets with their efforts to go greener, as recently discovered by ALD Automotive customer, SPIE UK.

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Contact ALD Automotive:

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t 087000 111 81

The firm, a leading provider of vital multi-technical services, has taken delivery of a number of hybrids on its fleet under a new three-year sole supply partnership with ALD Automotive.

This was supported by SPIE’s move to a TCO approach for vehicle selection, which provided the group with a much more detailed overview of vehicles’ costs across their lifetime on the fleet, enabling them to weigh up the benefits of ultra-low emission vehicles. As a result, the company is already adding three Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrids to its fleet whilst also trialling electric commercial vehicles.

So from whichever angle you look at it, turning to Total Cost of Ownership is a win/win approach.

However, there are many key components that need to be included in TCO to ensure you are getting a full and representative picture of all the costs involved in running a vehicle. These include not just the acquisition price but also depreciation, fuel, SMR, running costs and National Insurance/taxation.

Knowing which costs to include in a TCO calculation can cause problems for fleets that are new to this approach.

Obtaining the buy-in from stakeholders such as senior management, HR, finance and fleet teams can also prove problematic and it may also prove time-consuming to adopt such a strategy, which is why many fleets find it beneficial to seek expert advice.

This is where ALD Automotive can help. As one of the largest leasing firms in the UK with over 57 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to expedite any move to TCO, supported by our AutoSolutions team.

This specialist division comprises experienced analysts, experts in the fields of vehicle funding and fleet choice lists, and the deployment of proven cost-effective and practical car policies over many years, backed up by a market-leading TCO fleet software programme.

For more details of how the AutoSolutions team can help you switch to a TCO policy, please email ukinfo@aldautomotive.com or phone 0870 00 111 81.

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

VAN

October 2015

FLEETW RLD

p88

at a glance driven...

• Ford Transit Tipper • Iveco Eurocargo • Citroën Berlingo • Volkswagen Caddy

Increased equipment should prove popular with drivers while fleet managers will appreciate the reduced consumption.

plus...

Fleet software, the latest news & the SWOT team take a look at the new Transporter

23rd October 2015 ArenaMK

FLEETW RLD

Register for the show at...

vanfleetworldlive.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Power and economy for Ranger ord has taken the wraps off its latest Ranger pick-up in European specification. Promising big fuel savings and increasing use of new technologies, the revised Ranger will arrive in UK dealerships early in 2016.

Behind the new trapezoidal grille Ford’s 2.2-litre diesel engine has been boosted to 160hp, delivering up to 43.5mpg and 171g/km of CO2, a massive improvement over the current model.

The 200 hp five-cylinder 3.2-litre engine will remain available and both engines can be ordered with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. AutoStart/Stop, revised final drive ratios and electric power steering all contribute to the claimed 17% fuel savings.

The cab now features an eight-inch

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touchscreen with Ford’s voice activated SYNC 2 connectivity. The trucks will come with Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, front and rear park assist, a rear view camera and ESP with roll over mitigation and trailer sway control.

On top of that, customers will have Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control and Adaptive Load Control, plus Emergency Brake Assistance.

Ford sold more than 21,600 Rangers in Europe in 2014, more than double its first full year in 2012.

In the first eight months of this year the company sold 4,659 Rangers in the UK, a 36.5% increase over the same period last year.

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

Electric vans offer savings for Estuary Estuary Housing Association has added two Nissan e-NV200 electric vans to its fleet. The vans, supplied by local dealer Toomey Motor Village, are being used by maintenance teams in Southendon-Sea. Equipped with racking and a roof mounted pipe carrier, the vans cover around 30 miles a day.

“As a not-for-profit organisation we obviously have to pay close attention to our bottom line and so having vehicles that are so much cheaper to run and maintain than a conventional diesel was a big attraction,” said Jason Grieve, estate services maintenance manager.

Transport firms should adopt new tech

FTA report predicts further van growth he Freight Transport Association has launched its Van Excellence Report 2015/16, stating that strong leadership and professionalism are key to improving the sector’s image. There are 3.6m vans in the UK, though only 9% are in the hands of larger fleets. The FTA believes that up to 50% of vans are operated by sole traders, while the biggest single industry using vans is postage and parcel delivery, which accounts for 255,000 LCVs. “Van Excellence has been embraced by the industry as a valuable initiative to enhance standards of van operator

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compliance and celebrate those who demonstrate excellence,” said Mark Cartwright, FTA’s head of vans.

“The Van Excellence report reinforces this message, recording achievements so far and highlighting the economic and social value of van fleets, which are indispensable to the UK economy.”

The UK van fleet covered 45bn miles in 2014, 20% up on a decade ago. By comparison HGVs covered 16bn miles, despite carrying 80% of road freight. The RAC Foundation predicts that van use will double between 2010 and 2040, with vehicle numbers reaching 6m in the UK.

Nine out of 10 road transport businesses still use paper-based processes to manage vehicle checks, while just 14% have an incentive scheme based on driver performance data, according to a poll by telematics firm Microlise at a recent RHA compliance conference.

Microlise claims that technology can greatly improve efficiency, by bringing together tachograph data, walk around check results, compliance, driving style and safety information.

“Telematics is no-longer just about locating a vehicle. The capabilities have gone far beyond the ‘dot on a map’ basics,” said executive director Matthew Hague.

Encore invests in driver skills Recruitment agency Encore Personnel is investing in driver training by offering training to drivers who have demonstrated a high standard of performance. The company has more than 250 van and truck drivers on the roads every week and expects more than 50 drivers a year to choose to develop and improve their skills under the scheme.

Comprehensive training will deliver higher skill levels.

Fiat Professional with

Ford Transit Tipper Ford’s One-Stop range hits peak versatility with the utility double cab three-way tipper, says Dan Gilkes.

he 3.5-tonne dropside and tipper are the mainstays of many a builder’s fleet. Versatility, load carrying ability and no requirement for a truck licence make the compact trucks a sensible choice for utilities, local authorities and a host of construction applications.

Traditionally customers had to buy the chassis from a vehicle manufacturer and the tipper from a body builder or converter.

More recently much of that business has gone to franchised dealers, with their ready-bodied lines of pre-built tippers and dropsides providing a single source for purchasing, service and warranty work.

Ford has been a pioneer of the concept, with its One-Stop line stretching from tippers and dropsides, to Lutons, boxes and curtainsiders. Now the company is adding to the mix with a utility double cab threeway tipper model.

From the outside the van looks like a standard double cab Transit, though with no windows in the rear side doors. However open up those doors and you have a secure storage box that is totally separate from the three seats in the front with a full steel bulkhead between the two.

Ford offers both one-way and three-way tippers, both of which are supplied by Scattolini. The three-way unit has simple locking pins that the driver moves from side to rear tipping points, to change between rear tip or tipping over either side of the truck.

Fold down sides and tailgate, plus the ability to release the bottom of the tailgate for loose material to flow through, add to the versatility. The body also comes with

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what we think Having one source for such a specialised vehicle offering service and warranty cover for the whole vehicle will appeal to fleet managers.

They will get few complaints from drivers too.

specification MODEL

Ford Transit 350 Base L3 Utility Double Cab 3-Way Tipper BASIC PRICE £32,295 ENGINE 4-cyl/2,198cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 125hp @ 3,500rpm TORQUE 350Nm @ 1,450rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 KERB WEIGHT 2,830 PAYLOAD 670 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,777 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 2,066 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 715 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 COMBINED CO2/MPG 204g/km/36.4 mpg OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles

tie-down loops in the tipper floor and sheeting hooks on the outside of the body.

The only downside to all of this versatility is weight, or the lack of it. When based on a 3.5-tonne chassis the utility double cab three-way tipper offers a payload of just 670kg. And that’s before the driver and crew load up the utility section of the cab with wet weather gear and tools.

If you are prepared to go through the additional regulation of running vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the Transit can also be had with a gross weight of 4.7 tonnes, delivering a much more usable payload of 1,870kg. However then you’ll be looking at additional driving licences, tachographs and Operator’s licences.

That L3 chassis does gives the double cab tipper an overall length of just over 6m, but the truck is surprisingly easy to thread through traffic and never feels that big. This is no doubt due in part to the familiarity of the Transit cab, which remains one of the easiest vans to live with on a day to day basis.

Equipped with the mid-range 125hp version of the 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine, the big van also has more than enough pulling power for surprisingly rapid progress, while the twin rear wheel driveline delivers reassuringly solid handling.

One-Stop has become an important part of Ford’s LCV business, providing customers with a wide range of ready-bodied vehicles from stock.

The utility double cab three-way tipper might be a bit too niche for some fleets but when it comes to versatility it proves that Ford's One-Stop scheme has every eventuality covered.

It‌ is about ideas and technology.

ARI is known and trusted by fleet management decision-makers worldwide for innovation and controlling costs. Transforming data into information, making it instantly actionable, when and how fleet managers need it. Using technology to solve complex fleet challenges with real-world results. A world that is streamlined, less complex and more predictable. It is about fleet management success.

Moving the needle, and the bottom line.

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

Citroën Berlingo Specification boost for Citroën’s light van stalwart, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Light van LOAD VOLUME 3.3–3.7m3 PAYLOAD 636–896kg POWER 75–120hp itroën’s recently updated Berlingo adopts the firm’s new family look at the front, though the LED daytime running lights are part of an optional Look Pack (£240), with improved technology in the cab and the option of Euro 6 engines under the bonnet.

Inside both LX and Enterprise models get cruise control with a programmable speed limiter, while the increasingly popular Enterprise trim now comes with a seven-inch touchscreen and upgraded DAB radio. Citroën continues to provide a separate Teletrac sat nav in the UK, so the touchscreen is really only used for radio and trip computer information, though on our van it also provided a monitor for the optional reversing camera (£200).

While Citroën is offering Euro 6 engines to UK customers, the majority will continue to opt for Euro 5 until the legislative change next year. In line with the market, our test van came equipped with the base 75hp version of the Euro 5 1.6-litre engine, which delivers up to 56.5mpg and 131g/km of CO2.

In fairness, even with a five-speed gearbox, this engine delivers plenty of power for a part laden van and is capable of holding its own, if somewhat noisily, on the motorway too. Indeed Berlingo continues to perform more than adequately and will meet the needs of many fleet operators.

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Higher trim levels really do include plenty of toys too, with Enterprise models in particular having air conditioning, reverse parking sensors and an alarm along with the DAB-equipped touchscreen.

To be honest though, the added specification is starting to feel like it is there to disguise Berlingo’s age. Drive the French van alongside the latest Caddy or Connect and you can see where the extra money is being spent.

If it meets your needs however, Berlingo continues to offer an economical light van choice.

Volkswagen Caddy The revised Caddy van brings a number of revisions to VW’s impressive small van, reckons John Kendall.

SECTOR Light van PRICE £14,365–£22,320 FUEL 44.8–61.4mpg CO2 120–166g/km he shape is reassuringly familiar, while the interior has been subtly re-worked to incorporate revised options like Volkswagen’s latest infotainment systems, while leaving the clear instruments and familiar control layout largely untouched.

The Caddy changes include revised Euro 6 powertrains.

Light CV buyers have a further year before the limits apply to all new vans, giving them the option to stay with the cheaper Euro 5 technology or wait until the law takes the choice away in September 2016.

1.6-litre TDI variants will disappear when Euro 6

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becomes mandatory. Then VW will rely solely on the 2.0litre TDI engine. Choose between 102hp and 150hp with BlueMotion low emission variants from the 102hp engine.

For now the Euro 5 1.6-litre engine stays with either 75hp or 102hp and the Euro-5 2.0-litre TDI offers 140hp. Petrol options will follow next year.

Standard equipment includes the Volkswagen multi-collision brake system to stop the vehicle after a collision if the driver is no longer able to do so. Other options include highbeam assist and park assist for the first time, while adaptive cruise control, front assist and city emergency braking are all on the options list. Startline, Trendline and Highline trim levels are available.

The 3.2m3 and 4.2m3 load volumes of the Caddy and Caddy Maxi vans are unchanged, while payload ranges from 582 to 735kg. Combi, Window van and passenger carrying Life variants provide a wide range of options.

The driving experience is very similar to the outgoing model, but since it was one of the best small vans to drive, that is welcome. The Caddy remains a solidly engineered van with fine road manners and a comfortable cab. As before, the excellent DSG dual clutch transmission remains an option, making life particularly easy for multi-drop work. DSG delivers smooth automated gear shifts and a relaxed driving style.

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

TC Volkswagen has opted for evolution rather than revolution. Sharper styling with a revamped interior give an up to date appearance, which ties in with the corporate brand.

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

TC The 102hp engine now looks a little feeble in output. The external appearance has been around for a while and many were expecting a more radical change.

TC Low holding costs and a good dealer network make it hard to ignore for the fleet buyer. The success and desirability of Transporter is looked on with envy by all the competition.

TC VW has long enjoyed classleading RV’s. Whilst sensible activity in the short term rental sector is acceptable and a necessity for any van manufacturer it’s important to keep numbers under control.

AP VW’s iconic Transporter is a tried and tested product and has a huge following. Should continue to sell in large numbers. Rivals will have no option but to take notice.

AP The medium panel van sector is strong and competitive.

Competition is closing in and with launches next year, pressure will continue to grow. TCO and Whole Life Costs are the commercial vehicle mantra.

MJ While so much of its volume is higher trim level vans, Transporter is a guaranteed success, but the challenge is to balance volume aspirations against the RV strength that brings.

MJ Transit Custom has taken the fight to Transporter with a great looking van with most trims offering high levels of comfort and equipment.

Equally the Vivaro refresh and new Vito represent competition.

GA Transporter doesn’t need any opportunities… it is by far the leader of the pack.

GA Competition is improving at a rapid rate but don’t have the name or the heritage. Transporter is an aspirational LCV!

AP Transporter looks set to cement its position. All feature TDI engines with BlueMotion Technology. Residually should remain solid.

MJ Transporter has almost cult status.. RVs are hard to match. Classy looks, safety equipment, cabin refinement and confident handling.

Range has a wide choice of body and powertrains.

GA Nothing radical was needed. It drivers well, is well put together and the dealer network offers great support.

RVs are ridiculously high and as such take some beating.

84 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

AP Some may describe the exterior as more of a facelift than all new. The 102hp engine, though solid, is lacklustre. Expect Euro 5 to take the lion's share.

MJ At 102hp and with torque at only 250Nm, the Transporter is behind this group and only has a five-speed gearbox. T6 brings new bumpers and lights but is otherwise little different, though few will complain. No throughload for the bulkhead and the 1,244mm width between arches is tighter than most.

GA Some users will want a change if they’ve been a longstanding customer, which may sway some to other manufacturer offerings

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Volkswagen Transporter

Andy Picton (AP) Commercial Vehicles Editor, Glass’s

Tim Cattlin (TC) Commercial Vehicles Monitor Editor, CAP

Strengths TC ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’

AP Residually the T6 should remain solid.

MJ For many owner drivers this is the van they aspire to own.

GA RVs high and take some beating.

Weaknesses TC 102hp engine now looks a little feeble.

AP A growing feeling that the 102hp engine, though solid, is a little lacklustre.

MJ No through-load facility and width between arches is tight.

GA Some users may want a change.

Ford Transit Custom

Strengths TC Good level of specification and comfort.

AP Arguably drives and feels better than any other van on the market.

MJ Well built, great looks, good ride and handling. UK’s top selling van.

GA Has brought some ‘cool’ to the Transit range. Stacks up well on paper.

Weaknesses

Volkswagen Transporter T6 T30 102hp Trendline Euro 5 OTR: £21,420 Engine: 2.0-litre Power: 102hp Torque: 250Nm Fuel: 42.2mpg CO2: 176g/km GVW: 3,000kg Payload: 1,145kg

Strengths TC Well built and established van with a good reputation for value.

AP Big improvement in ride and handling.

MJ Driver comfort and equipment, choose 120hp BiTurbo.

GA Vastly improved over its predecessor, stacks up on paper, rentals are competitive.

Weaknesses

OTR: £22,176 Engine: 2.2-litre Power: 125hp Torque: 350Nm Fuel: 40.4mpg CO2: 186g/km GVW: 2,900kg Payload: 1,114kg

Strengths TC Drives almost as well as Custom with great trim level and build quality.

AP Good engine choices, front /rear drive.

MJ MpG leader, high level of equipment.

GA Improved dramatically over the years. Lives up to its Mercedes badge

Weaknesses TC Historically fleets have distanced themselves from Vito.

AP Still uses foot-operated handbrake.

MJ Centre seat legroom poor, no high roof.

GA It’s still not a Transporter!

Standard equipment: • Electric windows, heated and adjustable door mirrors • Bluetooth/USB • Ford SYNC/Emergency Assistance • Cruise control with speed limiter • Heated windscreen • Full height bulkhead with load-through • Lane Keeping Alert • Load Adaptive Control • Roll Over Mitigation • Hill Start Assist

Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6CDTi 115hp OTR: £20,238 Engine: 1.6-litre Power: 115hp Torque: 300Nm Fuel: 43.5mpg CO2: 174g/km GVW: 2,900kg Payload: 1,237kg

TC Heavy discounting threatens stable RVs. AP Only two trim levels offered.

MJ RVs not the strongest.

GA The older van’s poor press hurt Vivaro.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Standard equipment: • Electric windows • Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors • Bluetooth • DAB radio with Mp/,Aux/SD card • Auto post Collision Braking • Brake Assist • Driver Alert System • Electronic Differential Lock • Hill Hold Assist • Driver’s armrest • Full height bulkhead

Ford Transit Custom 290 L1 125hp Trend

TC Dealer network still car orientated.

AP Still lacking an auto box.

MJ pricing is a touch high.

GA No auto transmission.

Vauxhall Vivaro

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

Standard equipment: • Electric windows • Electrically adjustable heated door mirrors • Roll over mitigation • Full height steel bulkhead, with load-through • Wide-angle blindspot mirror • Bluetooth • USB and Aux-in connectivity • Steering wheel mounted audio controls • Six way adjustable driver’s seat

Mercedes-Benz Vito Compact 1.6CDi FWD OTR: £20,800 Engine: 1.6-litre Power: 115hp Torque: 270Nm Fuel: 45.6mpg CO2: 163g/km GVW: 3,050kg Payload: 1,230kg

Standard equipment: • Multifunction steering wheel • Cruise control with limiter • Bluetooth • Electric windows • Full width bulkhead, with through-load facility • Twin sliding doors • Crosswind Assist • Attention Assist • Hill Start Assist • Driver and passenger airbags • Blue Efficiency package

* 3yr/60k

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 85

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

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

Civica UK Ltd

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales@bynx.com

Contact: Adam Geere Adam.geere@civica.co.uk www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

Tel: 01454 874094

Chevin Fleet Solutions

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

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

Contact: David Gladding sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

Tel: 01773 821992 www.chevinfleet.co.uk

Jaama Ltd

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

Contact: richard evans sales@jaama.co.uk

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

Drive Software Solutions Limited

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

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

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

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

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

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company

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

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

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

VAN

Is it smartphone and/or tablet compatible?

Is your system web based?

Does your system support PDA/Phone devices?

Does your system provide Driver Licence Checking?

Do you offer a KPI dashboard?

Do you provide full support & Maintenance cover?

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

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

Service unavailable

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

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Does your system provide variable access/security levels?

Service provided

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

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Does your system provide a workshop management module?

Key to services

Does your system have any special risk management features?

FLEETW RLD

Bynx

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Chevin Fleet Solutions

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Civica UK Ltd

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Drive Software Solutions Ltd

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Jaama Ltd

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Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company

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PROTECT YOUR LIVELIHOOD WITH A

Halo Road Angel is helping to protect those who drive for a living with their brand new accident camera; Road Angel Halo. Complete with both front and rear units, HD resolution & real-time recording, Halo will help to protect you, your customers & company status by providing reliable footage when you need it most.

Recording modes: Real-time mode – Records any journey you make and simply saves the footage as you go Event mode – Activates when an incident occurs during realtime recording and saves the footage separately

Why choose Road Angel Halo?

• Provides both forward and rear facing cameras to catch an accident at either angle • Downloadable footage to be viewed on a computer

Manual mode - Double click the end button during real time recording to manually create an event file

• HD camera resolution • Provides real time, event, manual and parking modes to cover an accident in almost any scenario • Mounts easily to your vehicles windscreen • Built in GPS with Google maps to see exactly where an incident took place • Optional sound recording with privacy button for customer benefit • Sound recording allows for more reliable evidence in a claim

Parking mode – Activates when the ignition is switched off and records if any movement is detected whilst away from your vehicle

High definition resolution

G-Force sensor

Built in GPS with Google Maps

Optional sound recording

For more information and to order Call us on 01327 855586 or visit www.roadangelgroup.com

Iveco Eurocargo New look, revised engines and improved driver assistance for Eurocargo, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Light/Medium truck POWER 160–320hp TORQUE 680-1,100Nm GROSS WEIGHTS 7.5–18.0 tonnes

and 1,100Nm. Iveco will also offer the Eurocargo with a CNG veco’s Eurocargo light and medium truck range has gas-powered engine, producing 204hp with 750Nm of torque. adopted the family look first seen last year with the Daily There are 11 transmission options, including four autovan. The update includes a new bumper, with a larger mated ZF EuroTronic boxes, five optional manuals and two step and space for the advanced emergency braking system’s Allison fully automatics. The EuroTronic transmission will radar. It also has reshaped wind deflectors that contribute to be standard in the UK, as previously. Customers can also a 2% reduction in drag, LED daytime running lights with choose from 15 wheelbases and the Eurocargo is available optional Xenon headlights and a revised front panel. in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.

There are big changes inside the cab too, with improved In line with upcoming legislation, all Eurocargo models steering wheel mounted audio and Bluetooth buttons, new will have a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), using seat fabrics and improved controls for the air conditioning, a camera installed at the base of the windscreen. The trucks lights and automatic transmission. also come with Enhanced Vehicle StabilIveco has designed the cab to work as an ity Control (EVSC) with an Advanced office on the move for the driver, with an Emergency Braking System (AEBS). This optional 20-litre central box that can house uses radar to measure the distance to the a laptop or tablet, with two USB connecvehicle in front, calculating the time of a tors for charging electronic devices. potential collision and providing multiThere are two engines on offer, with no ple driver warnings, before automatically less than seven power ratings. The braking the vehicle if required. This comsmaller 4.5-litre Tector 5 engine boasts bination of systems also allows for Adaptwo new power outputs of 160hp with tive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses the 680Nm of torque and 190hp with brakes, throttle, radar and engine brake 700Nm, along with the previously availto maintain a safe distance to a vehicle in able 210hp/750Nm model. front while cruising.

The two lower ratings have been UK customers will be able to choose specifically designed for urban use, with from a day cab, a sleeper cab, a high-roof new pistons, injectors and turbocharger Increased equipment sleeper and a full crew cab. Iveco will contributing to an 8% improvement in should prove popular also offer specialist conversions includtorque output. Additional fuel saving with drivers while fleet ing a road sweeper and a full line of measures include the adoption of a smart urban artic models, catering for gross cooling fan with electromagnetic clutch managers will appreciate combination weights of 18-35 tonnes. and the use of fully synthetic engine oils. the reduced consumpDriveAway Options pre-bodied modMedium weight trucks can be supplied tion and TCO that is being els will include box and curtainside with the larger 6.7-litre Tector 7 engine, offered by Eurocargo. bodies from JC Payne and a tipper conoffering four ratings from 220hp and version from Brit-Tipp.

800Nm of torque right through to 320hp

i

what we think

88 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

Zenith Tel: 0844 848 9311 www.zenith.co.uk

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.com

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

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

automatic transmissions Stephens Engineering Automatics Limited Tel: 01920 462530 www.stephensengineering.co.uk

UKVANLEASING

Lex Autolease

telematics & tracking

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

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk conversions Full listings online at Clarks Vehicle Conversions fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0845 319 2787 www.van-conversion.co.uk

STEPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fuel management

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

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

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

vehicle ventilation

accident management

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 89

FIN fleet in numbers

70% More than two-thirds of drivers would not want to get in an autonomous car, according to a survey. Only 5% said they were comfortable with the concept.

£4,300,000

1,775

Motoring expenses racked up by MPs over the past three years, according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. George Galloway was the highest claimant with expenses of £11,676 in 2014/15.

The number of road deaths in 2014 – up 4% on 2013. In addition, the number of people seriously injured in reported road traffic accidents increased by 5% to 22,807.

Source: Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority

Source: DfT

18 £200

The number of monitoring stations, out of 110 around the UK, where roadside NOx emissions were recorded above safe levels in 2015. Camden, Oxford centre and Glasgow were among the highest.

Source: GMB Union

80kg

The amount average used car values for diesel models outperformed petrol models by in H1 2015.

The amount of hydrogen a newly-opened filling station in Sheffield is capable of producing every day; enough for 16 fuel cell cars in one 24-hour period.

Source: Manheim

Source: ITM Power

90 / fleetworld.co.uk

24% The percentage of all RAC Business call outs last year that involved wheel changes.

Company car drivers are six times more likely than private car owners to be stuck with no spare wheel.

Source: RAC Business

CO2NNECTED with OnStar Vauxhall OnStar, the people-friendly personal connectivity and service assistant is available across the New Astra range. Putting you in touch with a qualified advisor, not a machine, the one-of-a-kind system has three distinct offerings. Vehicle diagnostics are sent via email or online portal, in-car 4G Wi-Fi is high speed and Vauxhall Onstar Services keep you fully connected while on the road. Vauxhall OnStar, there is nothing artificial about our intelligence.

Connect to www.vauxhall.co.uk/onstar to find out more.

CO2NNECTED with IntelliLink Drivers of all New Astra models will be fully connected through the high-end IntelliLink infotainment system providing 7-inch colour touchscreen and BluetoothÂŽ connectivity.

NEW ASTRA

CO2NNECTED ON A BUSINESS LEVEL P11D from £15,240 CO2 from 82g/km* BiK from 14%† COMBINED

MPG up to 91.2mpg*

New Astra. Intelligent Technology. Available to order NOW Pre-book your FREE** 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhallfleet.co.uk/newastratestdrive or call 0870 240 4848

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

*Official Government Test Environmental Data. Provisional fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Astra range: Combined 47.1 (6.2)-91.2 (3.1), Urban and Extra-urban figures are tbc.

Provisional CO2 emissions 139-82g/km.

Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. † = 2015-16 tax year. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. ** = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (September 2015). The vehicles illustrated may not necessarily represent the correct final UK specification and not all the features or options described are available on every model.