GreenFleet 47

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WINTER DRIVING

Tips and advice + Know your duty of care

ISSUE 47

WIN A GARMIN See page 37 for details

ALTERNATIVE FUELS The latest on hydrogen as a viable alternative power source

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Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe†. Fiat 500 TwinAir, the lowest CO2 emission petrol car engine in the world*. Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 TwinAir: mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions: Urban 57.6 (4.9) Extra Urban 76.3 (3.7) Combined 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 95 g/km. Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on Volume-weighted average CO emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, †

1st half 2010. *According to NEDC standard. tThe 10% company car tax band currently applies to cars with CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km.

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COMMENT

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ISSUE 47

Dear Reader Will 2011 be the year where greener driving takes a major leap forward? There is certainly a lot to be positive about; sub-100g/km CO2 cars are now exempt from the London congestion charge, the Plug in Grant scheme is now live for motorists purchasing ultra-low vehicles, and the much awaited all electric Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available to buy. And with this year’s rises in VAT and fuel duty, perhaps there is no choice now but to seek out alternatively fuelled vehicles.

WINTER DRIVING

Tips and advice + Know your duty of care

WIN A GARMIN See page 37 for details

ALTERNATIVE FUELS The latest on hydrogen as a viable alternative power source

In this issue, Isabel Dedring, the Mayor of London’s Environment Advisor explains how electric driving in the capital will be made easier this spring thanks to the launch of a city wide electric vehicle charging network, Source London. Plus we find out about Stagecoach’s Bio-bus project which powers buses on 100 per cent biofuel made from used cooking oil and get an update on how hydrogen is shaping up as a viable alternative fuel in the UK. The end of last year saw the UK under a blanket of snow and many motorists were caught out. In fact, an AA/Populus poll of 15,927 members found that despite severe weather warnings, 44 per cent of drivers did nothing to prepare. On page 21, the Institute of Advanced Motorists gives advice on driving in adverse weather conditions, as well as informing employers of their duty of care towards staff in these situations.

Angela Pisanu, Editor

If you have any comments please email the editorial team – editorial@psigroupltd.co.uk GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

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CONTENTS

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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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06 NEWS

24 OUTSOURCING

10 ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Martyn Hart, Chairman of the National Outsourcing Association, explores the benefits of outsourcing certain fleet operations

Isabel Dedring, the Mayor of London’s Environment Advisor, gives an update on the Mayor’s plans to make London the electric capital of Europe Hydrogen vehicles are popping up across the UK in a trend that’s set to continue, writes Ian Williamson, President of the European Hydrogen Association Bryony Chamberlain talks about Stagecoach’s award-winning Bio-bus project where buses run on recycled cooking oil

21 WINTER DRIVING What is a company’s duty of care towards its staff when driving in adverse weather conditions, asks IAM Drive & Survive’s Simon Elstow

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29 FLEET MANAGEMENT Rory Morgan, logistics general manger at Iron Mountain, shares the company’s successful green fleet strategy What are the business benefits of investing in low or zero carbon vehicles? Mark Martin from Moneysupermarket.com investigates

36 ROAD TEST The new Fiat 500 TwinAir is taken for a spin

37 SAT NAV COMPETITION 38 PRODUCT FINDER

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http://www.greenfleet.net Editor Angela Pisanu Production Editor Karl O’Sullivan Production Design Jacqueline Grist Production Control Reiss Malone

Publisher Martin Freedman Advertisement Sales Martin Freedman, Jade Fisher Group Publisher Barry Doyle Reproduction & Print Argent Media

Printed on recycled paper MEMBER OF THE PERIODICAL PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

GreenFleet® Magazine is published by Public Sector Information Limited. 226 High Road, Loughton Essex IG10 1ET. Telephone +44 (0) 20 8532 0055 © 2011 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

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£9 million investment COMMENT for low carbon vehicle Year of the technology projects

Green Car? DR BEN LANE FROM NEXTGREENCAR.COM GIVES A ROUND-UP OF THIS YEAR’S GREEN CAR RELEASES

With several new electric models due to be launched this year, and the Plug-in Car Grant now in place, 2011 promises to be an exciting one for green cars.

More than ever before, going electric is a real option as a number of major manufacturers launch high quality, fully electric models onto the UK market.

Joining Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV and Nissan’s LEAF, the first proper electric cars available in the UK will be PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s iOn and C-Zero, two French incarnations of the i-MiEV. Other important models include the smart ED (now available on lease) and Tata’s Vista EV – a major UK launch for the Indian company owned by Jaguar-Land Rover.

However, not all the focus will be on pure electric vehicles; several new hybrids will also make their way to showrooms during the year.

These include the new Lexus CT 200h – the first prestige C-segment hybrid – with CO2 emissions of only 96g/km. The supermini class also gets its first hybrid in the form of the Honda Jazz – powered by the 1.3 IMA power-train that currently features in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids.

While petrol hybrids have been available for over a decade, 2011 will (at last) see the launch of world’s first diesel hybrid, promising even better fuel economy than existing hybrid models.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 will offer a fusion of vehicle classes, combining SUV, MPV and hatchback attributes. Considering its size and weight, fuel economy figures of 74 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km are impressive.

2011 should also please green car Luddites with the launch of dozens of sub-100 gCO2/km petrol and diesel models, together with the recent introduction of the Congestion Charge’s Greener Vehicle Discount for all Euro 5 models (using any technology) with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km or less.

As part of their new ‘eco-champions’ brand, Renault will be adding the Twingo (90 gCO2/km), Clio (90 g/km), and Megane (106 g/km) to their low carbon line-up. Volkswagen are bringing the new Jetta saloon to the UK, and Ford are re-launching an all-new version of the Focus.

With CO2 emissions of less than 110 g/km, all these models are eligible for the full ‘write down’ through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.

While European CO2 legislation continues to drive down new car emissions, it’s worth pondering the role played by those well-known environmentalists – the banks! Without their help in creating a global recession, it’s unlikely that demand for fuel-efficient cars would be so high, as consumers down-size to control their costs. When in 2008, the then chairman of Lloyds-TSB, Sir Victor Blank, drove to a meeting in a G-Wiz to try to save the Lehman Brothers, perhaps he was trying to tell us something! ©Dr Ben Lane, nextgreencar.com

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THE TECHNOLOGY Strategy Board is to invest a further £9 million to support innovations in low carbon vehicle technology and is inviting applications for funding of new research and development projects and feasibility studies.

Through the collaborative R&D competition, which opens on 7 March 2011, the Board is looking to invest up to £8 million in highly innovative, industry-led collaborative projects aimed at achieving significant cuts in CO2 for vehicle-centric technologies for low carbon vehicles. Up to £2m will be allocated to projects in each of four technology areas – internal combustion engines, energy storage

& energy management, lightweight vehicle & powertrain structures and electric machines & power electronics. Grants will range from £250,000 to £750,000 per project.

Through the feasibility studies competition the Technology Strategy Board is looking to invest up to £1 million in highly innovative industry-led projects targeted at disruptive technology and research that challenges current conventions – exploring new boundaries or adapting novel technologies to an entirely different field. Each project size is expected to be no larger than £100,000 and up to 75 per cent funding may be available.

For more information, visit: www.innovateuk.org

Hybrid and electric vehicles will outsell other vehicle categories, survey predicts A NEW SURVEY HAS SHOWN that auto executives believe hybrids and electric cars will enjoy the biggest growth of any vehicle category over the next five years.

KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Survey 2011 involved interviews with 200 senior executives from the world’s automotive companies, including automakers, suppliers and dealers.

Around 80 percent of respondents said that hybrid and electric vehicles will see the lion’s share of growth of any vehicle

category over the next five years.

84 per cent of respondents expected a hybrid fuel vehicle sales increase in 2011, 77 per cent expected an electric vehicle sales increase in 2011 and 63 per cent expected other alternative fuel vehicle sales increase in 2011.

However, over half of the respondents believe the auto industry will not be able to offer an electric vehicle that is affordable as traditional fuel vehicles for mainstream buyers until after 2015 without government subsidies.

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Milton Keynes and Oxford EV charge points now compatible TO ENABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE common operability between regions, an agreement has been announced that will enable EV drivers based in Oxford to use charging posts in Milton Keynes and vice versa.

Milton Keynes is one of the first “Plugged In Places” locations selected by the government to encourage the widespread use of electric cars by the provision of several hundred charging posts over the next three years.

Oxford now has more than 20 charging points installed by Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) as part of the groundbreaking MINI E electric car project.

Chargemaster Plc is the operator of the back end management system for the Milton Keynes and Oxford charge points.

Through an agreement between Milton Keynes, SEPD and Chargemaster all charging

posts will be available to electric cars owner based in Oxford as well as Milton Keynes thereby enabling drivers to travel between the two areas in an electric vehicle more easily.

US Marines add Smith electric trucks to fleet THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS is the first military organisation to incorporate all-electric Smith Newton trucks into its fleet.

The trucks were procured through the Government Services Administration schedule – a list of approved suppliers to Federal government agencies. Smith Electric will deliver the trucks to Camp Pendleton, California, the Corps’ largest West Coast training facility, and home of the First Marine Expeditionary Force.

A September report by the Center for a New American Security recommended in the

interest of financial and security concerns that America’s armed forces set a goal of operating all of its systems on non-petroleum fuels by 2040. The Marine Corps has already set out to reduce it energy use 30 per cent by 2015 and increase its reliance on renewable electrical energy to 25 per cent by 2025.

The Newton delivers a top speed of 55 mph (88km/h) and has a range from 50 to 120 miles (80km-192km) on a single charge, ideal for urban deliveries, utilities and personnel transport applications.

NEWS IN BRIEF

New three-phase EV charge point for Camden England’s first three-phase charging station, specially designed to recharge electric LCVs, has been installed in Camden, London.

Located at Camden’s all-new refuelling station at the state-of-the-art bus depot, the new charging station will source some of its energy from the depot’s rooftop solar panels.

The high-power Elektromotive threephase charging station has an output of 400 Volts, 32Amps and 21Kwh. Its high-intensity power output is ideal for charging the larger, heavy-duty batteries fitted to electric light commercial vehicles, which are necessary for transporting heavy loads around the city every day.

First cars eligible for £5k grant revealed Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Business Minister Mark Prisk have unveiled nine vehicles that are eligible for eco-friendly car grants of up to £5,000.

The models are: Mitsubishi iMiEV; smart fortwo electric drive; Peugeot iON; Citroen CZero; Nissan Leaf; Tata Vista EV; Toyota Prius Plug-in; Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt.

The grants were made available from 1 January 2011 and will reduce the cost of eligible cars by a quarter, up to a maximum of £5,000.

Road freight groups campaign for fair fuel The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) are joining forces with the FairFuelUK Campaign to urge for fairer fuel prices.

The campaign aims to have the fuel duty rise planned for April scrapped and for the government to intervene and stabilise fuel prices.

These two major organisations uniting behind a common cause is a sign of the enormity of the fuel crisis and will itself be a stark signal to the government that the pressure of action is growing dramatically.

Campaign co-ordinator Peter Carroll said: “We need hundreds of thousands of people to sign up to www. fairfueluk.com. The government will only feel the pressure if this becomes a matter of the national mood.”

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GREENFLEET® NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Midlands chosen as ‘pluggedin place’ The Midlands has been nominated as one of the eight UK ‘Plugged-In Places’ selected by the government to lead on electric vehicle infrastructure deployment.

A consortium of Midlands businesses and local authorities, led by Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon vehicle technologies, has secured up to £2.9 million of funding from the government to support a £6.3 million programme to install more than 500 charge posts in high profile locations, including shopping centres and railway stations, across the East and West Midlands.

The government’s strategy combines funding for infrastructure deployment with a ‘Plug-In-Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 per car for the new wave of electric vehicles to be launched in 2011.

New AA app pinpoints exact breakdown location The AA has launched a free app that will allow them to find members’ exact location when they have broken down. The new app uses the GPS function on the phone to find the location and with the touch of a button, the call and location is transferred to the AA’s Control Centre. This helps ensure that the AA patrol heads straight for the right location.

Non-members can also use the app in the event of a breakdown and can then join the AA for breakdown assistance.

Stansted Airport to trial on-site hydrogen refuelling system Stansted Airport will be the first UK company to test a new hydrogen refuelling system (HFuel) and two specially adapted vehicles as part of ITM Power’s nationwide Hydrogen On Site Trials programme (HOST).

The HOST programme provides each partner with a one week free trial of the HFuel system and two Transit vans.

The results are expected to play a key role in demonstrating the potential and development of hydrogen fuel technology.

During the trial, hydrogen produced by the on-site HFuel system will power the two Ford Transit vans. These vehicles will form part of the airport’s fleet and will be assessed by staff under every-day driving conditions.

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Low carbon motorsport series launches A NEW GREEN RACING SERIES has been launched in a bid to shake up the motorsport industry’s image as bad for the environment.

The enviroSportscar Series is about real cars of the future proving themselves in three forms of motorsport – circuit racing, drag racing and economy rallies.

The technology is not specified – hybrid, hydrogen, electric and “other” will all be accepted so long as the total carbon emissions for the vehicle remain under 100g/km.

The nine-round series is scheduled to start in 2013, with demonstration

events planned for 2011 and 2012. It will support two existing FIA motorsport series at famous European race venues.

High-profile city-centre events will also be scheduled in Monaco and other capitals such as London or Berlin. Famous ‘A’ list celebrities and high profile politicians will be invited to compete in the city events and recognised professional drivers at the circuit ones.

The Series has been launched in direct response to Lord Drayson, the Chairman of the Motorsport Industry Association, challenging the motor industry to produce cooler, greener cars last year.

Road safety evaluation website created THE ROYAL SOCIETY for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) have launched a free road safety evaluation website.

The website, www.roadsafety evaluation.com, will help road safety practitioners evaluate their education,

training and publicity activities.

At the heart of the website is E-valu-it, an interactive tool that helps practitioners define exactly what they are doing and why, allows them to design and carry out their evaluation, and promotes the publication and sharing of results.

Ministers to remove planning permission for electric car charging points MINISTERS HAVE ANNOUNCED their intention to allow electric vehicle charge points to be built on streets and in outdoor car parks without the need for planning permission.

This means more charging points across the country in order to increase the mass market appeal of electric vehicles.

They believe people will embrace new technology and take practical steps to adopt a greener lifestyle if they are given the right support by government. Councils are also being urged to promote electric vehicle charging points in new developments, without making developments unaffordable.

Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said: “It’s no good having an electric car if there’s nowhere to charge it up, so planning rules have to catch up with car technology.

“At the moment planning permission is required for a charging point, but not for a parking meter. We’ll change that so charging points will no longer need planning permission.”

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Model Shown: Mazda5 1.6D Sport

Mazda in twenty-eleven Already a big player in the fleet market, 2011 will see Mazda up its game further with new improved models to suit every fleet profile ith the release of the new improved Mazda3 1.6 diesel engine last Autumn, the New Mazda5 diesel models this January, and the New Mazda6 Business Line due in April, 2011 is set to be a year of significant growth for Mazda in the fleet market.

Already popular in the fleet sector, the Mazda3 1.6D has received further performance and environmental enhancements. Power has gone up by 6ps taking it to 115ps and torque has increased 12.5 per cent taking it to 270Nm at 1750rpm.

Whilst performance has improved, CO2 emissions have dropped from 119g/ km to 117g/km and fuel consumption has improved from 62.8 mpg to 64.2 mpg on a combined cycle. This keeps the Mazda3 1.6 diesel engine in the 13 per cent company car tax bracket and has the added benefit of being zero rated for first year Vehicle Excise Duty.

With its cleaner and more powerful 1.6 diesel engine, low whole-life costs, and high levels of specification, the Mazda3 is poised to grow its already competitive position within the sub120g/km area of the C segment.

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THE MULTI-ACTIVITY VEHICLE This January saw Mazda release a low emission diesel version of its compact multi-activity vehicle, the seven-seat Mazda5. The new 1.6 diesel engine achieves significant improvements over the previous 2.0 diesel model, with a drop in CO2 emissions from 159g/km to 138g/km and improved fuel economy up to 54.3 mpg from 46.3mpg. And while CO2 has gone down, performance has got stronger, with a 5ps hike in power to 115ps.

The Mazda5 offers class-leading levels of flexibility and space and can be tailored to any journey requirements – whether that’s carrying seven passengers or folding all seats back to carry larger cargo. The twin sliding rear doors open wide and extend just 160mm beyond the bodywork to provide easy access in even the tightest spaces.

With its streamlined and svelte body, the New Mazda5 is more attractive than conventional people-carriers.

This is thanks to Mazda’s new Nagare design, which takes its inspiration from the flowing elements of nature.

THE NEW MAZDA6 BUSINESS LINE The Mazda6 stands out from the crowd for being a premium car with high levels of specification without the hefty price tag.

Already the most popular company car in the range, this Spring will see the release of the Mazda6 Business Line model with added features to specifically appeal to business users.

This includes a high spec satellite navigation system integrated to the dashboard, bluetooth capability and 17” alloy wheels for a sportier look and feel.

These are in addition to an already impressive list of safety and luxury features fitted as standard, such as Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS),‘smart’ turn indicators and cruise control.

With CO2 figures of 138g CO2 /km and a combined fuel economy of up to 54.3mpg, companies can save on National Insurance contributions paid on benefit-in-kind, Vehicle Excise Duty and capital allowances.

Now with all the equipment required for company-car needs, the Business Line model will appeal to business user-choosers looking for an alternative

to the usual premium brands or those wanting to stand out from the crowd.

Mazda enjoyed significant success in the business car market in 2010, with sales to Britain’s leading contract hire and leasing companies jumping 20.9 per cent – a percentage gain significantly above many other brands.

THE COMPLETE FLEET SOLUTION Now with the release of the updated 1.6 diesel Mazda3, the New Mazda5 diesel derivative and the Mazda6 Business Line, Mazda is further positioned to cater to the different requirements of business users.

Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director Peter Allibon said: “It is a huge step forward from where Mazda was just four years ago when only the Mazda6 could be described as meeting the demands of fleet operators and company car drivers.

“Now, rather than a single car, Mazda is able to offer businesses a complete fleet solution from an urban super mini through to load-carriers required by high-mileage reps and on to lifestyle vehicles for user-choosers.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 850 5605 Web: www.mazda.co.uk/fleet

Mazda Business Line Engine MPG CO2 RFL BIK% P11D: 0-62 mph Model Price Range

2.2D 54.3mpg 138g/km Band E 19% £19,830 10.9 Seconds from £19,995

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) – 56.5 (5.0), Extra Urban 31.0 (9.1) - 76.3 (3.7), Combined 24.6 (11.5) - 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions (g/km) 299 -110.

Model shown: Mazda5 1.6D Sport, OTR £21,950. Models feature optional Metallic paint £420. On the road price includes VAT, number plates, deliver, 12 months’ road fund license, 1st registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Details correct at time of going to print.

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ALTERNATIVE FUELS

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The Capital’s electric Plans have been put in place to create the right conditions for electric vehicles to thrive in the capital, making electric driving a genuine option for more Londoners. Isabel Dedring, the Mayor of London’s Environment Advisor, explains further ith government electric car grants of up to £5,000 available from this month and a growing range of vehicle choices coming to market, 2011 could be remembered as the year that electric driving took off.

Here in London, 17,000 pure electric or hybrid electric vehicles are already in use and the Mayor, Boris Johnson, has made the speedy uptake of these vehicles a key part of his strategy to

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produce 40 per cent less carbon than a normal vehicle, even when we take the fossil fuel source into account.

BUSINESS IS BOOMING This rapidly growing technology is now attracting serious investment, sparking new jobs and enterprises. A recent report by HSBC estimates that the global electric vehicle market could

Here in London, 17,000 pure electric or hybrid electric vehicles are already in use and the Mayor, Boris Johnson, has made the speedy uptake of these vehicles a key part of his strategy to create the best big city in the world create the best big city in the world.

Electric driving is well suited to London because the vast majority of car trips are less than ten miles, which is well within the range of current models. There are considerable environmental benefits as the vehicles emit no tailpipe emissions helping to reduce road pollution, and they

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be worth £440bn by 2020 with the EU being the biggest market. Work to boost vehicle numbers in London will help to generate millions of pounds for the UK’s manufacturing industry, helping to grow the nascent low carbon economy.

Driving electric is also cheaper for consumers as there are no petrol costs, vehicles pay no road tax, and in London,

they also benefit from a 100 per cent congestion charge discount.

In combination, this means drivers are quids in with potential savings of an estimated £3,000 a year. Businesses can enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles too, since all cars and vans will be exempt from company car tax and van benefit charge respectively for five years.

THE ELECTRIC CAPITAL The Mayor is working with Transport for London and a wide range of organisations to create the right conditions for electric vehicles to thrive so that more Londoners feel confident to take this choice. At the heart of these plans is the creation of a comprehensive network of charge points with the aim that no one will be more than one mile from a public charging point.

The city-wide charging network, Source London, will launch in spring 2011 leading to the installation of 1,300 public charging points – on streets, in supermarkets, in retail car parks – by 2013. Operating under a single visual identity, Source London will allow members to charge their vehicles at any one of these public charging points for no more than an £100 annual membership fee. While currently electric vehicle drivers have to jump through the bureaucratic hurdles to register in each of London’s 33 boroughs in which they want to drive and use charge points.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Already there are more electric drivers in London than anywhere else in the UK, but we are

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now entering an incredibly exciting period in electric motoring. Major manufacturers are gearing up to launch more affordable, practical electric cars over the next few years, whilst the cost of traditional fuels is making petrol-free driving an increasingly attractive option. By opting for electric in greater numbers, Londoners will also help to cut pollution levels and improve the city’s quality of living.

“Through the development of Source London, we are seeking to create the fertile conditions for electric vehicles to flourish to make our city the electric driving capital of Europe.”

In preparation for this new network www.sourcelondon.net is providing a ‘one stop shop’ of information on electric vehicles seeking to debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about costs, range and availability.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP The development of Source London has been led by Transport for London in close collaboration with the London boroughs and a wide range of private sector partners, who will play a key part

Already there are more electric drivers in London than anywhere else in the UK, but we are now entering an incredibly exciting period in electric motoring. Major manufacturers are gearing up to launch more affordable, practical electric cars over the next few years, whilst the cost of traditional fuels are making petrol-free driving an increasingly attractive option in funding and providing locations for the network’s charge points. Discussions are now taking place with other UK cities developing charge point networks to ensure they can be used seamlessly by electric vehicle drivers and so that London’s work can contribute to a national network of charge points.

A unique example of a publicprivate partnership has formed around the Source London initiative.

The Mayor is working with the government, manufacturers, charging infrastructure suppliers, car club operators, car parks, energy providers and anyone else with a part to play.

For example, a TfL-led consortium

with match funding from the Mayor, has secured a £9.3m grant from the government’s Plugged in Places, whilst global technology giant, Siemens, is sponsoring and developing the backoffice function for Source London.

Electric vehicles are good for the environment, good for the economy and great for the consumer. The Mayor’s plans are putting London at the forefront of electric driving with the aspiration to have 100,000 electric vehicles on our roads as soon as possible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.london.gov.uk

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The way forward for hydrogen From taxis to London buses, hydrogen vehicles are cropping up all over the UK – a trend that’s set to continue, writes Ian Williamson, President of the European Hydrogen Association ydrogen as a transport fuel is on the up. The recognition of hydrogen fuel as a solution to our transport pollution and carbon emission problems is being increasingly acknowledged among policymakers and the road transport industry. Hydrogen is attracting an ever increasing number of high profile backers, from Arnold Schwarzenegger, to Deputy Mayor for London Kit Malthouse, who said recently that he “would like to see it as the majority fuel for the vehicles on our streets.”

Meanwhile the European Commission’s low carbon transport strategy views hydrogen vehicles as one of the “most promising options” for the creation of a low carbon transport infrastructure. In addition, Europe’s car manufacturing powerhouse, Germany, is sinking 1.4 billion into developing a hydrogen transport infrastructure over the next ten years and nine of the major car manufactures have signed a letter committing to commercialising hydrogen cars by 2015.

Meanwhile, in the UK, hydrogen powered fleets are cropping up around

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the country, from London to the Midlands and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Hydrogen cars are now being used for everything from postal deliveries to taxis and the first hydrogen bus route has started on London’s streets.

The UK Government is increasingly recognising the importance of hydrogen as a transport fuel and has recognised hydrogen cars in its Plug-in-Car grant, which offers a supplement of £5,000 for purchasers of low carbon vehicles.

The previous government funded a number of hydrogen fuelling stations around the UK and also established a low carbon economic area for hydrogen in the West of England and Wales, with plans to establish a “hydrogen highway” along the M4 motorway.

WHY HYDROGEN? Clearly then, hydrogen is being seen as one of the best options for low carbon transport in the UK and around the world. But why hydrogen?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer the same range, refuelling time and speed of conventional vehicles and like

battery vehicles there are no emissions at the point of use. Road transport infrastructure in the UK would look very much like it does today; cars with a range of around 400 miles refuelling in just a couple of minutes at hydrogen stations dotted around the road network.

By contrast, the main competitor to the hydrogen fuel cell, the battery, will never be the complete answer to low carbon transport. Electric cars, which store energy in a battery, cannot compete with conventional fuels in terms of range, speed or fuelling time. The practicalities of running a battery vehicle – the speed limit of 60mph and recharging for hours at a time every 70 miles – mean that long journeys are difficult.

GETTING THE ENERGY Some methods of producing electricity for battery vehicles are associated with carbon emissions in the same way that they are currently associated with the production of hydrogen. At the moment most industrial hydrogen does not come from renewable sources but there are two key points to make here.

Firstly, it is possible to create hydrogen renewably, through waste to energy technologies or by storing electricity produced by renewable energy sources like wind as hydrogen. Air Products, for example, is proposing to build a waste to energy plant in the North East of England that will have the potential to generate a renewable source of hydrogen from non-recyclable waste.

Secondly, the benefits of hydrogen are not just around carbon emissions;

1947

In 1947 American engineers Douglas H. Ring and W. Rae Young described in detail a system of radio towers which formed a hexagonal cell structure and enabled the use of portable telephones across wide areas.

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the fact that there are no emissions at the point of use means we are addressing the dangerous fumes produced by conventional vehicles that make our cities some of this most polluted in Europe.

Thus, hydrogen vehicles produce no harmful emissions, can run on zero carbon hydrogen and are more practical than other competing technologies.

But, hydrogen’s recent resurgence owes much to the rapid development of technology that is making it more cost effective. We have known for some time that the best low carbon alternative to conventional fuels in terms of range and fuelling time is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. A new report has found that hydrogen vehicles are also going to be the best option in terms of cost, possibly even within the decade. The study, ‘A portfolio of power-trains for Europe: a fact-based analysis’ used data provided by 30 leading players across the transport industry, including major car manufacturers, oil and gas companies and hydrogen industry experts like Air Products. It argues that the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is the best low carbon transport option for the average family car. If we are genuinely to have a green transport infrastructure, hydrogen ticks all the right boxes.

HYDROGEN POWERED FLEETS Although the technology already exists, hydrogen cars for the general public remain some time off in the UK. While the cars themselves are rapidly approaching commercialisation, with costs falling as new technology is developed, the fuelling infrastructure will take time to be established around the country. In the shorter term, however, hydrogen powered car fleets, with a dedicated fuelling station, will be the main way that hydrogen infrastructure begins to develop around the country.

Hydrogen car fleets are already beginning to spring up around the UK and some small ones have been operating for a number of years.

In the Midlands, the universities of Birmingham and Loughborough have been running hydrogen car fleets on their campuses since 2008 and were this year joined by Coventry University to form a “hydrogen ring” in the region. The Microcab cars used by the universities have been used for postal deliveries, recycling of materials and other tasks on the university campuses. They have also been used to do research on the vehicles – journeys are monitored and used to check the reliability, efficiency and cost effectiveness of the cars and to ensure their road-worthiness.

As of 2011, however, new roadworthy Microcabs are being launched that will connect the three universities,

14

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

Hydrogen vehicles produce no harmful emissions, can run on zero carbon hydrogen and are more practical than other competing technologies putting hydrogen powered cars on the UK’s roads for the first time.

A number of bigger hydrogen fleets are set to start appearing on the UK’s roads in the near future. The end of last year saw a groundbreaking move forward for hydrogen powered transport with the launch of London’s brand new hydrogen bus fleet. Five hydrogen buses will run on the high profile RV1 route. The Air Products series 100 fuelling station used by Transport for London (TfL) is not limited to fuelling just buses, however and TfL has plans to widen this out to a range of other vehicles, including taxis, cars and motorbikes and there are plans in place for at least two more fuelling stations in the capital by the end of 2011.

It will not be long before hydrogen powered vehicles are common place on the streets of London. In fact a hydrogen powered black taxi cab is planned for launch in London in 2012.

In addition, Leicester City Council has joined up with car manufacturer Riversimple and the universities of Leicester and De Montford to lease a fleet of 30 hydrogen cars in a 12 month pilot scheme and there are expectations that Riversimple will announce another fleet in another UK city in the near future.

THE FUTURE OF HYDROGEN FLEETS The recent take-up of hydrogen powered fleets will increase further as the cars become more affordable. At the same time government incentives such as the Plug-in-Car scheme will make hydrogen an increasingly attractive proposition.

It is quite clear that the UK needs to move away from conventional fuels if we are to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality in our cities.

Hydrogen powered transport is the best, most practical and cost effective option that we have available to us.

Furthermore, hydrogen fleets represent an excellent opportunity particularly for local authorities, businesses and academic institutions to demonstrate their green credentials and to be at the forefront of the UK’s transition towards a hydrogen transport infrastructure.

Ian Williamson is European Hydrogen and Bio Energy Director at Air Products and President of the European Hydrogen Association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION European Hydrogen Association: www.h2euro.org Air Products: www.airproducts.co.uk

2011 It took the world 32 years to catch up with Ring and Young when the world's first mobile phone network (which used a system of radio towers in hexagonal cell structures) began operating commercially in 1979.

So, in a way, the ultra-stylish, new Sportage 1 CRDi wouldn't have voice activated Bluetooth® as standard without them.

Kia Sportage 1 CRDi from £219† (plus VAT) per month.

Kia Fleet. Be ahead of the game.

SPORTAGE 1 CRDi

P11D VALUE

COMBINED MPG

CO2 EMISSIONS

RESIDUAL VALUE

SMR

BENEFIT-IN-KIND @ 20%

BENEFIT-IN-KIND @ 40%

COST PER MILE OVER 60K MILES

£17,980

54.3

135

38.64%

£1,760

£56.94

£113.87

£0.42

Want to find out just how affordable the future of fleet is?

Call us today on 0845 126 4700 and we’ll surprise you.

KIA FLEET

www.kia.co.uk/fleet Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Kia Sportage 1 CRDi are: Urban: 47.1 (6.0). Extra Urban: 58.9 (4.8). Combined: 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions are 135g/km.

Model shown is Kia Sportage 1 CRDi. For Business users only. †£219 per month refers to Kia Sportage 1 CRDi on a 36 month/30,000 miles ‘Maintenance Excluded’ contract hire scheme (with an advance payment of 3 monthly rentals), provided by ALD Automotive, BS16 3JA. Package includes road fund licence and Kia Assistance. Rental valid on orders placed on or before 31 March 2011. All payments subject to VAT. Written quotations available on request. Credit provided subject to status. Excess and other charges may apply depending on the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Excess mileage charges will be applied if the contract mileage of 30,000 miles is exceeded. Wear and tear is determined by reference to condition commensurate to age and mileage. For full details please refer to www.kia.co.uk. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices correct at time of going to print. *7 year / 100,000 mile warranty. See your local dealer or visit www.kia.co.uk for full warranty terms and exclusions.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

www.greenfleet.net

Power from waste cooking oil In October 2007 Stagecoach launched its Bio-bus initiative in Kilmarnock – a fleet of nine buses that run on 100 per cent biofuel made from recycled cooking oil. Bryony Chamberlain, managing director, Stagecoach West Scotland, explains the project and future sustainability plans s one of the UK’s largest public CO2 . The bio-diesel is produced from transport operators, we are tallow and used cooking oil, both aware of the impact of transport of which are sustainable feedstock on the environment. We believe that we sources that do not involve the can take a lead in forming solutions to the destruction of natural habits or challenges posed. Stagecoach has never compete with the human food chain. been afraid to try new ideas, we have For the first ten minutes of the introduced market-leading innovations morning, the buses run on diesel until across many areas of our business, normal engine operating temperature including our environmental aspirations, is reached and then the system most notably with the-Bio-bus project. automatically switches over to Stagecoach West Scotland launched bio-diesel, which powers trials for the Bio-bus three years the vehicles all day.

For the ago in Ayreshire. Set up in The scheme has latest GreenFleet® partnership with bio-diesel captured the news, events and business Argent Energy and East imagination of features please visit Ayrshire Council, nine Bio-buses its passengers, were introduced on routes offering them the www.green between Stewarton and Darvel chance to recycle fleet.net via Kilmarnock; a particularly their used cooking busy service which carries over oil in exchange 15,000 passengers per week. for discounted bus travel. During the trials, households on the POWER FROM WASTE Stewarton route were given a free The buses are fuelled on 100 per cent container to recycle their used cooking bio-diesel manufactured from used oil. The cooking oils were collected cooking oil and other food by-products

by East Ayrshire Council’s recycling with the aim of significantly reducing depot and forwarded to Argent

A

Energy to be converted to biofuel.

Stagecoach also created a dedicated website for the project, www.thebiobus. com where customers can read about the scheme and even order a container to be delivered to collect their own waste oil.

The Bio-buses have proved that an innovative green product, when combined with effective marketing, can inspire people to take personal responsibility in leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

THE IMPACT Since its launch, the Bio-bus project has reduced CO2 emissions by 80 per cent, saving 2450 tonnes of carbon. During the first year of operation, passenger numbers on the route in question rose by 32.7 per cent and more than 2 million passengers have used the Bio-buses since the project was introduced. In addition, more than 70 tonnes of used cooking oil has been recycled at East Ayrshire Council’s recycling plant since the start of the project – a significant increase on the volume usually recycled at the facility.

Our Bio-buses have been well received both locally and nationally, winning

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

17

Nobody is closer to your car rental needs

With 350 branches spread across the UK, Enterprise is within 5 miles of 75% of the population*. So whenever you need a rental vehicle, and whatever the circumstances, you can be sure of a rapid response from our friendly, professional team. And you can choose our optional pick-up (or delivery) service for added convenience!

enterprise.co.uk • 01784 221 300

To find out more about our environmental platform please visit www.drivingfuture.co.uk Š 2011 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Pick-up is subject to geographic and other restrictions. * Autofocus 2009

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

www.greenfleet.net

several accolades in recognition for their positive impact on the environment.

Most recently we won the Travel and Transport Award at the prestigious 2010 Green Business Awards.

We have also introduced a further 23 Bio-buses in Cambridgeshire and are continuing to explore other measures which can help us reduce the carbon emissions of our UK Bus fleet.

FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY We are also only too aware that there is much still to be done. In March 2010, Stagecoach Group became the first Scottish-based transport group – and one of only two listed UK public transport operators – to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after committing to measure, manage and reduce year on year carbon emissions and achieving a significant 5.7 per cent* reduction across the UK business.

We are now looking to build on this achievement, investing £11 million in a range of measures to meet our environmental targets through a comprehensive five-year plan.

Our aim is to achieve an overall reduction of eight per cent in buildings CO2 emissions and a cut of three per cent in annual fleet transport CO2e emissions by 2014.

As well as fuel efficiency and the use of alternative and renewable fuels, our

strategy focuses on a number of key areas. These include conserving and recycling water, reducing and recycling waste, and saving energy at our offices and depots. Our local companies across the UK and North America each have their own green targets and we hold an annual Stagecoach Green Week – as well as offering a Green Champion Award – which help engage staff in our environmental activities.

However, we can’t do it all on our own; pro-public transport policies are key if we are to encourage even more people on to our buses and trains.

One of the biggest barriers to reducing bus emissions is congestion within towns and cities. By having bus priority measures introduced, we can reduce the carbon emissions produced by vehicles.

We will also be able to improve service reliability, and therefore encourage more people to take the bus instead of driving.

We believe that there are many exciting opportunities ahead to further improve the sustainability of our business and, along with our many partners, we look forward to exploring and implementing new measures to continue our drive towards greener, smarter travel.

* Tonnes CO2 e /£ Turnover FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.stagecoachgroup.com or www.greenbusinessawards.com

ABOUT STAGECOACH

Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada.

The company employs around 35,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services.

Stagecoach is one of UK’s biggest bus and coach operators. Around 2.5 million passengers travel on Stagecoach’s 8,100 buses every day on a network stretching from south-west England to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The company’s business includes major city bus operations in London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield and Cambridge.

Stagecoach is also a major UK rail operator, running the South West Trains, Island Line and East Midlands Trains networks. It has a 49 per cent shareholding in Virgin Rail Group, which operates the West Coast inter-city rail franchise.

Stagecoach is also Britain’s biggest tram operator, running networks in both Sheffield and Manchester.

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

19

ING GreenCARE: We’ll help you get the right balance

Greener, leaner fleets for a brighter future If you’re under pressure to minimise your fleet costs while also reducing CO2 emissions, then ING GreenCARE could make your life a lot easier.

Through comprehensive online reporting and analysis, GreenCARE enables you to assess the environmental impact of your fleet and identify cost savings. You can even benchmark your fleet’s performance and carbon footprint against our best performing customer fleet and the average across our 50,000 vehicles. All at the click of a mouse.

Find out more about this innovative new service today:

Call 0870 402 8242, email info@ingcarlease.co.uk or visit www.ingcarlease.co.uk and click on environment

WINTER DRIVING

www.greenfleet.net

Driving in adverse weather conditions In the UK, we’re not used to driving in the extreme weather conditions experienced recently. But with a little education we can deal with them much more safely, writes IAM Drive & Survive’s head of training and field operations, Simon Elstow he most important consideration is to ask yourself whether you need to be travelling at all. If you do, check the weather forecast before setting off and don’t ignore police warnings about closed roads or advice not to travel on specific routes.

If possible, try and work from home or at least reschedule unnecessary travel. Not everyone can do this, but the more people who are able to avoid travelling in poor weather, the better the journey is likely to be for those who do have to take to the road.

T

LIFE SAVING TIPS If you must drive or ride in extreme conditions, keep these points in mind: When driving in snow, get your speed right – not too fast to risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it, particularly uphill. The idea is to plan ahead to reduce the need to stop.

Try to brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible.

Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs. A higher gear will give you better traction for pulling away if the ground is slippery. It will also offer better control when on the move Prepare for driving downhill by lowering your speed before you start the descent, and do not let it build up – it is much easier to keep it low than to try

and slow down once things get slippery Bends are a particular problem in slippery conditions. Slow down in advance, so that by the time you turn the steering wheel you are travelling at a speed to negotiate the bend safely.

If you get yourself into a skid, the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer – only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble.

Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle

have been gritted. Avoid using short cuts on minor roads – they are less likely to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes On motorways stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can.

In falling snow use dipped headlights or foglights to make yourself visible to others – but make sure your foglights are only on if necessary as they can dazzle other drivers If you are following another vehicle at night, using their lights to see ahead can cause you to drive dangerously close – keep well back.

Having windscreen wipers working

Advanced driver training teaches drivers to look much further ahead than they usually would and to identify situations that could arise that may cause them to slow down or change their course in front. Drive so that you don’t need to rely on your brakes to be able to stop – on an icy surface they simply may not do that for you!

In very slippery conditions, ABS won’t give you the same control it would in others – so don’t rely on it. Traction control and other electronic systems (ESC) can help – but they cannot overcome the laws of physics, so use common sense. Read your manual about your vehicle’s electronic safety aids; and don’t switch these off unless you must.

Plan your journey around busier roads, as they are more likely to

for a lengthy time with snow falling can be mesmeric and quite a strain – be prepared to stop and give your eyes a rest, but choose the right place to do it.

LESS OBVIOUS HAZARDS There are also other, less obvious hazards. Trucks particularly can have large amounts of snow or ice on top that may blow off on to your windscreen. Be prepared for this by staying well back from the vehicle in front, especially larger ones, and remember to clear your own roof of snow before starting

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

21

How do you Measure your Co2 ?

Running a greener fleet doesn’t have to cost the earth. Measure your carbon footprint and monitor emissions with ecoRoute™ HD. Simply plug into the vehicle’s OBDII port to view real-time data from your engine sensors and gauges, and calculate your carbon output with accurate fuel consumption figures. ecoRoute™ works with Garmin’s turn-by-navigation to find fuelfriendlier routes. Plus with tools to improve driver behaviour and run diagnostics, take charge of your CO2 without counting the cost.

Visit garmin.com for details Fleet & Enterprise partner

WINTER DRIVING

www.greenfleet.net

the carriageway as possible, and don’t forget to put seatbelts on while waiting.

While nothing other than practical experience can really prepare you to deal with driving in adverse weather conditions, advanced training does teach you a driving style that sets you up to cope more effectively with any problem.

Advanced driver training teaches drivers to look much further ahead than they usually would and to identify situations that could arise that may cause them to slow down or change their course. An important part of making safe progress in snow is to maintain momentum. It’s better to think ahead as you drive to keep moving, even if it is only at walking pace. IAM Drive & Survive can provide on-road, seminar and skid-pan training to prepare company drivers for adverse weather conditions, which could be of special benefit for high-mileage drivers who can’t avoid travelling.

DUTY OF CARE

While nothing other than practical experience can really prepare you to deal with driving in adverse weather conditions, advanced training does teach you a driving style that sets you up to cope more effectively with any problem your journey. Remember that black ice forms in shaded spots and areas exposed to cold winds. And remember that bridges are particularly prone to icing over first and thawing last.

Approaches to junctions are usually more slippery than other parts of the road, as the surface has been worn smooth by drivers constantly braking and accelerating away. Again, slow down early, and be prepared to stop, but with a view to keeping moving should the road be clear. In prolonged cold weather, fresh snow may have frozen ice underneath it, and grip may not be as good as in snow that has fallen on dry ground. Also be careful when the snow and ice begin to melt, as slush forms a very slippery layer.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE Getting your vehicle fit for the job of winter travel is almost as important as preparing yourself, so allow extra time.

Before the cold weather hits, check the key items such as tyres, battery condition, lights and screen washer fluid (with plenty of de-icer).

Always clear your windows of snow, ice, or condensation before starting off, and ensure that your lights and mirrors are clean.

If you leave the car engine running

to help de-ice windows before setting off, make sure that there is someone with the car – a cold thief may see a warm opportunity, and some insurers may not compensate for theft in those circumstances.

It is a good idea to have an emergency kit so you are prepared for breakdowns, or long traffic delays. This should include a torch, food and water, an ice-scraper/ de-icer, a blanket, shovel, and some extra layers/sturdy boots, should you need to get out of the car or walk.

A fully-charged mobile phone is also a must. On longer journeys always let someone know you have set off and tell them your planned route.

KNOW YOUR LOCATION Keeping careful track of where you are on your route is critical in the event of a breakdown or accident. Knowing your location makes it easier for your breakdown provider, or the emergency services to find you. On motorways and dual carriageways it is always safer to leave your vehicle and stand a short distance away from it on the verge, behind a crash barrier if at all possible, although you need to balance this up with the risk of hypothermia. If you have to retreat into your vehicle, try to ensure that it is parked as far over from

An employer’s duty of care for its employees should include a written policy on driving in adverse weather conditions, as well as written confirmation that the employee has read and understood it. This policy should include: A statement about how driving in hazardous conditions is not considered to be part of an employee’s contract, regardless of the importance of the journey.

A stated reporting procedure to the employee’s line manager when hazardous conditions curtail their journey.

A commitment to act on advice from reputable sources about when not to travel; and to make these available via e-mail/intranet when appropriate.

A policy about booking overnight stays if stranded.

A commitment to getting employees to familiarise themselves with active safety aids on their vehicles and how to do so (vehicle’s manual).

It is also a good idea to use seminars, intranet, and written circulars to communicate information about managing the risks of driving in bad weather.

For employees who are identified as being high risk e.g. high-mileage drivers, they should have advanced to practical training for driving in the adverse weather conditions, when working from home or postponing a trip is not an alternative.

Driving safely in adverse weather conditions is about preparation: both the driver and the vehicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

23

OUTSOURCING

www.greenfleet.net

A more efficient way of working Is outsourcing merely a way for managers to achieve cost efficiencies or are there other benefits, asks Martyn Hart, Chairman of the National Outsourcing Association t seems that for many businesses, the slow and steady years of recession are all they can remember. The boom times of the 1990s now feel like a distant memory for more and more organisations, many of whom are facing increased pressure to cut costs.

Of course, fleet managers are no exceptions to this rule, and it’s one of the reasons why an increasing number have been looking at outsourcing as a means of delivering cost efficiencies. But is outsourcing merely a way for managers keep costs down, or are there other benefits?

I

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP Perhaps the first way for fleet managers to begin answering these questions is to try to identify what they are trying to achieve. This is the only way to measure how effective the project

has been once it’s concluded.

Once deciding to outsource, fleet managers must understand that collaboration can often be the secret of outsourcing success. For instance, the importance of suppliers gaining an insight into the business they are serving cannot be underestimated. It can play an important part in allowing them to understand the key operations, objectives and values by which they should operate. It will also help them understand any potential issues that may arise and help them to identify any cost reduction opportunities.

In addition, the key to a successful working relationship within outsourcing is that any scepticism relating to fleet requirements and vendor responsibilities must be worked through together, with areas of responsibility clearly defined.

End users and suppliers are also far more likely to result in a successful

outsourcing relationship when communication is strong, meaning in turn that any issues can be dealt with quickly and effectively.

WORKING MORE EFFICIENTLY Outsourcing can help fleet managers keep up with developments within the industry, such as costs, legislation and service-related issues. Indeed, by outsourcing, managers are allowed to dedicate more time on strategic work, leaving back office functions or smaller jobs to a supplier.

This can prove cost effective when facing pressure to reduce costs and headcounts as well as streamlining operations. Fleet managers may want to consider outsourcing services such as vehicle maintenance and purchasing, as well as the process of maintaining and repairing equipment and vehicles.

One of the knock-on effects of this is that it allows fleets to take advantage of suppliers’ expertise which in turn can lead to greater control and management of economic resources.

Fleet managers are aware that as vehicles age, they need much more maintenance. This is where outsourcing offers benefits through access to upgraded mechanical skills as well as staff which have been trained to effectively carry out these activities on a much wider range of vehicles

Fuel consumption figures for Saab 9-3 Diesel Saloon Range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 36.7 – 49.6 (7.7 – 5.7), *Offer available to business users for orders received before 31.03.2011. £289 fi gure is based on a 9-3 Turbo Edition Saloon 1.9TTiD (160PS) Manual on a non-maintenance contract hire package over For full terms and conditions and specifi cation please refer to the Saab Master Agreement and your local dealer. All quotations are subject to availability, status and agreement. Free metallic paint is only with Saab Great Britain Limited. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, eg if list price changes. Saab Great Britain Limited does not offer tax advice to individuals: company car drivers should is incorporated in the UK and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in respect of general insurance products. On the road prices include number plates, delivery, Road Fund Licence, fi rst registration at £536.17. **119g/km CO2 emissions relates to MY11 9-3 manual Saloon engines only and excludes the 1.9TTiD (180PS) Aero model. †Exempt from fi rst years road tax.

Low.

The Saab 9-3 Twin Turbo Diesel Saloon range now delivers just 119g/km CO2 .

S 180P /km 119g

OUTSOURCING

www.greenfleet.net than one in-house team can cover.

Likewise, the outsourcing company often has a better handle on regulations than the users because they can afford to invest in people that are experts in the matter.

However, it is important for fleet managers to recognise that certain functions must necessarily remain in house for effective management and controlled cost.

MANAGING THE CONTRACT There is a need for an ‘intelligent customer’ interface between the user and supplier; someone that has some knowledge of the industry and can interpret supplier’s proposals into those best suited for the enterprise.

It’s important to remember that outsourcing is not just a case of fire and forget. You do need to manage it, but in a different way. For instance, you may not need to be the world expert in tyre wear, but you will need an appreciation of how vehicle maintenance and servicing can affect tyre wear and thus costs, especially if you are leasing tires.

But you will also also need to appreciate how the business uses the fleet, how the contract works, what the service levels are, and what management controls you have. This means having a more horizontal set of skills and competencies rather

than vertical, deep ones – as well as, of course, having the meetings and agendas fixed between you and your supplier for the life of the contract.

If you think about it, it is very much how you might run a large group or department in your firm now, but this time the employees are owned by someone else (as are the assets).

KEEP CONTROL If you are taking this journey for the first time, look at the core components of your fleet operations to identify where outsourcing will work best.

Once your time has been freed, focusing on efficiency and cost control might seem difficult now that the fleet and much of its support are with a third party. In fact many managers are concerned that if they outsource they will lose control. This is not necessarily the case, particularly when you consider what has been made possible through the introduction of client-sever computing platforms as well as graphical user interfaces which have increased the ability and reach of fleet managers.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT The decision over which outsourcer to use will often be influenced through the supplier’s ability to meet the fleet user’s needs in the most effective

way. However caution is always advised as there are few guidelines for pricing, evaluating or measuring the quality of management information – particularly if work is offshored.

In order to counter this, a number of management companies have chosen to invest in internet-based performance measurement and reporting tools, which are then monitored on an ongoing basis. This further provides a wealth of business data that can be used in order to help improve business performance.

There are also a number of functions that fleet managers should strive to keep in house, such as business planning, budgeting and policy creation in order to best meet business need and objectives.

Policy creation within the organisation can range from management of finances to fixed assets to inventories to personnel.

These have an impact upon the business and require a deep understanding of how growth can best be made.

Outsourcing plays a role in changing fleet management responsibilities. With the job no longer dominated by the demands of the fleet, managers can now focus on increasing effectiveness, reducing costs and of course the myriad of regulations in environmental protection and health and safety.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.noa.co.uk

Extra-urban 60.1 – 72.4 (4.7 – 3.9), Combined 48.7 – 62.8 (5.8 – 4.5). CO2 emissions 153 – 119g/km.

36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 3 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. Excess mileage charge applies if contract mileage is exceeded. available in conjunction with the Saab Great Britain Limited offer and applies to selected models only. Guarantees may be required. Terms are unavailable to existing customers under specifi c end-user terms consult their accountant on their tax position. Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Saab Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. ALD Automotive Ltd. fee and VAT. Excludes fuel and insurance. Model shown and £289 a month Contract Hire offer applies to 9-3 Turbo Edition Saloon 1.9TTiD (160PS) Manual at £22,974.15 OTR with optional metallic paint

And behold.

Along with a class leading 180PS performance.

With the introduction of advanced twin turbocharging across the diesel range, the 9-3 Saloon 1.9TTiD engines now deliver CO2 emissions of just 119g/km*, placing it firmly in the attractive 13% Benefit-in-Kind Tax band. But its 62.8mpg combined cycle fuel economy doesn’t come at the expense of performance. In fact, the exhilarating 180PS TTiD variant provides the most powerful sub 120g/km car on sale today. With a generous array of standard equipment now including Bluetooth and heated front seats, it seems the most efficient thing to do is test drive one today.

Prices for the new 9-3 TTiD range start from just £22,464 or £289 pcm† (excl VAT).

For more information and details of our test drive programme contact saabcorporatesales@saab.com

†

Plus an advance rental of £867 (excl.VAT).

26TH MAY - Rockingham Motor Speedway

The Premier Event for Green Vehicle Technology

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R REGISTE E FOR FRE NOW!

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INTERESTED IN ATTENDING? For FREE registration, please visit www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING? Please contact Colin Boyton on 020 8532 5704 or email colin.boyton@psigroupltd.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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The revolution starts here The new TwinAir engine is compact and lightweight, yet packs the same punchy performance as the most powerful engine of the 500 family, the 1.4. And all this with 30 per cent less CO2 emissions he technologically advanced 875cc two-cylinder engine is the cleanest quantity production petrol engine in the world.

It’s a giant leap forward in petrol engines, using award-winning MultiAir technology to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Installing a two-cylinder engine in a Fiat 500 might seem like paying homage to the original 13 bhp model of 1957, but this decision is not primarily a sentimental one.

In complete compliance with the requirements of the 21st Century car owner, the TwinAir engine offers an attractive means of downsizing while substantially reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; without sacrificing power or driver enjoyment.

T

REINVENTING THE PETROL ENGINE Downsizing might have become a modern mantra but it’s the Fiat TwinAir concept that’s turned it into an engineering art form. To achieve its goal of extreme downsizing along with optimum efficiency, low friction losses and low weight, a two cylinder engine was deemed essential.

TwinAir is the first engine designed specifically for Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ revolutionary MultiAir

system and it is set to become a milestone in Fiat’s downsizing strategy thanks to results that are nothing less than astonishing.

With figures as low as 92 g/km of CO2 , this ground-breaking engine has the lowest emissions of any car petrol engine – a fact recognised by the European Autobest jury which awarded a Technobest 2010 prize to FPT for the innovative new TwinAir engine.

However its 85bhp makes the Fiat

drivers and comparable savings on National Insurance Contributions for companies are further enhanced by no payment of Vehicle Excise Duty.

And to top up the already impressive savings there is no Congestion charge to pay when you take a trip into London. Plus, with super-frugal fuel consumption of just under 70 mpg, the Fiat 500 TwinAir holds its own against more expensive diesel powered rivals.

It also qualifies for 100 per cent

The TwinAir engine offers an attractive means of downsizing while substantially reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; without sacrificing power or driver enjoyment 500 TwinAir among the most powerful mainstream A segment vehicles on sale.

And with its 145Nm of torque at a low 1900rpm, it’s a responsive and fun-to-drive engine too. This combination of cleanliness and power compares favourably with many rivals’ diesel engines.

MAKE SOME SMART MOVES But the Fiat 500 TwinAir is a nice little saver too. The great benefitin-kind tax savings for company car

first-year capital allowance, which combined with strong residual values, makes it an ideal vehicle for an efficient way to reduce VATregistered businesses’ tax bill.

DRIVE MORE FOR LESS There’s an extensive list of standard equipment and a wide-ranging options list and huge scope for owners to personalise their cars, as with other Fiat 500s. On top of that, every Fiat 500 TwinAir will feature Start&Stop and a Gear Shift Indicator to help drivers achieve the best economy possible.

Giving drivers further flexibility, there is a dashboard-mounted ECO button. This improves consumption by allowing the driver to adopt a style more suited to cities.

Plus there is Fiat’s ground-breaking eco:Drive Fleet system available to download for free, giving realtime advice on how to get the best economy out of the Fiat 500.

As well as offering a unique proposition of power with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the high-tech Fiat 500 TwinAir is also extremely competitively priced, costing from only £10,865 OTR; exceptional value for money compared with rival competitors achieving much lower performance figures.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08433 160307 Visit: www.fiat. co.uk/twinair

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

27

Our fuel card unlocks time and money

with features that offer security, control, convenience and flexibility Less admin, with simple VAT invoicing and direct debit payment, secure, cash-free transactions at a wide network of service stations, easy to use management information for cost control and fraud monitoring, and a wide range of flexible purchasing options to suit your business. Call us on 0800 731 31 37 to find out more. www.shell.co.uk/euroshell euroShell

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FLEET MANAGEMENT

www.greenfleet.net

What’s your green fleet strategy?

Iron Mountain scooped the award for Private Sector Fleet of the Year (+250 vehicles) at the 2010 GreenFleet Awards. Rory Morgan, logistics general manger at Iron Mountain, shares how this success was achieved

to work successfully. To address this, we have embarked on full training and coaching packages. Driver buy-in has also had to be thought through.

But drivers are coached in such a way that they feel the benefit to themselves, through being safer on the road and less stressed, and are therefore happy with the training.

Q. How has your green fleet strategy been successful?

Our results speak for themselves.

However, we are not complacent and are continuing to provide refresher coaching to drivers and staff on fuel efficiency and safer driving. We are always exploring further opportunities to further reduce fuel use. For example, we are looking to increase night deliveries to further reduce fleet numbers.

Q. How do you manage your grey fleet?

Through communications at the moment, but we are looking to provide on-line risk assessments in the future, which will have awareness coaching provided as support and back up.

ounded in 1951, Iron Mountain is a global leader in information management services. The company manages billions of information assets, including business records, electronic files, medical data, e-mails and more for organisations around the world.

F

Q. Describe what type of fleet Iron Mountain operates Iron Mountain has a fleet of approximately 430 vehicles in the UK. This consists of around 290 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) such as vans and the rest are various types of large goods vehicles (LGVs) that are predominately 7.5ft box vehicles. The fleet also includes some larger vehicles as well as several articulated and specialised vehicles.

Q. In which ways have you ‘greened’ your fleet?

Iron Mountain has implemented a range of fuel-reducing measures. This has taken the form of intensive driver training, and adopting fuel-saving technology and fleet management software. We have also installed a driver behavioural system on vehicles that monitor driving styles constantly.

This gives the trainers the information they need to effectively train drivers to be safer and more fuel efficient.

Q. Have you used any new technologies?

Yes. All Iron Mountain’s LCVs have

fuel-saving technology that assists with the engine management system. Currently, we are trialling the technology on one of our LGVs. Results with the LCVs have shown an average improvement of 12 per cent across the fleet.

In addition, since the beginning of the year, we have been trialling the GreenRoad driver behaviour system on 30 vehicles. Iron Mountain has made the decision to install the system across the fleet in the UK and Ireland.

The trials produced fuel savings of around 14 per cent and a huge reduction in accidents. Iron Mountain hopes to replicate these results across the rest of the fleet in the UK and Ireland with potential to install in vehicles on the continent next year.

Q. Have you used any alternative fuels?

No, we only use diesel at this point. However, we are waiting for our first electric vehicle to be delivered in Birmingham.

We have explored alternatives, but at this stage in development we feel that alternatives are not quite there yet.

Q. What challenges have you come across?

To a certain degree, change management has been a barrier.

The driver behaviour and fleet management systems, whilst excellent tools, require understanding and engagement from transport teams

Q. What advice would you give to other fleet managers looking to ‘green’ their fleet?

The first principal is monitoring and understanding your results.

You have to know where you are using fuel and why, before you can begin to reduce consumption.

Driver awareness is the second basic approach. By something as simple as producing weekly fuel consumption results, talking through these results and providing some straightforward guides can improve fuel economy by as much as five percent.

Driver training is also paramount to increasing driver awareness. Iron Mountain has committed resource to its fleet and driver management by installing regional driver trainers.

The trainers identify closely with the drivers and support teams. They provide guidance and coaching to initiate and embed safe and fuelefficient driving, whilst also providing training in many internal processes.

At Iron Mountain, we feel that the driver trainers have provided huge benefits to the company.

The GreenRoad driver behaviour system will further improve driving techniques on a daily basis. It will provide the trainers with increased knowledge of a driver’s daily activity so that they can approach the coaching sessions with a full profile of the driver and engage where necessary to hone skills.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.ironmountain.co.uk

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

29

DON’T BE THE LAST TO CHANGE WITH THE TIMES. AVAILABLE IN 2012

AVAILABLE IN 2012

AVAILABLE IN 2011

AVAILABLE IN 2012

RENAULT’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE RANGE. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE FUTURE AT RENAULT-ZE.COM

Zero emissions in use.

The production of electricity in the UK generally produces CO 2 .

DRIVE THE CHANGE

FLEET MANAGEMENT

www.greenfleet.net

Is it worth buying a green car?

Why is green car ownership considered so important for a business? Mark Martin from Moneysupermarket.com highlights the benefits of investing in low or zero carbon vehicles ontrary to traditional opinion, you no longer have to own a car which is ugly, short on space and underpowered in order to be environmental. But why is green car ownership considered so important for a business?

C

WHY TURN TO GREEN? Everyone is aware of the increasing cost of fuel, but what is less widely publicised is the effect it is having. A recent poll by Money Supermarket estimates that over 60 per cent of UK motorists have already had to change their driving habits as a result of rising fuel prices, with almost ten per cent giving up their cars altogether. This is despite the fact that fuel supplies are yet to go into decline, which the chief economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts will happen at some point in 2011.

At this time it is expected that fuel prices will continue to increase until the majority of consumers are unable to afford to meet the running costs for a conventional car. The fuel increases are having a similar effect on businesses, highlighting the need to reduce the amount of fuel used. Today’s ‘green’

motors are much more fuel efficient than previous gas-guzzlers, helping motorists go further before needing to fill up.

Green cars can also save you money on tax. As a business, you are entitled to claim capital allowance on any purchase for the company. This will effectively reduce costs from your taxable profit and hence reduce your tax bill. The allowance depends on the purchase, but in the case of energy saving vehicles you could possibly recoup 100 per cent. This is only on vehicles which emit little or no CO2 emission, in other words no more than 110 g/km.

Another key reason is of course image.

Corporate social responsibility is big business now, with large firms like Google willing to contribute £5,000 toward the purchase of any green car by one of their employees. This demonstrates the importance they place on being seen as environmentally concerned.

THE IMPEDIMENTS TO ADOPTION In the past, performance limitations have been the most obvious handicap, as it is not desirable to inconvenience employees out on company business.

There was also a lack of major manufacturers producing

environmental models.

The initial cost of buying environmental cars has also proved to be a deterrent, with the Prius itself initially being priced at over £20,000 which may not be viable for the average UK SME. However, these issues are fast becoming a thing of the past as almost all major car manufacturers are now producing vehicles with fuel efficiency in mind, which will inevitably result in increasing competition.

One of the reasons for this change is the introduction of new European Union regulations limiting the carbon emissions car manufacturers are allowed to produce. This is calculated by creating an average between the manufacturer’s most polluting vehicle and its least polluting.

However, perhaps the main reason behind the recent boom in environmental vehicle production has been increasing consumer demand on the back of ever increasing fuel costs.

Now more than ever, the government is recognising the role environmentally friendly motoring plays in reducing greenhouse gases. The 2009/10 scappage scheme proved successful at getting old poluting vehicles off the road, and huge sums of money are being pumped into introducing an electric car charging infrastructure into the UK by 2015.

So if green car adoption is realistic, what type should you choose for your company?

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

31

“ Is it time for a fresh approach?”

You might think offering your employees a major benefit, such as a cost effective way of driving a brand new car, will simply increase your expenditure and be a headache to manage. If so, you probably haven’t heard about our brand new, industry leading vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, SalaryPlan.

By taking advantage of recent tax incentives for low emitting vehicles, SalaryPlan can provide a great benefit to your employees whilst at the same time saving you money and reinforcing your green credentials.

Not only that, but our expert team of fleet professionals can even run the whole scheme for you.

To find out more, just call: 01753 802 098 Text: Prove it LeasePlan to 82727 Email: marketing@leaseplan.co.uk Visit: www.leaseplan.co.uk

FLEET MANAGEMENT

www.greenfleet.net

It is estimated that the average UK motorist spends about £1,700 per year on fuel, while a Leaf owner doing the same mileage would spend just £200. This translates to a fuel saving of £1,500, but these savings would of course expand for a business with a high annual mileage.

However, the main limitation is the lack of recharging points available in this country which makes ownership of an electric vehicle impractical for most businesses which travel across the country. However, by 2015 when fuel prices increase further and the improved recharging point network will be in place, electric cars will start to become more attractive to businesses.

Nissan is also planning on introducing the second edition of the Leaf in 2015 which it is hoping will be capable of a 400 mile range, making it a much more realistic solution for businesses.

IS IT WORTH IT?

TODAY’S DIESELS Cars with diesel engines gained a bit of a poor reputation in the 1980s when they were in their infancy. However, major strides have been made in recent years to make diesel engines just as powerful as petrol motors, but with the added advantage of being much more fuel efficient. Another aspect which has made diesel cars more attractive has been the reducing disparity between the price of petrol and diesel fuels.

A good example of a fuel efficient diesel is the new Renault Clio 5-litre dCi 86 eco2. From the current model, the CO2 level has reduced by 17g to just 98g/km. Fuel consumption has also improved 19 per cent, or 12.1 mpg to 76.3 on the combined cycle.

Diesel cars will reduce your CO2 emissions by approximately ten per cent when compared with their petrol alternatives and could also save you anywhere about £1,000 per year per car when it comes to filling up at the pump (depending on your company’s annual mileage). This combined with the fact that owning a diesel car requires hardly any changes to the way the cars are driven or filled up has prompted diesel car sales to overtake petrol car sales for the first time in the UK this year.

CURRENT GENERATION HYBRIDS A hybrid car runs with two engines.

One is a normal petrol motor, but this is shut down at low speeds and the secondary electric motor takes over in order to reduce fuel consumption.

The Toyota Prius is the first and

most famous hybrid car. Available from £20,265, it has a fuel economy of 72.43 mpg and an impressive CO2 level of 89g/km – qualifying it for 100 per cent capital allowance.

The Toyota Auris hybrid is available from £19,383 and has a fuel economy of 74.34 which places it ahead of its older brother the Prius. Like the Prius, the Auris also produces just 89g/ km of CO2 and therefore qualifies for 100 per cent capital allowance.

Just like with the diesel alternative, hybrids have proven popular due to the fact that they don’t require the driver to alter their habits. However, the costs of the hybrids have resulted in them being unattractive to most motorists as it would take a number of years to recover the cost difference between a Toyota Prius and a more attractive Vauxhall Astra in fuel and tax savings alone.

However, this is not the case for businesses as the 100 per cent capital allowance makes it highly attractive to purchase a hybrid vehicle and costs will be recouped far more quickly, particularly if the business has a high annual mileage.

THE FUTURE’S ELECTRIC This year Nissan is introducing the Leaf, an all electric car, which will be capable of a top speed of 92 mph and has a range between charges of about 200 miles. On top of this it produces absolutely zero tail pipe carbon emissions. Despite this it still has room for five people and comes at a price of £23,335, which is just over £3,000 more than the Prius.

There is no doubt that the new electric vehicles are a remarkable innovation which has set a new standard in low carbon motoring. However, at present the country’s charging infrastructure is not complete and the range is not adequate for some businesses with high mileage. That said, for companies that do short, back-to-base journeys, an electric car is viable now.

In the meantime, for many the alternative is to adopt a lowemitting diesel or a hybrid.

The fact that the government is willing to provide 100 per cent capital allowance on all hybrids mentioned in this article, combined with the fact that they will cost far less to fuel than diesel alternatives, makes them an attractive choice for businesses.

There is also the added benefit of appearing environmentally-friendly.

The Prius may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some of the diesel options, but everyone knows that it is an environmentally friendly car and it is therefore surely worth investing in for an improved ethical image.

To answer the initial question, yes it is worth buying a green car in 2010 thanks to tax and fuel savings, as well as improved corporate responsibility.

And as fuel prices increase so will the attractiveness of more radical environmental motors such as electric vehicles. Surely by the time the second edition of the Nissan Leaf is launched in 2015 with its alleged 400 mile range, and when the electric charging infrastructure is in place, businesses will have no reason but to seriously consider adopting an electric vehicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.moneysupermarket. com/car-insurance

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

33

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The Mazda Fleet programme is designed for company car drivers who demand more. From the eye-catching Mazda3, to the award-winning Mazda6 our range is tailored to suit all tastes and budgets. The Mazda6 range achieves an improved fuel efficiency of 54.3mpg combined and CO2 emissions as low as 138g/km, these cars work for the environment as well as your bottom line.

M{ZD{ 6 Range • CO2 emissions starting at just 138g/km • BIK rating from 19% • Up to 54.3mpg combined fuel consumption • Strong residual values

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) – 56.5 (5.0), Models shown: Mazda6 2.2D Estate TS OTR, £21,275, Mazda3 2.2D 5dr Sport 150ps OTR, £19,740. All models feature optional metallic paint (£420). On the road price includes VAT, number plates,

&

PLEASURE.

The Mazda3 breaks new ground in the compact car market with its bold, distinctive sports styling and outstanding performance. And with high specification as standard, Mazda continues to offer a strong value proposition for fleet customers.

M{ZD{ 3 Range • CO2 emissions starting at just 117g/km • BIK rating from 13% • Up to 64.2mpg combined fuel consumption • High level of specification as standard

Speak to one of our Fleet Specialists on 0845 402 5525 or visit

www.mazda.co.uk/fleet to find out how to strike an even better WORK PLEASURE balance with the Mazda Range.

M{ZD{ FLEET. DEMAND MORE. Extra Urban 31.0 (9.1) – 76.3 (3.7), Combined 24.6 (11.5) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions (g/km) 299 – 110. delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, 1st registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Details correct at time of going to print.

ROAD TEST

ROAD TEST

www.greenfleet.net

FIAT 500 TwinAir

Bags of character The iconic Fiat 500 gets greener with a new ground-breaking two-cylinder engine for lower emissions and better fuel economy ith today’s trend for down-sizing thanks to high fuel prices, the Fiat 500 TwinAir has come at a good time. Its 875cc two cylinder engine delivers 68.9 mpg and its impressive CO2 level of 95g/km makes it the lowest ever emitting quantity production petrol engine.

These figures make the Fiat 500 TwinAir excellent value for money in terms of owning and running costs. For example, there is no vehicle excise duty (VED) to pay and businesses benefit from 100 per cent capital allowances.

In addition, the car is exempt from the London congestion car, thanks to the Transport for London’s recent decision to remove the penalty for sub-100g/km CO2 cars.

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PERFORMANCE The two-cylinder engine was chosen because of the benefits in reduced weight and lower fuel consumption.

But how does a two cylinder car drive?

When idling it makes a sounds similar to a diesel but with less vibration and at hard acceleration, it hums away like a small motorbike. That said, it is not an unpleasant sound and does not impede on comfort or enjoyment.

Performance is not impacted by the smaller engine. In fact, compared to Fiat’s 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, the TwinAir boasts 23 per cent more power, and 15 per cent lower emissions.

It delivers 0-62 in 11 seconds and has a maximum speed of 108mph.

36

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

Its light-weight body of just 85kg makes the car agile and fun to drive and it cruised comfortably at motorway speeds, even with four passengers. The cabin was also surprisingly spacious, even for the backseat passengers.

GREEN GADGETS The 500 comes with a raft of green technologies. The Start&Stop function cuts out the engine when at a standstill and starts it up again the instant you step on the clutch to get moving again, preventing wasted fuel and emissions.

The gear shift indicator discretely flashes up on the dashboard, advising drivers of the optimal time to change up or down a gear to achieve more fuel-efficient driving. What’s more, when the eco button is pushed for city driving, fuel efficiency is improved further by limiting torque to 100Nm. Safety is also paramount with an extensive list of standard equipment including ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ASR Anti-Slip Regulation and seven airbags – giving it a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating.

With its low CO2 level and running costs, the Fiat 500 deserves serious consideration from fleets or company car drivers who want a green car that has bags of character and is fun to drive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.fiat.co.uk/500twinair

FIAT 500 TwinAir Engine MPG CO2g/km RFL P11d BIK: 0-62mph TwinAir price range

875cc 68.9 95 Band A £10,810 10% 11 seconds from £10,665

MOTORCROSSWORD

www.greenfleet.net

WIN A GARMIN Test your motoring knowledge and be in with a chance of winning a Garmin Nuvi 205. Fill out the crossword and return by fax or post by 28 February

DOWN 1. Your car stereo needs one of these (7) 2. This unit will often lead an LGV (7) 3. You need to be an early one of these to beat the morning rush (5) 4. The MOT is one of these (4) 5. More than one of these vehicles are coming to power (9) 6. Engine in need of lubrication (7) 7. Multiple map views on a vehicle tracking system (7) 12. Car enthusiasts will be members of these (5) 14. This amount of carbon is tint proof (9) 16. Boris uses one daily (7) 17. A young mechanic, still learning his trade (7) 19. Main sponsor for the old Lancia Rally team (7) 20. Built in to caravans to provide relief (7) 23. A Fiat (5) 24. After waxing the paintwork, do this for a great finish (4)

ACROSS

PLEASE FAX THE COMPLETED CROSSWORD BACK TO 0208 532 0066 OR SEND TO PSI, 226 HIGH ROAD, LOUGHTON, ESSEX, IG10 IET. PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME, COMPANY AND DELIVERY ADDRESS. 1. Not a fossil form of power (11, 4) 8. These Fords are popular with White Van Men (8) 9. A SatNav relies on this to store maps (6) 10. Type of compressed gas to rival LPG (7) 11. By the sound of it, this car needs scrapping (7) 13. A Boy-Racer might add one of these, with go faster stripes (8) 15. This type of mug is used by lorry drivers, to prevent spillage (6)

16. This Jenson will drive you to the top of the world (6) 18. Modena is famous for Ferrari and this food ingredient (8) 21. Pay for your parking or you may end up like this (7) 22. Imprezas, for example (7) 25. This funny old camera won’t catch you speeding (6) 26. This Londoner may pay the Congestion Charge (8) 27. This is required to make Boris’s statement become reality (15)

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GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47

37

GREENFLEET® PRODUCT FINDER CAR HIRE

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

www.greenfleet.net

GPS, TELEMATICS & NAVIGATION

Garmin

Address: Enterprise House, Delta Way, Egham, Surrey, TW20 8RX Tel: 01784 221 300 Fax: 01784 221 377 Web: www.enterprise.co.uk

Address: Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, SO409RB Telephone: 02380 524001 Fax: 02380 524004 E-mail: sales.europe@garmin.com Web: www.garmin.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an international car rental company with more than 7,000 locations and 900,000 vehicles worldwide. Enterprise is firmly established as the largest rental car company in the UK. With more than 3,000 employees across the UK and over 350 rental branches, three quarters of the UK population live within five miles of an Enterprise location.

Since 1989, Garmin has delivered 72 million GPS enabled devices – far more than any other navigation provider. Garmin’s market breadth in the GPS industry is second to none, having developed innovative products and established a leadership position in each of the markets it serves, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation, tracking and wireless applications.

CONTRACT HIRE AND FLEET MANAGEMENT

NANO CLEANERS AND SEALANTS

LEASING

Econano UK Tel: 01628 940002 www.econano.co.uk E-mail: info@econano.co.uk Econano UK supplies a leading edge range of ecofriendly nano cleaners and sealants. Once applied the vehicles maintain a long lasting highly polished appearance. Less cleaning is needed which saves time, money and helps to protect the environment.

Our sealants can be applied manually or as a unique solution for all vehicle washing facilities.

WASTE HANDLING VEHICLES

LeasePlan UK Address: 165 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire. SL1 4AA Tel: 0844 493 5810 E-mail: marketing@leaseplan.co.uk Web: www.leaseplan.co.uk LeasePlan UK was established in 1979, and now operates a UK fleet in excess of 125,000 vehicles (32,000 commercial vehicles). LeasePlan UK provides dedicated services to specific market segments through its four brands – LeasePlan, FleetLine, Network and Automotive Leasing.

LeasePlan UK combines market leading, innovative, yet practical, vehicle leasing solutions with operational efficiency through total fleet cost management and market leading customer service.

ING Car Lease

Zoeller FAUN

Address: Phoenix House, Cookham Road Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1RR Tel: 0870 4028 229 E-mail: mark.gibson@ingcarlease.co.uk Web: www.ingcarlease.co.uk

Address: Zoeller Waste Systems Ltd, 4/5 Colemeadow Road, Redditch B98 9PB Tel: 01527 594700 Fax: 01527 584168 E-mail: info@zoeller.co.uk Web: www.zoeller.co.uk

ING Car Lease provides a full range of funding and fleet management services to both private and public sector organisations and can offer advice to customers on all issues relating to both car and commercial fleets. Sitting within the top 10 largest leasing companies in the UK, ING has the expertise and ability to support a full range of vehicle management requirements.

Zoeller Waste Systems Limited and FAUN UK are names synonymous with the manufacture of high quality, high specification waste collection solutions to the private and public sectors. Our mission is to exceed customer expectations in terms of product performance, innovation, reliability, service and support, as well as reduced whole life costs.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Enterprise rent-a-car

38

18

LeasePlan

32

Fiat

2

Mazda

9, 34

Ford

4

Renault

30

Garmin

22

Saab

24

ING

20

Volvo

16

KIA

13, 15

GREENFLEET® ISSUE 47