GreenFleet 82

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS

GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

www.greenfleet.net

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

ISSUE 82

2015 CV SHOW

CV SHOWCASE

More than 400 exhibitors are expected at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

SAFER LORRY SCHEME

London to ban lorries that are not fitted with safety equipment from September 2015

TELEMATICS

FUTURE FLEET TECHNOLOGY

How developments in telematics, connected cars and big data will affect the fleet industry

ROAD TEST: FORD TRANSIT COURIER 1.0

D NLOA DOW NEW THE EET APP NFL GREE de QR co e h t Scan

www.greenfleet.net

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

ISSUE 82

More than 400 exhibitors are expected at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

SAFER LORRY SCHEME

London to ban lorries that are not fitted with safety equipment from September 2015

TELEMATICS

How developments in telematics, connected cars and big data will affect the fleet industry

ROAD TEST: FORD TRANSIT COURIER 1.0

Fuelling the diesel confusion for fleets With the UK Government due to return to the courts over illegal levels of air pollution on 16 April, the debate over diesel pollution hits the headlines again.

2015 CV SHOW

CV SHOWCASE

FUTURE FLEET TECHNOLOGY

COMMENT

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS

GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

LOAD DOWNNEW THE ET APP NFLE GREE code the QR Scan

Since vehicle excise duty was changed to a diesel-favouring CO2-based system in the early 2000s, many fleets have invested in diesel-fuelled vehicles due to the company car tax and capital allowance savings they brought with them. But now the fuel is in the firing line. With NOx pollution being identified as a major reason for the UK’s air quality problems, environmental lobby groups are calling for a change in the VED system and there are other proposals being mooted to discourage diesel use.

On the other side of the debate, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) launched a campaign to challenge the increasing ‘demonisation’ of diesel vehicles, and promote the credentials of the new Euro 6 engine standard. Yet there remains a question mark over whether or not the Euro 6 standard is fit for purpose.

Currently, tests are only carried out in a laboratory, not in the real world.

Independent testing suggests that modern diesels emit significantly more NOx than the limits set by Euro 6.

So what does all this mean for the fleet industry?

For now, it seems that there is no imminent change on the horizon – the government has rejected calls to raise fuel duty or VED rates for drivers of diesel vehicles. But who knows whether future policies will change.

Read part two of our report on the diesel dilemma on page 35 to keep on top of the debate.

Angela Pisanu, editor

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE If you would like to receive 10 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £200 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michael Lyons EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danny Wright PRODUCTION EDITOR Richard Gooding PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford, Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Reiss Malone PUBLISHER Martin Freedman ACCOUNT MANAGER Kylie Glover ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Vickie Hopkins REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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© 2015 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. ISSN 1471-3713

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

3

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CONTENTS

Contents GreenFleet 82 13

09 News

39 Commercial vehicles

17 Finance & leasing

45 Event preview: 2015 CV Show

Shortlisted cities announced for Go Ultra Low funding; more money for green buses; SMMT launches nationwide ‘Diesel Facts’ campaign; Hydrogen makes inroads in Aberdeen and London

21

Paul Hollick, newly elected chairman of the ICFM, uses his past experience and expertise in the finance and leasing industry to look at the industry and how it’s changed

The Commercial Vehicle Show on 14-16 April at the NEC will have some exciting new launches. GreenFleet previews the event

21 Telematics

49 Geneva motor show

25 Motorcycle fleets

53 Event preview: GreenFleet Scotland

31 Alternative fuels

54 Road test: Vauxhall Corsa SRi-VX Line CDTi

The BVRLA’s Gerry Keaney discusses telematics, connected cars and big data, addressing the safety element of fleet management telematics The Motor Cycle Industry Association talks about the developments of motorcycles in the fleet market and benefits they can bring

The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association’s Charlotte Morton discusses the growing importance of biomethane in reaching the UK’s green transport targets

25

Lorries that are not fitted with safety equipment will be banned from the capital as part of Britain’s first Safer Lorry Scheme. GreenFleet reports

35 Air quality

Part two of GreenFleet’s air quality feature looks at the latest SMMT campaign regarding diesel emissions, and what the industry claims to be doing to address the problem

GreenFleet’s round-up of the latest electric, hybrid, and low-emission vehicles from the Palexpo in Switzerland

After six successful years, GreenFleet Scotland returns to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on 10 April

The top-selling Vauxhall Corsa has been revitalised with new technology, smart looks and cleaner emissions

56 Road test: Ford Transit Courier Trend 1.0 EcoBoost Ford’s triple ‘Engine of the Year’ winner has been dropped into the Transit Courier. Smaller than the Transit Connect which also features the 1.0-petrol engine, does it add up to an even better package?

49 31 56

GreenFleet magazine

www.greenfleet.net Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

5

Automotive Leasing Leading the way

SalaryPlan You probably already know that a salary sacrifice for car scheme means that your employees give up part of their gross salary in return for a brand new car. One that comes with servicing, maintenance, insurance and breakdown cover included in the price. In fact, all they need to do is add fuel and drive.

But did you also know that SalaryPlan from Automotive Leasing is flexible enough to be moulded around your objectives, helping you generate costs savings, reduce emissions, or get the perfect balance between the two. It’s just one reason why we think it really is ‘easier to leaseplan’. To find out more, just get in touch.

To find out more, just call: 0844 493 5810 Email: salaryplan@automotive-leasing.co.uk Visit: www.easiertoleaseplan.co.uk

easiertoleaseplan.co.uk

NEWS

News in brief FUNDING

Shortlisted cities announced for Go Ultra Low funding

The Department for Transport has shortlisted 12 British cities who could gain funding to become centres of excellence for low emission vehicles.

The 12 cities and authorities shortlisted for official Go Ultra Low status and a share of the funding are: City of York Council; Department for Regional Development of Northern Ireland; Dundee City Council; Greater London Authority; Leicester City Council; Milton Keynes Council; North East Combined Authority; Nottingham City Council; Oxford City Council Sheffield City Council; West of England; West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The funding is for cities who demonstrate the potential to showcase ultra low emission vehicles in a local area. The shortlisted cities will submit their development proposals this Summer, with four cities expected to be chosen for a share of the funding in the Autumn.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer commented: “This (£35 million) funding is an unequivocal signal from government that we are committed to making ultra‑low‑emission vehicles a practical and viable choice for more people.”

“The shortlist of 12 Go Ultra Low

Cities from across the country is an important part of our effort to improve air quality and establish the UK as a global leader in the uptake of low and ultra-low emissions vehicles. This can help to transform people’s quality of life in their cities and is an important step towards our 2050 vision when almost every car, bus and van in the UK will be an ultra-low emission vehicle.”

Baroness Kramer also announced a further £30 million investment in low‑emission buses which aims to enable cities and local authorities to replace existing vehicles with greener alternatives in order to improve air quality. The scheme follows the introduction of 1,250 low‑emission buses as a result of the Green Bus fund.

Kramer continued: “This (£30 million investment) can help to transform people’s air quality of life in their cities and build a stronger economy and is an important step towards our 2050 vision, when almost every care and van in the UK will be an ultra-low‑emission vehicle.”

READ MORE tinyurl.com/nubux8g

PASSENGER TRANSPORT

More money for green buses Seven towns and cities have been awarded government grants totalling £3m to fit green technology to existing bus fleets.

The funding is the latest tranche of support from the Clean Vehicle Technology Fund, which has retrofitted approximately 1650 vehicles with green technology.

This round of awards will see technology suitable for the stop-start nature of bus travel fitted, including exhaust gas treatment and flywheel hybrid technology, developed originally for Formula 1. The successful projects will monitor the effectiveness of the technologies to provide vital information on the working life of green vehicle upgrades.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Fitting green technology to bus fleets will make town centres healthier and more pleasant places for everyone.

This government has now funded the retrofitting of more than 1,650 vehicles in total, helping to cut emissions and supporting jobs and growth in our environmental technology industries.”

MEPs impose new limits on food-based biofuels MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment Committee have voted to limit at 6 per cent the use of land-based biofuels that can count toward the 10 per cent renewable energy target in transport by 2020.

MEPs also approved the accounting of indirect emissions (ILUC) arising from the production of biofuels under the Fuel Quality Directive, with a review clause to put them in all pieces of legislation after 2020.

The vote will reduce the growth in consumption of so-called first generation biofuels and those which are made from food crops.

MEPs also agreed a new target for so called ‘advanced biofuels’ – which are sourced from seaweed or certain types of waste – which must now account for at least 1.25 per cent of energy consumption in transport by 2020. The decision has provoked a mixed response, with some biofuel industry leaders saying the cap will put jobs at risk.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/lj7xhrr

Report sees the cost of motoring coming down A new report by Cambridge Econometrics has found that by 2030, fuelling the average new low carbon car could be £600 cheaper than for the average car today. This translates to a national cost of running and replacing cars of between £5-7 billion lower. In the Fuelling Britain’s Future report, researchers found that a continuing focus on cutting carbon from road transport could lead to CO2 emissions from the UK car and van fleet being cut by 47 per cent by 2030, and as much as 80 per cent in 2050. The report says that improvements in the efficiency of internal combustion vehicles are already saving motorists money. Advances in engine efficiency, lighter construction materials, more efficient tyres and the gradual introduction of electric propulsion will reduce running costs even further.

READ MORE

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Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

9

NEWS

TYRE TECHNOLOGY

DIESEL

Goodyear tyre prototype could charge your EV A concept tyre has been unveiled by Goodyear which has the potential to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle.

The concept, unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tyre into electrical energy.

It features an ultra-black tread which can absorb energy from heat and sunlight; a thermoelectric layer underneath then uses this energy to generate electricity and transfers it to the battery.

The tyre also contains a piezoelectric material that can make electricity from the structural deformation of the rubber whilst the car is moving.

The system would work in a similar way to regenerative braking, replenishing some of the charge drained by driving.

In addition, the concept tyre, named BH‑O3’ has been carefully designed by Goodyear to reduce rolling resistance with the view of increasing an electric car’s range and efficiency.

FURTHER INFORMATION tinyurl.com/kx6fa6t

INFRASTRUCTURE

Zap Map launches app The Zap-Map App enables EV drivers to locate publicly available EV charging points across the UK. Whilst offering much of the functionality available on the website, it also provides some specific features and benefits, including a full screen map, enhanced filtering capabilities and an easy to use, intuitive user interface.

Users can also use the app offline.

The Zap-Map App allows users to view charging points in map or list mode. For each point, relevant charge point information is provided including: geo-location, charging power and connector type.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/k56r2py

SMMT launches nationwide ‘Diesel Facts’ campaign The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has launched a nationwide consumer campaign to challenge what it perceives as the ‘demonisation of diesel’.

Chief executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, referred to a “creeping backlash” against diesel technology, and rejected policies aimed at curtailing diesel car use, such as those recommended in the Environmental Audit Committee’s November 2014 air quality report.

While the SMMT claims that the latest diesel cars are the “cleanest in history”, environmental groups have slammed the campaign, arguing that current diesel emission tests do not reflect real world driving and that diesel cars emit “10 times” more nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to petrol cars.

In a press conference to launch the campaign, Hawes explained that a recent YouGov poll of 1,486 motorists revealed that 87 per cent of UK adults said they were unaware of the latest Euro 6 vehicle

emission technology. The poll results also found that 87 per cent of these motorists had never heard of Euro 6 emission standards which come into force from September this year for new diesel vehicles.

Hawes continued: “Today’s diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality. Bans and parking taxes on diesel vehicles therefore make no sense from an environmental point of view. We need to avoid penalising one vehicle technology over another and instead encourage the uptake of the latest low‑emission vehicles by consumers. The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel.

It’s time to put the record straight.”

READ MORE Read more on page 35

DRIVERLESS CARS

Collaboration key to a secure driverless future, says IET A new report from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) calls for greater industry collaboration and transparency in developing connected and driverless cars. This will help ensure that future autonomous vehicles are safe from cyber threats.

The report, intended to stimulate informed discussion about this topic, recommends supporting the development of professional disciplines focussed on addressing automotive cyber security and autonomous vehicles. Continued research into – and analysis of – issues such as driver responsibility and attributing liability for connected, autonomous vehicles and in cyber security incidents is also recommended.

Dr Mike Short CBE from IET said: “Connected vehicles will significantly transform our driving experiences by making travel safer, more comfortable and efficient.

“Cars are becoming connected to the

web via wireless for emergency rescue, and navigation services. However, this raises new challenges for connected cars – and those in and around them – that may become exposed to potential risks from online threats.

“It is vital that the digital benefits and security are designed into the vehicle in ways that are both trusted and understood by users.”

READ THE REPORT tinyurl.com/kmb7k7v

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

11

WORLDWIDE EMISSIONS

Global CO2 emissions remained static in 2014

LowCVP’s Andy Eastlake Keeping Parliament on the low carbon route We had a good opportunity for celebration this week as the LowCVP played host to a very well attended reception in the House of Commons, showcasing a group of leading innovators in low carbon transport.

We’d organised the event to provide the backdrop for the launch of a new report by Cambridge Econometrics looking into the opportunities for the UK business and consumers if we can keep our focus on lowering carbon.

An important headline showed that, by 2030, fuelling the average new low carbon car could be £600 cheaper every year than for the average car today. The report concluded that the national cost of running and replacing cars in the UK could be between £5-7 billion lower.

The report – Fuelling Britain’s Future – commissioned by our partners in the reception, the European Climate Foundation, shows how the drive for low carbon road transport is – and will continue to be – good for motorists, good for the economy, jobs, growth and exports as well as being essential in protecting against climate change. The drive for greater efficiency in internal combustion vehicles is already saving motorists hundreds of pounds each year while advances in vehicle systems, lighter construction materials, more efficient tyres and the gradual introduction of electric propulsion will reduce running costs even further.

The study also found that a continuing focus on cutting carbon from road transport could lead to CO2 emissions from the UK car and van fleet being cut by 47 percent by 2030, and as much as 80 per cent in 2050.

All positive news, but it is completely dependent on us all maintaining the steady and consistent policy focus on driving down emissions. A focus that over the last 12 years, has seen new car CO2 reduce by nearly 30 per cent and sales of plug in cars pass 30,000 at the same time as the UK auto sector has lead an industrial renaissance of jobs and manufacturing. Our parliamentary reception was aimed squarely at the policy makers to ensure that these messages of optimism emanating from a consistent low carbon policy would be heard now as politicians prepare for purdah. With so much activity in that last couple of months of this government I think you’ll agree that low carbon motoring and green fleets are positioned to be a success whatever May 7th brings.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.lowcvp.org.uk and follow LowCVP on Twitter: @theLowCVP and @aeastlake

12

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

According to data from the International Energy Agency, the growth in global carbon emissions stalled in 2014, marking the first time in 40 years that annual CO2 emissions growth has remained stable in the absence of a major economic crisis.

The figure remained at 32 gigatonnes in 2014, unchanged from the previous year. However, IEA executive director Maria van der Hoeven warned that while the results were encouraging, this was no time for complacency.

Analysts attribute the slowdown to changing patterns of energy consumption in China and OECD countries.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “The figures showed that green

growth is achievable throughout the world. Getting a new global climate deal is absolutely vital.“ Prof Corinne Le Quere from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research said: “It provides much‑needed momentum to negotiators preparing to forge a global climate deal in Paris in December: for the first time, greenhouse gas emissions are decoupling from economic growth.”

Full details of the IEA report will be released in June ahead of UN negotiations on new international climate change agreement at talks in Paris in December.

READ THE REPORT tinyurl.com/o8xpc7a

EVENTS

GreenFleet North West helps to assess EV suitability GreenFleet North West opened its doors to key decision makers and influencers at Aintree Racecourse on Thursday 26th February, and answered delegates answers questions concerning electric vehicles and infrastructure.

Fleet managers from the Merseyside area were able to assess whether electric and plug-ins are suitable for their business. To assist them with this were key industry players including Jonathan Mitchell, head of policy at Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and Councillor Ron Abbey for Merseytravel, who stated: “Liverpool was a city region committed to a low carbon future, which has a transport network and mobility culture that positively contributes to a thriving economy and the health and wellbeing of its citizens and where sustainable travel is the option of choice.”

Motoring journalist and TV presenter Quentin Willson was the guest speaker, who stated: “It was great to see that in the North West both the public and private sectors want to know more about ultra-low

emission vehicles. Our event was full of passion, evangelism and genuine interest.”

After the opening address, event delegates broke out for closed group sessions with the major manufacturers and related organisations to discuss any EV concerns and share experiences. They were given the opportunity to test drive a range of ultra low emission vehicles on offer, such as the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf, enabling them to experience for themselves how electric vehicles really perform. The breakout sessions were hosted by BMW, TESLA, Nissan, Peugeot, Alphabet and RouteMonkey, with additional expertise on hand from EDF Energy, Co-Wheels and ULEMCo, Elektromotive and Rolec.

If you are a local authority in the north, north west or north east and would like to discuss how we can take this informative showcase to your region, then please contact colin.boyton@psigroupltd.co.uk READ MORE tinyurl.com/n59c8sy

NEWS

News in brief High performance fuel cell unveiled

HYDROGEN

Hydrogen makes inroads in Aberdeen and London The first UK hydrogen bus refuelling station has opened in Aberdeen as part of a £19 million green transport project. The Aberdeen City Council led project aims to test the economic and environmental advantages of hydrogen transport technologies.

Councillor Jenny Laing said: “As a leading world energy city determined to anchor the renewables industry in the North East of Scotland, the success of the Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project is real coup. We have a very clear Hydrogen Strategy for the future and are on the cusp of realising our aspiration of becoming a world-leading city for low carbon technology, while maintaining our position as a leading world energy city.”

The project has been funded by Scottish, UK and European partners including Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen City Council, Stagecoach and the Scotland Gas Network. These organisations hope that the Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project will open the way for new, innovative hydrogen technology projects and accelerate the commercial use of green transport solutions.

Stewart Reid, head of Future Networks at Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution, said: “Innovation is driving the move to a low carbon economy and it’s great to see a project develop from an idea through to delivery. We are delighted to have been part of this project and it’s great to see it up and running. New technologies, like Aberdeen’s hydrogen fuelled buses, will play a crucial role in balancing the country’s future energy needs, while helping to keep the costs of energy down.”

First Aberdeen managing director David Phillips said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this exciting and ground-breaking project for Aberdeen. Our four hydrogen-powered vehicles are already out in service and proving

really popular with customers. The hydrogen buses complement our £4.3m investment last year in 26 micro-hybrid vehicles, one of the world’s most fuel-efficient buses. Investment in environmentally friendly, state-of-the‑art vehicles is key to our strategy, with the hydrogen buses very much our flagships.”

The Bus Project is part of the Hydrogen Transport Economy transnational project which works with EU partners around the North Sea to facilitate transnational co-operation and learning and enhance the competitiveness of the North Sea Region in hydrogen development.

Meanwhile, the first hydrogen filling station at a supermarket has opened at Sainsbury’s in Hendon, London. The 700-bar SmartFuel station, supplied by AirProducts, has been installed as part of The London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project, backed by UK government and co-funded by Innovate UK. Business minister Matthew Hancock said: “Hydrogen cars present us with a huge potential economic opportunity and can bolster our internationally‑renowned automotive industry. We want to make the UK one of the best places in the world to design, manufacture and sell ultra-low emission vehicles but we need the right infrastructure in place.”

Avishai Moor, Sainsbury’s Head of Fuel said: “We’re always looking at ways to offer our customers the latest technology when it comes to fuelling, and hydrogen vehicles are both environmentally friendly and efficient. We’re thrilled to be the first supermarket in the UK to bring this new technology to our customers.”

Intelligent Energy has unveiled an innovative 100kW automotive fuel cell.

Designed to deliver primary motive power within an electric driveline, the 100kW fuel cell architecture and core technology will be available to vehicle manufacturers through technology licensing programmes and joint development agreements.The 100kW platform takes full advantage of Intelligent Energy’s stack technology, which offers high power density whilst being engineered for low cost, high volume series production.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/lwlngu7

FORS scheme forges ahead The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has announced the 100th new registration since the scheme became self-funded on 17th February 2015.

Introduced by Transport for London over ten years ago, the award winning FORS scheme, which encourages the adoption of best practice industry standards in fleets, is now operated by AECOM, which was selected as the concessionaire to take over its management in January. Anne Johnson, Operations Director, said: “Our aim is to fully establish FORS as the single national standard for the industry.”

READ MORE www.fors-online.org.uk

Gov goes ultra-low Fifteen government departments and agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and the Home Office, will add 140 ultra-low‑emission vehicles to their fleets as part of a £5 million investment to reduce emissions.

The announcement is the first phase in a project designed to illustrate the effectiveness of the vehicles, and encourage fleets to commit to greater take-up over the coming years.

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Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

13

CORPORATION TAX SAVINGS

LOW COMPANY CAR TAX

Compare the tax savings of running a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as your company car against these market leaders.

148 MPG

NO ROAD TAX

OUTLANDER PHEV GX4H AUTO

HONDA CR-V EX AUTO

BMW X3 XDRIVE 30D SE AUTO

AUDI Q5 S-LINE PLUS AUTO

MERCEDES E-CLASS E250 CDI AUTO

COST OF THE CAR - P11D VALUE

£37,8997

£33,605

£39,860

£38,235

£36,765

GOVERNMENT GRANT REDUCTION

£5,000

£0

£0

£0

£0

ADJUSTED FINAL PRICE

£32,899

£33,605

£39,860

£38,235

£36,765

CO2 EMISSIONS G/KM

44

180

156

159

129

BENEFIT IN KIND RATE

5%

32%

27%

27%

21%

£758

£4,301

£4,305

£4,129

£3,088

VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITHOUT FUEL PROVIDED THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER) VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITH FUEL PROVIDED THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER)

–

£3,543

£3,547

£3,371

£2,330

£1,192

£7,079

£6,648

£6,473

£4,911

–

£5,887

£5,457

£5,281

£3,719

Discover how. Search PHEV. Visit: mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer

PHEV Manufacturer of the Year

WE HAVEN’T JUST MADE HISTORY

WE’RE MAKING RUNNING A FLEET £1,000s CHEAPER The Mitsubishi PHEV is cutting costs across the country - and if you’re managing a company car fleet it could reduce your running costs by £1,000s in one go1.

This intelligent hybrid decides when it’s more efficient to use petrol or electricity, meaning it has the ability to deliver a staggering 148mpg2 – significantly reducing petrol costs and consumption. And with a fraction of the CO2 emissions of small car there are significant tax savings that your business can make. You’ll be able to write down 100% of the cost of an Outlander PHEV in year one3. So even businesses with a small fleet of cars are saving £1,000s in Corporation Tax4, as well as saving money on their associated Class 1a National Insurance contributions5. The Outlander PHEV is exempt from Road Tax and the London Congestion Charge6. There’s £5,000 off the list price through the Government Plug-in Car Grant, which means an Outlander PHEV will cost you from just £28,2497, the same price as the Outlander Diesel – and it comes with a 5 year warranty8. We’ve made history, you just need to make time to find out how we can save you £1,000s on running a fleet. We call this Intelligent Motion.

Compare the corporation tax savings of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV against a typical company car.

PROFIT BEFORE TAX (PBT)

TYPICAL VEHICLE

OUTLANDER PHEV

£100,000

£100,000

SMALL BUSINESS TAX

20%

20%

LIST PRICE OF VEHICLE

£33,000

£32,899

8%

100%

CAPITAL ALLOWANCE (£)

£2,640

£32,899

TAXABLE PROFIT (ON £100,000 PBT)

£97,360

£67,101

CORPORATION TAX (NO VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£20,000

£20,000

CORPORATION TAX (WITH VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£19,472

£13,420

£528

£6,580

CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

SAVING DUE TO CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

THE WORLD’S FIRST 4WD PLUG-IN HYBRID SUV

BUYING A PHEV WILL SAVE YOU A TOTAL OF £6,052 IN CORPORATION TAX (YEAR 1)

1. Outlander PHEV GX4h compared with Honda CR-V, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes E-Class – average saving £5,330pa for a 40% taxpayer. The savings for business drivers with a company fuel card are higher. 2. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 3. Outlander PHEV qualifies as low CO2 emissions vehicle for the purpose of Capital Allowances. 8% write down allowance used for comparison. Vehicles with CO2 emissions less than 130g/km will only qualify for 18% from 1st April 2014. 4. Savings achieved due to lower Profits Chargeable to Corporation Tax (PCTCT). 5. Class 1a NI only payable on 5% of list price compared to 25%+ average. 6. Congestion Charge application required, subject to administrative fee. 7. Prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%) and exclude First Registration Fee. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4h at £33,399 including Government Plug-in Car Grant and metallic paint. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. 8. All new Outlander PHEV variants come with a 5 year/62,500 mile warranty (whichever comes soonest), for more information please visit www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/warranty.

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.

FINANCE & LEASING Written by Paul Hollick, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM)

Finding the best method for fleet funding How do you choose the best funding method for your fleet? GreenFleet asked Paul Hollick, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management, to analyse the funding options available Finance is at the heart of fleet policy-making but it is still an area that even experienced fleet operators often feel unsure about. It’s a cake you can slice in many ways. You can use your company’s own money, or someone else’s money or opt for a grey fleet policy using your employees’ money. Of the three, the last one is the least satisfactory from every management perspective – cost control, company image and of course duty of care.

Whatever funding method you go for, common sense suggests that you should choose it because it fits your business’s financial position and helps you to run the right fleet for your needs. But most of the time, it doesn’t work like that, which is one reason why the UK fleet market is significantly

polarised between large businesses who lease and SMEs who tend to buy.

balance sheets (although they can still do that under certain types of lease), but car ownership tends to come at a price, especially when often-unseen costs like administration are taken into account. And while ownership ostensibly allows the business to decide for itself when to renew them, if you keep them longer than the typical three or four-year span covered by a lease agreement, what you E

A 0 2 14 d oun survey fer firms’ all that sm standing long‑ ce for n prefere p has not hi ownersd in the last dimme years few

Lease or buy?

In fact, a survey last year found that smaller firms’ long-standing preference for ownership has not dimmed at all in the last few years. Nine out of ten SMEs said they preferred to buy company vehicles outright rather than lease them.

Some companies prefer to buy because they want to be able to show company cars as assets on their

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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FINANCE & LEASING

 are really doing is hanging on to ageing, depreciating, increasingly unreliable and even unsafe items of equipment whose net contribution to your business’s performance might easily be negative when all factors are taken into account.

Ownership has other drawbacks as well.

It ties up large sums of money that could be put to more profitable use elsewhere in the company. Buying, managing and selling vehicles is also a time-consuming business. And if vehicles depreciate faster than expected, the company bears the cost.

Risk Even if your company is relatively ‘cash rich’, your fleet might not be the best place to sink its money. It could be better to plough cash directly into your business while letting a leasing company take on the risk of your fleet’s depreciation and maintenance costs in return for a monthly rental.

The most widely-used rental option is contract hire, which is an operating lease (they lease, you operate). Contract hire demonstrates the advantages of leasing clearly, so it’s worth taking a step back and comparing contract hire with purchasing a car (either outright or with a deferred purchase product such as hire purchase).

Firstly, consider it takes less money up front.

Contract hire agreements typically only require you to pay the equivalent of one to three months’ rentals at the start of the contract.

Lease payments are usually lower than hire purchase because with contract hire, there is

D DAB – never a dull moment

a residual value, so the payments only cover the car’s depreciation (plus interest) over a set period of time, not its full purchase price.

The predictability of cost of ownership should be considered. Although hire purchase and leasing both offer predictable payment schedules, with hire purchase (or outright purchase) you only discover the car’s full cost to the business when you sell it. With contract hire (especially when maintenance is included) you can confidently budget ahead for everything except the cost of fuel.

the optional servicing and tyre costs in the rental, you can reclaim 100 per cent of the VAT on the maintenance element, providing the costs are separated on the invoice.

What’s more, companies should consider depreciation, which is the largest cost of owning any vehicle, irrespective of how it is funded. Leasing firms have to be good at minimising it because, in contract hire agreements, they take the hit if they lose money when selling your car at the end of the contract.

Reduced administrative hassle With a good leasing company or broker, contract hire is as much a service as a product, offering online reporting and ordering, service booking for drivers and the opportunity to add other products and services, paid for through fixed monthly rental payments.

Leasing companies or brokers will also support around the total cost of using the asset (called the Whole Life Costs) and help steer policy and strategy around your fleet, if asked.

Tax advantages is another important consideration. VAT on vehicles is a lot of money but, as an employer, you can only claim it back on cars you buy if there is absolutely no private use of them by any employee.

On the other hand, a leasing company is able to get back the VAT on vehicles it buys, which reduces the initial amount to be financed by 20 per cent and is reflected in the rental charge. Although monthly finance rentals include VAT, contract hire customers can reclaim 50 per cent of it. If you include

Flexibility & Whole Life Costs Leasing is more flexible than many people think. Alongside contract hire there is also contract purchase and finance leasing. A good leasing company will tailor the exact leasing solution for your needs depending on your business’s VAT position, whether you need your vehicles to be on- or off‑balance sheet and whether you want to simply hand cars back at the end of each contract or to have the option to buy them.

One of the best reasons for going to a good leasing company or broker is that they will work out cars’ Whole Life Costs (WLCs) for you. WLCs factor-in costs like fuel, insurance, NICs, BIK and VED. They are designed to separate the ‘cheap-to-buy’ from the ‘cheap-to-run’ and they’re particularly good at pinpointing genuine bargains among premium-brand models that hold their value well and are highly fuel-efficient.

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Lifeline All in all, there is a lot to be said for taking your fleet’s funding down the leasing route.

And it is not just about financing vehicles.

When the financial crisis hit a few years ago, the banks pulled the plug overnight on a large slice of business funding. Vehicle leasing threw many firms a credit lifeline, with leasing companies still open for business to small and medium businesses.

On top of that, businesses were often able to free-up cash tied up in existing fully-owned vehicles by selling them to a leasing company and leasing them back.

In healthier economic times, the tail risks of outright purchase were, if not necessarily financially justifiable, at least affordable. But six years on from the crash, business lending by banks is still tight – net lending to firms fell year-on-year during most of 2014 - although hopefully the UK’s slow recovery will continue.

Whatever happens, lease financing offers businesses a predictable, low-risk alternative to outright purchase.  FURTHER INFORMATION

FINANCE & LEASING

fleet cars. The leasing sector is getting up to speed with packages for plug-ins, which cover installing charging equipment as well as the car itself. Some even include the use of a combustion car for so many days per month to cater for longer business trips.

Paul Hollick, chairman of the ICFM Paul Hollick was elected as the new chairman of the ICFM on November 25 at the ICFM’s 2014 annual national members’ conference at the Henry Ford College, Loughborough.

Paul is commercial director at The Miles Consultancy (www.tmcuk. co.uk), a specialist fuel, expenses and corporate mobility services provider, and has extensive experience of building and developing business in the fleet industry. He moved to TMC in August 2014, leading its strategic development, sales and marketing plus product innovation and development.

He also plays a key role in developing TMC’s future partnerships, supply chain and international activities.

Between 2007 and 2014, Paul was chief commercial officer at multi-marque leasing company Alphabet (GB) Ltd. As an executive board member he was strategically responsible for their sales, marketing, product development and innovation.

Paul joined Alphabet from Inchcape Fleet Solutions where, as head of finance and IT from 2003 to 2007, he played a key role in building up the company following its earlier rebranding from Kenning Leaseline.

Paul began his career in the wine and spirits trade after graduating from Southampton Solent University with an honours degree in accountancy in 1994. He worked initially as company accountant and later as company secretary for an international wine distributor before becoming financial director of SCATS Countrystores plc in 2000, where he worked until his move to Inchcape.

Paul, a Member (MICFM) of the ICFM and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA), was made an ICFM Council member in 2010.

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Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Earlier this year a number of senior government ministers lined up to announce they were spending £19m to support three driverless vehicle trials in Milton Keynes, Greenwich and Bristol.

This high profile launch is just one example of the increasing importance policymakers are placing on autonomous vehicles and other areas of intelligent mobility, which they see as a vital sector for the UK to gain a competitive advantage.

The term ‘intelligent mobility’ refers to any optimised form of transporting people and goods that increases mobility, improves safety and enhances the end-user experience, whilst simultaneously reducing pollution, fuel consumption and congestion.

Connected vehicles, driverless cars, big data and car sharing are just some of the intelligent mobility technologies that are beginning to have a major impact on the road transport sector.

Connected vehicles It’s estimated that 90 per cent of cars will be connected by 2020, up from 10 per cent today.

This is clearly going to have a significant impact on the world of fleet management.

The vehicle rental and leasing industry has one of the youngest fleets on UK roads and prides itself on running the safest, most cost-efficient, low-emission vehicles. This means they will be early adopters of and investors in new technology – taking all the associated risks.

The BVRLA and its members are already providing early end-user input to some of the newly launched driverless car trials, and the association is also contributing to work on connected roadways.

The Automotive Electronic Systems Innovation Network – which includes Jaguar

Data In order for vehicles and roadways to be connected, there are three key data issues which must be resolved.

Firstly, there is the sheer volume of fleet management data that must be dealt with. The huge increase in information that connected vehicles will generate compared with traditional vehicles is a dual-edged sword for a fleet operator. It means a fleet manager is able to see, in real time, information such as mileage, fuel consumption and tyre pressures, allowing fleets to be far more tightly managed. It also means there is far more information to process, which can create a huge administrative burden for employees.

Fleet operators will need sophisticated information systems which clearly show them what they need to know in a common format for all vehicles on the fleet. With these systems in place, fleet operators will be able to efficiently manage their vehicles, and be pro‑active in dealing with issues around vehicles and drivers before they become major problems. E

nt Intelligety mobili ies log techno nnected co such as nd driverless a r vehiclesll have a majo cars wi t on the road impac nsport tra sector

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

Written by Gerry Keaney, chief executive, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, discusses how developments in telematics, connected cars and big data will affect the fleet industry

TELEMATICS

The future of fleet technology

Land Rover, McLaren and Nissan – hopes to launch a ‘Connected Corridors’ trial later this year. This project would see a stretch of motorway equipped with high‑speed wireless broadband, and involve trials of advanced, Formula One-quality telematics and other connected vehicle services.

21

The BVRLA will once again be discussing the future of mobility, fleet management and the impact of technology on the rental and leasing sector at its Fleet Technology Congress on 1 July at the Williams F1 Conference Centre in Grove, Oxfordshire.

Morning discussions will centre around autonomous vehicles, urban mobility, insurance and telematics, while the afternoon session will focus on connectivity, bandwidth, access to data and innovation through information.

To book your place, visit: www.bvrla.co.uk/events.

The BVRLA and its members are already providing early end-user input to some of the newly launched driverless car trials, and the association is also contributing to work on connected roadways  Access to information As providing vehicle data online becomes more prevalent, maintaining sufficient access to this information could soon become a problematic area for fleet managers. There is a growing call for EU policymakers to enshrine the right of independent providers of aftermarket services to obtain equal, open and standardised access to the same functionalities and data provided from in-vehicle telematics systems. Current regulations (Euro 5) provide this right for accessing information via the standard on-board diagnostics (OBD) connector, but don’t cover remote, online access.

If this right is not extended, there are real concerns that the independent sector will be prevented from providing competitive repair, maintenance and other vehicle-related services, creating a monopoly for manufacturers.

The European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG Move) has now set up a C-ITS (Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems) group which has been mandated to agree a common platform for providing open, standardised access to online vehicle information. It wants this to happen during 2015 and will use the end result as a baseline for the next set of type approval legislation.

Duty of care Compliance and duty of care should also be at the front of mind for any fleet looking at taking advantage of new technology.

Vehicle and driver data must be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation. As with any regulations, fleet

managers will not only have to comply with this legislation, they will also have to evidence their compliance. This will require a sophisticated auditing process, showing that drivers have agreed for their vehicle data to be used by their employer. The BVRLA is pushing for the Information Commissioner to publish more fleet-related guidance in this area.

As more and more mechanical systems are replaced by semi-autonomous electrical features like stability control or emergency braking, the car itself is being asked to take increasing responsibility for the passengers it contains. The electronics world works at a much faster pace than the traditional automotive development timeline, so manufacturers face the problem of managing this change in an environment where any issues or bugs can have a catastrophic impact on their customers, potentially leaving them liable.

One solution they are adopting is the ISO 26262 standard, which provides a repeatable, traceable, well-documented and safety-focused process for developing new systems. By adopting this standard and ensuring their supply chain does, they can demonstrate that they are taking all possible steps – thus having a greater chance of avoiding any liability if things do go wrong.

Fleets and fleet suppliers that are looking to develop or commission their own connected vehicle or telematics systems would be advised to work to the same standard.

New mobility services Technology is helping to accelerate the move from car ownership to car ‘usership’. Car club

TELEMATICS

BVRLA Fleet Technology Congress

membership has grown steadily in recent years, with the latest figures suggesting there are 164,500 car club members in the UK, and just under 3,000 vehicles.

While London dominates the UK car club market, there has also been significant growth in Edinburgh, York, Manchester, Brighton, Leeds, Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford. All of these urban areas have trouble with congestion and air quality, and car clubs and car sharing are increasingly being seen alongside car rental as a mainstream alternative to vehicle ownership.

Technology has enabled this growth and the same usage models are increasingly being applied to corporate fleets. Fleet drivers can reserve cars online or via smartphone apps, while GPS technology enables them to locate available vehicles.

Drivers are accessing vehicles simply by swiping a card that uses RFID technology, while fleet managers can check where vehicles are in real time via the internet or download key usage information for analysis.

Conclusion As the buyers of half of all the cars, vans and trucks sold in the UK every year, the fleet market is going to be a crucial driver of autonomous and connected vehicle technology.

All of a sudden, the drip of new automotive technology is turning into a torrent as vehicle manufacturers, technology giants, telecommunications companies and governments have woken up to its potential to create new business models and tackle some of the most difficult transport issues; congestion, emissions and road safety. The fleet industry – fleet managers, leasing companies and rental operators – will be largely responsible for ensuring that this new connectivity and web‑based telematics reaches its full potential. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.bvrla.co.uk

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

23

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MOTORCYCLE FLEETS Written by Stevie Muir, Motorcycle Industry Association

Doing business on two wheels

The Motorcycle Industry Association’s Stevie Muir shares the business benefits of having a fleet on two wheels, such as less time on congested roads, cost savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions As a driver, you’re likely to have spent at least some time sitting in traffic recently. And while you were there, you were probably passed by a motorcyclist, filtering slowly to the front of the queue. How did you feel about that?

Filtering is one of motorcycling’s best kept secrets and is probably the reason why riders score so highly in happiness tests – a fact endorsed by a one-off travel survey by the Office for National Statistics. Commuting via motorcycle has no negative impact on wellbeing for journeys up to half an hour, and after that it is negligible. This was in contrast to those travelling by car, bus, cycling and those walking, who all experience reduced contentment after just 15 minutes.

This revelation received little publicity when the survey was released; perhaps in keeping with the perception that motorcycling is in decline. It isn’t. It is worth examining why this mode of transport is gaining popularity and to look at recent developments which make it easier than ever to make powered two wheelers (PTWs) work in a fleet context.

The power of filtering Let’s start with filtering, which is key to the ability of PTWs to cut through traffic.

Filtering gives motorcyclists a huge advantage, saving time, money and reducing the environmental impact of each journey. It

is legal in the UK and according to recent US research, it increases rider safety, so long as it’s done just a little faster than stationary or slow moving traffic.

Long established users of motorcycle fleet include the police, ambulance service, AA breakdown services and Blood Runners, who courier lifesaving products between NHS hospitals out of normal working hours. Whilst these examples all need to cut through traffic quickly to assist with emergency situations, the ability to reduce time spent in traffic is becoming increasingly important to all businesses.

productivity nearly twofold. The company no longer pay congestion charges, toll fees or parking. Fuel costs have been halved and the company has eliminated leasing costs, as the OTR price was the same as the car deposit.

Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) explains that:“Filtering allows motorcyclists to navigate congested roads in the time you’d normally expect to move in free flowing traffic.”

To prove this point, the MCIA tested how effective motorcycles were in rush hour compared to other modes of transport, by staging a series of ‘city challenges’ during Ride to Work Week in June. Journey times were compared for six of the UK’s most congested cities – Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bradford, Leeds and Leicester. For each, it measured the times taken by a motorcyclist, car driver, public transport user and, where appropriate, a cyclist – to see which was quickest, without breaking any speed limits.

Kenward went on: “In every case, the motorcyclist reached the destination first, E

Filteringf is one oing’s ycl motorc t secrets p best ke ay be the and m hy riders w reason highly in score iness happ tests

Case studies Being able to filter on the M25 and other congested roads in the capital has cut costs by 50 per cent for body shop repair specialists DWS Automotive.

The company’s assessors work between 10 body shops strategically located around the M25 and were looking for shorter journey times and greater mobility than their small cars afforded.

Working a fleet of Honda CB500Fs increased

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

25

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 usually in half the time taken by the car driver, who always struggled to find parking.”

Use is increasing Motorcycling is becoming more popular – a little known fact outside the industry.

There are now nearly twice as many motorcycles, scooters and mopeds licensed (or license exempt) for the road than there were twenty years ago.

In 1994 there were 720,900 and now there are 1,326,500 and this trend is likely to continue with congestion as a major driving force. Of all new sales last year, nearly 50 per cent were for smaller capacity machines, likely to be used for commuting. This fits with reports from dealers that they are making an increasing number of sales to families swapping a second car for a small motorcycle, moped or scooter to save time and money.

New sales for 2014 rose more than 10 per cent on the same time last year and attendance at motorcycle shows is up by the same amount. Footfall at shows is traditionally seen as a barometer to predict sales for the coming year. New registrations are continuing to rise, with growth 14 months in a row.

Two wheels beat four According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), congestion is set to increase by another 50 per cent within a generation.

Simon Davies, manager of Honda’s new fleet programme, explained: “Incorporating vehicles which can cope with rising congestion could give you an immediate competitive edge and will help with any long term goals or legislative requirements to reduce your carbon footprint.”

Davies added: “Most small motorcycles, scooters and mopeds already meet the proposed ultra-low emission requirements.

Larger machines pollute less than cars of equivalent engine capacity because they spend less time in traffic for each journey.

Motorcycles often have access to bus lanes and are exempt from the congestion charge and the workplace parking levy.”

Midland Freewheelers are an example of the army of ‘blood biker’ volunteers, which operate a local fleet of motorcycles to transport vital life saving products in their own time and free of charge to the NHS.

can provide financial packages similar to the ones available for cars and vans, which allow you to make direct comparisons.”

A local solution There is evidence to suggest more motorcycles, scooters and mopeds will help reduce congestion for all road users. A Belgian study showed that when just 10 per cent of drivers swapped to a PTW, congestion was eliminated for all road users by 40 per cent.

Local authorities are beginning to wake up to this idea. Northamptonshire County Council recently carried out a scoping study to find out why more people in the county don’t use motorcycles and to identify any barriers for those who do. On its website, it states the findings could help ‘integrate motorcycling into the County Council’s sustainable transport strategy, which also covers policies on walking and cycling routes as well as bus travel.’

Wheels 2 Work A number of local authorities are already endorsing the use of PTWs in low cost transport schemes, by making local sustainable transport funding available for Wheels to Work. There are 40 schemes across the UK, up from a total of 23 just two years ago, with several others in development.

Wheels 2 Work offers the loan of a small motorcycle, scooter or moped to people who would otherwise have no access to private or public transport. It allows them to get to work or college, or to carry out a job which involves travelling, for example mobile carers.

Wheelsfers of 2 Work n of a the loa , scooter ycle motorc ed to people or mop uld otherwise o who w no access to have r public o e t a iv r p rt transpo

Motorcycle fleet providers Honda recently became the first manufacturer to introduce the UK’s first specialist motorcycle fleet dealer network.

Six dealerships had to undergo stringent selection and training to make sure they were able to offer corporate clients a full service, from advising on the right vehicles to what protective clothing and training is needed.

Simon Davies, offered some stats surrounding the Honda Vision 110cc, which is proving very popular for fleet customers.

Davies said: “With good second hand values, VED at just £17, 160 miles to the gallon and just 44.6 grams of CO2 per kilometre – you can see why fleet managers are keen to investigate further. Honda fleet dealers can also give a full breakdown on cost, and

Key developments in training Good training is crucial to keeping riders safe. The MCIA recently launched courses for training businesses and their instructors through the newly established Motorcycle Industry Accreditation Centre. These offer DVSA approved training which is quality assured by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). It means corporate clients can now easily identify high quality trainers.

The businesses which are MCIAC approved are visited annually to check high standards are upheld and every single customer is surveyed – again to monitor standards.

These courses have been introduced ahead of any compulsory requirement

They carry anything of a medical nature that can safely be carried on the bikes, including whole blood, blood products, plasma, platelets, pathology samples, breast milk, x-rays/scans, patient notes and oxygen monitors for new born babies.

All riders are fully qualified advanced riders accredited through either the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). In addition, they receive further specific training on the transportation and carriage of dangerous goods and patient confidentiality.

Since 2009 the Midland Freewheelers have completed 2799 jobs, which have helped save or enhance thousands of lives.

All money to maintain the bikes is raised by the group.

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS

Blood bikers

Further information www.midlandfreewheelers.co.uk www.thenabb.org.uk/ – Nationwide association of blood bikers to do so and before anything similar has been launched for driver training.

More is less Perception of safety is obviously a consideration where motorcycles are concerned and this has been on the national agenda recently, with the release of a joint policy document from the MCIA and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Together they have explored the idea that encouraging motorcycling would result in better safety outcomes for all road users.

Motorcyclists or those who have had experience of riding a PTW typically develop superior hazard awareness, and have a better understanding of the Highway Code. Carole Nash insurance recently launched a product aimed at car drivers who are motorcyclists, which builds on work done by another MCIA insurance member who found that motorcyclists claim less on their car insurance and when they do their accidents are less serious.

The MCIA is adamant that two wheel vehicles are the future for personal and business transport and their increasing use will result in safer roads for all. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.mcia.co.uk

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

27

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All-New Jeep Renegade from only £169 per month on Business Contract Hire.** To book a test drive visit jeep.co.uk/fleet or contact our Business Centre on 01753 519442 or via email at fleet@jeep-comms.co.uk jeep.co.uk/fleet

Jeep with ®

*MODEL SHOWN JEEP RENEGADE 1.6 MULTIJET E5+ SPORT WITH OPTIONAL SPECIAL PAINT AT £500 OTR. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 48.7 (5.8) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.1 (8.8) – 51.4 (5.5), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 61.4 (4.6), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 120 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may 2

not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. **Business users only. Rentals based on Renegade 1.6 MultiJet E5+ Sport (excluding optional Omaha Orange paint at £500 OTR) on Contract Hire profile of 6 rentals in advance (equivalent of £1014) followed by 35 rentals of £169, excluding VAT and maintenance. Based on 10,000 miles p.a, excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered with Jeep Financial Services before 31st March 2015. Offer subject to status, guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. At participating dealers only. Jeep Financial Services, PO Box 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. Chrysler and CNH Industrial are Official Global Partners of the Expo Milano 2015. Jeep ® is a registered trademark of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Fuelling the green gas revolution The Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association’s chief executive Charlotte Morton examines the role that biomethane can play in reaching the UK’s green transport targets

Conventional biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel currently account for the majority of biofuels supplied and used in the United Kingdom. Under existing policies however, the UK is currently some way off being able to meet the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) 10 per cent renewable transport fuel 2020 target. Progress is hampered by continuing debate around Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) and the use of crops for biofuels.

Current low gas and oil prices, together with the likelihood of a European Union move towards a greenhouse gas abatement target post-2020, mean serious consideration should be given as to whether alternative fuels can be scaled up moving forward. The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) is actively working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to examine what role biomethane can play, both in helping to meet the 2020 RED target, and also a possible post-2020 greenhouse gas abatement target.

The potential of biomethane Given that the UK is in breach of European Union air pollution regulations, a more targeted approach towards converting our roads’ biggest polluters – such as HGVs, vans

Written by Charlotte Morton, chief executive, Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

Lincolnshire County Council upgraded eleven Stagecoach buses in Lincoln with dual-fuel technology (diesel and biomethane) to fully gas powered engines to reduce air pollution in the city

As le a vehic thane and buses, which together the best environmental me o i b , contribute around 40 solution in terms of o l t e l fu entia t o per cent of the UK’s both carbon reduction p e h has t ce noxious vehicle emissions – and air quality.” could significantly Director of biomethane redu rticulate a reduce associated gas supply company, p and ions by environmental Gas Alliance Group, s emis nd and health risks.

Tony Griffiths, also As a vehicle fuel, remarked during ADBA’s arou nt ce biomethane has the National Conference 90 per potential to reduce noxious and that: “Lack of refuelling particulate emissions by around 90 per cent, which Public Health England calculate could shorten the average Briton’s life expectancy by six months. Biomethane also reduces carbon dioxide levels by 20-30 per cent, a point on which former Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Chris Huhne, commented during his keynote speech at ADBA’s National Conference last December: “Biomethane has all the benefits of natural gas without the key disadvantages of warming the planet and having to be imported from volatile parts of the world.”

As the only renewable fuel currently available for HGVs, managing director of JouleVert, Colin Matthews, added that: “When it comes to commercial vehicles, biomethane provides

infrastructure is the default excuse for not getting on board, but if a fleet operator or local authority wants a facility for dedicated gas engines, we will build it – capital free. That’s how confident we are of the market. Biomethane simply can’t be faulted on cost. We’ve achieved operational cost‑per‑mile savings for our clients of between 26-38 per cent; we fix the price for two years and thereafter it will only increase with RPI for the rest of the contract.”

Just like fleet operators, biomethane producers also require price certainty. Green Gas Trading’s Biomethane Certification Scheme allows producers to monetise the ‘green’ element of their gas (separate from the physical ‘brown’ gas itself), E Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

31

An advantageous alternative for NOx removal The major pollutants in the atmosphere from diesel engines are the particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

The reason to pay particular attention to the nitrogen oxides is that their occurrence in the air leads to formation of high concentrations of ground-level ozone, which is extremely harmful to the respiratory system. The presence of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere also leads to acid rain, which degrades the quality of the soils and water.

The control over the emitted nitrogen oxides includes techniques for optimizing the combustion process in diesel engines and catalytic reduction of the nitrogen oxides (NOx).

The current method for purification of nitrogen oxides from diesel internal combustion engines is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR), with a reducing agent, urea or ammonia.

The process can reduce the nitrogen oxides up to 60%. The excess of ammonia is purified by an additional catalyst.

The new regulations in Europe and USA require a reduction of NOx emissions by min 80%. This limit presents a serious challenge to the existing technology.

DeNOx Unit

Adventure AD, a company for innovative technologies based in Bulgaria, has developed a patented system (CDPF‑DeNOx) for purification of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from diesel internal combustion engines. The system removes NOx by more than 90%.

Adventure’s CDPF-DeNOx system is installed at the exhaust system of the engine and includes two units. The first unit consists of an oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a catalyst coated particulate filter (CDPF). Exhaust gases from internal combustion engines enter the unit where the particulate matter is removed.

Since Adventure’s proprietary DOC is a low temperature catalyst (200ºC – 250ºC), the temperature of the exhaust gases is sufficient for the reaction.

The second unit of the system, linked to the fuel tank, is a generator of hydrogen (H2) from diesel fuel supplied from the tank.

Hydrogen (H2) is the best reductant of NOx. The amount of oxygen necessary for the catalytic reaction of reforming the diesel fuel to hydrogen is provided by the exhaust gases. The process is exothermic and hence no external heat energy is required for the purification of NOx. FURTHER INFORMATION www.adventure.overgas.bg

Comparison between Adventure’s CDPF-DeNOx and DOC/DPF-AdBlue and ASDS systems

The advantages of Adventure’s CDPF-DeNOx system are:

 Purification of NOx, more than 90%  Reduced number of components  Reduced number of catalysts

 Eliminates the use of urea/ammonia and the related additional modules in the system  No problems in cold weather

 Compact and easily integrable to the exhaust system  The system does not need slip catalyst

Adventure AD Bulgaria Sofia,1309  1 Kukush str  Bulgaria Email: adventure@overgas.bg Web: adventure.overgas.bg Tel: +359 2 442 40 74

32

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

Party pledges The Labour Party has pledged to support the rapid expansion of domestically generated green gas between now and 2020. The number of biomethane-to-grid plants has almost tripled to 27 over the last couple of months, generating sufficient capacity to heat almost 100,000 UK homes. That said, the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry would require greater levels of feedstock to fuel the increase in plant numbers which would be needed to generate the quantities of biomethane required to both improve our energy security and to meet our renewable transport fuel targets.

The DfT’s gas strategy for HGVs recognises that providing biomethane as a low-carbon fuel requires a waste policy which supports AD. Compared to other parts of the UK, England has made little advance towards increased uptake in source segregated food waste collections over the past few years. Last year a House of Lords Science & Technology Select Committee report recommended that: “A long-term policy goal should be the creation of a more standardised system of waste collection across local authorities which views waste as a valuable resource.”

Waste collection While the UK is already one of the European leaders on food waste AD facilities and technology, with over 80 plants in operation and plenty more in the pipeline, only about 12 per cent of food waste is currently recycled through AD in the UK. The vast majority of our food waste is still dispatched to landfill, incineration or composting. Where food cannot be reused or redistributed, there is clearly much more potential from using it as a feedstock for AD to generate more biomethane both for low-carbon vehicle fuel and renewable energy.

Wasting food and drink costs the average UK household over £500 per year and costs the average food outlet £10,000 per year.

There are more than just financial savings associated with recycling food waste through AD, because each tonne of food waste extracted from the waste stream for AD reduces 500kg of CO2eq emissions. While edible food waste should be redistributed for human or animal consumption wherever possible, if all inedible food waste was diverted to AD then it would increase the industry’s capacity by sixfold.

While the Liberal Democrats are committed to a Zero Waste Britain Act, in contrast Labour appears to have abandoned its pledge to ban food waste from landfill under recent scrutiny. There is a real risk that the industry would not be able to meet Labour’s green

gas pledge without a policy which supports source segregated food waste collections.

Organic waste Realising AD as the most productive treatment option available for inedible food waste should entrench the technology’s position as one of the few circular economy technologies already functioning commercially; contributing to a wide variety of UK business sectors by reducing their environmental impact and improving their bottom line. AD moves food waste up the waste hierarchy as the most effective technology for organic resource management. By converting organic waste into vital green fuel, essential nutrients for sustainable farming and emerging bioresources, such as biochemicals and bioplastics, AD extracts more value from our food waste than any alternative.

The storable, flexible baseload nature of biomethane means that it can be a constant source of fuel for our homes and vehicles even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. With feedstock supply remaining a core issue, we are continuing to lobby for source-segregated separate food waste collections, and will keep highlighting the value of inedible waste food as a resource. L

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

 generating an additional income for the producer and enabling purchasers, like M&S, to decarbonise their gas supply.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.adbioresources.org

What is anaerobic digestion?

Anaerobic digestion is the simple, natural breakdown of organic matter into biogas (carbon dioxide and methane) and organic fertiliser called digestate. It is a similar process to that which takes place in the stomach of a cow.

Fir further information, visit http://adbioresources.org/ about-ad/what-is-ad/

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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AIR QUALITY

Discerning the facts about diesel In the race to reduce CO2 emissions, did Europe, and the motor industry, back the wrong horse?

Part two of GreenFleet’s air quality feature looks at the SMMT’s latest anti-smear campaign, and what the industry claims to be doing to address the problem In the last issue of GreenFleet we reported on the The Environmental Audit Committee’s recent Air Quality report, which suggests that as many as 29,000 deaths each year are as a result of air pollution. Road traffic is responsible for 42 per cent of carbon monoxide, 46 per cent of nitrogen oxides and 26 per cent of particulate matter pollution. These latest figures point the finger straight at diesel engines.

In the early 2000s, Tony Blair’s Labour administration changed vehicle excise duty to a CO2-based system, which favoured diesel cars as (is common knowledge) they emit less CO2 than petrol counterparts.

Indeed, in a recent Channel 4 documentary, shadow environment minister Barry Gardiner MP, a member of the Blair government who has been described as “one of the best educated and most internationally experienced MPs”, admitted the policy was a mistake: “Hands up, can I say there’s absolutely no question that the decision we took was the wrong decision.”

Back in 2004, 67 per cent of the UK car market was made up of petrol engines. Ten years later, the manufacture of diesel engines has increased the UK market share to 50 per cent, with alternatively-fuelled vehicles, such as hybrids or pure electrics, making up the remaining two per cent.

New Euro 6 standard From September this year, all new engines produced must meet the new Euro 6 standard, which officially records a 55 per cent reduction in NOx (Euro 5 = 18mg/km, Euro 6 = 80mg/km). Particulate matter limits remain the same at 5mg/km. This means that NOx from diesel engines is almost in line with a petrol engine, for which the 60mg/km limit has remained the same since January 2011.

However, there remains a massive problem with way the cars are currently tested.

The laboratory conditions are generally considered to produce wholly inaccurate figures, which is backed up by recent ‘real world’ testing by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

The ICCT found: “On average, real-world NOx emissions from the tested vehicles were about seven times higher than the limits set by the Euro 6 standard. If applied to the entire new vehicle fleet, this would correspond to an on-road level of about 560mg/km of NOx, compared to the regulatory limit under Euro 6 of 80mg/km.”

Substantially underestimated A 2014 study by Imperial College London and Emissions Analytics concluded that both the official European tests for economy and emissions and existing models for estimating the impact of traffic on urban air quality substantially underestimated the real-world emissions of many modern diesel engines. The study analysed exhaust emissions from 12 diesel cars, all of which met the (current, for passenger vehicles) Euro 5 emissions standard when tested in laboratory conditions. “We found that low-average‑speed, stop-start driving dramatically increases levels of NOx emissions,” says Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics.

Officially, Euro 6 regulations require real world tests to be introduced, but the EU and the organisations representing the motor industry have so far failed to agree a date when this is to be introduced.

Greg Archer from campaign group Transport & Environment and a former director of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, says the car industry has successfully lobbied the European commission to have the E

Official n a Europe nomy r eco tests fo missions and e mate the sti undere ld emissions r real-wo f many o diesel n r e d o m engines

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 likely date for an introduction moved back from 2017 to 2020: “They’ve based it on limits and tests which are carried out in laboratories and don’t represent the amount of pollution that these vehicles actually produce on the road. And they know that.”

Archer continued: “Carmakers are trying to greenwash dirty diesel to hide the truth that compared to a petrol car a typical new diesel car on the road emits 10 times more nitrogen oxides. While carmakers claim modern diesels are clean, they are pushing to delay and weaken the introduction of new pollution tests. This is because most new diesels can’t reach the limits agreed back in 2007 without fitting new technology.”

An SMMT spokeswoman, quoted in the Guardian, denies this: “We are waiting for a finalised communication from the European commission, which will set the parameters for the real-world testing. Until we have sight of that, manufacturers cannot commence the additional engineering investment required with any degree of certainty.”

So, the delay effectively renders the Euro 6 standard ‘not fit for purpose’ and this will have a serious effect on local plans to improve air quality. Ben Barrat, lecturer in Air Quality Science at Kings College London, told the Guardian: “Cities around Europe are reliant on Euro 6 delivering the reductions it is supposed to. If Euro 6 doesn’t deliver then many parts of Europe, including London and other cities in the UK, will continue to fail to meet European Union air quality standards.”

Low-emission zones To make things worse, the Government has rejected the Environmental Audit Committee’s recommendation to rebalance taxes on diesel vehicles, but will consider whether a national network of low-emission zones could be included as part of its air quality plans due to be submitted to the European Commission at the end of this year.

Committee Chair, Joan Walley MP, criticised the Government’s failure to act now: “This was an opportunity for the Government to pledge decisive action to cut the air pollution, thought to be killing nearly as many people in the UK as smoking. But Coalition Ministers have once again failed to face up to the problem and instead passed the buck on to the next Government. We have been warning that urgent action

is needed for the last five years and while this Government has accepted that there is a problem it has repeatedly failed to take the tough decisions necessary to sort it out.”

So, a mooted scrappage scheme for diesel cars, as well as financial incentives for alternatively-fuelled options, are not on the cards at present. However, the Government does agree on the need for a 2017 introduction of the new EU engine test regime, but as mentioned previously, industry and the EU have failed to agree terms thus far, and 2020 at the earliest seems more likely.

Meanwhile, the SMMT’s nationwide consumer campaign to raise awareness about the latest low-emission car technology and challenge what it perceives as the ‘increasing demonisation’ of diesel. Mike Hawes, chief executive, said: “Today’s diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality. Bans and parking taxes on diesel vehicles therefore make no sense from an environmental point of view. We need to avoid penalising one vehicle technology over another and instead encourage the uptake of the latest low emission vehicles by consumers. The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel. It’s time to put the record straight.”

The SMMT’s ‘Diesel Facts’ website heavily promotes the benefits of Euro 6 engines, but these are based on (what is generally believed to be) inaccurate emissions data from a laboratory – not real world tests. This calls into question the SMMT’s assertion that “It would take 42m Euro 6 diesel cars (almost four times the number on the roads) to generate the same amount of NOx as one UK coal-fired power station,” as it says on the Diesel Facts website.

There is some good news. Transport for London has reported that ‘real world’ tests of new Euro 6 buses using the London 159 Bus Route (from Steatham to Marble Arch) show a 95 per cent drop in NOx emissions over older Euro 5 vehicles. L FURTHER INFORMATION SMMT’s ‘Diesel Facts’ campaign: tinyurl.com/opx86my Euro Standard Introduction dates and emissions limits: tinyurl.com/qzkzlxf

Selective Catalytic Reducation Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is an advanced active emissions control technology system used in diesel engines. It uses an additive (such as AdBlue, a trademark owned by the German Association of the Automobile Industry) that is injected into the exhaust gases before they pass through an SCR catalytic converter, in which the oxides of nitrogen are turned into nitrogen gas and water vapour. SCR has been used for many years to reduce stationary source emissions from large utility boilers, industrial boilers, and municipal solid waste boilers, as well as those in marine transport from cargo vessels, ferries and tugboats.

The use of SCR should become commonplace on smaller cars: “The adoption of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems should solve the NOx issue for the next generation of diesel engines,” says Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics.

Peugeot’s BlueHDi engine uses SCR. The manufacturer claims that, combined with a particulate filter, it allows for a NOx reduction of 90 per cent compared with earlier generations of e-HDi diesels.

Mercedes-Benz uses SCR under the BlueTEC label, while Vauxhall uses SCR in its 1.6-litre diesel in the Astra, Meriva and Zafira Tourer.

AIR QUALITY

The Government does agree on the need for a 2017 introduction of the new EU engine test regime, but 2020 at the earliest seems the most likely date

What helps reduce NOx?

NOx absorber/lean NOx trap The lean NOx trap is maintenance‑free and doesn’t require additives. In normal running, it traps the NOx pollutant from the engine in its porous core. When the engine is run in a rich burn mode, with just enough air for complete combustion, NOx is converted to nitrogen. The NOx trap is then regenerated and ready to start the process again.

Ford is one manufacturer which has opted for the lean NOx trap on passenger cars and light commercials up to the Transit Connect, as it believes it offers the best balance of cost, weight and fuel economy. Volvo has also opted for the lean NOx trap on its new Drive-E engines. The manufacturer believes it offers several advantages over an SCR system as it is maintenance-free and no customer actions are needed throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. However, a lean NOx trap doesn’t work as well at very high temperatures, which the commercial duty cycle can require.

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Fiat Professional with

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Providing safer lorries for the nation’s capital Lorries that are not fitted with safety equipment will be banned from the capital as part of Britain’s first Safer Lorry Scheme. GreenFleet reports London is the first city in Britain to impose a Safer Lorry Scheme which will see HGVs without safety equipment banned from London from 1 September 2015. The move comes in a bid to improve road safety in the capital, in particular vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

All roads in Greater London, except motorways, will be covered by the scheme. It will require vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes to be fitted with sideguards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision, along with Class V and Class VI mirrors giving the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicle.

The scheme will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be enforced by the police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards

Agency and the joint TfL and DfT-funded Industrial HGV Taskforce (IHTF). The maximum fine for each breach of the ban will be £1000.

The operator will also be referred for consideration to the relevant Traffic Commissioner, who is responsible for the licensing and regulation of HGV operators.

decreased, it remains one of TfL’s key commitments to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in London by 40 per cent over the next five years.

As such, the introduction of the Safer Lorry Scheme is one of the key actions of TfL’s Cycle Safety Action Plan (CSAP) which outlines six commitments to road safety. One such measure will see the FORS scheme (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) extend its safety principles for other operator sectors such as buses, coaches, tour buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, light E

All roads in don r Lon Greate covered will be afer Lorry S by the , and it will Scheme 24 hours a operate even days day, s eek a w

Improving road safety Of the 14 cyclist deaths in London in 2013, nine involved HGVs. Although the number of serious collisions involving cyclists and HGVs in 2014

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Spreading the message Transport for London (TfL) has begun a campaign to get the message across the country to ensure operators and drivers are aware of the requirements and begin adopting safety equipment before enforcement starts in September. This includes advertisements, leafleting, information being sent to businesses and police training.

Londoners may start to notice the Safer Lorry Scheme signs, stating ‘Safer HGV Zone’ appearing across London, although they will be covered up until operational. Last year, TfL and London Councils’ consultation on the scheme showed overwhelming support for the plans, with more than 90 per cent of respondents agreeing with the proposals. A further consultation on the traffic orders saw no significant objections raised.

Vehicles can easily be retrofitted with the safety equipment to comply. Side guards can be fitted from approximately £500 and blindspot safety mirrors can be fitted for approximately £300 per mirror. The Safer Lorry Scheme requirements have been a prerequisite for the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) Bronze award since earlier last year.

Stopping dangerous lorries London’s Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, said: “The essential role that freight plays in any city is vast, and none more so than London. Equally vital is ensuring that

we can all safely use our roads and this is why I am pleased to announce the launch of the country’s first Safer Lorry Scheme.

“The rogue minority of HGVs that operate on our roads without effective basic safety equipment will be forced to improve or be banned. This will save lives and ensure a level playing field for operators.”

Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “The scheme balances practical issues with the urgent need to address the danger lorries can pose to other users.

“The agreement and making of the required traffic orders for each of the 33 London Authorities’ extensive road networks is a significant achievement and now allows the scheme to be implemented as planned later this year.”

But Nigel Base, Commercial Vehicle Development Manager for the SMMT, warns of the confusion that may lie ahead if different local authorities impose different regulations on operators. He said: “Legislation should be decided with a Europe-wide approach to avoid a future logistics nightmare.”

The scheme will commence operation on 1 September, as soon as all of the 600 warning signs are in place. L

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 goods vehicles, cycle couriers and cyclists generally.

Another plan highlighted in the CSAP is to improve the design of HGVs further to protect cyclists, such as better and higher cabs to improve driver direct vision, and the independent evaluation of blindspot safety technology to help inform HGV operator buying decisions.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Improving the safety of London’s roads is a top priority. We know that a large number of cyclist deaths and serious injuries involve a relatively small number of trucks and lorries that are not fitted with basic safety equipment. Such vehicles are not welcome in the capital and the Safer Lorry Scheme will see them effectively banned from our streets. The lives of thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will be much safer as a result and I urge all operators of HGVs to get on board and make it a success.”

FURTHER INFORMATION www.tfl.gov.uk

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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NEW VIVARO BEST IN CLASS

NEW VIVARO BUILT TO TAKE IT ALL Welcome to a whole new van for a whole new world of work. The latest award-winning BiTurbo engines deliver more power, torque and economy. FlexCargo gives you class-leading load length.

And a new design means it’ll take any job in its stride. No wonder What Van? has awarded the New Vivaro Medium Van of the Year for 2015.

Call 0845 740 0777 or visit vauxhall.co.uk/newvivaro Model shown includes FlexCargo, not available on all models.

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW

The CV showcase More than 400 exhibitors are expected at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, to be held at the NEC Birmingham from 14-16 April 2015, with many launching new vehicles and products Visitors will have the opportunity to see all the vehicles, products and services to help them operate and maintain a safe, efficient and effective commercial fleet at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show on 14-16 April at Birmingham’s NEC. Unrivalled in size, product range and visitor attendance, last year, the Commercial Vehicle Show attracted around 19,000 visitors.

Every aspect of the UK road transport sector will be covered at the Commercial Vehicle Show: trucks, vans, refrigerated vehicles, curtainsiders, tankers and tippers. Visitors to the Show will also see an extensive range of ancillary suppliers to the industry offering products such as handling equipment, insurers, logistics, tyres, telematics, training providers, fuels and lubricant suppliers.

Vehicle manufacturers that will be exhibiting at the 2015 Show include DAF Trucks, Citroën UK, Fiat Professional, Ford, Isuzu, Isuzu Truck, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault UK and Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.

Many are planning new range additions and the Commercial Vehicle Show will be a chance for visitors to see them for the first time.

The 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show has been accredited with international status by the automotive industry’s global body, OICA, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles.

Truck launches Isuzu Truck is launching its new Euro 6 12‑tonne GVW Forward at the CV Show.

The new model features a compact overall footprint as well as class-leading carrying capacity of 7,952kg. The Isuzu F120.240 4x2 rigid is compact in size with a

low chassis height and offers great versatility.

Available with either Isuzu’s Easyshift or manual transmissions, it is easy to drive and offers excellent manoeuvrability. With Isuzu’s Euro-6 four cylinder 5.2-litre diesel engine producing 240PS and an impressive 765Nm of torque, the new engine offers superb fuel economy and performance.

Also making its debut is the Euro-6 Isuzu Urban N75.150(E) short-wheelbase chassis, featuring a Brit-Tipp all-steel tipper body offering a payload of 3,780kg. It is part of a programme of pre-bodied Isuzu tippers that have full European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval and are available off-the-shelf, for customers that require a tipper in a hurry.

Trailers and tankers In addition to vehicle manufacturers, bodywork and trailer and tanker builders will also be using the Commercial Vehicle Show as their shop window. Among the many exhibitors at the Show in this sector are Al-Ko Kober, Cartwright Group, Doll Fahrzeugbau, Don-Bur, Felbinder UK, Fuller Tankers, Lawrence David, Maisonneuve, G Magyar, RTN, Maxi-Low, Montracon, SDC Trailers, Strongs Plastic Products, Tiger Trailers, Van Hool and Whale Tankers.

Cartwright will be launching four new products. The new products on display will include a fleet curtainsider, aerodynamic home delivery vehicle, refrigerated trailer and a welfare vehicle for the construction sector.

The new home delivery vehicle features a new aerodynamic design with the advantage of an ultra-lightweight body.

Also debuting is a new welfare vehicle, designed specifically for the construction sector.

It is capable of a 6+1 or 7+1 configuration and

Every aspect d oa of the r ctor will rt se transpo ered at the be cov ommercial 2015 C Show from Vehicle 6 April at 14-1 NEC the has a built-in toilet cubicle and field kitchen.

The other two newcomers will be exhibited outside the main exhibition hall and signal the company’s strategy to expand in both the haulage and chilled distribution markets.

The fleet specification single deck curtainsider has a revolutionary design and specification and is targeted at the general haulage market.

It has standard features including an EN-XL rated body, aerodynamic front aerofoil and aerodynamic sloping roof and will have an extremely competitive entry price.

The refrigerated trailer will be available in single and double-deck configuration.

Tanker manufacturers will also be turning out in force and include Felbinder UK, Fuller Tankers, G Magyar, Maisonneuve, RTN Group, Van Hool and Whale.

The cool pavillion The Commercial Vehicle Show also includes the Cool Pavilion in Hall 3a, offering visitors a wide variety of refrigerated products and services. Chereau, Coolertech, Gray and Adams, Paneltex, Quinn Vehicles and Solomon Commercials have booked stands, and so have specialist refrigeration equipment suppliers Carrier Transicold, Frigoblock and Thermo King.

BOC will exhibit at the CV Show for the first time and, as the largest provider of industrial, medical and special gases in the UK, it has developed a new cryogenic system for road transport refrigeration.

Telematics Key among the many issues affecting the commercial vehicle industry is operating costs. Fuel, maintenance, driver safety and communications all mean money and E Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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April 14 - 16th NEC BIRMINGHAM

5

The UK’s Biggest Commercial Vehicle Show The number one road transport and logistics event in Britain, catering for every operator’s business needs, the CV Show is the leading meeting place for suppliers and operators alike – a true one stop shop for the industry.

Located at the NEC, at the heart of the motorway network, the Show is open from 08:30 to 17:30 April 14 – 16.

@TheCVShow

www.cvshow.com

Get your FREE ticket Register today www.cvshow.com Exhibitor enquiries call +44 (0) 20 7630 2102

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW

Iveco launches Vision concept Iveco will be debuting its concept vehicle, Vision, at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Iveco Vision is centred on low environmental impact mobility and a sophisticated dual energy system which self-adapts to the most suitable traction mode – one is exclusively electric, ensuring zero local emissions and low noise levels, and the other is hybrid (thermoelectric) and suitable for longer journeys and extra‑urban missions.

Unique features include ‘see‑through’ front pillars to guarantee unrestricted driver visibility, plus a rear-view camera displayed on a panoramic screen above the windscreen. It uses a fully automatic system for load management and is equipped with a high-integration tablet, which communicates seamlessly with the on-board electronics.

Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/os2strc

 telematics can go a long way towards making every penny count for fleet operators.

Telematics systems are increasingly accessible and can be tailored to companies of any size.

Vehicle tracking, tachograph analysis, fuel economy or a fully integrated package covering every area of operation are on offer from exhibitors at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Intelligent Telematics, for example, is launching a new dual-camera system at the CV Show. It will be on show alongside the company’s range of camera systems that are designed to help improve road safety, reduce insurance costs, enhance driver behaviour and boost Duty of Care responsibilities.

Fomco will use the CV Show to demonstrate its range of tachograph and fleet management systems. The company offers quick and effective solutions in GPS based tracking and fuel consumption monitoring systems, as well as digital tachograph monitoring to help users keep tracks on the operating status of each vehicle in their fleet.

Workshop Compliance is one of the biggest issues for road transport operators and one of the main reasons why Workshop has become an essential part of the Commercial Vehicle Show.

The need for regular maintenance is vital and for operators of light or heavy commercial vehicles, high maintenance standards are critical to the success or failure of the business.

Visitors to Workshop will be able to view hundreds of exhibitors spanning the whole automotive aftermarket and CV maintenance sector. From original equipment components and replacement parts to the very latest in maintenance management systems, garage and bodyshop equipment, Workshop has it all.

Workshop at the CV Show has grown

considerably this year and includes stands from leading garage equipment suppliers Blitz Rotary, Bradbury, CTEK, Eclipse, Gemco, Maha, Somers Totalkare, Sykes-Pickavant, Tecalemit and Thermobile. Making their CV Show debut will be vehicle lift manufacturer Maxima and specialist in spray booths and paint finishing, Junair. Major parts suppliers Delphi, Hella and Valeo will display their latest equipment and Stertil UK will show its commercial vehicle lifts. Texa will demonstrate its diagnostic tools and CV Show debutant Pro-Align will launch the new Hunter vehicle alignment system.

Tyres Tyres play a critical role in the success of any transport operation, with their importance to fleet safety and performance. The Commercial Vehicle Show will provide operators with the perfect opportunity to compare tyre suppliers and decide which is best suited to their needs.

Michelin, for example, is launching a new generation of ‘Pence Per Kilometre’ (PPK) tyre management contracts at the Show, offering customers a contractual fuel saving commitment to help make their fleets even more efficient. The fuel saving commitment will be available on EFFITIRES contracts when fitting premium low rolling resistance tyres. The move is expected to see Michelin Solutions become the first provider contractually to commit to fuel savings on its tyre management contracts.

What’s more, Goodyear will return to the Commercial Vehicle Show for the second year running, following the successful launch of its new KMAX and FUELMAX products in 2014.

The Goodyear KMAX range has been developed for improved mileage performance, while not compromising on fuel efficiency and traction. Likewise, the Goodyear FUELMAX range is for the operator seeking to optimise fuel efficiency combined with good mileage.

New van launches The all-new Vauxhall Corsavan will make its UK debut at the event. It comes equipped with an array of Euro-6 compliant petrol and diesel engines, offering economy up to 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 90g/km.

The revised model continues to bring a class‑leading payload and a flat loading capacity of 920 litres. Despite the space, the Corsavan remains compact enough to fit into tight parking spaces and narrow city streets.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito will also be present at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Making its public debut at the 2014 Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show in September it is expected to go on sale in the UK this month.

Exterior styling has been completely re-designed to bring Vito in line with the manufacturer’s two other LCVs; Citan and Sprinter. The new Vito comes in a choice of front- or rear-wheel drive; a first for the 2.8 – 3.2 tonne panel van market sector. On average, Mercedes reckons there’s an improvement in fuel consumption of 20 per cent compared to the current Vito line-up.

FIAT Professional will launch its new FIAT Doblò Cargo to a UK audience at the Commercial Vehicle Show. Originally unveiled at the 2014 Hanover International Motor Show last year, the new fourth-generation FIAT Doblò features a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance and a new EcoJet version engineered to lower fuel consumption and reduced running costs even further.

Leading the product line-up will be the new Daily, winner of International Van of the Year 2015. Iveco is also using the CV Show as the official UK launch platform for the all‑new Hi-Matic gearbox in New Daily; the first eight-speed automatic transmission to feature in a vehicle range in this class.

The 3.5 tonne long wheelbase, high-roof, New Daily offers an exceptional 19.6m3 loadspace – making it the largest panel van in the UK. Powered by a 205hp engine, it offers 14 per cent more load space than the largest previous-generation Daily van.

Van research GE Capital Fleet Services will launch this year’s Company Van research at the Commercial Vehicle Show, with an executive summary being made available for fleet operators in advance of the show.

The research focuses on more than 200 fleet operators’ views and reports on key areas of light commercial vehicle management including changes in replacement cycles and the key trends in LCV fleet management.

Free copies of the full research will be available at the CV Show 2015 from the GE stand in hall 3, stand C70. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cvshow.com

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Scotland’s Premier Low Emission Vehicle Event Friday 10 April 2015 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

Register for FREE at events.greenfleet.net/scotland

HYBRID VEHICLES Audi Q7 e-tron quattro German premium car manufacturer Audi pulled the wraps off a hybrid plug-in version of its new large SUV, the Q7. Claiming it to be the first diesel plug-in hybrid in its market segment, the car is also Audi’s first production plug-in hybrid part-powered by a TDI engine.

With an electric-only range of up to 34 miles when the combined hybrid drive is in use, the company claims that up to 876 miles can be driven on one tank of fuel while emissions tumble to 50g/km. The 168-cell lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in just two‑and‑a‑half hours.

Power is prodigious: a system output of 368bhp is quoted, while top speed is 139mph.

System torque of 516.3lb ft/700Nm ensures that

0-62mph takes just 6.0 seconds. The 3.0‑litre TDI engine develops 254bhp and 442.5lb ft/600Nm of pulling power on its own, and the first active engine mounts fitted to a diesel engine eliminate unwanted vibrations.

94kW of power is produced from the electric motor, which also generates 258.1lb ft/350Nm of torque. Integrated into the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels, four driving modes can be chosen. ‘EV’ mode prioritises electric running, while ‘Hybrid’ determines which driving mode best suits the current driving conditions. ‘Battery Hold’ mode stores the available electrical energy for future use, and ‘Battery Charge’ mode does exactly as it states.

A standard thermal management system with integrated heat pump uses waste heat from the EV drive components to be used for the interior. A 12.3‑inch ‘virtual cockpit’ displays a host of consumption statistics as well as electric range. UK availability is expected at the end of 2015.

The compact SUV sector accounted for around 22 per cent of the company’s sales last year, so the all-new Tucson is big news for the Korean company. Two petrol and three diesel engines make up the range, and a new 113bhp diesel version features two-wheel drive and stop‑start technology.

Maintenance‑free emission-reducing NOx trap catalyst technology also features.

Two hybrid versions were also on show.

The Tucson ‘Plug-in Hybrid Concept’ featured a 1.7-litre diesel engine mated to a 67bhp electric motor and 10.7kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Electric range is said to be 31 miles, while system output is 180bhp. Hyundai estimates CO2 emissions of less than 48g/km. The electric motor drives the rear axle, while the diesel engine powers the front axle. Power can be sent to the front, rear, or all four wheels. Four driving modes – ‘Auto’, ‘Zero Emission Vehicle’, ‘4WD’ or ‘Sport’ – are offered.

According to Hyundai, the Tucson ‘48V Hybrid Concept’ delivers similar PHEV efficiency for around a quarter of the cost.

Based on a 2.0-litre diesel model, emissions of 109g/km are promised. A Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) – an electric motor replacing the conventional starter – enables engine restarts with little engine noise or vibration as well as acting as a generator during deceleration, recharging the 48-volt lithium‑ion battery. It also boosts the engine’s power by around 10 per cent. E

Written by Richard Gooding // Photoography: Karl O’Sullivan and Newspress

The annual Geneva motor show opened its doors from 5-15 March, and the 85th running of the event hosted over 130 debuts from the world’s motor manufacturers. EVs, hybrids and more conventionally-powered vehicles were poured over by 282,000 visitors. GreenFleet selects the best economically-minded cars from the Swiss show fondue

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

An alpine array

Hyundai Tucson On the back of one million SUV sales in Europe, Hyundai unveiled its new Tucson in Switzerland. uattro e-tron q Audi Q7 Hyundai Tu 48V Hyb cson rid Conce pt

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GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Green glamour: the eco supercars The 85th Geneva International Motor Show featured a brace of ‘eco’ supercar concepts alongside the more everyday concept and production vehicles.

Aston Martin DBX Concept British company Aston Martin debuted its first all-electric, all‑wheel drive car at Geneva. There is no engine compartment as electric motors sit inboard of the wheels powered by lithium sulphur cells.

Audi R8 e-tron Audi re-invented the idea of an all‑electric supercar with an e-tron version of its new R8 sports coupé.

Combined power of its pair of electric motors is 462bhp with torque of 679lb ft/920Nm, while the 0-62mph dash takes 3.9 seconds. The manufacturer from Ingolstadt says that the car will be launched later this year. No prices have been announced, but the current range‑topping R8 V10 Plus costs €187,400.

Audi R8 e-tron

 Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II Japanese firm Mitsubishi gave its Concept XR-PHEV II a global debut in Geneva. A small SUV powered by a new plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) system, the concept is rumoured to be the company’s next PHEV following the Outlander. Sub-40g/km emissions are promised.

Suzuki iM-4 The iM-4 is Suzuki’s vision for a new compact 4x4. It features an innovative SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system which incorporates an ISG (integrated starter generator) providing engine power assistance as well as efficient power regeneration.

Lithium‑ion batteries work with the ISG to give efficient regenerative braking.

Toyota Auris Hybrid Toyota not only refreshed its Avensis mid-sized saloon in Switzerland, but also its Volkswagen Golf-sized Auris hatchback and estate. The latest car still features a hybrid in its new range, which accounted for 50 per cent of all Auris models sold in Western Europe last year. All new Auris powertrains are Euro 6 emissions compliant.

Volkswagen Sport Coupé Concept GTE Volkswagen exhibited the striking Sport Coupé Concept GTE at Palexpo. Said to premier a new version of the four-door CC executive model, the 374bhp V6 TSI hybrid concept features two electric motors and an externally-chargeable battery. Škoda The German company quotes 118mpg Fabia and a range of 31 miles in pure electric mode.

In ‘GTE’ mode, the Sport Coupé Concept GTE accelerates to 62mph in 5.0 seconds and power is sent to all four wheels via and electric propshaft. CO2 exhaust emissions are 46g/km.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES Ford Focus Electric The latest electric version of the Ford Focus has also been unveiled. Equipped with a 142bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain, the 6.6kW fully-integrated onboard charger the Focus Electric is said to be capable of a 93-mile all-electric driving range. Charging time is 2-3 hours with a fast charge facility or 3-4 hours from a 32A charging station.

A regenerative braking facility can capture up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy usually lost during the braking process, while a ‘Brake Coach’ facility encourages gradual braking to help return more energy to the battery.

A SYNC 2 touchscreen system also allows drivers to programme charging times, and set a chosen cabin temperature for when they start a journey. A MyFord Mobile smartphone app and website also enables drivers to remotely manage the charging of electric vehicles.

Nissan e-NV200 (seven-seater) Thanks to demand from fleets and retail customers, Nissan unwrapped a seven‑seat version of its e-NV200 Combi, the passenger‑carrying version of the e-NV200 all-electric van. Hotels, taxis and private customers are expected to make up sales.

The CHAdeMO quick charging system and the electric drivetrain is unchanged from the van and five-seater passenger versions.

The Japanese company also unveiled a special edition of the Leaf, to celebrate four years as Europe’s best-selling all-electric car.

Renault Zoe French car maker Renault announced revisions to its all-electric Zoe, with range extended by 19 miles to 149 miles (up by

uris Toyota A

Ford ectric Focus El

Suzuki iM -4

Volkswag Coupé C en Sport oncept G TE

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II

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GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

‘Vision Verte’: the green car guide Since 2009, the Geneva International Motor Show has promoted alternative propulsion technologies.

Renault Zoe

At first, the economical concepts were presented in a separate pavilion, but, as the number of new ecological models has grown, the majority of manufacturers’ stands now include these models.

For 2015, the show organisers have published a guide to all the ‘green’ cars exhibited in halls 1 to 6 of the Palexpo in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Energy Office. As part of ‘SuisseEnergie’, a national platform for the promotion of energy efficiency, the guide listed all the models on display at the show which emitted no more than 95g/km of CO2, regardless of their means of propulsion.

nanoFlo w Quant F cell

l Viva Vauxhal 208 Peugeot

14 per cent) thanks to a new smaller (by 10 per cent) ‘R240’ electric motor. An optimised electronic management and new Chameleon charging system allows for faster charging. For each minute the battery is charged, users now get an extra kilometre of range and times have been cut by 10 per cent for a normal charge. The new Zoe should come to the UK in late 2015.

ALTERNATIVELY-FUELLED VEHICLES nanoFlowcell Quant F German ‘e-sports sedan’ manufacturer nanoFlowcell AG pulled the covers off the Quant F with nanoFlowcell drive technology in Switzerland. The first flow cell car to be approved by the German TÜV technical inspection authority, the Quant F has a new two-speed automatic transmission.

The car has a top speed of over 186mph in all‑electric mode. As well as the exceptional performance, the Quant F has a theoretical range of over 497 miles.

For limited durations, 1,075bhp/801.69kW of power is available, along with a maximum rated voltage of 735V (400V at other times).

The nanoFlowcell technology continuously feeds over 50A of current into buffer system of the Quant F, which is then briefly able to supply over 2000A when needed for full sports car-like performance.

An alternative drive system, nanoFlowcell uses a non-flammable, non-toxic ionic liquid rather than hydrogen and oxygen as in a conventional fuel cell. Two ionic fluids – one with a positive charge and one with a negative charge – are stored in two 250-litre tanks. No date for release has been given.

Honda FCV Concept Honda demonstrated the evolution of its next-generation fuel-cell vehicle which is due to launch in 2016. The newly-developed fuel‑cell stack has an output of more than 100kW and an output density as high as 3.1kW/L. A 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank provides a cruising range of more than 435 miles and can be refilled in around three minutes.

Škoda Superb

Peugeot 208 Peugeot used the Geneva motor show as a springboard to launch heavily‑revised versions of the 208 supermini. Changes include revised styling and additional safety systems. New PureTech and BlueHDi engines meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, with the world’s most economical internal combustion engine offering record low CO2 emissions of only 79g/km.

Renault Kadjar Renault’s big news at Palexpo was the unveiling of the Kadjar, its 4.45m-long compact SUV. A bigger brother to the Captur, sales start in the autumn. CO2 emissions will be as low as 99g/km, with economy as high as 74.3mpg.

Toyota Mirai Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell saloon, was shown in Europe for the first time in full production guise in Geneva. It will enjoy a staged introduction in the UK and other selected European markets from autumn 2015.

Škoda Superb The third-generation Škoda Superb wowed Geneva show-goers. Starting at £18,640, savings of 75kg over the old model improve efficiency. The 4.8m-long saloon offers 625 litres of luggage space along with handsome new-wave Škoda styling.

CONVENTIONALLY-FUELLED VEHICLES Honda Jazz Set to arrive in the UK in the summer of 2015, the third-generation Honda Jazz will be powered by a 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series.

Vauxhall Viva/Opel Karl Arriving in showrooms in summer, the new Viva is Vauxhall’s new entry in the city car market. Prices will start at £7,995 and a specially-developed 74bhp 1.0-litre Ecotec engine will deliver 99g/km of CO2 and 66mpg when equipped with an ecoFLEX package. L Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Elektromotive Ltd, now celebrating 12 years in delivering charging stations for electric vehicles has launched its latest charger, the “Elektrobay 165”.

This charger is a fourth generation design of the highly acclaimed Elektrobay classic, first installed in London in 2005.

The new British designed and built charger boasts a small footprint at only 165mm square. Made of high grade stainless steel with dual socket outlets the charger is built with high quality and long service life at the core of its design. Supplied fully OCPP and mode 3 compliant with a range of mounting options, power sharing-another innovative Elektromotive feature, is also standard.

Elektromotive chargers are fully compatible with our preferred back office network provider, Charge Your Car, the nation’s largest and favourite charging network for charging station owners and electric vehicle drivers.

Elektromotive, the longest established UK supplier in the industry also continues to provide a complete turn-key installation and maintenance service, delivering on their enviable technical knowledge and industry expertise. Whether it is hardware, installation, preventative maintenance or just good sound advice on how to choose the correct charger for your purpose, call Elektromotive now.

T: +44 (0)1273 704 775 E: info@elektromotive.com W: www.elektromotive.com

Benefit from:

59g/km CO2 (ultra-low emission)

Hydrogen

200 miles on hydrogen No impact on load space

The fuel of the future... TODAY!

The conversion of light commercial vehicles to hydrogen diesel hybrids enables fleet managers to drastically cut carbon emissions which, unlike battery electric vehicles, retain the range and operational performance of standard vehicles. Hydrogen refuelling can be done via the ever growing network of public filling stations, or with an onsite ‘back to base’ facility.

For further information call 07966

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

www.ulemco.com 16/02/2015 09:18

in association with

After six successful years, GreenFleet Scotland returns to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on 10 April to allow fleet managers to test drive the latest low and zero‑emission vehicles The Scottish Government pledged in 2013 to make the country’s towns and cities free of emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles by 2050. This ambitious vision was revealed in its roadmap to plug-in vehicles, Switched On Scotland. It says that electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will make a substantial contribution to this ambition.

Scotland is making significant progress in this area, with recent research revealing that Scottish Councils are in the lead when it comes to electric vehicle adoption.

Freedom of information requests were sent

by Intelligent Car Leasing to 433 councils across the UK to find out if they own any electric vehicles. Out of the top five local authorities with the highest number of electric vehicles, four of them are in Scotland: Dundee City Council in the top spot; South Lanarkshire second; City of Glasgow third and Fife Council taking the fifth spot.

Putting the cars to the test Allowing fleet managers to test drive the latest low and zero‑emission vehicles, GreenFleet Scotland returns to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on 10 April.

There will be over 70 low-carbon, hybrid and electric vehicles available to drive on the day, as well as an exhibition of the products and services that help fleets run more efficiently.

Kia’s Soul EV will be available to test drive on the day, which is the result of almost 30 years of research and development by Kia into the feasibility of electric cars. The Soul EV has a range of up to 132 miles (212 kilometres) on a single charge. Kia and SK Innovation, a division of Korea’s largest petro-chemicals company, have developed innovative lithium‑ion polymer batteries with a greater energy density – 200 Watt-hours per kilogram of weight – than those in any comparable model. A heating and cooling system keeps them at an optimum operating temperature, which helps to extend the Soul EV’s range.

GreenFleet Scotland will be the first time the UK public will get to see and drive the new Fiat 500X, a five-door compact crossover based on the iconic city car. It comes in two or four-wheel drive configurations and has emissions as low as 109g/km.

Lexus will showcase its technology-packed Lexus NX300h, a petrol-hybrid compact SUV with bold looks and low-emissions, and Vauxhall will be exhibiting its new Corsa which has been revitalised with new technology, smart looks and emissions as low as 87g/km (road test on pages 55-57).

BMW will be bringing its electric i3 as well as its new 1 Series with C02 emissions as low as 89g/km in the new

116d EfficientDynamics Plus model.

Nissan will be showcasing its all-electric Leaf, which remains Europe’s best selling electric vehicle, and the eNV-200, the all‑electric van which was launched last year.

Seminars As well as test drives, visitors will be able to attend seminars, with presentations on the latest government legislation, grants and offers, innovative technology and alternative fuels. Transport Scotland will share its latest news on government grants and the future of Scottish transport, while the Office for Low‑emission Vehicles (OLEV) and EST Scotland will discuss the grants available for local authorities and taxi companies to introduce EVs onto their fleets. Nigel Holmes from the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) will take a session on Scotland’s hydrogen plans, and East Coast Renewables will also discuss the hydrogen agenda.

Hydrogen Zone for 2015 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have been designed to offer the same driving experience as an internal combustion engine, so no major change of driver behaviour is needed; they can be refuelled in two to three minutes and have a range of over 300 miles.

The government is helping to fund the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, and there are several hydrogen stations open at the moment. The question still remains however over the price of the vehicles and whether or not the infrastructure will be enough to give buyers confidence.

This year GreenFleet Scotland will have a new hydrogen zone allowing visitors to ask questions and see the vehicles for themselves. This will be consist of ULEMCo, who will be showcasing its hydrogen Transit, currently deployed and in use at Aberdeen Council and Intelligent Energy, who will be exhibiting its hydrogen van, taxi, scooter and bike. East Coast Renewables, the local authority partnership, will also be available to discuss their plans to drive forward fuel cell technology.

The driving Challenge Delegates can take part in the Fuel Efficient Driving Experience (FEDEx), to establish Scotland’s most frugal drivers of a combustion engine vehicle.

And for the first time this year, there will be an EV Challenge to decide the most frugal electric vehicle driver, with an EV technician measuring the real‑time energy used over a 40‑mile trial.

GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

Supporting Scotland’s green ambitions

Exhibitor list ABB AF Noble (Nissan Dealer) APT Controls LTD AutoKontrol Automotive Leasing BMW Car Plus (incorporating Co-Wheels, City Car Club, E-Car Club) East Coast Renewables Elektromotive Energy Saving Trust, Scotland Everwarm Fiat GTG Training & Conference Centres Intelligent Energy KIA LEX Autolease Peugeot Rolec Business Services Route Monkey Scottish Enterprise Siemans Telogis Toyota Transport Scotland ULEMCo Vauxhall Vtec Solutions (Tom-Tom Telematics) *Accurate at time of going of press With the growth in car clubs in recent years, GreenFleet will have a zone dedicated to this area. Exhibitors include Carplus, a not‑for-profit, environmental transport NGO that promotes accessible and low‑carbon alternatives to traditional car use in the UK. Joining them will be Co-Wheels, E-Car Club and City Car Club. All will have expert’s on-hand that can tell you how car clubs can fit in to your everyday corporate transport requirements.

Evolution Scotland In addition to GreenFleet Scotland on the Friday, which is targeted towards a corporate audience, Saturday 11 April will be a public event, called the Evolution Motor Show.

Launched in 2014, thanks to the support of Scottish Enterprise, the Evolution Motor Show will allow members of the public to get behind the wheels of the very latest zero and low-emission vehicles on the market. L FURTHER INFORMATION To register, visit www.events.greenfleet.net/scotland

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ROAD TEST Written by Richard Gooding

Download the GreenFleet app at app.greenfleet.net for more images and content

Refreshed and reinvigorated The top-selling Vauxhall Corsa has been revitalised with new technology, smart looks and cleaner emissions. Richard Gooding sums up the changes Consistently popular, the Vauxhall Corsa was the third best-selling car in the UK in 2014. Over 81,783 buyers plumped for the Vauxhall supermini last year, so it’s not as if its popularity was fading. Nevertheless, Vauxhall relaunched the car in December, offering cleaner engines, a new interior and looks heavily influenced from its city car sibling the Adam. Bringing it inline with much newer rivals, the new Corsa is continuing its predecessor’s success story.

Scoring a third place position on February 2015’s UK top-selling cars chart, what are the improvements that make it more enticing to buyers?

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX engine technology gives lower emissions and excellent fuel economy

54

87g/km, 85.6mpg The cleanest version of the previous-generation Corsa used a 1.3-litre turbo diesel CDTi engine to bring CO2 emissions down to 88g/km and

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

give a quoted miles per gallon figure of 85.6.

While the new car is capable on paper of the same level of economy, it emits 1g/km of CO2 less. A development of the older car’s four-cylinder unit, the new three-cylinder engine has been substantially revised to meet Euro 6 emission regulations. Our test car’s power of 94bhp is a useful 20bhp over the car it replaces, but a lower-powered version is also still available. You’ll pay a small price in tax, though, as the 74bhp model emits 99g/km, meaning it moves up a band in Benefit in Kind percentage rates. As a counterpoint, a new 89bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers 100g/km in Stop/Start ecoFLEX guise and offers a two per cent less expensive BIK cost.

When we tested the previous most economical Corsa in GreenFleet 69, we bemoaned the fact that a trip computer (essential for recording fuel economy) was a

Corsa: 22 years of the small Griffin Over 9.3 million Corsas have been produced in Europe since the model’s introduction in the UK during 1993.

ROAD TEST

Although new Corsa shares its glasshouse with the old model, all its body panels are new

1993: first generation The first-generation replaced the well-loved Nova (known as Corsa in Europe) and brought with it such luxuries as power steering, air conditioning and anti-lock brakes.

An economy model with a 1.2-litre engine achieved 60mpg.

2000: second generation (pictured) Second-generation Corsas helped boost sales by eight per cent. A range of Ecotec engines provided improved economy and low emissions suitable for company car drivers.

Vauxhall Corsa SRi VX-Line 1.3 CDTi ENGINE:

1,248cc, four-cylinder turbo diesel

CO2: MPG (combined): VED: BIK: New Corsa’s interior features Adam city car parts and a step up in quality

PRICE (OTR):

£515 optional extra. There is no such issue with the new car. A comprehensive multifunction trip computer is standard and gives myriad information about how the car is performing.

Clear to use and decipher, it’s a real step up from the previous model. Controlled by a stalk mounted behind the steering wheel, you’ll want to know how the new Corsa CDTi S/S ecoFLEX’s thriftiness translates to the real word.

Over the course of 350 miles, we recorded an average real-world figure of 62.6mpg. While that’s some 23mpg fewer that Vauxhall’s official quoted figure, on more than one occasion the car displayed an average reading of over 75mpg. Commendable and just 10mpg shy of its maker’s claims, an ‘eco’ button limits certain settings of the car’s various systems for even better parsimony. The ‘Eco Drive Assist’ function additionally displays the optimum times to shift up, the current economy level and consumption statistics.

85.6 Band A, £0 14% £15,980 (including VAT)

black and chrome accents, a seven‑inch touchscreen infotainment system and the leather‑wrapped multifunction steering wheel of the SRi VX-Line all lend the new Corsa an air of quality and runs the Volkswagen Polo close for classiness. The IntelliLink multimedia system has digital radio, USB and Bluetooth with voice control. On-board apps such as BringGo satellite navigation and internet radio software TuneIn and Stitcher can also be added to the system.

Externally, the new Corsa resembles the old Corsa in silhouette thanks to a roof and glasshouse which is commonly shared on both cars. Comprehensive changes to the front and rear ends update the new car’s overall appearance, though, and make it much more stylish than before.

Sharp creases on the doors and body sides flow into redesigned head and tail lamps, while the SRi VX-Line’s high equipment level includes LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels and a specially-sculpted body kit which adds sports-orientated touches. While they may sit uncomfortably with the test car’s low‑emission and fuel-sipping appetite, the extra addenda certainly make it more distinctive.

tial Substanns revisio ced an and enhgy make lo techno Corsa an w the ne ial on any essent r buyer’s a small c rtlist sho

Classy interior The rest of the interior is a step up on the outgoing car’s, too. Borrowing certain parts from the Adam’s cabin, the new Corsa’s interior is unrecognisable from that of the old one. Soft-touch plastics, gloss

87g/km

2006: third generation The third generation Corsa featured the first 1.3-litre CDTi engine and a choice of two wildly different three and five-door body styles.

Grown-up sophistication To drive, the new Corsa is a much better proposition than the old one and nears the Ford Fiesta for driving fun and the Volkswagen Polo for refinement. Certainly quieter than the small VW at idle, the CDTI’s gruffness never quite ebbs away.

Torque of 140lb ft (190Nm) is shared with the old four-cylinder unit, propelling the new Corsa to 62mph from rest in 11.9 seconds. The five-speed gearbox is slick and the car feels both nimble and fun on the road with positively‑weighted steering.

Imperfect road surfaces are handled with ease and the new Corsa exudes an air of grown-up sophistication.

The new Corsa doesn’t feel or look like an ‘economy’ car. Costing £15,980 as tested, the SRi VX-Line is towards the upper end of the new Corsa’s range, but as rivals such as the £16,495 85g/km Ford Fiesta Titanium ECOnetic and 88g/km £15,895 Volkswagen Polo SE Design show, it is competitively priced. With good fuel returns, a level of refinement and eco technology lacking in the old car and improved safety and equipment levels, the new Corsa is now much better prepared to fight the supermini opposition.

Overall, the substantial revisions bring a new and competitive edge to the revitalised Corsa and make it an essential addition to any small car buyer’s shortlist. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.vauxhall.co.uk

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

55

ROAD TEST

Less is more

Written by Richard Gooding

GreenFleet claimed the marrying of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to the small Transit Connect van a ‘stroke of genius’. Now, the triple ‘Engine of the Year’ winner has been dropped into the even smaller Transit Courier.

Does it add up to an even better package?

Ford Transit Courier Trend 1.0-litre EcoBoost S/S GROSS PAYLOAD:

660kg

LOAD VOLUME:

2.4m3

ENGINE: 1,000cc, three-cylinder petrol CO2:

119g/km

MPG (combined):

54.3

VED:

£225

PRICE (ex-VAT):

£11,745 (£13,360 as tested)

The newest member of the revitalised Ford Transit range takes a name which has enjoyed a long and successful association with the US brand. The ‘Courier’ part of the Transit Courier was first used on an American Ford commercial vehicle in as long ago as 1952.

European van operators will remember it from the small Mk III and IV Fiesta-based van which first appeared in 1991. That was replaced in 2002 by the slightly larger and more practical Transit Connect, the latest version of which we drove back in GreenFleet 77. However, now the Courier is reborn, this time with a Transit prefix. Like the petrol-powered Connect models, it also has Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and is a winner itself, scooping the What Van? Van of the Year 2015 prize.

56

Impressive carrying capacity With the Connect the second smallest model in Ford’s 2015 Transit range, the latest Courier slips in underneath. Short wheelbase versions of the larger Connect have a 2.9m3 load capacity; the Courier manages a close 2.4m3 which rises to 2.6m3 if the flexible bulkhead is fitted. A maximum payload of 660kg eclipses that of even its larger brother when in short wheelbase guise. This means the Courier is able to both nip around city streets a little easier thanks to its smaller dimensions, but still carry impressively large loads. A load-through length of 2.59m makes for easier passage of long items. Overall, the Courier is 261mm shorter and 114mm lower than the Connect, with a 173mm shorter wheelbase. Unlike the Connect, though, only

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

one wheelbase variation is available. A Kombi version with an extra row of seats which can carry five passengers can also be chosen.

Choose the 1,000cc 98bhp EcoBoost‑engined Courier with the optional £150 Auto-Stop‑Start system and CO2 emissions fall to 119g/km. That may not be as clean as the 97g/km 1.6 Duratorq TDCi model with optional Auto-Start-Stop and 62mph speed limiter, but, it’s a useful 10g/km less than the similarly-engined Connect. Ford claims that the turbocharged three-cylinder engine achieves around 24 per cent better fuel economy and 25 per cent lower CO2 emissions than a more conventional naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre unit.

Thanks in part to weight reduction of 222kg over the 1.0-litre Connect, the Transit Courier feels even more sprightly. The reduction in mass plays dividends when it comes to fuel economy, too, the smaller model being a claimed 4mpg more efficient on the combined cycle than its larger sibling.

Real-word economy on our 325-mile test distance was 39.2mpg. On that basis a full tank of fuel should last just under 400 miles.

A fuel computer which informs the driver of average mpg figures, range to empty and other driving data is standard. On even more eco-friendly diesel-powered versions of the Courier, fuel economy packages can

Download th e GreenFleet ap p at app.greenfl eet.net for more im ages and content

be fitted which include a Auto-Start-Stop system, Active Grille Shutter and Battery Management System technology as well as Smart Regenerative Charging.

Highly manoeuvrable With a tight turning circle of 10.5m and 2.6 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to‑lock, the Transit Connect is highly manoeuvrable.

Just like other models in Ford’s passenger car and commercial vehicle ranges, it feels engineered for driving pleasure. Direct and perfectly-weighted steering adds up to a driving experience more like a car than a van.

The Courier feels very tied down to the road with a keen turn-in, more in keeping with a warm hatchback. The engine does most of its work between 2,500 and 4,000rpm, but work the little EcoBoost engine towards its higher rev range and it really comes alive. Torque is 125lb ft (170Nm) and a direct-shifting five-speed manual gearbox also adds to the driving fun.

Eco Mode display The cabin of the Transit Courier will be familiar to drivers who are used to small, modern Fords. Similar in style to the Fiesta supermini as well as the Transit Connect, the dashboard features Ford’s mobile phone-like centre console with a 3.5-inch dot-matrix mono display.

The Ford SYNC system is standard and includes DAB/CD/USB/Bluetooth with voice control, as well as Eco Mode display to make achieving an economical driving style easier. Practical touches include a full‑width overhead stowage shelf, rain‑sensing wipers, auto headlamps, map lights, and A4 document storage.

With an aperture of 453mm, a single 1,044mm high sliding door on the passenger side makes for easy loading, while twin asymmetric rear cargo doors open at angles up to 158 degrees, ensuring unrestricted access to the loadspace behind them. Loading area cargo tie-downs stop cargo from sliding around while on the move.

As with the Transit Connect, Ford has played a masterstroke coupling the even lighter Transit Courier with its 1.0-litre petrol engine. Just as with the other application, a big draw for the EcoBoost‑powered Courier is the smoothness and refinement of the three-cylinder unit. Add in zingy performance, 20,000-mile/1‑year service intervals, a 12‑year anti‑perforation warranty and smart looks, and the Transit Courier represents a small and stylish way to ferry about cargo.

The fact that driving pleasure hasn’t been sacrificed means Ford’s smallest purpose‑built van lives up to the meaning of its name: never has carrying packages in haste been so much fun. L

As e with th nect, on a Transit C played ling s a h d r p Fo oke counsit r t s r e t s ma ter Tra the ligh ith the 1.0 w Courier oost petrol EcoB gine en

ROAD TEST

Externally and specifically in ‘Trend’ specification, the Transit Courier looks every inch the smart delivery van. The highest specification available, EN14 AWY was also enhanced by its £300 ‘Iceberg’ metallic paint finish and 15-inch alloy wheels which were part of a £400 ‘Sport Pack’ (also including silver finish roof rails and a rear parking aid).

A folding mesh load-through bulkhead with fold flat passenger seat, driver underseat storage drawer and a rubber load cover made up the £200 ‘Seat Pack 6’, while manual air-conditioning (£400), a tyre pressure monitoring system (£75) and an LED loadspace light (£40) bring the overall price to £13,360. The base price of the Transit Courier Trend 1.0-litre EcoBoost S/S is £11,745.

Ford Transit: five decades of success

Cargo carriers (l-r): Ford Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom and Transit

Ford has led sales in the commercial vehicles market in the UK for almost 50 years since the introduction of the first generation Transit in 1965.

The market was a much simpler place in the 1960s and the Transit’s job was simple – just to be a carry-all of all things to all men (or women).

Nowadays, Ford caters for all needs with four separate Transit models of various sizes.

Transit Courier The entry-level Transit van has a minimum load capacity of 2.4m3 and emissions as low as 97g/km.

Transit Connect The Transit Connect has a maximum load capacity of 3.6m3 in long wheelbase format.

Transit Custom Closest in size to the original 1960s Transit, the Custom offers many fuel‑saving ECOnetic technologies.

Transit Now a 2-Tonne model, the largest Transit can carry 15.1cm3 of cargo.

Interior of Transit Courier borrows styling cues and technology from Ford’s car range

FURTHER INFORMATION www.ford.co.uk/CommercialVehicles

Volume 82 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

57

PRODUCT FINDER

AXIS200 WHEEL ALIGNERS

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

Haweka

RecoAuto

Unit No 5 Beta, Orchard Trading Estate, Toddington, Gloucestershire GL54 5EB Tel: 01242 621001 www.haweka.co.uk

Tel: 0844 561 0576 hello@recoauto.com www.recoauto.com

As a specialist in fuel and tyre savings, Haweka provide workshops with wheel alignment equipment to help commercial operators reduce their fuel and tyre costs.

The Haweka Axis systems are user friendly, quick to use and very accurate.

Contact us today to find out how Haweka can reduce your carbon footprint.

FLEET MANAGEMENT REPORTING

Alphabet Form One, Bartley Wood Business Park Hook, Hampshire RG27 9XA Tel: 0870 50 50 100 alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk GreenCARE is Alphabet’s comprehensive online reporting, analysis and modelling tool designed to help customers reduce their CO2 emissions, fuel and fleet costs, while benchmarking performance against ‘average’ and ‘best in class’ fleet performers. Speak to us today to find out more about how GreenCARE can help to reshape your fleet.

DRIVER LICENCE CHECKING

RecoAuto delivers a unique claims management solution that reduces fleets vehicle repair costs whilst also reducing their Carbon Footprint.

RecoAuto manage all aspects of vehicle repairs and also specialise in reducing vehicle parts spend via our innovative software RecoParts.

FLEET SOFTWARE

Jaama 15 Amber Business Village, Amber Close Amington, Tamworth B77 4RP Tel: 0844 8484 333 enquiries@jaama.co.uk www.jaama.com Jaama’s multi award-winning Key2 Vehicle Management system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution visibly years ahead. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Key2 is web based, with usability and intelligent ‘active’ data management; linking users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA.

CAR AND VAN RENTAL

Green Motion 2 Redman Court, Bell Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AA Tel: 01844 222333 reservations@greenmotion.co.uk www.greenmotion.co.uk Green Motion is the UK’s leading provider of low CO2 vehicle hire. Through our national network, we offer both leisure and business customers the opportunity to enjoy great value vehicle rental, while helping to reduce the impact of global CO2 emissions associated with road travel. Providing reporting and advice to management and staff, Green Motion can highlight savings in cost and impact on the environment.

HYDROGEN VEHICLES

ULEMCo Ulemco Ltd The Quay, 12 Princes Pararde, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1BG Tel: 1928 787179 info@ulemco.com / www.ulemco.com ULEMCo Ltd offer services to convert light commercial vehicles to run on hydrogen.

Services include the supply & installation of a safely engineered retrofit, warranty and VSO certificate. H2ICED™ vans, have verified emissions at 59g/km CO2. Advice, consultancy and the supply of hydrogen refuelling capability can also be provided.

Advertisers index The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service

Jaama 15 Amber Business Village, Amber Close Amington, Tamworth B77 4RP Tel: 0844 8484 333 enquiries@jaama.co.uk www.jaama.com Licence2Check is a web-based electronic driver licence checking service with the DVLA. Batch licence check requests will be sent automatically depending upon the risk profile of the driver. Licence2Check is a simple, effective tool to help you meet your Duty of Care responsibility and obligations under the Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

58

Adventure AD 32 Automotive Leasing 8 BMW 28, 29 Chevin Fleet 26 Citroen UK 6, 7 DAF Trucks 44 Elektromotive 52 Elm EV 4 Fiat Professional 38 Fiat IFC Fully Charged 24 Jeep 30 Lex Autolease IBC Mitsubishi 14, 15 Nissan 10 Oilfield Machinery 40 Pay as you Track 26 Seat 16 SV Tech 40 The Commercial Vehicle Show 46 TomTom Telematics Sales 20 Ullemco 52 Vauxhall Vans 42, 43 Vauxhall 18, 19 Volkswagen Financial Services 22 Zeta Automotive 40

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

DRIVING THE FUTURE

At Lex Autolease, we do more than just help you choose the most efficient vehicles. We can help structure your policy, manage your mileage and enable your drivers to use their vehicles more efficiently.

Our aim is lower emissions and costs for you – which is good for the environment and your business.

0845 769 7381 marketing@lexautolease.co.uk lexautolease.co.uk/thegreen

MY NAME IS PAUL AND I’M A

QUITTER Set to save over £500,000* and improve UK air quality by quitting diesels.

By choosing petrol full hybrids over equivalent diesel models, Paul will save his company over half a million pounds in three years. Reduced BIK tax bills mean company car drivers will be on average £5,000 better off. Paul’s also said goodbye to diesel particulates, improving the air we all breathe.

Read Paul’s story at quitclub.org.uk

Paul James, Facilities Manager, Slimming World.

brilliant for business

*Saving based on switching existing Honda fl eet to Lexus hybrids.