BVRLA News, January/February 2014

January/February 2014

www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA News The bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

Strong year forecast for rental and leasing

By Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive The vehicle rental and leasing industry begins 2014 with serious grounds for optimism. Most economic indicators look positive and this sentiment has been endorsed by the dozens of members I have met up and down the country in recent months.

This confidence is backed-up by the BVRLA’s growing membership, which increased across all categories during 2013. I am delighted to report that the combined BVRLA member fleet starts 2014 at a new all-time high of 3.4 million vehicles.

Average prices for used fleet vehicles increased in 2013, hitting record levels, and this trend looks set to continue this year. Rising consumer confidence will boost demand, and the continued shortage of quality 3-5 year-old stock should sustain values.

As in 2013, new leasing business will come from SMEs looking for alternative sources of vehicle finance, the continued popularity of salary sacrifice schemes, and the growing popularity of competitive manufacturer-funded personal contract hire.

the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in April. Membership of an industry trade association such as the BVRLA is essential for companies wanting to demonstrate that they are taking a proactive approach to complying with this and other regulatory regimes.

We are already witnessing a trend away from pay-to-own towards pay-to-use road transport, and this switch will gather speed in 2014, particularly in urban areas. More car club, car sharing and peer-to-peer car rental business models will appear, while smartphone-based technology will make it easier than ever to book, use and pay for vehicles on-demand.

Developments in automotive technology are a hot topic at the moment, and vehicle and driver data will be a key focus this year as companies try to ascertain what is available, where it is, who owns it and how it can be used to improve their fleets.

These issues will be on the agenda at the BVRLA's Fleet Technology Congress in July. u 2013 Annual Review now online Download a pdf from www.bvrla.co.uk

Fleets should benefit from some major administrative cost savings as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) centralises its services, moves them online and abolishes the tax disc. These changes will, however, require new ways of working.

Annual Review 2013

Driving the take-up of low emission vehicles How the BVRLA helped the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, plus our work on TfL's Ultra Low Emission Zone. page 4 VOSA's name change what it means for you We outline the merger of two agencies and highlight what you can expect to see from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in the year ahead. page 5 Landmark parking agreement signed The BVRLA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Parking Association. page 5 Member stats for 2013 - growth in all areas Round-up of the BVRLA's membership data as of 31 December 2013, and analysis of complaints. pages 6-8 Fleet Technology Congress event Connected vehicles, telematics and big data - why you can't afford to miss our technology conference in July. page 11

Leasing providers will also have to come to terms with a new consumer credit environment, which will get tougher and more complex with the arrival of Annual Review 2013 Mk8.indd 1

Tax and driver licence counterpart latest All the details from the DVLA about the withdrawal of the tax disc and the driver licence counterpart. page 3

27/11/2013 13:26

• Promoting responsible road transport since 1967 •

When the car’s gone…

Ask RISC first You’ll want to identify customers who may pose a risk to your company.

Using the BVRLA’s RISC Online database, which contains details of over 9,000 individuals and companies, will help you make an informed decision.

The system enables rental companies to legitimately share risk information with other BVRLA members in order to gather information about prospective renters.

Some of the things RISC can help protect your business against include:

• • • • •

Customer fraud Theft Unauthorised extensions Late payments

Find out more here

Abusive behaviour

www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA helps members Comment with DVLA changes

The vehicle rental and leasing industry continues to grow, as does the BVRLA.

Your association is providing more guidance and information, running more events, workshops and seminars and engaging with more policymakers and industry stakeholders than ever before.

This year will also see the BVRLA strengthening its ties with members, staging a series of Regional Member Forums around the country. As well as giving members an update on the latest operational issues, the forums will feature expert guest speakers and provide a great local networking opportunity.

The BVRLA team will also be on hand to answer any questions.

See you soon!

Toby Poston Editor

Toby Poston, toby@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545700

Staff Writer

Jamie Fretwell, jamie@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545710

Advertising

Nora Leggett, nora@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545713

Contributors

Amanda Brandon and Fran Hampson © Copyright BVRLA 2014 BVRLA News articles may be used copyright free by members provided that an acknowledgement is given.

The BVRLA kicked off 2014 with a workshop for members to ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) any questions they may have about the abolition of the paper tax disc.

Delegates representing 18 rental and leasing companies became the first businesses to receive clarity from the DVLA about the practicalities and benefits of the new system, which comes into force on 1 October 2014.

DVLA Head of Vehicle Policy Lianne Parkinson said: “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but the DVLA would like suggestions from commercial operators to take back to the Treasury. Meeting with BVRLA members is the first of many steps to ensure a smooth transition.”

Topics discussed at the meeting included the non-transferability of vehicle excise duty paid and the proposed direct debit system.

Members welcomed the planned autorefund scheme, and were able to raise their concerns about a number of other issues.

Commenting on the workshop, BVRLA Legal and Policy Director Jay Parmar said: “We had a good meeting with the DVLA and explored the key changes which will take place once the tax disc is abolished. We will now be working closely with the DVLA

and our members to develop a communication plan to help ensure that drivers are happy that vehicles are taxed after 1 October.”

Attendees from Arnold Clark Vehicle Management said: “We definitely benefitted from the workshop.

Rather than have knowledge based on hearsay, we were able to tell the DVLA about the issues we have – which might not have been considered before.”

The BVRLA is working with DVLA to understand the full impact of the withdrawal of the driver licence counterpart to members.

BVRLA Head of Member Services Nora Leggett said: “DVLA plans to abolish the driver licence counterpart by 1 January 2015. From that date, daily rental companies may not be able to fully qualify customers due to the absence of listed penalty points, endorsement and disqualification details on the counterpart.

"We know the DVLA has built a platform for drivers to view their own driving records. It plans to give businesses like our members access to driver data as well. However, the full data and system implications are not yet known.” u For more information See our website: www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA River Lodge, Badminton Court Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 0DD T 01494 434747 F 01494 434499 E info@bvrla.co.uk W www.bvrla.co.uk Honorary Life President Freddie Aldous Chairman

Peter Cakebread

Vice Chairman

Neil Cunningham

Honorary Treasurer Brian Back Chief Executive

Gerry Keaney

Update: Members hear about vehicle tax system from DVLA's Lianne Parkinson

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

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BVRLA leads the charge for ULEVs A BVRLA-assembled expert group of members and fleet representatives has been instrumental in advising the government on how to drive fleet take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles.

The Energy Saving Trust, the Association of Car Fleet Operators and a range of rental, leasing and commercial vehicle companies gave advice to the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) in December last year.

OLEV has a £500m budget to grow the ultra-low emission vehicle market up to 2020. Attendees gave a mini-manifesto of policy suggestions (see panel, right) that could drive such a successful ultralow emission vehicle market.

Delegates suggested manufacturers needed encouragement to put a more comprehensive package of measures behind their ultra-low emission vehicles to support early adopters and ensure that there is

a healthy second-hand market for plug-in cars and vans.

OLEV was told that more resource needed to be put behind information campaigns and fleet training so that many of the misconceptions around electric vehicles could be corrected.

create an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in central London by 2020.

Vehicles are responsible for 21% of CO2 emissions in central London, and the rental and leasing industry is key to driving change.

How to kickstart the ULEV market

In response, OLEV recently launched the Go Ultra Low campaign, allocating £9.3million towards installing charging points. The initative has the backing of the SMMT, BMW, Renault, Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall.

• Provide subsidised or free EV parking

“It’s encouraging to see the government joining forces with the motor industry to showcase a range of attractive ultra-low emission vehicles,” said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “This campaign will raise awareness of the benefits of driving ULEVs and dispel many of the misconceptions. We expect it will boost demand for new and used electric cars and vans.” u

• Introduce an emissionsbased AMAP regime

❱ The BVRLA is also working with Transport for London on plans to

• Give tax incentives for companies to install charging infrastructure

• Ensure that benefit-in-kind company car tax is charged on the Plug-in Car Grantinclusive cost of a vehicle, rather than the higher list price • Reinstate 100% first-year allowances for leased or rented ultra-low emission vehicles.

Members' views on Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles “Enterprise has a wide network of branches, many with recharging facilities.

We’ve recently added 20 Chevrolet Volts to our fleet, and have a clear desire to offer innovative and sustainable transport options.”

John Davies, Enterprise Vehicle Hire “Go Green Rental has always put the environment first when approaching vehicle hire, and we aim to offset our customers' carbon footprint where possible. Our cars are green, and we ensure that what goes on behind the scenes is, too.”

David Blackhurst, Managing Director, Go Green Car Rental “The key is providing support and assistance so fleet decision-makers can understand exactly how and when a ULEV might be relevant. It is then about the financial and environmental implications, as well as the culture of the organisation and its employees.”

Nigel Trotman, Strategic Fleet Consultant, Alphabet UK Ltd “Whilst progress continues to be made, the range and weight requirements fleet operators need still limit significant adoption of electric commercial vehicles. Fleets are still looking at the best low emission ITC products combined with driver education and telemetry to deliver low emission fleets.”

Duncan Webb, Commercial Director, BT Fleet “Having set up a specialist brand – Fleetdrive Electric – three years ago, we are now seeing some real solid interest in pure battery EVs, especially now we can show evidence of low wholelife costs.”

Mike Potter, Managing Director, Fleetdrive

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BVRLA News | January/February 2014

DVSA - the road ahead Market news It's shaping up to be a big year for the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) as it merges with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and becomes the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). We look at what it means to you, and what you can expect to see in 2014.

The creation of DVSA has three main benefits - efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness.

The BVRLA has long been calling for government motoring agencies to work more closely together, and supplied evidence to a consultation in March last year.

The phased switchover is due for completion on 1 April, but rental and leasing companies won't notice much difference. Aside from the rebranding, it's business as usual. VOSA’s initiatives and activities are still on the agenda.

DVSA is promising the continued development of VOSA's Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) programme, and

January saw the UK's 400th ATF open at HTC in Hemel Hempstead.

The BVRLA is still calling for VOSA to review fees and start accrediting independent vehicle testers that work for the ATF owner. The BVRLA believes that by employing multi-skilled staff, ATFs will be able to operate flexible and efficient testing services without compromising their ongoing maintenance work.

The final phase of whole vehicle type approval will be implemented in October 2014. The BVRLA is working with DVSA and other trade bodies on a service level agreement to set minimum standards for the process of approving and registering vehicles that require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to ensure the process is efficient.

Finally, the MoT database is in the process of being renewed. The BVRLA is working to ensure the data is more accessible and that more specific detail can be provided in order to improve road safety, help with SMR costs and enable members to manage their fleets more effectively. u

Testing:

VOSA's ATF programme still on the agenda

For more information on these topice, see: bvrla.co.uk/advice

BVRLA signs groundbreaking parking agreement with BPA The BVRLA and the British Parking Association (BPA) have agreed a new arrangement aimed at reducing the administrative burden for a number of leasing and rental members.

Rental and leasing companies who are BVRLA members should now only be contacted for customer details.

Furthermore, they will no longer be required to provide a copy of the

contract to the parking company unless the customer disputes that they were renting or leasing the vehicle at the time of the offence.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney and BPA Chief Executive Patrick Troy signed the memorandum of understanding in December 2013.

The full memorandum of understanding can be read online see www.bvrla.co.uk.u

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

by Jamie Fretwell, BVRLA Media & Communications Officer Throughout 2014, I'll be looking at stories from the wider industry.

Topics in this issue's column include technology, takeovers & politics.

Zero emission taxis by 2018 Boris Johnson has announced that all new taxis operating in London must be zero emission in four years. From 1 January 2018, all newly licensed taxis must have zero emission functions, and cabbies will have to switch to this mode when in pollution hotspots.

It’s hoped the move will help the UK avoid hefty fines from the EU for failing to meet air quality standards.

Mayor: EV taxis by 2018 Fiat buys Chrysler, becomes the world's 7th largest car company Fiat has taken full control of Chrysler by acquiring the remaining 41.46% stake it did not already hold for $4.35 billion (£2.6bn).

The deal values Chrysler at £6.3billion, and means that Fiat is the world’s seventh largest car company. Chrysler will continue as a subsidiary of Fiat.

Google wants to have its Android operating system in-car by 2015 Google has partnered with Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and technolody firm NVIDIA to integrate the Android mobile operating system into cars' dashboards.

The technology giant is also working towards developing a driverless car, but envisages the first cars with Android will launch by 2015. u

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BVRLA MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS

BVRLA: In numbers Whichever way you look at it, the BVRLA's membership is on the rise. Figures compiled at the end of 2013 show that it was a record-breaking year for the association and its members.

The BVRLA has a growing presence in a growing industry, according to our latest member report. For the second year in succession, the association expanded its membership across all sectors.

The increase included a new member category for rental brokers

– creating an opportunity for future membership growth and strenghtening the BVRLA’s role within the rental sector.

The combined BVRLA member fleet size also rose again, by 23% to 3.4 million vehicles. One in every

BVRLA MEMBERS 2013

ten vehicles licensed to operate on UK roads now belongs to a BVRLA member. They account for one in every ten cars, one in every seven vans and one in every four trucks.

Once again, most of the expansion in fleet size came in the personal contract hire sector, where three captive leasing members brought an extra 400,000 cars and 13,000 vans under their BVRLA membership for the first time.

There was still plenty of organic fleet growth, however, particularly in short-term car and van rental.

There is clearly increasing demand for vehicle rental and leasing, and innovative products such as salary sacrifice schemes will continue to drive growth in 2014. u

Please note that all BVRLA figures reflect the Association's position on 31 December 2013.

BVRLA MEMBERSHIP FLEET SIZE BY VEHICLE TYPE

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The BVRLA increased its membership in every sector during 2013. It also added a new category for Rental Brokers

The BVRLA is introducing a new quarterly survey of its rental and leasing members in 2014, which should provide much more detailed information on key market trends.

Contact Toby Poston 01494 545700 toby@bvrla.co.uk

The overall BVRLA member fleet grew by 23% to its highest ever level of nearly 3.4m during 2013.

Most of the increase is attributable to new members, a growth in rental fleets and an influx of personal contract cars from two captive leasing companies that brought a greater portion of their fleet under BVRLA membership

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

BVRLA MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS

CORPORATE LEASING FLEET SIZE Much of the growth in the corporate leasing sector was driven by the addition of a new fleet management member and the increased participation of captive leasing companies in this market.

PERSONAL LEASING FLEET SIZE The decision of two captive leasing companies to bring more of their vehicles under BVRLA membership was responsible for most of the growth seen in this fleet category.

SHORT TERM RENTAL FLEET SIZE In line with the surge in new car and van registrations during 2013, many BVRLA rental members reported significant increases in their fleet sizes

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

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2013 STATISTICS

More searches, more matches: RISC proves invaluable in 2013 The BVRLA's RISC database proved to be a valuable tool in 2013, with more companies using the system to check for potentially risky renters.

same as ever, with failing to comply with the terms and conditions of the rental the top reason, followed closely by not paying in full for the rental or charges. Customers causing damage to vehicles was the third most frequent cause for being added to the system.

The service - which is now free for BVRLA members - was used by rental companies 349,331 times in 2013. This represents an increase of 27,000 searches compared to 2012.

Of these searches, there were 1,582 individuals and companies identified as risk customers based on their rental history.

too, with more than double the number of businesses checked.

Although the majority of the growth in searches is attributed to individual renters, the BVRLA saw a sharp rise in the number of searches members made against corporate customers

The number of customers added to the database also grew marginally, from 1,396 to 1,418. The reasons for individuals and companies being added to the database are the

RISC: Removing problems for rental companies in 2013

BVRLA Head of Member Services Nora Leggett commented: "It's great to see so many rental companies using and benefitting from the RISC database. More members are using it to check out a company, but the majority of high-risk customers are still leisure renters." u If your company would like to benefit from using RISC, visit: www.bvrla.co.uk/service/RISC

“Efficient and effective” – the BVRLA’s conciliation service The BVRLA’s free conciliation service handled 548 complaints in 2013 – down 2% from 2012.

de-hire charges that the customer believed should be listed as fair wear and tear.

Detailed analysis of the complaints received shows that there was only a 1% increase in the number of complaints against rental companies compared to 2012, while complaints about leasing companies fell by 4%.

Nearly 60% of complaints about leasing companies were found in favour of the member, compared to 49% of rental complaints. Where the BVRLA member was found to be at fault, it was discovered that there were no gross failings or breaches of the BVRLA’s code of conduct

Furthermore, there were just five complaints about leasing broker members in 2013, all of which were resolved after the BVRLA found in favour of the member.

Overall, 52% of all complaints received by the BVRLA between 1 January and 31 December 2013 were upheld in favour of the member.

Customers’ most popular reasons for raising a rental complaint were charges they deemed to be unfair or uninformed about. Over 70% of all leasing complaints also related to

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The average time taken to resolve a complaint in 2013 was just 12 days – well below the BVRLA’s target time of 30 days.

Commenting on the 2013 statistics, BVRLA Legal and Policy Director Jay Parmar said: "The conciliation service allows members and their customers to come to the BVRLA if they have an unresolved complaint. The process is efficient and free to consumers, and as the 2013 statistics show, it's effective too. This saves members money, time and hassle." u

Conciliation Service: The BVRLA received 548 complaints in 2013. On average, complaints were resolved in just 12 days (picture posed by model)

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

ADVERTORIAL NEWS

Lowdown on HGV road user levy Ahead of the introduction of the Road User Levy on 1 April 2014, the BVRLA asked the Department for Transport (DfT) a series of questions to find out the impacts on rental and leasing companies.

BVRLA News: Why is the road user levy being introduced?

DfT: To ensure that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight make a contribution to the wear and tear they cause to the UK road network.

BVRLA News: How will foreign operators pay the charge?

DfT: The HGV road user levy must be paid by foreign operators before they enter the UK. Payment can be made online, via telephone and at point of sale terminals. Operators

can pay for the amount they need, with durations available of between one day and one year.

The system will also create a database to enable authorities to identify and take action on HGVs where the levy has not been paid.

BVRLA News: What about UK operators?

DfT: For UK operators, a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charges will be made.

New levy: Contribution to UK roads

BVRLA News: How much of a reduction exactly?

the Finance Bill 2014. However, the changes mean that more than nine out of 10 UK-registered operators should pay no more than they currently do now. u

The costs have yet to be finalised – the changes to VED were announced by the Chancellor in the March 2013 Budget and will be made in

For more information on the scheme, visit: www.gov.uk/ government/collections/hgvroad-user-levy

Inaugural Fleet Technology Congress to light up Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire The BVRLA has announced details of its inaugural Fleet Technology Congress.

The unique event will be held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon on 1 July 2014.

It has been organised to help the rental and leasing industry understand the rapidly developing technological advances being made in vehicles, and how this new technology can benefit fleets.

data. Speakers currently confirmed for the one-day event are KPMG's Head of Automotive John Leech, Sarwant Singh from Frost & Sullivan, Jack Bergquist from IHS Automotive and Mark Andrews from Driver Connex.

Further speakers will be announced in due course. u

Keynote speakers will give an overview of the telematics environment and key automotive trends. There will be manufacturer, business, technology and data perspectives, as well as the fleet industry's viewpoint given by BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney.

To find out more about the event, or enquire about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson.

The conference will then separate into three individual streams, which will focus on technology and risk, connected vehicles and big

Contact Fran Hampson 01494 545703, fran@bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

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SMR budgeting and telematics the hot topics at TOM forum The BVRLA’s first Technical and Operational Management (TOM) forum of 2014 attracted more than 65 delegates.

Stuart James from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) sparked the biggest debate when he discussed vehicle data, and how independent garages are fighting for access. He urged companies to be aware of the forthcoming eCall

legislation, warning that vehicle manufacturers may keep detailed data rather than share it.

Motorconsult's Bob Bouldin kept the focus on telematics as he outlined best practice in budgeting for servicing, maintenance and repair costs. Attendees heard how data can help fleets make savings, but access is key. Fortunately, the BVRLA's Fleet Technology Congress in July will

provide members with the opportunity to discuss these topics at length.

Other speakers included the BVRLA's Legal and Policy Executive Amanda Brandon and Tim Williamson from Blake Lapthorn LLP. u If you are interested in attending or hosting the next TOM forum on 5 June, please contact Fran Hampson: fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703

TOM Forum Feedback “It was really good today to come and show fleet operators what an independent garage can offer them, and to explain how access to technical information is key for garages to carry out vital repairs.”

Stuart James, Independent Garages Director at RMIF

Well attended: The BVRLA's first TOM forum of 2014 attracted more than 65 delegates

“I thought today was very valuable - particularly the discussions around eCall, telematics and data risks. A lot of people who come to these forums come not only for the content on the agenda, but the opportunity to network with industry colleagues.”

Tim Bowden, Head of Operations at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

FCA compliance guide for leasing brokers

by Claire Wilkinson Thanks to the work of the BVRLA, leasing brokers are well aware that the Financial Conduct Authority takes the reigns of consumer credit regulation from the Office of Fair Trading on 1 April.

The authority will be introducing new compliance rules as part of a regime that will be much stricter than the industry has been used to. But what does the change mean for the motor trade? And what are leasing brokers going to have to do to keep offering services like vehicle finance?

While companies need to be prepared, they needn't be kept awake at night by the thought of the FCA. Although it has sharper teeth than the OFT and its first priority will always be consumer protection, the FCA is keen to work with the industry to make sure the regulations are proportionate and fair.

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Among the headlines of the new regulation are the need for things like governance, systems and controls, risk mitigation and compliance monitoring plans. The good news is that most of the requirements will not come into play until companies are fully authorised, so there is still time to work out what action needs to be taken.

Compliancy Services' advice is simple: get prepared in plenty of time, understand which of the FCA’s requirements will apply to your business and make a plan to fulfil them. The sooner companies get to grips with it all, the easier and less disrupting it will be to make

the jump. There is plenty of free information from the BVRLA and on the FCA's website, while specialist consultancies like Compliancy Services can provide extra help.u Claire Wilkinson is a Partner at Compliancy Services.

The BVRLA guide Consumer Credit Regulation: Applying for Interim Permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority can be downloaded from www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

New members

CV Rental

Charthire Ltd (Nottingham)

Contract Hire

AutoHorn (York)

Leasing Broker

Silverstone Fleet Management (Northampton)

Associate

IFC Fleet Services IFC is a privately owned and independent business providing a wide range of services and products to vehicle fleet operators. From supplier management and operational process control to invoice verification/consolidation, the company uses its own in house systems and on-line technologies to bring order and cost control to support customers' fleet administration.

For new and/or legacy fleet, IFC provides a flexible and personal service from day one to all drivers that is available 24 hours every day and irrespective of vehicle supplier. www.ifcfleet.co.uk Cassiopae Cassiopae is a global leader in finance and asset management software. It has been helping businesses reduce operating costs, cost of ownership, and risk for over 25 years, and has more than 300 clients in 36 countries.

Cassiopae Vehicle Lease & Fleet Management software enables you to manage contract hire, contract purchase, lease purchase, finance lease, hire purchase and fleet management contracts as well as complete maintenance histories for each vehicle. Cassiopae software is web-based, front-to-back, multi-lingual, multi-currency and based on the latest technology. www.cassiopae.com Invigors EMEA LLP Invigors EMEA provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services to the vehicle leasing and general asset finance industries. These include corporate restructuring, strategic marketing and research, M&A, asset and lifecycle management, funding, tax, regulatory and accounting services, business transformation together with captive and vendor finance. The consultancy comprises highly experienced senior executives with many years of practical experience who are recognised as leading experts across the industry. www.invigors.com

Training & seminars Fleet Consultant Development Programme training 23-24 April 2014 and 18-19 June 2014, Amersham

The Fleet Consultant Development Programme is designed to align the rental/leasing sales function much more closely with the role, responsibilities and requirements of a typical fleet manager.

Fair Wear and Tear training 14 May 2014, Curdworth

This training – relating to cars – will provide delegates with the knowledge to identify damage outside BVRLA guidelines. It will also help to ensure that, where appropriate, this damage can be charged back to the customer.

Selling Contract Hire 11-12 June 2014, Amersham

The Selling Contract Hire training course will give delegates a greater understanding of areas such as finance, taxation, competitive contracts and margins, as well as underwriting considerations. u Further information on BVRLA training courses can be found on the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk. To book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson.

Contact Fran Hampson fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703

BVRLA Events BVRLA Member Forum Arval HQ, Swindon

19 February

BVRLA Annual Dinner 2014 London Hilton on Park Lane

6 March

Asset Management and Risk Forum

Venue TBC 9 April

BEN Karting Milton Keynes

14 May

BVRLA Member Forum #2 Venue TBC

15 May

Technical and Operational Management Forum Cambridgeshire

5 June

Residual Value and Remarketing Forum Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon

18 June

For enquiries about BVRLA events, and to book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson: fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703 Full details of all BVRLA events can be found on our website: www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA News | January/February 2014

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Fleet Technology Congress 2014 The age of connected vehicles and smart mobility is here Tuesday 1 July 2014 • Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire

Technology & Risk

Connected Vehicles

What eCall and other How telematics and smartphone technological developments mean apps are changing the way fleets for risk and compliance, and what are driven and managed, and the opportunities they create. costs fleet managers need to know.

Visit www.bvrla.co.uk

For more information Call 01494 545713

Big Data

Connected vehicles will generate a mountain of valuable data – what is available, who owns it and how can it be used?

Email nora@bvrla.co.uk