August/September 2017
www.bvrla.co.uk
The bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association
Fleets will deliver improved air quality The government has unveiled more details about its long and short-term vision for tackling air quality in the UK. It wants to see an end to the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040. In the meantime, it has given dozens of English cities just seven months to come up with their own plans for tackling air quality in their area. It believes that charge-based Clean Air Zones are the most cost-effective tactic for addressing the issue, but is giving authorities the opportunity to come up with alternative measures if they can demonstrate that they are as effective and no more expensive to introduce.
The government is also considering some national actions, including a targeted vehicle scrappage or retrofit scheme, providing subsidised car club membership, and providing a range of Clean Air Zone exemptions or discounts. It has said that these measures will be funded through revisions to the tax treatment of new diesel cars, which will be announced in this year’s Autumn Statement. The BVRLA is already engaging with a wide range of senior policymakers, pressing them
on the need for a consistent approach to local Clean Air Zones that includes emissions standard requirements, signage, enforcement and penalties for non-compliance. The association has surveyed a range of members on their views and commissioned new research to help inform the government’s understanding of the fleet sector and how a ‘transition’ away from diesel powertrains should best be managed. On a local authority level, the BVRLA is planning a set of regional air quality roundtables in conjunction with fleet operators’ organisation ACFO, Energy Saving Trust and Fleet News. These will be held in Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton, the cities mandated with setting up Clean Air Zones by the end of 2019. The roundtables will bring together local fleets, vehicle rental and leasing companies, and businesses policymakers to discuss air quality. “The BVRLA and its members will play a critical role in addressing the issue of air quality,” said the association’s Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “On a local level, our members will be able to provide the 100% Clean Air Zone-compliant vehicles and advice that will ensure the impact on people and businesses is minimised. “On a national level, we will continue to call for a rational, evidence-based approach in our move to an ultra-low emission road transport environment,” added Keaney. “We are at least a decade away from zeroemission vehicles becoming a cost and operationally effective alternative for most road users. This transition must be managed so fleets can still operate and are not punished for previous decisions.” u
Change brings opportunities
Chief Executive Gerry Keaney sets out the challenges the automotive industry faces – from Brexit to technological and regulatory change. page 3
Data-sharing: what’s in it for me?
Our Fleet Technology Survey found that drivers have little desire to share data unless it helps with early identification of faults or safety issues. page 4
Cyber security in the automotive industry
As the automotive industry becomes increasingly driven by electronics and software, cyber security becomes a greater concern. page 5
GDPR: Get ready. Get set The new General Data Protection Regulation comes into effect next May – the biggest overhaul of data protection for 20 years. page 6
Motor Finance Taskforce update
The results of the Financial Conduct Authority’s research into creditworthiness and affordability in the consumer credit market are in. page 7
Review of BVRLA Fleet Technology Congress
Our fourth Fleet Technology Congress attracted more than 160 delegates to the Williams F1 Conference Centre in Oxfordshire. page 8
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