Fleet Van March 2014 by Fleet News

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March 2014 ÂŁ5 where sold

TRANSIT: THE BEST VAN IN THE UK?

Ford's new heavyweight: safer, cheaper to run, more efficient, better to drive. Faultless. Profile: Tennant

Lee Twiselton on the financial benefits of running a green fleet

Insight: Smart repair

The pros and cons of repairing vans prior to auction

Insight: Remarketing

Record residual values point to strong year ahead

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CONTENTS

If you or someone you know is aged between 16 and 24 and is interested in work experience opportunities at Bauer Media go to www.gothinkbig.com Editorial Editor-in-chief Stephen Briers 01733 468024 stephen.briers@bauermedia.co.uk Deputy editor Simon Harris 01733 468308 simon.harris@bauermedia.co.uk Associate editor Trevor Gehlcken Contributors Mark Cartwright, John Charles, Chris Lowndes (photographs), John Maslen Production Head of publishing Luke Neal Associate editor (production) Andrew Ryan Production editor Finbarr O’Reilly Designer Charlotte Boon Advertising Commercial director Sarah Crown 01733 366466 B2B commercial manager Sheryl Graham 01733 366467 Account managers Wendy Cowell 01733 366472 Laura Holloway 01733 366469 Lucy Herbert (maternity leave) Lisa Turner 01733 366471 Stuart Wakeling 01733 366470 Marcus Woods 01733 366468 Head of project management Leanne Patterson 01733 468332 Project managers Angela Price 01733 468338 Kerry Unwin 01733 468327 Telesales/recruitment b2brecruitment@bauermedia.co.uk 01733 468275/01733 468328

Fleet Van is published 10 times a year by Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, registered address 1 Lincoln Court, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2RF. Registered number 01176085. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in any form in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publisher. All material published remains the copyright of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. We reserve the right to edit letters, copy or images submitted to the magazine without further consent. The submission of material to Bauer Media whether unsolicited or requested, is taken as permission to publish in the magazine, including any licensed editions throughout the world. Any fees paid in the UK include remuneration for any use in any other licensed editions. We cannot accept any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, images or materials lost or damaged in the post. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage, howsoever caused, resulting from the use of the magazine. ISSN 0953-8526. Printing: Headley Brothers Ltd, Kent

Fleets to benefit from increasing fuel card competition with discounted or fixed-price diesel.

6 I News digest

We highlight the important news from the past month in the van sector.

9 I New launches

First looks at Volkswagen’s Amarok Canyon, Caddy Bluemotion, DFSK’s latest models and Nissan’s taxi.

12 I FTA benchmarking: tyres

Reduce costs and risk with an up-to-date tyre policy.

14 I Insight: Tennant

Lee Twiselton explains how a four-year journey culminated in a Fleet Hero award.

16 I Construction sector

Government’s road-building spend to boost already buoyant industry.

21 I Insight: smart repair

Does it pay to use smart repair, or do second-hand buyers expect vans to show signs of wear and tear?

25 I Remarketing

Record van values point to a strong year ahead for the industry.

Events Event director Chris Lester Event manager Sandra Evitt 01733 468123 Event organiser Kate Howard 01733 468146 Events co-ordinator Nicola Baxter 01733 468289 Publishing Managing director Tim Lucas 01733 468340 Group marketing manager Bev Mason 01733 468295 Office manager Vicky Meadows 01733 468319 Group managing director Rob Munro-Hall Chief executive officer Paul Keenan

4 I Fuel

26 I Ford Transit

Manufacturer rises to the challenge of outdoing its recent rivals with its new model.

30 I Vauxhall Combo

Impressive load-carrying capacity makes house move an easy task.

31 I Running costs: SWB small vans Spotlight on all the important data you need when considering your next van.

NEXT ISSUE – APRIL

Fleet profile: Auto Electrical Services

Achieving the FTA Van Excellence standard with a fleet of just seven vans and four company cars.

Fleet Van Awards 2014

Search begins for Britain’s best van fleet operators.

Green insight

Fleet views on environmental initiatives, how tyres aid efficiency and remarketing alternative fuel vans.

Driven: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter First drive of new Euro6 diesel panel van.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 3

F UEL

Fleets to benefit from fuel card competition New products will allow companies access to discounted or fixed-price diesel NEED TO KNOW ■ Allstar launches free diesel discount card ■ Portland card offers fixed price diesel

By Simon Harris ompetition for van fleet business is about to intensify in the fuel card sector with two major announcements last month that could save companies money. Fuel card giant Allstar launched a new product as part of the Allstar Premier Programme, which offers customers a discount on diesel for the first time. Meanwhile, Portland is launching its first fuel

card, where customers can agree a fixed rate for fuel based on the current weekly average. The Allstar Premier Programme (APP) is a free upgrade and provides customers with two cards. The Diesel Discount card can be used across the Keyfuels network of 1,700 sites. Fleet managers will receive one invoice and one data report covering all Allstar and Allstar Discount Diesel transactions. According to Allstar and Keyfuels parent company Fleetcor, customers using the Allstar Discount Diesel card can save up to four pence per litre, and savings for a fleet of 100 vehicles could be as much as £20,000 per year. To accompany the Allstar Premier programme, new support products identifying discount fuel outlets are also available,

“Companies wouldn’t accept the risk of prices fluctuating in any other aspect of their business, so why do they do it with fuel?” James Spencer, managing director, Portland

4 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

including a mobile app, an online fuel finder and satellite navigation download files. Peter Bridgen, managing director of Keyfuels, estimated around 20% of Allstar customers were already using Keyfuels sites regularly, so savings for those customers would begin immediately. He said there would need to be a process of education for drivers whose fleet operators upgraded to APP, and would now have two fuel cards. They would need to ensure they used the Diesel Discount card correctly and refuelled at the right sites to make savings. Bridgen told Fleet Van that the programme was being introduced in response to customers challenging the company to come up with ways in which it could reduce costs. “Allstar Premier Programme provides customers and prospects with a real cost saving they can take advantage of,” he said. “For a while, customers and fleets have been asking for ways we can help them save money, so it’s great news for them. “It brings together the network of Allstar of nearly 8,000 sites and 1,700 Keyfuels sites for diesel discount.” Allstar’s controversial transaction fee introduced last year does not apply to Diesel Discount

EDITOR’S COLUMN Simon Harris, deputy editor, Fleet Van

running just a few cars or vans. purchases. A number of Allstar customers Customers will need to nominate a weekly complained that inadequate notice or warning volume of fuel which they will be able to draw had been given on the introduction of transacfrom the UK Fuels network at the price fixed at tion fees, and that the company had been overthe start of the contract, which will normally run whelmed by the volume of complaints. for 12 months. Allstar had not offered any discount on fuel If fleets ‘lift’ less fuel than agreed in any previously as its expansive network gave particular week, the amount remains available customers the convenience of vast coverage. at the agreed price until the end of the contract, Although the new products results in giving them a degree of flexibility discounted fuel, others believe to use it during busier periods. the certainty of fixed costs would If the customer needs more be more appealing to fleet operathan the nominated amount of tors. Portland managing director potential annual saving fuel before the end of the contract, James Spencer said he could not through Allstar Discount the price will revert to the current guarantee that customers of the Diesel Card average weekly price. company’s first fuel card would Spencer said: “It’s not in our save money. interest to encourage people to But he said it could protect busicommit to more volume than nesses against increases in the they can lift.” cost of diesel, with contracts He added that Portland had agreed on the average weekly Keyfuels sites which evaluated launching a fuel card price for the next 12 months. accept Allstar Discount for the past two years, and He told Fleet Van: “Companies Diesel Card although problems reported by wouldn’t accept the risk of prices Allstar customers during the last fluctuating in any other aspect of year might make fleets more interested in their business, so why do they do it with fuel? looking at alternatives, the timing of the intro“Why aren’t fleet managers fixing their fuel duction was not opportunistic. price? Pretty much all their other costs are fixed. “No one else is offering a fixed price fuel card. If businesses know they can make a profit on But it might need a change in the psychology of the current national average, why not? customers before they see the real benefit of “Our fuel card can be used across the UK budgetary certainty,” said Spencer. Fuels network, so Tesco and Morrisons super“The alternative is gambling on the chance market filling stations are included.” that fuel prices might come down. That isn’t a The bulk of Portland’s diesel business to date good model on which to increase profit because has been with bus and coach companies, but the it might never happen.” organisation is keen to attract car and van fleet operators with its new card. Spencer said the business is focused on customer service, and having a large fleet For national fuel cost isn’t a requirement of Portland seeking new comparisons, see fleetnews.co.uk/fuel-costs business. He also hopes to attract smaller businesses

£20,000 1,700

It’s finally arrived. The replacement for larger versions of the Ford Transit is here, and you can find out what we think on p26. The Transit has become an icon in the UK and has dominated its sector for the last 48 years – pretty much since the original model was introduced in 1965. Van lifecycles are typically a couple of years or so longer than cars – it’s eight years since the Transit’s predecessor was introduced – so when there’s a new model it really is big news.

“Ford’s commercial vehicle line-up is arguably a better fit now for business than it was a few years ago” The Transit takes its place in a restructured and renewed Ford commercial vehicle line-up that is arguably a better fit now for business needs than it was a few years ago, and will be completed soon with the launch of the compact Transit Courier cube van. But Ford isn’t the only van manufacturer with a new van launch this year – there is plenty more to come from the others, including Vauxhall, Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat and Mercedes-Benz, and with the Commercial Vehicle Show just a few weeks away we’ll begin to see some of these new models take shape. ■ New model news, page 9

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 5

ne w s dige s t

w w w.fl ee t ne w s.c o.uk / va n s

Citroën appoints new head of LCVs Citroën has appointed Jeremy Smith as its new head of commercial vehicles and business sector operations, taking over from Scott Michael, who is leaving to join Motability as conversions and adaptations relationship manager. Currently head of sales programmes for Citroën in the UK, 51-year-old Smith has 21 years’ experience with the brand. He has worked in a variety of fleet and retail sales roles, as well as finance, product marketing and retail group positions. Based at Citroën UK’s Coventry headquarters, Smith will work closely with Gillian Blair, Denis Golden, Andrew Hibbs and Jeff Rodger – the field-based team of regional business centre managers – and a new commercial vehicle and business programmes manager. This is a new position and an appointment will be announced shortly. Smith said: “Citroën LCV sales for January have seen the brand take a record market share in the up to 3.5-tonne GVW sector and we will be launching new products and services in our business centre network to maintain this progress.”

Renault targets fleet sales growth in ‘year of the van’ Renault is eyeing growth in the van sector after halting the dramatic decline in fleet car sales it experienced in 2012. That year its fleet volume halved, from 35,967 units to 17,862, amid a massive business restructure. The French manufacturer now appears to have turned the corner, reporting 19,307 fleet car registrations in 2013 – an increase of more than 8% on the previous year. However, Renault’s commercial vehicles registered an 11.8% fall, from 14,710 units to 12,978, in a market that recorded growth of more than 13%. UK sales director Darren Payne pointed to “product restriction” on Kangoo in the first half of the year as being partly responsible for the lack of growth. But he is bullish about Renault’s prospects in the sector during the next 12 months. “It’s the year of the van,” he said. “We want to take our share of the market from 4.7% to 6% by the end of 2014.” New Kangoo was launched last year, Master will get a refresh this year and Renault has unveiled an artist’s impression for the new Trafic, which will launched at the end of April.

“We want to take our share of the market from 4.7% to 6% by the end of 2014”

Jeremy Smith has 21 years’ experience with Citroën

Darren Payne, Renault

Van journeys hit record high as traffic levels rise Britain’s roads are getting busier, with total traffic volume increasing. Figures from the Department for Transport show that vehicle traffic rose by 1.3% between 2012 and 2013 to 306.4 billion vehicle miles. The figures underline the importance of the Government’s £24bn commitment to investing in new road schemes over the next eight years. The light goods vehicle (LGV) sector experienced the sharpest increase in traffic, up 3.9%. It is now estimated to be around 20% higher than it was 10 years ago, while HGV traffic is estimated to be around 11% lower – a clear indication of downsizing among fleet operators. Quarter 4 2013 saw the highest quarterly van traffic figure since records began in 1993.

6 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

32%

Average value of tools stolen from vans rises to £5,091 of motorists break The value of insurance claims for theft of tools mobile phone law from contract sites and vans rose from £2,865 on

average per claim to £5,091 last year, according to insurer ECIC. The highest value claim was for £83,500 for electrical cabling and copper piping from a site in Kidderminster. However, the most common thefts are from vans parked in hotel car parks and B&Bs as tradespeople, on short-term contracts, board away from home.

Almost a third (32%) of motorists admitted to making or receiving a call on a hand-held phone while driving last year, even though 82% knew it was illegal to do so. As well as putting themselves and other motorists at risk, the habit is an expensive one, costing drivers caught using their mobile illegally at the wheel £10 million a year in fines and higher insurance premiums. Latest figures from the Police and Ministry of Justice reveal that more than 120,000 drivers have been handed fixed penalty notices or prosecuted in court over the past 12 months. This brings the total number of offenders flouting the law during the past 11 years to one million. However, research carried out for Halfords has found that the number of people breaking the law could be as high as nine million.

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NE W L AUNCHE S

Concept models, new launches and revisions

DFSK

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK AND Volkswagen’s Amarok pick-up already has a reputation for being rough and tough while still offering car-like ride and handling, but a new special edition takes things even further. On sale in April, the Amarok Canyon is packed with £8,500 of extra equipment including satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, unique styling bars, 19-inch Cantera alloy wheels and heated leather seats. Drivers also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, a protective coating for the load area, a matt black roll cover, interior floor mats and high-gloss black side styling bars and rear bumper. The Canyon comes with Volkswagen’s topof-the-range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180hp engine, offering 310lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 3,200 kg. Customers can choose between a six-speed

CADDY manual with selectable 4motion or an eightspeed auto with permanent 4motion. The automatic version has Bluemotion Technology modifications, which include low rolling-resistance tyres, start-stop and regenerative braking systems to provide greater economy and lower emissions. Prices start from £28,990 ex-VAT. Volkswagen has also launched a new Bluemotion version of the Caddy. The cleanest and most fuel-efficient Caddy ever produced is available to order now with prices starting from £14,600 ex-VAT. Available in short-wheelbase format only, the Caddy Bluemotion is powered by a 1.6-litre TDI common rail direct injection engine that develops 102hp and 184lb-ft of torque. The result is a fuel economy figure of 61.4 mpg on the combined cycle – 11.8 mpg better than the base Caddy.

Cheap and cheerful Chinese vans from DFSK are being given a makeover for 2014. The Loadhopper range of panel vans and trucks is pretty basic, but if basic is not a problem, this year there’s a new look to the front-end with redesigned bumpers and new rear light clusters. In the cab, there’s an upgraded dashboard and instruments and a 52hp 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 57lb-ft of torque joins the current 1.3-litre on some variants. DFSK is also working with Fiat to develop a small diesel engine, due for introduction towards the end of the year. The range has also been expanded with a window van and seven-seater minibus. The line-up is also due to expand even further with the addition of a new model. The Big Cab Pick-up features an extended cab with storage space behind the seats and its load bed is extended lengthwise by 120mm compared to the single cab. Prices start at £7,495 (ex-VAT).

NISSAN

Nissan’s popular NV200 small van is about to metamorphose into a London black cab. The new model will help fill the gap after the uncertainty surrounding the company which makes traditional black cabs, Manganese Bronze. The Nissan taxi was designed in London by Nissan’s European design team, which also drew up the Qashqai and Juke. The cab goes on sale in December and will feature a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an automatic gearbox.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 9

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BENCHM A RK ING BY T HE F TA - T Y RE S

Reduce costs and road risk with an up-to-date tyre policy Correctly-maintained tyres can reduce fuel consumption by 20% but only two-thirds of fleets have reviewed their policies in the past year By Mark Cartwright, head of LCVs, Freight Transport Association hat do we know about tyres? They’re round, they’re black and they smell of rubber! We also know they are the only physical contact point between your van and the road. To put that into context, for a properly-inflated set of van tyres, the area in contact with the road will be about the size of a sheet of A4 paper. We rely on these marvels of engineering to stop and steer vehicles in all kinds of demanding conditions, yet for so many operators the selection and maintenance of their tyres isn’t always a priority.

of first-time MOT failures are contributed to by tyre condition

Operators not realising cost benefits from tyre policies Another further worrying element to the responses we received was around how current these policies were. Tyre technology is changing all the time, yet only 67% of respondents had reviewed their policies in the past 12 months. Aside from the potential safety issues arising from weak management policies, it is also likely that the operator may

Every three-four months 3% Every two months 3%

This statement is borne out by some of the detail behind the shocking 50% first-time MOT failure rate for vans where tyre condition contributed to failure on more than 7% of the vehicles presented. We asked FTA’s van operating members how they made their tyre choice, how they checked their condition and their views on the use of winter tyres. The results make interesting reading. Pretty much every truck operator I’ve spoken too has some form of policy defining how they manage their tyres. We can’t say the same for van operators, with almost onethird owning up to not having anything formal in place.

Less frequently 11%

Has tyre labelling legislation impacted on the choices of tyres you fit to your van fleet?

Once a month 27%

How often do you check tyre pressures?

Once a week 49%

6% Yes

94% No

Do you have a formal tyre management policy?

65% Yes Once a fortnight 7% 12 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

35% No

When did you last review your tyre management policy?

Within the past six months

Within the last 7-12 months

More than a year ago

More than two years ago

0% not be realising the cost benefits which can accrue from a proper, professional policy. For instance, several respondents commented that by using a single brand of tyres they were able to negotiate better deals. This is often something the tyre providers can assist with. Van tyres come in a range of qualities. Almost half of respondents fit ‘premium’ tyres as a matter of course, recognising the increased life and performance which outweighs the costs. We were also interested in how fleets go about checking the condition of their tyres. The Van Excellence Code calls for operators to carry out pre-use checks on their vans’ condition and, of course, tyres are a vital part of this process with regular checks on tread depth and general condition par for the course. We all recognise that having the correct tyre pressure is vital, not only for safety but it also greatly influences fuel economy and tyre life – perhaps a costly omission if not regularly checked. For most operators, the checking of tyre pressures is the responsibility of the driver (65% of respondents with most of the rest relying on in-house workshops and tyre providers), yet with most vans based at home this can be a difficult discipline to enforce. Focus on tyre pressures “Our policy requires drivers to check tyre pressures frequently,” says Colin Marriott, fleet manager at British Gas. “We need to be sure this is happening and it’s something we are focusing on with our drivers right now.” Simon Tattersall, ATS Euromaster’s head of national accounts, comments: “More than 80% of respondents check their pressures at least once a month, and that’s to be applauded. For those fleets that don’t, they should remember that neglecting pressures wastes nearly 20% of fuel and can cause tyres to wear out prematurely. Incorrect pressures also affect vehicle handling and braking distances and can lead to accidents.” The EU Tyre Labelling Regulations came into force towards the end of 2012, requiring suppliers to clearly label tyres with information on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. How much of an impact have these made on the buying choices for operators? The overwhelming response from operators was none. Are they missing a trick?

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

“Labelling definitely helps people make more informed choices, but it has to be considered along with a range of performance criteria” Simon Tattersall, head of national accounts, ATS Euromaster

65%

of respondents rely on their drivers to check vehicle tyre pressures

22%

of fleets fit cold weather tyres to some of their vehicles

For the latest industry tyre comment, visit fleetnews.co.uk/tyres

Tattersall says: “Labelling definitely helps people make more informed choices, but it has to be considered along with a whole range of other performance criteria.” The harsh snowy winters of a few years ago seem to be a distant memory now with rubber rings and flotation devices maybe more of a ‘must have’ than cold weather tyres. We wondered what the considered views of our fleet managers were in the cold light of day. A significant number of fleets (22%) do fit cold weather tyres to at least some of their fleet. This was especially so where the businesses are involved in time critical services such as the delivery of medical products. For those who don’t fit cold weather tyres, why not? Predictably for the vast majority of fleets, it boils down to a simple cost/benefit equation, coupled with the typical unpredictability of the UK weather. “We just can’t justify the cost,” says Paul Taylor, fleet manager at Morgan Sindall. Darren Moor, operations and compliance manager at Countrywide Farmers, adds: “I’ve never seen a benefit given the unpredictability of the UK weather, i.e. wet, ice, snow or mild or how long it goes on for.” However you view it, tyres are a vital component in the safety and cost management for any van fleet regardless of their size and type of operation. Many operators have excellent operating policies in terms of managing compliance and safety, but there is overall room for improvement. There does seem to be scope for better cost management with more informed purchasing decisions and management of tyre pressures; areas where operators can often be supported by their lease/finance providers and the tyre specialists themselves.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 13

insight - tenn a nt

Four-year journey culminates in a Fleet Hero award

17%

carbon emissions reduction achieved in two years

300kg biggest weight reduction achieved by Lee Twiselton

Lee Twiselton explains how he transformed his company fleet

By John Charles he fleet adage “Going green costs money” is being disproved by a UK fleet manager who has won a top award for his company and is seeing his initiatives studied and adopted across the business worldwide. Lee Twiselton took on the job of UK fleet manager at Northampton-based Tennant UK four years ago and admits management of the transport operation was fractured, with different parts of the company responsible for different functions and vehicle policy managed from the company’s European headquarters in Belgium with little local input. Tennant UK’s expansion – it also has a manufacturing plant in Falkirk – with the acquisition of two companies turned the spotlight on the company’s fleet function and senior management decided to appoint a manager. Twiselton, who has been with the business for 12 years, was appointed in 2009 and a four-year journey from initially pooling information from different departments and determining a new strategy has seen Tennant UK becoming an Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero in the organisation’s recent 2013 awards. The company joined the EST’s Motorvate scheme, which provides support and recognition to help organisations reduce their carbon emissions and fleet costs. Having achieved the top Gold certification status as determined by CO2 reductions in mid-2013, Tennant UK was named Motorvate Member of the Year at the annual awards. Tennant UK operates a 70-strong light commercial vehicle fleet and 35 company cars. Critical to its achievement was a raft of measures delivering a 17% CO2 emission reduction across the fleet in two years; and an average 5mpgper-vehicle fuel improvement, netting an £80,000 saving in one year.

‘We can prove it is not expensive to go green’ Twiselton, who spends approximately 30% of his time on UK fleet management responsibilities and 70% on European logistics projects, says: “Our focus has been on driving down CO2 emissions across the fleet and driving up fuel economy. We have disproved the fleet adage that going green costs money. We can prove it is not expensive to go green.” While winning EST recognition has been a triumph for Twiselton, he says senior management support for the introduction of initiatives underpinning a new fully focused approach to the company’s fleet operation was critical. He explains: “It is vital to talk to organisations like EST and other fleet managers that have been on a similar journey; there are clear gains to be had in terms of operating efficiencies but ultimately it is about cost savings. Improving profitability is key for business. “We challenged current practices by analysing numbers

14 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

and being able to demonstrate what each initiative would deliver in terms of cost savings. It was not always easy, but by benchmarking current numbers and using external expertise and our own ideas we were able to prove what we thought was achievable. Our case for change was so strong that senior management gave their support, but you cannot introduce initiatives without doing your homework and proving the case with numbers.” ‘EST gave us the reassurance we needed’ Twiselton continues: “Involving the EST gave us new ideas to implement and crucially reinforced our own thinking. EST gave us the reassurance that we needed that what we were planning would deliver what we wanted. “Fleet has moved from an evil necessity that was required to run the business to a transparent operation that is reported on effectively with known costs and specific objectives to make it better and more cost-effective.” Tennant UK’s fleet is composed almost exclusively of Ford Transits driven by home-based service engineers, with a handful of Vauxhall Movanos and 4x4s used for transporting and towing cleaning machines. Vehicle selection is based on wholelife cost criteria, with vans that average 25,000-30,000 miles a year leased from Arval and LeasePlan on four-year replacement cycles – around half the historic replacement cycle to maximise benefits from fast-moving vehicle engine technology improvements. The company, which has its worldwide headquarters in Minneapolis, is a leader in manufacturing machines – including electric street sweepers – used by organisations to maintain indoor and outdoor surfaces and coatings for repairing and protecting floors and provides an aftermarket parts and maintenance service. The company is also a global leader in developing innovative cleaning technologies. Tennant’s focus is on producing new products and fluids that are more environmentally friendly than others and that DNA commitment also gave rise to the focus on literally cleaning up its fleet. “Creating a cleaner, safer, healthier world is core to Tennant,” says Twiselton, who witnessed Tennant UK achieving international environmental management standard ISO 14001 in 2013. “We are now mirroring that in our fleet operation as a result of our focus on reducing our CO2 footprint. Our success has perhaps been a bit of a surprise to the business, but it has been very well received in the United States and the rest of Europe and we are now being asked by other parts of the business to share our knowledge and expertise.” As a result, the UK fleet operation has been transformed into an award-winning centre of excellence delivering advice internationally.

Lee Twiselton: ‘you cannot introduce initiatives without doing your homework’

“Creating a cleaner, safer, healthier is core to Tennant and we are now mirroring that in our fleet operation” Lee Twiselton, fleet manager

For example, Twiselton is a member of a European team that has formulated an LCV replacement sign-off strategy delivering a reduction in the size of vans operated, while still basing selection on wholelife cost criteria and other key data including payload, volume and CO2 emissions. Since launching in the UK more than a year ago, 26 Transit 330 vans have been replaced by Transit 300 vehicles delivering a range of benefits but notably fuel efficiency and CO2 emission improvements. Weight reduction campaign The introduction of smaller vans followed a major weight reduction campaign focused on reducing the number of tools and machine replacement parts and quantity of replacement machine fluids carried by service engineers. The initiative has also resulted in most Transits in Spain, for example, being replaced by Transit Connects and in France Renault Trafics replaced with Renault Kangoos. Twiselton, who is also responsible for managing service van inventories across Tennant’s 220-strong European van fleet, explains: “Our strategy focuses on replacing a van with a vehicle that has a lower CO2, which also aids fuel efficiency. We analysed what the service engineers were actually carrying in their vans and found it frequently included parts that were rarely used, unnecessarily large tanks of cleaning machine replacement fluids and duplicate tools. “We were able to significantly reduce the weight of goods and equipment carried, in the worst-case scenario, by 300kg. That created space in vehicles and triggered a downsizing policy when replacing vans.” Tennant UK’s lean service van programme is soon to include studies to reduce vehicle journeys through further improving service van inventories, telefixing and remote fault diagnosis and repair. Meanwhile, comprehensive monthly fuel management reporting using information gleaned from Allstar fuel card data and AA fuel pricing information shows drivers their MPG performance league position. Drivers are also asked to refuel at low-price forecourts. Twiselton adds: “Previously we knew what our fuel bill was, but we didn’t know where fuel was being bought or how it was being used. Our strategy has changed drivers’ attitudes and saved the company money. “A competitive edge has been introduced and engineers have naturally reduced their driving speed, which helps cut the company’s fuel costs.”

For more industry profiles, visit: www.fleetnews.co.uk/vans/case-studies/

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 15

in sigh t – c on s t ruction f l ee t s

Construction sector set for further growth Government road building spend to boost already-buoyant industry

By John Maslen he construction industry acts as a good barometer for the health of the UK economy and its recent performance supports growing expectations of a recovery – and growing demand for fleet support. A key industry indicator of construction industry activity has shown that new projects have risen by 4% yearon-year overall, driven by continued rises in new infrastructure projects. The Glenigan Index, a summary of new construction projects, has revealed that activity in certain industry sectors is particularly buoyant, such as in the office sector where projects have rocketed by 63% for the three months to January compared to the same period last year. Civil engineering projects also continue to strengthen, with the value of new infrastructure projects started in the three months to the end of January leaping 35% compared to last year. The utilities sector showed 74% growth in the same period, with further rises anticipated to support growth in civil engineering workloads. The monthly Glenigan Index is based on extensive research of every construction project starting in the UK over the

16 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

63%

increase in new construction projects

£24bn

Government investment in road network until 2021

previous three-month period and provides an indicator of developing activity in the industry. Allan Wilén, economics director at Glenigan, says: “The January Glenigan Index shows continued growth in private sector activity, with further rises in office, retail and industrial starts painting a picture of sustainable private investmentled growth in construction output. Data shows that the value of main contracts awarded in the final quarter of 2013 was 21% higher than a year ago.” However, within the public sector there is a very different story. In the sectors most dependent on Government funding, the underlying fall in spending continued. Health project starts fell by 18%, following a 10% drop last year, while community and amenity starts were down by 44%, leading on from a flat 2013 for the sector. The education sector, which the Government has pledged to protect from cuts, saw a 24% increase in project starts over the last three months. This year also sees the beginning of a massive investment in the UK’s crumbling roads infrastructure. Roads minister Robert Goodwill recently called on Britain’s road building companies to get ready for a massive increase in work ahead of the biggest investment in the road network since the 1970s. The Government is tripling funding on the

Privately-funded projects have flourished while public sector schemes have reduced in value

Architecture/ construction/ building sector facts and figures Proportion of cars and vans: Cars 57% Vans 43% Main car funding types: Contract hire 55% Outright purchase 20% Other 25% Main van funding types: Contract hire 35% Outright purchase 30% Other 35% Van brands on top 20 fleets in sector Brand Number of fleets Ford 16 Mercedes–Benz 13 Iveco 5 Toyota 5 Vauxhall 5 Volkswagen 5 Citroën 4 Fiat 4 Mitsubishi 4 Renault 4 Peugeot 3 Land Rover 2 Nissan 2 Hyundai 1 Isuzu 1 Mazda 1

road network over the next eight years with more than £24 billion to be spent on upgrading and improving the network until 2021. By the end of the next Parliament, the Government will be spending £3bn each year on improvements and maintenance for the strategic network alone. This locked-in funding commitment will support nearly 30,000 new jobs across the construction sector. Goodwill says: “Funding certainty is critical to the construction industry in planning for the future and that is exactly what the government has delivered – with £24bn secure investment over six years and £50bn for the strategic road network over the next 15 years. “We need to make sure we have the right people and equipment in place to deliver the 53 road schemes in preparation right now, plus the next generation of improvements over the next seven years.” With a 43% increase in traffic expected in the coming decade, preparation is vital, he says. Along with investing £10.7bn in major improvements for strategic roads from 2015 – 2020/21, the Government is also investing £6.1 billion in resurfacing 80% of the strategic network, with another £6 billion being spent on tackling potholes on local authority roads.

Replacement cycles (yrs/miles) Cars 3.8/95,000 Vans 4.5/106,000

Source: Fleet200

For industry profiles, visit: www.fleetnews.co.uk/ vans/case-studies/

Flexibility key in sector For any fleet, coping with growth can be just as challenging as managing decline. The construction industry is a very fluid sector, with fleet size dictated by the number of contracts being delivered at any moment in time. Therefore, managers have to juggle a constantly changing fleet profile, adding and removing vehicles and allocating them to live contracts according to demand. This dynamic requirement means there cannot be a one-size fits all solution for the fleet, especially when it comes to areas such as funding. The most dynamic part of the construction industry fleet is commercial vehicles, where there is evidence of a wide range of funding options being used. Analysis of some of the largest fleets in the sector shows that contract hire is the most commonly used main finance method, closely followed by outright purchase, with other funding types including finance lease, operating lease and lease purchase. The flexible nature of the fleet means that companies in the sector tend to use a favoured funding method for the core vehicle fleet, where they can predict long-term requirements. They then tend to supplement this with flexible rental and daily rental services to meet short-term demands for vehicles. The frequent turnover of vehicles, along with the arrival and departure of large numbers of employees, creates a risk management challenge for fleet managers, especially as vehicles are often operating in a demanding environment. Construction is a dangerous business and making it safer is one of the industry’s top priorities. The construction sector accounts for 5% of all employees in Britain, but it is responsible for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 10% of reported major injuries, according to the Health and Safety Executive. This data doesn’t include fleets, but the focus on improving site safety filters down to everything companies do, including transport. There are mutual rewards too, as the initiatives that reduce vehicle accidents normally save money. Tight profit margins can be threatened by hidden costs in addition to bent metal losses, such as through lost working time and potential legal claims. At Balfour Beatty, one of the biggest names in construction, a number of campaigns are aimed at focusing attention on safety, under the banner headline “Everyone home safe every day”. A spokesman said: “There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our people and anyone who could be affected by what we do. “We believe in always working safely, looking after each other so that everyone goes home safe from every site, every day. “We call that uncompromising commitment to safety ‘Zero Harm’.” Part of its Zero Harm commitment has been a wideranging fleet safety programme, driven through Balfour Beatty Fleet Services (BBFS). The BBFS fleet numbers some 4,500 cars, 4,000 vans and 745 vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes. Results across the BBFS van fleet showed the number of own-fault incidents have fallen more than 20% to 0.19 per vehicle, while the number of own-fault and thirdparty incidents involving vans has reduced from 1,016 to 808 incidents.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 17

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in sigh t – c on s t ruc t ion f l ee t s

Risk management is one of the biggest single challenges morgan sindall Paul Taylor, fleet manager

Leading UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall has introduced a variety of strategies to meet the varied demands of the company’s operations. It employs around 5,700 people, working on everything from small scale fit outs and utilities projects to major urban regeneration schemes. According to Paul Taylor, fleet manager, one of the biggest single challenges the business faces is risk management. He says: “Driver risk appears to be on everyone’s radar at the moment. This also ties in with vehicle tracking as our behaviour module is a key component.” One of the most recent developments in risk management has been protection of vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists in London, where injury and death rates have soared as more people decide to commute on two wheels. Taylor says: “Transport for London and the London Mayor are focusing on cyclist safety and subsequently it appears to have been taken up by

central and local governing bodies nationwide. “The industry has responded through its trade associations, but it has to be said many responsible companies, ours included, were already ahead of the game and had already put in place specification changes, policies, procedures and training regarding vulnerable road users.” Last year, the company also revealed a key initiative designed to manage costs while reflecting the constantly changing nature of business demands. It partnered with Northgate Vehicle Hire to reduce capital outlay for its 1,000plus fleet of commercial vehicles. The new partnership sees Northgate provide Morgan Sindall with a fleet solution that includes more than 550 rental vehicles, as well as fleet management services such as pay-as-you-go service, maintenance and repair, a direct driver line, breakdown and recovery, and vehicle monitoring services for the remaining funded light commercial fleet. The driving factor behind the partnership was Northgate’s ability to provide Morgan Sindall with transparency across its fleet of commercial vehicles, which in turn works to reduce costs for the company. In addition to these services, Northgate’s fleet management software, Fleet Dynamix, offers Morgan Sindall the capability to view and manage its owned, leased and rented commercial vehicles in real-time, and provides

“The flexibility of utilising rental vehicles will result in an overall reduction in fleet running costs” Morgan Sindall spokesman

Electric vehicle trial could shape future fleet eric wright Group

Eric Wright Group, a civil engineering, property development and facilities management company, is running a four-year test of electric vehicles that could influence the future of its fleet. It has taken on a Vauxhall Ampera to assess how range-extender technology could reduce the fleet’s annual CO2 and fuel usage. A spokesman said: “As a large construction group, we are committed to reducing the effect we have on the environment. “The company directors have also trialled the vehicle and were impressed that it operates just

like a normal car. If the test-case vehicle proves successful then we shall look to adding the Ampera to the directors’ fleet as well.” The Ampera is powered by an electric motor, but also has a petrol engine which generates electricity for the battery when the charge is low, meaning it has a greater range than a pure EV. The vehicle will cover more than 70,000 miles during its time with the Eric Wright Group. In November 2012 the company was recognised by the Energy Saving Trust, receiving the runner up award in the Grey Fleet Management category of its Fleet Hero Awards.

Paul Taylor: ‘driver risk is on everyone’s radar at the moment’ comprehensive management information across the entire light commercial fleet. A Morgan Sindall spokesman says: “The complete fleet solutions package that Northgate has constructed provides us with the ability to choose the correct acquisition method for our light commercial fleet, dependent upon each of our individual contract commitments. “The flexibility of utilising rental vehicles or funding vehicles over a longer period, allied with the comprehensive fleet management expertise available from our partnership with Northgate, will undoubtedly allow us to shape future fleet policy and result in an overall reduction in fleet running costs.”

Eric Wright Group takes delivery of a Vauxhall Ampera last year

“As a large construction group, we are committed to reducing the effect we have on the environment” Spokesman, Eric Wright Group

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 19

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in sigh t - sm a r t repa ir

Smart repair

is it wise or wasteful? Does it pay van fleet operators to use smart repair or do second-hand buyers expect vans, unlike cars, to exhibit signs of wear and tear? John Charles finds out

what the leasing companies say

While leasing companies adopt smart repair techniques with their cars before sending them to auction, they take a different approach with vans. Duncan Metcalfe, head of remarketing at Alphabet, which operates a fleet of more than 9,000 vans, suggests that the cost of many of the smart repairs is often more than any additional value realised at auction. “Buyers of used commercial vehicles expect a little wear and tear,” he says. Leasing companies also suggest that trade buyers prefer to see damage on a vehicle and decide themselves what action to take. Glenn Sturley, vehicle remarketing director at Lex Autolease, which has 70,000 LCVs on its fleet, says: “Prior to being defleeted, none of our LCVs undergo any form of smart repair. We take this approach to ensure that prospective buyers are aware of any damage before they decide to go ahead with the purchase.” Ogilvie Fleet cleans and valets vans prior to auction and carries out cold dent repairs but damaged areas that require paint are left. Operations director Jim Hannah says: “If a scratch requires painting, trade buyers prefer to deal with it themselves and have work carried out to their own standard but we do anything that we can disguise with a small repair without painting.”

what the auction houses say

Damaged, poorly presented vehicles are less desirable, according to the major auction houses. Duncan Ward, general manager - commercial vehicles at BCA, says the process of bringing vehicles back to ‘showroom condition’ through paint technology, cold metal dent removal and repairs to interior and trim can maximise returns in the remarketing chain. He says: “Trade buyers are typically looking for a van with retail potential, while end-users want a vehicle they can take away and start using in their own business with the minimum of delay.” But Matthew Davock, head of LCV at Manheim, says: “There is no one right answer when it comes to deciding what and when to invest. For example, investing in replacing items of trim is probably more beneficial on a typical two to threeyear old van than undertaking smart repairs. The eventual retail buyer may plan to put decals on the van which cover any cosmetic scratches, so a localised repair would serve little purpose. “How the van has been used, its age and mileage will all impact upon whether a smart repair is worthwhile. It is also necessary to factor in who the auction buyer might be, as a franchise dealer is likely to require a van to be ‘ready-to-go’ while other independent dealers may have more flexibility.”

what the residual value guides say

Van fleet operators need to weigh up whether a repair is technically possible and whether it makes financial sense in terms of enhancing sales prices, bearing in mind current used van market trends. George Alexander, commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s, says: “In the present climate, it might prove to be the best policy to have a van professionally valeted and leave such minor damage to be seen and assessed by trade buyers who are best placed to decide which course of action to take.” Both Glass’s and CAP agree that having a van professionally cleaned is essential. Ken Brown, editor of CAP Automotive’s Red Book LCVs and Motorhomes, says: “We often see vehicles that have been properly cleaned but exhibit body and paint damage go for more money than vehicles that are in better condition but haven’t been cleaned.” Fleet operators should pay attention to the interior of the van to send out the right message about how a used vehicle has been maintained. “If the interior is a tip with plenty of trim damage and has an array of worrying stains on show, the perception will be that the previous owner will have driven and maintained the van as if it were stolen,” says Alexander.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 21

insight - smart repair

what the smart repairers say

Smart repairer Revive says only 10% of its business is LCV-related and there are potentially serious growth opportunities in the fleet van market as vehicle owners become more aware that smart repairs can be carried out in a costeffective way “If they are done effectively, they should help the van to sell faster and at a better price,” says Mark Llewellyn, managing director of Revive. However, he considers such work as only suitable on small repairs to vehicle bumpers and single panels at a total cost of under £200. ChipsAway claims that the difference between the value of a van in pristine condition and poor condition can be as much as £1,000 at disposal. Dave Anthony, technical director at ChipsAway, says fleets should consider removing ‘minor blemishes’ in-life, not just at defleet time. He points out that utility, service and distribution companies heavily focused on their brand image are aiming to maintain LCVs in pristine condition throughout their working life. “New vehicles can look old and tired very quickly,” he says. “Smart repairs are especially convenient when minimal downtime is important to fleets as many repairs can often be completed within just a few hours.”

what fleet managers say

Fleet managers are often reluctant to carry out smart repairs, suggesting that they believe buyers accept that vans will not be in perfect condition. Ged Raymond, fleet manager at Autoglass, which operates some 1,700 vans, does not smart repair vehicles, explaining that “they are going to get damaged” over their four-year lifecycle. Typically only vans damaged in an accident or with a “big dent” requiring repair via a bodyshop will be undertaken. A similar stance is taken by Danny Alborough, deputy group facilities manager at Gratte Brothers, one of the leading building service providers in the UK with a fleet of 100 vans, who said vehicles had their livery removed and were valeted prior to typically being sold to small businesses. “We dispose of vehicles direct to a network of privately owned businesses and almost always get the asking price. Buyers do not expect a van to be in perfect condition - they accept a ‘ding’ and a ‘scrape’. We do not want to spend money on repairs which we may not recover and when it is not required,” he said. However, some fleet managers will carry out ‘in-life’ smart repairs – for example, before a van is reallocated to an employee.

the fleet van view

Smart repairs are arguably less beneficial to vans than company cars as buyers are willing to accept that vans, which are generally kept longer than company cars and serve only as a working tool, will have more dents and scrapes. However, when used van market conditions are difficult it may prove worthwhile to carry out smart repairs – provided they are technically possible. More complicated repairs will require a bodyshop. It is essential to professionally valet a van before auction, regardless of the market conditions. It is worth considering ‘in-life’ smart repairs to protect the brand image – a dented liveried van can reflect poorly on a business. In-life smart repairs can also serve as an incentive to drivers to maintain vehicles to a high standard and may be used before reallocating vehicles.

smart repair costs Bumper: £120-£150 (+VAT) Wings/small panels: £120-£180 (+VAT) Wheels: £40-£75 (+VAT) Interior: £35-£75 (+VAT) Source: ChipsAway

Top tips Trade name deletion is essential and should be undertaken professionally so that a company’s name and logo are removed without damage to body or paint. If not done correctly, typically in conjunction with a machine operated polish so the bodywork is presented to a consistent standard, it can devalue a van repairs which are quick, enhance 2 Smart a van’s appearance and may prove cost-effective are: bumpers, wings/wheel arches, wheels and small panels with minor blemishes key areas to focus on tend 3 Internally, to be around the immediate driver environment, such as glass, upholstery and dashboard lining should always be fitted 4 Plywood where inside-out panel damage might otherwise occur holes in the shell of any van is to 5 Drilling be avoided The use of roof racks should not be 6 encouraged as they result in a high level of van abuse, from overloading to size 12 ‘hoof prints’ on each and every panel

22 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

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February 2014 values reach record levels in ready-to-retail condition. “This time of the year also typically sees an uplift in the building and construction industries. As a lot of building activity was curtailed due to the wettest winter on record, we expect to see even more interest in tippers and dropsides as the weather improves in the weeks ahead.” He added: “Online Online buyers continue to figure strongly, accounting for some buyers continue to 26% of purchases during February figure strongly, accounting for some 26% of purchases during February. This Year-on-year, values were up by £987 reflects the fact that good quality stock (16.9%), underlining the ongoing growth in remains at a premium and professional average values in the light commercial buyers are quite literally casting the net sector. Performance against CAP improved further to secure LCVs for their retail marginally to 102.09%, while retained value forecourts. BCA’s Video Appraisals with against Manufacturer Recommended Price BCA Assured reports on mechanical (MRP) improved to 38.55% – up nearly two condition carried out by the AA are helping points compared to January. to create additional confidence for remote buyers.” Part-exchange Following two record months in the dealer part-exchange sector, February values fell Fleet & lease back to £3,625 – a fall of £127 (3.3%) Fleet and lease operators saw values compared to January – but still the third improve sharply in February, rising by £356 highest on record. CAP comparisons (5.5%) to £6,810 compared with January – the improved by half a point compared to second highest average monthly value on January, rising to 103.90% and continue to record. outperform the fleet & lease sector. Year-on-year values remain ahead by £530 or 17.1%, with average age increasing marginally and mileage declining compared to a year ago.

verage values for commercial vehicles reached record levels for the third consecutive month, according to BCA’s latest ﬁgures. Demand for LCVs was strong throughout the month, and Fleet & Lease LCV values rose to the second highest point on record. Average values for all light commercial vehicles increased in February 2014 to £5,345 – a rise of £23 compared to January – as buyer demand continued at exceptional levels. February’s average value was the highest since Pulse began reporting in 2005 and was the seventh month in a row that average values across all light commercial vehicles exceeded £5,000. Year-on-year values remain well ahead, up by £556 (11.6%) over the 12-month period. Compared to a year ago, age has risen by over two months to 60 months, while mileage has increased by around 2,500 miles on average over the same period. Average CAP performance declined by half a point compared to February 2013. BCA’s general manager – commercial vehicles, Duncan Ward, commented: “As BCA has been reporting for many months, demand remains high for used light commercials, reﬂecting the improving economic messages from a variety of sources. “Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are now upbeat about their growth prospects this year and this sector is a big buyer of used light commercials. In fact, demand remains strong across the board from car-sized vans through to large panel vans and there is plenty of competition for any van presented

£6,000

All LCVs – 2012-2014 £5,000

Nearly-new £4,000

Jan

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Apl

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£3,000

Nearly-new LCV values reached a new high point of £14,799 in February, with CAP performance improving to 99.47% – up 1.5 points over the month. As always, this has to be taken in the context of the very low volumes reaching the market and the model mix factor.

Europe’s No.1 vehicle remarketing company Log on to bca.co.uk or call 0844 875 3480

REM A RK E T ING

Record van values point to strong year ahead Average values of used LCVs at auction rose in January by 1.1% to £4,807

By Trevor Gehlcken anuary saw a healthy rise across the board in the value of used vans as Britain’s economic recovery continues to gather pace. According to latest figures from the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA), the average values of used LCVs at auction across the board increased by 1.1% from £4,757 to £4,807 between December 2013 and January 2014. Total sales volumes saw a great increase of 9,185 units – a 10% rise over January 2013 and a 136.4% increase over last month. The figures also show 77% of all vans sold at the first time of being offered. The large increase in volume was accompanied by reductions in both age and mileage, which resulted in a small rise in the average price. Significant increase in volume Alex Wright, chairman of NAMA’s commercial vehicle group, said: “The significant increase in volume witnessed in January undoubtedly resulted from those part-exchanges generated by December’s massive spike in LCV registrations. The good news is the 10% rise in volumes over January 2013 and a greater volume than any other month last year. “With the likelihood of an extended run of good fortune in prospect over the months of spring, it seems that 2014 is set to deliver another successful trading period for the industry.” January saw the highest used van values on record, according to BCA’s latest figures. Demand for LCVs was strong throughout the month, with a number of record sales around the network. Duncan Ward, general manager commercial vehicles at

Year-on-year values were up by 11.9% in January

“With the likelihood of an extended run of good fortune in prospect, it seems that 2014 is set to deliver another successful trading period” Alex Wright, chairman, NAMA’s commercial vehicle group BCA, said average values for all LCVs increased marginally in January 2014 to £5,322 – a rise of £11 compared to December 2013 – as buyers competed strongly for stock. January’s average value was the highest since BCA began reporting in 2005 and was the sixth month in a row that average values across all sectors exceeded £5,000. Year-on-year values remain well ahead, up by £653 (13.9%) over the 12-month period. Age has risen over the year by around one month to 58 months, while mileage has decreased by around 1,000 miles on average over the same period. Ward said: “January delivered more of what we saw throughout the previous 12 months – a shortage of stock allied to decent levels of demand that generated exceptionally strong prices in the used van market. “With stock remaining thin on the ground, buyer demand is focused on the best quality commercial vehicles and this is driving values up. “BCA saw lots of activity in the online arena with around a quarter of all vehicles being purchased by internet bidders and BCA’s video appraisals are helping to create additional confidence for remote buyers. “The rise in average prices at the ‘value-for-money’ end of the market also continues and dealer part-exchange values reached a new record level.” At Manheim Auctions, average values leapt by 8.5% during January, setting a new record of £4,786 for the average price of a used van at auction. Christmas break creates pent-up demand Matthew Davock, Manheim’s head of LCV, said while used van prices typically rise in January, mainly due to the creation of pent-up demand following the Christmas break combined with seasonal de-fleet from the daily rental sector, this year’s increase was remarkable as it highlighted the two-tiered nature of the stock profile. Davock said: “Looking at these figures at face value paints a picture of dramatic increases in van values in the auction halls. “However, this is only half the story, as we’ve seen a most welcome influx of new ‘late and low’ vans enter the market since returning in 2014. “While there is still a strong market across the UK for good quality used vans, this trend has been perhaps overstated by the headline figures from our most recent market report. “In short, these very strong sales figures in January have been significantly enhanced by the injection of new, good quality stock.”

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 25

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Ford transit

The manufacturer has risen to the challenge of outdoing its recent rivals Need to know n 3,000 orders already placed n 450 variants on offer n 44.1mpg fuel economy for Econetic model

By Trevor Gehlcken he Ford Transit may have been Britain’s bestselling van for the past 48 years, but things of late have not been exactly rosy in the blue oval camp. In the past few years a number of new rivals have been pitched against it, offering superior levels of sophistication and new cutting-edge safety systems. In short, the Transit was beginning to show its age. Never a company to rest on its laurels, Ford is hitting back with a vengeance. The firm is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in replacing its entire van range in the space of two years. We have already seen a new Ranger and Fiesta Van, while a fresh Transit Connect has just gone on sale, to be followed by a new small Courier van later this year. But the really big news is the arrival of Ford’s new panel van. One of the problems with the Transit is that while all its rivals have two panel vans on offer (e.g. Volkswagen Transporter/Crafter and Citroën Dispatch/Relay), Transit has to cover both medium and heavy weights. And as the needs of fleet buyers become ever more sophisticated, this ‘foot in both camps’ stance was becoming more and more unsatisfactory and untenable. So Ford has split the old model into two. The smaller van, the Transit Custom launched last year, weighs in at 2.6 to 3.0 tonnes gross vehicle weight and has already had a stunning reception, winning the International Van of the Year title in 2013, as well as Medium Panel Van of the Year at the recent Fleet Van Awards. Now it’s the turn of the bigger Transit, weighing in at

costs Price (ex-VAT): £25,895 RV (4yr/80K) £9,980/38% Fuel cost (ppm) 17.4 Running cost (4yr/80k) 41.21ppm

Spec Gross vehicle weight (kg): 3,500 Power (hp/rpm): 125/3,000 Torque (lb-ft): 258/1,450 Load volume (cu m): 11.2 Payload (kg): 1,488 Comb fuel economy (mpg): 38.7 CO2 emissions (g/km): 194

Key Rival Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI MWB High Roof Price (ex-VAT): £27,664 Gross vehicle weight (kg) 3,500 Power (hp/rpm): 129/3,800 Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 225/1,200 Load volume (cu m): 10.5 Payload (kg): 1,243 Comb fuel economy (mpg): 33.6 CO2 emissions (g/km): 222

Running cost data supplied by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Ford offers a total of 450 variants of the new Ford Transit

The new Transit offers up to 11% more loadspace than the outgoing model

26 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

between 2.9 and 4.7 tonnes gvw. Having been paraded initially before the public at the CV Show in Birmingham a year ago, the British press was finally let loose on working models at the international launch in Barcelona. Not only is the Transit a new model from the nuts and bolts upwards but Ford is planning to sell it globally for the first time. In addition to UK models made at Kocaeli in Turkey, others will roll off production lines in Kansas, USA, and Elabuga in Russia for sale in 118 different countries. At the launch, Ford of Britain MD Mark Ovenden told Fleet Van: “Transit has been the market leader in the UK since its launch in 1965 and we have sold seven million since that time. In Britain it is the third best seller for Ford behind Focus and Fiesta and it is the sixth best-selling vehicle, beating the likes of the BMW 3 series. “Although the new Transit will be built in Turkey it was

“Our fleet buyers are concerned about costs and duty of care – and we have good news on both these fronts” Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain MD

designed in Britain and the engines are designed and built in Dagenham, so there is a great British involvement in it.” A myriad of new variants will be on offer – 450 in all – to be launched between now and the end of the year. Ovenden said 3,000 orders had already been placed. “We sell 80% of our Transits to fleets,” he said. “What we are hearing from our fleet buyers is that they are concerned about costs and duty of care – and we have good news on both these fronts.” So what exactly does the new vehicle have to offer? With prices starting at £20,795 ex-VAT, the Transit is available in front, rear and all-wheel drive at weights between 2.9 tonnes and 4.7 tonnes. A single 2.2-litre turbodiesel powerplant offers 100hp, 125hp and 155hp. There is also the choice of new HDT6 engines at 125hp and 155hp which already meet the forthcoming Euro 6 emissions

Compare van costs at: fleetnews.co.uk/ vanrunningcosts

standard, although these use an additional AdBlue tank which will have to be filled at regular intervals. American versions, incidentally, include a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol variant. Econetic versions feature additions such as stop-start and a speed limiter and bump the combined fuel economy figure to 44.1mpg – that’s 6% better than the already-frugal outgoing Econetic model. Three lengths and two roof heights are on offer, with load volumes from 9.5 to 15.1 cubic metres and the usual mass of alternatives such as chassis-cabs, box vans, lutons and minibuses can be ordered straight from the dealer. There are two trim levels – Base and Trend – and all feature electronic stability control (ESC), which helps alleviate sideways skids. Trend models add heated windscreens, fog

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 27

Vehicle Accident Centres

Keeping you moving is what we do. The ﬁnancial, commercial and hidden costs to your business of having accident damaged vehicles off the road can be considerable. When you include Selsia and our UK network of approved bodyshops in your accident plans, repair costs, administration and vehicle off road times will all reduce. Working with your management team, we’ll prepare a service level agreement which we will implement right across the UK on your behalf. We offer a central point of contact, 24 hour assistance and recovery, deployment, safe repairs to cars, vans and trucks, standard rates, progress chasing, central invoicing and regular management information. What’s more, all you have to pay for are the repairs! Isn’t it time you included Selsia in your accident plans?

t 0845 468 6800 e info@selsia-vac.co.uk w selsia-vac.co.uk

Safely back on the road.

DRI V EN lamps, cruise control, leather trimmed steering wheel, Ford’s Sync system with emergency assistance and front and rear parking sensors. At the business end, the new Transit offers up to 11% more loadspace than the old model. The sides are more vertical and the side-loading doors have been enlarged for easier loading with a forklift. Ford has put a great deal of work into lowering maintenance costs, too. Service intervals are now two years/30,000 miles and the maintenance time in the garage has been cut over 90,000 miles from 5.4 to 4.2 hours. Ford’s analysis with a basket of 23 repair items shows the van is class-leading for non-scheduled maintenance. For example, the labour required for a rear brake disc

110

number of special Transit Centres being set up in the UK

repair has been cut from 2.6 hours to 1.3 hours. Meanwhile expensive mis-fuelling mistakes are a thing of the past with a new standard-fit Easy Fuel system. Ford is setting up 110 special Transit Centres across the UK from its 200-strong dealer network and this van can be ordered only from one of these new sites. This won’t be a problem for fleet buyers but owner-drivers might find it a tad awkward if they live out more rurally. VERDICT

Forty-eight years at the top of the tree – and with new models like this on offer, Ford can confidently look forward to many more years of success to come. If you asked us for a list of valid criticisms of the new Transit, we’d just have to admit: “There are none.”

“In a nutshell, this Transit knocks every other heavy panel van into a cocked hat in terms of driveability” Trevor Gehlcken, Fleet Van

BEHIND THE WHEEL A day driving different Transits in Barcelona left us reaching for the Boys’ Book of Superlatives. In a nutshell, this Transit knocks every other heavy panel van into a cocked hat in terms of driveability. It’s not just a quantum leap forward for Transit – it’s a move to a different planet. It’s true to say that Transit has been feeling its age for some time now – in fact, since the launch of the latest MercedesBenz Sprinter/Volkswagen Crafter back in 2006. The fact that the Sprinter has won the Heavy Panel Van of the Year title at every Fleet Van Awards ceremony since their launch in 2008 tells its own story. Ford just had to come up with something good, though it’s a shame the van couldn’t be built in the UK too. On the outside, the Transit bears more than a passing resemblance to the defunct LDV Maxus, although build quality is far superior. That huge gaping grille is a nod to the American end of the market – and it rather grates on

us conservative types over here. It’s a shame that Ford won’t be making a few ‘specials’ featuring that stonking American V6 petrol powerplant for the UK market. The Transit is swathed in black plastic around the sides, corners and wheelarches, which means that all those annoying knocks and scrapes that will inevitably occur during a busy fleet life can be dealt with relatively cheaply. But it isn’t until you climb aboard that the real differences between this and the old model start manifesting themselves. The cab is completely new and abounds both with style and good practical innovations. The dash is similar to those of the smaller Custom and Connect and is a mass of black and silver, as in Ford’s cars. Thank goodness that Ford has junked the old driver’s seat which I found totally lacking in lumbar support. It’s been replaced with one that hugs the body from neck to knees and gives no cause for complaint. The passenger seats are just as comfortable and supportive. The dashtop storage compartment, complete with 12-volt

take-off, is carried over from the old model, which means that when you plug in a sat-nav unit you don’t have wires trailing all over the place. There is a handy overhead storage shelf, a fold-down desk in the back of the middle seat and a huge stowage area under the outer passenger seat so valuable items can be hidden from prying eyes. Two coffee cup holders are perfectly positioned so driver and passenger can reach them safely and two bottle bins for two-litre drinks bottles. Our first drive was in the longwheelbase high-roof variant at 125hp. There were no lowerpowered models on offer at the launch, which was a shame as those are the ones that are likely to be specified for most fleets. A peep in the back revealed a non-slip wipe-clean floor and eight load-lashing eyes, although all were positioned sunken in the floor. Latest thinking is to dot a few around halfway up the cargo area, which is a much more practical idea. It’s one of the few minor faults we could find with this van. After waxing lyrical about the

smaller Transit Custom last year, we were expecting big things from its bigger brother – and weren’t disappointed. This Transit is as close as you’ll ever get to driving a big car. The engine is just about noiseless, the steering is taut and the handling is pin-sharp. Squeaks and rattles are non-existent and even with a half-load on board, the 125bhp on tap glided us effortlessly around. This launch was the biggest on record in the UK van world, with 45 journalists on board. My co-pilot hadn’t driven anything bigger then a car before, so it was interesting to see how he fared. He had no problems at all and even exclaimed: “It’s no different from driving a car.” At one stage I tried flipping through all six gears using just my index finger and had no problem completing the task as every cog snicked into place. Our second trip was in a dropside truck with the more powerful 155hp engine and, although this powerplant felt meatier, we’d say 125hp is ample for any fleet use.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 29

LONG -T ERM T E S T

VAUXHALL COMBO

1.6 CDTI LWB

Small van’s impressive load-carrying capacity makes house move an easy task NEED TO KNOW

SPEC

■ Four cubic metre cargo capacity; payload of 1,000kg ■ Average test fuel economy is 46.7mpg ■ Lack of parking sensors is only gripe

Gross vehicle weight (kg): 2,350 Power (hp/rpm): 105/4,000 Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 214/1,500 Load volume (cu m): 4.0 Payload (kg): 1,000 Comb fuel economy (mpg): 52.3 CO2 emissions (g/km): 141 Price as tested (ex-VAT): £15,800

By Trevor Gehlcken ow much cargo can you get into a small van? In the case of our long-term Vauxhall Combo, the answer is masses. In fact, if we listed all the things that have gone into the back of our van in the past month it would fill this page. Our Combo is one of the new breed of small vans that boast an enormous amount of loadspace, thanks to the fact that it’s set on a long wheelbase. This gives it a load volume of four cubic metres, which is only one cubic metre less than its Vivaro big brother. The occasion of so much activity was a house move. As our new abode was nearby – and as we bought our new house before we sold our flat – we thought we’d see if we could make the big step between us and use a removal company just to do the big stuff like wardrobes. My son was sceptical but even he had to admit he was impressed as a fridge-freezer, chest of drawers and other reasonably large items disappeared inside. The smallest stuff all went into boxes and was dispatched with ease. After it was all over, I gave our doughty little performer a big pat on the back and a tank of premium diesel as a present. And, talking of diesel, I am pretty impressed with this van’s frugality.

Stop-start technology is fitted as standard to our test van

30 March 2014 fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan

“Our Combo is one of the new breed of small vans that boast an enormous amount of loadspace”

My first proper test showed it returning 46.7mpg. The official figure is 52.3mpg, but as the Combo was loaded up and carrying out lots of short trips in that time, I think that’s a pretty good figure. Our van has stop-start technology as standard and as the engine loosens up, I am expecting the fuel usage figure to improve. Experts estimate stop-start can save up to 15% in fuel on urban runs, so it’s well worth having. In my last test I mentioned that I was looking forward to seeing how our van performed in the ice and snow, so typically we have had a complete dearth of both since then. In fact, at the time of writing, we have only had two mornings when the ice scraper has been needed, so de-icer and cloths sit there doing nothing. At first I rather sniffed at the ‘cooking’ stereo that you get as standard with this model, but in fact the sound is not at all bad, although it doesn’t have anywhere to plug in an iPod or iPhone. As long as you are happy listening to Sally Traffic et al (which I am), the unit does quite nicely. It also has a CD player if you want a change from the radio. I am also mightily impressed with the Combo’s general ride and handling capabilities. We undertook a long trip to Devon and after five-and-a-half hours behind the wheel with only one rest break, there were no back twinges and we arrived feeling fresh. My only ongoing gripe, as stated in the last issue, is the lack of reversing sensors. I’m so used to having them now that I feel distinctly uneasy about reversing this vehicle. In my book they should be a legal requirement on all commercial vehicles.

running c o s t s

f l ee t ne w s.c o.uk / va n s

b e s t i n c l a s s – s wb s ma l l va n s

By Trevor Gehlcken he first rule when buying new vans is to look at their wholelife running costs rather than their front-end prices. What might appear to be a bargain may well turn out to be anything but over its time on a fleet. Running costs are a mix of front-end costs, fuel cost, service, maintenance and repair costs and residual values. All this information can be found at www.fleetnews.co.uk/vans.

For our comparison, we’ve used a threeyear/60,000-miles lifecycle. For fleets which contract hire vehicles, we’ve used www.comparecontracthire.com to highlight the best models for monthly deals. The top contenders in the short wheelbase small van categories are the Citroën Berlingo, Fiat Doblo Cargo, Ford Transit Connect, MercedesBenz Citan, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo, Vauxhall Combo and Volkswagen Caddy. The Doblo Cargo and the Combo have been

discounted from our comparison as they have the highest running cost figures for the group. The running cost figures shows that most are pretty close and all carry around half-a-tonne of cargo. Power outputs are all around 90hp. Topping the running costs table by a fair margin is the Ford Transit Connect at 28.65 pence per mile, due largely to its excellent residual value. The top performer for leasing rates is the Partner at £245.27 per month, which narrowly beats its twin brother the Berlingo at £246.87.

C itr o Ë n B e r l i n g o L 1

F o r d T r a n s it C o n n e ct 2 0 0 L1

M e rc e d e s - B e n z C it a n 1 0 9

1.6 HDi 90 LX

1.6 TDCi 95

1.5 CDi 90

Monthly leasing price: £246.87 Purchase price: £13,727 Load volume (cu m): 3.3 Fuel costs (ppm): 11.69 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.36 Running costs (ppm): 30.88

Monthly leasing price: £273.00 Purchase price: £14,125 Load volume (cu m): 3.4 Fuel costs (ppm): 10.58 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.92 Running costs (ppm): 28.65

Monthly leasing price: £314.46 Purchase price: £14,790 Load volume (cu m): 3.0 Fuel costs (ppm): 10.14 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.81 Running costs (ppm): 31.10

Our verdict: The current winner of our small van of the year award, the Berlingo is an evergreen performer that is favoured by many fleets. Fuel efficient models return over 60mpg.

Our verdict: This new kid on the block is set to take the sector by storm with its car-like drivability and low running costs. It beats all the others in its early days.

Our verdict: Sharing its underpinnings with the Renault Kangoo and coming off the same production line, the smallest Mercedes-Benz is fast winning friends in fleet.

P e u g e o t P a rt n e r L 1

Ren ault K a ngoo

Volkswagen Caddy

1.6 HDi 90

1.5 dCi 90

1.6 TDI 102 Startline

Monthly leasing price: £245.27 Purchase price: £14,062 Load volume (cu m): 3.3 Fuel costs (ppm): 11.69 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.49 Running costs (ppm): 31.31 Our verdict: As with its twin brother the Citroen Berlingo, the Partner has been around since the mid-1990s. It’s been much improved over the years and offers cost-effective eco versions.

Monthly leasing price: £261.06 Purchase price: £13,895 Load volume (cu m): 3.0 Fuel costs (ppm): 10.14 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.85 Running costs (ppm): 30.26 Our verdict: Despite being basically the same vehicle as the Mercedes-Benz Citan, the Kangoo manages to offer better pence per mile running cost figures thanks to its lower depreciation.

Monthly leasing price: £299.00 Purchase price: £14,375 Load volume (cu m): 3.2 Fuel costs (ppm): 12.56 Maintenance costs (ppm): 2.01 Running costs (ppm): 30.52 Our verdict: The Caddy is among the top performers for build quality and makes it into our table mainly through low depreciation costs. These vans are popular among second users.

fleetnews.co.uk/fleetvan March 2014 31

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Thursday 18 September 2014 The International Centre, Telford