Fleet Car Summer 2021

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Volume 18. No. 1 Summer 2021

INSIDE

SURVEY REPORT: The Evolution of the Company Car Sector

DIRECTORY: Leasing & Fleet Management Company Listing VIEWPOINT: Donning the chauffeur’s cap ELECTROMOBILITY: Volkswagen Group strategy LAUNCH PAD: New car arrivals from Nissan, Cupra, Opel, Volkswagen, Citroën & Audi ON TEST: Audi A6 PHEV, Peugeot 2008 & Opel Zafira Life www.fleetcar.ie plus: News, Book Reviews and lots more!

68 | NEWS I INTRODUCING Performance Elastomers

\\

A CO-DEVELOPED TYRE TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM UNLOCKING A NEW ERA OF SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY \\

UP TO

30

UP TO

%

BETTER WEAR EFFICIENCY

1

6

%

\\

\\

REDUCTION IN ROLLING RESISTANCE

\\ 1

\\

\\ ENABLING TYRES TO DELIVER UNRIVALLED STRENGTH AND

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE WITH NO TRADE-OFFS

\\

EXTENDS DESIGNED 2 TYRE LIFE BY UP TO 30% REDUCTION IN RAW MATERIAL CONSUMPTION LESS TYRE WEAR MATERIAL LOSS IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL EFFICIENCY REDUCED OVERALL 3 CO2 EMISSIONS

1. COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL BRIDGESTONE EMIA SUMMER PRODUCTS 2. WEAR PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN EVALUATED BY BRIDGESTONE’S OUTDOOR TESTS ON 205/55R16 VS REFERENCE BRIDGESTONE CONSUMER SUMMER TYRES 3. CO2 EMISSIONS RELATING TO ROLLING RESISTANCE COEFFICIENT (RRC), WHICH IS MEASURED IN BRIDGESTONE’S INDOOR LABS

Three main players from the tyre industry and science have come together to create TECHSYN, namely tyre manufacturer Bridgestone, synthetic rubber producer ARLANXEO, and Solvay, a leader in Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) manufacturing. In essence, TECHSYN combines chemically optimised synthetic rubber with tailormade silica, to deliver outstanding performance with no trade-offs.

TECHSYN is estimated to enable tyres to achieve up to 30 percent better wear efficiency and reduced rolling resistance by up to six percent, compared to other conventional rubber such as Bridgestone’s EMIA summer products, without compromise in performance areas.

As a result of these improvements, TECHSYN achieves sustainable tyre performance by reducing overall fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and enhancing tread mileage. Ultimately, that results in a tyre that needs to be changed less frequently and reduces the consumption of raw materials in the long-term.

As Bridgestone transforms to become a sustainable solutions company by 2050 the launch of TECHSYN, marks a significant breakthrough on this journey.

Transformed from concept to reality in just 24 months, TECHSYN has the unique ability to balance a tyre’s performance across rolling resistance, wear and wet grip, and can be further adapted to meet varying needs. For example, TECHSYN’s wear advantage can be converted to instead enhance the wet grip of a tyre. The flexibility TECHSYN provides is made possible thanks to Solvay’s unique advanced silica developments, ARLANXEO’s FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

expertise in developing, manufacturing and delivering novel tyre polymers and Bridgestone’s innovative compound technology.

Bridgestone is preparing implementation of TECHSYN for mass production, with various tyre categories and vehicles in mind.

Commenting on the development on an online premiere platform, Laurent Dartoux, President & CEO, Bridgestone EMIA said: “At Bridgestone, we fundamentally believe that ground-breaking innovation and the future of mobility can’t be achieved without collaboration.

The partnership in which TECHSYN is rooted has evolved to become one of the most unique we have ever been part of. As a global leader in advanced solutions and sustainable mobility, we’re moving forward with innovation and sustainability at the core of everything we do at Bridgestone. Through developing environmentally-driven solutions like TECHSYN, we’re making great progress on delivering against that ambition.”

ARLANXEO’s CEO, Donald Chen, also commented: “We at ARLANXEO are committed to delivering outstanding, customer-centric, elastomer solutions.

By bringing together in partnership the combined know-how, skill and creativity of three world-class companies that

TECHSYN is a new, co-developed tyre technology development aimed to deliver higher tread wear, strength and environmental performance. are championing different parts of the tyre supply chain, we have been able to develop a new technology platform that offers new ways to address challenges specific to the tyre industry. TECHSYN enables improved fuel economy and tyre wear properties at the same time, with no performance trade-offs. As a result, tyres made with TECHSYN contribute to reduced CO2 emissions. Therefore

this technology makes a significant contribution to improving environmental aspects, which is at the heart of the shared vision for sustainable product solutions held by the three companies that made it all happen.”

“TECHSYN demonstrates what can be achieved when key actors in the value chain join forces. To protect our one and only planet, we must reinvent, collaborate and co-construct solutions to design tomorrow’s cleaner mobility. I’m proud of all the teams who contributed to this project, in particular the speed with which they brought this innovation to reality,” concluded Dr. Ilham Kadri, Solvay’s CEO. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

ELECTRIC DAYS

New Peugeot e-208, e-2008 and 3008 Hybrid Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit®

-

Semi-Autonomous Driving

-

Low Road Tax

Learn more at peugeot.ie WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for e-208, e-2008 and 3008 PHEV l/100km range from 0-1.4. WLTP combined CO2 emissions (g/km) range from 0-31.

www.fleetcar.ie

70 | NEWS II

Mastertech chooses Ford Lease for major fleet renewal deal Ford Lease, the recently launched competitive, integrated leasing and full fleet management offering has secured a significant contract with Mastertech, one of Ireland’s leading building services and engineering solutions providers.

The Ford Lease agreement, for the supply of a full fleet of some 30 Ford vehicles which includes Transit Custom, Ranger, Kuga Commercial and Focus cars was carried out through main Ford dealer, Spirit Ford in Sandyford, Dublin.

Pictured at the handover of the new fleet of vehicles are Lynn McHugh, Fleet Manager at Spirit Ford, with Paul Kane from Mastertech. Commenting on the deal Lynn McHugh, Fleet Manager at Spirit Ford said: “The Ford Lease offering is a flexible and affordable way for companies to better manage their fleets. It is fully scalable to the needs of the customer whether they want one, two or even 20 vehicles under the deal. The accountants love it because it comes with a set monthly cost over a set period of time and enables the

Lynn McHugh, Fleet Manager at Spirit Ford, with Paul Kane from Mastertech

customer to reduce to a minimum the amount of time any of their vehicles could potentially be off the road due to the unlikely occurrence of breakdown or other mechanical issues. And given that Ford’s fleet of vehicles are leaders in technology in their space, with the latest connected vehicle and fleet management technologies, customers have the reassurance that they are driving the best and most up to date commercial vehicles on the road.”

Paul Kane of behalf of Mastertech added: “We worked with the Spirit Ford team to craft an agreement that, for us, takes much of the work out of running our extensive fleet of commercial vehicles. It is ideal in that our optional service and maintenance

plan means that we do not have the headache of worrying about servicing and maintenance of the vehicles, we are covered for problems such as tyres and general servicing (overall requirements of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test – CVRT), freeing up our team members’ time so that they can focus on meeting the needs of our customers”.

With Ford Lease, Ford Ireland is offering Irish businesses a competitive and integrated one-stop shop for leasing and full fleet management, saving time and money. Ford Lease is targeted at businesses that run a fleet of vehicles, and is provided as a partnership between Ford Credit, Ford’s finance arm, and ALD Automotive (formerly Merrion Fleet).

Continental Tyres helps keep Blood Bikes on the road during Pandemic Pictured are Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres with Fergus Lennon of Blood Bikes Leinster, as Continental Tyres Ireland renews its partnership as support vehicle tyre partner for Blood Bikes Leinster, the east coast chapter of the nationwide Association of Blood Bikes.

Blood Bikes is a registered not-forprofit Irish charity, established by local volunteers, who look after the timely delivery of blood, breast milk and other time-sensitive material to hospitals and medical centres across the country.

FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

Depending totally on public donations and corporate sponsorship, the service is run free of charge for the medical bodies, thanks to the legion of volunteer riders who give their time freely for this life-saving service.

As support vehicle tyre partner to the service, Continental is supplying

its award-winning tyres for use on the Blood Bikes support vehicles, including a 4x4 model, that enables the service to continue operating during even the most arduous of weather conditions.

VIEWPOINT | 71

Reporting from the Front – Matt Fagan, Matt Fagan Chauffeurs

On 10th March 2020, the chauffeur industry in Ireland fell off a cliff, as did 80% of Irish industry. While the Government closed down hairdressers, barbers, cafes, bars and every other small enterprise you can think of, chauffeurs and taxi drivers were allowed to work. However as there was a countrywide lockdown and very few foreign travellers, our business was effectively marooned. The only thing that can breathe life back into our industry is the return of corporate clients and tourists.

Let’s take a step back and look at what exactly makes up the chauffeur industry.

The chauffeur business in Ireland is a very small community largely made up of a series of one-person operations with only a handful of outfits employing five or more staff. This is a niche industry which provides transportation to the business traveller, foreign Government visitors and the tourism sector.

The costs associated with chauffeuring are considerable given that a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the standard bearer for the industry, will set one back around €150,000. To complete the offering, a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, which seats seven people and costs a hefty €80,000, will be required. ‘Not too bad’, you might think, until you realise you will need to upgrade to a fresh vehicle/ registration every 3 years to keep at the sharp end of the game. In fact, many clients and dispatch operators will refuse a vehicle that is three years or older.

These days, the only business phone

call we get from colleagues goes along the lines “Just checking up on you.

How are things? Anything happening?’’

Although we all compete with one another for business there is still a strong bond within the industry and colleagues look out for one another.

Because of having no work, yet still having hefty repayments on vehicles, many chauffeurs have had to innovate to survive. Not surprisingly some switched to the taxi business. Others took to driving buses, some with commercial companies, some with Dublin Bus. The business pivot in our industry has been incredible. I personally know chauffeurs who are working as couriers, suppliers of PPE, providing security transportation, ambulance responders, blood couriers, and even podcasters. One colleague set up the Parcel Concierge to deliver gifts and hampers using a white-glove chauffeur service.

Personally I started to enjoy the break over time, after almost 50 years of work it was a welcome respite. I basked in the beautiful spring sunshine and perhaps added a few inches to the waistline. Getting restless, I started playing chess and gardening but a small suburban garden is no challenge to a man with lots of time on his hands and yes that inevitable restlessness set in.

I too, worked on my web design and social media but honestly, none of it is a substitute for ‘real’ work and I sorely missed the day to day hustle of meeting new people and seeing new places.

A few weeks into lockdown and I got a call from a valued client who asked if I

would drive some security personnel to and from their workplace, and if I could do it in the most Covid-19 safe way. To do this, I kitted out both my vehicles with protective screens, I also invested in a nebuliser and would disinfect the car after each journey. Then with the addition of gloves and a mask, I was back doing what I love best and enjoying every minute of it.

So what does the future for the industry hold? A number of drivers have taken the opportunity to retire.

Others, regrettably, have had to sell their cars and withdraw from the industry completely. Some have put their licences and business in ‘cold storage’ and hope to get back into it in the future. This has all taken place against a background where small chauffeur operators are developing their online and social media presence, upskilling on their tourism offering and planning for a future where we go back to working in the industry we love and cherish.

There is a bigger story to tell into the future about the nature of work and how working from home could become the new norm, reducing our need to travel.

We also need to be aware of the growing importance of environmental issues.

What will the cars of the future look like and what will the response of the chauffeur industry be? We undoubtedly have a responsibility in participating in a sustainable future. These are all pressing issues and I sincerely hope our industry will thrive and begin to address these issues in the new, emerging world.

www.fleetcar.ie

72 | SURVEY

LEASING 2021

The impact of COVID-19 on the fleet/company car sector has been significant, but the industry feels that it has weathered the crisis reasonably well and overall is well placed to move on. That would appear to be the synopsis of feedback from a survey undertaken by Fleet Car amongst leasing and fleet management stakeholders and leading industry participants.

FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

A tough year but Ireland’s Leasing sector set to weather the storm

Last March saw a dramatic change to the ways in which leasing companies and car hire firms operated. For those involved in changing vehicles for customers, comprehensive protocols for sanitation and hygiene had to be quickly implemented. Owners and operators had to adopt their fleet management practices as well. “With many businesses operating from home, we have seen fleet owners investing in fleet management solutions to better monitor their vehicles,” noted a representative of a large leasing company.

Many respondents to the survey noted that there was a significant drop off in business once the initial lockdown occurred, with many leasing company customers finding themselves in a situation where their vehicles were not being used. While there have been some cases of customers seeking to renegotiate contracts, the main impact has been on new business. “It’s mainly been a case of being patient,” said one leasing executive. “Most of our customers who would have been negotiating new deals during the year have been adopting a wait and see policy.”

“We’re seeing clients reluctant to lease new vehicles and are instead opting to extend existing contracts given the current uncertainty,” noted another.

One possible longer term impact

on the sector has been the move to working from home, with a widespread acceptance that this will continue to a greater or lesser extent as and when society reopens. Leasing and fleet management firms are in two minds about this. “Certain sectors will definitely see less of a need for company cars but then again there has been a surge in demand for LCVs, so we see that as being a healthy sector that will continue to grow,” replied one respondent. “I think it will be sector specific,” was another response. “Certainly for some employees who may now be only going into the office one or two days a week, if at all, it’s debatable if a company car is either necessary or makes sense. But overall I don’t anticipate a major change in strategy from customers in the short term.” Another also highlighted the growing LCV market. “Because the delivery sector requires a lot more vans to be able to lift goods and services to people’s address rather than to depots, this is having a very strong impact on demand for vans.”

Brexit Of course, COVID-19 hasn’t been the only major tremor to hit the Irish market in the last year, with the full impacts of Brexit now being felt. With

SURVEY | 73

the importation of used cars from the UK no longer as financially attractive, this has meant that second hand prices of vehicles here are currently strong. That’s a positive for the leasing sector as it is keeping residual values high.

Going Green Fleet Car also asked respondents about whether they were seeing any major shifts away from internal combustion engined cars to electric (EVs) or hybrids. “Certainly it’s something that customers are increasingly asking about,” replied one. “There is a very strong awareness, however reservations remain on whether the vehicles are fully fit for purpose”. “Cost, the charging network and range anxiety remain the concerns

that customers raise with us,” explained another. “We work with them to identify how and where they use their vehicles, and it is notable that in many cases, an EV would perfectly fit their business need”.

“We highlight the benefits to the client of going electric, including the zero rate of BIK (capped at €50,000), no BIK on electricity if the vehicle is charged

at work, the new lower rate of VRT of 7% introduced this year, plus others like low running costs and reduced motorway tolls,” outlined a leasing representative who specialises in EVs. “I think this is a segment of the market that is on the verge of major take-up in the next year or two”.

Interestingly, for companies that do decide to make the leap, there appears to be a trend to go all in with full EVs rather than to choose hybrid alterna

tives. “The inability to claim tax back on petrol is often a factor, also we notice that customers that want to go green want to fully embrace it rather than go in half-heartedly,” observed a respondent to our questions.

Finally, we asked about the future.

With increasingly diversified transport solutions being mooted, and car manufacturers reinventing themselves and mobility solutions providers, does that present interesting opportunities for leasing/fleet management companies?

“Yes, we are looking much more at the whole Car as a Service (CAAS) area that will include products such as PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles), e-scooters or even e-bikes for urban transport needs, which will give our customers much more flexibility in this area.” were the thoughts of one leasing executive.

The company car sector as we know it, could indeed be in for further change in the years ahead.

Text: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie www.fleetcar.ie

74 | DIRECTORY

Car Leasing & Fleet Management Directory

Company Website

Email

Phone

ALD Merrion Fleet

www.merrionfleet.ie

info@merrionfleet.ie

01 206 1118

Avis Fleet Solutions

www.avisfleetsolutions.ie

contact@avisfleetsolutions.ie

01 866 0520

Enterprise Rent-a-Car

www.enterprise.ie

Enterprise-rent-a-car@email.enterprise.com 1890 227 999

Europcar Fleet

www.europcarfleet.ie

businessfleetservices@europcar.ie

01 812 2830

Fleet First

www.fleetfirst.ie

info@fleetfirst.ie

1850 353383

01 4242620

Fleet Options

info@fleetoptions.ie

1850 444 555

Haines Fleet Solutions www.hainesfleet.ie

info@hainesfleet.ie

01 890 7734

HB Dennis Leasing

www.hbdennisleasing.ie

leasing@hbdennisleasing.ie

01 8833200

Hertz

www.hertz.ie

res@hertz.ie

053 915 2500

Joe Duffy Leasing

www.joeduffyleasing.ie

jdl@joeduffy.ie

01 864 7711

Johnson & Perrott Fleet www.jpfleet.ie

info@jpfleet.ie

01 4097575

Leaseplan

customer.care@leaseplan.ie

01 2407600

Sixt Fleet Management www.sixtleasing.ie

info@sixtleasing.com

01 419 8373

www.fleetoptions.ie

www.leaseplan.ie

021 202 1021

01 6012000

Traction Finance

www.tractionfinance.com info@tractionfinance.com

E&OE FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

NEW

BEST CORNERING & STRAIGHT LINE STABILITY 1) 2)

BEST DRY BRAKING 1) 3)

OUTSTANDING WET PERFORMANCE 4)

1) Tests carried out by TÜV SÜD on the request of Bridgestone in July-September 2020 at the facilities Bridgestone EUPG (Italy) for dry and wet tests with Audi S4 3.0 TFSI, on tyre size 245/40 R18. Potenza Sport compared to the performances of main competitors in the same segment: Continental Premium Contact 6, Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, Pirelli P Zero PZ4. Annex Report No. [713190691-PS].

2) Maintain vehicle stability when travelling both in a straight line and through a curve. Straight stability, rating: Bridgestone Potenza Sport (9.33), Continental Premium Contact 6 (9.00), Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (8.67), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (8.67), Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (8.56). Cornering stability, rating: Bridgestone Potenza Sport (9.21), Continental Premium Contact 6 (8.13), Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (8.67), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (8.33), Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (8.58).

3) Shortest braking distance on dry surface. Dry braking distance (100 km/h to 0 km/h), metres: Bridgestone Potenza Sport (33.4), Continental Premium Contact 6 (35.4), Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (34.5), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (35.9), Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (34.8).

4) Awarded EU Label Grade “A” for Wet Grip Index.

For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our website www.bridgestone.ie

www.fleetcar.ie

76 | LAUNCH PAD I

New Nissan Qashqai goes hybrid

The Nissan Qashqai, the car responsible for creating the incredibly popular crossover segment is back for a third bite of the cherry when an all-new version arrives in June.

With over 50,000 Qashqai on Irish roads, interest in the latest model will be keen. Built on an all-new platform,

the new car retains the classic silhouette of its forebears, but is significantly updated with styling bringing it into line with other models in the Nissan family, Notably there won’t be a diesel engine offering this time around instead it’s hybrids all the way. The Qashqai will be launched with a mild hybrid version of the 1.3 D-G-T petrol engine introduced in 2018 with power outputs of 138hp and 156hp, and with

CO2 emissions improved by around 4%. Early next year sees the arrival of e-Power, a 187hp range-extender hybrid where the 1.5-litre engine acts as a generator which charges the battery pack, with the electric motor driving the wheels.

With a wheelbase 19mm longer though overall the Qashqai is 20mm lower than before - the boot space gains an extra 74 litres. The extra wide opening rear doors means that stepping in and out of the car is also less restrictive.

Offered in four trims, the new Qashqai can be pre-ordered now.

Formentor - Cupra’s first standalone model The launch of the Formentor represents an important milestone in the fledging life of Cupra - it’s the Spanish company’s first standalone and unique product offering since the Seat offshoot brand was launched in 2018.

A sporty looking crossover that probably best falls into coupé-SUV sub-category, the Formentor, based on the widely-used Volkswagen Group MQB-Evo platform, is not dissimilar in size to the brand’s Ateca model but is lower and longer. Diesel, petrol and hybrid make up the engine choices,

ranging from a 1.5-litre 150hp to a 2-litre 310hp with 4WD on the petrol side. There’s a brace of 150hp 2.0-litre diesels, but with increasing interesting in hybrids, and offering a range of up to 54km on electric power, the Formentor e-Hybrid is likely to be a popular choice. It combines a 150hp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, a 115hp electric motor and a 13 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery to give total power outputs of 204 and 245hp.

Prices for the Cupra Formentor range

from €37,135 to €64,425. Currently with two dealers in Dublin and one each in Cork and Limerick, Cupra plans to double this number by the end of the year. A feature of the dealerships is a dedicated Cupra specialist that remains the customer’s sole point of contact for both sales and after-sales interactions.

Opel’s new crossover duo

Opel’s renewal under Groupe PSA ownership continues with an all-new Mokka plus an update to the Crossland crossover.

Sharing a platform with the Peugeot 2008 amongst others, the new Mokka FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

(pictured) is a visually appealing compact crossover featuring Opel’s new Vizor styling. Engine wise there’s a choice of petrol or diesels as well as the all-electric Mokka-e which has a range of up to 324km from a 50 kWh battery. A 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine has a power output choice of 100 or 130hp while a 1.5 diesel offers 110hp.

Depending on engine and spec there’s a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto transmissions. Available in SC, SRI and Elite trims, prices start from €23,295

The similarly sized but more MPV-based Crossland gets a fairly minor update with the highlight being that new Opel Vizor front face giving it a more SUV appearance than before. Its selling point remains its practicality, offering more headroom and legroom than the Mokka and easy access to the rear.

Engine choices are a 1.2, 83hp stop start petrol, a 1.2, 130bhp turbo stop start petrol with 6-speed automatic, a 1.5, 110bhp turbo stop start diesel and a 1.5, 120bhp turbo stop start diesel.

Offered in SC, SRi and Elite trims, prices range from €22,395 to €25,395.

LAUNCH PAD II | 77

Second of the Volkswagen ID family goes on sale

Volkswagen’s electric revolution continues with the arrival in Ireland of the ID.4. Following hot on the heels of the family hatchback sized ID.3, the crossover SUV which is similar in size to the brand’s Tiguan model (albeit more spacious inside), looks set to be a best seller in the rapidly expanding EV

market.

While pre-order 1st Editions now being delivered to customers, regular series models come with a choice of two battery sizes. A 52 kWh battery in the ID.4 City and Style specs gives a range of up to 343km via a 148PS electric motor. The bigger 77 kWh battery used in the Life, Business, Family, Tech and Max versions as well as the two 1st Edition trims will provide up to 519km

from the 204PS motor. The smaller battery can accept up to 100 kW DC charging with up to 125 kW possible on the 77 kWh unit, meaning potential fast charging to around 80% from empty in under 40 minutes.

Notable features on offer include a LED Matrix IQ-Light system that uses 18 individual LEDs, Area View which gives a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, and Travel Assist, a development of autonomous driving combining longitudinal and lateral vehicle controls. A sporty GTX version is also set to join the line-up. Prices (after Government grants) start from €34,436 for the ID.4 City up to €57,810 for the ID.4 Max.

Citroën keeps the D-Segment flag flying Citroën has launched an all-new flagship C5 X model which, it says “combines the elegance of a saloon, dynamism of an estate and the elevated stance of an SUV”. Available in petrol and plug-in hybrid, it will go on sale in Ireland in early 2022.

Although offering a higher stance than traditional D-Segment offerings, the C5 X bears closer resemblance to an estate than an SUV. Space and practicality are key selling points, with an easy opening tailgate, wide loading area and boot space of 545 litres which increases to

1,640 litres when the rear seats are folded down. A long wheelbase of 2,785 mm provides generous interior space, while Advanced Comfort seating and Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension ensures that the traditional Citroën strength of passenger opulence is well catered for.

Details of the petrol engine haven’t been confirmed, but the Plug-in Hybrid version will deliver 225 hp using a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 13.2 kWh battery, giving a driving range of about 50 km in full electric mode.

Other new models on the way from Citroën include an all new C4 and ë-C4, the C5 Aircross PHEV as well as facelifted C3 and C3 Aircross models.

Audi’s all-electric SUV

With prices starting from a competitive €41,465 (after Government grants), the new all-electric Q4 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback e-tron will be important players for Audi in the move towards a low emissions future.

Set to arrive in Ireland in June, the

Text: Cathal Doyle –cathal@fleet.ie

regular SUV styled Q4 e-tron and more sporty coupé-esque Q4 Sportback e-tron will be offered with a choice of three power outputs as well rear-wheel and 4WD choices. The Q4 35 e-tron comes with 52 kWh battery giving a range of up to 349km. The middle range Q4 40 e-tron will eke out up to 511km from its 77 kWh battery while also allowing fast DC charging of up to 125kW compare to max of 100kW for the Q3 35. Topping the range is the Q4 50

e-tron. It gets an extra electric motor that powers the front wheels, but because it uses the same 77 kWh battery as the Q4 40, its range is under 500km, albeit it is faster.

The absence of a transmission tunnel helps the Q4 to feel particularly spacious inside, while boot space of 535/1,490 litres ensures it is practical as well. The cabin uses features of the e-tron GT including a large central double display touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver. A unique steering wheel and a high seat upholstery using recycled polyester for the S line interior are other notables. www.fleetcar.ie

78 | TEST I

Tested: Audi A6 50 TFSI e S line quattro

If and when there is going to be a significant shift away from diesel as the preferred choice of fleet customers, then it’s cars like this Audi A6 plug-in hybrid that will be driving the change.

Long a favourite of executives and managers, the addition of electric power adds a significant strength to the A6’s already formidable arsenal.

Certainly the figures on paper look appealing. The A6 50 TFSI e combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 299PS and 450Nm of torque. Electric power is stored via a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery which is enough to give over 60km of driving on pure electric power according to WLTP measurements.

Charging via a three pin plug will take around 7 hours.

At a glance it’s pretty indistinguishable from regular A6s apart from the badge. The biggest comprise is in the boot where fitting the batteries means space is down to 360 litres compared to 530 litres.

Not much is different in the cabin either, where the A6 is the usual paragon of excellence - Audi interiors continue to remain benchmarks even as other manufacturers up their game. The digital display includes a range display and power meter, but otherwise it’s the familiar ergonomic friendly layout one FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

braking on lift-off doesn’t feel particularly strong compared to other hybrids, in fact you need to actually tap the brakes before it seems to activate properly.

Official WLTP fuel consumption figures for hybrids in particular mean little - there’s no way you’re going to achieve the stated 1.2 l/100/km unless all your journeys are on electric power

finds in petrol and diesel cars.

From the driving perspective one gets the usual Audi drive modes, but in addition one can select between options within the hybrid system - namely EV mode, Hybrid Auto and Hybrid Hold.

Hybrid Auto is the default setting as it juggles between the electric and petrol power outputs depending on need and/or battery charge. If wanting to really use the electric power in the most efficient way, by setting the sat-nav to the destination the system works out the optimum times to use battery power.

There’s something of a Jekyll and Hyde character to powerful hybrid cars like this in that on one hand you’re encouraged to drive as gently as possible to eke out the maximum electric range, - but as an indication, the 5.8 l/100km but on the other if you do decide to put achieved in a week that included long the foot to the floor, you’re rewarded distance and short runs compares fairly with an almighty surge of acceleration well with what you might expect from as petrol engine and electric motor a diesel A6, and shouldn’t frighten the combine. Capable of hitting 100 km/h company accountant too much. from rest in just 5.5 seconds, the A6 50 The Audi A6 is a very appealing TFSI e can certainly cover ground rapidly. luxury saloon and it’s easy to see why it’s Not that you will necessarily be a favourite amongst business executives. encouraged to on twisty roads due to Adding hybrid power takes nothing a rather un-involving steering that’s away from this appeal. With competitive lacking in feedback to the driver. The running costs, particularly if used in extra 300kg over regular models doesn’t urban environments, and projecting help in this respect either. Instead the A6 the right green image, we can see it is at its best as a relaxed cruiser, offering becoming an increasingly attractive quiet, indeed almost silent progression option for company car buyers. whether in electric or petrol mode.

The electric motor is integrated Spec Check in the seven-speed Make/Model Audi A6 50 TFSI e S line quattro twin-clutch transPrice as tested €74,608 (2020 pricing) mission meaning that even when Price range for A6 saloon €59,600 - €75,608 (2020 pricing) driving on electric Engine Power / Torque 299PS / 450Nm power you can Official Fuel Consumption 1.2 l/100km / 235.4mpg change gear manually via the CO2 emissions (WLTP) 36g/km paddle shifts.

Annual Road Tax €140 The regenerative Text: Cathal Doyle –cathal@fleet.ie

TEST II | 79

Tested: Peugeot 2008 GT 1.2 Puretech

If the original Peugeot 2008 was a worthy if somewhat uninspiring contender among the massed ranks of compact crossover SUVs, the new generation model is a much more confident looking and appealing proposition. And with the options of petrol, diesel or electric power, it’s certainly ticking the boxes on the powertrain front to meet the needs of a diverse buying public.

Visually it’s one of the more aesthetically pleasing options out there in a field that does tend to produce rather identikit looking rivals. The prominent grille, and Peugeot’s signature lighting cues combine with the well balanced proportions to produce a car with substantial presence. It’s not a trick of the eyesight either - at 3cm wider, and a substantial 14cm longer than before, it’s on a par size wise with many competitors from the larger C-SUV category. The boot also offers a useful 434 litres, 10 more than the old car.

Passengers are pretty well catered for space wise, with no issues for those in the front. In the back there’s good head room, and if legroom is a little on the compact side, most adults will be comfortable enough. Putting in a baby’s travel seat also doesn’t present too much of a challenge. One noticeable feature

compact steering wheel that’s on all Peugeots these days, and full size ones seem increasingly clumsy for a while after.

The 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine provides willing performance aided by an acoustically enhanced thrum that’s particularly noticeable at start up. The 8-speed auto gearbox hits the mark with accurate and quick changes, though we found that it stayed in a lower gear than was comfortable in Sport mode.

is that the door sill rather high - if you are restricted in your leg movement, it’s quite a lift up getting in or out, something that may concern older, less mobile buyers.

The cabin reflects Peugeot’s ambitions to move upmarket and can compare well with offerings from any of the premium brands.

The wrap-around styling gives a cockpit like feel, and the mix of touchscreen and physical buttons works well - though it does take time to instinctively learn what button to reach for. Another nice feature is the optional 3D display - at a time when every manufacturer is offering digital screens, it’s got a wow factor while giving all the necessary information needed.

Fuel consumption was difficult to judge The most recent COVID-19 lockdown while testing due to the amount of stop meant a longer time than usual was start driving undertaken, but we’d expect spent with this car (albeit journeys were somewhere between 7.0 - 6.0 l/100km invariably short), and it’s fair to say that (40-47mpg) in more normal usage. it’s one that grew on me the longer Most buyers will likely opt for one of on board. Notably, unlike so many of the slightly lower specified 2008s, but the crossover breed, it’s actually quite stretch the wallet a little and you get a rewarding to drive. Granted, this test pretty appealing compact crossover. It car was the sporty GT model, but that’s certainly would be at the top of my list if a relative term - don’t expect pure hot I were in the market for such a car. hatch performance from the 155PS engine (there’s also Spec Check a 130PS version Make/Model Peugeot 2008 GT 1.2 Puretech in the same trim).

155bhp Auto What you do get though is a Price as tested €35,195 well-balanced and Price range for 2008 model €24,990 - €37,430 nicely handling Engine Power / Torque 155PS / 240Nm car with minimal body roll for its Official Fuel Consumption 5.0 l/100km / 56.5mpg height, and decently CO2 emissions (WLTP) 141g/km weighted steering.

Tax Band/ / Annual Road Tax C1 / €270 Incidentally, get used to that Text: Cathal Doyle –cathal@fleet.ie

www.fleetcar.ie

80 | TEST III

Tested: Opel Zafira Life Elite

MPVs – Multi-Purpose Vehicles, once a most popular family car segment, suddenly lost their way with the emergence of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). ‘More is the pity’, as many former owners have since said. At one time, all of the major auto brands had a 7-seat MPV in their line-ups, but over time these have been gradually phased out, making way for the more trendy SUVs. Where the brands have tried to encompass the MPV customer base with 7-seat options of their flagship full-sized Sports Utilities, they have by and large been a disappointment.

Especially so when it comes to lack of legroom on the third row of seats and more particularly, luggage space.

While Ford continues to fly the MPV flag by offering the S-Max and Galaxy MPVs, other manufacturers have taken a different route towards providing more

than adequate room for growing families and their needs.

One interesting alternative is offered

by Opel. Back in 2019, it premiered the Zafira Life at the Brussels Motor Show.

Based on the multi-award winning Vivaro light commercial vehicle, its shape lends itself well to today’s family requirements.

Many will be familiar to the Zafira name as originally it was a very successful medium to large MPV produced from FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

1999 to 2019. Before then, Opel had a larger Sintra, which, although roomy, had limited appeal.

With the new Zafira, Opel has moved the class more upmarket, transforming the people carrier version of the Vivaro into a high quality, well kitted out multi-purpose vehicle with top levels of comfort, technology and safety items as standard. Available in six, seven or eight seater versions, flexibility is the name of the game here with multi-adjustable seating arrangements to accommodate long legs, bulky loads, pets, sports equipment etc., and even allowing for social distancing, if required. For example, the rear facing twin seats on the second row can be folded down and repositioned in numerous ways, while the third row also folds down and slides forward in a two-third sectioned format that opens up a huge storage area, accessible from the large rear tailgate.

Actually, the rear seats can be completely removed, providing up to 3.4m3 of load space. Storage for smaller items is also plentiful around the vehicle, with deep pockets on the doors, for instance. For office work, homework or other screen linked activity, connectivity power is assured with 12 volt sockets in all three rows of seats.

Even though it is derived from the Vivaro van, this does not prove a hindrance of any kind. Measuring at just under 1.90m high, Zafira Life can therefore be driven into normal underground multi-story car parks or express lane toll booths. As expected with today’s cars, a whole host of safety and comfort items are fitted, as outlined on the list below.

Bringing life to the Zafira Life is a 2.0-litre 150hp/370Nm 4-cylinder Euro 6D diesel mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. On the road it proved itself more than adequate, no matter how many persons were carried or loads packed-in. All travel smoothly on the even surfaces of motorways and

primary routes. However on rougher secondary roads, a little harshness can be felt coming up through the wheels, suspension and steering. No fault of the vehicle, it probably makes it more durable and proves its solid build quality. It’s a competent vehicle, made for everyday movements and activities, without any shortcomings. Priced on average €10,000 more or less expensive than a similarly specified Ford Galaxy but for the additional money, the customer gets more car, more space, more accommodation and additional multi-purpose use. After all, that is what it is made for!

Standard Zafira Life Elite features include: Electrical operation of sliding side-access doors Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment unit with 3D satellite navigation system and 7-inch colour touchscreen USB facility and smartphone projection Head-up display Leather interior with heated front seats and massage facility Dual-zone electronic climate control Automatic parking heater Rear-view camera Front and rear parking distance sensors Side blind spot alert Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers Xenon headlights High-beam assist Electrically folding door mirrors Panoramic glass roof Curtain airbags for second- and third-row passengers Tailgate with separate opening rear window Keyless open and start 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

ELECTROMOBILITY | 81

Volkswagen’s technology roadmap for the future

Moving to a more environmentally friendly world isn’t just a case of us all deciding to buy electric cars and vans. As is well documented, the infrastructure to support these vehicles, from resourcing the rare materials needed to make batteries, to the installation of sufficient charging points, to being able to generate enough electricity to power them is presenting a significant challenge across the globe.

Vehicle manufacturers are well aware of these challenges, with many of them diverging into fields previously beyond their areas of expertise as their focus moves increasingly away from the traditional internal combustion engine model.

Volkswagen is embracing the electric future more enthusiastically than most, and the brand recently gave us an insight into the steps it is taking to ensure the entire product cycle is sustainable. Its technology roadmap includes reducing the

complexity and cost of batteries as well as producing its own batteries, working with energy companies to expand the public fast-charging network, and making the car itself part of the energy system.

“E-mobility has become core business for us. We are now systematically integrating additional stages in the value chain. We secure a long-term pole position in the race for the best battery and best customer experience in the age of zero emission mobility”, said Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group.

On the battery front, Volkswagen has announced that it will be launching EVs with unified cell technology from 2023. Unified cell batteries use the same physical pack formats but have different chemistry make-ups inside. Their main advantage is that they are cheaper and less complex to produce, while increasing range and performance. Volkswagen expects that by 2030, 80% of all electric vehicles in the wider Group will be using this technology, with industry analysts suggesting that battery costs in entry level EVs could be as much as 50% cheaper than today.

Another key initiative is for the vehicle manufacturer to take control of its own battery production. “Together with partners, we want to have a total of six cell factories up and running in Europe by 2030 thus guaranteeing security of supply”, explained Thomas Schmall, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group for Technology, & CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

One gigafactory in Salzgitter in Germany is already in production, with another in Skellefteå in Sweden under development from where it will concentrate production of its premium cells in collaboration with Northvolt from 2023. The gigafactory in Salzgitter will produce the unified cell for the high-volume segment from 2025.

A fast-charging public network is a necessity for widespread use of EVs to become a reality. Volkswagen is already part of the IONITY joint-venture with other car manufacturers that is installing fast chargers across Europe, but it has announced additional collaborations with three energy partners that will see it investing around €400 million to operate about 18,000 public fast-charging points in Europe by 2025. Partnering with BP and ARAL, around 4,000 150 kW chargers will be installed at service stations mainly in the UK and Germany. In Spain it will cover main traffic routes with Iberdrola, while in Italy it wants to collaborate with Enel to establish a fast-charging network both along motorways and in urban areas.

The final part of its roadmap to the future is integrating the car into the ecosystem. From next year, Volkswagen will have models based on its MEB platform that make the electric car part of the energy system by enabling allow green electricity from the solar energy system to be stored in the vehicle and fed back into the home network if needed.

Text: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie

www.fleetcar.ie

82 | READING MATTERS

LCV BUYERS’ GUIDE 2021 | Formula 1 Car by CarPSA1990-99

7

By Peter Higham – Published by EVRO Publishing - £50.00 ISBN: 978-1-910505-62-5

Today’s Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix circus differs greatly from that of the 1990s, an era at its peak in terms of competing teams, high performing drivers and strong personalities within each team. Some long standing manufacturers names still exist, notably Ferrari, McLaren and Williams, while others have since been taken over, renamed or have exited stage left and into obscurity.

To record any decade of activity within Formula One history takes huge amounts of time, effort and resources so it is hats off to Peter Higham on producing this fine hardback - Formula 1 Car by Car 1990-99, from EVRO Publishing, which provides all the information needed and more

in an intriguing manner. As the record of each season is rolled out chapter by chapter, the big names in the business feature prominently, with names such as Senna, Mansell, Prost, Schumacher, Hill, Villeneuve and Hakkinen all claiming drivers’ titles during that period. The seriously competitive nature in the drivers’ championships was not all that was talked about.

In 1990, for example, there were 35 cars vying for the starting grid, a far cry from recent years where just 20 cars (10 teams) compete, meaning no pre-qualifying sessions are necessary.

While the era saw many technical innovations, safety concerns were also much to the fore, as serious crashes led to tragedy on the tracks with Ayrton Senna and Roland Razenberger dying from accidents in Imola in 1994.

Peter’s book provided a great insight to another interesting aspect of the packed paddock back then - the many and varied teams taking part. As mentioned, Ferrari, McLaren and Williams still remain, while the likes of Benetton is now Alpine F1 and Tyrrell Racing is under Red Bull ownership and is now Alpha Tauri. Remember Brabham, Larousse (Lola), Ligier, Osella,

Dallara, AGS, Eurobrun, Onyx, Coloni and Life? Well, they all added colour to the circuit venues used around the world but are no more.

1991 will probably be the best remembered by Irish fans as the year that Eddie Jordan entered F1 with his Jordan Grand Prix Team and the stunning 7Up sponsored Jordan-Ford 191, after years paving a path to motorsport’s pinnacle with success in feeder series. It not only marks a major milestone after fourteen years of ups and downs for the Dublin native’s squad, but also introduced Michael Schumacher to the leading single-seater race category, a sport he was set to dominate for many seasons to follow.

The beauty of this book is not only the excellently described narrative but the crispness of the 550 photos that accompany in-depth information on each race, team and driver. Such is the detail of the content that the Index section takes up 5 pages within the 304 pages alone.

This latest instalment is Evro’s decade-by-decade series covering all Formula 1 cars and teams is well worth a read and a worthy reference point for many years to come. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

Morris Cars – 1948 to 1984 – A Pictorial History by Ray Newell Published by Veloce – www.veloce.co.uk £16.99 + P&P – ISBN 978-1-787110-55-7 Reading this book, I confess I never realised that there were so many commercial variants of Morris cars produced in the brand’s heyday. Thanks to Ray Newell’s Morris Cars – 1948 to 1984 – A Pictorial History recently issued

by Veloce Publishing, information about these numerous car derived business versions is meticulously documented alongside such popular and niche models as the Morris Mini, Morris Minor, Morris Oxford and even the Moke, together with the latter day Marina before the British brand was eventually phased out in the mid-eighties.

On page 8 of this 146 page softback there is a stand out photo of the first and last Morris cars produced – a 1913 Bullnose and a 1984 Morris Ital, taken to mark the centenary of the founding of the famed and Cowley based brand in 1912.

This is just one of a total of 425 colour photos featured, many showing unique FLEETCAR | SUMMER 2021

aspects of each model made along with detailed specifications. Information on the design origins of individual models is noteworthy in that collaborations with leading names in the business (mostly Italian) added credibility to the marque, particularly to export markets.

Although under British Leyland ownership in its latter years, whereby some of its models were ‘retired’ and others rebadged, Morris still holds great affection amongst the vintage and classic car enthusiasts.

After decades of hibernation, the Morris brand has been revived following the acquisition of the trade name by Chinese automotive company SAIC (which also took over LDV Maxus) in recent years.

It has revealed an electric powered Morris Commercial JE van (based on the 1949 Morris J type van) concept, with the plan

to produce it in England alongside Pick-up and Minibus versions.

Snapshots of an historical and pictorial nature for every Morris car and Commercial are well researched and presented in the book while the Index section at the end records the years they were produced along with the page numbers where they are featured.

Probably the most poignant photo was the sporty Morris 1800/2200, which had a short life in its original guise. Just 6 months after it was launched it was renamed the Austin Princess, following restructuring at its parent company British Leyland.

Other titles from the author (also published by Veloce) include Morris Minor – 70 years on the Road and The Essential Buyer’s Guide – Morris Minor & 1100 – 1952 to 1971.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Logistics and is the first of the industry - led programmes to be delivered by Technological University Dublin and Munster Technological University.

BENEFITS FOR APPRENTICES • Level 6 Award ‘Higher Certificate in Logistics’ • Internationally Recognised Qualification • ‘Earn as you Learn’ • Personal Development • Excellent Career Opportunities • Getting Third Level Education • Gaining valuable ‘on the job experience’

BENEFIT OF RECRUITING APPRENTICES FOR EMPLOYERS • Suitably skilled recruits • Upskilling existing workforce • Attracting new people to the freight distribution and logistics sector • Develop internal agencies • Build loyalty and reduce staff turnover • Help with succession planning • The programme is built around workrelated experience and work specific projects

i MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE A GRADE H7/O6 OR ABOVE IN FIVE LEAVING CERTIFICATE (OR EQUIVALENT) SUBJECTS. ELIGIBILITY VIA RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) THE COORDINATING TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROVIDERS FOR THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME ARE TU DUBLIN AND MTU. THE LEAD PROPOSER IS FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION IRELAND (FTAI).

Irish International Freight Association

@LogisticsAssoc1

01 844 7516

info@laa.ie

www.fleetcar.ie

www.laa.ie

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