Fleet World April 2013

April 2013

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

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ZOE! Renault redefines the EV with its brilliant supermini

on a Budget

pure class

risky business

What the Chancellor’s latest means for you

Merc CLA launches with high hopes

Is online risk profiling a gimmick?

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contents 14

What we learnt at Geneva...

April 2013

44

FLEETW RLD

How it affects your fleet

All that matters in the world of fleet

INSIDE

NEW LOOK Blue Microphones

ZOE! Renault redefines the EV with its brilliant supermini

on a Budget

pure class

risky business

What the Chancellor’s latest means for you

Merc CLA launches with high hopes

Is online risk profiling a gimmick?

Tiki

erce d es e n

g t flee e k

CLA

Price:

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Dual Power

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PLUS! SHOWGUIDE included inside

fleetworld.co.uk

28

Publisher Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

New Mercedes-Benz CLA opens up a new market for compact saloon-coupes

Deputy Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Motoring Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editorial Assistant Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor John Kendall john@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Luke Durkin durks@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

48

Is online profiling a miracle cure for fleet driver risk?

64

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Rewind the clock to 1987 when Sierra was king of the repmobiles

Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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76

SsangYong’s Korando CSX lcv delivers, on and off-road

P.T.O. fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview Fuel duty postponed, EV tax sorted out, a massive fleet show to organise and a new look magazine.

It’s been a busy month, says editor Steve Moody.

Another fuel duty freeze no surprise So, the Chancellor has announced another postponement of the rise in fuel duty. Not really surprising, considering the dropping of the fuel duty hike is becoming a predictable, regular occurrence.

Firstly, everyone gets a bit uppity and starts calculating how much it’s going to cost businesses. Then somebody from the incumbent Government (this charade has been going on a while) states that with budgets squeezed the only right and proper thing to do is postpone. We all sigh with relief, and wait until the next time.

The truth is that the political hit of keeping the rise in place will be huge – the price of fuel is one of the simplest signifiers people have of how well-off, or not, they are, and how fiercely the Government is taking money off them. So, when they finally don’t postpone it, you can be sure we are in big economic trouble.

EV tax sorted out It was a fairly routine Budget for fleets, but it was good nevertheless to see the Government has u-turned on the daft BiK plans to tax zero emission EVs at 13% from 2015. That made no sense in the context of the emissions-based set-up we currently have, and would have been a serious hurdle for this nascent market to overcome. It shouldn’t be zero though as it once was – an EV as a company car is still a benefit, irrespective of its emissions, especially if you’re driving the brilliant new ZOE, which I got a taste of this month.

Now it’s settled at 5%, which is about right.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

I

don’t think it’s remotely surprising that research by TomTom Business Solutions, found 46% of drivers have over-estimated their mileage when claiming expenses, with 35% doing so regularly.

Anyone who knows anyone who drives for business will have heard tales of glee when being able to bung a few more miles onto a trip.

It’s like free money. And in these days of salary freezes and inflation, a lot of employees would no doubt be tempted. It’s one of those little inconspicuous frauds that seems to have become an intrinsic part of business life.

Our new magazine We hope you like the freshly designed Fleet World, which is packed with more information, more opinion and features than ever before. We have a vast wealth of news on the website, and sent out digitally, but the magazine continues to grow and explore exciting new areas and interesting ways of doing things. We’d love to hear your feedback.

24th April – Showtime!!

Are you coming to the Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone at the end of the month? There will be lots of interesting people to talk to and cars to drive, including the stunning new Jaguar F-Type, Merc CLA, DS3 Cabrio, Infiniti Q50, and hot-laps around Silverstone’s full Grand Prix circuit, because everyone needs some fun among the serious work.

Turn over the magazine for the Showguide, and see you there!!!

for all the latest daily news, visit fleetworld.co.uk

Ford NEWS Awards flood in for Ford Transit Custom FORD’s market-leading commercial vehicles picked up an unprecedented six trophies at the third annual VansA2Z awards. The five accolades were topped with the Ford Transit Custom named overall Van of the Year 2013.

The all-new Ford Transit Custom was also named Best Small Panel Van and won the award for Best Innovation thanks to its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – the first vehicle in its segment to achieve five stars.

Ford Transit was Best Minibus for the third year running, and the frugal new Fiesta Van – which accounts more than 60 per cent of its segment sales – was crowned Best Small Van. Ford Ranger, International Pick-up of the Year 2013, was highly commended.

Awards judge Neil McIntee, said: “Ford has raised the bar to new heights with the introduction of Transit Custom. In terms of dynamics, refinement, safety and clever, functional design features, it is untouchable.”

Receiving the awards, Ford’s commercial vehicles chief designer, Paul Campbell, pointed out the modern aesthetics, innovative design features and latest high-tech, low-CO2 powertrains of the latest Ford commercial vehicles.

He added: “With new and exciting products still to come by 2014, Ford will continue to lead the competition.”

The Ford Transit Custom, International Van of the Year 2013, has sold more than 1,100 units since November 2012.

• Ford claimed a double victory in the 2013 Trade Van Driver Awards, with the Ford Transit Custom Best Medium van and Ford Ranger Best 4x4 Truck.

inbrief

Ford takes centre stage at 2013 CV Show FORD’s superb commercial vehicle range took centre stage this month at the International CV Show at the NEC, Birmingham, including the Transit Custom, International van of the Year 2013, and the worldwide debut of the all-new Ford Transit Courier.

Long wheelbase and short wheelbase versions of the Transit Connect were seen together for the first time in Britain, alongside the Ford Ranger; fleet customers were also able to see the new high roof version of the Transit Custom.

Also included in the most comprehensive line-up of Ford commercial vehicles ever seen was the upcoming Transit twotonne model, Transit chassis cabs and the Fiesta van.

Fleets were also able to learn more about Transit24, which offers guaranteed and consistent aftersales service from Ford’s nationwide network of Transit24 dealers.

Tourneo line-up continues product-led transformation FORD is continuing to accelerate its product-led transformation in Europe with a range of new generation Tourneo people-movers with from five to nine seats. The Tourneo line up features smart, spacious interiors that provide outstanding flexibility and comfort, efficient powertrains that target best-in-class fuel efficiency and the latest Ford car technologies – including voice-activated, in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC. The seven-seat Grand Tourneo Connect made its European debut at the Geneva motor show, displayed alongside the five-seat Tourneo Connect.

They will join the Tourneo Custom, launched last year, which delivers ultimate space and versatility, offering accommodation for up to nine occupants and their luggage. This new model broke new ground in its segment as the first vehicle to achieve the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The Tourneo Custom offers latest vehicle technologies including SYNC, Rear View Camera, Speed Limiter, Auto High Beam and Driver Alert.

For further information on any vehicle in the Ford range please contact the Ford Business Centre on 08457 23 23 23, email info@fordfleet.co.uk, or visit www.ford.co.uk/fordfleet

Ford News Feature // 05

inbusiness

Diesel shortages threaten price hikes L

ack of refining capability in the UK is threatening to push diesel prices to even higher levels, a report has warned.

According to research by the RAC Foundation and Deloitte in its UK Fuel Market Review 2013, the huge uptake in diesel in the last decade, especially by fleets, and the reduction in the number of refineries, has led to a need for more imported fuel, which the foundation has called a “potential time bomb”.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: ‘We are becoming more dependent on international markets and foreign suppliers to keep the nation moving. Not only are our North Sea oil reserves being depleted, our ageing refineries are not configured to produce the quantity of diesel we use.

‘As the global economies recover we will be competing with emerging nations like India and China for scarce resources. Diesels now account for half of all new car sales.

The consequences of a major disruption to supply would be enormous.’

In 2001 the UK’s high oil production meant 40% was exported, while in 2011, 32% had to be imported. A decade ago the UK had nine refineries, but since then two have closed and six are up for sale.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change predicted late last year that the price of crude oil could rise by as much as $25 a barrel in the next 10 years. Combined with these pressures in the UK, it seems fleets are faced with ever-higher prices.

Deloitte added: ‘Fuel prices in the UK have grown more than threefold since 1990.

Between 1990 and 2000, the main reason for the increase in fuel prices was the growth in fuel taxes. From 2000, growth in international crude oil prices has principally driven the increase in UK pump prices.’

FACT FILE Oil prices could increase by $25 a barrel by 2022 There are now 8.7 million diesel cars in the UK 32% of our diesel has to be imported Only 7 refineries left, with six of them for sale

fleetweet a few soundbites from a month in fleet

@ au_tom_otive (Tom Callow, account manager, Automotive PR)

FACT: number of petrol cars sold in UK in 2012 was almost exactly half the number sold in 2002 (source @SMMT).

@rorylumsdon (Rory Lumsdon, PR manager, Volkswagen UK)

Not quite a direct comparison, but the #VW #XL1 emits 21g/km of CO2 - the same amount as an adult cyclist.

@jornmadslien (Jorn Madslien, features editor, BBC News)

Petrol now 13p per litre cheaper than it would have been had the fuel duty not been frozen over last two years Chancellor says #BBC Budget.

@MartinW_CAP (Martin Ward, manufacturer relationship manager, CAP)

Live from Lisbon – ZOE is certainly best EV so far, as a drivers car it does everything right. Clever technology, Well put together, V quiet.

@SiimKallasEU (Siim Kallas, european commisioner for transport)

2012 was a landmark year for European road safety, lowest ever number of road deaths recorded, – 9 per cent, meaning 3000 lives were saved.

ProFleet2 One day, everyone will expect to have this information

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

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inbusiness

Relationship management The partnership between carmakers and their dealers is delicate but when it is balanced the winners should be customers, reports Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader.

T

he working relationship between dealers and manufacturers can run the gamut from good and bad through to downright ugly. While both sides know the way to get the best out of each other is through mutual respect, trust and candour, like any relationship, this is not always the case and it can impact on key clients, especially fleet customers.

The dynamics which tend to characterise these relationships are dependent on many factors. How long they’ve been together, how freshly churned the product line-up is, the desirability of the cars and what the return on investment being some.

A recent tour of an Infiniti dealer in Orlando, Florida, reminded me just how different these relationships can be. In the US the dealer is king and manufacturers know it.

By and large they do not impose hugely onerous corporate identity programmes dictating the minutiae of the shading of the floor tiles and brand of soap in the loos.

Infiniti Orlando is a phenomenally successful business, owned and run by an expatriate Brit called Peter Wilson, with annual sales in the region of 950 units; that's virtually double the volume achieved last year by Infiniti in the UK! Step inside the showroom and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered a boutique hotel by mistake.

There’s expensive looking artwork hanging from the walls, you're greeted by a polite receptionist behind a desk who will address you by your surname: the word “hi” is prohibited.

The business is a success because Wilson has carte blanche in the look and feel of the site and how he wants

FIN 50% fleet in numbers

SOURCE: RAM Tracking

Increase in driver journey times during morning rush hour.

08 / fleetworld.co.uk

to run processes and systems. Brand signage inside the dealership is minimal and cars are almost incidental exhibits. The focus is on creating a non-sales environment in which well-heeled customers feel comfortable. It works.

‘I hate the car business,’ he half jokes. ‘I'm in the service business and I’m given room to manoeuvre by the manufacturer,’ he said.

Meanwhile, back in the UK dealers have recently been polled by the National Franchised Dealers Association on exactly what they think of the car brands they represent.

The timing is interesting because from May this year EU rules, known as the Block Exemption Regulation, which have provided guidelines on how the dealer-manufacturer relationship should work, mostly in the carmaker’s favour, are set to be removed for good.

So which car brands are the most valued in the UK? Top of the bunch was Land Rover, – hardly surprising after the huge company car and retail success of the Range Rover Evoque – followed by BMW, Kia, MINI and Audi.

Meanwhile the least valued were Alfa Romeo, Renault, Mitsubishi, Subaru and SEAT. However, this survey showed two-thirds of dealers are happier with their carmaker partners than last year.

Talking to dealers and manufacturers, the reasons behind this rapprochement are clear. Both are emerging from a tough recessionary period and are seeing year on year car sales on the rise, helped by carmakers making an extra effort to deliver good low cost finance packages to entice consumers and businesses back. Let's hope this particular second honeymoon continues.

nearly half (46%) Number of UK business drivers admitting to submitting false mileage claims.

SOURCE: TomTom Business Solutions

£56bn

Cost to SMEs of potholes through reduced productivity, increased fuel consumption, damage to vehicles, and delayed deliveries.

SOURCE: Asphalt Alliance Industry

Air FORCE Compressed nitrogen could provide emissions-free propulsion in PeugeotCitroen’s innovative new petrol-air hybrids.

how it works

when will it be here?

PSA reckons it could be production ready by 2016.

what is it?

HYbrid Air combines PSA's latest generation three-cylinder petrol engine with a hydraulic unit, supplied by two air tanks under the floorpan. The system stores energy as compressed air, instead of electricity as in most hybrids, which is used to drive the hydraulic motor either independently or in tandem with the engine.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

As the nitrogen in the air tank expands, it displaces oil which is used to drive the hydraulic motor. This can be used to power the wheels with the engine turned off, and no fuel being burnt.

The tank is either refilled using energy from the petrol engine to drive the pump or during deceleration, where the resistance of the air being compressed is used to slow the car. A full refill takes ten seconds.

the claims Urban driving in Air (ZEV) mode up to 80% of the time, results in a 45% reduction in fuel consumption.

On current B segment cars, PSA has achieved 97.4mpg and CO2 of 69g/km.

the cost?

Without the need for expensive lithium ion batteries, Hybrid Air cars should be cheaper than EVs, with a marginal increase over traditionally powered cars.

mythbuster

Youth policy

don’t believe everything you read...

“Nissan, most stolen make of van” screamed the press release. So says insurer Swinton Vans. Even more startling was its top five listing of the most nicked vans: 1. Nissan Interstar 2. Nissan NV 3. Volkswagen LT28 4. Bedford Rascal 5. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Last September, HPI issued a press release naming the Ford Transit as the most stolen van, a situation that hasn’t changed much.

Back in 2011, the Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) ranked the Transit as not just the most stolen van, but the most stolen car in the first quarter of 2011. We were writing about Transit thefts in the 1990s. It’s simple, it’s the best seller (58,817 units in 2012), so tends to be the one targeted by thieves. Bedford Rascal? Production ended 20 years ago and one source suggests under 600 remain on UK roads.

FIN fleet in numbers

£2bn

Cost of whiplash claims each year...

SOURCE: Association of British Insurers

Future company car drivers need better training. says The Insider.

A

ged 17, I thought I knew everything. When I was 18, I knew I knew everything. The trouble with experience is that you don’t know you don’t have any until after you’ve experienced whatever it was, and hopefully lived and learned from it.

When I first took to the road it was on a motorbike. Now, I can recall scant regard for speed limits and I recall being on the wrong side of the road through hard cornering more than once. I seemed to have no sense of mortality and it’s a wonder I survived at all. And I bet you were just the same.

Most of us may not have a young driver workforce; or we may not allow children of employees to drive our company cars, but our drivers are still using the same roads as those young and inexperienced drivers and will be involved in collisions with them.

So the news that Government wants to tackle young driver safety is good. A green paper to be published later this Spring is expected to include proposals such as enabling learner drivers to take lessons on motorways, increasing the existing probationary period from two to three years, during which a new driver’s licence may be revoked if they receive six or more penalty points, making the driving test itself more rigorous, and offering incentives for young drivers to take up additional training after passing their test.

All of these should lead to a better overall standard of driving, but like so much of the stuff we learned in school, the learner needs to understand the reasoning behind why it is being taught. Statistics show that 19 out of 20 road accidents are caused by poor attitude and behaviour, not vehicle-handling skills, and that one in five young people crashes in the first six months of driving.

What is actually required is a change in the mindset of the youngsters themselves. Straightforward information imparted face to face doesn’t seem to hit the mark because at 18, they know it all anyway.

The crash simulations which Tracy Scarr and Arval took to schools in Wiltshire were well received because the kids started to understand the implications of what was happening, having seen it with their own eyes.

So is there a case for putting “road behaviour” on the national school curriculum? DriveIQ (www.driveiq.co.uk) definitely think so and have developed software which educates a young person on the impact that their attitude and behaviour can have by watching serious crash simulations on a computer screen.

Given our own children become road users and drivers in our businesses, at some point, I am all in favour of any initiative which gets their attention, because at 17 they are not listening to Dad.

fleetworld.co.uk / 11

BUSINESS SUITED AND BOOTED.

the new mini paceman.

With remarkable boot space up to 1,080 litres and impressive standard spec that includes Bluetooth, DAB radio and 16" alloys, the stylish, yet practical MINI Paceman is a coupé tailor-made for your fleet. The figures also make it a smart choice for corporate with fuel consumption up to 64.2mpg (combined) and CO₂ emissions from just 115g/km for only 18% BIK. For more information, visit www.mini.co.uk/minipaceman Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Paceman Range: Urban 26.4-60.1mpg (10.7-4.7l/100km).

Extra Urban 44.8-67.3mpg (6.3-4.2l/100km). Combined 35.8-64.2mpg (7.9-4.4l/100km). CO₂ Emissions 184-115g/km.

MINI Corporate Sales

things we learnt at Geneva

Steve Moody & Alex Grant on the key themes from this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Premium small saloons offer fleets a new option The huge number of small hatchbacks they sell is both a blessing and a curse (from a spreading risk perspective) for premium manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi, so it’s no surprise they are keen to shift some fleet drivers into the forthcoming CLA and A3 Saloon. Both look strong products, with sporty lines and big enough to attract user choosers to them from A4s and C-Classes. See page 28 for our road test verdict on the new CLA. SM

Cars are getting ever more connected

B-Crossovers are the next big thing The B-crossover segment promises MPV practicality and SUV styling with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a supermini. They’re ideal for user-choosers, and unsurprisingly most manufacturers are working on new launches, including the Ford Ecosport, Peugeot 2008 (above), Renault Captur and SUV-styled Fiat 500L Trekking all on display. Expect this to become a key growth segment over the next few years. AG

Volvo’s deal with Spotify means your drivers need never be bored again. If they have an account with the music streaming website, they can play its millions of songs through their car.

Online is the new big thing in vehicles, more than performance or design. But are most drivers tech savvy enough yet to exploit the email, internet and online systems on offer? SM

Hidden hybrids help space issues Clever packaging means hybrid and electric drivers are no longer held back by intrusive battery packs.

Nissan’s European-built LEAF has gained a cabin baggage suitcase of space in the boot thanks to a new charging system, while Toyota’s new Auris has the battery under the rear bench allowing a segment-first hybrid estate. Lexus, meanwhile, has launched its first hybrid saloon car with a folding rear bench. AG

Lexus IS looks the business Lexus has stuck rigidly to its preference for hybrid drivetrains over diesels, and the new IS finally makes the figures add up for fleets. Emissions of 99g/km and a competitive price will mean attractive BiK costs for drivers, and low sales targets will guarantee exclusivity for customers. A low-carbon GS hybrid will follow at the end of this year. AG 14 / fleetworld.co.uk

Audi isn’t resting on its laurels Speaking to UK MD Martin Sander (left), it’s clear he thinks Audi still has a lot of work to do, despite the huge growth of the past few years. He thinks the firm needs to sell more Q models and A6, A7 and A8, adding that they have been able to increase sales on the back of the massive product expansion, without having to worry too much about older cars. Also, he’s put a lot of pressure on here and in Germany, and delivery times have been cut dramatically to a more manageable two months. SM

Renault is getting its mojo back The new Clio is a cracking car, and the Captur looks a useful, funky thing, sitting between a Juke and Qashqai in size, and with low emissions and all sorts of stylish customisation options. Now it has shied away from the bigger cars, Renault is definitely on a roll with what it has always been really good at. SM

The Chinese are coming...

Stylish, solidly built and designed to meet European safety standards, Chinese manufacturer Qoros made its debut at the show with a range almost ready for sale here. There are no right hand drive versions yet, but it’s a sign of how quickly China’s carmakers are advancing. AG

Log on and look at Dacia’s estate Dacia doesn’t have large fleet aspirations in the UK, but with a similar load capacity to a Golf Estate, 99g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg the Logan MCV can do them no harm. It’s an ideal solution for those needing an efficient, affordable way to move large loads. AG

The 3 GT is a niche too far The new BMW 3 Series GT is a better looking car than the 5 GT, but it’s not sleeker than the fleet favourite A5 Sportback. It’s a car for those who don’t want a 3 Series Saloon, Touring or X3. We’d suggest if you haven’t netted them with those excellent cars, you’re not likely to. SM

Kia proves strength The big show story might have been the rather unfortunate name of its concept car, the Provo, but elsewhere on the Kia stand it’s clear that the firm has a very strong, very young line-up now the new Pro_cee’d and Carens have been launched. UK CEO Paul Philpott wants to increase true fleet sales now they have a full range. Currently nearly half of the near 70,000 sales are to fleets, but he wants less Motability and rental in the mix. SM fleetworld.co.uk / 15

Blue Microphones Tiki

g fleet e k ThumbsUp Dual Power Bank With two USB ports and enough capacity to fully charge a smartphone three times, as well as keeping an iPad charged on the move, this portable charging unit is perfect for moments when a standard battery won’t last long enough. Its LCD screen shows remaining charge, and three USB cables are included in the box, including one for Apple products.

Price: £39.99 from menkind.co.uk

Kensington SoundWave GPS-based apps, such as navigation and driver monitoring tools, can quickly drain an iPhone battery. Kensington’s new windscreen-mounted cradle includes a charging cable and compact USB charger, and features a built-in speaker which amplifies voice directions, calls and alerts from whichever app you’re using through the speakerphone.

Price: £34.99 from Kensington.com

Claimed to be the first USB microphone capable of behaving like the human ear, the Tiki is able to focus on the required sounds and block out the rest. Keyboard tapping, whirring computer fans and other background noises are reduced, ideal for conference calls or recording interviews in CD quality, and it mutes itself automatically when not in use.

Price: £59.99 from Apple Store

HipKey Designed to make it easier to keep track of your belongings, HipKey attaches to your keys or bag and is paired with a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. Leave either the fob or the device it’s paired with behind, and once you walk outside a pre-set proximity area it’ll sound an alarm.

HipKey also features built-in motion sensors to let you know if your bag is being moved, and can trigger an alarm to help you find your phone too.

Price: £69.95 from hippih.com

apps of the month

Garmin StreetPilot

Delivery Status Touch

Partly Cloudy

Understanding that navigation goes beyond driving, Garmin’s new app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch doesn’t stop navigating when you’re parked.

Its Urban Guidance mode includes public transport routes, while Google Street View lets you view your destination before you set off. Lane assistant, 3D buildings, driving style monitoring and Cloud synchronisation across all devices mean it’s just as capable inside the car too.

Price: £44.99 from iTunes Store

Keep track of packages from a growing list of delivery companies, including Amazon, City Link, DHL and Royal Mail, all from within one app. Simply enter tracking details and the app will show delivery times and the package’s location on a map. Companies not supported can also be tracked, though in less detail, and the app synchronises with a desktop widget for live updates.

Price: £2.99 from iTunes Store

A clever and unique way to plan around the unpredictable British climate, Partly Cloudy uses a rotary clockstyle infographic to show temperature, wind and precipitation at a glance for any point of the week ahead. Favourite multiple locations within the app for easy planning and click to access detailed information as required.

Price: 69p from iTunes Store

16 / fleetworld.co.uk

All the abilities that drive success

Desirability Reliability Sustainability

Where do you find the 2013 Complete Car Tax Guide?

Affordability Rangeability Serviceability

At your fingertips delivering

Affordability Simplify company car tax with our comprehensive interactive App, now updated inline with the 2013 Budget changes. Get fast, accurate information and data for any UK vehicle, including instant BIK and NIC liability projections over the next 3 years.

Download free now from the Apple App Store, Google Play (Android) or use it online.

brilliant for business

toyotalexusfleet.co.uk

inbusiness

Cenex puts a cost on carrying Why extra weight is costing your fleet a fortune.

By Rob Anderson, programme manager at Cenex. t’s well known that carrying unnecessary weight in a vehicle increases its fuel consumption, but by how much has been debated for some time.

At Cenex, and in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, we did some research comparing vehicles empty and fully loaded on typical urban and rural driving routes (using the Artemis Urban and Artemis Road drive cycles respectively), which more accurately represent realistic driving conditions.

Under urban driving conditions, our analysis found that a typical car-derived van, such as a Volkswagen Caddy, would use around 26% less fuel when empty compared to when fully loaded. A fuel saving of around 5% was achievable with a weight reduction of 150kg.

As for larger panel vans such as the Peugeot Boxer, the difference in fuel consumption was up to 33%, with 3% fuel savings achievable with a weight reduction of 150kg.

It is accepted that not every driver can reduce their vehicle weight by 150kg; however the EST has estimated that if half the van drivers in the UK lightened their loads by 75kg – equivalent to three bags of cement or an empty industrial gas cylinder – they could save a total of around £50 million on fuel each year. This would also result in around 100,000 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions being released.

How many of your drivers treat their van, or car, as a mobile storeroom for rarely needed equipment or parts? By simply educating drivers on being aware of necessary and unnecessary objects in their vehicles, fleet operators can save a substantial amount of money across the year.

Drivers should also thoroughly prepare for each job, ensuring that any tools or equipment they are carrying are the correct ones; thereby ensuring no further weight is placed in the back of their vans.

Reducing the amount of additional weight in your vans will not only improve their fuel economy, but could reveal that the vans are bigger than necessary, with underutilised space. As a result, you could consider downsizing and opting for smaller, more economical vans which better suit your operational needs.

I

A VW Caddy would use 26% less fuel when empty compared to when fully loaded

Skoda fleet gone to the dogs A fleet of 21 specially built Octavias has been delivered to the dog handlers of the West Midlands Police Service, complete with up to three climate controlled kennels, drainage should the animals be caught short, and and a safe for seized drugs and ammunition.

The force has dogs for general purpose police work, as well as canine experts in searching for explosives and drugs.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

fleetonfleet Liz Hollands talks to Estelle Howick, fleet manager, Pfizer.

Fleet size 1000 vehicles – driven by field force (need cars) and managers (perk cars).

You are one of a few fleet managers who has also worked as an account manager in a leasing company, so do you have any views on where each could understand the other better?

As a leasing company account manager it takes a lot of effort for leasing companies working in an outsourced situation to be accepted and treated as part of the customer’s business operations; their motives are often unfairly viewed with suspicion and they can struggle to forge relationships within the hierarchy of internal stakeholders, which is a really key area for suppliers to large corporates.

Do they get the respect they deserve?

Not always. There are many leasing companies who save their clients a lot of money when it comes to giving advice and valuable analysis, but this expertise is not always taken advantage of as much as it could be – probably because of the suspicions previously mentioned! It is also frustrating for the leasing company when a lot of groundwork has been done to design and propose a suitable solution, which can then take ages to get the go ahead.

How can leasing firms be used better?

Most leasing companies are an under-utilised resource. A good helpdesk with intelligent, knowledgeable staff is crucial in an outsourced situation as they bear the brunt of the driver contact.

Time must be spent empowering the helpdesk to be familiar and confident with policy and procedure and more importantly, the culture of the organisa-

tion; particularly the preferred tone and style of response so as to minimise escalation.

How important is a good account manager?

Essential. He or she is your advocate and champion and their ability to influence the service levels or commercial arrangements is important. They are also a good sounding board for solutions.

Flexibility from your leasing company is important too as the service must evolve and flex to meet the needs of the organisation.

Time for a hobby outside of work?

Badminton, getting to the gym, dancing to Salsa music and I also like to cook.

If you weren’t a fleet manager, what would you do?

These days it would be voluntary work but when younger I studied Law and still find it interesting.

I got into fleet by chance really 23 years ago.

What are your two main fleet issues?

Driver safety is a real focus for me; SUVs as is our car policy in terms of Recent prolonged snowfall vehicle choice. Trying to has generated interest in 4x4s. please all the people all the Land Rover and premium crossovers are performing well. time isn’t possible but we are working hard to ensure that convertibles our drivers remain happy Despite the poor weather, with their choice of new car interest in convertibles is up whilst still saving money and and residuals are too. reducing carbon emissions.

trading places

in

out

New chief executive at BVRLA Gerry Keaney is to become the BVRLA’s new chief executive from 1st May this year.

His appointment comes as John Lewis steps down after 13 years in the role. Lewis will assume a new part-time role as the BVRLA’s director of external affairs.

Vince Kinner stands down as head of fleet Vince Kinner has moved on to a new role at VW after 17 years as head of fleet. Kinner will head up the new Volkswagen Group Fleet function, while Michael O’Shea, previously national fleet sales manager at VW, has been appointed to Kinner’s former role.

HOT NOT

Big diesels Increasingly capable small diesels making engines >2.2 litres a hard sell.

Seasonal variation Influx of ex-fleet and lease stock could tip April values slightly, but Q1 values are higher than average anyway.

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys

We've pulled together the pertinent points from the myriad of research done in the fleet industry this month to give you a clearer view of what's really going on...

in association with

duty of care An estimated 73,000 people were injured in accidents while travelling on company business (excluding commuting) in 2011, according to newly published data from the Office of National Statistics.

36% of the 202,000 people recorded injured (but not killed) in all road accidents in 2011 were driving for business.

At least a third (33%) of injured business drivers required a week or more to recover.

According to RoadSafe – which runs the Driving for Better Business campaign – there are approximately three million company cars on the road and some 1 in 3 of these is involved in an accident each year.

Adrian Walsh, who directs the RoadSafe Driving for Better Business campaign, commented: ‘This valuable evidence highlights the importance of the need for good management of those who drive for work. Not only can this reduce risk but it can also improve business efficiency.’

Source: Office of National Statistics

A survey completed by 704 energy industry experts reveals that more than 80% of respondents predict up to a fifth of the world’s energy supply will originate from biomass by 2020.

70% of respondents believe the road transport sector will place the most demand on the biofuels industry for supply in the next five years.

Respondent were split 50-50 as to whether the IEA’s goal of providing 27% of the world’s transport fuel from biofuels by 2050 will be met or not.

‘It does not need to be a case of “food versus fuel”; there can be food and fuel. We need political support to help the public understand the merits of biofuels as a sustainable energy source,’ said Nadim Chaudhry, chief executive officer of Green Power Conferences.

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

Source: World Biofuels Markets

biofuels

commuting stress

Rushed and stressed commuters don’t feel guilty about driving dangerously or being distracted on the road as they race to get to the office on time, according to new research.

52% of British commuters say they are in too much of a hurry to drive safely during their commute.

30% of drivers blame their bad driving on lack of concentration, whilst 27% admit to being too tired to concentrate properly on the road.

43% of drivers surveyed believe that their commute affects their mood and can negatively impact their work.

Natalie Woods, digital marketing manager at Allianz Your Cover Insurance, said: ‘Our research found that British commuters feel they drive carelessly during their journeys due to rushing and tiredness. This is supported by police road accident statistics which show that 46% of accidents can be attributed to careless driving. One in ten (13%) have witnessed an accident on their way to work – not the kind of start to the day anybody would want.’

Source: Allianz Cover Insurance

driving habits A survey of 2,000 motorists by Confused.com reveals the bad habits of UK drivers.

51% of men and 42% of women admit to eating whilst driving their vehicle.

52% of men and 46% of women regularly station-surf.

15% of men admit to shaving whilst driving.

40% of women have driven in high heels.

47% of male drivers say they regularly take their eyes off the road to check-out how attractive fellow drivers are, a distraction only 18% of female drivers will admit to.

Source: Confused.com. pic courtesy: PalExpo

road tolls

A new poll reveals that the majority of motorists oppose an increase in the number of tolls on UK roads.

• 79% of motorists surveyed said they were strongly against tolls being introduced on existing roads.

• 91% of motorists do not trust the Government to reinvest money made from tolls on new roads.

• 56% of respondents said that they would use rural or local roads to avoid the toll charges, if a toll was enforced on their local motorway.

Source: IAM

IAM chief executive, Simon Best, said: ‘The cost of motoring is currently at an all-time high, and it’s clear that the idea of bringing in toll roads has no support among everyday motorists. A toll on motorways, our safest roads, may force motorists on to more dangerous rural roads, to save money.’

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 21

S HE PRESTIGIOU T T A , R A D N E L A IN THE FLEET C T N E V RD TO MISS IT ?

E O T F S F E A G U O Y N A THE BIG C MOTORSPORT. H IS IT R B F O E HOM k

o.u

ow.c h s t e e l f e h t t a e find out mor

FOR the second year running the Fleet World Fleet Show will take place at the impressive new Silverstone Wing and on the track at the race circuit, providing fleet decision-makers with an incredible opportunity to test the latest cars on the famous track, and to meet suppliers and listen to expert seminars.

Wednesday 24th April 2013

THE SILVERSTONE WING

Commenting on the event, organiser Ross Durkin said: ‘Our aim is to provide visitors with a number of compelling reasons for taking a day out to visit the show. The seminar programme and the debating session that followed it were really well attended last year – testament that fleet decision-makers will take time out if the quality of the presentations is high enough.

‘The track driving sessions will allow visitors to experience what is available on the market today. The seminars will give them an idea of what they might be driving tomorrow.’

t +44 (0)1727 739160 e thefleetshow@fleetworldgroup.co.uk w thefleetshow.co.uk

HIGHLIGHTS SILVERSTONE A BRIEF HISTORY SILVERSTONE was opened as a World War Two airfield in 1943, near the leafy village of the same name. Once the war had ended, Britain was left with a number of redundant airfields but without a major race track.

The Royal Automobile Club leased Silverstone off the Air Ministry in 1948. At this time the centre of Silverstone Circuit was a farm producing cereal crops and also a piggery so the RAC employed farmer James Wilson Brown to create the first Grand Prix circuit at the site and gave him just two months to build it.

The winner of the inaugural race at the Silverstone circuit was Luigi Villoresi in a Maserati, who recorded an average speed of 72 mph to claim the first prize of £500.

Over the years the circuit has evolved into the first-class facility it is now, home to the British Grand Prix and the British Racing Drivers Club.

EXHIBITION

TEST-DRIVES

SEMINARS

FLEET DEBATE

HOT LAPS

NETWORKING

EVENT PARTNERS

FLEET SUPPLIERS

RIDE & DRIVE FOLLOWING IN THEIR TYRE TRACKS...

THE Ride & Drive at the Fleet World Fleet Show 2013 will offer testdriving of the latest new cars on both public roads and the tracks, with the full Grand Prix circuit, as well as the Stowe circuit available.

Driving on the full Grand Prix circuit, you’ll be emulating the greats: Jim Clark (2 British Grand Prix wins), Jackie Stewart (2 wins), Alain Prost (5 wins), and of course, the perennial crowd-pleaser Nigel Mansell, whose never-say-never efforts caught the imagaination of fans at Silverstone like no other. And it perhaps goes without saying that the Grand Prix Circuit will again host the British Grand Prix this year.

MANUFACTURERS OFFERING RIDE & DRIVES...

• Audi • Hyundai • Lexus • MINI • Renault • Vauxhall

• BMW • Infiniti • Mazda • MG • SEAT • Volvo

• Citroen • Honda • Jaguar • Land Rover • Mercedes-Benz • Nissan • Peugeot • Skoda • Toyota aeromark Optimatics

TM

EV

register now

at thefleetsh

ow.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 25

Renault ZOE Renault has a lot riding on the ZOE. Steve Moody discovers if it’s as good as the company thinks.

SECTOR EV Supermini PRICE £13,995–£15,195 FUEL up to 90-mile range CO2 0g/km

F

or the last couple of years Renault executives have been saying that the ZOE will be a new benchmark in electric vehicles, the car that finally achieves widespread acceptance.

Now having been launched and with sales underway, it certainly it looks the part, with cute styling and a very well designed, high quality airy cabin.

But the aesthetics are barely half the story, as good as they are. It’s all about range, practicality and infrastructure for this car.

Thanks to the relatively low entry price of £13,995, once the Government’s near-£5,000 plug-in grant has been added, it is the first EV that from a cost perspective gets somewhere near its more traditionally-powered rivals.

Renault reckons the car will generally achieve around 60 miles in cold weather and 90 miles in temperate conditions, and having driven it, these seem entirely reasonable claims. So it’s not going to be a car that will do all jobs, but at least at the price it feels like a likely urban runabout, or excellent second car (salary sacrifice anyone?). companies are happy with the situation, and at defleet One of the major issues of EVs though is the cost of the time there should be no issue either, as all the owner does battery, where not enough volume means the price of the is pass the new buyer’s details on to Renault and they will batteries is still too high at about £10,000 for set up a new lease. a set, and it’s difficult to get that unit cost When it comes to charging Renault will FLEET FACT down because there’s not enough volume. supply free 7kW home wallboxes to private Renault is offsetting that cost by using a leasand business buyers, with British Gas Renault claims ing scheme that lasts the eight to 10-year life of installing them, using the recently announced well-to-wheel batteries. Buyers will pay around £70 a month 75% support on domestic wallbox installato “rent” the pack for 7,500 miles a year or more tions from the Government’s £37m grant ZOE emissions for more mileage or if they are fast charged funding, with Renault contributing the of 54g/km more often, as it leads to premature wear. remaining 25%. This is enough to charge the Renault will insure them for you, and replace or ZOE in eight hours. A more powerful 43kW repair if they are damaged, or you can use your own insurer. version at public spots will fill it up to 80% in 30 minutes.

It’s a novel solution, and although there has been some Critics of EVs get very angry about them not being zero consternation in the fleet industry, most of the leasing emissions, pointing out the well-to-wheel demands of supplying the electricity (yet often ignoring the logistical cost of getting fuel to a pump). Renault has calculated that the burden of filling your batteries will result in 54g/km using the UK’s energy grid. But this is still half the environmental burden of a small hybrid such as Yaris, it claims.

The ZOE is the first vehicle to be equipped with ‘Range OptimiZEr’ which combines three innovations: bi-modal regenerative braking (where the engine and brakes do the slowing to send energy back into the battery), a special heat pump and bespoke Michelin Energy E-V tyres.

Because the batteries are under the floor, the ZOE has a low centre of gravity, and using the fourth generation Clio’s underpinnings it handles and rides well too. Thanks to the instant delivery of 160lb.ft from its 65kW/88bhp motor it also nips off the line with alacrity, which is great for inner city driving.

The oddest part of otherwise good driving characteristics are the brakes, which don’t always slow the car as effectively as you might expect, and at low speeds they are very grabby.

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think highlights Up to 90-mile range Can be 80% charged in 30 mins From ÂŁ13,995, with ÂŁ70 monthly battery lease Smart cabin, and fun driving characteristics

The Renault executives are right: the ZOE is a brilliant little car, the first EV that genuinely feels like you could live with every day.

It is packaged stylishly, drives well, has enough range for its second car/runabout role and the cost parameters are about right too. The future starts here.

key fleet model Renault ZOE Expression

fleetworld.co.uk / 27

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA opens up a new market for small premium saloon-coupes, Danny Cobbs discovers.

SECTOR Compact saloon-coupe PRICE £24,355–£31,555 FUEL 50.4–62.8mpg CO2 117–130g/km

I

ntroducing a new segment into the car market must be a daunting task. Get it wrong, and you’ll be vilified, get it right and the world will stand and applaud rapturously the courage of your convictions.

So, as the first player in what we can call the small coupesaloon sector, is the new Mercedes CLA worth all the hype?

Basically, it is a baby CLS, and from certain angles the swoopy-droopiness of bodywork does appear to be scaleddown version of the extremely popular executive express.

With the A-Class now on stream, Mercedes-Benz is after those younger executives that previously had been the preserve of Audi and BMW, and it believes this new CLA will give fleets another option for those drivers.

Mercedes is never too forthcoming in public with sharing their sales projections, and even more so with new models.

Nonetheless, whispers from within the Merc UK HQ suggest they are expecting at least 3,000 CLAs to be sold in its first year, which is a reasonable assumption considering the starting price will be £24,355 for the CLA 180.

What still remains an unknown factor is which of the aesthetics are vital. Subjective I know, but I’m not entirely engines and trim levels will be taken up by these early convinced: when viewed from side-on, I think it looks adopters. Not that it will be a difficult choice as the CLA will awkward, although not ugly or unpleasant to the eye. After initially be offered with just two engines in all, the edict of this type of car suggests sleek front-wheel drive form; the 120bhp 180 (a 1.6and sexy lines, but Mercedes would probably FLEET FACT litre turbo petrol) and 168bhp 220 CDI diesel, argue that if it’s going to accommodate four with the 200 CDI diesel and 250 petrol joining people in a degree of comfort then allowances Mercedes-Benz the range later on in the year, plus an AMG have to be made. derived version and a 4 MATIC too.

There’s nothing to complain about with is expecting to Trim levels have also been pegged back to the front part of the cabin; it’s a roomy, well sell 3,000 CLAs just two; the entry level Sport or the AMG laid-out place to be sat for any length of time. in the first year Sport. Both are well-equipped with the main And, just like the car whose platform it has differences being a sports suspension and AMG been based on, the new A Class, the dashbody styling on the latter, as opposed to a comfort suspenboard is dominated by the iPad-like 5.8” colour touch sion set-up on the Sport. Confused? Wait until you drive it. screen monitor, and elegant roundel air vents. For those Looks will be important with cars in a market where sitting in the rear, head and leg space is on the limited side though, especially for those of adult proportions.

The boot, paradoxically, with a 470-litre capacity, is a sizeable and useful space.

We drove the CLA 220 CDI in both trim guises, and while the ‘comfort’ suspension rode better at motorway speeds it was just a little too soft to fully tackle more sporting roads with any degree of confidence. The ‘sports’ suspension, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. The firmer ride and sharper steering improves town driving yet the harshness of the set-up might be too much for some at higher speeds.

For fleets the diesel will be the main choice, and especially the later addition of the lower emissions 200 CDI, but this 220 CDI engine is reasonably smooth; even if if the standard seven-speed automatic transmission can be a bit jerky. It is very frugal though, returning on average 62.8mpg while emitting just 117g/km CO2 emissions. Not bad when you consider it still boasts a top speed of 143mph and will take just 8.2 seconds to reach 62mph from a standing start.

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think highlights Most aerodynamic production car currently on sale Choice of manual or auto transmission CO2 from 117g/km Radar-based braking system fitted as standard

The CLA introduces a niche which is unique, imaginative and totally unexploited, and for Mercedes-Benz the potential is very exciting indeed.

While some might question the styling (always a subjective thing though) the quality is undisputed, with a refined diesel engine. It will make an interesting corporate alternative to higher end hatchbacks, and lower end C-sector saloons.

Meets future Euro 6 emissions

key fleet model CLA 220CDI Sport with 7G transmission

fleetworld.co.uk / 29

Mitsubishi Outlander

Refinement, fuel economy and a hybrid can only boost the Outlander’s profile, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £23,699–£33,999 FUEL 48.7–53.3mpg CO2 138–153g/km

m

uch of the focus on Mitsubishi’s new Outlander has At launch, the Outlander is available with a revised version been centred on the forthcoming plug-in hybrid, of the 147bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. It’s very quiet, with strong with its world-first electric four-wheel drive powlow-rev pickup boding well for those who tow heavy loads. Opt ertrain. But until the technological halo model arrives in the up to the automatic version and the gearbox learns the driver’s UK next year, the diesel version now filtering into showstyle, varying gearshifts to suit, but CO2 rises to 153g/km.

All models also get Mitsubishi’s very capable four-wheel rooms has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. drive system, with electronically selectable two-wheel drive It’s certainly distinctive, defined by straight lines and economy, four-wheel drive and diff-locked four-wheel drive smooth surfaces in a sector which has tended to favour exactly modes. On the launch event, even snow-covered Alpine the opposite. Pictures don’t really do it justice – it’s a smart roads with summer tyres proved no challenge. and modern-looking SUV in the metal with its upright bodyLower running costs and a focus on aesthetics is expected work and flat nose, and a departure from its predecessor too. to change the customer base for the new Bucking the trend for raked rooflines car. In the previous generation, almost a has given the Outlander enormous interior third of fleet-bought Outlanders were the space. All except the entry-level GX2 come commercial vehicle. There will be an with seven seats, and those who rememequivalent version of the new Outlander, ber the third row in the old car will notice but seven-seat car models are expected to a large improvement in comfort and space. make up a larger share of corporate sales.

There’s also been a noticeable effort to As will the Plug-in Hybrid. Already popimprove the aesthetics of the rest of the ular in Japan, this offers electric four-wheel cabin. The new Outlander has gained a drive at up to 75mph, contributing to soft-touch dashboard, wrapping important 44g/km CO2 emissions and 5% BiK bandcontrols around the driver on a gloss metaling in the UK. This isn’t an expensive niche lic panel. Even tall front and middle row part of the Outlander line-up, instead it will passengers should have no problem getting be positioned to offer near identical comfortable inside, the driving position is wholelife costs to the diesel allowing cuscommanding and visibility is excellent.

The last Outlander was tomers to choose whichever suits their For all its straight edges, it’s actually very one of the first “green” lifestyle better. With a commercial version aerodynamic, only slightly less than a 3 SUVs back in 2007, and also due, it could be an effective way to Series Touring. Mitsubishi has also cut the raise the Outlander’s profile in the UK. weight down by 100kg, bringing it under its successor builds on In the meantime, though, the dieselthe X1 and widening the gap between key its best points. Spacious, powered Outlander is a step forward in rivals the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa refined, well built and all the right areas – a refined motorway Fe. There’s very little wind or engine noise affordable for fleets. cruiser with reliability, economy and Mitat motorway speeds, and with its drop in subishi’s off-road prowess in its favour. kerb weight it’s more agile and efficient too.

what we think

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

behind every

great man There’s a big boot

500 goes large yo u tu b e.c o m / Fi a tU K

MINI Paceman

With fleet buyers preferring five doors, is there room for the Paceman? Alex Grant investigates.

SECTOR Coupe PRICE £18,970–£25,530 FUEL 39.2–64.2mpg CO2 115–168g/km

m

INI’s brand heritage has been a backbone of its global sales success, but it’s also a bit of a double-edged sword, firmly dictating a strong family resemblance across its models and forcing imaginative niches rather than complete departures from the norm.

But MINI does this really rather well.

The Paceman is the seventh car model in the range, and shares its mechanical parts and front-end bodywork with the Countryman. But it’s more than just a three-door version, with heavily raked roofline, flared rear wheel arches and wrap-around rear lights – a first for MINI – giving a much more muscular, sports-coupe presence than its practicality-focused sibling. The two look like very different cars.

All models get sports suspension with the option to downgrade to standard springs if preferred, and there’s no five-seat version. There’s a small loss of rear headroom caused by the new roofline, and the entry-level One is absent from the model range. The bulk of sales will be split almost equally between the two diesel Cooper trims, with a greater take-up of four-wheel drive than in its sibling and a £910 premium for the coupe’s styling.

To be expected, the Paceman drives similarly to the Countryman. It’s slightly softer, more top-heavy and a

little less agile than the hatchback, but still one of the sharpest-driving models in the C-segment. Ride quality on the sports suspension isn’t uncomfortable, either, and most are expected to stick with it as a result.

MINI expects this to account for up to a third of sales on this chassis, and 50% will sell to fleets – slightly less than the growing 60% share of the Countryman. It’s another niche, but the Paceman fills it well.

We’ve got what you need.

• Fleet Policy Advice • Duty of Care • Vehicle Acquisition • Funding • Grey fleet management • Salary Sacrifice • Maintenance and Servicing • Vehicle Rental • Accident Management • Workshop Management • Vehicle Conversions

You talk, we listen There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach at Venson. We sit down and listen to what you have to say and then we build a fleet programme to meet your financial and operational objectives. That’s because our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We put you first, which means you always feel like the most important person. On top of that, we continually develop new services and give you nothing but the best in customer care. All of which results in a true sense of partnership.

To find out more call 08444 99 1402, email: sales@venson.com or visit www.venson.com

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Kia pro_cee’d

Will Kia’s new three-door hatch add even more appeal to its lineup? Steve Moody finds out.

SECTOR Three-door hatchback PRICE £17,495–£20,795 FUEL 46.3–74.3mpg CO2 100–140g/km

K

ia’s line-up has improved markedly over the past few years, to the point where it has some genuinely desirable product. But nothing has been what you could call “sexy”.

The pro_cee’d might just rectify this. The three door version of the cee’d has some athletic lines, and looks suitably sporty enough to compete against coupes such as the Volkswagen Scirocco and Hyundai Veloster.

Two engines are offered: a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbodiesel with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) while a six-speed manual transmission is standard, and Kia’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox is available in 1.6 GDi “SE” guise.

Longer and lower than the previous pro_cee’d, it has a number of design features that make it stand out from its more prosaic sibling, including front fog lights inset into a new layered design, a more rakish lower bumper with dark chrome highlights, and a gloss black “tiger nose” grille which is slightly narrower and more aggressive.

Inside, the cabin is extremely high quality, and as good as anything in the sector, and probably better than most. There’s also a decent amount of space in the rear seats, while boot storage is up 40 litres to 380 litres, so practicality is not an issue.

There are two specifications, S and SE and there’s

plenty of kit as standard. On the entry level car you get automatic lights, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls and reversing sensors. The SE adds luxuries such as keyless entry and satellite navigation.

Unfortunately it doesn’t drive as sportily as it looks, and the handling is a bit stodgy, although its rides well enough. But for most the low emissions, standard kit, quality and great looks will be enough to attract them.

Kia Carens

The new Carens is an extremely likeable and high quality MPV, says Steve Moody.

SECTOR MPV PRICE TBA FUEL From 62.7mpg CO2 118g/km

I

t’s no wonder Kia keeps promoting its star designer Peter Schreyer. He manages to make even the most workmanlike of cars look good, as is the case with the new Carens MPV. Where the previous model embodied everything that was bland, functional and a bit cheap about the “old” Kia, the new one sums up what makes the brand such an up and coming force. It looks as smart as any MPV has a right

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

too, while the most important bit, the cabin, is spot on.

The materials are of an extremely high quality for such a car, and with its role as chief jailor for kids it feels extremely sturdy, and more than up to the rigours that family life can throw at it. Handily, it has seven seats too, with the back pair tucked neatly away in the boot for those occasions when they might be needed.

The Carens is slightly shorter, lower and narrower than the previous version, but because there’s extra length in the wheelbase, there’s more space inside. The seats are comfortable, the driving position good and it comes with family-friendly aircon throughout and a wide angle mirror as standard.

It comes with three powertrain choices: a 1.7-litre turbodiesel with 113bhp or 134bhp, or a 133bhp 1.6-litre petrol, although the diesels are the best option. It’s a fairly heavy car at just over one and a half tonnes and it needs the torque. Emissions are as low as 118g/km with the Stop/Start system, a 19% improvement over the previous Carens.

Even though it comes with the option of changing the steering weight to a heavier sporty setting, it drives like what it is – a solid MPV. Perhaps not as fun as a C-MAX, but who cares? It’s an extremely good proposition as family transport.

Efficient is an online booking tool for daily rental.

Because we understand that running your business well is all about being quick off the mark, you can set up a temporary contract online in no time, with our Daily Rental and Mini-Lease solutions.

To find out more about Daily Rental, Mini-Lease and all our other packages call us on 0870 333 2229 or visit www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk today.

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Making leasing simple

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Honda Civic against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

AC Efficient, well equipped and good to drive. The Civic’s 477-litre load space is one of the largest in its class and it maintains the “magic” rear bench seat which folds flat or pops up depending on you wanting to load a longer or taller item.

AC The previous model was revolutionary at launch but seemed to age quickly. That this is just an evolution isn’t going to attract many potential buyers.

AC This new engine means the car will now appear on far more choice lists than with only a 2.2 diesel. Combine excellent running costs with excellent reliability and pretty reliable residual values and this means that a good diesel version will always be quite popular as a fleet car.

AC With no diesel option for the last 12 months of the old car, Honda may have lost some of its loyal customers to some of the emerging brands.

It remains to be seen if they come running back.

MJ Whole life costs are predictably competitive and a driver’s BiK tax bill is just under £90 per month for a higher rate tax payer.

AS Honda has an upmarket image and strong reliability record, and this is a sweet diesel engine with a very low CO2 output.

MW The new engine is sweet, quiet and refined, and the Civic has a loyal following.

The new design will certainly attract new customers to Honda showrooms.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

MJ Rear visibility is still a little restricted and the instrumentation is often criticised for reflecting onto the screen, though this isn’t an issue if it’s not on its brightest setting.

AS Honda is less well known for producing diesel engines and this will take time to transmit to fleet buyers. It needs larger than standard alloys, and the aerodynamic deflectors at the rear look like an afterthought.

MW The design may appeal to some, but to others, and the traditional Civic driver, it may be a step too far. Like so many “green” cars, the actual MPG figure is nothing like the official quoted figure.

MJ Given how tax efficient the 1.6 i-DTEC is, it should be seen as a legitimate rival to the competition BlueMotion and ECOnetic models.

AS A smaller capacity diesel engine is a welcome addition to the range. Fleet buyers and users will like the strong residuals and exclusivity.

MW This is a crowded sector, but many people are looking for an alternative, and the new Civic may just be what they are looking for, now it has got an engine that will suit fleet drivers.

MJ Modest volume predictions mean lack of awareness could be its greatest threat.

Lower Medium sales have slipped from around 30% of the market to 25% – still a significant 508,000 units – in 2012 and seems likely to maintain that position for now.

AS Honda has taken a bold (and risky) stance to list price this above the sector’s top dog, the Golf. Is Honda geared up for the demanding fleet sector?

MW The C-segment is under great threat from the growing MPV sector, which are getting prettier and more versatile.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Civic

Alan Senior (AS) Director, Vehicle Information Publishing

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths AC Efficient, well-equipped, spacious and good to drive.

MJ Competitive tax and whole life costs.

AS Strong reliability record and upmarket image.

MW Quiet, refined diesel ideal for fleet.

Strengths

Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

AC Great all-rounder, strong RVs. MJ Well respected product with good level of equipment.

AS Next best thing to a premium brand.

MW The ‘MK7’ has very high quality.

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and aux • DAB radio, SD and CD player with 5.8-inch touch screen • Manual air conditioning • Cruise control • Front/rear electric windows • Automatic headlights/wipers Optional equipment: • Satellite navigation £735 • Front/rear parking sensors £445 • Metallic paint £500 • Rear parking camera £165

AC Not the cheapest, some still see the styling as a bit dull.

MJ Premium brands get close on WLC. AS Deals are harder to secure, why not buy an Audi A3?

MW Can most tell the old from the new?

OTR: £20,500 P11D: £20,445 Fuel: 74.3mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £8,775 (43%) BiK: 13% SMR: £1,395 Fuel costs: £5,370 Insurance: £2,325 Finance: £2,760 NI: £1,185 VED: £0 Cost per month: £688

Strengths

Ford Focus Zetec ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi

AC One of the best drives, great spec.

MJ Strong all-round performance from this well engineered car.

AS Great to drive, strong on fleet dealing and understanding.

MW A great drive and fleets love them.

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs • Electric front windows • DAB radio and single CD with 3.5-inch screen • Cruise control • Manual air conditioning Optional equipment: • Satellite navigation £750 • Rear parking sensors £225 • Metallic paint £525 • Driver assistance pack £1,100

AC Small boot space, not the best looking.

MJ Styling is not to everyone’s taste and boot space is small.

AS A little too mainstream for some.

MW So young, but looking dated already.

OTR: £19,145 P11D: £19,090 Fuel: 76.4mpg CO2: 99g/km RV*: £8,775 (43%) BiK: 13% SMR: £1,395 Fuel costs: £5,370 Insurance: £2,325 Finance: £2,760 NI: £1,185 VED: £0 Cost per month: £688

Strengths

Kia cee’d 3 1.6 CRDi manual ISG

Weaknesses

cee’d

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs • Radio and single CD player • Dual zone climate control • Cruise control • Front/rear electric windows • Automatic headlights/wipers • Rear parking camera Optional equipment: • Satellite navigation £995 • Rear parking sensors £535 • Metallic paint £500

AC Customers may have gone elsewhere.

MJ Lack of visibility in the market, and from the cabin.

AS List price is higher than the Golf’s.

MW Plenty of very good rivals.

Weaknesses

Focus

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ES OTR: £20,595 P11D: £20,725 Fuel: 78.5mpg CO2: 94g/km RV*: £7,975 (38%) BiK: 13% SMR: £1,413 Fuel costs: £5,083 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £2,798 NI: £1,144 VED: £0 Cost per month: £719

Weaknesses

Golf

Andy Cutler (AC) UK Car Editor – Forecast Values Glass’s

AC Styling, equipment, interior space.

MJ Desirability and an industry-leading 7 Year Warranty.

AS Well equipped and stylish.

MW Good looking, well built.

Weaknesses AC Not the best to drive or the most desirable, not a lot of presence.

MJ A sportier drive would help fight the best competitors.

AS Question mark on RV robustness.

MW It is no longer cheap and cheerful.

OTR: £20,095 P11D: £20,040 Fuel: 74.3mpg CO2: 100g/km RV*: £5,775 (29%) BiK: 14% SMR: £1,589 Fuel costs: £5,370 Insurance: £2,325 Finance: £2,705 NI: £1,244 VED: £0 Cost per month: £765

Standard equipment: • Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs • Radio and single CD player • Cruise control • Front/rear electric windows • Satellite navigation • Dual zone climate control • Front and rear parking sensors • Rear parking camera • Automatic headlights/wipers Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £465

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

playing the percentages The Chancellor has spoken and the dust has now settled: Professor Colin Tourick reviews the tax changes that will affect company vehicles in 2013-14 and beyond.

BiK The one big surprise in the budget was the introduction of two new company car tax bands from 201516, for vehicles emitting 0-50g/km and 51-75g/km of CO2. The ‘appropriate percentage’ for these vehicles – the amount by which list price and taxable accessories are multiplied to determine a company car driver’s taxable amount – will be 5% and 9% respectively in 2015-16, rising to 7% and 11% respectively in 2016-17. We already knew that the appropriate percentage for cars emitting more than 75g/km is to rise by 2% to a maximum of 37%.

The Government says that these changes are designed to incentivise the purchase and manufacture of ultra low emission cars in the UK. However HMRC’s actual wording says that these changes “could support the demand for ultra low emission company cars in the UK”, which is not perhaps the most ringing endorsement of the government’s plans.

Nonetheless they estimate that these changes will save £470 for a basic rate taxpayer and £940 for a higher rate taxpayer driving an £18,000 company car that emits between 115 and 119g/km of CO2.

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

So here are the appropriate percentage figures for the next four years: CO2 emissions

2013–2014

CO2 emissions

2014–2015

CO2 emissions

2015–2016

0 1-75 76-94 95-99 100-104 105-109 110-114 115-119 120-124 125-129 130-134 135-139 140-144 145-149 150-154 155-159 160-164 165-169 170-174 175-179 180-184 185-189 190-194 195-199 200-204 205-209

0% 5% 10% 11% 12% 13% 14% 15% 16% 17% 18% 19% 20% 21% 22% 23% 24% 25% 26% 27% 28% 29% 30% 31% 32% 33%

0 1-75 76-94 95-99 100-104 105-109 110-114 115-119 120-124 125-129 130-134 135-139 140-144 145-149 150-154 155-159 160-164 165-169 170-174 175-179 180-184 185-189 190-194 195-199 200-204 205-209

0% 5% 11% 12% 13% 14% 15% 16% 17% 18% 19% 20% 21% 22% 23% 24% 25% 26% 27% 28% 29% 30% 31% 32% 33% 34%

0-50 51-75 76-94 95-99 100-104 105-109 110-114 115-119 120-124 125-129 130-134 135-139 140-144 145-149 150-154 155-159 160-164 165-169 170-174 175-179 180-184 185-189 190-194 195-199 200-204 205-209

5% 9% 13% 14% 15% 16% 17% 18% 19% 20% 21% 22% 23% 24% 25% 26% 27% 28% 29% 30% 31% 32% 33% 34% 35% 36%

210-214

34%

210+

35%

210+

37%

215+

35%

CO2 emissions

2016–2017

0-50 51-75 76-94 95-99 100-104 105-109 110-114 115-119 120-124 125-129 130-134 135-139 140-144 145-149 150-154 155-159 160-164 165-169 170-174 175-179 180-184 185-189 190-194 195-199 200+

7% 11% 15% 16% 17% 18% 19% 20% 21% 22% 23% 24% 25% 26% 27% 28% 29% 30% 31% 32% 33% 34% 35% 36% 37%

¡

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT ‘The Chancellor’s extra £3 billion annual infrastructure spend will help deliver much-needed road improvements.

Keeping Britain moving is vital to keep the economy growing. However, starting this investment from 2015/16 does not help today’s drivers.’

David Brennan, managing director, LeasePlan UK

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT ‘We are disappointed that despite heavy lobbying the Chancellor has chosen not to reverse his controversial decision to exclude leasing companies from the 100% first year allowances for ultra-low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles.’

Roddy Graham, chairman, ICFM

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

playing the percentages... ¡

B

y gradually increasing the percentages (see tax table on the previous page) the Government hopes to encourage company car drivers to choose lower-emission cars in order to save company car tax.

In the Budget we were told that the differential between the three lowest CO2 bands (050, 51-75 and 76-95g/km) will be 4% in 2016-17, 3% in 2017-18 and 2% for the following two years. Whilst we know what the differentials will be this leaves some uncertainty around the actual appropriate percentages that will apply in these years.

The good news is that the government has committed to announcing changes to company car tax three years in advance.

There are few zero emission cars on the road today, mainly because drivers are concerned about the limited range of electric vehicles (for which a new term seems to have evolved, “range anxiety”). Will the decision to tax these cars from 2015-16 reduce demand even further?

After years of campaigning by the leet industry the 3% diesel supplement will be removed from April 2016.

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT “The Chancellor has bowed to lobbying by ACFO and undertaken a partial U-turn on company car Benefit-in-Kind tax rates on ultra low emission models.”

Julie Jenner, chairman, ACFO

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

Private fuel

Corporation tax

Drivers of company cars and vans who benefit from free private fuel have to pay income tax based on a fuel scale charge. The scale charge for company cars increases from £20,200 to £21,100 from April 2013 and the scale charge for company vans increases from £550 to £564. In future both scale charges will increase in line with RPI.

Corporation tax rates are set to reduce. Companies with profits above £1.5m paid 24% CT in 201213 and will pay 23% in 2013-14.

This 1% p.a. reduction was already set to continue but will now accelerate to 21% in 2014-15 and 20% in 2015-16. Small companies already pay 20% and will continue to do so.

This gives the UK one of the lowest rates of corporation tax in the EU.

First year allowances Businesses currently receive a 100% first year allowance (i.e. 100% tax relief on the purchase price) when buying very low emission cars. The upper threshold for FYAs reduces from 110 to 95g/km in April 2013. This highly beneficial allowance was due to be withdrawn from April 2015 but the Chancellor has announced that he will then extend FYAs for a further three years with a reduced threshold of 75g/km.

Writing down allowances Cars emitting 111-130g/km of CO2 (96130g/km from April 2013, 76-130g/km from April 2015) benefit from an 18% writing down allowance and cars emitting above 130g/km are given an 8% WDA, which is a very small allowance indeed. The 130g/km threshold will be reviewed in Budget 2016.

With effect from April 2013, leasing companies will be unable to claim first year allowances and therefore unable to pass on the benefits to their customers through lower lease rates. So it seems that the Government wants to encourage businesses to use lower emission cars except when they choose to lease them.

This seems somewhat bizarre.

Tax free loans One interesting change is that from April 2014 employers will be able to provide tax-free loans up to £10,000 to their employees. For many years this figure had remained unchanged at £5,000. These loans can be an integral part of some employee car ownership schemes, so now would be a good time for companies with ECOs to reassess how this change might benefit their scheme.

VED Vehicle excise duty from April 2013 was frozen for heavy goods vehicles and increased by RPI for cars. The levels of VED for HGVs are to be reduced when the whole scheme is restructured in April 2014.

Private use Businesses that allow the private use of company vehicles have to pay a VAT scale charge. The amount depends on the CO2 emissions of the individual vehicle. From 1 May the amount payable will increase by up to £7 per quarter.

in association with

For further ways to reduce your fleet tax bill, visit business.peugeot.co.uk or call the Peugeot Fleet centre on 024 7688 4644.

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT NIC For 2013/14 the percentage for the calculation of employers’ Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the company car and fuel benefits remains as for 2012/13 at 13.8%.

SUMMARY Overall this was an evolutionary rather than revolutionary Budget: more encouragement for drivers to choose lower-emission cars, a small tax increase on the greenest cars and some tinkering with tax allowances and rates. Few major surprises.

‘Unfortunately the grey fleet remains a grey area for this Government. The Government actively promotes greener road transport through the VED and company car tax regimes, while incentivising staff to drive extra work miles in their own gas-guzzlers. This is a glaring blind spot in an otherwise environmentally-focused tax regime.’

John Lewis, chief executive, BVRLA

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT ‘We very much welcome the news that the standard 130g/km writing down allowance that was unveiled in the last Budget has been set in stone until 2016, when it will be reviewed. This will allow fleets to plan for the next three years with a high degree of financial certainty.’

Gary Killeen, fleet services commercial leader, GE Capital UK

Colin Tourick is the author of Company Car and Van Tax (Eyelevel Books)

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

FEATURE Risk Management

Cracking the system

Is online profiling a miracle cure for company car driver risk or just an easily manipulated gimmick? Natalie Middleton puts a number of web-based systems to the test.

S

ome six years ago, Robert Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), told BBC Radio Five Live that learner drivers should be given psychometric tests to assess their attitudes to risk.

As well as the multiple choice questions in the theory test, he suggested that learners be given a series of value judgements, such as ‘Have you ever left the traf ic lights while they have been on red?’, and asked the extent to which they agree or disagree with these statements.

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

‘It would be a way of picking up their underlying values rather than just the facts that they have at their disposal, which are a series of multiple choice questions,’ he said.

At the time, he came in for a barrage of criticism from motoring groups such as the RAC, which said the idea was a bit of a gimmick, while Paul Smith, founder of organisation Safe Speed, told the BBC that road safety was a ‘complex matter of individual risk management’, adding: ‘We could write a million rules, obey them perfectly, and still fail to observe someone stepping into the road ahead.’

However, psychometric testing – aside from its wide application for employee selection – is increasingly being used as part of driver risk pro iling from a wide range of road risk management specialists.

But can such tests really provide an insight into whether your drivers are more likely to be found in the inside lane, cruising on at 70mph (weather permitting) or hurtling down the outside lane at 90mph, shouting obscenities at anyone who gets in the way?

Or are these programmes just another gimmick designed to part you and your company funds?

It was hazard perception tests that proved to be my Achilles’ Heel, with me ending up as “medium risk”

BESPOKE APPROACHES

From my personal point of view it was interesting to see just how much the risk pro iling industry has advanced in recent years, all to the bene it of the leet itself.

Although some of the systems that I tested were more in-depth than others – and all were structured in different ways – each one took basically the same approach: assessing my overall driving/Highway Code knowledge, looking at my practical skills and inally hazard perception – either through clicking on the potential problems in actual video footage or a static image.

There were some interesting touches too. I liked the way that the Virtual Risk Manager system from Interactive Driving Systems made the employee sign the Driver Safety Pledge, whereby I agreed to “Ensure that I am it to drive, well rested, and not under the in luence of alcohol or drugs before reporting to work or driving for work purposes” amongst other items. This system also explored other vehicle areas in detail, putting the driver on the spot with such questions as how often their car is serviced, whose responsibility it is, and even about its Euro NCAP rating.

The Mac On-line Driver Pro iler meanwhile focused on asking the driver about their reactions to various situations, such as overtaking and people hogging the fast lane, to assess drivers on areas such as alertness and anticipation. It also asked indepth questions about accident history and business mileage to build up a driver risk pro ile, which in my case came out to be low to medium.

The other two systems I tested – the

‘Doc Diagnostics’ system offered by Fleet21, and the E-Training World system offered by Northgate Fleet Management – both seemed to have particular strengths in hazard perception, with the latter highlighting that it’s a knowledge and skills-based system, not a psychometric one. And I liked the latter’s footage of the professional leet driver trainer who explained prior to the test how hazard perception works, even down to pointing out the importance of noticing horse muck on the road as a sign of a possible impending problem!

SINNER OR SAINT? However, it was such hazard perception tests that proved to be my Achilles’ Heel, with me ending as up “medium risk” in every single one of the tests apart from one where I was designated “high risk”. Although I did ind it much harder to take in everything that was going on whilst sitting at a computer rather than in a car, it showed that my attention to road signs and other hazard pointers is something to be worked on.

The actual psychometric questions were straightforward – most seemed to have moved on from the idea of double negative sentence structures to catch drivers out and just posed questions outright, like asking the tester to benchmark whether they get angry over other drivers’ bad behaviour, with answers ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. I have to admit here to getting confused on two of the tests, which both asked if I altered my driving as a result of other drivers’ behaviour.

Looking at my results, it became apparent that “strongly agree” was the wrong answer although my thinking was that if I didn’t alter my behaviour if someone, say, did an emergency stop, it could be rather risky…

I also found that the questions such as the ones on driver speeding were heavily dependent on driver honesty, although the companies involved said that most drivers do recognise the need for truthful answers.

There were also some questions that, to me anyway, seemed blindingly obvious or even quite comic – such as the one asking whose

responsibility it is to keep the vehicle clean, with one of the choices being the driver’s family (which I was quite tempted to tick).

THE SCEPTIC’S VIEWPOINT To assess the overall bene its of such technology, we put ive systems to the test: Virtual Risk Manager from Interactive Driving Systems, the Mac On-line Driver Pro iler from MAC GB Ltd, Roadmarque from Imagitech, the ‘doc diagnostics’ system developed by A2om and offered by Fleet21, and the E-Training World system offered by Northgate Fleet Management.

The idea wasn’t to benchmark the systems – although in testing them I did notice some interesting ways in which the various technologies were differentiated – but to see if they all worked in broadly the same way and gave me the same results, thereby proving that risk pro iling works.

I have to admit to having had some scepticism prior to the test. My experiences of psychometric testing hail back some 16 years ago when I worked for an American computer giant that regularly put its staff through enforced team-building exercises, such as the Four Colour Personality Test, to encourage a better working environment.

At the time, being offered a free inger buffet and a framed certi icate to show that I was a “green” personality type seemed little recompense to me for an evening’s compulsory overtime.

It was around eight years ago when I irst tried a leet road risk test at an exhibition; although I came out with a top score for knowledge and attitude, my annual leet mileage of just under 30k meant I was instantly categorised as ‘high risk’ and would have been lagged up for further training. And at the time hazard perception had to be carried out by actual on-road testing, with no ability to sit at a computer and assess your skills.

So I approached this test with a great deal of scepticism. Can psychometric testing really evaluate your mindset to driving and also test your onroad skills without so much as an amber traf ic light in sight?

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

¡

FEATURE Risk Management

THE SYSTEMS...

¡ THE RESULTS

So have such systems altered my perception of psychometric testing and, more importantly, would I recommend their usage? In a nutshell, yes.

While all tests had a psychometric element, they seemed to strike a good balance between balancing that with a driver’s day-to-day driving pro ile, history and actual hazard skills to assess the areas where they need work.

And with all tests offering effective ways of testing drivers’ hazard perception without them even needing to venture out to the car park, they provide a far more costeffective alternative than widespread driver training and are also far easier to it into an employee’s working day.

All of the companies I spoke to were also impressively principled when I asked what percentage of drivers would be recommended for further training, saying that they wouldn’t believe in pushing a set number through just for the purpose of money making. And when I asked the operations director at Mac GB about what their recommended course of action would be for me, he explained that no further training would be needed but they’d advise my employer to supply advice and guidance throughout the year by conducting several Driving Campaigns.

And I think this is the crux of the matter for such campaigns. Firstly they should be targeted in right way, with questions appropriate to the individual/department, for example on LCVs if they’re part of the company leet or on eco-driving if the company is looking to promote this.

It’s also important that the training itself and any immediate interventions required are followed up on in a fresh and interesting way, perhaps with tailored seasonal training, for example on winter driving, but also through maintaining driver engagement, possibly with a competitive element such as a league table or incentives.

As for my results, well I know now that my driving history and attitude are pretty good, with an all-round “low risk” score.

But with some higher risk scores for both my hazard perception and general driving knowledge, I think it’s time I headed off to WHSmith for a latest copy of the Highway Code – checking carefully for horse droppings as I go.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

1. Virtual Risk Manager from Interactive Driving Systems RoadRISK is the online risk assessment element of virtual Risk Manager (VRM) and is made up of three elements: RoadRISK Pro ile, which focuses on the participant's driver, vehicle and journey based exposure levels, in line with the HSE/DfT Driving at Work document requirements. It provides section and overall risk ratings.

Road Risk Defensive Driving focuses on the participant's attitude, behaviour, knowledge and hazard perception. It provides section and overall risk ratings. The Pro ile and Defensive Driving risk ratings are then combined into an overall risk rating.

RoadRISK Feedback provides instant feedback to the participant on all the risk factors. www.virtualriskmanager.net

2. Mac On-line Driver Profiler from MAC GB Mac’s on-line profiling system is a valuable tool for evaluating the potential accidentrisk of a driver. As a result, it can be used to determine which drivers are most in need of an eco and defensive driver training day, and can also help an instructor to tailor driver training to the specific needs of the driver in question. In addition to this, the resulting report highlights risk in the five personality areas (Attitude and Aggression, Alertness and Concentration, Stress, Anticipation and Violations). www.macdrivertraining.com

3. Roadmarque from Imagitech The Roadmarque independent risk and driver management system includes a risk management element that features a driver survey combining the factual information provided by the driver with the results from the licence check to compute a risk pro ile – and risk score. There’s also an Aptitude Assessment offering up to eight tests (scope selected by the employer), each test produces a valid numerical score that can be interpreted as a risk level. www.roadmarque.com

4. ‘Doc Diagnostics’ developed by A2om and offered by Fleet21 The Fleet21 driver risk assessment and e-learning tool is delivered through the company’s partnership with a2om technology. It examines employees on driving knowledge, skill and, perhaps more importantly, their driving attitude. It only takes around 20 minutes to complete, highlighting any areas of weakness that need to be addressed so that these risks can be minimised quickly. www.fleet21drivertraining.com

5. E-Training World system offered by Northgate Fleet Management This is a knowledge and skills-based system. It is incredibly comprehensive, easy-to-use and drivers understand why they’re being asked certain questions, and tested on speci ic topics.

The key things the drivers are judged on are attitude, knowledge, concentration and observation, and hazard perception; the results of this give a balanced view on how the driver will behave/perform on the roads. www.e-trainingworld.com

Business Mobility on the Move.

At Alphabet we’re always developing new, more efficient ways of moving employees from A to B. It’s all part of our vision for the future of mobility.

Existing forms of fleet management underpin this vision. But there’s certainly more to come.

Take AlphaCity for example. As ingenious as it is simple, it’s a corporate car sharing scheme set to change the way we finance, manage and use company vehicles.

It’s yet another step forward in clever fleet thinking from Alphabet.

Find out more:

Tel: 0870 50 50 100 Email: alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire ALD Automotive The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 955,000 vehicles across 37 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike. With a reputation for delivering proactive and innovative vehicle management services, ALD has developed award winning risk management products such as DriveSafe and ProFleet2 in-vehicle telematics, complementing an established suite of online applications branded ‘threesixty’. ALD hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations.

Contact: Ian Turner ian.turner@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Tel: 0870 00 111 81

Alphabet Alphabet are always developing new, more efficient ways of moving employees from A to B. It’s all part of our vision for the future of business mobility.

We support our customers in both the private and public sectors with one of the most comprehensive portfolios of products; from funding solutions and fleet management through to strategic consultancy, risk management and daily rental. We are ideally positioned to offer our customers a tailored solution and are well down the road to becoming the leading provider of business mobility.

Sharing our expertise and delivering the highest level of customer service is our number one priority, and the reason that so many of the UK’s top companies trust us with their business mobility needs.

Contact: Bernadette Maguire Tel: 0870 50 50 110 bernadette.maguire@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

Alliance Asset Management Alliance Asset Management is one of the UK’s leading independent fleet management and funding providers, offering bespoke solutions for fleets from 1 – 1,000 vehicles+.

Combining a wide range of products for both businesses and consumers with Alliance's purchasing power and consultative approach; Alliance consistently delivers competitive solutions.

Products available include contract hire, contract purchase, finance lease and a range of fleet management solutions including daily rental and Flexilease – Alliance’s cost-effective solution for rentals of 28 days or more.

All Alliance clients, irrespective of size, are treated with equal importance to ensure they all receive the same exceptional service.

Contact: Riane Cooke rcooke@fleetcentre.com

Tel: 0844 414 2998 www.fleetcentre.com

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is a family run, privately owned vehicle leasing company. We are the largest dealerbased leasing company in the country, and we provide a comprehensive portfolio of funding products and management services to clients right across the UK. As a totally independent business, you can always rely on us to provide sound, unbiased advice. We have a characteristic no-nonsense business style and a reputation for delivering a uniquely personal leasing experience.

We help corporate clients, small businesses and Government departments realise genuine savings and improvements in productivity. We listen, and we’d welcome the change to work with you.

Contact: Calum Ewart calum.ewart@acvm.co.uk

Tel: 0845 6034590 www.acvm.co.uk

Fleet Alliance Limited Fleet Alliance is a leading UK fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. We manage over 10,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients in a wide variety of business sectors.

We deliver a complete fleet solution via our market-leading Fleet 360 model which provides the best combination of advice, products, competitive pricing and outstanding service.

Contact: Grant Boardman Tel: 0845 601 8407 grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk www.fleetalliance.co.uk

JCT600 Contracts Limited JCT600 Contracts provides a range of leasing and fleet management services on a cost effective basis to a broad spread of discerning clients. With a highly trained and experienced team using sophisticated systems the company is able to meet the increasing demands of its customers whilst offering the highest level of personalised service.

The company has one of the industry’s leading client retention rates at around 80% demonstrating that its services are widely appreciated. Continuous efforts ensure improved value and the careful development of new products.

The company’s financial strength and strategy for controlled growth bode well for future success.

Contact: Rob Kellock rob.kellock@jct600.co.uk

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0113 250 0060 www. jct600contracts.co.uk

FLEETW RLD Lex Autolease

Motiva Group

Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading vehicle management and funding specialist, supplying businesses with fleets of vehicles ranging from just a few to a few thousand.

Companies all over the UK trust us to take care of their vehicle leasing. We have in excess of 280,000 vehicles currently under management, making us the UK's largest leasing company.

But in a competitive market, saying we’re biggest isn’t enough. It’s through delivering World Class Customer Service that gives us our competitive edge.

At Lex Autolease, our approach is to develop a true partnership with businesses and public sector organisations, working side by side with customers to help them face the challenges of running a fleet.

We’ve also won more than 20 independent awards in the last 10 years, including BusinessCar’s Fleet Management Provider and Service Supplier of the Year 2011.

Motiva Group prides itself on providing tailor-made fleet solutions that start and end with the customer.

It has a contract and leasing fleet of more than 4,000 cars, vans and trucks and contract hire customers range from firms running hundreds of vehicles to one-man-bands. Motiva aims to be “the friendly face of fleet”, with a can-do attitude for customers of every size.

Contract and leasing services include contract hire, personal contracts, sale and leaseback and lease purchase.

Contract hire and leasing customers can also take advantage of the group’s other services: fleet management, short-term leases under the Lite-Lease brand, integrated telematics systems from its Motrak division, fuel management and access to more than 25,000 daily rental vehicles under the M-Way brand.

Contact: Emma Wilkinson Tel: 0845 769 7381 Emma.Wilkinson@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Contact: Martin Franks martin.franks@motivagroup.co.uk www.motivagroup.co.uk

Tel: 01782 221100

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd Venson Automotive Solutions Venson is a hands-on fleet management specialist with a proven track record in reducing fleet costs and increasing vehicle availability. It’s our level of experience, knowledge and service that allows us to give you the kind of impartial advice that has real financial returns whether your business is in the private, public, notfor-profit or emergency services sector. From sourcing the right vehicles to funding, maintaining and delivering commercial vehicle fit-outs, we handle every aspect and we don’t let our clients down, our 98% retention rate is testament to that.

Get in touch, reserve a free fleet audit and drive your business in a new direction.

Contact: Anneka Marwaha a.marwaha@venson.com

Tel: 0208 339 1444 www.venson.com

Contact: Ashley Crookes Ashley.crookes@ogilvie.co.uk

Volkswagen Group Leasing SIMPLE is lots of car brands under one roof Volkswagen Group Leasing is a division of the Volkswagen Group – one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers and we’re here to make leasing simple. From simple funding to complete fleet management, we have a wide range of products and services to help make your life a little easier.

As well as offering the full range of Volkswagen vehicles including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we can also source any other manufacturer’s vehicle.

Our personal packages provide efficient administrative systems, sound management information and expert care to suit your individual business needs.

Contact: Tim Johnson vglenquiries@vwfs.co.uk www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk

Our commitment to existing and prospective clients is that we will ALWAYS provide industry leading service. Our recent award wins undeniably prove our words: 2013 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* 2012 FN50 "Customer Service Award - Team" *WINNER* 2012 Business Car Techies Awards *HIGHLY COMMENDED* 2012 Fleet News "Customer Service Award" *WINNER* 2012 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* 2012 Fleet News "Best New Product or Service (Ogilvie MiFleet)" *FINALIST* 2012 Fleet News "Reader Recommended" Contract Hire Company *SHORTLISTED* 2012 Scottish Business Awards "Customer Focus" Category *NOMINEE* 2011 FleetEye CSi Award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction Levels" *WINNER* We’re proud to serve our clients and our doors are always open to new customers.

Tel: 0870 333 2229

Tel: 0330 333 5677 www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk

Pendragon Contracts Pendragon Contracts provide a consultative, flexible and solutions-driven approach tailored to each customer’s needs. We can advise on whole life costs which results in considerable savings for our clients. Our products and services include contract hire, daily and flexi-rental, salary sacrifice car schemes, fleet maintenance management, fuel cards, vehicle recovery, risk management, accident management, tyre provision and glass replacement.

Contact: John Given john.given@pendragon.uk.com www.pendragon-contracts.co.uk

Tel: 01332 292777

fleetworld.co.uk / 53

Do you offer an open discloure/profit sharing option?

Do you offer bespoke total cost of ownership?

Do you offer integrated telematics solutions?

Do you offer an ECOS / ECOP scheme?

Do you have a dedicated phone-based facility for small fleets?

Do you offer an on-line solution for managing a grey fleet?

Do you offer a dedicated account management team?

Do you offer a salary sacrifice sheme?

Do you offer pooled mileage as standard?

Do you offer a fleet management option for non-funded vehicles?

Volkswagen Group Leasing Will you provide a bespokeInternet/Intrane t site for major clients?

Key to services

Approximately how many vehicles does your company operate?

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire

ALD Automotive 75k

Alliance Asset Management Ltd +1.3k

Alphabet 119k

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management 41k

Fleet Alliance Limited 10k

JCT600 Contracts Ltd +7.05k

Offer credit mileage

Leasedrive Group 32k

LeasePlan

135k

Lex Autolease

270k

-

Motiva Group

4k

-

-

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd

10.5k

Pendragon Contracts

+12.4k

-

Venson Automotive Solutions

11.5k

-

49k

-

-

-

-

Service provided

Service unavailable

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

There are easier ways to capture business mileage Whether you run 2,000, 200 or 20 vehicles, reimbursing staff for business mileage or claiming back the cost of private fuel can be an administrative headache and an expensive one too – for the driver, line manager and payroll.

With fuel prices increasing by 50% in the last 5 years; fleet costs under the spotlight; and the risk of a hefty fine from HMRC for incorrect mileage claims, there has never been a more important time to review this process.

Our FuelEx mileage capture and fuel reconciliation system has already delivered cost savings of over 25% - could we do the same for you?

0870 00 111 81

ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

www.aldautomotive.co.uk

our fleet Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ES-T IT may not have had the fanfair of some other recently launched rivals, but make no mistake, Honda’s 1.6-litre diesel engine is big news. For Honda it’s a chance to push the Civic back towards the best of the sector’s competitive and evershrinking CO2 emissions, and a way to make the CR-V more attractive to the fleet market too.

So we’ve added the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC to our fleet, in the popular ES-T trim, for six months to see how the engine fares. It’s a mid-spec model, the suffix adding a touch-screen satellite navigation system – a must-have for anyone regularly on the road. For me, its 78.5mpg fuel economy should make the near-160 mile drive from Cardiff to St Albans a little more palatable too.

Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 IT is time to bid farewell to our long-term Peugeot 508 RXH, with the diesel-electric Hybrid having covered over 15,000-miles in our tenure. The abiding memories will be of extreme comfort in the cabin making long journeys a breeze, an automated gearbox that took a little while to get used to and a Hybrid system that, in conjuction with the auto box, could easily deliver 60mpg (verified by way of a neat on-screen bar-chart). Whether it delivers more than less-weighty diesel-only rivals is open to debate but we will certainly miss the 508’s all-round abilities.

Luke Wikner 56 / fleetworld.co.uk

the figures First impressions are favourable. Honda’s reliability record is second to none, and the latest Civic feels solidly built and soft to the touch throughout.

The new dashboard has toned down on the futuristic floating blue dials of the last car, but there’s been a real effort to make the switchgear fit together.

Ours is only let down slightly by the black plastic blank to the left of the steering wheel, which replaces the more appealing engine start button on higher model grades but is otherwise well equipped, including dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, USB and Bluetooth connections and Honda’s clever “Magic Seat” rear bench. Whether it meets its claimed economy, though, has yet to be seen.

Alex Grant

Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Executive SE saloon A brief two-month tenure of the fleet-special C220 CDI has revealed a number of things: it’s economical (averaging high-40s) in real world, fast driving, and it rides well thanks to not having the sport-oriented suspension of the AMG-badged versions.

Downsides include a noisy heater and rumbling tyres, although our optional winter tyres may have influenced this.

The Executive SE trim does its best to lift the “basic” feel of the car, but I couldn’t help but look at drivers of AMG Sport Plus versions with a touch of envy.

Julian Kirk

OTR PRICE £21,590 POWER 118bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 221lb.ft @ 2,000rpm 0-62mph 10.5 seconds TOP SPEED 129mph COMBINED MPG 78.5mpg CO2 94g/km (13% BiK)

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro SE THE Audi’s quattro system has proved handy in these extended winter months, which is probably why it’s only managing 34mpg, and the generous width of the cabin is especially useful with two kids seats on board.

Although the Stop/Start, or stop and then stall, as I would term it, is grating.

The car seems to choose weird moments to kill the engine, and then it takes an age to get going again. Not one of Audi’s finest moments and not much fun when you’re trapped, trying to pull away from junctions.

Steve Moody

Volvo V40 D2 SE Nav SUCH is the fast-paced nature of car engine development these days that before our new longterm V40 had even arrived with us, Volvo had announced at the Geneva Motor Show that a more efficient version was on the way.

And it’s not exactly as if the current model – which in 1.6-litre D2 guise offers 94g/km and 78.5mpg combined fuel consumption – was a gas-guzzler. But with 88g/km and 83.1mpg, the new model, due out this summer, is intended to delivery the company’s ‘leading position within fuel efficiency improvements’.

Actually I have to say that this desire to get one step ahead of the crowd and stay there is very much evident in the V40. This five-door hatch, which has been said to be the carmaker’s most important model in 20 years, joins the highly competitive C-segment and shows that Volvo means business.

Despite a slightly small boot, the V40 is certainly more practical than its recent small Volvo contenders have been, for one thing. And this has been enhanced this year with the launch of the intrepid Cross Country and sporty R-Design models, widening the range’s appeal further.

It’s a bit of a head-turner too, especially with our “Passion Red” paintwork. Although its chiselled looks may have slight downsides including a bit of a loss of rear headroom and rather a narrow entry to the boot, it’s one of the sharpest looking models in its segment.

And this extends to the cabin too, which feels premium and includes nifty touches such as the optional digital TFT screen and the illuminated gear knob. But on the downside, keeping that cream interior looking pristine with two young kids is going to be a bit of a tall ask...

As you’d expect from Volvo, it substantially leads the way on active and passive safety features – so much so that I could devote a whole article to these alone.

So there’s a lot to write about in the coming weeks and we’re looking forward to reporting back on what Volvo’s small family hatch has to offer fleets. And how our efforts to keep that interior clean fare!

Natalie Middleton

the figures OTR PRICE £22,795 POWER 113bhp @ 3,600rpm TORQUE 199lb.ft @ 1,750–2,500rpm 0-62mph 11.9 seconds TOP SPEED 118mph COMBINED MPG 78.5mpg CO2 94g/km (13% BiK)

Mazda6 2.2D Sport Nav LOOKING out of my window reveals an obvious problem with our Mazda6 at the moment – it looks suspiciously like a CX-5.

The 6 is away –subject to a safety recall issued at the end of March, affecting models fitted with i-ELOOP, Mazda’s smart stop/start and energy recovery and storage system. There’s a possibility of a crack in a component hidden away under the passenger seat, which could cause a fire.

It has heated seats already, so Mazda and VOSA’s caution is welcome. All owners are being contacted to have the part replaced. Otherwise, our 6 continues to impress greatly. Come back soon!

John Kendall

BMW 320d Touring Modern THE BMW has the cleverest lights I have ever seen. Unlike the auto full beam function some offer, where you dazzle somebody once then stress about using them again, this £925 system changes the shape of the fullbeam light, moulding it like some sculpture, to fit round cars in front of you and those coming the other way.

So you can be driving down an A road, following a car which is in darknesss, while the near and far side of the road are lit up in dazzling brightness. As a car comes the other way, the light reverses back, just ahead of it. A brilliant safety feature for you and other road users.

Ross Durkin

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

fleet finance

A better way to budget Following the Chancellor’s change of heart on EV taxation in the Budget, Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, outlines the importance of using TCO to base vehicle choice lists on.

T

with tax bills – even if the Government’s failure to redress his year’s Budget may have been aimed at people its decision to remove 100% FYAs for leased cars is short‘who realise there are no easy answers to problems sighted to say the least. built up over many years’ but actually, from a fleet But there’s no point noting all the tax changes if you conperspective, the Government managed to find easy answers tinue to select vehicles purely based on their monthly leasto a number of problems. ing cost. Opting for this method means that all the extra tax This includes a change of heart on the plans announced in costs that will impact the fleet will remain largely hidden – the 2012 Budget to increase Benefit in Kind taxation on but with a significant blow to the company’s bottom line.

EVs, plus the much-expected U-turn on the three pence per Only by turning to TCO when selecting vehicles, can fleets litre fuel duty rise scheduled for September. ensure that they are adopting a holistic approach that takes Add in minimal changes and some admin revisions to into account vital taxation and environmental parameters.

VED rates, as well as the announcement that company car However there are many key components that need to be tax rates will now be revealed three years in advance plus included in TCO to ensure you are getting a full and reprethe extension of the 100% first year allowance on lowsentative picture of all the costs involved in running a vehiemission vehicles to 2018 and it seemed that, in most areas cle. These include not just the acquisition price but also anyway, it was a Budget with some simple solutions that depreciation, fuel, SMR, running costs and National will benefit fleet operators.

Insurance/taxation.

And once again the Budget highlighted one more simple Knowing which costs to include in a TCO calculation can solution that will benefit fleets majorly – using a total cost cause problems for fleets that are new to of ownership (TCO) model to base compathis approach. And it may also prove both ny car choices on.

SOUNDBITE time-consuming and challenging to adopt The latest changes to electric vehicle taxsuch a strategy, which is why many fleets ation provide a prime example of just why The latest changes find it beneficial to seek expert advice. fleets should turn to TCO. Prior to last year’s to electric vehicle This is where ALD Automotive’s Budget such vehicles enjoyed a 0% Benefit AutoSolutions team can help. This specialin Kind status. But then the 2012 Budget taxation provide a ist division comprises of experienced anawhipped that round so that drivers running prime example of just lysts who are experts in vehicle funding EVs had to endure the prospect of a hike to why fleets should and fleet choice lists, as well as the deploy13% BiK from April 2015. Now, following turn to total cost ment of proven cost-effective and practical the introduction of the two new company of ownership car policies. car tax bands, this falls to 5% for EVs up to Using market-leading fleet analysis and 50g/km in 2015 while ultra low emission consultation, AutoSolutions can assess total vehicles with 51-75g/km will have a tax liacost of ownership from all manufacturers, bility of 9% for the same tax year. models and derivatives. This provides a conThese changes, which have obviously clusive picture of company and employee tax been welcomed by the EV manufacturers, implications during vehicle selection, helpmake a big difference to the financial ing fleets to avoid making costly mistakes as proposition that EVs offer fleets. And they a result of the latest Budget changes. also make a big difference to the tax bill For more details of how the AutoSolutions that drivers will pay on such vehicles, as team can help optimise your fleet policy, well as fleets through Class 1A NICs. please email autosolutions@aldautomoThe announcement of the extended tive.com or phone 0870 00 111 81.

100% first-year allowances will also help Contact ALD Automotive:

58 / advertisement feature

t 0870 0011181

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

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STOCKPORT The new Clio is a cracking little car to drive, especially the brilliant new three cylinder petrol engine and is now up among the best in the sector.

Steve Moody, Editor, Fleet World

Lookers Stockport St Mary’s Way, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 4AW t 0161 333 3346 e DarrenLevy@lookers.co.uk w lookers.co.uk/stockport

Visit www.renault.co.uk for more information

MANAGEMENT Fleet Academy

Join the An unusual advert for the benefits of telematics Alex Grant, Motoring Editor, Fleet World

Fleet World magazine’s Fleet Academy is designed to provide a forum whereby those industry consultants and professionals in possession of valuable fleet information can impart it to a select audience of fleet decision-makers.

At the heart of the Fleet Academy is a network of independent fleet industry experts whose work brings them into regular contact with end-user fleet managers and other organisations playing a key role in the industry. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of a discussion topic.

Typical areas of interest include, but are not limited to: taxation, finance and accounting, legislation, environmental issues, fleet safety, insurance, fleet management, supply issues and security.

Fleet suppliers are permitted to respond to queries if it is felt that their response represents honest and impartial advice. This aspect of the service is strictly moderated in order to ensure that the quality of information provided remains of the highest standard.

We have already attracted a strong network of fleet professionals, and our expert contributors have submitted a number of thought provoking discussion topics, a few of which are previewed to the right.

We hope you will consider joining us in this exciting new venture into the world of fleet.

To find out more about Fleet Academy and request membership, please visit:

www.fleetacademy.co.uk 60 / fleetworld.co.uk

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla may have just become a great case study for the value of telematics in settling disputes.

The California-based carmaker is a few months away from launching its electric Model S executive car here in Europe, and there's a right hand drive version coming to the UK at the end of this year. It won't knock the Germans off the volume top spot, but long range, high performance and keen pricing are all expected to be selling points.

In North America, it’s already shipping cars to customers and the press have been driving production

Time to take air quality seriously Don Potts, Environmental Consultant, Volvo

In January 2013 the Beijing authorities warned people not to leave their homes, as the air was unfit to breathe.

Similar events occur in cities throughout the world, such as Mexico City, where it is not uncommon to see birds falling dead from the sky. The EU calculates that 300,000 premature deaths occur in the EU annually from respiratory and heart disease, caused by poor air quality, primarily caused by oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and particulates.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, wants to see all petrol and diesel cars banned from London by 2020.

London is being threatened with a €300,000 fine for failing air quality standards. The EU and the UK have imposed high taxes on CO2, causing a significant shift in the passenger car market to diesels. Several EU cities have introduced diesel free days: including Berlin, Milan and Madrid. Current EU pollution legislation is failing to deal with NOX and particulates.

The growth of hybrid, electric and hydrogen vehicles will only occur if petrol and diesel vehicles are banned or restricted, which now looks to be high on the political

in association with

debate...

Cost and enforcement are two key words for van fleet operators versions for months. One of these titles is the New York Times, which recently posted a fairly damning long-distance drive story ending with a trip on a flatbed recovery truck once the Model S had run out of charge. But, unknown to the journalist, Tesla had been watching closely and on Wednesday it published a very thorough rebuttal based on detailed telematics data gathered during the drive.

It’s worth taking a few minutes to read through, as the detail is incredible: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/most-peculiartest-drive

Mark Cartwright, Van Project Manager, Freight Transport Association For the next 12 – 24 months, I think the outlook for van operators revolves around two words – cost and enforcement.

Cost for all the obvious reasons. Something I find interesting with van operations in general is that they don’t always seem to manage operational costs with the same obsession that truck operators do!

Few seem to be able to quote mpg figures, manage the impact of driving styles, vehicle loads etc – all stuff the truckies had nailed down years ago. I genuinely think many, many van operators could shave 10-15% off the operational costs without too much effort.

Enforcement – VOSA, DfT and the TC’s are really shaping up to get their teeth into “van man”. The 50% first-time MoT failure rate for vans is a red flag to the (enforcement) bull! If taken literally, it translates into over one million unroadworthy vans on the road at any one time – something VOSA will move against. It’s more important than ever for the good operators to be seen as leading the way and for the less good to learn from them. The enforcers see stopping vans as being “like shooting fish in a barrel” – let’s make the barrel smaller.

agenda. In my opinion, the average company car driver pays attention to CO2 because of tax but has no interest in air quality.

Mark will be speaking at the Venson-sponsored “Question Time” style panel debate taking place at the Fleet World Fleet Show.

Alex Grant, Motoring Editor, Fleet World replied...

Russell Hill, Operations Director, Chiltern Development Training replied…

I agree. You see occasional comment from companies saying motorists have become more environmentally conscious, but I think most of it comes down to cost.

Simply, if it's costing the best part of £100 to fill an upper medium car with fuel then motorists want that to go as far as possible, and pay as little as they can to tax it.

Ultimately manufacturers are responding to demand created by government for low-carbon cars, they have to. But even if everyone’s driving the most efficient diesels on the market, it doesn’t really represent “green” motoring. You only have to smell the diesel fumes in a crowded supermarket car park to see that on a small scale.

The enforcement issue is an interesting one. VOSA will undoubtedly be targeting the bus/coach/minibus sector after September because of the need for them to have completed their Driver CPC. So will they have the time left for pulling over all those vans? If you do have a staff minibus that is transporting staff to different sites and maybe picking clients up, make sure they have the correct licence to do so.

A contact had to deal with one of her drivers being fined over the weekend for going 57 in his Citroën Berlingo on a single carriageway national speed limit road. It appears that the van was registered as a commercial vehicle and not as a car-derived van, therefore subjecting it to the lower speed limit. I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had this problem. I would check your registration details and if in any doubt contact VOSA for clarification. Oh, and then tell me!

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

ALL-NEW VOLVO V40 ABERDEEN

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Valley Way, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA6 8QP

140 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge TN11 9HJ

“THE VOLVO V40’S LOW RUNNING COSTS, HIGH QUALITY, FEEL-GOOD INTERIOR AND NEW CROSS COUNTRY OPTION GIVE IT AN APPEAL MISSING IN ITS GERMAN RIVALS.” Fleet World February 2013

a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Ford Sierra era 1982-1995 UK sales 1,301,997 Successor Ford Mondeo

I

t’s easy to forget, with the modern D-segment so dominated by hatchbacks and the Mondeo saloon withdrawn in 2010 due to low demand, that when the Sierra launched in 1982 its aerodynamic “jelly mould” body shape was its most radical feature. But it proved so ahead of its time that most of its rivals have since followed suit.

Ford had previewed the design as the Probe III concept car at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, and apart from its covered rear wheels a lot of its styling cues made it through to production. At launch, the futuristic shape was a massive departure from the three-box Cortina it replaced, offering improved fuel efficiency at a time when consumers were becoming increasingly aware of rising petrol prices.

Its sophisticated features went beyond aerodynamics, too. The Sierra features fully independent rear suspension and was a vast step forward in terms of refinement and equipment, introducing delayed action interior lights, lockable glove compartments and illuminated vanity mirrors among its interior features.

Early right hand drive cars were built at Ford’s plant in Dagenham, where the Cortina had been built, and the plant was heavily upgraded to make way for the new model. New metal stamping and 100 body construction robots were installed, at a cost of £210 million, ahead of production.

But it wasn’t an instant success. The more conventional looking Vauxhall Cavalier saloon took top spot in the segment’s sales until the Sierra was

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

facelifted in 1987. Wrap-around headlamps, smooth tail lamps and new Sapphire saloon and P100 pickup versions helped put it ahead of its key rival almost until the end of its life cycle.

Launch engines ranged from the 59bhp 1.3-litre and 74bhp 1.6-litre units, available in standard or economy tune, to the 2.3-litre V6, and most were rear-wheel drive. Four-speed manual gearboxes were fitted to most engines, with five gears or an automatic as an option. Ford also sold small numbers with a Peugeot 66bhp 2.3-litre diesel, but replaced it with its own 74bhp turbo diesel in 1990.

The Sierra is perhaps best remembered for its prolific motorsport career. Cosworth-tuned rally and touring cars were a force to be reckoned with on track, while the 201bhp roadgoing model put supercar performance within reach of ordinary motorists. Notoriety which made it one of the UK’s most frequently stolen cars.

Production moved to Genk, Belgium, in 1990, where the Mondeo is still built. At the same time, it received its final upgrades, including a smoother dashboard, clear indicators with smoked rear lamps, fuel-injected engines across the range and four-wheel drive for the Sapphire Cosworth.

Ford eventually replaced the Sierra in March 1993 with the front-wheel drive Mondeo. The last versions left Genk in December 1992, and once the final UK models were registered in 1995 Ford had sold 1,301,997 in Britain, forever changing the benchmark of the upper medium segment in the process.

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY auctions & remarketing

accident management

daily rental

fleet management software

risk management

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 bca.co.uk

Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

Europcar Tel: 01923 811250 www.europcar.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732 www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

fast fits & tyres

driver licence checking

ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tel: 01784 221 300 www.enterprise.co.uk

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

Enterprise Software Tel: 0161 925 2400 www.essl.co.uk

RAC Risk Management Tel: 0870 606 2606

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

contract hire, leasing & finance Leasedrive Tel: 01344 466 466 www.leasedrive.com

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Tel: 0845 603 4590 www.acvm.co.uk

Alliance Asset Management plc Tel: 01480 475000 www.fleetcentre.com

Concept Vehicle Leasing Tel: 0800 043 2050 www.conceptvehicleleasing.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0844 848 8091 www.zenith.co.uk

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Mycompanyfleet Tel: 0845 077 7760 www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Peak Performance Tel: 01246 244200 www.peakperformance.net

Alliance Asset Management plc Tel: 01480 475000 www.fleetcentre.com

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Sofico Tel: 07815 601622 www.soficoservices.com

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

Days Contract Hire Tel: 0845 296 4423 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Leasedrive Rental Management Tel: 0844 579 8877 www.leasedrive.com

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

Lex Autolease Tel: 0800 085 4128 www.lexautolease.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Full listings online at

White Clarke Group Tel: 01908 576 605 www.whiteclarkegroup.com

Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

www.cardinusfleet.com

ARI Fleet UK Tel: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

DriveSense Tel: 01628 581930 www.drivesense.co.uk

fuel management Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

Contract Hire a Car Tel: 0370 218 8015 www.contracthireacar.com

BP PLUS Fuel Cards Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

Total Fleet Services Ltd Tel: 01543 431080 www.lease-hire.co.uk

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 7 31 31 37 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

rental systems & programmes White Clarke Automotive Solutions Tel: 0870 787 2211

vehicle data International Decision Systems Tel: 01256 302 000 www.idsdata.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

telematics & tracking

MAC GB Ltd Tel: 01745 828180 www.reduceroadrisk.com

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk

Navman Wireless UK Ltd Tel: 0845 521 1188 www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.net

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

Telogis Tel: 01344 747638 www.telogis.co.uk

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

www.whiteclarkeauto.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

With half the homes in Britain relying on British Gas, they need to be able to depend on their vehicles. That’s why their fleet manager, Colin Marriott, chooses Volkswagen to service and maintain his fleet.

Our dedicated Van Centre Network is committed to understanding the British Gas business and always goes the extra mile to give them a tailored, personal service.

In fact, we’ve even been travelling down to the British Gas training centre in Dartford to service some of the national fleet there.* Let us show you how we can make a difference to your business, call our dedicated Business Centre Team on 0800 808 9998 or visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/fleet/aftersales Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Your partner in business.

*Servicing onsite is subject to availability – please discuss your requirements first.

VAN

April 2013

FLEETW RLD

If you need an LCV with on-road manners and occasional off-road performance, the Korando CSX delivers p76

at a glance SsangYong Korando CSX

Updates from a month in fleet

Find the right tracking supplier for your LCVs fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Get a grip with cold weather tyres

inshort bitesize stories from a month in the van fleet world...

Daily service for Network Rail Network Rail is adding 29 Iveco Daily 4x4s to its support fleet, all of which have been adapted to work on the road and on rails. The 5.5 tonne Daily 55S17DW chassis crew cabs have been specially modified by Burton-on-Trent firm LH Access technology, to allow them to drive onto and along the rail track.

The vans can accommodate three crew in the front and a further four people in the rear of the cab. A flexible bodywork structure allows a variety of applications, including the fitting of a crane or a cable drum dispenser.

A

growing number of fleets are benefiting from the adoption of cold weather tyres, as the UK’s winter freeze continues to grip the country. Leeds City Council’s Community Meals fleet has equipped its 16 Citroën Berlingos with GT Radial Champiro WinterPro tyres, supplied by local dealer Earthmover Tyres.

‘Since the tyres were fitted across the fleet in December we have made every single delivery, and even more impressively there has not been one recorded vehicle accident,’ said service supervisor, Jenny Major.

Supermarket chain Tesco reports equally strong performance, having moved its 3,200-strong leet to Michelin Agilis Alpin tyres in the autumn of 2011.

‘We have a long-standing relationship with Michelin and fitting their cold weather tyres has had a considerable positive impact on our customer service levels,’ said fleet and equipment manager, Dino Papas.

FIN 0.7% fleet in numbers

stolen

Limited green options for 4x4s

Nottinghamshire firm Traffic Management Services has managed to recover a stolen van in just one hour, thanks to the use of a tracking system from Ctrack. The Citroën Relay had been stolen from a work site south of Warsop and driven to a location near Shirebrook. The theft was reported to the Police and TMS staff at the firm’s head office in Retford were able to track the vehicle live on the Ctrack system. The location was passed to the Police and the vehicle rapidly recovered.

An Environment Agency-commissioned review of the EA’s light commercial vehicle fleet by Cenex, has concluded that the Agency should continue to use hybrid vehicles and biodiesel in future, with the adoption of electric vans when available.

The results of the review, however, concluded that while there are a number of options for panel vans, there are currently very few options available for carbon reduction from 4x4 and carderived van groups.

‘Gaining independent support and results verification by Cenex has given us the validation we were seeking to continue using hybrid and biodiesel within our fleet,’ says Ian Jutson, national fleet services manager.

Drop in UK manufacturing output in February.

SOURCE: SMMT

a quarter

£4,789

BCA’s average figure for February LCV sales – the highest recorded since records began in 2005.

SOURCE: BCA

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

The number of times over the drink-drive limit that texting whilst driving equates to.

SOURCE: Traffic Injury Prevention Journal

2012

BUTCHER? BAKER? CANDLESTICK MAKER?

it’s official. THE NEW MINI CLUBVAN is the best thing since sliced bread.

We’re pleased to announced that the MINI Clubvan has driven off with the WhatVan? Editor’s Choice Award. Recognised for combining stylish good looks and practicality, the MINI Clubvan was praised for bringing something unique to the small van market. So, whatever your business, make it your business to discover the award-winning MINI Clubvan for yourself.

Find out more at www.mini.co.uk/clubvan

Official fuel economy figures for the new MINI Clubvan Range: Urban 32.1-64.2mpg (8.8-4.4l/100km).

Extra Urban 54.3-78.5mpg (5.2-3.6l/100km). Combined 43.5-72.4mpg (6.5-3.9l/100km). CO2 emissions 152-103g/km.

MINIMALISM

MARKET OVERVIEW Telematics & Tracking Ctrack Ctrack provides advanced vehicle tracking and telematics solutions that deliver immediate benefits and financial returns resulting from the ability to better manage a fleet operation. These tools provide added visibility and control that comes from knowing the exact locations and status of vehicles in real-time.

Suitable for fleets of all sizes, Ctrack delivers real advantage by reducing fuel consumption; validating overtime claims; eliminating unauthorised out-of-hours vehicle use; monitoring driver behaviour; achieving more jobs per employee; enhancing service levels; supporting environmental compliance; and increasing protection against vehicle theft.

Ctrack is part of DigiCore Holdings, a global company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with more than 750,000 tracking systems fitted in 56 countries across five continents.

Contact: Steve Thomas steve.thomas@ctrack.co.uk

Tel: 0845 055 8555 www.ctrack.co.uk

Quartix Founded in 2001, Quartix has grown to become one of the UK’s most respected vehicle tracking providers. Today, more than 4,500 customers across a wide range of sectors use the online service, with the company’s unique, own-design tracking unit. Quartix also underpins the offering of 6 major UK insurance companies and is fast becoming a leading supplier of telematics to the insurance industry. Quartix currently install over 3,000 systems per month in the UK and Mainland Europe.

The comprehensive system is available through simple rental and outright purchase options. With over 50% of sales coming from repeat business and customer referrals the Quartix name is synonymous with quality, reliability and service.

Contact: Nia Williams nia.williams@quartix.net

Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.co.uk

TRACKER Network UK Limited TRACKER is the UK's number one supplier of vehicle tracking services. With over 1 million units installed, TRACKER continues to demonstrate innovation and its commitment to pioneering the fleet telematics market.

TRACKER, recently unveiled a groundbreaking new technology that reports the most accurate vehicle idling data available. Patented by TRACKER, this technology helps businesses to significantly improve fuel efficiency and further reduce fleet operating costs.

TRACKER’s telematics offering provides important costsaving benefits, not just by identifying fuel inefficiency, but also long-term benefits by providing valuable insights into driver and business behaviour. TRACKER telematics enable: • Increased operational efficiency • Driver behaviour monitoring • Good customer service • Better understanding of vehicle usage

Tel: 0845 604 6092 enquiries@TRACKER.co.uk

72 / fleetworld.co.uk

www.TRACKER.co.uk

Navman Wireless Navman Wireless, the UK’s most chosen vehicle tracking and telematics specialist, ignited the industry by making real time fleet monitoring accessible to all and reinvented the industry with the game changing M-Nav, the first combined fleet tracking, messaging and satellite navigation system. Its products are designed to give managers instant access to vehicle location and driver behaviour information and are proven to reduce fleet running costs, increase business productivity, enhance customer service and improve driver safety. Navman Wireless continues to lead the vehicle tracking evolution with its Online AVL technology and has recently reinvented driver performance monitoring with its Smart Telematics system.

Contact: Sales Team info@navmanwireless.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Tel: 0845 521 1133

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster Company Teletrac’s Fleet Director® is the most advanced and interactive fleet automation software on the market, equipped with easy-to-use navigation and safety capabilities. With innovative features that include on-board navigation, lane guidance and two-way messaging, it is the premier software for fleet tracking intelligence. Tracking more than 250,000 vehicles in 75 countries, Teletrac saves fleet owners time and money while reducing their carbon footprint.

Teletrac customers report up to 30% lower fuel usage, an average of 15% less driver overtime, 12% higher productivity and less unauthorised vehicle use.

Contact: Mark O’Neill fleetsales@teletrac.co.uk

Tel: 0870 460 5693 www.teletrac.co.uk

Trakm8 Trakm8 designs and manufactures complete fleet management hardware and software solutions and pride themselves on their ability to tailor products precisely to a customer’s fleet management, reporting or informational requirement. They have a complete service that takes customers from installation to on-going customer support as and when needed. Customers can be ‘live’ for a small upfront cost followed by an easy to manage direct debit plan.

One of Trakm8’s key features is their ability to connect to the vehicle CANbus. This enables a wide range of information to be monitored to optimise utilisation and cost effectiveness of their fleet by measuring everything from fuel usage, CO2 emissions to driver behaviour

Contact: Nathan Piper info@trakm8.com www.trakm8.com

Tel: 01747 858444

Does your system allow the geographical "ring fencing" of particular locations?

Is it possible to fit sensors to load area doors to detect unauthorised cargo area access?

Does your system have the facility to send alerts by text message in the event of a security alert?

Does your system alert the controller if vehicles stray from their pre-set route?

Can the Police locate the stolen vehicle using your system?

Is it possible to immobilise a vehicle via your system?

Does your system offer two- way communication/job dispatch facility?

Does your system offer driver behaviour analysis?

Does your management software offer real-time accurate arrival times?

Does your management software offer dashboard reporting?

Does your system take live & real time information direct from the vehicle’s onboard management system such as idle time & RPM? Do you provide web services for third party integration?

VAN FLEETW RLD

Key to services

Crystal Ball Ltd

Ctrack

Enigma Vehicle Systems

Navman Wireless

Quartix

Teletrac

Telogis

TRACKER Network UK Limited

Trakm8

Verilocation

Service provided

Service unavailable

THE online resouce for fleet decision-makers...

internationalfleetworld.com

fleetworld.co.uk

evfleetworld.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 73

89g/km Corsavan

126g/km Combo

174g/km Vivaro

199g/km Movano

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Wheels of Business

*CO 2 emission figures quoted are the lowest in each model range. ^Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm excluding Bank Holidays.

MINDED

BUSINESS FRIENDLY

There’s an ecoFLEX model for every van in the Vauxhall line-up.* So everyone can enjoy the real commercial benefits that lower fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions bring.

Our ecoFLEX range has won the prestigious What Van? 2013 Green Award, while the Vivaro picked up the 2012 MPG Marathon Award for delivering the most improved† miles per gallon.

Which is good news for your business.

Vivaro ecoFLEX†

To find out more, please visit your local Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Retailer, call Vauxhall Fleet on 0870 010 0651^ or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

All calls may be recorded or monitored for quality and/or training purposes. †Fleet World MPG Marathon 2012.

Ssangyong Korando CSX A 4x4 van for under £16,000? Dan Gilkes reckons it's worth a look.

T

here is nothing new about taking the back seats out of a small SUV to create a 4x4 van. However, most manufacturers start the process with a very expensive car, which can result in a costly compact van.

SsangYong’s Korando CSX commercial will set you back just £15,995 plus VAT, and unlike the irm’s Korando Sport pick-up, you will be able to reclaim the VAT on the van. For that you get a smart all-wheel drive LCV capable of carrying a 433kg payload or towing a 2,000kg trailer.

The conversion follows the usual format – the rear seats are gone, replaced by a lat cargo platform with a half-height steel bulkhead and mesh upper section. That bulkhead is a £345 option but is a box that we would certainly tick for occupant safety.

That said, the bulkhead could have been itted much closer to the front seats, increasing the load volume considerably, without restricting legroom for taller drivers. As it is, you could easily keep coats and soft bags behind the seats, but out of the load area.

The CSX is powered by a 2.0-litre Euro5 diesel, delivering a healthy 149hp, backed up by a strong 360Nm of torque. SsangYong claims up to 45.6mpg is achievable, and we had no trouble hitting 42mpg in mixed driving. Emissions are pegged at 157g/km of CO2.

Most of the time the Korando is front-wheel drive. If the wheel sensors detect slip, they will automatically pull the rear wheels into action, without the driver needing to do anything.

However, if you know that things are going to get slippery, there is a lock button that will continuously split the drive equally between front and rear wheels. The CSX also comes with Hill Start Assist and

76 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think If you need an LCV with on-road manners and occasional off-road performance, the Korando CSX delivers, with an attractive price and appealing interior.

specification MODEL SsangYong Korando SX BASIC PRICE £15,995 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,998cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 149hp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 360Nm @ 2000–3000rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,180 KERB WEIGHT 1,747 PAYLOAD 433 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,525 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,350 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 900 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 760 LOAD VOLUME 1.31m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 57 litres COMBINED MPG 45.6mpg CO2 emissions 157g/km OIL CHANGE 1 yr/12,500 miles WARRANTY 5 yr/unlimited miles

ESC with active rollover protection.

Based on the SX trim level, the Korando comes with manual air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear lever covering, 16” alloys, roof rails and rear parking sensors. You also get electric windows and mirrors, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The £999 Kenwood touch-screen sat-nav with Bluetooth is an option.

The compact Korando drives very well, with remarkably strong performance from the 2.0-litre engine. It is quiet and comfortable, with light controls. There is a bit of body roll, but the CSX holds the road well and coped with the UK’s continuing winter weather.

If you have plenty of miles to cover between construction sites or other off-road destinations, it’s a far more comfortable option than many of its 4x4 commercial rivals. Certainly the SsangYong is a more comfortable ride than most 4x4 pick-ups.

Off-road performance is equally impressive, and should be more than enough for the majority of users. It’s no Defender of course, but the compact SsangYong can handle wet and muddy conditions, as well as snow, with ease.

Service intervals for the Korando are set at 12,500 miles or annually, while the van sits in a relatively low insurance group, 7E. The CSX gets SsangYong’s ive-year, limitless mileage warranty for total peace of mind.

The 4x4 light commercial market is relatively small, with the likes of Land Rover’s Defender and Mitsubishi’s Shogun and Outlander commercials among the front-runners. But all those vehicles start at well over £20,000 and will incur much higher running costs than the compact SsangYong.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD auctions & remarketing

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 bca.co.uk

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0870 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bott-group.com

DEL Equipment (UK) Ltd Tel: 01993 708811 www.del-uk.com

Mycompanyfleet Tel: 0845 077 7760 www.mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Full listings online at

LeasePlan UK Ltd Tel: 0844 493 5810 www.leaseplan.co.uk

Sortimo Central Tel: 0121 511 2303 www.sortimo-central.com

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd Tel: 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Total Fleet Services Ltd Tel: 01543 431080 www.lease-hire.co.uk

Tevo Limited Tel: 01628 528034 www.tevo.eu.com

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 382880 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Civica Tranman Tel: 01454 874002 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Avis Rent A Car Tel: 0844 544 5000 www.avis.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

fleetworld.co.uk daily rental

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.co.uk

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5338 08701544 56 56 56 www.budget.co.uk

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0800 085 4128 www.lexautolease.co.uk

vehicle data

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

International Decision Systems Tel: 01256 302 000 www.idsdata.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

fast-fits & tyres

Tel: 0845 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business

fuel management

vehicle ventilation

Esso Fuel Cards Tel: 0800 626 672 www.essocard.com

Flettner Ventilator Ltd Tel: 020 8200 2321 www.flettner.co.uk

BP PLUS Fuel Cards Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

Full listings online at

risk management Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 7 31 31 37 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

IAM Drive & Survive Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

Fleet Alliance Tel: 0845 601 8407 www.fleetalliance.co.uk

TRACKER Network UK Limited Tel: 0845 602 3981 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Full listings online at

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

Full listings online at

Quartix Ltd Tel: 0870 013 6663 www.quartix.net

ATS Euromaster Tel: 0121 325 8842 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

accident management Total Accident Management Tel: 0845 078 4157 www.totalaccman.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

EV FLEET WORLD Tel: 01727 739160 www.evfleetworld.co.uk

DriveSense Tel: 01628 581930 www.drivesense.co.uk

Incorporated into every issue of VAN Fleet World and interactive online at www.fleetworld.co.uk £400 flat rate for the year.

Cost includes a rotating monthly listing in SUPPLIER DIRECTORY in VAN Fleet World. PLUS...

• Full listing on fleetworldgroup.co.uk • Email link to sales contact • Website link to homepage • Full-colour company logo fleetworld.co.uk / 77

E D I U G W O SH

k .u o .c w o h s t e e l f the register now at BRING THIS SHOWGUIDE WITH YOU ON THE DAY!!

Wednesday 24th April 2013

THE SILVERSTONE WING

There are easier ways to capture business mileage Whether you run 2,000, 200 or 20 vehicles, reimbursing staff for business mileage or claiming back the cost of private fuel can be an administrative headache and an expensive one too – for the driver, line manager and payroll.

With fuel prices increasing by 50% in the last 5 years; fleet costs under the spotlight; and the risk of a hefty fine from HMRC for incorrect mileage claims, there has never been a more important time to review this process.

Our FuelEx mileage capture and fuel reconciliation system has already delivered cost savings of over 25% - could we do the same for you?

0870 00 111 81

ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

www.aldautomotive.co.uk

welcome THE FLEET INDUSTRY has been crying out for an event that provides a meeting place for people, ideas and the latest technology. A real showcase for all that’s great in the world of fleet.

It’s happening this year on Wednesday 24th April at Silverstone Race Circuit in Northamptonshire.

Wednesday 24th April 2013

THE SILVERSTONE WING

Silverstone is best known as one of the most exciting F1 Grand Prix race circuits in the world. The circuit has recently been redeveloped and the opening of the new Silverstone Wing in 2012 paved the way for the circuit to host other events, like the Fleet World Fleet Show.

SO WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE A FULL DAY OUT OF YOUR DIARY TO VISIT A SHOW LIKE THIS? Well, it would be difficult to come to Silverstone and resist the opportunity to drive the latest fleet cars on either the Stowe or Grand Prix circuits. With over 20 brands represented you will be hard pressed to find another venue anywhere in the fleet calendar with such a wide range of vehicles to drive.

The show will feature a number of new cars making their UK fleet debuts at Silverstone. However, in the world of fleet, it’s not just the product itself that’s important, but also the organisation behind it. At the Fleet World Fleet Show you will be able to talk business with senior fleet executives, as well as experiencing their vehicles for yourself.

You can also find out about the huge range of products and services available from the many fleet suppliers who have taken space in the indoor exhibition area. This aspect of the show proved highly popular last year and, having trebled in size this year, will once again be a magnet for fleet operators seeking new service providers.

If you want to find out what the future holds for the fleet industry – or to network with fellow fleet professionals – the Seminar area in Hall 2 will be well worth visiting. If you have issues concerning your own fleet operation, why not come along to the fleet panel discussion organised

by Venson, or the Fleet and Mobility Workshop organised by Alphabet.

There are plenty of other reasons to visit the Fleet World Fleet Show.

You can find them on the website, which will be updated each time a new attraction is announced.

We look forward to seeing you at the show...

Ross Durkin show organiser

EVENT PARTNERS

GET TING AROUND HALL 1 G1

F1

4

1

H1

STAIRS TO MEZZANINE

FLEETW RLD

REGISTRATION

HALL 1

8

7

5

A1

B1

E1

D1

C1

MANHEIM

BALCONY OVERLOOKING CIRCUIT

KEY

HALL 2 PILLAR

MEZZANINE

9

10

11

11A

A2

B2 B2

C2

STAIRS TO MEZZANINE aeromark Optimatics

TM

H2

HALL 1

D2

HALL 2

E2

I2

G2

F2

J2

12

13

14

15

EV

K2

M2

L2

N2

BALCONY OVERLOOKING CIRCUIT

HALL 3 16

17

HALL 2

A3

18

D3

HALL 3

19

20

G3

B3 & C3

21

H3

L3

M3

RAISE BALCONY

N3

K3

STAIR

BALCONY OVERLOOKING CIRCUIT

OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY

MAIN ENTRANCE STAIRS

LIFT LOBBY

LIFT

IT/COMMS

COPSE CORNER NATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT

WOODCOTE CORNER

BROOKLANDS CORNER

WELLINGTON STRAIGHT LUFFIELD CORNER

STAIRS MAGGOTTS CORNER

SILVERSTONE

AINTREE CORNER

GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT

VILLAGE CORNER BECKETTS CORNER

IT/COMMS

LIFT

LIFT LOBBY ABBEY INTERNATIONAL PITS STRAIGHT

THE LOOP FARM CURVE

CHAPEL CURVE

HANGAR STRAIGHT CLUB CORNER

VALE

STOWE CORNER

STAIRS

ED Y AREA IT/COMMS

LIFT

LIFT LOBBY

FLEET DRIVER OF THE YEAR BUSINESS BREAKFAST

RS TO MEZZANINE

sponsored by

TEST DRIVES

HOT LAPS

SEMINARS

FLEET DEBATE

EXHIBITION

NETWORKING

E / EXC C N IE R E P X E / RACT INFORM / INTE

ITE

tshow.c e le f e h t t a e r o find out m

o.uk

S T H G I L H G I H W SHO SIX OF THE BEST… Here are six good reasons why you should book a day out of the office to attend the Fleet World Fleet Show

THE SHOW WILL HOST THE FINAL OF FLEET DRIVER OF THE YEAR, ORGANISED BY ALD AUTOMOTIVE AND TOYOTA & LEXUS FLEET SERVICES

EXHIBITION

TEST DRIVES

Three halls of indoor exhibition space featuring many of the most exciting new products and services for fleet buyers, alongside static displays of the latest fleet cars and vans.

Over 200 new cars and vans available for test driving on the Stowe and full Grand Prix circuits in the company of fleet executives and professional racing drivers.

Want to be one of a small number of lucky guests to experience the full thrill of the Grand Prix circuit with one of our professional racing drivers at the wheel? Sign up now.

SEMINARS

FLEET DEBATE

NETWORKING

A panel of experts will take questions from the floor in what should prove to be a lively debate, while a separate team will address the role of fleet in the wider context of corporate mobility.

Come and join hundreds of fellow fleet professional and industry experts to find out about the latest developments in technology, finance and fleet operation.

Independent industry experts will deliver a series of seminars addressing current fleet issues, future technology, and alternative approaches to existing problems.

04 / thefleetshow.co.uk

HOT LAPS

Discover specialist solutions delivered by experts.

At Alphabet, we appreciate your business may need a variety of commercial vehicles and understand the importance of flexibility when offering you solutions for your fleet mix.

From the complexity of ply lining, cranes, racking and tail lifts, to corporate livery, we can offer a flexible solution, whether it’s a car-derived van or a specialist modified vehicle.

Our dedicated expert commercial vehicle team can assist in delivering the right solution for you today and for the future.

Find out more: Tel: 0870 50 50 100 Email: alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

FLEET SUPPLIERS

ABB

AEROMARK

STAND > 9A

STAND > C2

As a global leader in power and automation technologies, ABB plays a vital role in the development of sustainable mobility, providing innovative and efficient technologies for EV charging infrastructure.

Fleet Managers have a pivotal role to play in optimising business efficiency. Aeromark, the developer of the Optimatics service management solution, is inviting Fleet Managers and Business Owners to join them on the stand to find out how they can drive large business efficiency gains by integrating their fleet with task management and scheduling.

ABB offering for EV charging infrastructure includes: AC and DC fast to rapid charging stations, powerful network management software, flexible maintenance service portfolio and components.

ABB technologies ensure intelligent charging management and better power quality in the grid, thus helping to deploy sustainable mobility. And for the first time in the UK, the new Terra 53 multi standard fast charging station will be on show plus live demonstrations of the affordable and slim Terra SC 30-60 minute charger. www.abb.com/evcharging

ALD AUTOMOTIVE STAND > 11 As the operational leasing and fleet management division of Société Générale, ALD Automotive is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 955,000 vehicles across 37 countries worldwide. Within the UK, ALD finance and manage over 85,000 vehicles providing customers with total fleet management flexibility from pure financing of cars and vans to comprehensive outsourcing operations.

Established in the UK in 1958, ALD has over 55 years’ experience in providing vehicle funding and ancillary support services within both corporate and consumer markets. ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of innovative, award-winning products for major PLCs, small businesses and individual drivers alike.

ALD Automotive UK operates from offices in Bristol, Northampton and Milton Keynes.

For more information visit www.aldautomotive.co.uk 06 / thefleetshow.co.uk

aeromark Optimatics

TM

Aeromark will be conducting a series of LIVE system demonstrations throughout the show and will be explaining how other companies have used this integrated approach to great success.

Due to the interest levels expected demonstrations can be pre-booked via Aeromark‘s website at: www.aeromark.co.uk/contact/fleetworld-fleetshow2013.php

ALPHABET STAND > A1 Alphabet is always developing new, more efficient ways of moving employees from A to B. It’s all part of our vision for the future of business mobility.

We support our customers in both the private and public sectors with one of the most comprehensive portfolios of products; from funding solutions and fleet management through to strategic consultancy, risk management and daily rental. We are ideally positioned to offer our customers a tailored solution and are well down the road to becoming the leading provider of business mobility.

Sharing our expertise and delivering the highest level of customer service is our number one priority, and the reason that so many of the UK’s top companies trust us with their business mobility needs.

ARI FLEET UK

AUDI

STAND > C1

STAND > 18

ARI Fleet UK has reshaped the way car and commercial vehicle fleets are managed. Applying expertise to the toughest fleet challenges of today, ARI Fleet UK craft solutions that will deliver best value throughout the lifecycle of your fleet. With a focus on customer satisfaction, fleet efficiency and cost control; ARI Fleet UK guarantees exceptional service and the lowest possible total cost of fleet ownership.

At Audi, Vorsprung durch Technik literally means ‘progress through technology’. It‘s in our DNA. In practice, this means the relentless pursuit of new and better solutions to the automotive challenges of an ever-changing world. From quattro® all-wheel-drive to FSI® Direct Injection to pioneering the first aluminium chassis; technological innovation really is at the heart of everything we do. You will witness some of these elements in our first year at the show and we will be presenting the new A3 3dr and Sportback for one of the first times in the UK. Come and join us. We look forward to welcoming you.

Come and see the ARI’s team in Hall 1, Stand C1 (opposite registration) to discuss how ARI can help you craft your perfect fleet solution, and find out about our new technology that’s on its way and how it will support the fleet manager.

LOOK OUT FOR THE THATCHAM RESEARCH STAND AND DEMO AREA AT FLEET WORLD TO EXPERIENCE THE CARS YOU CAN’T CRASH • Reduce low speed collisions by up to 25% • Cut your insurance costs and reduce vehicle downtime • Manage your duty of care and improve safety

TALK TO THE EXPERTS ABOUT REDUCING YOUR FLEET COSTS AND IMPROVING YOUR DRIVERS’ SAFETY

www.thatcham.org/aeb

FLEET SUPPLIERS

BMW & MINI

CENEX

STAND > 9

STAND > N3

The BMW Group is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of both the fleet decision maker and company car driver through a host of class-leading vehicles.

Cenex is an independent, not-for-profit consultancy with UK-leading expertise in monitoring, evaluating and predicting the real-world performance of low carbon vehicles.

Choosing BMW means getting the whole range of EfficientDynamics technologies as standard, all designed to help deliver maximum driving pleasure whilst reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

BMW and MINI will be returning to the Fleet World Fleet Show 2013 and will feature the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo on display. Several models will also be available to test drive including the fully electric BMW Active E and new MINI Paceman.

Our consultancy services cover a range of technical areas, including: Technology Reviews; which provide an initial assessment of the range of low carbon vehicle technologies that may be suitable for use within a fleet operation.

Technology Simulations; which provide an accurate analysis of the most appropriate low carbon vehicle technologies within real-world fleet operations, through the use of our sophisticated fleet simulation software tool.

Visit us on our stand to find out more.

CHARGING SOLUTIONS

CHEVIN FLEET SOLUTIONS

STAND > K2

STAND > A3

CHARGING SOLUTIONS will showcase their complete range of PLUG-IN VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS, with a solution for all sizes of fleets.

What the Chevin stand has to offer

Our units are available as single or double outlet and can be wall or ground mounted, with a range of access control and management/payment systems, including Pay As You Go. As an accredited supplier to the Department of Transport’s £37m grant funding programme, all our systems meet the technical, safety and security standards for re-charging plug-in vehicles.

Also available is our totally portable EV charging system EV RESCUE, giving stand alone power to EV’s, the equivalent to a ‘gallon of electricity’, eliminating the costly process of vehicle recovery.

08 / thefleetshow.co.uk

Chevin Fleet Solutions will be showcasing its latest product offering, the majorly upgraded version of its award winning web based fleet management software application, FleetWave. In addition to live demonstrations of the software’s market leading features and benefits, access to compelling customer case studies and tailored advice on selecting the most appropriate application, the Chevin team will also be running a business card competition and offering delegates the chance to win a super car driver experience day – just pop by the stand for details.

Contact details: Kevin Hudson Kevin.hudson@chevinfleet.com 01773 821992 07545425956

N

DR OW IV IN IN CL G UD ST ES YL E

TRACKER Fleet, from

Real-time vehicle tracking Easy to use website Customisable reporting software Flexible payment options Available for all fleets

Find out more, call or visit…

0845 604 6099 www.TRACKER.co.uk

FLEET SUPPLIERS

CITROËN

ENSTO

STAND > 7

STAND > H2

Citroën leads the market in providing vehicles with both outstanding environmental performance and occupant safety. With high levels of standard specification and tax-efficient pricing, our cars and vans are the perfect choice for businesses and drivers.

Ensto Chago.

Because green sounds better…

Our latest fleet-friendly technology on display at the Fleet Show will include a first driving opportunity of the Berlingo Electric van, with a 100-mile range, 636kg payload and zero CO2 emissions. The acclaimed DS Line, including the new DS3 Cabrio, will also be available to test drive.

To find out more about our business class services for fleets, visit our stand where you can meet with members of the Citroën Fleet team or, alternatively you can call us on 08457 940 940 or email us at fleet@citroenconnect.co.uk

FLEETDRIVE STAND > G3

The silent revolution The world gives a bright green light for an electric future. Environmentally responsible driving has been evolving into a wave of change: the EV revolution.

Driven by growing concern over environmental issues, as well as tightening legislation on emissions and fossil fuels, we see that hybrid, range-extender and pure-electric vehicles are taking the world by storm.

To meet this growing need, EV charging infrastructure is ramping up – with Ensto Chago quietly leading the pack.

Ensto Chago brings you sleek, design award winning, innovative, robust EV charging solutions to suit all applications. Come see for yourself…

FLEET INNOVATIONS STAND > M3

Fleetdrive is a specialist in providing fleet management services to small fleets of 5-80 vehicles.

We are also the UK’s leading lease provider of low emission vehicles. Talk to us about switching to electric, and other ways we can help you reduce your fleet costs.

Fleet Innovations® is proud to present PEAK Mileage Capture® to the Fleet World Fleet Show. PEAK Mileage Capture utilises a unique GPS dongle that is placed by the driver in the cigarette lighter or USB port of a vehicle, where it records the journeys you travel.

From here the driver simply uploads the journeys to our web site and completes a compliant claim in less than five minutes. At Fleet Innovations we are dedicated to providing mileage capture that drivers find easy and fair and fleet managers can find reliable, secure and invaluable.

www.fleetdrive.co.uk

www.fleetinnovations.com/mileagecapture

With more than 20 years of experience, expertise is always part of the package. Our trusted team offer impartial advice and support on all aspects of fleet management including; vehicle disposals, risk management, insurance and P11D information.

As a small business ourselves we provide a personal approach, getting to know our clients and understanding their needs.

10 / thefleetshow.co.uk

FLEETW RLD

FLEET WORLD STAND > G1

Fleet World Group is the publisher of Fleet World magazine and also the organiser of the 2013 Fleet World Fleet Show. The group is involved in a wide range of activities, all of which are centered on the fleet industry. These range from publishing magazines and books, to contract publishing, e-mail marketing, video production and the organisation of events such as the MPG Marathon, Fleet World Honours and the Fleet World Fleet Show. The Group has recently launched its Fleet World TV channel and has websites covering both UK and international fleet sectors.

April 2013

FLEETW RLD INTERNATIONAL CITROËN BUSINESS CLASS PRIL 2013

internationalfleetworld.com

ISSUE 17

FLEETW RLD

All that matters in the world of fleet

INSIDE

ENAULT USINESS

FIRST GLIMPSE OF NEW SCÉNIC

NEW LOOK Blue Microphones

ZOE! Renault redefines the EV with its brilliant supermini

g t flee e k

Tiki

INSIDE

TWIZY TAKES TO THE FOREST

CLA

Price:

ThumbsUp

Dual Power

NEW KANGOO UNVEILED

Bank HipKey

Price:

Kensington

THE NEXT CHAPTER

SoundWave

Price:

Price:

s of the month Delivery

Status Touch

Partly Cloudy

PLUS! SHOWGUIDE included inside

PRO+ PROFILE

FLEET OPERATIONS STAND > L3 Fleet Operations manages multi-supplier fleet solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands, and in doing so; helps them achieve TCO savings of up to 10%. Visitors to the Fleet Operations stand will have the opportunity to talk to Ross Jackson, the Chief Executive and founder of the company, about how significant savings that can be achieved by businesses who switch from using a sole-supplier agreement, and instead use a range of fleet solution suppliers.

To explore the opportunities and savings that a managed multi-supplier solution can deliver your business, please visit stand L3 where Ross Jackson will be pleased to meet you.

Just when you thought the DS line couldn’t get any better, New Citroën DS3 Cabrio reaches the UK

IMAGINATION

CAPTURED

Lots of space, nicely shaped.

The new Kia cee’d Sportswagon. on a Budget

pure class

risky business

What the Chancellor’s latest means for you

Merc CLA launches with high hopes

Is online risk profiling a gimmick?

Excitement. Quality. Fleet-ability. www.kia.com/eu/fleet fleetworld.co.uk

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

Renault’s new urban crossover breaks cover

TO KEEP YOU MOVING 013

FTA

HITACHI

STAND > E1

STAND > I2

Freight Transport Association (FTA) is one of the UK’s largest trade associations, supporting and championing the interests of our members in the logistics industry.

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions explores electric at Fleet World’s Fleet Show

Visit us in Hall 1 – Stand E1 to learn more about how we can help with the safe and efficient operation of van fleets including our industry-leading Van Excellence Scheme. You can also discover more about our range of services including Vehicle Inspections, Driver and Management Training, Consultancy, Shopfta and much more.

Freight Transport Association Hermes House, St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9UZ 01892 552393

We’ll be exploring the practicalities and cost advantages of incorporating electric vehicles into fleets at this year’s Fleet Show. Visit our stand for a ‘nononsense’ approach to electric vehicles and gain an insight into the variety of options and multiple funding methods available, together with charging options from our partner, British Gas. Working with our customers, we’re continually driving down CO2 emissions, by selecting fuel efficient vehicles for both their company fleet and all employee salary sacrifice car schemes.

At Hitachi Capital we manage over 60,000 cars, vans and specialist HGVs – come and see us to find out more!

thefleetshow.co.uk / 11

FLEET SUPPLIERS

HONDA

HYUNDAI

STAND > 15

STAND > 17

Everyone wants their fleet to run as efficiently as possible, which means having cars with low emissions, sparing fuel consumption and strong residual values. And, with Honda’s groundbreaking eco-friendly hybrid technology and new super-clean diesel engines, our cars have some of the best CO2 emissions performance in their segments, and some of the lowest running costs too.

From the economical i10 supermini with CO2 emissions of 84g/km, to the luxurious Santa Fe SUV, our range offers style, comfort and high levels of equipment in every segment, while advanced Blue Drive efficiency-boosting technologies help to keep running costs among the best in the market.

Visitors to the Fleet Show will be able to sample two of our latest models – the Civic with Honda’s all-new Earth Dreams Technology 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine offering 78.5mpg and a class-leading 94g/km CO2 combined with 120bhp and the stylish, versatile CR-V crossover.

No matter what your requirements, Honda has the expertise and the products to meet them.

IN-CAR CLEVERNESS STAND > B1 In-Car Cleverness delivers an innovative answer to the role telematics should be playing for every business operating within the fleet industry, thanks to a flexible, comprehensive, yet economical package.

Using advanced, high-fidelity measuring sensors and leveraging manufacturer supported links to onboard ECUs, In-Car Cleverness interrogates the car to give new levels of precision data from company car mileage logging to fuel consumption to remote vehicle diagnostics and incident detection.

Importantly, it allows the fleet manager to personalise the interface, tailor the data interrogated and define how it is analysed in order to help unlock a fleets’ potential by eliminating inefficiencies, maximising utilisation and minimising service and maintenance costs.

12 / thefleetshow.co.uk

We’re so confident in the long-lasting quality of our cars that each comes with the unique Five Year Triple Care package, including an unlimited mileage warranty, roadside assistance and annual healthchecks, as an assurance of trouble-free motoring. With the i30, i40, ix35 and new Santa Fe available to drive at the event, come and talk to us to find out how Hyundai’s new thinking could make sense for your fleet.

INFINITI STAND > D3 Premium Japanese automotive brand Infiniti’s line-up of saloons, coupes, SUVs and crossovers offers an intoxicating combination of high performance, striking design and cutting edge technology recognised all over the globe.

Making its first UK event appearance at the Fleet Show, the new Q50 sports saloon will cater for the core of the fleet sector. It’s the first Infiniti designed for the European market, available with a choice of diesel engines from 114g/km and advanced 139g/km high-performance petrol hybrid drivetrain. With the M executive saloon and FX available for test drives, visit our stand to find out how our growing model range and exceptional customer service can fit your business’s needs.

Fleet World Fleet Show 2013 Hall 3, Stand H3

Getting all charged up! npower’s stand at this year’s Fleet Show is not to be missed...

As a market leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, npower is committed to working with the business community to enable electric fleet adoption for commercial and environmental gain. npower’s experts will be on hand providing information and advice around fully integrated solutions for vehicle chargers, installation and charge point management systems.

What’s more, these experts will be accompanied by motoring journalist, television presenter and all round EV enthusiast, Jonny Smith. Having recently announced sponsorship of Jonny’s mission to create Europe’s fastest street legal EV, npower’s stand at this year’s Fleet Show will not only play host to Jonny, but also to the record attempting car itself!

The Government’s recent announcement to provide £37million funding towards the installation of new charge points at homes and railway stations has been welcomed by npower. Combined with EU plans to accelerate the rollout of infrastructure to support alternative fuel vehicles, which would result in 122,000 public chargers, and announcements in the Budget around company car tax bands, it is an exciting time for EVs in the UK. A standardised approach to ‘smart charging’ for EVs has been accepted by all American and European vehicle manufacturers and with it, for the first time, ‘smart charging’ has been defined and characterised for technology development. RWE, npower’s parent company, was instrumental in setting the benchmark for this technology and now leads the way to fully automated and standardised communication between the vehicle and charging infrastructure. It enables all aspects of the

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charging process to be captured, managed and controlled for the benefit of organisations and car users.

Jonathan Woodthorpe, head of e-mobility for npower, comments: “Following the recent Government announcements and news from the EU, the Fleet Show provides an ideal opportunity for fleet managers to find out more about EVs. “Fleets of all sizes should be looking to embrace current electric car charging infrastructure solutions to meet changing employee behaviour and drive a more sustainable long-term transport future.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s Silverstone event, and whether visitors are looking for expert advice, examples of the latest charging technology or just fancy chatting to Jonny about his exciting mission, we look forward to meeting them.” npower has recently introduced electric vehicles into its own metering fleet. It has developed effective fleet management systems to monitor and reimburse employees for charging their vehicles at home and to track charging activity at depots or office locations.

RECORD BREAKER? TV presenter Jonny Smith with the npower sponsored Enfield 8000 EV.

To learn more about npower’s involvement with EVs please visit www.npower.com/ev or come along to stand H3.

FLEET SUPPLIERS

JAGUAR

LAND ROVER

STAND > 1

STAND > 1

Jaguar UK will have its entire vehicle line-up available to drive at the 2013 Fleet World event. Alongside the recently revised Jaguar XF saloon will be the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake which offers added load-carrying practicality without sacrificing style or driving pleasure. The Jaguar XJ will be available to drive for those who have yet to experience its amazing combination of agility and luxuriousness, while the sleek Jaguar XK will remind attendees of its impressive style, comfort and GT pace.

Land Rover UK will have its vehicle line-up available to drive at the 2013 Fleet World Fleet Show.

The All-New Range Rover will be available to drive in both 3.0-litre and 4.4-litre diesel engine variants.

Alongside the award winning Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery will be the recently revised Freelander. These cars will be available to test on both the F1 circuit and the Stowe circuit.

Jaguar is particularly delighted to announce it will also have the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE sports car at the event.

LEASEDRIVE STAND > N2 Leasedrive provides award-winning fleet management, fleet funding and vehicle rental management services to private and public sector organisations throughout the UK. Leasedrive's tailor-made services help to reduce fleet costs, minimise carbon footprints, reduce duty of care liability and enhance the efficiency of managing vehicle fleets and vehicle rental activity.

Leasedrive's market-leading salary sacrifice car scheme ‘mycar’ is a low cost, tax-efficient way of enhancing your employee benefits package by making company cars available to all your employees.

Visit Leasedrive on stand N2 to win a TomTom sat nav in our fastest lap competition or a bottle of Champagne in our prize draw.

14 / thefleetshow.co.uk

LEX AUTOLEASE STAND > F2 Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading vehicle management and funding specialist with in excess of 260,000 vehicles currently under management, making us the UK's largest leasing company. But in a competitive market, saying we’re biggest isn’t enough. It’s through delivering World Class Customer Service that gives us our competitive edge.

Our team of experts will be available in Hall 2 on stand F2, ready to help you identify ways in which you may manage your fleet more effectively.

Contact: Emma Wilkinson Tel: 0845 769 7381 Email: Emma.Wilkinson@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

MANHEIM

MAZDA

STAND > D1

STAND > 14

Manheim – Simply Better

At this year’s show Mazda UK will be exhibiting our award-winning SKYACTIV Technology. Show attendees will have the opportunity to drive our class-leading SUV, the Mazda CX-5, as well as our stunning all-new Mazda6, the winner of the Fleet News Best Upper Medium Car Award. You can experience not only the fantastic performance and driving dynamics that both cars offer but you’ll also witness first-hand how both vehicles offer class-leading environmental credentials with their classleading CO2 emissions and outstanding fuel efficiency. So come and see us on our stand and experience why ‘WhatCar’ gave Mazda the Ultra-Low Carbon Award 2013.

When it comes to maximising potential for your fleet, more businesses are turning to Manheim for: • In-life Management • Inspection and Collection • Refurbishment • Inventory Management • Vehicle Disposal • Repatriation • Logistics • Storage • Business Intelligence As the world’s largest automotive remarketer, Manheim is trusted by the UK’s leading fleet businesses including the top 10 corporate leasing companies managing all their remarketing needs. From reducing the days to sale and delivering maximised residuals through various in-lane, online and discreet sales channels through to Manheim’s unique remarketing facility at Bruntingthorpe. Isn’t it time you found out why you should turn to Manheim?

Superior ÅLL[ ZLY]PJL Our track record is in delivering: ࠮ An excellent employee experience for your company car drivers ࠮ ( JVTWSL[L M\UKPUN WHJRHNL PUJS\KPUN ZHSHY` ZHJYPÄJL HUK ,*6 ZJOLTLZ ࠮ <UILH[HISL JVTTLYJPHS ]LOPJSL L_WLY[PZL ࠮ A unique proposition across cars, LCVs and specialist HGVs ;HSR [V \Z [V ÄUK V\[ OV^ ^L JHU OLSW `V\

info.vs@hitachicapital.co.uk www.hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk Cars - 08444 632 900 Commercial - 01225 777 710

2012 Winner

FLEET SUPPLIERS

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG

STAND > 21

STAND > 19

Mercedes-Benz UK is proud to be unveiling the all new CLA and new E-Class at the Fleet World Fleet Show 2013.

Building on a prestigious heritage, MG Motor UK offers the same stand-out sporty drive and accessible pricing as the many historic vehicles to wear the iconic octagonal badge, but in an all-new, Britishengineered package.

Both the CLA, which is set to establish a new segment with world-leading aerodynamics and avant-garde coupé design, and E-Class, which represents the most significant model revision ever undertaken by Mercedes-Benz, will be available to test drive.

In addition, there will be opportunities to drive, other Mercedes-Benz fleet-focused vehicles, including the A-, B-, C-, CLS- and ML-Class. The Mercedes-Benz fleet team will also be on-hand to answer any questions.

Available in agile GT fastback and elegant Magnette saloon bodystyles, the MG6 now features MG’s brand new, UK-designed six-speed gearbox and 148bhp DTiTECH diesel engine, giving CO2 emissions of 139g/km and 53.5mpg fuel economy.

Add in low P11D pricing and class-leading SMR costs, and the MG6 offers all the excitement, space and performance you’d expect from MG, but at a price you won’t. Standing out from the company car crowd has never been more affordable.

S

MILEAGECOUNT

MISFUEL SYSTEM

STAND > E2

STAND > M3

MileageCount is the easy-use, computer-based answer to HMRC mileage recording requirements. Faster, cheaper, more reliable than manual systems, it offers three levels of sophistication.

Misfuel Systems has been the market leaders and at the forefront of technology in the prevention of misfuelling.

MileageCount Plus records clear, accurate business and private mileages using mobile or web input.

MileageCount Premium adds journey reasons, mileage calculation postcodes and event or vehicle alerts, fully integrated with refuelling data.

MileageCount Ultimate delivers complete fleet management automation, with GPS dongle technology for foolproof recording and reporting. Comprehensive fleet information covers everything from engine numbers to MPG targets and functions include DVLA licence checking; driver training options; and automated service, maintenance, MOT and insurance renewal.

16 / thefleetshow.co.uk

With over 200,000 drivers putting the wrong fuel in their vehicles every year, it can be a very expensive mistake for fleet companies. Even if the motorist is able to claim on the insurance, the cost of their down time and the associated insurance premiums, the incorrect fuel, the call out and the cost of the correct fuel will be way more expensive than fitting a solo diesel cap.

Solo Diesel is totally impenetrable with a petrol nozzle and is compatible with 92% of the UK passenger car and commercial vehicle market. It is easy to fit and a perfect preventative solution for your Fleet.

For more information visit: www.solodieselfleet.co.uk Visit us in Hall 3, Stand M3

NATIONAL ACCIDENT REPAIR GROUP STAND > L2 National Accident Repair Group is a collaborative group of the UK’s leading BSI PAS 125 accident repairer centres including some of the most respected names in the industry, which collectively span the whole of the UK with over 100 repair facilities.

We are able to develop bespoke one stop solutions for our growing client base while ensuring we deliver the highest standards in professionalism, integrity, vehicle repair and customer care.

Visit the stand to see our latest techniques and technology reduce repair costs, vehicle downtime and our ongoing commitment to environmental benefits. www.national-arg.co.uk

NCP STAND > 11A The UK’s best known car park operator, NCP Ltd, has been providing UK businesses with parking solutions for over 75 years. We will be exhibiting at stand 11a throughout the show. All attendees are invited to visit their stand to discuss parking requirements and we will be launching a unique all-in-one travel solution card at the show. It will help reduce business travel expenditure. As well as offering all attendees a chance to win a year’s FREE parking.

Head of sales Gail Keighley at NCP says: ‘We’re always looking for ways to save our customers money. Business travel can be expensive but we are committed to finding ways to reduce this. Our experience and product portfolio means that we can make bespoke solutions tailored to individual needs.’ www.ncp.co.uk

NISSAN

NPOWER

STAND > 4

STAND > H3

Nissan presents the UK debut of the all-new Nissan Note. A serious competitor in the B-segment, new Note sets the standard for advanced technology and affordability. There’ll also be the second generation Nissan LEAF. Over 100 significant improvements include a boosted boot space and travel range, while it’s still BiK free till 2015 and congestion charge exempt. Revving up the excitement will be the Nissan GT-R and new Juke Nismo, plus there’ll be the opportunity to test drive the Qashqai, Juke and many more of Nissan’s passenger car and LCV range.

npower’s latest EV charging solutions on show

To talk to Nissan Corporate Sales call 0800 294 0579. www.nissan.co.uk

Fleet managers visiting npower’s stand can access expert advice on the latest electric vehicle (EV) charging options and find out more about a mission to produce Europe’s fastest street-legal EV. Having recently announced sponsorship of motoring journalist and television presenter, Jonny Smith’s mission to produce Europe’s fastest street legal EV – npower’s stand will not only play host to Jonny, but also to the Enfield 8000 itself! npower is a market leader in the development of EV charging infrastructure. To learn more about npower’s involvement with EVs please visit: www.npower.com/ev or head to Hall 3, Stand H3. thefleetshow.co.uk / 17

FLEET SUPPLIERS

PARROT

PEUGEOT

STAND > J2

STAND > 12

Parrot will be showcasing the newly launched ASTEROID range; ASTEROID Smart, ASTEROID Tablet and ASTEROID Mini, a series of hands-free multimedia systems. All products from the ASTEROID range have an Androidâ&#x201E;˘ operating system and feature 3G/4G connectivity and GPS. In addition a multitude of driving assistance applications, available from the ASTEROID Market, offer services including TuneIn Radio giving access to over 70,000 radio stations, Spotify, iGo Primo Navigation, Parrot Maps and Fuel for Less, offering an ideal solution for Fleet drivers. The ASTEROID range also supports all music sources; iPod, iPhone, USB, SD card, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) and analogue players.

The Fleet World Fleet Show provides the first UK public viewing of the new Peugeot 2008, an exciting new compact crossover with deliveries starting in July.

With state-of-the-art engines, and the driving experience of a hatchback, fuel economy is as high as 61.8mpg and CO2 emissions start from just 98g/km.

Parrot UK Ltd, Stand J2, Hall 2 Clare Johnson, Business Development Manager Telephone: 07789 232423 Email: clare.johnson@parrot.com

RENAULT STAND > 8

The new Partner Electric will also be available to drive as is a selection of the extensive Peugeot car and van range, including the new 208 GTi and re-styled RCZ, as well as low CO2 HYbrid4 models.

Supported with Fleet Business personnel, Peugeot has a broad range of cars, vans and services that are designed specifically with your business requirements in mind, so do contact us on 02476 88 4644 or visit www.business.peugeot.co.uk to find out more on how we can help your business. We look forward to welcoming you to the Peugeot stand.

ROLEC SERVICES STAND > G2

Renault is back with an award-winning line-up of stylish and efficient vehicles available to test drive.

Be one of the first to get behind the wheel of the stunning and eagerly anticipated 100% electric Renault ZOE, which made its fleet dĂŠbut at the show last year.

Starring alongside ZOE will be the sleek and ultraefficient New Clio, returning tax-busting CO2 emissions of 83g/km and impressively low fuel consumption of up to 88.3mpg.

And to put a smile on your face, the 100% electric urban compact Renault Twizy will be back by popular demand. renault.co.uk

EV

Rolec EV manufactures the largest and most comprehensive range of EV charging stations in Europe, from the cost-effective entry-level WallPod EV: HomeCharge unit through to the high specification, onstreet Plugged in Places/OLEV compliant AutoCharge PAYG charging station.

At the Fleet Show we will showcase this innovative new AutoCharge PAYG EV charging pedestal which we believe will be the first of its kind to offer both bank secure chip/pin and contactless payment charging solutions. This revolutionary charging station will also offer OCPP communication and back office management making it eligible for government grant funding.

Visit us at stand G2.

For further information please contact Rolec EV on 01205 724754 or email rolec@rolecserv.co.uk

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SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC STAND > M2 As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Trust Schneider Electric to deliver a charging solution which adapts to emerging EV models, evolves with your business and perfectly supports your environmental commitment.

We will have experts on hand to discuss our EVlink™ integrated charging solutions for fleet vehicles and offer advice around this exciting area.

To find out our latest news and partnerships within the automotive industry visit us on stand M2. www.schneider-electric.com

SIEMENS STAND > B2

SEAT STAND > 16 SEAT is attending the Fleet World Show for the first time this year and will be bringing along the highly acclaimed new Leon and Toledo models for guests to test drive. The Leon will be presented in both FR and SE specification – both variants featuring generous levels of ‘Technology to Enjoy’ such as the touch screen Easy Connect system, with the Toledo appearing in value-for-money SE spec.

SEAT is committed to delivering a range of models that save you money while reducing your environmental impact - without ever compromising on style, specification or performance – so make sure you visit the SEAT stand and meet our dedicated fleet team before test driving the fantastic new Leon or the fabulous Toledo.

When you choose SEAT Fleet, you'll notice the difference. Because we think it's time for you to expect more.

Check out our fleet website: www.seat.co.uk/expectmore

THATCHAM RESEARCH STAND > F1

Charging ahead at Fleet World Exhibiting for the second time at the 2013 Fleet World Fleet Show, Siemens will promote the company’s proven electromobility solutions for the UK Electric Vehicle market demonstrating the Siemens CP500A intelligent fast charging point and eMosphere back-office network management software, providing a fully integrated platform for managing a fast charging network.

Siemens charging stations can fully charge vehicles in just one hour ensuring greater availability. Siemens also provides a full supply, installation and maintenance service. Siemens’ solution for the UK market is built on four key components; industry leading fast charging technology, modular back-office management software, extensive contact centre capabilities and comprehensive service packages. All are tailored to ensure maximum system availability and safety.

Autonomous Emergency Braking assists drivers by applying braking automatically in situations where the vehicle detects a need and drivers haven’t responded.

Real-world data shows that through these systems, fleets have the potential to reduce numbers of low speed collisions and associated claims costs by as much as 25%, reduce insurance premiums and improve vehicle downtime.

Thatcham Research will give visitors the chance to experience AEB systems in action on some of the latest volume vehicles. Visitors will be able to drive the cars at specially designed ‘targets’ and experience how it feels to have the vehicle brake for you. www.thatcham.org/aeb

thefleetshow.co.uk / 19

FLEET SUPPLIERS

TOMTOM STAND > H1 TomTom Business Solutions is the fastest growing telematics company in Europe. It helps over 19,000 customers with over 239,000 vehicles maximise efficiency. So whether you have trucks, vans or cars there is an affordable solution for you.

TomTom Business Solutions gives you the visibility you need to maintain control of your vehicles and drivers, whilst cutting cost, improving productivity, boosting customer service, complying with legislation and reducing carbon footprint through monitoring driver behaviour. This helps you run greener, safer and more efficient vehicles, and gives you a great return on investment.

TOYOTA & LEXUS STAND > 13 Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services is focussed on delivering the right products and services to meet the demands of every user and operator.

Our pioneering technologies, including Optimal Drive and petrol full hybrid, means we have the widest range of sub 100g/km CO2 vehicles in the market delivering low tax for drivers and business. And, unlike all diesel and diesel hybrid models, our hybrid range produces no particulates and virtually zero NOx, meaning better air quality.

The Fleet Show marks the UK debut of the Auris Touring Sports Hybrid, which delivers a class-leading combination of space and 85g/km CO2 emissions. It joins a range of seven petrol full hybrid models on display, while guests will be able to try drifting the acclaimed GT86 or experience a pro drive in the Lexus IS-F.

TRACKER

TRAKM8

STAND > B3 & C3

STAND > K3

Visit TRACKER at the Fleet Show 2013, on Stands B3 & C3. TRACKER is the UK's number one supplier of vehicle tracking services, with over a million systems installed to date. Celebrating 20 years of marketleading success, TRACKERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning fleet tracking systems help companies meet the challenges facing them today. TRACKER Fleet incorporates groundbreaking, patented technology, providing important costsaving benefits, not just for the short-term by identifying fuel inefficiency, but also longer-term by providing valuable insights into driver and business behaviour.

Trakm8 is a leading technology provider; designer and developer of GPRS based hardware and software to the vehicle tracking and security market. Trakm8's products allow vehicles and drivers to be monitored, allowing organisations to manage deliveries and services, or track stolen vehicles down to five metres.

Trakm8 will be showcasing its new fuel saving solution which is designed to reduce a fleetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CO 2 emissions and save money off its fuel bill.

Savings between 10%-20% have been achieved through changing the drivers behavior via our on board driver feedback.

TRACKER remains committed to developing solutions that anticipate and respond to the changing dynamics of the marketplace. Our long history in supplying telematics means businesses can be assured we will be here tomorrow.

20 / thefleetshow.co.uk

To find out more please visit us at stand K3.

Vi s St it u an s o Ha d n ll 2 E2

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records, they will. If they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 100% accurate, be afraid.

This year, 60,000 nationwide Business Record Check visits will mean

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Use MileageCount,

for accurate mileage recording made simple.

FLEET SUPPLIERS

VAUXHALL

VENSON AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

STAND > 5 In a 110-year history, Vauxhall has grown to become one of the UK’s biggest, most respected brands and a cornerstone of the fleet market. Our cars offer high levels of standard specification and low P11d costs, while revolutionary new technology such as the Ampera extended range electric vehicle makes futuristic motoring accessible today.

But we’re not resting on our laurels, launching models into four new sectors in the last 12 months. The stylish and infinitely customisable new ADAM supermini and versatile Mokka crossover will make their UK debuts at the Fleet Show, joined by the refreshed Astra with CO2 emissions from 99g/km and multi awardwinning Ampera, offering a glimpse of the broadest Vauxhall range to date.

OUP LEASING

STAND > D2 We’ve got what you need. We take time to listen and learn about your business and then we build a fleet solution that delivers tangible financial and operational benefits. Drop by our stand to discuss your fleet challenges and we’ll see how we can help.

With extensive knowledge from working with both car and commercial fleets, across a range of industries, our advice is based on experience and understanding. We also tailor our fleet programs and can include products such as vehicle funding and in-life management, equip for service, daily hire and inhouse accident management to name but a few.

VOLKSWAGEN GR

VOLVO

STAND > 20

STAND > 10

SIMPLE is lots of car brands under one roof

The world’s first plug-in diesel hybrid and the sports-inspired new V40 R-Design are the stars of the Volvo stand at the 2013 Fleet World Fleet Show.

Volkswagen Group Leasing is a division of the Volkswagen Group, – one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, and we’re here to make leasing simple.

We have a wide range of products and services to help make your life a little easier including financing and leasing concepts for all your fleet needs.

For the hassle-free, personal and efficient leasing partner you’ve been searching for visit our stand. You’ll discover how we can help you find better ways to manage your fleet and maximise your budgets.

As well as offering the full range of Volkswagen vehicles including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we can also source any other manufacturer’s vehicle.

Visit us at stand 20 in Hall 3 and find out more about our range of vehicles and services.

22 / thefleetshow.co.uk

Get behind the wheel of the pioneering new Volvo V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid and see how its unique technology delivers three cars in one – a zerotailpipe emission electric car, a hybrid car and a performance car, at the touch of a button.

Also present will be the striking new Volvo V40 D2 R-Design, which is available from May 2013 with CO2 emissions of just 88g/km (83.1mpg).

Visit us in Hall 2, Stand 10 – we look forward to seeing you.

Cutting the cost of company vehicles… without compromising business performance.

With all businesses feeling the squeeze, company vehicles are a prime target for cost cutting measures. But simply driving down costs can sometimes reduce your fleet’s effectiveness.

At Lex Autolease we have a different approach. It’s about finding smarter ways of doing things. From better funding methods and vehicle policies to delivering economies of scale and tax efficiency. We look at every component of your fleet to make sure it fits your strategic objectives.

Last year we saved one of our customers £2.5 million without compromising employee motivation or business performance. Our strategic fleet consultants typically deliver up to 20% of savings on total fleet costs for new customers.

If you’d like to see how much we could save for your fleet, please get in touch.

Call: 0845 769 7381 (please quote ref: CONFD) Email: fleetconsultancy@lexautolease.co.uk Visit: lexautolease.co.uk/consultancy