Fleet World August 2014

August 2014

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Driven C-Class Estate, CitroĂŤn C1, Audi A3 e-tron

Rapid repairing How to minimise fleet downtime

unveiled New compact exec Jaguar

MPG marathon 2014

New Passat Volkswagen’s latest looks to dominate fleet fleetworld.co.uk

contents August 2014

42

14

Audi’s A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid put to the test....

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Driven C-Class Estate, Citroën C1, Audi A3 e-tron

Rapid repairing How to minimise fleet downtime

Bob Saynor of the Energy Saving Trust discusses its new Ecodriving scheme.

unveiled

New compact exec Jaguar

MPG marathon 2014

New Passat Volkswagen’s latest looks to dominate fleet fleetworld.co.uk

48

Managing Editor Ross Durkin ross@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

An in-depth look at Volkswagen’s New Passat.

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

MPG marathon 2014

Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

52

Sign up for the 2014 MPG Marathon in October.

Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

56

Published by

Fed up with post-accident downtime?

There are ways to reduce how long your vehicles spend off the road...

VAN FLEETW RLD

60 Peugeot’s fleet director, Martin Gurney, outlines its position in fleet.

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

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Transit Courier, Citroen Relay, New MercedesBenz Vito, Contract hire.

Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2013 17,985

Ford NEWS

inbrief

Ford SUVs go from strength to strength

Ford Transit: Auto Express Van of the Year JUST weeks after the first vehicles were delivered to customers, Ford Transit has been named “Van of the Year” by Auto Express – just one of many awards picked up by Ford’s Transit family after the van was transformed into a brand as part of Ford’s ’25 in five’ – 25 new vehicles in five years – pledge.

The family of Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier, with Fiesta Van and Ranger, forms Ford’s biggest-ever CV range.

The Transit family starts with the all-new Transit Courier which is available with up to 2.59 cu m of loadspace. Available in van and kombi bodystyles, with both petrol and diesel engines – including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, the International Engine of the Year – and up to 76.3mpg and 97g/km emissions with Auto-Start-Stop and speed limiter.

The new Transit Connect, International Van of the Year 2014, is available in short and long wheelbases and includes van, double-cab-in-van and kombi variants with fuel economy up to 70.6mpg and emissions as low as 105g/km; the lwb Transit Connect can carry loads up to 3.4m long in a load area of 3.6 cu m.

The all-new Transit Custom, International Van of the Year 2013, and the first van to gain Euro NCAP’s five-star safety rating, is also available in double-cab-in-van and kombi versions in two roof heights, with loadspace up to 6.8cu m. It will return up to 46.3mpg with 162g/km emissions.

Topping the range is the all-new Transit with up to 15.1cu m of loadspace and up to 4,700kg GVM. There are five body lengths, three roof heights and van, double-cab-in-van, chassis cab and minibus variants, plus a One Stop Shop range. ECOnetic models offer CO2 emissions from 169g/km and 44.1mpg.

Water supplier has an affinity with Ford FORD’s wide range of new models was a key factor in Affinity Water’s decision to sign a solus deal for the supply of 300 cars and light commercials for its 570-vehicle fleet over the next three years.

“Ford was the only company able to supply the range required: everything from Fiesta Van through Transit Connect and Transit Custom through to the full-size Transit, as well as the Ranger,” said Leroy Thomas of Affinity Water, the largest water-only supplier in the UK.

For further information on any vehicle in the Ford range please contact the Ford Business Centre on 03457 23 23 23, email info@fordfleet.co.uk, or visit www.ford.co.uk/fordfleet

Ford News Feature // 05

SALES of the new Kuga SUV increased by 38 per cent year-overyear for the first five months of 2014. Sixty per cent feature Active Park Assist technology that helps drivers to parallel park, and 55 per cent have Ford’s Intelligent AllWheel Drive system.

Nearly all new Kugas sold during the first five months were equipped with Ford SYNC, and SYNC 2 is now being introduced with voice control and AppLink – technology that enables drivers to voice-activate apps on their phones.

Kuga has been joined this year by a second SUV, the exciting allnew EcoSport, and a third SUV, the technically advanced Ford Edge, will join the line-up next year.

Focus ST goes diesel THE first diesel Ford Focus ST is the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 Ford performance car ever; its 185PS 2.0 litre TDCi engine with Auto-Start-Stop achieves 062mph in 8.1 seconds, 64.2 mpg and 114 g/km CO2.

Five-door and wagon models will be available in three trim levels and it qualifies for zero VED in the first year and £30 a year after that.

fleetreview This month, editor Steve Moody on the moving goalposts of emissions legislation, and the moving-the-game-on capabilities of BMW’s amazing i8 hybrid supercar.

Dash to diesel turns into nailing of NOx The story that Boris Johnson is looking to charge more for people entering into London from 2020 in a diesel car shouldn’t cause too much alarm for fleets, as Euro 6-engined vehicles will be exempted, and by then it would be highly unlikely many weren’t running those.

But the reported comments of Matthew Pencharz, the mayor’s environment adviser, that “Euro engine standards on emissions have not delivered the savings expected, meaning we now have a legacy of a generation of dirty diesels”, are interesting.

A Dutch study last year of real-world Euro 6 vehicle emissions found a significant reduction over Euro 5 and 4, and bigger, more expensive cars with more complex systems did better (ironic then that many small diesel cars could enter the charging zone for free), while it was on motorways that emissions were proportionately higher than their on-paper figures, and not in urban environments.

The manufacturers have done a lot to counter emissions in the last decade, but the simple fact remains that there is a cost associated with any improvement and businesses and consumers are loathe to pay it until they have to.

The dash to diesel was created by Government tax incentivisation off the back of CO2-based targets, and thousands of owners of older diesels are now about to be hammered for a different

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

issue. Will the next step be for new cars to be taxed according to a wider set of emissions? The powers that be moving the goalposts again? Who’d have thought it…

BMW i8 is the future This month, I had the good fortune to drive a car that is not remotely for fleets, but gives a little insight into just what we can expect in the next 10 years.

The BMW i8 looks like something from another planet, but that is not the most amazing thing about this incredible car.

The powertrain, a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine allied to an electric motor, creates a car that can run on electric only, or both, can accelerate like stink, sounds amazing and will do 55-70mpg in realworld conditions.

In a decade’s time, I reckon most cars will be powered by something similar, which means they will be incredibly economical, characterful, and pacy, and above all very desirable.

We are about to enter a period of time where cars will be more fascinating than they have been for a long time, and that can only be good news for the fleet market.

Don’t miss out on all the latest daily news! Visit fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

Double penalty points for using mobile phone whilst driving

t

ransport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin is considering doubling the number of penalty points drivers are given when they are caught driving while speaking on a mobile phone.

Under the plans, the penalty points in the current sanction would rise to six. The move would mean a driving ban for anyone who was caught twice in three years.

The move has been recommended by Metropolitan Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe following the first increase in deaths and injuries from dangerous driving on the Capital's streets in more than a decade.

ULEVs form key part of London air quality manifesto

M

ayor of London Boris Johnson has proposed an Ultra-Low Emission Zone in the city centre, with an increased congestion charge for some petrol and diesel cars and infrastructure to support ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

The air quality manifesto follows the EC’s recently launched legal proceedings against the UK, which showed that London, Birmingham and Leeds would not meet 2010 nitrogen dioxide limits until 2030.

As well as doubling the congestion charge for pre-Euro 6 diesels and pre-Euro 4 petrols from 2020, the plans include 200,000 plug-in sales, 35 rapid charging hubs, 18,500 ULEVs on taxi and private hire fleets and 350 EVs on public fleets.

TfL begins mapping rapid chargers for electric van fleets

E

lectric van fleets in London could soon have a network of rapid charging points, which offer an 80% charge in half an hour, mapped as part of a three-month project funded by Transport for London.

The Chargepoint Mapping project will log three months of telematics data from commercial vehicle fleets based in the Capital to help plan a network of rapid chargers, in turn allowing businesses to maximise the cost and environmental benefits of electric vans.

Managed by the Energy Saving Trust and Route Monkey, the project is seeking participants within the M25 who are prepared to supply telematics or scheduling data and either already have electric vans on their eet, or are considering it.

fleetweet a few soundbites from a month in fleet

@StephenKnight1 Stephen Knight, Lib Dem London Assembly Member

Boris has backtracked again on #airpollution. Had promised to restrict central London to near-zero emission vehicles from 2020. #ulez

@FairFuelUK Official Twitter account of the Fair Fuel UK Campaign

Diesel is already more expensive than petrol. UK Only Country in EU that does this. Any punitive diesel tax will impact badly on the economy.

@CarolineBurnell Caroline Burnell, senior press officer, Mercedes-Benz Vans

90% of all Vito's are owned by small or medium sized companies #vanfact

@KT_Neumann Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO, Opel

After the eventual run-out of the current generation Ampera, we'll introduce a successor product in the electric vehicle segment.

@TimBearder_CAP Tim Bearder, Black Book editor at CAP.

55% of all new cars sold have #DAB as standard according to recent figures, big jump from 12% in 2011.

@alexgrantuk Alex Grant, deputy editor, Fleet World

Pleased to hear the #M4Newport relief road is being built.

Three cities accessed by 1960s grade motorway is ridiculous and dangerous.

@au_tom_otive Tom Callow, consultant, Automotive PR

Baroness Kramer citing @SMMT figures at #lowcvp14 that 44,000 jobs were created in the UK automotive sector last year.

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

inbusiness

XE marks the spot With its sights set on the dominant three German compact executive cars, Jaguar will re-enter the segment next year with the XE saloon. Alex Grant explains how it will target the class leaders.

Engines

Body

Chassis

The XE will be the first car to feature Jaguar Land Rover’s new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Designed, engineered and manufactured in-house and in the UK, these standardise components between petrol and diesel versions, are scalable to allow for larger or smaller versions and can accommodate hybrid technology.

With an 80kg weight reduction and the use of lowfriction internals, Jaguar is claiming class-leading performance and fuel economy as a result of the new engines.

The most efficient XE will return over 75mpg and emit less than 100g/km CO2.

With an oval grille, narrow headlights and coupe-like window frame, the design echoes the larger XF, but the platform underneath is all new. This will feature the sector’s first aluminium monocoque chassis, as previewed on the C-X17 crossover concept shown at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, resulting in rigidity and weight advantages over ultrahigh strength steels.

Jaguar has used specially developed high-strength aluminium for 75% of the structure, with a large recycled material content. The platform is also modular, which means it can accommodate the longitudinal (front to back) engine layout and rearwheel drive used by Jaguar, or transverse (left to right) with four-wheel drive, which would make it suitable for compact Land Rover applications.

Using an aluminium monocoque gives Jaguar a good basis for a driver’s car. The rigid bodyshell reduces the need for stiff suspension, in turn allowing for improved ride comfort, while its low weight improves agility and makes the most of the available power. Jaguar has paired this with a front suspension design based on the F-TYPE, and independent rear suspension featuring an Integral Link, which reduces NVH and allows ride and handling to be tuned separately.

New technology includes Jaguar Land Rover’s electric power steering system, with variable damping through Jaguar Drive Control and compatibility with driver aids and active safety systems. The XE also features All Surface Progress Control, an electronic driver aid which works like a low-speed cruise control to aid traction on slippery surfaces.

fleetworld.co.uk / 11

inbusiness

Q &A Last month saw the Energy Saving Trust announce the launch of a new Ecodriving scheme to replace its Smarter Driving programme. Bob Saynor, who manages the new Ecodriving scheme at the EST, explains the reason for the change.

Why is the scheme being replaced?

When we introduced short-duration ecodriving training to the UK in 2009 the concept was virtually unknown in the UK and there was some scepticism.

Now five years on and nearly 40,000 drivers later things are very different and we think it’s time to let the commercial driver training companies take the lead, with the Energy Saving Trust moving to a supporting role as independent ecodriving expert.

How does the Ecodriving scheme improve on Smarter Driving?

Under the new scheme driver training companies are free to offer the Energy Saving Trust’s well-proven shortduration format, or build the Energy Saving Trust’s requirements into longer duration training, perhaps

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combining efficiency with more of a focus on safety. So the big improvement for fleets is that they now have greater diversity and choice, in particular the choice of training provider and training product. However, in all cases fleets can be confident that the eco element of the training will still provide many benefits due to the experience of the Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving programme. A list of participating driver training companies and their contact details can be found at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving What are the main benefits for fleets?

Reduced fuel costs is the big driver for most fleets.

We’ve seen just over a 14% average saving on the day from nearly 40,000 drivers. The long-term savings will depend on how the fleet is managed as well as on the training itself, but studies of the short-duration training format show 3.7–6.2% reduction in fuel consumption in the 12 months post-training. Lower fuel consumption also means reduced CO2 emissions. And as anyone in the driver training industry will tell you, efficient driving is also safer driving, as the key to both efficiency and safety is improved anticipation.

Why should all fleets be looking at using the scheme?

Ecodriving training is a time and cost-effective means of reducing fuel costs, CO2 emissions and accident rates. With our new scheme there’s a choice of suppliers and choice of training formats, so whatever a fleet is looking for should be available under our scheme.

Is it relevant to both car and van drivers?

Yes the techniques and the savings are equally applicable to both car and van drivers.

Is there a module for EV drivers?

Yes. EV ecodriving training is the only training we’re still providing directly ourselves, and this can be organised by contacting smarter.driving@est.org.uk. Of course for an EV, efficient driving means greater vehicle range as well as lower energy consumption. This module also includes training on safe recharging and other aspects of operating EVs such as the effects of ancillary loads on energy consumption.

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

renault.co.uk

100% ELECTRIC RENAULT ZOE

100% Electric Renault ZOE Dynamique Intens No fuel bills. No road tax. No congestion charges. No brainer.

• Best in class range* • Less than 2p per mile fuel cost** • Zero CO2 emissions whilst driving

• Rapid charge in just 30 minutes • R-Link controlled 7" touchscreen navigation • Z.E. interactive: remote battery charging and remote climate control from your smartphone

Renault Business Quality Commitments • Like for like vehicle replacement • Pro+ specialist fleet network • Free collection and delivery T&Cs apply. For full list of commitments visit renault.co.uk/business for details

Visit renault.co.uk/business or call the Renault Business Team on 0800 040 7344

Model shown is ZOE Dynamique Intens with optional metallic i.d. paint. CO2 while driving: 0. MPG: N/A

*Actual consumption and range may vary: Renault ZOE can travel up to 130 miles on a single charge, based on the new European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Renault also publish real life ranges of 63 miles (winter) to 94 miles (temperate conditions), reflecting range variations from driving style, road conditions, heating and other external factors. **Equivalent to 2p per mile based on (i) overnight electricity costs (British Gas Clear & Simple Economy 7 unit rates for a customer paying by direct debit as at 1 April 2014, assuming 7 hours of charging at the night rate and 1 hour on the day rate), and (ii) a range of up to 126 miles per full charge (based on 95% efficiency and 17˝ wheels). 26p per day standing charge applies.

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inbusiness

What I’ve learnt IAM chief executive Simon Best talks about personal values, working ethics and sharing road space.

On personal and work values It is very important to know that your company’s core values match your own personal values. This starts at the interview process; I watch the behaviours of the interviewer and the senior team and ask myself ‘Do they exhibit those values and actually live it?’ In spite of all the research you can do on a company, you don’t know for sure about those values until you get in there and start working.

Integrity, trust and honesty are all values that mean a lot to me; but until you join an organisation and get embedded into it, it is difficult to know for sure if those values are truly lived. I’m pleased to say they are lived here at the IAM and my past employers too.

On being a leader You can only be a good leader if you surround yourself with good people. It is important to acknowledge that you can’t be an expert in everything. Leaders who say they can often breed a culture that reflects that viewpoint, which might not be for the better. A good leader will acknowledge there are experts in their field that can only enhance the work you do.

On having a work-life balance It is really important to make time for family and friends. I am very happy to meet with our members and volunteers at evenings and week-

ends, it is an integral part of my work at the IAM, but I also know I must give time to my family equally. I am also conscious of finding time for myself, to think about my needs in terms of personal development and how I can be the best leader for my company and for myself.

On the road As a driver, motorcyclist and cyclist, I know only too well the pressures we face on the roads today. Some road users do not appear comfortable sharing their space with other road users, leading to friction between user groups, but everyone needs to look out for each other and show each other respect. I’m a keen cyclist, putting in 50-75 miles a week and take part in sportives two or three times a year. I like cycling because it is a real break from work life, and I enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

On commuting I really don’t think about work on my way to the office, it is really important to concentrate on the journey itself. Our work at the IAM has highlighted the dangers of not getting distracted during journeys, so I do try to live that as best I can. It’s understandable that people have many things to think about on their journeys but concentration is a crucial factor in reading the road ahead and avoiding accidents.

trading places

in

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Jo Elms becomes commercial director at LeasePlan LeasePlan has appointed Jo Elms as commercial director Elms has worked for LeasePlan for nine years, becoming brand director of LeasePlan’s SME brand LeasePlanGo (formerly FleetLine) in January 2006 and franchisee brand Network in 2009.

‘I am excited to be joining the board at a time when LeasePlan has set our plans for strong UK growth,' she said.

Hitachi Capital appoints first head of customer experience Hitachi Capital Car Solutions has promoted national sales manager David Jackson to a new role as head of customer experience, responsible for its increasing focus on customer services.

‘The new focus, which my role will oversee, takes a long term view of our operations and is all about adding value, especially as we are operating in a very mature market place,’ Jackson explained.

David Bird & Roddy Graham step down Leasedrive managing director David Bird (left) and commercial director Roddy Graham (right) have stepped down from their roles at Zenith Leasedrive Holdings.

The move is in line with an agreed six-month transition plan following the majority investment by HgCapital in Leasedrive at the end of last year.

Andrew Land of HgCapital thanked them for their partnership through the process.

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

The new face of business

£169

For just per month over 4 years from Ford Lease at your local Ford D e aler Advance of 6 monthly rentals ALL-NEW FORD TRANSIT COURIER Base 200 SWB 1.5 TDCi 75PS Visit ford.co.uk/All-New -Transit- Courier Business users only

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for Ford Transit Courier Van Base 200 SWB 1.5TDCi 75PS: urban 60.1 (4.7), extra urban 76.3 (3.7), combined 68.9 (4.1). Official C02 emissions 108g/km.

Example shown is a Ford Contract Hire rental. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Example excludes VAT and is based on a 47 month non-maintained agreement. Profile 6+47, payment in advance of 6 monthly rentals, followed by 47 monthly rentals, with a mileage of 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicles must be returned in good condition and within agreed mileage, otherwise further charges will be incurred. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability for vehicles with finance accepted and vehicle contracted between 1st July and 30th September 2014. Ford Contract Hire is provided by ALD Automotive Ltd trading as Ford Lease, BS16 3JA. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

VALUE ADDED TAX 1973

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WE HAVEN’T JUST MADE HISTORY.

WE’VE MADE RUNNING A FLEET £1,000s CHEAPER. With the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, we haven’t merely made a new car – we’ve found a way to seriously impress your employer. The fusion of electric and petrol technology can deliver a staggering 148 mpg1 and creates a fraction of the CO2 emissions of a small car - just 44g/km.

As a result business users will only pay 5% Benefit in Kind rather than the 25%+ most business users pay - boosting employees’ pay packets by thousands a year2. The business itself will make savings on its National Insurance Contributions3 and will be able to write down 100% of the cost of a new Outlander PHEV in year one4. Even a business with a small fleet of cars could save thousands in Corporation Tax5. We’ve made history – you just need to make time for a test drive. We call this Intelligent Motion.

Compare the corporation tax savings of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV against a typical company car.

PROFIT BEFORE TAX (PBT)

OUTLANDER PHEV

£100,000

£100,000

SMALL BUSINESS TAX

20%

20%

LIST PRICE OF VEHICLE

£33,000

£32,899

CAPITAL ALLOWANCE %

18%

100%

CAPITAL ALLOWANCE (£)

£5,940

£32,899

TAXABLE PROFIT (ON £100,000 PBT)

£94,060

£67,701

CORPORATION TAX (NO VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£20,000

£20,000

CORPORATION TAX (WITH VEHICLE PURCHASE)

£18,812

£13,420

SAVING DUE TO CAPITAL ALLOWANCE

£,1,188

£6,580

BUYING A PHEV WILL SAVE YOU A TOTAL OF £5,392 IN CORPORATION TAX (YEAR 1)

Make time for a test drive | Search: Outlander PHEV Visit: mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer

TYPICAL VEHICLE

THE WORLD’S FIRST 4WD PLUG-IN HYBRID SUV Compare the tax savings of running a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as your company car against these market leaders.

COST OF THE CAR - P11D VALUE

OUTLANDER PHEV GX4H AUTO

HONDA CR-V EX AUTO

BMW X3 XDRIVE SE AUTO

AUDI Q5 S-LINE PLUS AUTO

MERCEDES E-CLASS SE ESTATE AUTO

£37,8996

£33,995

£34,500

£39,225

£36,005

GOVERNMENT GRANT REDUCTION

£5,000

£0

£0

£0

£0

ADJUSTED FINAL PRICE

£32,899

£33,995

£34,500

£39,225

£36,005

CO2 EMISSIONS G/KM

44

180

138

184

140

BENEFIT IN KIND RATE

5%

32%

23%

29%

24%

£758

£4,351

£3,174

£4,550

£3,456

VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITHOUT FUEL PROVIDED THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER) VEHICLE BENEFIT CHARGE WITH FUEL PROVIDED THE EXTRA TAX YOU PAY VS PHEV (40% TAXPAYER)

–

£3,593

£2,416

£3,792

£2,699

£1,192

£7,129

£5,170

£7,067

£5,540

–

£5,937

£3,978

£5,875

£4,348

1. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 2. Outlander PHEV GX4h compared with Honda CR-V, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes E-Class - average saving £4,438pa for a 40% taxpayer. The savings for business drivers with a company fuel card are higher. 3. Class 1a NI only payable on 5% of list price compared to 25%+ average. 4. Outlander PHEV qualifies as low CO2 emissions vehicle for the purpose of Capital Allowances. 18% write down allowance used for comparison. Vehicles with CO2 emissions greater than 130g/km will only qualify for 8% from 1st April 2014.

5. Savings achieved due to lower Profits Chargeable to Corporation Tax (PCTCT). 6. Prices shown include VAT (at 20%), exclude VED and First Registration Fee. Metallic paint extra. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4h at £33,399 including metallic paint. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants.

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: infinite, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.

inbusiness

Look at the small picture SMEs account for over half of the UK's workforce, but sourcing company cars can still be an issue for small businesses, Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson reckons.

W

ith the UK economy finally back to prerecessionary levels, there's some unexpected dynamics developing in the new car market. Private demand for new cars is at its highest level for several years and the fleet market has powered itself out of the downturn, but it's the small business sector which is seeing the fastest rate of growth.

Small businesses, as classified by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, are those running up to 25 cars and in the first six months of the year sales grew by 21% to 61,500. It might still be by far and away the smallest market sector, with total sales more or less evenly split between private and fleet, but it is a dynamic one increasingly targeted by car manufacturers and their dealers.

It’s easy to see why. Last October the Office of National Statistics published its annual review of the make-up of UK plc and found the SME sector, defined as those employing from 0-249 staff, had grown significantly year-on-year, accounting for 4.9 million firms employing 14.4 million people and with an estimated combined turnover of £1.6bn. Collectively SMEs accounted for over half of all employment in the UK and almost half of all business turnover.

However, the dilemma facing many SMEs, especially those at the smaller end, is they do not see their mobility requirements as a business issue; fleets, after all, are operated by bigger organisations. Consequently many are missing out on favourable and more tax-efficient car financing deals.

This theme is picked up by John Hughes, a director of Mann Island Finance, the specialist broker whose client base is made up of around 2,500 car dealers.

Hughes has urged more dealers to focus on the specific needs of SMEs in their vicinity, pointing out that many are still struggling to raise finance from traditional lenders for big-ticket items such as cars.

For many dealers and SMEs there’s a cultural gap, with both sides not knowing how to benefit from an ongoing business relationship.

‘SMEs are often concerned about getting finance and the right finance guidance, there is a wider continuing shortage of SME finance, and dealers who can frequently access finance for their customers

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

frequently do not feel confident in their capacity to offer the full range of finance facilities.

‘Dealers need to bridge this gap and central to this is creating, or bringing in, the right level of expertise and seeing each sale as far more than a single standalone transaction, which is often not the case.’

Hughes pointed out that even though the economy is improving, SMEs are still often struggling to access finance from traditional lenders, a situation he said is exacerbated by media headlines suggesting that finance remains restricted.

‘The supposedly difficult finance perception is supported by the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee’s criticism of the Government’s lack of support for SMEs and campaigning by the Federation of Small Businesses. Initiatives such as the Funding for Lending scheme and the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme have commonly proved of little use for vehicle purchasing.’

Consequently some SMEs will buy their vehicles as retail customers and not reap the tax benefits associated with fleet funding. Hughes believes dealers have a role to play here.

‘Dealers need to be far more proactive in promoting the availability of SME finance for new and used cars and LCVs. The SME market is growing with a trend towards smaller fleets of three to 20 vehicles. This is territory that dealers can make their own.’

Elsewhere this month, Mitsubishi Motors has come up with a novel solution to address the age-old issue of how best to tackle user-choosers masquerading as private buyers in order to secure a test drive of their next company car.

The brand has trained members of its national dealer staff to become Company Car Specialists in order to do away with the subterfuge and guide userchoosers enquiring about their next car.

The move was prompted by demand for the new company car tax-friendly Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Most of the Mitsubishi dealer network is already signed up to the scheme, with participating outlets identified on its website. Other manufacturers will be quietly kicking themselves for not bringing this scheme to the market first.

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It’s the technological advance that drivers have been waiting for - eager, effortless performance without high consumption consequences. New Insignia has the power to transport you into a new realm of clean, lean motoring with CO2 emissions of just 98g/km*.

Transform your business at: www.vauxhallfleet.co.uk/beautifultechnology Book your FREE** 3 Day Test Drive at www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk or call 0870 240 4848

VAUXHALL FLEET Visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Insignia range: Urban 24.8 (11.4)-62.8 (4.5), Extra-urban 46.3 (6.1)-88.3 (3.2), Combined 34.9 (8.1)-76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 189-98g/km.

*

Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. † = 2014-15 tax year. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their particular tax position. ** = Excludes fuel and lubricants; congestion charges; parking and speeding fines and the £250 insurance excess (if applicable). 3 Day Test Drive vehicles are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Please refer to www.vauxhall3DTD.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Drivers must be 25 years or older and is available for Mainland UK only. All figures quoted correct at time of publication (July 2014).

inbusiness

Pod life The Insider is gazing into his crystal ball and imagining the fleet of the future.

I

’m hearing a lot about autonomous driving at the moment. We already have cars which will brake if we don’t, keep us a safe distance from the car in front, and warn us about inadvertently changing lanes. Some can even parallel park into a space if those skills fail us.

But it seems there is a mood to remove even more control from the human behind the wheel. For those who hate driving, a driverless vehicle can’t come soon enough. My life would certainly be easier if some of my fleet drivers had no control over the actual driving.

My crystal ball tells me that eventually of course the way forward will see us all sitting in hydrogenpropelled pods, with no human input other than to set a route in the sat nav at the beginning of the journey. People will be able to text, put on their make-up and eat and drink without a care in the world. And probably watch TV or work on their tablets without any fear of accident.

Accidents and parking damage will become a thing of the past. Think about the cost implications of that on the NHS and, indeed, the accident management industry. Insurance premiums would reduce.

Will we even need a driving licence to travel? We can make some more cutbacks at DVLA then.

Perhaps very few pods will be owned outright.

Owned by the equivalent of a car club, we will just hire as required. There would be different sized pods for single occupancy journeys, families, and a van pod for trips to B&Q. There will be r-pods for caravanners (I kid you not, they exist already) and for music lovers... you’re there before me. But will we still have many manufacturers vying for market share or will there be just one vanilla pod?

So how would that affect fleets? Well if ownership became rare because people could easily rent what they required for that specific journey, then perhaps perk fleets would disappear. Or we would move to a situation where an allowance was paid to enable the employee to finance a business journey by the most cost and time-efficient route. But then we return to the conundrum that the company risks losing control over its duty of care responsibilities.

Now clearly our autonomous pods will have to

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

progress in a neat line at a constant speed to avoid bumping into each other, but that won’t worry most occupants because the average British driver plods along quite happily at 35-40mph – even in a 30mph limit – until they reach a motorway, where they slam their foot down and hit 80mph eyes glued to the tail of the car in front with no worries at all.

I haven’t yet worked out how you get into the flow of traffic from your driveway. We Brits love queuing but constantly having to join at the back is not an option for me. But it will mean there is no opportunity to speed, so revenue from fines will decrease massively. If you are running late, then you are just going to miss that meeting, so punctuality will improve. And on motorways we will either have to put up with all lanes running at the same speed or they will indeed be renamed fast, medium and slow, which again is how the average British driver already thinks it works.

But surely that kind of journey is just a train by a different name, running on a more widely available network than the real trains. In fact more like we had in the 1960s, before all those branch lines serving rural communities were killed off. So don’t be surprised to hear that the new roads regulators are from the same outfit as the existing rail regulators, and that the organisation which monitors rail passengers’ views will be doing the same for the roads.

I wonder what Dr Beeching would make of all that.

Fiat 500S from only £129 per month for business users*

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fiat.co.uk

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...

driver training The vast majority of employees who drive for work have never been offered driver training, a new survey by IAM Drive & Survive has revealed.

72% of respondents claim that they had never been invited to undertake a driver training scheme, despite 44% saying that they would welcome the opportunity.

29% said they would benefit from a refresher course on the Highway Code.

19% would be interested in fuel-efficient driving training.

14% would welcome tuition on safe manoeuvring and parking.

While a high number of respondents did welcome the idea of training, just under half of those polled said they wouldn’t be interested. The two most common reasons were the time it would take and a belief that it wasn’t necessary.

Source: IAM Drive & Survive

connected cars Telefonica has conducted a survey into driver attitudes towards in-car connectivity services such as telematics, eCall and internet-enabled infotainment systems as part of its Connected Car Industry Report.

70% of the 5,012 drivers surveyed said they were interested in connected cars, or already drove one.

61% said connectivity would give them more control by helping them to understand when their car had a problem.

38% said they would be happy for driving data collected by in-car telematics to be shared if this could help lower insurance costs.

60% of respondents said they would be interested to check a car’s status via a smartphone or tablet before making a long journey.

34% said sharing diagnostic information so garages could bid for work would be a desirable feature.

Source: Telefonica

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

The report suggests that in-car connectivity will to grow exponentially in the near future, from 10% of the global market to 90% by 2020.

prescription medication

Source: Direct Line & Brake

A new survey has uncovered an alarming lack of awareness about the effect that prescription medication, including hay fever tablets, can have on a driver’s ability behind the wheel.

44% of the 1,000 drivers surveyed by Brake and Direct Line admitted that they “sometimes” or “never” looked at the instructions to check if the medication they were taking could impair their ability to drive.

30% claimed they were unaware that some hay fever and allergy medications could impair their ability to concentrateon the road.

The survey found awareness to be even lower for other medications – 47% of respondents said they were unaware decongestants could have a negative effect on their ability to drive, rising to 60% for cough medicines.

It is illegal to drive while unfit to do so as a result of taking either legal or illegal drugs. Commenting on the issue, Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: ‘This widespread lack of awareness is a particular concern at this time of year, when huge numbers of people will be using hay fever medicines, some of which can be risky if you drive. All drivers have a responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive when getting behind the wheel.’

damaged deliveries A new study conducted by www.Versapak.co.uk has revealed a quarter of UK drivers arrive at customer’s houses with faulty or broken goods at least once a month, with the majority blaming a bumpy journey caused by cracks and potholes found on UK roads.

32% of 1,829 customers surveyed revealed that they had received home deliveries of goods that were even broken or damaged during transit.

54% of the 306 delivery drivers admitted that this happened on their watch at least once a month.

Source: www.Versapak.co.uk

A further 21% revealed that, due to the fragile nature of the cargo they transport, damage to goods occurred as often as once a day or more.

64% blamed cracks and potholes of British roads for the accidental damages, followed by inappropriate packaging of products (51%) and clumsy loading of the vehicle (24%).

58% of professional van and lorry drivers surveyed said that the packaging measures put in place regarding deliveries need to be improved in order to improve customer satisfaction.

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 27

g fleet e k

Credit Card smartphone charger

Kensington KeyCover for iPad Air An all-in-one solution to protect and improve the functionality of an iPad Air, the KeyCover connects via Bluetooth and offers a touch-typing optimised keyboard backlit in a choice of seven colours. It can pair with multiple devices and puts the iPad to sleep when it’s closed.

Price: £99.99 from kensington.com

Tech21 Impact Shield Claimed to be the most advanced screen protector on the market, there are three layers to the Impact Shield. Beneath a hard top layer, it features a BASF-developed polymer used in bulletproof glass to absorb and dissipate the impact force, before a softer third layer dampens what remains. It’s self-healing, causes no loss of screen clarity and available for most popular smartphones.

Price: £14.99-£24,99 from tech21.com

One of the neatest smartphone chargers on the market, this slots into the cardholders of most wallets and is only 5mm thick. Finished in classy brushed aluminium and with an LED indicator, it takes less than four hours to charge using the included USB cable, and has a second port to pass the power on to your depleted device.

Price: £14.99 from menkind.com

Lechal Haptic Feedback Insoles Paired via Bluetooth, Lechal’s insoles slip inside most shoes and offer a unique way to interact with a smartphone. They can count steps like a pedometer, allow foot control of phone functions, vibrate to give directions via navigation apps and can to alert the user if they’ve left their phone behind. The heelmounted battery is removable, and the rest of the insole can be washed.

Price: £60 from lechal.com

apps of the month

Learnist

London Tube Tracker

Dash – Drive Smart

Describing itself as ‘a crowdsourced collection of the world’s knowledge,’ Learnist is a medium through which members can share and access handy tips and know-how from experts all over the globe.

Whether it’s business advice, health tips or extending the battery life of your smartphone, it’s all on here somewhere and the database is growing.

Price: Free from iTunes Store

An essential download for frequent visitors or London commuters, this one-stop app includes live data about train locations, arrivals and line statuses across London Underground, Overground and DLR services. Street maps and an internet-free station finder, plus a list of the first and last trains through any of the services take the stress out of cross-capital journeys.

Price: £1.99 from iTunes Store

Already an award-winner, Dash lets your smartphone or tablet receive data from your car via a Bluetooth-connected adapter plugged into its diagnostic port.

It can then monitor and advise on driving style in real-time, report engine faults and find the cheapest local fuel. Bluetooth diagnostic port adapters are sold separately, and available for under £10.

Price: Free from Google Play

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

Less fuel in.

More miles out.

Go further with the new Honda engine.

CR-V 1.6 Diesel

Civic 1.6 Diesel

Civic Tourer 1.6 Diesel

• Low fuel costs 62.8 mpg

• Low fuel costs 78.5 mpg

• Low fuel costs 74.3 mpg

• 119 g/km CO2

• 94 g/km CO2

• 99 g/km CO2

• Band C VED

• Zero VED

• Zero VED

• BIK rate from 19%

• BIK rate from 14%

• BIK rate from 15%

• Two wheel drive

• Insurance group from 15E

• Insurance group from 15E

honda.co.uk/corporate Fuel consumption figures for the Honda range in mpg (l/100km): Urban Cycle 23.2 – 70.6 (12.2 – 4.0), Extra Urban 40.4 – 85.6 (7.0 – 3.3), Combined 32.5 – 78.5 (8.7 – 3.6). CO2 emissions 201 – 94g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience.

Models shown for illustrative purposes: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC S in optional White Orchid Pearl, CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S in optional Passion Red Pearl and Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus in optional Twilight Blue Metallic.

Powered by

inbusiness

Smarter fleets Technology is to play a major role in the way fleets choose, operate and manage vehicles by the end of the decade, according to the results of a new study by the BVRLA. The survey: The BVRLA studied the attitudes of 61 senior executives in the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management industry, and presented the results at the inaugural Fleet Technology Congress held in July at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon.

The results: Responses showed fleets are open to the idea of new technology. Almost half (45%) consider themselves to be early adopters, while 47% said they take a cautious approach. Only 8% felt they were stragglers.

Looking ahead, fleets believe driverless cars and alternatively powered vehicles will have the biggest impact on the industry, and connectivity and smartphone integration is to become a key growth area. Although only 20% said they see it as important now, 61% believe this will change over the next five years.

Opinions are divided on new safety technology, with fatigue warning devices cited as the most important new feature and futuristic features such as night-vision cameras ranked at the bottom of the list. However, cost remains a barrier for safety features, with 27% of respondents claiming they would be unwilling to pay extra for them and 55% saying they should carry a price premium of less than £500. None of those surveyed said they’d pay more than £1,500.

BVRLA verdict: Commenting on the results, BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: ‘Our findings suggest that some of the things that used to drive vehicle choice – such as driving performance, comfort and design – are rapidly becoming less important as fleets focus on technology and safety.

‘The BVRLA’s role is to ensure that regulation and the Government’s motoring agencies keep pace with these developments, so the fleet industry can continue to innovate.’

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

A green light for driverless cars The Government has given the green light for driverless cars to take to UK roads from January 2015 as it calls on UK cities to compete to trial the technology and also reviews UK road regulations.

The measures have been announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable as the Government looks to establish the UK as a pioneer in driverless cars and attract the world’s leading specialists.

Under the plans, UK cities can now bid for a share of a £10m competition to host a driverless cars trial, with funding supplied by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Transport, in partnership with the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board.

Up to three cities will be selected to host the trials from next year and each project is expected to last between 18 and 36 months and start in January 2015.

THIS MINI MEANS BUSINESS.

Official fuel economy figures for the MINI Cooper D Countryman: Urban 60.1mpg (4.7l/100km).

Extra Urban 72.4mpg (3.9l/100km). Combined 67.3mpg (4.2l/100km). CO2 emissions 111g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

THE NEW MINI COOPER D COUNTRYMAN BUSINESS. The spirit of a racer, the mind of an accountant: the new MINI Countryman combines go-kart handling with outstanding fuel economy. With EU6 compliant engines and even lower emissions levels, the new MINI Countryman makes all round sense.

The MINI Cooper D Countryman Business comes with MINI Navigation System, 17" alloy wheels and PEPPER Pack, which includes Automatic air-conditioning and Rain Sensor & Automatic Lights-On. The Business Edition saves your drivers ÂŁ1,385 on their P11D, while the rather impressive figures of 67.3mpg (combined) and 111g/km of CO2 results in BIK as low as 18%.

To find out how to give your business an advantage, visit www.mini.co.uk/corporate or call 08081 280034.

MINI Corporate Sales

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate The new C-Class is bigger and more luxurious than its predecessor, says Steve Moody.

SECTOR Compact executive PRICE £28,055–£33,220 FUEL 51.4–65.7mpg CO2 108–128g/km

M

ercedes-Benz thinks that the new C-Class Estate brings a touch more luxury to a sector that already boasts some fine cars.

Sometimes though those cars can seem more like a large hatchback as some can appear in this sector. Longer than its predecessor by nearly 10cm, wider by four (but with considerably more shoulder room internally to the point it seems a size above a 3 Series) but with only 10 litres more loadspace in the all-important boot, the C-Class Estate is still a car everybody could find a job for.

The lines are sleek, sharp and with plenty of energy.

And this car looks great, with wide shoulders right through to the rear hips and a long, slingy glasshouse.

Such is the basic strength of the design that it looks suitably conservative in basic Middle England SE spec with tall tyres, artico leather (vinyl to you and me) and gunsight bonnet star, yet sleek and sexy for £1,495 more in AMG Line with 18-inch alloys, chrome splitter and bazooka exhausts.

In the cabin, it is of the highest quality – straight out of join later in the year. Prices for the diesel models, no doubt an S-Class with switches that cant heftily and smooth taking almost all of the sales, start at £30,565, which is Scandinavian wood schemes butted tightly against slivnoticeably more expensive than an entry-level A4 Avant ers of brushed aluminium. It’s probably the and slightly more than a 3 Series Touring. best interior in the sector, which is as MerWe tried both the 250 BlueTEC diesel and FLEET FACT cedes wanted it, although its timing is good the 300 BlueTEC Hybrid (which will go on sale as the 3 Series and A4 are ageing now. later in the year) and the most striking thing Around half More practically, the rear seats tumble in is how the incessant rattly splurge of Merc three parts, allowing long things to be pushed diesels of old has finally been quashed. The of all registrathrough from the boot, while the bootlid itself 250 would appear to be a great mid-market tions will be is powered and can be open with a swipe choice, offering enough pace with 60mpg-plus to fleets. from your foot when arms are full of stuff. and decent shove, but the diesel hybrid is the Three engine variants are available at star. Mercedes is streaking ahead of the comlaunch – C 220 BlueTEC and C 250 BlueTEC diesel engines petition and 99g/km with 226bhp is hard to beat because plus the C 200 petrol engine, while two further engines – it is almost as refined and seamless as when installed in the the C 200 BlueTEC and the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – will S-Class. The way the engine dies barely a second after you lift off and then starts up again when you apply power, with no vibration, is remarkable. It just sails merrily on.

In terms of handling though, the Estate is fairly pedestrian. The front independent suspension is decoupled from the spring strut to give a better ride, and the rear end comes with the £895 option of air for carrying especially heavy dogs and garden ornaments, but it’s just not a car that wants to be rushed. High speed, smoothly steered corners are its thing. Even the Sport setting on the Agility Select system doesn’t offer much more than a firmer edge to the already pliant ride.

Mercedes sold 33,000 examples of the previous model, with nearly half of them going to fleets. This car should easily do that again, and maybe perform better, because it is a very classy car.

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights 10 litres more boot space than its predecessor

With a larger boot and a cabin that is of the highest quality, as well as a range of refined but low emission diesels, the C-Class is a very practical, high quality car.

Diesel hybrid emits 99g/km CO2 High quality cabin Diesel prices start at ÂŁ30,565

key fleet model Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueTEC Estate SE

fleetworld.co.uk / 37

Citroën C1 Much improved, but without losing the frill-free charm of the original, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR City car PRICE £7,995–£11,935 FUEL 65.7–74.3mpg CO2 88–99g/km

C

itroën has sold over 780,000 C1s since the original launched in 2005, and it’s become such a familiar sight that it’s easy to forget how clever and trend-setting the design was, and still is today.

With low running costs and high residual values, the C1 also enjoys a large fleet presence. Sales are weighted towards retail buyers, but 38% of 2014’s UK cars will go to businesses and none of that is rental volume. Citroën expects the SME and public sector, plus downsizing company car drivers, to continue making up the fleet side of its sales.

So there’s familiarity behind this car’s fresh styling. The weight-saving glass tailgate, fixed headrests and exposed metalwork in the cabin have remained, and there’s still space for four adults, this time with a useable boot. Minimal use of plastic trim means the C1 and 108 offer more load space than the Aygo, too.

what we think Evolution rather than revolution, but C1 is back in line with the rest of the class. The lower-powered engine makes more sense, though, despite the new addition.

Toyota Aygo PRICE: £8,595–£12,395 FUEL: 68.9–67.3mpg CO 2: 95–97g/km

Peugeot 108 PRICE: £8,245–£12,245 FUEL: 65.7–74.3mpg CO 2: 88–99g/km

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

While it’s still low on frivolity, bright fabrics, colour accents on the dashboard and a smartphone-controlling MirrorLink touch screen help bring the cabin up to date, and the optional retractable fabric roof is a fun, if noisy, addition unique to PSA’s city cars.

All three feature a new version of the 68bhp petrol used by their predecessors, now offering up to 74.3mpg, but PSA has kept the new 82bhp for its own cars. It’s a potent engine which feels well matched to the quick, light steering and firmly sprung inner-city agility, but it lacks refinement and vibrates through the cabin at idle.

Citroën hasn’t rocked the boat too much with the C1, but it didn’t have to.

The old car could still stand its ground in this sector, despite starting to show its age, and a choice of three stylish newcomers means drivers have a few more options on their choice lists.

Volkswagen Scirocco Improved efficiency means the classy Golf-based coupe is more desirable than ever, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £20,455–£33,795 FUEL 35.3–67.3mpg CO2 109–187g/km

V

olkswagen was undergoing a transformation when it shared with the Golf GTI, and the most obvious addition introduced the original Scirocco in 1974. A preview of inside is a bank of three auxiliary gauges showing oil and the Mk1 Golf’s platform, its water-cooled frontturbo pressure, plus a lap timer. A touchscreen infotainment mounted engine and front-wheel drive were a big departure system is fitted across the range, and satellite navigation is from the Beetle-derived platforms used previously. added from the most popular GT version upwards.

This wasn’t only true within its range. The Scirocco was So it’s still an easy car to live with. The boot holds a unusual in a segment where the big-selling Ford Capri and usable 312 litres and access is easy, the front seats are Vauxhall Manta still used rear-wheel drive. But, by the time comfortable and the rear bench has plenty of leg room, the nameplate re-joined the Volkswagen range in 2009, this though limited visibility through the narrow windows and had changed completely. minimal headroom make them feel cramped.

The Scirocco now competes against a plethora of hatchEngine upgrades are more significant, with petrol and back-derived coupes, each with efficient diesel units upgraded to meet Euro 6 and diesel engines for company car drivers. efficiency improvements across the It has to compete against traditional range. Petrol versions range from the rivals such as the Astra GTC and Megane 52.3mpg 1.4 TSI to the 277bhp Scirocco Coupe, but also with newcomers includR and, while the latter is only 2% of fleet ing the stylish Kia Pro_Cee’d and Leon sales, the R-Line trim means its styling is SC, which has the newer Golf platform. available with tax-friendly engines.

Top-spec sporty B-segment crossovers, Diesel options are taken from the Golf. such as the MINI Paceman and Nissan The 2.0 TDI will be fitted to 82% of fleet Juke, are also viable threats.

Sciroccos, with most taking the 148bhp Volkswagen has an established track version, and around 20% opting up to record though. Globally, Britain is second the Golf GTD’ s 184bhp engine for £1,000 only to China in terms of Scirocco volumes extra. The latter was offered on the and it’s an important fleet car too. Business launch – responsive across the rev range, sales account for 50% of its UK sales, and light enough not to blunt agility, quiet Stylish, efficient and great this subtly refreshed version will be lookexcept for the petrol-like exhaust note to drive, this remains a ing to continue that popularity. piped into the cabin and yet promising desirable user-chooser It hasn’t changed much visually. The 64.2mpg and 115g/km. front bumper now looks like the Mk7 The Scirocco might not be the unique option. But the cheaper Golf GTI’s, while the back end features choice it once was, but still looked sharp and mechanically more LED lighting and a creased tailgate after five years. A more competitive set modern Leon SC is which opens using the badge, rather of engines and subtle upgrades to its also worth a look. than a concealed button. styling should continue to make this a Its new thick-rimmed steering wheel is class benchmark.

what we think

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

Non-smokers are welcome in London anytime

Quit diesel and clean up now London’s new air quality manifesto sets targets for reducing harmful particulates and NO2 levels by 2020. But why wait?

You can change things right now – without charging points, expensive filters or engine additives.

Desirability Reliability

Simply choose petrol full hybrid and start cleaning up today.

Rangeability

Sustainability Serviceability Affordability

Cleeaner air needn’tt wait. Find d out more att brillliaantt forrbu usin ness..coo.u uk//hyybriid

brilliant for business

Model shown is Lexus NX hybrid SUV, due for launch October 2014. More information available on launch.

Audi A3 e-tron Will the plug-in A3 be as desirable to fleets as the standard car? Danny Cobbs investigates.

SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £29,950 (after £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant) FUEL 176.6mpg CO2 37g/km

M

uch like the video market of the early 1980s, where VHS and Betamax jostled for public acceptance (and let’s not forget the LaserDisc), car manufacturers over the past decade or so have also been in a race to ensure their hybrid cars become the industry standard rather than a soon-forgotten novelty.

With Audi arriving suitably late to the plug-in hybrid party with the A3 Sportback e-tron (registrations of hybrid and plug-in cars rose 20.5% in 2013, to 32,715 units globally), perhaps now is the time when the consensus of opinion will favour this type of drivetrain above any of the market alternatives.

And there’s no reason why it shouldn’t. The e-tron system, or one that is very similar, will be adopted throughout the Volkswagen Group (Porsche already uses it in the Cayenne and Panamera, while Volkswagen will launch the Golf GTE later this year using something virtually identical), thus giving it mass market appeal and, more importantly, bucketfuls of credibility.

The initial cost, even with the £5,000 OLEV grant, works are so well hidden under the floor that their impact on the out to £29,950, which makes it just over £5,000 more expenoverall boot space means the load area stays a clear thorsive than the nearest equivalent 2.0-litre TDI Sport 148bhp. oughfare and loses just 100 litres of overall cargo capacity.

And if you were expecting fantastically However, it is this sense of familiarity which futuristic and super aerodynamic design, then makes the A3 e-tron so utterly, utterly brilliant.

FLEET FACT you’re in for a bit of disappointment. If it wasThis defiance and quest to ensure it remains n’t for “e-tron” lettering on the tailgate it would nothing other than a member of the A3 clan is The A3 e-tron’s appear to be just another A3 Sportback. as intelligent and forward-thinking as its And that’s much the same story on the inside ability to seamlessly engage its 1.4-litre TSI drivetrain will be too. Apart from the dashboard-mounted EV 150bhp petrol engine when driving conditions shared with the switch, the button which allows manual overor battery levels dictate.

VW Golf GTE. ride of any of the four computer-controlled The 101bhp electric motor, which is intedriving modes, and the rev counter replaced grated into the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a dedicated energy display unit, the cabin too remains is the default power source; meaning there’s nothing but an unchanged. Even the bank of 96 lithium-ion battery cells, eerie silence as you start to drive off. And it’s good for about the power source needed to drive its 75kw electric motor, 30 miles and up to 80mph. Thereafter the engine management takes over. Leave it to its own devices and it’ll quietly switch between the two engines, or combine them to give some very admirable performance figures – 0.62mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 137mph.

Hooking it up to a domestic electric plug socket will fully recharge the battery in about three hours, and there’s a “charge save” option within the hybrid-mode menu. The internal regenerating system acts like a glorified alternator by exploiting lost brake energy together with power from the 1.4-litre engine. This may all seem like an engineering PhD thesis waiting to be written, but it really isn’t. The bottom line is that this car is no more difficult to drive than a normal automatic.

Audi claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 176.6mpg, with 37g/km of CO2 emissions – or a total range of up to 584 miles on one tank of petrol. I achieved 117.7mpg by switching manually between all of the hybrid modes on a route comprising a mixture of urban, motorway and rural roads, and that’s still an impressive number.

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights

The A3 e-tron is the best C-segment plug-in hybrid currently on the market, with a well-sorted drivetrain, good range, low CO2 and stylish packaging.

Combines a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine and electric motor, producing 202bhp.

Electric range of 31.1 miles when fully charged, at up to 80mph.

Mains charging takes three hours, via a socket behind the grille badge.

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

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The Ultimate Driving Machine

flashback a look back at the company cars of yesteryear

model Lexus IS (XE10)

J

era 1999-2005

ust as the latest Lexus IS saloon is proving to be a decisive car for the brand in Europe, the first model to wear the badge was a backbone of the range during its six-year lifespan.

This was the compact executive saloon built to take on the Germans. It was the first Lexus to be designed for European markets, positioned underneath the USfocused GS and LS as an entry point to the range and was destined to become a spearhead for its new UK corporate sales department.

The covers were removed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, but it wasn’t until May 1999 that the first cars arrived in British showrooms. Engineered to attract young drivers seeking a sporty drive, it featured sports seats, an instrument cluster inspired by diving watches and distinctive chrome rear lights as a way to mark itself out from the competition, and it came generously equipped too.

Lexus offered a single 2.0-litre straight-six petrol engine at launch. The IS200 produced 153bhp and was as high-tech as the brand was becoming known for.

Computer-controlled variable valve timing struck a balance between economy and performance, while Sport and big-selling SE versions could be equipped with an intelligent automatic gearbox which adapted its shift pattern to suit the driver.

From a standing start, it transformed Lexus’s UK presence. In 2000, its first full year on sale, the IS accounted

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

UK sales 42,108

successor Lexus IS (XE20)

for 81% of the brand’s 8,934 UK sales. Volumes peaked in 2001, shortly ahead of a mild facelift introducing new colours, fabrics, equipment and a couple of new additions to the line-up.

Of these, the most significant was the second engine.

The IS300 added a 214bhp 3.0-litre straight six to the range, shared with the GS300 and non-turbo Toyota Supra, and an even more advanced five-speed automatic gearbox. This was still computer controlled, as in the IS200, but allowed drivers to select gears using thumb and forefinger buttons on the steering wheel for a sportier drive.

The second bodystyle was less popular. Noting the popularity of lifestyle estates, the SportCross launched as part of the range refresh but was only offered at first as an IS300. It was cleverly engineered to add as little weight or drag as possible, so as not to blunt the driving experience, and a folding passenger seat meant it could take loads up to 2.6 metres in length. But, even with the IS200 drivetrain from 2002 onwards, it was a slow seller which hasn’t been replaced since.

Lexus showed the second-generation IS saloon at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, and by this point the brand had grown significantly. The RX crossover had become its biggest seller, with a ground-breaking hybrid on the way, and the IS had firmly established the carmaker in Europe.

With diesel engines and, more recently, competitive hybrids to follow, that’s something that’s still true today.

It… is about being local and global.

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SPOTLIGHT Volkswagen Passat

Eighth wonder...

Long before its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, Volkswagen has dropped the veil covering the all-new, eighth-generation Passat. Danny Cobbs recently travelled to the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Germany, to have a first look.

DESIGN After 41 years in existence, there’s little to tell that this Passat is the same car which had, during its seven previous incarnations, spawned over 23 million sales worldwide. With swooping lines, longer bonnet, shorter overhangs and trapezoidal tailpipes, the design of this Passat has a clarity which makes it much more contemporary and fashionable than anything before wearing the same moniker.

Overall length is 2mm shorter than the previous model, although the wheelbase is 79mm longer. It also sits lower too, by 14mm, and wider by 12mm, while the unladen weight has been reduced by 85kg.

Both the four-door saloon and estate will be available from launch, with each offering more cargo space than past variants.

The saloon’s boot is roomier by 21 litres, up from 565 litres to 586 litres, while the estate delivers a maximum load area of 1780 litres, an increase of 47 litres.

ENGINES Just the EU6-compliant 2.0-litre TDI 148bhp will be available from launch, although higher-output versions are planned to follow shortly afterwards – a 187bhp or a 237bhp bi-turbo with a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

There are also plans afoot to also introduce a 1.6TDI 118bhp plus an emissions-busting plug-in hybrid which will see a 1.4-litre TSI coupled to an 80kW electric engine.

All versions will have a Stop/Start system and a regenerative braking mode. A DSG auto box will be an optional extra, instead of the standard 6-speed manual, but will be included on the 2.0-litre 237bhp bi-turbo. Fuel efficiency gains across the range are said to have been improved by up to 20%.

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

INSIDE The benefits from the longer and wider wheelbase make a dramatic and immediate difference to the overall sense of spaciousness within the cabin; with improved leg and headroom.

All models will feature a far more comprehensive list of standard equipment, including DAB radio, Volkswagen’s latest modular 5-inch touchscreen with proximity sensors, including the Car Net remote app, plus plenty of connectivity through Bluetooth and USB ports.

Higher-spec trims will gain from the optional Active Info Display, which replaces the instrument cluster with a fully configurable interactive 12.3-inch TFT screen. A heads-up display unit and the latest version of Park Assist, where the car will park itself forwards into a perpendicular space, will also be available.

With more than 80% of all new Passats expected to go to fleets, Volkswagen will be introducing the SE Business trim which will be priced to sit between the two higher trims – the SE and GT – leaving the S as the entry-level model, and a starting price of £22,000.

FLEET FACT More than 80% of all new Passats will be heading for fleets.

WHAT WE THINK...

Sleek new lines, a reconfigured and larger cabin, and higher level of standard equipment, but no radical change what is fundamentally a stalwart of the VW line-up. Over the years, the Passat has become a known and well-supported commodity by the fleet user, and from what we’ve seen thus far, there’s no reason to believe this model won’t continue that success. DC fleetworld.co.uk / 49

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Citroën C4 Cactus against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

MJ Citroën does “alternative” really well – far better than “conventional” – and its funky looks should attract buyers.

Although 35cm longer than a Captur, C4 Cactus is 100kg lighter, and it’s 235kg less than a Juke, giving a light, easy to drive feel. It leads this group on CO2 and MPG, and the latest technology, good equipment and interesting options will help personalisation.

MJ Adopting the C4 nametag from the hatchback is misleading, and not really a positive either. Without seeing it and driving it, C4 Cactus might appear larger than it actually is, and although it is lower than many small SUVs it still provides good visibility.

The Captur’s brighter modern colour combinations shown at launch don’t seem to be as common on the road as some conservative combinations.

MJ This sector and its versatility in general should present Cactus good opportunities. Most sales should be conquest, fuelling welcome growth. Sensible price position means Cactus is affordable – particularly given standard equipment.

MJ The C4 Cactus model’s looks may be too different for some buyers, and badge snobbery could be an issue. Established crossovers and SUV products such as Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka won’t go down without a fight. Careful in supermarkets as other shoppers may want to test your Airbumps!

AS Every once in a while Citroën launches a model that you know is going to be a hit.

The low retail price adds to the appeal and it will be very popular with both retail and corporate sales. This car is much lighter than the competition and it feels nimble to drive and the excellent economy figures also reflect this.

MW Well built, drives much better than you would think.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

AS Some may be put off with the looks of the plastic bump-resistant panels, but practicality is king with this car. The hinged rear door windows might not be to everyone’s liking.

MW The C4 Cactus really is very different, which could be either a strength or a weakness. Not everyone will like it.

AS This sector is growing fast, and you can see why. Functionality is the new style icon, and it is cool to be seen driving, and to be driven around in a small semi off-roader style vehicle. The modern is cleverly mixed with nostalgia for those that can remember; bench-style front seats add to the appeal of the Cactus.

AS All manufacturers are pouring into this sector including the premium brands. This car is obviously not only a big threat for the cars below, but for all Focus, Astra, and the whole C-segment. Could this also be the end of the Citroën C4?

MW This is a popular, trendy and sought after sector, as it offers so much, in such a small package. The C4 Cactus is bound to steal customers from other brands.

MW The C4 Cactus is the right product at the right time, and a threat to the rest of the Citroën range. It will undoubtedly nick customers from C3 and C4.

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Citroën C4 Cactus

Alan Senior (AS) Head of Valuations, MyCarCheck Trade Valuations

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

Strengths MJ Sensible pricing should mean most sales will be conquests, fuelling growth.

AS Low price, and a fashionable segment.

MW Well built, good to drive and very different.

Strengths

Nissan Juke dCi 110 Acenta Premium

MJ Juke has taken much of this sector for its own, building on Qashqai’s success.

AS Buyers like the high-up driving position.

MW The Juke sells in big numbers and has proved very popular.

MJ Volume is greater than may be good for RVs in the long term.

AS Marmite car – recent facelift has done nothing to remedy this.

MW Juke's CO2 figures look a bit heavy, SUV styling not to everybody’s taste.

OTR: £17,865 P11D: £17,810 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 104g/km RV*: £7,400 (42%) BiK: 16% SMR: £2,119 Fuel costs: £5,257 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,404 NI: £1,253 VED: £40 Cost per month: £660

Strengths

Renault Captur dCi 90 Dynamique S MediaNav

MJ A great alternative to a Clio and a credible player.

AS Very popular and is proving a big hit with all age groups.

MW Looks good, does just about everything right, priced super-competitively.

Standard equipment: • DAB radio/CD with 5.8-inch touch screen • BT, USB and Aux • Satellite navigation • Cruise control and speed limiter • Climate control • Front/rear electric windows • Rear parking sensors/camera • 17-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £500 • Safety pack £400

MJ Lack of a higher than 89bhp diesel engine could cost business.

AS Interior plastics feel a bit low rent.

MW The launch colours and customisation may not appeal to the used car buyer.

OTR: £18,095 P11D: £18,040 Fuel: 76.4mpg CO2: 95g/km RV*: £7,250 (40%) BiK: 15% SMR: £2,174 Fuel costs: £4,858 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,435 NI: £1,195 VED: £0 Cost per month: £659

Strengths

Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi Tech Line

Weaknesses

Vauxhall Mokka

Standard equipment: • DAB radio with 7-inch touch screen • Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs • Satellite navigation • Cruise control and speed limiter • Climate control • Front electric windows • Rear parking sensors/camera • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights and wipers Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495

MJ Should Citroën have used the C4 nametag?

AS Premium brand threats, and unusual styling.

MW Different isn’t always a good thing, some won’t like it.

Weaknesses

Renault Captur

Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI 100 Flair OTR: £17,990 P11D: £17,935 Fuel: 83.1mpg CO2: 89g/km RV*: £6,850 (38%) BiK: 14% SMR: £2,422 Fuel costs: £4,467 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £2,421 NI: £1,114 VED: £0 Cost per month: £673

Weaknesses

Nissan Juke

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

MJ A wider engine choice should mean a wider customer base.

AS Good proportions add up to more space than the competition.

MW Mokka drives well and also looks good, is versatile and practical.

Weaknesses MJ Starting to look out of step on CO2 and MPG. AS Engine feels rough and agricultural.

MW Does not really stand out in a crowd.

Being built in Korea adds to its lead time.

OTR: £17,949 P11D: £17,894 Fuel: 62.8mpg CO2: 120g/km RV*: £7,000 (39%) BiK: 20% SMR: £2,388 Fuel costs: £5,910 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £2,416 NI: £1,114 VED: £60 Cost per month: £708

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD with 7-inch touch screen • Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs • Satellite navigation • Cruise control and speed limiter • Climate control • Rear parking sensors • Front/rear electric windows • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights and wipers Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £500

Standard equipment: • DAB radio/CD with 7-inch touch screen • Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Satellite navigation • Cruise control • Climate control • Front electric windows • Front/rear parking sensors • 18-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £495 • Reversing camera £200

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 51

MPG MARATHON 2014

ALD Automotive • Shell FuelSave MPG marathon 2014

MPG Marathon promoting smarter driving for better business 8 – 9 October 2014. Four Pillars Waterpark, nr Cirencester.

We want YOU!!

FUEL prices have seldom been far from the top of every fleet’s agenda. It’s a cost nobody can ignore, but the combination of fuel-efficient cars, advanced fuels, route planning technology and ecodriving skills means that fuel is a cost that can be managed.

The MPG Marathon is a live demonstration of how both vehicle and driver can make a massive difference to fuel costs and emissions.

Now in its fourteenth year, the MPG Marathon pits teams of contestants together over a two-day event to push for the best fuel economy.

This year's event will be based at the Four Pillars Waterpark Hotel, South Cerney, near Cirencester, on Wednesday 8th October – Thursday 9th October 2014.

Previous competitors have included everyone from celebrities, academics and motoring journalists to senior figures in the automotive industry, with coverage across regional and national press.

Visit thempgmarathon.co.uk for more info...

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

MPG marathon 2014

SIGN UP

NOW Visit the website thempgmarathon.co.uk and register to drive in the UK’s premier economy driving event, for FREE! in association with

fleetworld.co.uk / 53

FEATURE Alternative Fuels

Signs of change With a 51.3% year-on-year rise in alternative fuel vehicles in the first six months of 2014, to 23,337 units, and 32.6% of all Plug-in Car Grants made during the same period, Alex Grant asks whether electromobility has reached tipping point.

Electric Vehicles How is the market performing?

The SMMT recorded 2,558 pure electric vehicle sales during the first six months of 2014, a 143.9% year-on-year rise. Business sales more than doubled year on year, and still make up the bulk of registrations.

What’s driving the change?

Nissan refreshed the LEAF last year, introducing additional trim levels and bringing production to the UK for the irst time.

The car accounted for 68.8% of pure electric vehicles sold in the irst half of 2014, and sales were up 113.3% year on year.

Barry Beeston, fleet sales director at Nissan, believes the LEAF’s move into the mainstream will be bolstered by fleets trying the e-NV200 electric van: ‘The vehicle offers substantial and quantifiable benefits to fleet and business users. We also believe it will open doors for companies to consider the LEAF as a viable choice too as it will be a great ambassador for the wider benefits of running EVs,’ he says.

Greg Taylor, operations director at ALD Automotive, agrees that electric vans will be important: ‘What the growth in the electric van market could do is expose more drivers to using electric vehicles on a regular basis. This in turn could support the new and used EV market as somebody who uses electric vans on a daily basis will have already been through “range anxiety” and learnt how to get the best out of an EV.'

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

What’s coming up?

‘The highestprofile new arrival in the pure electric vehicle sector is the Tesla Model S.’

Volkswagen’s e-Golf is looking to be competitively priced, but the highest-profile new arrival in the pure electric vehicle sector is the Tesla Model S. Company CEO and cofounder Elon Musk says the UK is seen as the third-largest global market for the executive model, which began deliveries here in June.

Mike Potter, managing director at FleetDrive Electric, says knowledge is key: ‘Once everyone knows someone that has one they will be blown away by how practical and frugal EVs are. All major manufacturers have electric versions of popular models, making them very much more acceptable and less of a novelty, environmentally-friendly purchase.’

Plug-in Hybrids How is the market performing?

Plug-in hybrid sales almost tripled year on year, to 1,515 units in the first half of 2014.

This remains a sector led by retail demand, but business registrations climbed 148.5% too, according to the SMMT.

What’s driving the change?

Savvy pricing on Mitsubishi’s part is having a big effect. The Outlander PHEV is priced the same as the equivalent 2.2-litre diesel automatic, which makes it pretty much a no-brainer for company car drivers with a suitable commute. As a result, after two months on sale, this model alone accounts for 35.8% of plug-in hybrid sales for the first half of 2014.

With 40% going to fleets, two new corporate sales managers and a network of company car specialist dealers have been appointed to cater for its sales growth. The Outlander PHEV is also proving popular as a salary sacrifice option, with Ian Hughes, commercial director at Zenith, reporting that it took 6% of orders on one recently launched scheme.

Toby Marshall, director of sales and marketing, Mitsubishi Motors UK, says: ‘There has always been a greater acceptance for plug in technology compared to pure-EV as the “range anxiety” has been more or less eliminated. However, the key element for our level of interest and subsequent sales is a combination of a car with no compromises, that carries no premium for the technology.’

The BMW i3 REX (range extender) was also a significant newcomer, accounting for a quarter of the segment’s sales. Matt Bristow, general manager, corporate sales at BMW Group UK, reckons educating corporate customers early has helped: ‘Fleets usually take a little longer to adopt newer technology, however by involving our fleet customers from a very early stage we have seen fleet sales meet expectations and naturally there is significant opportunity to grow in 2015.’

What’s coming up?

Expect the Audi A3 e-tron (see pg.42 of this issue) and mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf GTE to become tempting additions to choice lists, offering 202bhp and CO2 emissions of 37g/km or 35g/km respectively. However, if the Outlander PHEV continues at its current rate, it stands to become the UK’s biggest-selling plug-in vehicle this year.

BMW i3 REX

Hybrids How is the market performing?

What’s driving the change?

By far the most established technology, the growing choice of non plug-in hybrids means these accounted for 19,264 units during the first half of 2014, or 82.5% of the alternative fuel market, SMMT figures reveal. This is a 39.1% rise year on year, and fleet volumes were up by 25.6%.

While Honda is about to halt hybrid sales in Europe, fellow early arrival Toyota has continued to champion the technology as an alternative to diesel engines. The result is 50% of the manufacturer’s UK leet sales are hybrids, and refreshed Auris Hybrid was the country’s biggest-selling alternative fuel vehicle at 21.1% of the total market – 4,934 units – helped by the addition of an estate, and a facelift at the end of 2012.

Jon Hunt, Toyota and Lexus leet marketing manager, says the latter has been a game changer: ‘We have seen success across a wide range of business sectors but particularly with business operators moving away from vans and CDVs to the estate model. The lower operating costs, better comfort and driver satisfaction of a car rather than a van have been key factors.’

What’s coming up?

Jon Burdekin, head of consultancy services at Alphabet, sees some of this volume moving towards plug-in models: ‘Generally speaking, it is possible to achieve greater financial and environmental savings with a plug-in hybrid or pure battery electric model than with a non-plug-in hybrid,’ he says. ‘This is down to the lack of fuel requirement, BiK and other taxation. However, every circumstance is different and non-plug-in hybrids continue to have a role to play.’

Toyota Auris Hybrid The sector’s best-seller

fleetworld.co.uk / 55

FEATURE Accident Management

Minimising vehicle downtime How some of the industry’s latest offerings can help get vehicles back on the road with minimal fuss following a collision. Katie Beck reports.

In its most recent report, automotive research company Trend Tracker found that an estimated 4.55m car body repairs were carried out in 2012, at an average cost of ÂŁ1,297 each. As around a third of all road-traffic accidents now involve someone who is driving for work, repairs can represent a significant outlay and create bottlenecks for businesses. So how can you make repairs quicker and more cost-efficient?

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

1

Customer convenience

Perhaps as a result of the growing popularity for online shopping and home delivery services, customers now expect a greater level of personal service than ever before. In response to this, there is a growing trend for the industry to offer “at home” consultation and repairs, which for leets will mean professionals coming to the workplace, or even the employee’s home, to carry out dent and scratch repair work – saving the time and hassle of delivering a vehicle to a repair centre.

One company to offer this service is Nationwide Mobile Repairs, a subsidiary of Nationwide Accident Repair Services.

Mobile Repairs has been operational since 2004, and currently operates 57 fully equipped repair vehicles available nationwide.

Work is carried out at customers’ premises or if necessary, at an agreed offsite location, enabling a reduction in cycle times and the use of courtesy services.

Every Mobile Repair van is equipped with over £40,000 of the latest technology including a self-contained capsule that enables vehicles to be ixed in any weather. Nationwide Mobile Repairs guarantees that each mobile technician is trained to exactly the same standards as at its central repair centres, and all repairs carry a lifetime warranty.

Extractors are used to control the environment during a mobile repair, which ensures no airborne particles to contaminate the paint either when spraying or drying.

A mobile repair service can have real bene its for reducing vehicle downtime by enabling leet drivers to have their car or van repaired whilst they continue to work on other activities. For SMEs running smaller leets that do not require the more wide-ranging services offered by an accident management specialist, mobile repairs can offer a cost-effective solution to getting assets back out on the road.

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‘Every mobile repair van is equipped with £40,000 of the latest technology.’ fleetworld.co.uk / 57

FEATURE Accident Management

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Minimising vehicle downtime...

2

“One-stop-shop” services

According to RoSPA, the total cost of an accident can be anything between four to 32 times the cost of a vehicle repair. Loss of productivity, cost of personal injury claims, damaged stock, legal expenses and late deliveries are just a few of the factors that can come into play. Partnering with an accident management specialist can help lessen the burden of dealing with damaged assets and the associated complications, particularly for larger leets that require repair jobs on a semi-regular basis.

Vehicle solutions provider Motiva launched MotivAssist in March this year – a new accident management scheme that forms on the backbone of the company’s drive to become a “onestop shop” for customers.

The solution is designed to provide leet managers with the security of knowing all aspects of vehicle repair and replacement will be dealt with ef iciently, with minimum downtime.

‘Road accidents will always happen, but inding the time or resources to manage and resolve issues relating to them can sometimes be near impossible,’ explains Peter Wright of Motiva.

‘MotivAssist will take all of the inconvenience involved away from clients because we’ll organise everything for them and we think it’s an attractive proposition. It’s a comprehensive accident management package which will very much enhance our list of services and our goal to offer a complete range of solutions.’

Wright believes that the new package, which has been developed in partnership with Complete Vehicle Support (CVS), offers a more personal touch, and can help support fleet managers in getting their driver back on the road as quickly as possible.

‘We’ll provide an around-the-clock service that takes care of everything from insurance issues, repair or replacement of vehicles, courtesy cars and delivery,’ says Wright. ‘It will basically minimise disturbance in the day-to-day life of the driver and enable both them and their leet managers to concentrate on their business.’

Motiva has also pledged to use its own vehicles to keep clients on the move should accidents happen within a 50-mile radius of its Stoke-onTrent headquarters, helping to reduce replacement vehicle costs.

58 / fleetworld.co.uk

3

Centrally managed body shops

For leets looking to reduce accident repair costs, administration and vehicle loss of use, dealing directly with a centrally managed bodyshop network can also be a cost effective way forward.

Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres deals directly with the repair network to achieve its aim of getting leet vehicles of every type and size safely repaired and back on the road in the shortest possible time. This targeted approach cuts out some of the more wide-ranging services offered by other specialists, such as credit hire, third-party capture, personal injury or uninsured loss recovery – focusing instead on the vital business of supplying quality repairs.

The company works with a certi ied network of 87 approved and audited accident repair centres. As well as providing peace of mind about the quality of the work being carried out, other advantages of partnering with irms like Selsia are standardised labour rates, centrally negotiated parts prices, a repair over replace policy and centralised estimate governance.

Vehicle off-road times are kept to a minimum as vehicles are deployed quickly into the approved network of repairers, and progress is chased on the client’s behalf.

‘As you can imagine, we have a very diverse client base with differing requirements. However, one thing that is consistent is their desire for an alternative to traditional accident management companies, as they are seen as adding cost and not value to the supply chain,’ comments Neil Marcus of Selsia.

‘Our clients are simply asking for a reliable network of quali ied accident repair centres which can be centrally managed on their behalf, and the Selsia business model is exactly what they are looking for. At Selsia we ensure our network of repairers comply with each and every instruction they receive.’

‘Some larger fleets can have up to 50% of their vehicles damaged in accidents in a year.’

4

Certified repairs networks

Checking that a repairer is certi ied is vital when selecting an accident management solution. Making a wrong choice will not only affect the quality of the repair job, but will also keep a vehicle off the road for longer due to the follow-up work required.

‘Accident Exchange always works with its repairers to reinforce to the customer the importance of manufacturer-approved bodyshops and highlights the pitfalls of having vehicles repaired at non-approved repairers; the invalidation of a warranty is key in this instance,’ explains Liz Fisher of Accident Exchange.

‘Ef iciency is absolutely vital too and while Accident Exchange does not have the ultimate decision as to where the vehicle is repaired, we do make recommendations should the client not have a preference. Generally we are advised by the dealership as to which repairer to send the customer to, and we work with the customer, dealer and bodyshop to deal with repairs as ef iciently as possible.’

‘When you consider that some of the larger leets can have up to 50% of their vehicles damaged in accidents in a year, repair costs can really add up,’ adds Nick Williams of the RAC. ‘To ensure a speedy repair, it’s important to get the right system in place. Having a good network of reputable garages and using technology to streamline the process can really mean the difference between a full-blown crisis and a minor inconvenience. At the RAC, we invested £2m in a state-of-the-art IT platform to help manage our customers’ repairs ef iciently and cost-effectively.’

5

Managing accidents in the field hen an employee is involved W in a collision on the road, it’s important they gather as much information as possible from the other driver to make the claim as straightforward as it can be. The leet manager should also report the accident to the insurance broker immediately on the driver’s behalf.

‘We would always advise a customer not to admit liability as this can compromise the ability – via your insurance policy – to get a replacement vehicle free of charge,’ explains Tim Crighton of leet insurance specialist InsureFLEET. ‘Let the insurers decide who is at fault – if you are eventually found to be at fault, the cost of the replacement vehicle will be added onto the inal cost of the claim.’

If a replacement vehicle is required during a repair, ensure it is kept no longer than is strictly necessary, as it will be billed to the insurance company on a daily rate.

This could have a bearing on your next insurance premium if you are found to be at fault.

Ideally, information about the incident will have been captured from the vehicle. This should con irm what was happening in front of the vehicle and within the vehicle to clarify whether the collision was a result of driver error, risky driving or was totally unavoidable and caused by a third party. This will help to identify any poor driving behaviours that require coaching and will also help to exonerate the driver if it wasn’t their fault.

‘A dual facing camera working in tandem with a proven driver coaching programme can tick all of these boxes,’ advises Paul Jones of Lytx Europe.

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

‘In the current economic climate, with companies looking to grow, we’ve taken the conscious decision to not separate our car and van product offerings .’

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

INTERVIEW Martin Gurney, PEUGEOT

The lion’s share Peugeot’s fleet director Martin Gurney tells Steve Moody about his ambitions to improve the firm’s position in the sector.

he new management at the head of Peugeot in the UK is convinced that the firm can raise itself above the other volume brands and carve itself a spot just below the premium brands.

In other words, a position level with Volkswagen. At a recent unveiling of the heavily revised 508 in London, new managing director Stéphane Le Guevel said that his ambition was for company car drivers and fleet managers to appreciate the premium feel of the new range of cars – the youngest for some years in the firm’s existence, and also to push the transaction price of its products towards that of Volkswagen.

Of course, it’s relatively easy to come up with such grand schemes on paper, and plenty of premium brands have had such dreams over the past decade as the German marques dominate, but in reality somebody will have to enact it. That job falls to fleet director Martin Gurney.

He took over from Phil Robson late last year, and the timing would seem to be propitious, coming as it did just as the much-lauded 308 was revealed, which was then followed by its European Car of the Year award.

With a revised 508, new Boxer and 108 this year as well, Gurney has the tools at his disposal, he reckons, but it is 308 that will really create the bulk of the opportunities.

‘308 is ahead of plan so we’re really encouraged with it,’ he says. ‘We’ve been realistic about how our sales will accelerate though. We want to develop in what we call the green channels – the non-forced channels in other words – and of course they tend to be organic in nature, which means relying on people choosing the product rather than forcing it. That will take time.’

A number of actions have seen a big change in vehicle mix in the first part of the year. Overall sales were down against a market on the rise, but Gurney says there was a drop in “red channels” – so rental and manufacturer registrations – with an increase in green.

Gurney explains: ‘We’re budgeting to sell 15,500 new 308 in fleet in the first year and only a tiny proportion is daily rental. In the first year we aim to do about 600 daily rental units, whereas we did 6,000 of the old car, so although overall sales figures may be down, we are in fact hugely up in green fleet channels. And that’s where our main growth will come from this year.

T

‘Our strategy is getting as many people as we can in the car, so we invested heavily in our demo fleet, giving my team the best chance to get in front of customers and prospects.’

The ambition to push transaction prices closer to Volkswagen, and specifically the Golf, will have been helped by much stronger residual value predictions for the 308 over the old car, by as much as £1,500 per unit over three years.

When Gurney first took over, he travelled around the country with his sales team, spending time with customers and key accounts.

‘One of the things that I found was that 308 was getting an incredibly positive response, and it’s definitely changing hearts and minds about Peugeot. We have a strong, loyal customer base already, and we have a number who list our cars but do less volume, and then of course those fleets that we are not on. So there are some short-term improvements we can make in the first two areas, and then there’s the longer-term challenge with the third, working with those fleet mangers to get 308 and 308 SW listed and getting people the opportunity to try and choose our cars.

‘In the current economic climate, with companies looking to grow, we’ve taken the conscious decision to not separate our car and van product offerings so when one of my account managers goes into a business they are talking about the whole product range. We do have this relatively unique opportunity to offer something to everybody.’

SMEs is another area that Peugeot is looking to compete more strongly in, and Gurney says that in the past the firm has been less aggressive in targeting these businesses.

He adds: ‘We’ve made some significant changes to the way our contract hire offering in dealers work to make it more accessible, and the fact it is backed by our own bank and not a white label product should give fleets confidence. We’re one of the few that can offer cars, vans and finance – either contract hire or finance lease – in one package if your business is expanding, when the last thing you need to be dealing with is all those issues.’

New cars and a new strategy – certainly Le Guevel and Gurney have some grand ambitions and, at last, Peugeot may have the product to fulfill it.

fleetworld.co.uk / 61

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

Part 5

Pivot tables How to use pivot tables to analyse end-of-contract charges, by Professor Colin Tourick.

FIG. 1 3

Sum of Cost £

4

Row labels

5

AAG

6

FIN

7

KLL

8

KRE

9

LOP

10

PES

11

PPO

12

Total

Column Labels Bodywork

Engine

Exhaust

Interior damage

Missing key

Missing part

456

Tyres

Wheel

654 120

555

325

2047

136

642

198 1391

1170

1110 135

555

1286

227

I

1631

n this series we have been looking at how we can use Excel’s pivot functions to analyse data. We have assumed that you are a fleet manager looking at a long spreadsheet listing the end-of-contract damage charges your contract hire company has invoiced over recent years.

We’ve been analysing that spreadsheet and last month we saw how we move beyond pivot tables to display our results in charts – pivot charts.

Fig. 1 is the pivot table we had produced from our underlying data.

Let’s now have a look at the different ways we can display this data. One approach would be to use the chart we used last month; a “stacked bar” chart, with the department names on the x-axis (the horizontal line) and the types of repair on the y-axis. This gives, for each department, a single stacked

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

FIG. 3

245 490

365

511 4272

245

2402

2627 1888

313

198

Grand Total

It may be that you’re interested to see how the different types of recharge contribute to the total costs that each department incurred, as a percentage.

In that case click Insert > Charts > Column > 100% Stacked Column In 3-D and you’ll get this result.

2933

490 555

1286

1523

448

11143

bar showing the total cost of the recharged costs and coloured segments showing how each type of recharge contributed to this total.

If you now click Insert > Charts > Column > 3D Column you’ll get this rather elegant result: FIG. 2

To be honest, with the sort of data we are analysing this chart does not give us any particularly useful insights, but if you were analysing a different type of data it might be just the chart you needed.

You’d prefer to show how each department contributed to the total cost that was incurred on each type of recharge?

That’s easy to obtain: just swap the positions of Department Ref and Damage in the Pivot Table Field List (Fig. 5) and you’ll get the result in Fig. 4. (If at any stage the ield list disappears, right click anywhere within your table, then left click Show Field List and it will reappear).

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT We have assumed that you are a fleet manager looking at a long spreadsheet listing the end-of-contract damage charges your contract hire company has invoiced over recent years.

FIG. 4

FIG. 5 Pivot Table Field List

x

Choose fields to add to report: Date Reg No Driver Name

Department Ref

Some types of data look best when presented in a pie chart. You want to see how your total recharge costs are split between the different types of recharge? Easy. Insert Damage into Axis Fields and Sum of Cost into Values, then click Insert > Pie > Pie In 3-D and you get this result.

FIG. 6

Model

Damage Cost £

FIG. 7

Drag fields between area below: Report Filter

you’ll get a pie chart that shows the total cost of one type of recharge for all departments. Within the chart, click the Damage dropdown and you’ll see check marks (ticks) against all the different types of damage. Uncheck everything other than type of damage you want to see – in our case Interior Damage – and you’ll get this result in Fig. 7.

It looks like someone needs to talk to the head of FIN department to find out why his department is responsible for 75% of the recharged costs relating to Interior Damage.

Column Filter Department Ref

Row Labels Damage

Values Count of Cost £

Seems we have incurred a lot of recharges for Interior Damage. Want to see which departments are responsible?

Easy. Drag Damage into Legend Fields and Department Ref into Axis Fields and

fleetworld.co.uk / 63

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 40 years experience in the provision of long and short term tailor-made economical fleet solutions for corporate and retail clients.

With access to a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet of over 55,000 vehicles in branches throughout the UK and close links with vehicle manufacturers, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental offers extremely competitive rental rates on a range of the most up to date cars and vans.

An on-line booking facility for both retail and corporate clientele is available and business users can also benefit from a dedicated on-line management reporting facility.

Burnt Tree offers the widest range of hire vehicles in the UK. We work hard to find our customers the best solution whether it’s daily rental, mini-lease or contract hire.

Our 17,000-strong fleet operates from 21 strategically located sites throughout England, Scotland and Wales and we invest over £70 million annually to ensure that as well as being the most comprehensive ours is the youngest, most reliable and efficient fleet possible.

Contact: Business Centre Tel: 0845 702 3946 central.reservations@arnoldclark.co.uk www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Founded in 1957, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an industry leading multinational company with more than 1 million vehicles in its fleet and over 6,700 offices worldwide – making it the largest car rental company in the world.

This year, Enterprise celebrates 20 years in the UK and in this short time it has gone from strength to strength and now operates the largest vehicle rental network and fleet in the UK. Enterprise specialises in the provision of replacement vehicles and courtesy cars, as well as daily and weekend rental for private or business use. The company also leads the way with grey fleet support and advice for implementing total transport solutions In the UK, Enterprise operates more than 60,000 vehicles through 370 corporately owned rental branches. The size of this branch network means that 91% of the UK population is within 10 miles of an Enterprise location.

Contact: Tony Francis Anthony.B.Francis@ehi.com

Contact: Andrew Hill info@burnt-tree.co.uk

Tel: 01743 457 596 www.burnt-tree.co.uk

Europcar UK Group Europcar UK Group provides access to the UK’s leading fleet of over 45,000 cars and vans, through its network of more than 200 locations across the UK and 140 countries worldwide. With a proven track record of innovation, great service delivery and a quality fleet, Europcar offers flexible short term and long term products to suit all business requirements. These include delivery and collection, diesel only models, corporate loyalty programmes and a range of payment options. Plus innovative online solutions help businesses monitor and manage vehicle use and support cost efficiencies, duty of care responsibilities as well as address environmental concerns.

Contact: Europcar Business Team businesssolutions@europcar.com www.europcar.co.uk

Tel: 01162 173531

www.enterprise.co.uk

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd.

Thrifty Car and Van Rental

Nexus will completely change the way you buy vehicle rental.

We provide a flexible and hassle-free vehicle rental service. We are the only provider that can offer you any vehicle, anytime, anywhere. We also provide fleet and rental management solutions, allowing you to focus on what matters to your business.

With over 500,000 rental vehicles available at your fingertips, you are just a step away from starting a new rental experience.

Thrifty Car and Van Rental has 95 UK locations offering a full range of cars, commercials, 4x4s and luxury vehicles.

Thrifty’s UK based Central Reservation Team provides an immediate response to enquiries and offering highly competitive rates. We supply a quality fleet of vehicles nationwide with an efficient delivery and collection service. Fast, accurate billing and detailed management information is available along with the ability to specify vehicles by Make, Model , Fuel type and CO2 on our long term Flexi Fleet programme which enables customers to rent vehicles on a medium term basis without a long term commitment.

Contact: Paul Russell Tel: 07775 844310 paul.russell@nexusrental.co.uk www.nexusrental.co.uk

Contact: Caroline Gallagher caroline.gallagher@thrifty.co.uk

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 01494 751500 www.thrifty.co.uk

How many vehicles does your company operate?

How many rental locations does your company have?

Do you offer a one-way rental facility?

Does a driver get given a proof of condition receipt on handing back their hire car?

Do you have a rapid check-in system?

Do you have relationships with charging infrastructure supplies for EV’s?

Do you offer an on-line billing facility?

Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Can a driver guarantee a specific make & model of car when booking?

Do you offer cars fitted with satellite navigation systems?

Do you charge a fee for non-cancelled bookings?

Do you charge excess mileage rates on pre-agreed contracts?

Do you offer hybrid & Electric Cars?

Do you offer an hourly rate for hire?

FLEETW RLD

Key to services

Alliance Asset Management 260k 1.5k+

No Yes

-

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental 6.6k 34

No Yes

-

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental 17k 21

Yes Yes

-

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 60k+ 370+

No No

Europcar UK Group 45k 200

Yes Yes

228.7k 1.2k

No Yes Yes -

Service provided

Service unavailable

Leasedrive Group

Nexus Vehicle Management Ltd. 500k 1.75k

Yes Yes

-

Northgate Vehicle Hire 55k 70

Yes No -

Thrifty Car and Van Rental 19.5k 95

Yes Yes

Register for FREE now at

www.thefleetshow.co.uk

Alliance Asset Management

Built on service, growing by reputation

Contact: Riane Cooke Tel: 0844 4142998 rcooke@fleetcentre.com www.fleetcentre.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MANAGEMENT UK Fleet Forum

UK connecting the UK’s fleet community

Join the

~ Formerly Fleet Academy

Motorway gantry signs – warnings or dangers?

Andrew Houston, Head of ICT and Fleet, Altro Limited

Fleet World magazine’s UK Fleet Forum – formerly Fleet Academy – provides a forum where fleet industry experts can exchange views on a wide range of topics, from taxation to speeding fines.

At the heart of the UK Fleet Forum is a team of fleet professionals who play a key role in the industry, either as fleet managers, consultants or fleet suppliers. These fleet experts provide a regular feed of information that is posted on the website forum in the form of discussion topics.

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 the UK Fleet Forum and request membership, please visit:

theukfleetforum.co.uk

66 / fleetworld.co.uk

I travel the M40 – M25 – A1 every day so am exposed to a fair number of gantry signals. Almost every day (really) I encounter seriously out-of-date warnings, especially on the M25 going anti-clockwise near J20 and sometimes the M40 going north near J2/3. I’m sure this happens elsewhere too?

This means on an actually clear road the traffic bunches down to 50 or 40mph only to speed up again. Worse still it often goes from 70 to 40mph (or 50) in one stage, causing heavy braking. Drivers who “know” this false positive occurs ignore the warnings and carry on at high speed, weaving across the slower traffic. Coupled with there being speed cameras on the M25, going through an unnecessarily displayed 40 at 60mph zone could still cause a problem!

And lastly, rant nearly over, on a particularly bright hot sunny day this week, three consecutive gantries warned of fog…

Who controls these signs? Is it the Highways Agency?

Can they improve responses to actual conditions? Can they be held to account for accidents or penalties imposed due to incorrect messages? I’m sure the value of these to keep traffic flowing smoothly and avoid danger is high, but crying wolf too often will negate all the good work...

Dennis Dugen, Car Fleet Manager, replied...

Oh how I agree. My favourite is when the warning is of an “Obstruction” which starts at one gantry and repeats for three or four or more, covering two to three miles before the “End” display is seen. I have never yet encountered the obstruction that was being warned of but I have often thought that if there actually was one, I would have tired of waiting for it and probably sped up just at the point when it was there. It really is important that the signs are up to date, that they warn of something you are about to encounter, and they describe the issue in a meaningful manner.

I do think the Variable Speed arrangements are generally useful but do agree that when they vary erratically

in association with

debate...

Meet the experts...

Steve Moody, Editor, Fleet World they cause real problems and do nothing to establish the credibility of the system.

A ringing endorsement Natalie Middleton, Business Editor, Fleet World The news that transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin is considering doubling the number of penalty points drivers are given when they are caught speaking on a mobile phone while driving sounds like such a smart move, I can’t work out why it’s not been done sooner.

As reported by the Guardian, Mr McLoughlin is looking at plans to double the penalty points in the current sanction to six. The move would mean a driving ban for anyone who was caught twice in three years.

The AA and the RAC have both responded by pointing out that it will need more cops on the roads to actually police this – a point that we made only weeks ago over plans to hike up the maximum fines available to magistrates.

But I have to applaud the proposed plans – more than one million drivers have been convicted of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving since 2003. The RAC recently released its research showing a frightening level of ignorance about the law relating to the use of hand-held phones, with drivers showing less awareness of this legislation than the new offences of tail-gating or middle-lane hogging.

So maybe some joined-up thinking is called for – not just increased points on both speaking on and using a hand-held phone but also increased policing and an increased focus on highlighting what is and isn’t legal.

With research having found that reactions of drivers using mobiles were 30% worse than that of a driver who was over the drink driving limit, surely mobile phone use warrants as much focus, with focused media campaigns and clear police crack-downs.

Steve has more than 15 years’ experience in fleet journalism. He has worked on a number of fleet publications and took over as editor of Fleet World in January 2010.

A professionally trained journalist, Steve has an extensive knowledge of the motor industry around the world, which he combines with an in-depth understanding of how the fleet industry works and a highly effective network of fleet professionals to provide information on key issues affecting the sector.

Giles Margerison, Sales Director, TomTom Telematics UK & Ireland TomTom Telematics, the business to business division of TomTom, is the fastest-growing telematics provider in Europe, with over 28,000 customers and 400,000+ live users. Giles joined TomTom Telematics in 2010, bringing over 10 years’ fleet and transport experience, ranging from commercial vehicle rental, contract hire, leasing and maintenance. This combination of knowledge and experience in fleet management operations and fleet technology gives an intrinsic understanding of the issues facing the fleet and vehicle manager of today.

David Rawlings, Director, BCF Wessex David has been involved in the fleet industry for over 25 years. Before setting up his own business car consultancy practice, he led the car consulting team for Deloitte where he designed fleet solutions and policies for some of the UK’s biggest names.

David writes for most leading industry publications, and is a regular speaker at automotive seminars, webinars and conferences.

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

our fleet Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi ECOnetic

IT’S not often that a long-term test vehicle turns up in basic spec with no options, but that’s what we have for our long-term 2-Tonne Transit.

That’s no bad thing; it is how a number of fleets might choose to have it. Our model is an L3H2 long wheelbase high roof front-wheel drive model. The 350 designation means that it comes with 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, the heaviest vehicle that many drivers can drive on a car licence.

It’s an ECOnetic model so comes with engine stop and start, smart regenerative charging to charge the battery when slowing down, as well as Ford’s Battery Management System and Acceleration Control. The latter system factors in how much load is on the vehicle and if it’s running empty or lightly loaded simulates acceleration when the van is 50% loaded. It’s an easy way to stop drivers burning up profits.

Even in base spec, the van is well equipped

with a radio, auxiliary input, USB/iPod connectivity and steering wheel remote controls. The steering wheel is reach and rake adjustable, which is a first for the large Transit. Remote central deadlocking is included, as are electrically operated windows, a full steel bulkhead and a large storage compartment under the dual passenger seat.

The only thing we would wish for in the hot summer weather is air conditioning, although the Transit’s four-speed fan and large air vents make a good job of keeping the air flowing.

Likes so far include the low engine noise levels; it’s impressively quiet. The adjustable steering wheel means this is probably the most comfortable Transit to drive too, while the 125hp engine gives adequate performance. We’re getting 33-35mpg at present, which is not bad for a large van with very low mileage. It’s big and it’s clever.

John Kendall

the figures OTR PRICE £27,075 POWER 125Bhp @ 3,500rpm TORQUE 258lbft @ 1,450 – 2,000rpm GVW 3,500kg KERB WEIGHT 2,021kg COMBINED MPG 40.9mpg CO2 179g/km (23% BiK)

Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 SE-L Nav

FLEET sales accounted for 71% of Mazda’s year-on-year growth during the second quarter of 2014 and the vast majority has gone to end-user fleets, which says a lot

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

about the desirability for user-choosers.

Six months into my time with the Mazda3, it’s not hard to see why it’s become such a desirable model. It’s a stylish newcomer which draws a great balance between being great to drive, yet it’s also comfortable and well equipped for long trips, and efficient with it.

I’ve been consistently impressed with how well the 2.2-litre diesel performs in realworld use. It’s made me wonder whether the forthcoming Mazda2 supermini will donate its 1.5-litre diesel to its larger sibling.

The Mazda3 doesn’t get the same ultra-

intuitive TomTom navigation as the Mazda6, but the included system is still easy to use and accurate with it. I’m also finding that, despite the heavily raked rear window and swooping body lines, it’s easy to pack full of luggage or even large boxes and the boot itself is a good size and shape.

It’s interesting, because the old Mazda3 was a good car, and certainly neither a bad drive or unpleasant to look at. But with rational and emotional appeal abundant here, user-chooser popularity should come as no surprise.

Anne Dopson

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi Dynamique S Suzuki S-Cross 1.6 DDiS SZ-T ALLGRIP THE S-Cross is a car that grows on you the further you drive it. I’ve found it’s deceptively large inside and, while the engine can be a bit noisy around town, it’s much quieter at high speeds and refuses to swig through fuel despite the four-wheel drive system underneath. I’d argue that the sat nav could be easier to find, but it’s a Garmin system which means clear and easy to use when you do, and it’s really only a first-time problem. Otherwise, the longer you spend at the wheel, the more you realise it’s a great first shot at the crossover set.

Darren Brett

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid SE Estate I sometimes don’t quite understand how to start and stop the E-Class. Because it sometimes is in start-stop mode, or EV mode, I push the starter button and nothing happens. It might be on, or it might not. Only when I attempt to put it in gear do I find if all I’ve managed to do is switch the radio on.

Also, when you come to halt the reverse can happen, where the engine is off but not switched off, so it starts up when you think it is stopped. Confusing. I’ve solved it though: use the key in the slot rather than the optional ignition button.

Steve Moody

the figures

JUST over 31 years ago, my parents brought me home from hospital in the back of what was their only car – a navy blue Renault 5. Ironically, having just become a father myself, I’ve been retracing their steps in its nearest descendent.

I say that, but some of the technology crammed into our Clio would’ve left 1983’s luxury cars looking passe, let alone superminis.

The more time I spend with the Fleet World Honours Supermini of the Year, the more I realise there is very little that this car can’t do. I love the optional data-connected R-Link infotainment system, which features TomTom navigation with accurate, live traffic updates and speed camera information, plus eco driving tips and a graph showing air quality. I can even check social media while on the move.

I have four doors, a stylish and properly built interior and, Renault has obviously spoken with parents here, I have ISOfix points on the front passenger seat as well as in the back, which makes it easier for the new boss of the household to be loaded in. There’s even space for our sizeable buggy chassis in the boot.

On a personal level I think it’s the best-looking car in its class, and one of the most praised long-term test cars I’ve had in terms of styling - likely helped by the striking metallic red paintwork, diamond-polished wheels and colour-matched dashboard.

But some things haven’t changed. The Renault 5 launched as Europe was entering a fuel crisis, and the Clio’s 1.5-litre diesel shares its ancestor’s frugality. It’s just returned to Renault showing an average fuel economy figure of 63mpg over six-months. The final ingredient of a genuinely impressive car.

Alex Grant

OTR PRICE £16,295 POWER 90bhp @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 162lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62mph 11.7 seconds TOP SPEED 112mph COMBINED MPG 78.5mpg CO2 90g/km (14% BiK)

fleetworld.co.uk / 69

our fleet Citroën C4 Picasso Exclusive+ e-HDI 115 Airdream I’VE been left praising both Citroën’s customer service and the fact that our press car came with a space saver following a puncture in the last month thanks to a stone shaped like a Neolithic axe head.

As I was stuck in a local car park with just an hour to spare until the gates shut, I was left extremely relieved that the car had a spare tyre – albeit a space saver – rather than the increasingly ubiquitous can of foam.

And the next day, a quick call to my local Citroën dealer – Freeborn Garages in Southampton – sorted the issue. The dealership contacted its local tyre partner, Tyreland, which came out the next morning to the house to repair it. 10 out of 10 for service Following a previous puncture some two years ago when my press car was again blessed with a space saver, I’ve already added spare tyres to my car options wish list, but this has again reinforced it.

Meanwhile the C4 Picasso is going down

DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

Ensto UK Ltd Tel: +44 7432 701524 ensto.com/chago

very well with passengers. It’s light and airy, helped by the panoramic roof, with masses of head and legroom for passengers and also very comfy thanks to the leather front seats on our Exclusive+ model, which offer electronic adjustment and even massage controls.

There’s even an adjustable footrest, which has proved very popular with the other half.

Natalie Middleton

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

fast fits & tyres

Seat Leon 1.6 TDi Ecomotive OCCASIONALLY a car comes along that changes your perception of a brand. In many cases they are sporty “halo” cars like Peugeot’s 205 GTi and the Escort XR3i. In SEAT’s case the Leon is the game-changer – a model that could confidently line up alongside the best that the volume brands have to offer.

Our long-termer is the 1.6 TDi Ecomotive in estate form and SE trim. Our acquaintance was forced upon me by a blowout in our Audi A8 and my first impression was unsurprisingly one of a certain spartanness; few cars match the Audi for comfort and style.

However, having been raised on a diet of Escorts (the car), Cavaliers, Astras and Golfs, I'm no stranger to this size of car and within a few miles was beginning to remember the pleasures of a firm ride, sharp steering and a slick six-speed gearbox.

“Ecomotive” is SEAT's eco sub-brand so there are no prizes for guessing that the 060mph time of 10.4 seconds is some way short of thrilling, but in return you get emissions of just 87g/km and an achievable combined figure of 85.6mpg. A full

SUPPLIER

tank of diesel costs half as much as the A8 and gives a similar 700-plus mile range.

I've criticised some SEAT models in the past for not having quite the right proportions, but this latest Leon – a deserved winner of the Best Lower Medium Car prize in this year's Fleet World Honours – is a different proposition entirely.

Sometimes it's only a few small tweaks to the styling that are needed to transform an OK car into a really good one and the Leon is firmly in the latter camp. The interior is as well fitted out as any car in this class and the build quality would not embarrass a car from several classes above.

Ross Durkin

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

fleet insurance insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com

driver licence checking Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk

SMR Autoserve Limited Tel: 0844 888 3001 www.autoserve.co.uk

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

fleet management software

risk management

Pendle Vehicle Contracts Tel: 08456 025697 www.pendlelease.co.uk

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.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

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

RAC Risk Management Tel: 0870 606 2606

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.

Sofico

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

Tel: 0845 815 0019 www.dayscontracthire.co.uk

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Apex Car Rental Tel: 01323 745444

Tel:0121 288 5935/07815 601622

www.soficoservices.com

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

www.apexrental.co.uk

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

www.cardinus.com

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

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

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

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

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

JCT600 Contracts Limited Tel: 0113 250 0060 www.jct600contracts.co.uk

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

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

Lex Autolease

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

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

Vehicle Management

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk telematics & tracking

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Val-Tech Solutions Ltd Tel: 0333 011 6540 www.val-techsolutions.co.uk

misfuelling

fuel management

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

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

Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

MiX Telematics Europe Tel: 0121 717 5360 www.mixtelematics.co.uk

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

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

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

Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.

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

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0870 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk

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

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

car valeting

fleetworld.co.uk / 71

DIARY DATE

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

12TH MAY 2015

To find out more about Fleet Show 2015, call +44 (0) 1727 739160, email info@thefleetshow.co.uk or visit www.thefleetshow.co.uk

VAN

August 2014

FLEETW RLD

p74 As with all new Transit models, Courier delivers an enjoyable, comfortable drive.

at a glance spotlight New Ford Transit Courier

plus...

New Mercedes-Benz Vito, CitroĂŤn Relay Contract hire & leasing vanfleetworld.co.uk

VFW SPOTLIGHT Ford Transit Courier

Four by Ford Ford has completed its four-model Transit range with the launch of the Transit Courier. The compact urban delivery van delivers 10% more load volume than competitors and a range of frugal engines, including the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol.

Dan Gilkes takes a closer look.

practicality Transit Courier offers a load volume of up to 2.3m3, and a load length of 1.62m with the standard full-height bulkhead in place. An optional folding mesh bulkhead, with fold and dive passenger seat, allows lengths of up to 2.59m to be carried, raising overall volume to 2.6m3.

Maximum carrying capacity is 660kg, on a par with some vans in the class above and Courier can be supplied with one or two sliding side doors. The van has six cargo tie-down points and Courier comes pre-installed with a range of bodyside fixing points for a range of racking and framework suppliers.

74 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

design The cab will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven any of the latest Ford LCVs. With plenty of storage space, including a full width over windscreen shelf and a drawer under the passenger seat, the Transit Courier should provide a comfortable office space for delivery drivers.

The compact van can be ordered with a bewildering array of technology, from Ford’s SYNC with Emergency Assistance audio system, to the new MyFord Dock, which can be used to store, mount and charge mobile devices.

Automatic lights and wipers come with the Trend specification, while standard Bluetooth and DAB radio contribute to the car-like driving environment. Customers will also be able to opt for a Quickclear windscreen, climate control, sat-nav and a reversing camera.

As with all Transits, Courier also benefits from a raft of electronic safety features, including standard ESC with Hill Start Assist, Traction control and Roll-Over Mitigation.

drivetrain Ford will offer three engines in Courier, starting with a 75hp 1.5TDCi that boasts 190Nm of torque for 72.3mpg and 103g/km of CO2.

Those looking for more power can opt for a 1.6-litre diesel with 95hp and 215Nm. This is said to offer up to 76.3mpg and just 97g/km.

Alternatively, and possibly an increasingly popular choice with inner-city companies, Ford’s three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine can be supplied, delivering 100hp and 170Nm of torque, with 54.3mpg and 119g/km of CO2.

All three engines can be specified with Auto-Start-Stop and Ford’s Battery Management System and Smart Regenerative Charging are standard. They all drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Service intervals have been set at 20,000 miles or one year. A multi-piece rear bumper and rugged body side protection , plus high-mounted front and rear lights, should help to reduce the cost of accidents and keep insurance premiums low.

what we think...

FLEET FACT Though the smallest of the four Transit models, Courier can still handle a standard Euro pallet.

As with all of the latest-generation Transit models, and the Fiesta Van and Ranger pick-up for that matter, Courier delivers an enjoyable, comfortable drive. Fleet managers should be equally happy with the small Ford, if its headline fuel consumption figures come even close to real-world operation, while long service intervals and the promise of low-cost repairs will be just as welcome.

Though only expected to account for around 5% of sales, the innovative EcoBoost petrol engine could be quite a surprise, appealing to small businesses in the urban environment.

With the completion of the four-model Transit line-up, along with Fiesta Van and Ranger, Ford has an almost untouchable range to offer fleets.

Little wonder that the company continues to dominate the sales charts. DG

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 75

A Daimler Brand

The Vito delivers.

Economy, safety, status.

Discover the Vito. www.mbvans.co.uk/fleet

NEW MODEL Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes updates mid-weight

Mercedes-Benz is to launch a new Vito van range, offering both front and rear wheel drive models for the first time, says Dan Gilkes.

drivetrain The front drive Vito will use a 1.6-litre diesel delivering 88hp and 114hp, while rear drive models will use the proven 2.2-litre diesel rated at 136hp, 163hp and, in 119 BlueTEC form, a powerful 190hp. That range-topping engine, which replaces the previous 3.0-litre V6, is also the first Euro 6 diesel in this mid-weight class.

Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models up to the 119 BlueTEC, which comes as standard with a 7GTronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission. The auto box is available as an option on the two lower powered 2.2-litre engines too.

Low friction axles, electro-mechanical steering and auxiliaries and those redesigned engines combine to offer up to an average 20% fuel saving across the range. The Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency model is said to offer up to 49.6mpg. All Vito models will have 25,000 mile/two year service intervals.

practicality Vito continues to be offered in two wheelbases and three body lengths. However all three are 140mm longer than the previous model, though most of that has gone into an extended front end for improved pedestrian protection. That said, the smoother design at the front does play a part in a drop in Cd value to just 0.32, contributing to the fuel savings.

The vans can be had with three gross weights of 2.8 tonnes, 3.05 tonnes and an uprated 3.2 tonnes. The compact front drive engine contributes to a maximum payload of up

78 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

to 1,289kg for a FWD medium wheelbase van. However rear drive models with the new 3.2-tonne gross weight can carry up to an impressive 1,369kg.

safety Adaptive ESP and all-round disc brakes are standard across the range and the vans have driver and passenger airbags and seatbelt reminders as standard. Other standard kit includes Attention Assist and Crosswind Assist, already seen on the larger Sprinter van since last year.

Options include Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. There is also the option of Mercedes’ Intelligent Lighting System, consisting of LED indicators, LED daytime running lights and LED low-beam headlights with a cornering function. Depending on road speed, the headlamps also adapt by varying light distribution to meet the needs of motorway or country road driving.

people carriers Mercedes is introducing the Vito Tourer alongside the standard Crew Bus people carrying model. Available in Tourer Pro and Tourer Select trim, Vito can be tailored for a range of people carrying duties.

Tourer models can be provided with up to eight airbags and a comfort suspension system with less taut springs for increased comfort.

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire & Leasing

ALD Automotive

Alphabet

The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1 million vehicles across 40 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.

A specialist VanLease division offers award winning products including ProFleet2 in-vehicle telematics and DriveSafe, a unique suite of risk management initiatives, just two of the innovative solutions offered as standard for commercial vehicle operators.

ALD holds both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations.

Managing over 100,000 fleet vehicles, Alphabet are one of the largest and most well trusted providers of funding and management for mixed commercial vehicle fleets to UK businesses and public sector organisations. While many vehicle leasing companies claim to be able to meet your business’s every need, few can match the track record and experience of Alphabet when it comes to understanding your mixed fleet requirements. Our highly experienced team can guide you through the complex process of vehicle specification, preparation, maintenance and disposal – ensuring ‘best advice’ at every step of the way.

Contact: Matt Dale, LCV Operations Manager Tel: 0117 908 2000 matt.dale@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Contact: Dave Freeman alphabet@alphabet.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Lex Autolease Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading provider of specialist commercial vehicles. We have the industry knowledge to build the perfect commercial fleet for your business as well as the experience to meet the challenges of your vehicle requirements.

With industry expertise, innovative service and a comprehensive range of vehicles, we can genuinely add value to your business and contribute to your success.

We’ll work with you to understand all your requirements – from design to specification, to funding and maintenance – so we can create a bespoke solution to match your business needs.

Contact: Marcus Puddy Tel: 0800 389 3690 marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk/commercial-vehicles

Tel: 07815 375166 www.alphabet.co.uk

Vehicle Management

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is one of the UK’s premier vehicle leasing companies. We’re a family run business – small enough to deliver a uniquely personal experience, yet big enough to deliver the professional fleet management you need.

We are the largest dealer-based leasing company in the country and we have a characteristic no-nonsense business style. Because we're totally independent, you can always rely on us to provide unbiased advice. We've helped corporate clients, small businesses and government departments realise genuine savings and improvements in productivity.

We listen, and we'd welcome the chance to work with you.

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

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

Days Contract Hire

Fleet Alliance Limited

LeasePlan UK

Days Contract Hire is one of the UK’s leading independent vehicle funding, leasing and fleet management companies, providing fleet solutions to businesses in the private and public sector for over 25 years.

With no affiliation to a bank or vehicle manufacturer, we are well placed to offer impartial advice to recommend a fleet solution which is tailored to your business needs.

As well as Contract Hire, Days are able to offer a short-term Flexi Hire service and a host of ancillary services to assist in the management of fleets, all of which are supported by industry-leading technology and client facing systems.

Fleet Alliance is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. We manage in excess of 14,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients.

Our market-leading Fleet 360 model provides the best combination of products and advice delivered through our cloud-based fleet management system e-fleet and dedicated smartphone app e-fleet mobile.

Recent awards successes include: • Top 25 UK Best Places to Work • National Business Awards: Customer Focus (Finalist) • National Business Awards: Employer of the Year (Finalist) • Investors in People – gold accreditation

Simply adjusting products and services originally designed for the company car market just doesn’t work. That’s why LeasePlan has invested time, resource and over 50 years of experience in building up a team of specialists who really understand the challenges you face each and every day.

Of course, being part of the largest fleet management group in the world helps a lot, including providing understanding of what Best Practice really looks like. We use this advantage to help analyse, interpret and benchmark data across our 38,000 commercial vehicles in the UK. We recognise that no two businesses are the same and our open calculation process means we can return a share of the profits when costs come in below the agreed budgets.

Contact: Neil Vaughan Tel: 0845 2172 608 neilvaughan@daysfleet.com www.daysfleet.com

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

Contact: CV Team Tel: 0844 371 8032 lcv@leaseplan.co.uk www.easiertoleaseplan.co.uk

80 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

VAN Approximately how many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

Do you employ dedicated specialists to offer advice & guidance on LCV specification?

Do you offer non-maintenance contract hire on LCV’s?

Do you offer funding & maintenance for ancillary equipment fitted to the vehicle (tail lifts etc)?

Can you create bespoke return conditions for your LCV customers?

Do you offer pooling of excess and credit mileage?

Do you follow the BVRLA’s guidelines on Fair Wear & Tear for LCVs?

Do you offer packages that are based upon re-using bodywork or Interior equipment?

Do you offer guidance to clients on Duty of Care legislation?

Do you offer a design & build service for extensive bespoke conversions?

Do you offer and arrange long term vehicle evaluations (6 months duration)

FLEETW RLD

14.26k

Alphabet

15.k+

-

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

4.2k+

-

-

Fleet Alliance Limited

3.6k

-

Days Contract Hire

2.3k

Leasedrive Group

4.25k

-

-

Lex Autolease

75k

LeasePlan UK

38k

Ogilvie

1.5k

-

-

Venson Automotive Solutions

5.3k

22.8k

Key to services

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

ALD Automotive

Volkswagen Group Leasing

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd Ogilvie Fleet provides contract hire, leasing and fleet management solutions for clients operating 25 to 250 vehicles. With a fleet of over 11,000 vehicles, we're one of the largest independent contract hire and leasing specialists in the UK, providing initiatives and solutions to an extensive, client base.

Information Technology is core to the way we work and provide services, but we have a firm belief that this should always work in synergy with our great team of people. This combination creates a powerful combination for clients, allowing the use of as much or as little of our IT as they want, always safe in the knowledge that an Ogilvie team member is just a phone call away.

Contact: Ashley Crookes Tel: 0845 217 9867 Ashley.crookes@ogilvie.co.uk www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk

Volkswagen Group Leasing Volkswagen Group Leasing is a fleet management company and a division of Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited. So as a finance company that’s part of the Volkswagen Group UK, we know the commercial vehicle market inside out. We understand that running a fleet of vehicles, no matter how big or small, can be complicated. That’s why as well as supplying a great range of LCV’s, we also offer great quality fleet aftercare, which helps your fleet run smoothly. Our products and services include contract hire, short term rental, fleet management, vehicle maintenance and accident management.

Contact: Phil Jones Tel: 0870 333 2229 phil.jones@vwfs.co.uk www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions We are one of the UK’s largest independent commercial vehicle fleet solutions experts and offer the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of services – from funding, fleet management, van fitting out, workshop and down-time management to accident management & vehicle rental. We operate our own vehicle conversion centre and carry VCA certification for Type Approval fit-outs. We don’t let our clients down and our retention rate of over 95% is testament to that. Our levels of experience, knowledge and service allow us to give you the kind of impartial advice that helps you achieve real financial returns whilst supporting your operational requirements.

Contact: John Winters/Matthew Pretorius Tel: 08444 99 1402 sales@venson.com www.venson.com

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 81

Citroën Relay Big ownership cost savings are possible with updated Relay says Dan Gilkes.

C

itroën’s new Relay has undergone a similar nip and tuck update as its Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato cousins, giving the van a sharp new look, with highmounted headlights incorporating daytime running lights and a very open weave honeycomb grille.

The real benefits are more than cosmetic however, as Relay gets increased body reinforcing to improve rigidity and durability.

The rear doors have been reinforced too and there are stronger hinges to increase longevity, which should bode well for residuals. Stronger rails and runners on the sliding side door, plus sturdier locks to boost security, complete the bodywork upgrades.

There is less new under the bonnet, where the 2.2HDi engine is available in three outputs, of 110hp and 250Nm of torque, 130hp and 320Nm or a range-topping 150hp and 350Nm. Citroën won’t be offering the 180hp 3.0-litre engine that Fiat and Peugeot have on the books, though most fleets won’t be too bothered by that as it is aimed more at the motorhome market that makes big use of this chassis.

The 110hp engine pulls well in this 3-tonne van. Citroën claims fuel consumption of up to 41.5mpg should be possible, with competitive CO2 levels of 180g/km. Further cost savings will come from service intervals that have been stretched out to 30,000 miles or two years.

There are updates in the cab too, as all new Relay vans get Bluetooth and a DAB radio with steering wheel mounted controls. Electric windows and mirrors, those daytime running lights, a full steel bulkhead and most importantly ESC stability control

82 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Citroën has listened to customers and made changes where required, particularly in terms of durability. Add improved specifications and reduced costs for a convincing update.

specification Citroën Relay 30L1H1 110HDi Enterprise BASIC PRICE £20,205 ENGINE 4-cyl/2,198cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 110hp @ 3,500 TORQUE 250Nm @ 1,750 Weights (kg) GVW 3,000 KERB WEIGHT 1,845 PAYLOAD 1,155 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,670 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,870 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,662 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 507 LOAD VOLUME 8.0m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 90 litres COMBINED MPG & CO2 41.5mpg/180g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles MODEL

are also standard kit now.

The popular Enterprise trim level provides air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control with a speed limiter, a perimetric alarm, audio streaming through the Bluetooth connection, an MP3 compatible stereo and a five-inch colour touch screen in the centre of the revised dash. It will add £800 to the list price however.

Talking of that touchscreen, in the Boxer and Ducato it incorporates the sat-nav system. But with Citroën tied into a deal with Traf icmaster Smartnav, Relay ends up with two touchscreen devices, the centre one used to control the stereo and act as a monitor for the optional rear view camera (£225).

Other options on our van included metallic paint (£400), electric folding mirrors (£100), LED daytime running lights (£150), a front passenger airbag (£180), tyre pressure sensors (£90), wheel trims (£30), fog lights (£95) and a lane departure warning system (£300).

Unless you have a major problem keeping a van between the white lines, this is not a box that we would tick. It shows a graphic on either side of the dash and if you cross a white line without indicating, provides an unpleasantly noisy audible warning. You can turn it off, but it reactivates every time you start the engine.

It doesn’t stop Relay being a comfortable van to drive however, with its high-riding cab offering a good view of the road ahead.

Given the additional equipment and specification on offer Citroën has been fairly keen with its pricing policy too, our van starting at just over £20,000. Of course, Citroën pricing can be notoriously flexible.

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229 www.volkswagengroupleasing.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

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

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

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

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

Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com

Apex Van Rental Tel: 01323 745444

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

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

www.apexrental.co.uk

Promote your company here and online for just £400/year.

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

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

telematics & tracking

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

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

TomTom Business Solutions Tel: 020 7255 9774 www.tomtom.com/business

Teletrac, a Trafficmaster company Tel: 0870 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

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

Zenith Tel: 0113 348 8667 www.zenith.co.uk

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

UKVANLEASING

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Tel: 01708 511071 www.ukvanleasing.co.uk

Lex Autolease

Tel: 0845 769 7381 www.lexautolease.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk vehicle ventilation

accident management

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

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

fuel management

Shell Fuelcards Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

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

fast-fits & tyres ATS Euromaster Tel: 0870 066 3624 www.atseuromaster.co.uk

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

risk management BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk vanfleetworld.co.uk / 83