Fleet World December 2016

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December 2016

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Spotlight Better Connected

All-new Micra

How BT Fleet is streamlining its customer service

Driven Skoda Kodiaq Toyota C-HR BMW 330e

INFORMATION

OVERLOAD Why companies must be prepared to act on telematics data – or face the consequences

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Want to know how much your fleet costs to run?

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DISCOVERY SPORT

ADVENTURE. IT’S IN OUR DNA.

If your more adventurous side chooses the scenic route, Wade Sensing will safely guide you across. Inside, clever 5+2 seating offers room for either more explorers or 1,698 litres of stowage for more provisions.

Little wonder Discovery Sport is considered one of the most versatile compact SUVs on the road, or off, if it comes to that.

To find out more, contact the Land Rover Fleet and Business Centre on 0845 600 2214. landrover.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures for the Discovery Sport range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 44.1 (6.4) – 50.4 (5.6), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7) – 62.8 (4.5), Combined 53.3 (5.3) – 57.7 (4.9). CO2 emissions 139 – 129 g/km. Official EU Test Figures.

For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. Drive responsibly on and off-road.

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contents

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06/12/2016 16:11 Page 1

December 2016

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Nissan goes bold with the all-new Micra.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Spotlight All-new Micra

Better Connected How BT Fleet is streamlining its customer service

Driven Skoda Kodiaq Toyota C-HR BMW 330e

18 Stephen Irish of Hyperdrive Innovation on taking advantage of the latest EV technology.

INFORMATION

OVERLOAD Why companies must be prepared to act on telematics data – or face the consequences

FLEETW RLD Comparator and calculator webtools for f leets

Want to know how much your fleet costs to run?

Visit www.fleetworld.co.uk to gain greater control, with the all-new Fleet World Workshop webtools... fleetworld.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Publisher Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Features Editor Katie Beck katie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Striking new C-HR showcases Toyota’s clever Hybrid Drive system in action.

40 BT Fleet’s streamlined customer service.

Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

42 How telematics can help fleets stay compiant.

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by Stag Publications Ltd, 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ tel +44 (0)1727 739160 fax +44 (0)1727 739169 email fw@fleetworldgroup.co.uk web fleetworld.co.uk

48 Efficient winners announced in 2016 Fleet Hero awards .

VAN FLEETW RLD

59 LCV News, plus...

DRIVEN: Citroën Dispatch, Renault Kangoo, VW Crafter. & Daily Rental.

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fleetworld.co.uk / 03

ALEX_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 12:57 Page 1

fleetreview Editor Alex Grant reflects on a truly turbulent 2016, a reassuringly unremarkable Autumn Statement and the considerations when choosing a new car.

Looking ahead In a year of turbulent politics and shock news, it was perhaps a relief to see few big surprises in the 2016 Autumn Statement. Rumoured changes to salary sacrifice turned out to be well-founded, though not a capsizing of that sector, while some clarity on Benefit in Kind, added incentives for ultra-low emission vehicles and a freeze on fuel duty should all be welcomed as opportunities to plan ahead.

What’s clear is, travel is on the cusp of a major step change, and money is being put in place for it. Connected cars and infrastructure working together, increasing autonomy and wider use of electrification are all topics fleets will meet early on. Not to mention our new position outside the EU. Challenges, maybe, but with potential opportunities too. It’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out.

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

Practising what I preach The Grant family Kia Sportage is approaching the end of its three-year finance deal in March, and we’ve started looking for a replacement. Never underestimate the scrutiny you get, as a motoring journalist, when you’re picking your own car.

We’re not sure what we’ll get yet, but I can tell you it’ll probably be something similar. I’ve seen crossovers berated as a fashion accessory recently, and I think it’s unfair. We’ve loved the raised seating, the interior modularity and the plentiful boot space compared to a hatch. Yes, the styling swayed us away from the similar benefits offered in an MPV, but crossovers are great functional vehicles too and it’s not hard to see why they’re such hot property.

So much so, that we’re overwhelmed with choice. A selection spanning competitive premium brands, desirable ex-‘budget’ marques and great petrol and even hybrid choices alongside what might have been the default diesel option. It’s just as well I enjoy looking.

And finally...

Decorations are appearing, festive press releases are filling my inbox, and the shorter deadline for our next issue is looming. Which means Christmas is approaching rapidly. Have a great festive break, and thanks for reading; we’ve got loads planned for 2017 which I’m really looking forward to telling you about, so I’ll see you on the other side.

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FORD NEWS_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:14 Page 1

Ford NEWS

inbrief

Transit Standard Dropside launched

Six-speed automatic for Transit range A new six-speed automatic transmission variant of the Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom, can be ordered for delivery in early 2017.

Transit front-wheel drive and Transit Custom customers can choose a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission in place of the standard manual gearbox.

The new transmission can be specified in combination with the 130 PS and 170 PS versions of the Ford EcoBlue engine, and Auto-Start-Stop is standard on all variants.

Ford has also launched its fourth generation All Wheel Drive in Transit models powered by the all-new state-of-the-art Euro 6 EcoBlue engine.

As well as Transit, Ford offers all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive technology on seven others of its car and commercial vehicle line-up in Europe.

The Ford Galaxy, Mondeo, S-MAX, Edge and Kuga – including Vignale – are available with Intelligent AWD that delivers enhanced traction and road-holding with a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing on the road, especially in slippery conditions.

The Ford Focus RS introduces Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring to deliver a new level of handling capability. Twin electronicallycontrolled clutch packs manage the car’s front/rear torque split, and also can control the side-to-side torque distribution on the rear axle – delivering the “torque vectoring” capability, which has a dramatic impact on handling and cornering stability.

The Ford Ranger pickup offers driver-selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) featuring a two-speed transfer box, and enables drivers to switch between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive high-range with a knob on the centre console at speeds of up to 70mph.

Ford Fiesta ST gets five-door treatment THE Ford Fiesta ST is for the first time available to order in five-door bodystyle alongside the three-door model.

It offers additional practicality with easier access to the rear seats, while retaining the performance and class-leading driving dynamics that earned the Fiesta ST more than 20 awards from around the globe during its first year on sale.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 182PS and 240Nm of torque, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds with 46.3mpg and 141g/km CO2 emissions. A Ford Performancetuned chassis features optimised suspension, steering and brakes, supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control – which applies brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed – and three-mode Electronic Stability Control.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

FORD has launched the medium wheelbase 350 Series Standard Dropside. Powered by Ford’s all-new state-of-the-art 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, the new front wheeldrive single cab Standard Dropside carries 100kg more payload than the Premium Dropside, with a £350 saving on recommended price.

It also offers the advantage of being delivered direct from the factory, which reduces delivery lead time by four weeks. It is built on the same ultra-tough ladder frame chassis and is covered by the same Ford warranty as the Premium Dropside.

The allergy-free cab’s streamlined shape helps it cut through the air more efficiently which can help maximise fuel efficiency. High-tech lights give better visibility and superb detailing is matched by a focus on everyday use. An ergonomically designed driver’s seat includes a built-in armrest and is 8-way adjustable. The steering wheel also adjusts to suit height and arm length.

Clever underseat stowage and a centre seat that incorporates a folddown table, large enough to hold an A4 clipboard, a tablet or laptop are standard, along with electricallyoperated windows.

And like the rest of the Transit range, it has capless Ford Easy-Fuel, for foolproof filling-up.

• Ford’s latest Transit, Transit Connect and Ranger models can now be specified with the new SYNC 3 communications system, which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions (where fitted) with more conversational voice commands.

BUSINESS_Autumn Statement_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 18:28 Page 1

inbusiness

Autumn Statement the key points for fleets The key points of the 2016 Autumn Statement and what it means for fleets. By Alex Grant and Natalie Middleton.

Post-2020 BiK to include electric range New Benefit-in-Kind bands for company car drivers, to be introduced in April 2020, will include a sliding scale for vehicles emitting 50g/km CO 2 or less, based on their electric range, aimed at incentivising models which are more likely to be driven on battery power. Fully electric vehicles will get their own 2% banding, while the familiar one percentage point increments will be retained from 51g/km upwards, starting at 15%.

“These new bandings will create a much greater incentive for employers and employees to choose the cleanest electric and hybrid cars. However, these decisions are pragmatic, cost-conscious ones and we are concerned that they may be deferred until the incentives come into effect.

“The ULEV market could suffer in the meantime as company car tax costs rise significantly between now and 2019.”

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive

Tax advantages removed for most salary sacrifice schemes and cash allowances From April 2017, most salary sacrifice schemes will be subject to the same taxation as cash income, which the Chancellor said was designed “to promote fairness and broaden the tax base”. Ultra-low emission vehicles will not be affected by the changes, and neither will pensions, pensions advice and cycle to work schemes.

The Treasury added that all arrangements in place before April 2017 will be protected for up to a year, and arrangements in place before April 2017 for cars, accommodation and school fees will be protected for up to four years.

HMRC also announced in the subsequent draft legislation for Finance Bill 2017 that the new rules will also apply to employees using cash or car schemes. The move will

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

mean that employees who can choose between the options of a cash allowance or a company car will be taxed on whichever is the higher: the taxable benefit or the cash allowance sum.

“There will be a general sense of shock in the industry that the chancellor has changed the arrangements for taxing salary sacrifice schemes. You can see why he has done it: he expects to raise more than £230m pa once the new system has bedded in in 2018-19.

“However, all is by no means lost for the fleet industry and for those employees who have salary sacrifice cars or planned to have them.

“People already sacrificing salary will continue to enjoy the benefits for four years.

“We can expect a huge rush in salary sacrifice registrations between now and 5 April, when the new rules come into force. And employees can continue to enjoy the benefits of sal sac if they choose an ultra-low emission car.

“All in all, whilst this is not the outcome the industry was hoping for, it’s by no means a disaster.”

Colin Tourick, Professor of Automotive Management, University of Buckingham Business School

No fuel duty rise for 2017 Fuel duty will remain frozen for the seventh successive year in 2017. Aimed at helping businesses and consumers, this is expected to result in an £850m cut in revenues and means the current fuel duty freeze is the longest for 40 years.

“The chancellor’s commitment to freeze fuel duty will be greeted with relief by motorists and businesses at a time when we know drivers are concerned that fuel prices will rise significantly over the next six months."

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams

BUSINESS_Autumn Statement_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 18:28 Page 2

Extra £1.3bn for UK roads An additional £1.3bn will be invested in the UK road network as the Government aims to improve productivity. This includes £1.1bn for local roads and public transport networks as well as £220m to tackle ‘pinch points’ on strategic roads. The Government also announced £390m for low-emission and connected autonomous vehicles. Uptake of plug-ins will be supported by a 100% first-year allowance for businesses installing charging points, and £80m for public charging infrastructure.

“The vehicle rental and leasing industry contributes £24.9bn a year to the UK economy and in 2015 the leasing industry accounted for half the number of new cars registered on the road. So this news will be especially pleasing for businesses, whose roads have suffered from poor organisation, congestion and pitted surfaces for decades.

These roads are vital for the businesses that will power the country through years of lower-than-expected growth, so it is reassuring that the UK Government now views this as a priority.”

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams

Insurance Premium Tax rise from next June Insurance Premium Tax is to rise from 10% to 12% from the start of June 2017, though measures will be put in place to combat ‘whiplash culture’ in the UK and help keep prices down. The Chancellor stressed that the new rate was still lower than many other European countries, explaining that the rise was aimed at funding investment elsewhere.

“After a recent double rise in Insurance Premium Tax, this further increase is a slap in the face for motorists who will surely see their premiums once again increase. It will mean

three rises in in two years and a more than doubling of IPT from 5% to 12% making Insurance Premium Tax the stealth tax of our time.

“Insurance premiums have already risen by over £100 compared to last year, and motorists have told us they are feeling the pinch, with 57% telling us that their premiums have increased over the past 12 months.

“We are also concerned that the Government’s whiplash reforms, while welcomed, will not achieve savings for motorists as only a small number of insurers have so far committed to passing the savings on.

“The Chancellor may now be at risk of encouraging some hard-pressed motorists to break the law by driving without car insurance, which will further increase premiums for law-abiding drivers. We would urge the Government in the name of road safety, to reconsider this rise.”

Mark Godfrey, RAC director of insurance

Fuel and van benefit charges to rise Buried within the Autumn Statement documents were the annual rises for fuel and vans benefits.

For the 2017/8 tax year the car fuel benefit charge multiplier will rise from its current level of £22,200 to £22,600. At the same time the van fuel benefit charge will rise from £598 to £610 and the van benefit charge will increase from £3,170 to £3,230.

New support for ultra-low emission vehicles includes tax incentives and a 100% write-down allowance for workplace charging points.

fleetworld.co.uk / 07

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:27 Page 1

inbusiness

New cars Volkswagen Golf id-life updates for the Golf are mostly technology-driven; including the ability to drive semi-autonomously through traffic jams, a new infotainment system with a customisable home screen and gesture control, like the BMW 7 Series, and the digital instrument display from the Passat. Expect a familiar engine line-up, including hybrid and electric versions, augmented by a new 1.5litre turbocharged petrol with Active Cylinder Management and CO2 at 104g/km. Available from April.

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in brief Vauxhall targets key crossover segments Vauxhall will have a three-tier SUV line-up by the end of 2017, as it enters the UK market’s fastest-growing sectors. The Crossland X replaces the Meriva MPV and rivals the Nissan Qashqai, while the Grandland X will be a D-segment SUV at the top of the range.

UK pricing for new Peugeot 3008

Ford Fiesta he seventh generation Fiesta will be its broadest range yet, including crossover-like Active, luxurious Vignale and sporty ST-Line versions.

Launching late in 2017, UK buyers will get a choice of three petrols and two diesels including the high-power 1.5 TDCi with 118bhp for the first time, and an 84bhp version of the same engine emiting 82g/km CO2. Pedestrian Detection and Active Park Assist, as used in larger Fords, will also be an option.

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The new Peugeot 3008 crossover is available to order, priced from £21,795. UK buyers get a choice of four trim levels; Active, the big-selling Allure, GT Line and GT, with two petrol and four diesel engines and CO2 emissions from 103g/km. All include the digital instrument panel and 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen.

Brexit could add £1,500 to car prices, SMMT warns

Further growth for rental and leasing sector he UK’s rental and lease fleet grew 5.2% this year according to the BVRLA’s latest quarterly leasing survey.

Announced at its annual conference, the results show a 2.2% increase in cars and 13% in vans. The BVRLA has also had a 16% uplift in members, to a total of 908, with the majority of that growth coming from the leasing broker sector.

As a result, the BVRLA’s members now have a combined fleet of 4.7 million vehicles, including 3.8 million cars – an increase of more than 30% over the previous three years.

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Leaving the European single market could cause list prices to rise by an average £1,500, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Its research showed EU tariffs on cars could add an annual £2.7bn to imports and £1.8bn to exports, which the SMMT said would either have to be absorbed by customers or manufacturers and their retail networks.

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:30 Page 2

Fleets told to take action on air quality

in brief Khan calls for VW compensation Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called on the Volkswagen Group to pay £2.5m in compensation for lost Congestion Charge revenue, following the ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal. The money would be used to raise awareness and reduce exposure to air pollution at schools located in some of the most polluted parts of the Capital.

UK fleets invited to International Fleet Meeting 2017

ealth advisory body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance urging fleets to help curb air pollution.

The document suggests public sector fleets should consider NO2 and particulates when choosing vehicles, switching to electric models where possible. It also advises that fuel-efficient driving should be part of tests carried out when appointing or re-appraising staff who drive for work.

It also suggests a combination of measures for local authorities, including reduced speed limits, restricted access for the most polluting vehicles and congestion charging where necessary.

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Sgfleet acquires Motiva Group gfleet has acquired the Motiva Group, a UK specialist in contract hire, shortterm rental and fleet management services.

Following the acquisition of Fleet Hire in August, it makes Sgfleet one of the UK’s top 20 contract hire companies, while adding Motiva’s specialism in light

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commercial vehicles and daily rental to its portfolio.

Motiva’s managing director, Peter Davenport, will stay on with the business along with group sales and marketing director Peter Wright and group financial controller Matthew Hill.

UK fleet operators are invited take part in the International Fleet Meeting, offering a networking platform for operators and the automotive and leasing industry. Taking place within the Geneva Motor Show on the 8 March, the event includes high-class speakers and topical panel discussions for attendees.

OPEC supply cut could cause fuel price rise The RAC has warned motorists to expect higher fuel prices in the New Year, following OPEC’s decision to cut supply for the first time in eight years.

Ending a long-running strategy of oversupply to maintain market share, the oil cartel agreed a production cut of 1.2 million barrels per day to 32.5 million.

However, the RAC said pump prices also reflect exchange rates and production in the United States, adding that the fuel duty freeze announced in the Autumn Statement meant there would at least be no tax rise in the short term.

trading places

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ADT to expand global presence Fleet compliance and risk management specialist, Applied Driving Techniques (ADT), has recruited Martin Hill as head of global consultancy. Hill will work with multinational clients looking to integrate fleet-related health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) standards and compliance policies worldwide, and help to grow its international customer base.

Mitsubishi expands fleet sales team Mitsubishi Motors has appointed a further corporate sales manager as it continues to expand its fleet sales team.

David Stoole brings 17 years’ of experience in the automotive industry, and will focus on building relationships with existing and new corporate customers in the South East of England. He joins having spent the last four years in fleet services with Toyota and Lexus.

Venson closer relationships Venson Automotive Solutions has extended its head office management team. Emmanuelle Arbouch joins as account manager, focused on clients with commercial vehicle fleets, while Omeed Tahzib fills the new role of supplier relationship manager, with a remit of forging partnerships with suppliers. Both join the company from senior positions at LeasePlan UK.

fleetworld.co.uk / 09

BUSINESS_Insider_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 14:16 Page 1

inbusiness

Easy, rider Fleets are increasingly exploring the potential of motorbikes but the risks must be taken into account, reckons The Insider. n the Seventies, the antics of Barry Sheene brought a whole new audience to motorcycle racing, just as Valentino Rossi has done today.

Bikes once more became acceptable, drawing a veil over a few dodgy years when bikers were considered troublesome. But in the Seventies’ resurgence, motorcycles were often a principal means of transport, whereas over the past 30 years they have been widely used as hobby hobby machines. In fact, I was surprised to learn that they account for only about 1% of vehicles on UK roads.

Now it seems bikes are being taken seriously again, as the contract hire market expands into two wheels.

Fleets are looking at bikes more closely since they offer tax-efficient opportunities for employer and employee alike. More than that though, is the ability to spend more time travelling, less time stuck in traffic, and thus getting where you need to go quickly, with the ability to park more easily at your destination.

Think of working bikes today and police, paramedics and pizza will probably spring most readily to mind. But there must be plenty of other applications – maybe estate agents dashing to multiple property viewings, or engineers who carry only light tools. The ability to offer a first and fast response is key to most service industries.

For all the advantages of that fast response, there are a different set of issues to consider at the same time.

One is recruiting suitably experienced riders, and keeping them upright and healthy. There is no doubt that bikes are more physical to manage in terms of weight and manoeuvrability, and more challenging in terms of weather and traffic conditions. As someone who commuted about 30,000 miles a year by bike, I once calculated that I crashed, on average, about once every 10,000 miles. Believe me, you learn fast in heavy traffic. On-road advanced training and hazard perception would be a major consideration if I were developing a motorcycle element to my fleet.

Aside from commercially run bike courses, there is plenty on the government ‘Think Bike’ website to educate the biker, but sadly less so to educate those habitually using more than two wheels. If you’ve

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10 / fleetworld.co.uk

never ridden a bike, you just don’t appreciate all the pitfalls. It would be good to see the Think Bike campaign spend money with TV advertising showing video footage shot from a bike; it could show the need for care on different surfaces, highlight the reason for a better traffic check at junctions, when riders may not have positioned themselves on the road to best effect, or warn drivers to expect bikes filtering either side of them. Yes bikers need to take responsibility for themselves, but no-one wants to get caught up in the aftermath of an accident through inadvertent error by either party.

Recently our Elfin Safety team thought it would be generous to hand out ‘Think Bike’ stickers to place in our company cars. I put my foot down and said “no”, at least until we had carried out some education. To me, seeing that sticker in the rear window of the car in front means a fellow biker, a friend; someone who looks over their shoulder before turning right (or left), uses their indicators, who doesn't make last of the late braking manoeuvres unnecessarily on a wet road, and won’t make a U-turn unexpectedly in front of me.

I don’t need to be lulled into a false sense of security by a well-meaning but uneducated sticker-wearer.

And while we’re talking risk, there’s insurance to consider. Bikers count as vulnerable road users. Would you place bikes on your general fleet policy, or keep them separate, in case the accident statistics are worse, leading to a higher premium across the whole fleet?

Provision of suitable clothing is another cost, and that cost can be surprisingly high – rather more than the cost of the average work wear uniform. Waterproof jackets and trousers with built in armour, suitable gloves and boots, plus a top grade helmet – you’ll be lucky to spend less than £1,500 per person. Most of it unlikely to be reusable should that employee leave.

Bikes can be quite hard on chains and tyres, and maintenance costs may be higher than expected, plus there isn’t a great market for second hand bikes, so residualsetting must be fun. I suspect contract pricing is pretty challenging. But I’m delighted there are people willing to offer it, and good luck to them. Anything which reduces tax and congestion has to be a good thing.

FW Barometer_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:33 Page 1

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 distraction concerns

Source: IAM RoadSmart

Driver distraction linked to all forms of mobile phone use remains the biggest issue affecting drivers’ perceptions of safety, the results of a new survey commissioned by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, suggest.

94% of the drivers questioned said that checking social media was a threat to personal safety, and 93% were concerned about fellow drivers texting or e-mailing behind the wheel.

While 91% were concerned about drivers talking on mobile phones.

86% said that distraction caused by mobile phones has increased in the last three years.

89% felt drink driving was a threat to their safety, compared to 88% who felt the same about those who took illegal drugs and then drove.

72% also said that aggressive driving has worsened over the last three years, while 60% reported higher levels of drug-driving.

Extended commuting times The number of employees commuting for two hours or more a day has risen significantly over the past five years, according to an analysis carried out by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The analysis was carried out as part of the organisation's Safety Culture Survey on potential driving issues. The research also found huge approval for stricter measures to prevent and reduce the number of drivers using mobile technology in cars.

Source: TUC

The analysis found that in 2015, 3.7 million workers had daily commutes of two hours or longer – up 31% since 2010.

In 2015, 14% of UK employees travelled two hours or more each day to and from work, compared to 11% in 2010.

Men accounted for 61% of those who make work journeys of two hours or more. However, women have experienced a sharper rise in long commuting since 2010, up 35%.

The growth in long commutes in sectors like education (+46%) and health and social care (+26%), where high numbers of women work, may explain this rise.

The TUC said the rise in travelling times may be the result of stagnant wages combined with soaring rents and high house prices leaving many workers unable to move to areas closer to their jobs. It also pointed to a lack of investment in roads and railways increasing journey times.

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FW Barometer_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:33 Page 2

EVs under consideration

Source: Go Ultra Low

A clear majority of UK motorists would join the ‘EV revolution’ if they were given the opportunity by their employers, new research published by Go Ultra Low has shown.

The survey of UK company car drivers found that only 25% of businesses currently offer electric company cars to employees.

Of those motorists who are not currently able to go electric, 69% said they would be “likely” to choose an EV, if given the option.

The incidence was higher among companies who already offer EVs, with 86% saying they would be “likely” to consider an electric car next time around.

In the first 10 months of 2016, more than 30,000 electric cars were registered across the country – with approximately 70% going to UK businesses.

Motorway maintenance closures

Commenting on the report, Transport Minister John Hayes, said: “Businesses have a role to play in boosting the numbers of electric vehicles on our roads, and this survey shows that employees want to drive them. We want to make it easier for companies to adopt these cleaner cars, and recently made £7.5m available to workplaces who want to install chargepoints.”

Source: confused.com / Image source: Highways England

Drivers are increasingly having to divert off motorways or suffer long tailbacks as a result of rising numbers of motorway closures, the results of an analysis carried out by insurer Confused.com reveal.

The report found that UK drivers faced an average of 382 planned motorway closures a month – up 14% on 2014.

As a result, 67% have had to find an alternative route due to a diversion.

18% said they had been stuck on the motorway for over two hours as a result of motorway maintenance projects, with 5% of these having been stranded in their cars for more than four hours.

11% of drivers have missed a meeting or appointment as a result of closed lanes, while 2% have had their car break down as a result of sitting in traffic on the motorway.

Even so, 25% of drivers admitted they never check for disruption ahead of travelling on the motorway.

On average, motorists are being diverted 14 miles out of their way as a result of motorway lane closures, adding an average of 38 minutes to the journey.

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 13

BUSINESS_CURTIS_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 14:15 Page 1

inbusiness

Time to get personal?

Personal Contract Plans are powering the retail new car market but there could be a place for them as part of your grey fleet management, according to Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader. he way private customers buy cars from dealers has changed dramatically in recent years and this could start to impact businesses offering cash allowances to employees. But that's not as ominous as it sounds.

Since the economic downturn Brits have been purchasing new cars - or, more strictly speaking, car usage - through car manufacturer-backed PCP (Personal Contract Plans or Personal Contract Purchase) schemes.

The premise is simple but compelling. With the car market starring into the abyss back in the dark days of 2009, carmakers latched onto the attractiveness of offering customers the opportunity to buy cars using monthly payments provided at the point of sale in showrooms.

The high street banks, after all, had pretty much closed their lending books as they battened down the hatches.

Carmakers moved quickly to address a practical need. With sales falling and production lines facing idleness, customers cashing in their cars under the Government's popular scrappage scheme still needed funds to finance a new purchase. Car brands stepped in to underwrite affordable monthly finance packages with low or zero interest APR rates to kick-start the market.

PCPs, which had been around for years, but pretty much undersold by dealers and ignored by buyers, were given a new lease of life.

Several years on and PCPs are now pretty much the preferred method of buying a new car. For buyers they tick many boxes. They don't tie up a large amount of savings in a depreciating asset; the rate of the monthly payment can be tailored according to the level of deposit; and ownership can be secured at the end of the agreement, usually three years, with a balloon payment.

Although the percentage of those who trigger the last option is low as it's rarely worth the extra outlay.

Where PCPs strike a chord is that consumers are more comfortable than ever before with monthly payments for commodities ranging from mortgages and utility bills to satellite television bundles and mobile phones. And what is particularly attractive about PCPs is that long before the third year comes around switched-on dealers contact customers to offer them a trade-in on a newer model with better spec which might only cost a few pounds more a month. The compelling argument here is that the customer will still have equity in the car, based on the Guaranteed Future Value, which could then be rolled over into the deposit

T

16 / fleetworld.co.uk

on a new one. It's all about usage rather than becoming bogged down by ownership.

This funding method could resonate with staff given cash allowances instead of a company car. After all these packages have a monthly monetary value and remove the financial pain of tying up a large amount of cash on what will be required to be a work related tool.

Also, for these staff a plethora of cars will be opened up which will enable them to source a model for their specific tastes and needs, rather than being dictated to by a choice list.

Furthermore, staff sourcing new cars through PCP schemes can help address the serious issue of grey fleet management. As part of your duty of care you have a responsibility to ensure staff using private cars on work related activities do so in vehicles that are fit for purpose.

In practice, this means you have the same legal duty of care for grey fleet drivers as you do for those in a work supplied vehicle.

This means your business will have the comfort of knowing that staff are running cars on business that need to serviced regularly to maintain their warranty cover. Furthermore you don't need to check on MoT certification during the first three years.

However, PCPs are not for everyone. Some drivers want the security of knowing they own the metal on their drive and are unlikely to be convinced by the car usage argument.

Also, drivers who want to own the car at the end of the PCP term can find the agreed balloon payment prohibitively high when faced with it after three years of relatively low monthly payments. Likewise the level of equity left in a car at the end of its term might not be sufficient to roll into a down payment on a suitable replacement and therefore extra unplanned funding might be required.

Meanwhile, the small print in all PCP schemes needs to be read and understood. Some buyers come unstuck over the agreed mileage restrictions and that could be costly if the car is being handed back at the end of its term with each extra mile charged at an agreed rate. Also, unrepaired damage and scuffs come at a price which is why it's worth emphasising to drivers that they must care for the car as if it is their property.

PCPs have a place in fleet as a way of keeping cash allowance staff mobile and safe, but they need to closely consider the personal benefits and disadvantages before committing themselves.

EVNEWS_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 17:58 Page 1

Q &A

Using Nissan LEAF battery cells, Hyperdrive Innovation has developed a modular battery pack which will enable small-volume vehicles to take advantage of the latest EV technology without the huge R&D costs of going bespoke, as CEO Stephen Irish explains.

What is Hyperdrive Innovation?

We started just over five and a half years ago as Hyperdrive, and incorporated four and a bit years ago when we got venture capital investment and a grant from Innovate UK. Most of what we do is around the battery system and the electronics within the battery, but also in supporting our customers in doing integration work.

Who are your customers?

The technology started in mainstream automotive and it’s evolving quickly. Now it’s evolving into other niches such as off-highway and municipal vehicles, such as street sweepers, which have historically been old-fashioned diesel technology; quite dirty, noisy and potentially inefficient. Electrifying that is a good opportunity, because it’s much quieter, so you can get past restrictions on noise, but you can also use them inside such as a shopping centre, a factory building or whatever.

Then we’re working on aircraft manipulation vehicles, pushback tractors for airports. There’s a big push to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in air travel, but all the vehicles on the air side tend to be quite large diesels. They’re very well suited to hybridisation as you don’t need all the power all the time; they’re often either sat at idle or at peak power when getting the aircraft going.

We see lots of scope where there might be a number of niche type vehicles – a few hundred here and there – but if you have a fairly standard battery system in them you can have common components. You can scale up quite quickly that way.

What do you get from Nissan?

Only the cells - we’re not chemists. We’re able to source battery cells from anywhere, and historically we’ve bought a lot of cells from overseas. We need the very best, what we do is high quality, high-performance battery systems and that involved those batteries coming a long way, from East Asia. So a long supply chain, long lead times and exposure to currency variations.

We now source from less than a mile away and we buy in pounds. It’s a huge benefit. Nissan is extremely capable at

producing the battery module but wants to focus on the LEAF and e-NV200. We can bridge the gap between their core focus and other applications. So it’s our battery management system, and our engineers do the integration.

How are you improving the performance of the batteries?

It depends on the way the battery is used. We work with our customers to understand the duty cycles, and how the vehicle or system will be used. A factory robot has a very different cycle to a car because it’s autonomous, so it runs all the time. We have a menu, a whole background of technology that we can draw from to come up with a system that works best for the application.

How do you see the EV market progressing?

I think legislation will change. We’re only just starting to see the effect of legislation on diesels, people are moving to ban combustion engines in city centres, and there are certain vehicle sectors where if you don’t have an EV or hybrid you can’t sell vehicles. It’s progressing quickly.

It’s not a magic technology, and it can’t solve every problem – if you’re thinking about heavy trucks then they’re fairly efficient if they’re full, so it’s difficult to improve on that.

It’s really horses for courses, and we’ll only suggest our technology if there’s a customer advantage.

Our customers have to succeed if we want to succeed.

Forward looking Stephen Irish expects legislation changes to drive innovation.

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EVNEWS_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 13:01 Page 2

For the latest EV news, visit evfleetworld.co.uk

in brief

Nissan seeks businesses for vehicle-to-grid trial issan is seeking companies with electric vehicles to take part in a Vehicle-toGrid trial, as it installs its first units at its own facilities in the UK. The Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) now has eight V2G charging points, available for all employees to use. It’s the first Nissan facility to deploy the technology, which will eventually be rolled out at its sites across the region.

Developed with energy provider, Enel, the charging points feature an energy management system which enables electricity to to be drawn from the vehicles’ batteries, stabilise demand on the grid and potentially avoiding the need for costly infrastructure upgrades as the EVs become more widespread.

In August, Danish utility company, Frederiksberg Forsyning, became Nissan and Enel’s first commercial V2G customer in Europe. There are ten units at its headquarters, working with a fleet of 10 e-NV200 electric vans which can provide 100kW of energy when required.

N

Hydrogen for Beaconsfield Services Energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power is to construct a hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) on the Shell forecourt at Beaconsfield Services on the M40. The company, which said it has planning permission for a further four forecourt filling stations, expects to open the hydrogen dispenser under the main canopy early in 2017.

Tesla gains first-ever ACFO awards Tesla has won its first accolades at the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) 2016 awards, recognising its growing role as a company car. Voted by members following cross-industry nominations, the carmaker won Environmental Initiative of the Year, while Green Vehicle of the Year was shared with the BMW i3.

Evolt wins £1.8m charging contract

Tesla introduces fees for Supercharging esla is introducing fee-based access to its Supercharger ultra-fast charging point network, replacing a system which has been free since the first cars arrived in the UK in 2014.

All cars ordered after the 1 January 2017 will get 400kWh of free Supercharging credits per year, equating to around 1,000 miles of driving, the carmaker said. Further usage will be subject to a small, as yet unannounced fee, said to be less than the cost of filling a comparable petrol car.

The costs, which won’t apply to vehicles ordered before January and delivered before 1 April 2017, are said to have been introduced to help fund growth of the network. Tesla said in its statement that prices will fluctuate, varying based on local electricity costs, but it doesn’t expect the network to become a profit centre.

in numbers

T

25%

Share of UK businesses offering electric company cars.

Evolt has become the first Go Ultra Low City supplier, winning an estimated £1.8m contract to install charging points for Dundee City Council. The programme will install rapid charging hubs, each featuring energy storage for solar panels on-site, while a further four rapid chargers and 14 fast chargers will be installed outside the city centre.

EV-specific driver training launched Strategic Analytics Team is claiming the world’s first IVV Diamond-accredited defensive driver education programme focused on electric vehicles. The scheme is aimed at helping businesses and employees get maximum performance from their EV, while cutting carbon and energy use and improving safety.

187 miles Range for the updated Volkswagen e-Golf, which features a bigger-capacity battery.

Source: Go Ultra Low

Source: Volkswagen

fleetworld.co.uk / 19

BUSINESS_Q&A_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 14:31 Page 1

inbusiness

Q &A Owen Gregory, appointed director of fleet operations at Ford earlier this year, on new opportunities and the advantages of turning long-standing relationships into partnerships.

What were your priorities with the new role?

My priority has been listening. I’ve kicked off a full strategic review of fleet operations. It’s been a couple of years since it was last done, and I think it’s helpful to do on a regular basis. It enables you to look back at what the world looked like then, the changes we made, what worked and what did we learn, and to take a fresh-eyes look at how the market is changing and whether we need to rethink some of our approaches.

By the end of the year we’ll have a clear view of where we think we’re strong, where we can improve, where some of the market opportunities are and some of the changes that might be challenges for us. Plus, that process is helpful for me in terms of getting up to speed with the key challenges my team are working through at the moment.

What are they telling you?

There is a bit of an ebb and flow in terms of how our larger corporate customers are looking at managing their fleet. So not only is it working with our customers and those providing funding and contract hire, but also fleet management solutions along with our dealers. It’s about how we best bring all those stakeholders together so the customer gets what they need.

When you dig down, those relationships where we’re strongest are where we understand the customer the best and we’ve gone beyond a supplier-customer relationship to a true partnership. We’re able to help them find solutions they might not have thought of, or we might have new product in the pipeline which can help their business, and vice versa. Some of our customers work with our engineers to give real-world feedback on usage and that’s used to refine and develop the vehicles. When we get to that point where it’s a symbiotic relationship, that’s where it’s adding value. That’s where I’d like to be with all our customers, and that’s what our team is focused on achieving.

On the contract hire side, that’s been the most dynamic over the past few years and I think that’s one area where we’ve got some real opportunities. We’ve got some great relationships with partners in that chan-

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

nel, but one of the things we will be thinking about is whether we are going to market with the right products to really make use of that channel.

Which products do you see helping most?

I think in that contract hire space, where people have much more freedom of choice, ST Line can be very strong, and, for the same reasons, SUVs. It’s that blend of attractive product, desirable in the marketplace, and increasingly with affordable engines. We think SUVs, and Edge, will be a really interesting and additional opportunity than we’ve not had in the past.

Have attitudes changed since ‘dieselgate’?

There are a couple of points we’re getting asked about.

One is we’re being asked about how we do business we are recognised globally with the Ethisphere survey, and we’re the only automotive brand in that. The other is electrification - we are talking to more customers about the Mondeo Hybrid than I think we probably otherwise would.

As a company our intent is to be a leader in electrification - we’ll be investing $4.5bn (£3.6bn) and there are 13 new electrified vehicles that we’re working on so it’s absolutely part of how we see the marketplace developing. Our intention is to be there with the right product at the right time, when several factors come together to drive meaningful levels of customer demand. That’ll be around incentives, infrastructure and the right product at the right price.

Looking across Europe, the only places where we’ve seen volume shift out of conventional powertrains is where there’s attractive government incentive to do so.

Full EV in Norway, PHEV in the Netherlands, CNG in Italy - those are examples of where incentives exist.

Customers haven’t picked that technology on its own merits, there’s been reasons to do so.

We’re very lucky in the UK in that the government publishes its thoughts on company car tax, which enables us to plan.. We’ll be interested in that discussion from 2020 and beyond as we transition towards an ever-lower CO2 footprint target.

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Lumie Desklamp A lack of natural light can have a noticeable impact on the mood and energy levels of office-based workers. The compact Desklamp delivers summer levels of bright light to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The LED lights are blue-enriched in the part of the spectrum known to regulate the body-clock, and a daily 60 minute session is recommended.

Price: £34 from mujjo.com

Crumpled City Maps Marketed as a contemporary reinvention of the most basic of travel tools, Palomar claims its maps are the lightest in the world. Made of a soft, fullywaterproof material, the maps can be squashed and crushed into a ball for easy transportation, and take only two seconds to open – preferable to wrestling with large, concertinaed paper maps! The range provides a detailed overview of over 50 of the world’s largest cities.

Price: £10 from palomarweb.com

TomTom Vio TomTom’s latest sat nav is designed specifically for moped and scooter riders. The small, disc-shaped unit attaches to the wing mirror stalk, and is paired with the user’s smartphone. The screen is waterproof and offers at-a-glance navigation and traffic avoidance features, and can be used while wearing gloves. A useful solution for delivery fleets and commuters on two wheels.

Price: £149.99 from tomtom.com

apps of the month

Happy Drivers

Forest

Apple Pay

Ogilvie Fleet has updated its driver app with a suite of new features; including ‘Find my Nearest’ functionality to locate nearby fuel stations, charging points and car parks, a BiK tax calculator and a vehicle wear and tear checklist. Customers can also access vehicle and contract details through the app for an overview on the move.

Price: Free from Apple App Store, GooglePlay

Forest provides an interesting solution to help beat phoneaddiction. Planting a seed in the app locks the phone for 30 minutes, and a graphic of a growing tree fills the screen. If the app is cancelled during the pre-set time period the forest of accumulated trees withers, representing lost productivity.

Price: £1.49 from Apple App Store, GooglePlay

Apple Pay enables mobile devices to make payments at contactless points by simply holding the handset to the card reader, and authorises payments on iOSenabled apps. Users can store banking details, and payment information is kept private from the retailer. The user can halt the service on a lost phone immediately via Find My iPhone.

Price: Free from Apple App Store

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

BEAT THE VED CHANGES WITH THE VOLVO XC60 With its powerful presence and dynamic driving style, the Volvo XC60 is the perfect car for drivers in search of adventure.

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Fuel consumption and CO2 figures for the XC60 D4 R-Design Nav in MPG (I/100 km): Urban: 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban: 67.3 (4.2), Combined: 62.8 (4.5). CO2 emissions 117g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

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01/12/2016 14:50

SHOW_LA Auto_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 16:21 Page 1

LA Auto Show 2016 Highlights

Some of the future fleet highlights from the biennial LA Auto Show.

By John Kendall.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Audi Q5

Based on the recently launched Giulia compact executive saloon, the Stelvio is Alfa’s first SUV, and a rival for the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. On display in LA – as part of the global debut for the model – was the Quadrifoglio with 505hp, 2.9litre V6 bi-turbo petrol engine. Since Stelvio uses Giulia engine options, expect 148bhp and 178bhp 2.2-litre diesel options for Europe. All US models will feature Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system. Stelvio will be built in Italy.

Audi unveiled the latest Q5 at the LA Show before it goes on sale in spring 2017. Standard equipment for the US will include a 249bhp 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine. European buyers will also get a 188bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel with a 283bhp V6 TDI following. Quattro all-wheel-drive will be standard in all markets.

The new model offers more interior space, with improved headroom and rear knee room, plus 10 litres more luggage space. A revised five-link rear suspension system will be fitted, with adaptive air suspension as an option. Audi claims the SUV is up to 90kg lighter than the current model.

Jaguar I-Pace

Mazda CX-5

The I-PACE electric SUV, is more than just a concept – it's set for a 2017 launch. A rival for the Tesla Model X and production version of the Audi e-tron SUV concept, it is powered by two 197bhp electric motors, one driving each axle, generating a total of 516lb.ft of torque.

The 90kWh capacity lithium-ion batteries are fitted under the floor. Features include a panoramic glass sunroof and two touch screens for the driver.

Another SUV undergoing renewal is the Mazda CX-5, which will be the brand's first diesel-powered model available in the U.S. when it launches in mid-2017. The 2.2-litre Skyactiv clean diesel is also likely to be the big fleet seller in Europe, where the crossover is Mazda's fastest-selling product. Other features include a raised gear selector position, smaller door mirrors to improve diagonal visibility, a 2step reclining mechanism for the rear seats, which have been reshaped and a slightly larger boot at 505 litres.

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

SHOW_LA Auto_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 16:21 Page 2

Porsche Panamera Executive The Porsche Panamera Executive made its debut in LA, featuring a 150mm longer wheelbase than the Panamera. The car will be offered in all-wheel-drive with Porsche’s new 326bhp V6 turbo petrol engine, E-hybrid model with combined 456bhp, in S form with 434bhp and Turbo with 542bhp. Standard equipment includes a panoramic roof, heated seats with electric adjustment front and rear, electronically controlled damping and rear sunblind. 4S Executive and Turbo Executive models gain rear axle steering and soft-close doors. The new models will be available from January.

MINI Countryman The new Countryman will include MINI's first plug-in hybrid. The Cooper SE ALL4 shares its drivetrain with the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, combining a 134bhp three-cylinder petrol engine with an 88bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. This model offers an electric range of 24 miles and a re-charging time of 3hrs 15mins. A range of 134bhp three-cylinder and 190bhp four-cylinder petrol engines, and 2.0-litre diesel models are also available for Europe with 150hp and 190hp outputs. Models will go on sale next March followed by the plug-in hybrid in June.

Subaru VIZIV-7

Volkswagen Atlas

Seen for the first time at the LA Show was the Subaru VIZIV-7 concept, described as a concept series embodying the future vision of car development for the “enjoyment and peace of mind” that it wants to provide to customers.” The concept shows the company’s vision for a future SUV with three rows of seats for seven occupants. VIZIV-7 is a pointer to a seven-seat SUV to be introduced to the US market in early 2018, its first since the Tribeca.

The seven-seat Atlas SUV is the largest Volkswagen ever assembled in the U.S., and won't be sold in Europe. Built in Chattanooga and based on the VW MQB architecture, the 234bhp 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0 TSI powered model comes with front-wheeldrive as standard, while the 275bhp 3.6-litre VR6 powered models come with optional all-wheel-drive. LED headlamps and daytime running lights are standard. Designed to accommodate two adults in the third row, the rearmost seats can be accessed even if child seats are in place in the second row seats.

fleetworld.co.uk / 25

SPOTLIGHT_NissanMicra_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 16:22 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT Nissan Micra

Micra management Nissan is on the comeback trail with its once all conquering Micra. The fifth generation model is bigger and more striking than the nondescript previous model. Will that make it a more enticing fleet proposition? By Steve Moody.

Powertrains Despite being built in the same French factory as alliance partner Renault’s ZOE, there are no plans for an EV Mica. It’s on an entirely different platform, and instead offers a choice of a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp at launch.

The range will be joined soon after by a naturally aspirated 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine.

More grown up No longer targeted as an economical but basic little box, the new Micra has Active Ride Control for enhanced ride comfort, and Active Trace Control for sharper handling, as well as improved noise insulation and optimisation of the car’s aerodynamic performance through a combined roof and side spoiler, which results in a Cd of 0.29 – top level for a hatchback. The overall effect, Nissan claims, is a smoother, quieter, more refined car.

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEET FACT Prices start at £11,995, with range-topping Tekna from £17,295.

SPOTLIGHT_NissanMicra_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 16:22 Page 2

On board Nissan claims that larger dimensions give the Micra best-in-class on board space and it certainly feels spacious and comfortable, with a very high quality cabin. Then there is lots of technology available too, including lane departure, pedestrian recognition, intelligent braking with pedestrian recognition, a 7-inch full colour central display, Apple CarPlay as well as luxury options such as Bose speakers in the headrests – an industry first.

What we think...

Striking styling There is no doubt that the most striking element of the Micra is its styling: it looks dramatic and sporty – a world away from the drab fourth generation car. There are hundreds of personalisation options and numerous packages tying them all together, meaning that it is a car that can be very clearly tailored to personal tastes.

The new Micra is a much more attractive car, and its levels of technology and high spec options offer users a very high quality experience in a small car.

For a downsizer or somebody looking to run a supermini with executive car levels of technology, the Micra wil be a strong contender. SM

fleetworld.co.uk / 27

ROAD_FW_Skoda_Kodiaq_Dec16 06/12/2016 17:45 Page 1

Skoda Kodiaq Can Skoda’s new large SUV give the brand yet another opportunity in fleet? By Steve Moody.

SECTOR SUV PRICE ££21,495-£30,695 FUEL 38.6-56.4mpg CO2 131-168g/km

t used to be the case (not that long ago) that in order to get on a choice list a manufacturer needed a couple of staples: a lower medium hatch and a family saloon.

Increasingly though, that now includes some form of SUV. Skoda, which likes to do things differently – within the rigorous confines of the VW Group of course – has made huge headway in fleet with a sort of family hatchback in the Octavia, the Superb and a kind of crossover in the shape of the Skoda Yeti, which looks like an Angry Bird.

So the launch of the Kodiaq, an SUV drawn in the traditional manner of this relatively new genre, looks like an open goal. Skoda value? VW Group mechanics? A market hungry for these cars? How can it fail?

Let’s start with its failings then. It’s an increasingly crowded market, and much of the SUV boom came out of badge snobbery, and despite its myriad improvements in perception, Skoda will always have to contend with that. And for the very lowest CO2 levels a 1.6 TDI engine with front wheel drive as in the smaller SEAT Ateca sister car would be useful, but currently it is not in the range, while some of the more seats a £1,000 option, while SE L models start from advanced safety systems aren’t standard on the lowest model. £28,595 and the new Edition top of the range trim start But all of this is straw clutching. If you are in the market for an from £30,695 and gets leather upholstery, metallic paint, SUV, it’s hard to see why the Kodiaq wouldn’t be Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, wireless chargvery high on the shopping list. ing and phone box, and Blind spot detection.

FLEET FACT Let’s start with the basics. There are five This is all exceptionally good value, whichever powertrains, featuring the usual VW Group one you’re looking at. stats: two TDI and three TSI engines, capacities It does, however, only tell half the story. The CO2 emissions of 1.4 and 2.0 litres, and power output ranges Kodiaq is only marginally longer than an start at 131g/km from 123bhp to 188bhp. Front wheel drive, Octavia, yet interior space, especially in the for the 148bhp four-wheel drive, manual and seven speed DSG second row, is exceptional. How Skoda has 2.0 TDI. gearboxes are all options. done this, I can’t really say. I stared at it for a Prices are suitably Skoda-ish: from £21,495 long time, and it was still not entirely apparent. for the S, which comes with LED daytime running lights, From the outside, and particularly from the rear, it doesn’t 17-inch alloys, Front Assist, touchscreen infotainment and look especially big or aggressive either. It is the SUV other DAB. SE models are £1,500 more expensive, with seven road users won’t dislike you for driving.

Then there’s the quality. The cabin is superbly finished while there’s an indication of exactly where Skoda comes in the Group pecking order (hint: it’s pretty high up) in the super sharp high definition touch screen. When the new tech gets handed out, it seems Audi and Skoda get it first. It also has wireless hotspot capability, Apple CarPlay, and the latest version of remote phone charging which is less clunky than the earlier system in Audis.

As for the way it drives, it is tidy rather than spectacular. If you have ever been in any VW Group Group product, or Skoda in particular, there are absolutely no surprises. The lowest powered petrol is just about adequate, but otherwise all petrol and diesels do the job with no fuss, while it rides well and body control is controlled nicely for such a large car.

The result of all this is an SUV that is near-faultless. I haven’t looked at the residual value predictions for this car.

Because I don’t need to. It’s a brilliant new car, and will be an even better used one – RVs will be extremely high. Put simply, if you have SUVs on your choice list, it must feature.

I

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_Skoda_Kodiaq_Dec16 06/12/2016 17:46 Page 2

what we think The Kodiaq is a superb car in every way. Built to an extremely high standard, with all the latest VW Group tech, a wide range of engines and powertrains and huge, adaptable interior space.

All at extremely good value.

highlights Seven seats a ÂŁ1,000 option.

Wireless phone charging and CarPlay available.

New top of the range trim called Edition.

Front wheel drive and 4x4 models available.

fleetworld.co.uk / 29

ROAD_FW_BMW_330e_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:45 Page 1

BMW 330e M Sport Plug-in hybrid 3 Series is high on driver appeal, but suits a very specific user. Alex Grant explains.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £36,735 (after Plug-in Car Grant) FUEL 134.5mpg CO2 49g/km

aving shown what it’s capable of with the futuristic i3 and i8, the iPerformance line-up is where BMW’s plug-in technology competes for the mainstream. Particularly the plug-in hybrid 330e, which combines the driver appeal of a quick 3 Series with ultra-

H

low CO2 emissions to lure company car drivers.

It’s an interesting acceptance of market demands. This indirectly replaces the ActiveHybrid 3; impressively economical for the 335bhp it delivered at full throttle, but a hard sell next to BMW’s excellent performance diesels.

NEW MOKKA X TECHNOLOGY WHERE IT COUNTS P11D FROM £17,400 | UP TO 72.4MPG | CO2 FROM 103G/KM

Vauxhall OnStar* with Vehicle Diagnostics and 4G Wi-Fi**.

7-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

The New Mokka X. Go drive it.

Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive.

New Mokka X range fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 32.8 (8.6)-64.2 (4.4), Extra-urban: 49.6 (5.7)-78.5 (3.6), Combined: 42.2 (6.7)-72.4 (3.9). CO2 emissions: 155-103g/km.

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ROAD_FW_BMW_330e_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:46 Page 2

At 49g/km, its nearest successor is finding homes as quickly as the cars can leave the production line.

But the 330e isn’t just an ActiveHybrid 3 with a bigger battery. It uses a more efficient 182bhp four-cylinder engine from the 320i, while the 88bhp electric motor means it’s better equipped for fuel-free driving. Losing two cylinders offsets the extra battery weight, so it only weighs 5kg more than the old hybrid, but it’s 100kg heavier (and slower) than the 330d it’s positioned alongside.

Not that you’d feel short-changed. Plug-in hybrids often sound better on paper than they feel on the road; the 330e doesn’t. Squeeze the throttle and its two power sources work in unison to produce 252bhp, delivering a muscular surge of straight-line acceleration and electric torque. Widened front and rear tracks mean there’s little evidence of the extra weight while cornering, either.

The motor is doing more here than it was in the ActiveHybrid 3. A full charge takes around two hours, typically offering a range of around 20 miles in its EV-prioritising drive mode. Or, for longer trips, the car can decide when it’s most efficient to use battery or petrol power, or both, spreading that range over a longer distance to minimise fuel usage and even pre-planning regenerative braking

based on topographical information in the sat nav. Clever, but no more challenging to drive than any other 3 Series.

But, whichever way you use it, this is more of a performance hybrid than a thoroughbred green car.

Economy settles between 35 and 40mpg if it hasn’t been charged, and that’s a slight headache because the fuel tank holds 41 litres instead of the usual 57. Brimmed and fully charged, the 330e has a range of around 350 miles, so covering any real distance means making regular petrol and charging stops.

Which means, tax aside, it’s hard to see a genuine use case for it. Long-distance drivers seeking high performance will still get significantly better economy from a 330d, while those who can keep the 330e running mostly on electricity would also be ideal candidates for BMW’s brilliant i3, which now offers a ‘real-world’ range of 120 miles before the optional range-extender petrol engine kicks in.

None of this is unique to the 330e, of course, and it’s hard to deny the appeal of a fast 3 Series with such a low tax outlay. But while the i3 and i8 are showing what’s possible when you’re forward-thinking with electric vehicle technology, you could perhaps accuse the massmarket models of not trying hard enough.

SEARCH NEW MOKKA X FLEET

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. 2016-17 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. New Mokka X Design Nav (non-ecoFLEX) model illustrated features Amber Orange two-coat metallic paint (£555) and premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting (£1160), optional at extra cost. * = Includes 12 months of OnStar services from date of first registration and a 3 month/3 GB Wi-Fi free trial period (whichever comes first) effective from the date the customer accepts the nominated network operator Wi-Fi T’s&C’s. Destination download feature only operates on models fitted with Navi 900 IntelliLink satellite navigation system. The OnStar Services require activation and are subject to mobile network coverage and availability. ** = Wi-Fi Hotspot service requires account with nominated network operator. 4G is subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Charges apply after the free trial period. The OnStar subscription packages could be different from the services included in the free trial package. Check www.vauxhall.co.uk/onstar for terms and conditions, details of availability, coverage and charges. Apple CarPlay and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. † = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0870 240 4848 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (October 2016).

10:42

ROAD_FW_Toyota_C-HR_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:59 Page 1

Toyota C-HR Hybrid Hybrid drive gives Toyota an unusual entry in a fiercely competitive segment, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £20,995-£27,995 FUEL 47.9-74.3mpg CO2 86-135g/km

ew manufacturers can ignore the rapidly expanding compact crossover segment, with sales growing every year. Toyota is among the first with a petrol hybrid; the C-HR is certainly distinctive too, with Lexuslike contours in a shape that combines a coupe roofline with chunky running gear.

It’s the first car outside Japan to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, boasting a 65% stiffer chassis with components mounted lower in the frame, for improved road holding and a lower centre of gravity. It's specifically tuned for European roads and, on Spain’s smooth asphalt, the C-HR certainly delivers on the promise of a refined ride. Handling is more like a hatchback than an SUV too, with a lower seat height than some competitors.

There are two drivelines, a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol or the hybrid, which packs a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack below the rear seat. The 1.2T develops 113bhp and 107lb/ft, while the hybrid, which Toyota expects to grab up to 75% of UK sales, with the engine boosted by torque from the electric creates a combined 118bhp with 105lb/ft of torque. motors when required.

The hybrid offers a claimed combined fuel figure of up to Around town that results in smooth, quiet progress, with 74.3mpg, with emissions of just 86g/km (both the car slipping seamlessly between electric on 17” wheels). Opt for petrol power and and petrol/electric drive. Indeed only a graphic FLEET FACT those figures are still a respectable 47.9mpg on the dash signifies which power system is in and 136g/km. That put the petrol on a par use. Move away from urban streets however with similarly fuelled rivals like Nissan’s Juke and the familiar CVT drone is still present.

The C-HR hybrid and Vauxhall’s recently updated Mokka X, When cruising it’s a different story, with the offers up to while the hybrid should more than cancel out car happy to keep pace with traffic and little 74.3mpg and the potential benefits of a diesel engine. noise unless accelerating hard. Once up to 86g/km of CO2.

C-HR boasts a new hybrid system, that speed the battery is charging and the engine though marketed as a CVT (continuously barely consuming any fuel. variable transmission) is in fact a transaxle housing a There are three trim levels on offer, all of which boast single planetary gear set, with two electric motor-generplenty of equipment. The entry Icon model has dual-zone ators. This allows the C-HR to move off in electric drive, air-con, 17” alloys and Toyota’s Touch 2 multimedia system. The mid-range Excel trim adds part leather upholstery, heated front seats, keyless entry, 18” alloys and a host of electronic driver aids.

Dynamic tops the line-up with LED headlights, privacy glass and metallic paint with the option of a contrasting black roof.

Toyota is claiming potential residual values of around 45%, which should deliver some highly competitive lease and purchasing costs. Benefit-in-Kind taxation is set at just 15% and the company expects around 44% of sales to be to fleet buyers. The firm’s five-year/100,000 mile warranty is also part of the package.

Built at the company’s plant in Bursa, Turkey, Toyota is hoping to sell up to 100,000 C-HRs a year in Europe, making it an important model in the line-up. The firm wants to sell up to 16,000 C-HR in the UK, taking 15% of UK Toyota sales overall. Of that number it expects up to 75% to be the hybrid model, a unique selling point that, for now at least, most competitors simply cannot match.

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ROAD_FW_Toyota_C-HR_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:59 Page 2

what we think The 1.2T petrol engine makes a strong case for itself out of town.

But for urban drivers and those looking for a crossover with low emissions and BiK, the stylish hybrid fits the bill.

highlights C-HR Hybrid uses a planetary gear set and two electric motors within the transaxle, to provide a continuously variable transmission.

The 1.2T engine uses VVT-iW variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust valves, allowing the engine to operate in both Atkinson and Otto cycles.

Petrol 1.2T models with a conventional CVT transmission can be ordered in two-wheel or Dynamic Torque Control four-wheel drive variants.

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HONOURS_Promo_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 16:17 Page 1

events Honourable mentions Event

Fleet World Honours 2017

Venue

RAC Club, Pall Mall, London

Fleet World Date Honours Tuesday 21 February 2017 The Fleet World Honours is the annual award ceremony celebrating best manufacturers, The best fleetthe managers, cars, vans andsuppliers, suppliersinnovations inand thefleet industry will once again be celebrated managers in the industry. at our prestigious annual lunch.

Held at a prestigious lunch in the iconic RAC Club, Pall Mall, Visit www.fleetworldhonours.co.uk to seethe who won London, it provides event partners with opportunity to in 2016, and the categories open for entry in 2017. network during the day to present and potential customers, and position themselves as an integral business within the fleet industry, and a brand which is engaged with and Have you got the best new offering in your sector? committed to Honours the sector.

Then enter the Innovations on the website

SUPPLIERS!

www.eetworldhonours.co.uk and tell us about Sponsorship packages your brilliant new productsfor and services.

awards are available.

There are awards available in: SMR Accident Management Risk Management Driver Management Remarketing Fuel Saving & Management Telematics Cost Reduction Customer Service Contract Hire & Leasing Mobile Communications Daily Rental

ENTER ONLINE NOW!

Entries must be in by 21 January 2017. Full details of how to enter are available on www.fleetworldhonours.co.uk 34 / fleetworld.co.uk

TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?

TOYOTA Emissions Powder Explosion FleetWorld Full Page ARTWORK.indd 1

08/11/2016 10:31

MKT_FW_Software_Dec16 06/12/2016 15:53 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Fleet Management Software

Bynx

Bynx is a market-leading developer of software for vehicle fleet management. bynxFLEET enables leasing, fleet management and rental operators to manage vehicles, contracts, transactions and drivers and control lifecycle costs. Using the product, such companies are able to retain asset value and engage with stakeholders online. bynxFLEET provides a platform, plus the tools and applications required to run every aspect of a fleet business - whether the fleet is owned or managed on someone else’s behalf. The product provides functionality to automate and streamline processing and enables greater productivity, efficiency and utilisation. bynxNET improves the user experience and communication between dealers, customers, suppliers and drivers by bringing it all online.

Contact: Gary Jefferies sales@bynx.com

Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Chevin Fleet Solutions is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management software.

Their multi-award winning software, Chevin FleetWave®, is a web-based system used by fleet operations across the globe, proven to help businesses measure and reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance & risk requirements are met.

FleetWave is designed to meet the demands of any type of operation from any sector, by providing extremely flexible software configurations. The system manages the whole lifecycle of a fleet, from initial acquisition of a vehicle, through to the deployment, operating expenses, incidents, work orders, maintenance, legal requirements and finally disposal. This includes businesses with cars, vans, commercial vehicles, heavy machinery, plant and associated assets. Covering nearly every aspects of managing the vehicles, assets, drivers, workforce and even workshops that make up the operation.

Contact: David Gladding Sales@chevinfleet.co.uk

Drive Software Solutions Limited

DRIVE Fleet Management and Leasing software is a single generic product applicable to vehicle management requirements worldwide and which represents over 150 man-years of development by our software experts.

DRIVE is a proven product our policy of continuous product enhancements and DRIVE’s modular structure enables it to be configured to meet the precise and unique needs of each of our clients. This has been enhanced with our managed service host offering DRIVE-Direct.

DRIVE is used throughout the world by leading vehicle leasing companies, major vehicle manufacturers, and other operators of large fleets to whom we continue to provide additional services and on-going 24/7 support.

Contact: Simon West-Oliver Tel: 01438 317731 simon.west-oliver@drivesoftwaresolutions.com www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

Tel: 01773 821992 www.chevinfleet.co.uk

Jaama

Jaama’s market leading, multi award winning Key2 system is a totally integrated vehicle, asset and driver management solution covering everything from owning to disposing of vehicles, plant and asset related equipment. Recent enhancements include: V5C Suppression Module – moving fleet operators closer to a paperless environment; eConsent – remote, paperless authorisation for licence checking and Key2 Today - customisable, realtime visual reporting dashboard. Jaama - a Microsoft Gold Development Partner - continue to invest heavily to ensure the world’s only web based fleet system to use next generation .Net Microsoft ‘Smart Client’ technology – Key2 – remains visibly and functionally years ahead of the market. Designed for all fleet sizes and budgets, Jaama links users live to data providers, customers, suppliers, vehicle telematics and the DVLA. Contact: Roy Baynham enquiries@jaama.co.uk

Tel: 08448 484333 www.jaama.co.uk

Sofico NV

Sofico is an international software provider with 29 years’ experience in the industry. Sofico manages to make a difference through innovation and technological leadership.

We have a solid reputation in the market due to our extensive know-how and our track record of 35 successfully completed Miles implementations. Through continuous strategic investment our software solution, Miles, always evolves with the market both in terms of technology and functionality.

Sofico employs 200 people across its offices in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Australia and Japan and has customers in over 20 countries. Our systems help manage over 1.25 million vehicles worldwide.

Contact: Jan Bouckaert cm@sofico.be

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: +32 9 210 80 40 www.sofico.be

✔ Service provided

Service unavailable

Key to services

Is it smartphone and/ or tablet compatible?

Do you offer a KPI dashboard?

Does your system integrate with external telematics systems?

Does your system use exception reporting?

Does your system allow users to design their own reports?

Does your system include a fuel management module?

Does your fleet software provide on-line grey fleet management?

Does your system include a vehicle order tracking function?

Does your fleet software provide electronic supplier invoice reconciliation?

Does your system permit electronic download of data from suppliers?

Do you provide on-line P11D submissions to HMRC?

Is your system suitable for multiple-user networking?

Do you offer software that calculates EV wholelife costs (inc work/home charging) ?

MKT_FW_Software_Dec16 06/12/2016 16:27 Page 2

FLEETW RLD

Bynx ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Chevin Fleet Solutions ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Drive Software Solutions Limited ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Jaama ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sofico NV ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND BENEFIT TODAY.

Our exceptional choice of world-leading hybrids helps you reduce emissions and save money.

For a test drive or more information call 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cleanup

fleetworld.co.uk / 37

SWOT_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 15:22 Page 1

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

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA Keenly priced, a new face in this sector with a generally good all round package. Economy and emissions stack up on paper.

GA The brand isn’t as strong as the competition. A high level of road noise is a common observation which won’t help its cause particularly for the fleet user.

GA There is certainly room for another player in this tough sector. It’s priced keenly, drives well and some long-standing users may well fancy a change.

GA Well-established competitors with competitive rentals.

Some users won't consider the brand from the outset.

AC On list price it’s a strong argument against its peers.

Clearly targeted at the cheaper end of the market, and it accomplishes that – 440-litre boot space is excellent in this segment, the styling is OK and it’s not bad to drive either. Light steering will help around town.

MJ Aggressive retail price, the good standard of equipment includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lumbar support, Power Fold Mirrors and Adaptive Cruise. Large boot.

MW Tipo does look outstanding value, with a good CO2 number, it is certainly priced to sell.

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

AC The interior is not the best; it’s not that the materials are especially bad, it just feels dated already and the small screen is not the clearest to use and is difficult to read in sunlight,. The navigation system is also a little clunky.

MJ Interior fit is fine but plastics are rather hard and controls functional. Ride and handling return a rather unexciting drive.

MW The Tipo name has been reborn. Not sure if that is a good thing, but how many will remember the previous one, so does it matter?

AC There are more opportunities in retail with regards to older buyers that want a car to use every day with enough space to pick the grandkids up whilst also having good practicality with regards to the large boot space, etc.

MJ This is a big sector, but Tipo has a good proposition in terms of standard equipment and size for the money, so represents an interesting retail proposition.

MW Tipo, used to be called the ‘Tea-Pot’ in the good old days.

This new one is so much better, well built, so much interior space, such good value. Fleet managers should consider it for end-users.

AC Many rivals benefit from cheaper monthly rentals due to their solid followings. The biggest issue I see is getting people to look at the car and then decide. It has been out of this segment for a while and is not going to be easy for them to attract customers back.

MJ Without an established car in this sector, building sales is a big ask. The wider competition includes some really good cars and the market is super competitive. Gaining share could prove expensive.

MW This sector market is under pressure from the more practical and flexible small SUV’s, and the traditional hatch is suffering.

SWOT_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 15:23 Page 2

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Fiat Tipo

Gavin Amos (GA) Head of Valuations, CDL Vehicle Information Services

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Keen price, strong on CO2 and MPG. AC Large boot, good value for money.

MJ Well equipped and aggressively priced.

MW Outstanding value and low CO2.

GA Weaker brand than rivals. Road noise.

AC Dated cabin, clunky navigation, small screen.

MJ Unexciting to drive. Hard plastics inside.

MW People may remember the previous one.

Strengths

Nissan Pulsar Acenta 1.5 dCi 110 (plus Tech Pack)

GA Good spec with Tech Pack.

AC Very spacious interior.

MJ Huge room in the rear. Economical.

MW Tried and tested diesel engine.

Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £550

GA Lack of image has hurt the car.

Some people say it’s a little uninspiring.

AC Dull design.

MJ Interior a little dull. Competent if unexciting.

MW Hasn’t caught the imagination of fleet or even retail buyers.

Strengths

Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX Tech Line

GA The straightforward choice for many.

AC Good interior, quiet engine.

MJ Well equipped, low CO2 and low SMR costs.

MW A good all-rounder. Those who haven’t considered one, should.

Weaknesses GA Existing drivers might fancy a change.

AC Perhaps not the most exciting looking.

MJ Ride not as good as the handling.

Often overlooked.

MW Some won't look at an Astra.

Citroën C4 Cactus

Standard equipment: • DAB, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in • Sat nav with 5-inch screen • Cruise control/speed limiter • Front/rear electric windows • Rear parking sensors • Manual air conditioning • Front fog lights • 16-inch alloy wheels • AEB

OTR: £18,345 P11D: £18,290 Fuel: 78.5mpg CO2: 94g/km RV*: £5,525 (31%) BiK: 18% SMR: £1,684 Fuel costs: £4,118 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £2,469 NI: £1,514 VED: £0 Cost per month: £683

Weaknesses

Vauxhall Astra

Fiat Tipo Elite 1.6 MultiJet 120hp ECO OTR: £16,995 P11D: £16,940 Fuel: 83.1mpg CO2: 89g/km RV*: £5,625 (33%) BiK: 18% SMR: £1,863 Fuel costs: £3,819 Insurance: £2,550 Finance: £2,287 NI: £1,473 VED: £0 Cost per month: £650

Weaknesses

Nissan Pulsar

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

Strengths GA Well specced and different. Drives well.

AC Roomy, quirky looks.

MJ Good performance. Practical and versatile, a surprise success.

MW Outstanding figures on paper, looks modern and different.

Weaknesses GA Perhaps a little quirky for some.

AC Cheap feeling interior.

MJ No adjustment on steering wheel.

MW Looks a bit expensive now.

OTR: £18,815 P11D: £18,760 Fuel: 85.6mpg CO2: 88g/km RV*: £5,900 (31%) BiK: 18% SMR: £1,352 Fuel costs: £3,776 Insurance: £2,325 Finance: £2,533 NI: £1,553 VED: £0 Cost per month: £679

Standard equipment: • DDAB, CD, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in • Sat nav with 5.8-inch screen • Cruise control/speed limiter • Front/rear electric windows • Auto lights/wipers/dimmer • Dual-zone climate control • Front fog lights • 16-inch alloy wheels • AEB Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £575

Standard equipment: • DAB, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in • Sat nav with 8-inch screen • Cruise control/speed limiter • Front/rear electric windows • Auto lights • Manual air conditioning • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • 16-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £555 • OnStar £405

Citroën C4 Cactus BlueHDI 100 Feel Airdream (plus nav) OTR: £18,090 Standard equipment: P11D: £18,305 CHECK • DAB, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in Fuel: 91.1mpg • Sat nav with 7-inch screen CO2: 82g/km • Cruise control/speed limiter RV*: £5,075 (28%) • Front electric windows BiK: 18% • Front fog lights SMR: £1,556 • 16-inch alloy wheels Fuel costs: £3,550 Optional equipment: Insurance: £2,880 • Metallic paint £495 Finance: £2,471 • Auto lights, wipers, dimmer NI: £1,591 £395 VED: £0 • Rear parking sensors/camera Cost per month: £704 £395

* 3yr/60k

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IVIEW_BT Fleet_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 17:48 Page 1

INTERVIEW Richard Guest & Henry Brace, BT Fleet

Better connected Positioned within a diverse portfolio, with its own fleet as a customer and the EE mobile network, BT Fleet has all the tools to meet the challenges of today’s – and tomorrow’s – fleet management. Alex Grant finds out more.

T Group is perhaps a company few appreciate the true breadth and scale of. A business spanning not only the telecommunications business – now including the EE mobile network – but also a full suite of logistics, supply chain, and security businesses, which deliver a one stop shop for field engineering solutions.

It’s the Ventures arm into which BT Fleet, its fleet management solution, is now positioned. Recently relocated from Coventry to a new site near Solihull, shared with EE, it’s a sign that the company is looking to maximise the opportunities that the portfolio presents. And there are some interesting synergies to be found.

Henry Brace took over as managing director earlier this year, his previous roles as chief operating officer and finance director, the latter now filled by Richard Guest, and business is. In the last 12 months, it’s extended relationships with big clients, and added large newcomers to its portfolio. Its eightyear average retention rate is something Brace puts down to customer service, and there's more to come.

“About 18 months ago we were organised functionally, which gave us a great degree of experience and expertise in the products we sell, but our customers found we weren’t as attuned to their needs as they wanted us to be and we wanted to be. Now we’ve organised into hubs aligned to customers – they have names and faces they recognise, who are experts in their business and able to offer a greater degree of customer service,” he explains.

“We’ve expanded the remit of Ian Martin, our marketing director, to focus on strategy and transformation, and historically we had our sales director responsible for customer account management, but that’s split now. So our new sales director, Andrew Goodwin, focuses on new business, we have a customer account director, Cheryl

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BT Fleet finance director Richard Guest (left) with managing director Henry Brace (right).

Feely-Jones, who really is focused on our existing customers and we have a new bid and governance director, Paul Browne. The emphasis is on customer service, and that’s starting to bear fruit.”

Business is varied. BT Fleet provides a pick-and-choose fleet management, SMR and funding portfolio to its customers, which include Openreach, the AA, E.ON, Post Office, Network Rail, Environment Agency and South West Water; covering almost 120,000 vehicles. The aim, increasingly, is to offer customers whichever components they need, but to be a one-stop-shop for those who want

“The emphasis is on customer service, and that's starting to bear fruit.”

IVIEW_BT Fleet_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 17:50 Page 2

Customers, focused Produced with the AA, BT Fleet’s 2016 Operational Fleet Insight report surveyed UK fleet managers and drivers on the developments set to change their operations...

51% of fleet managers are using telematics, though 67% said they would benefit from usage advice.

55% of fleet managers surveyed feel positive about Brexit.

8% of respondents’ fleets are hybrid or electric vehicles, expected to be 30% in 10 years.

60% said ULEZs will have a strong effect on their business.

21% of drivers feel threatened by autonomous vehicles, which 41% of managers expect to have on fleet within 10 years.

it. Its expanding network of 65 garages is also seen as a core part of the proposition, and a multi-million pound project is underway to maximise throughput from its workshops.

This has meant recruiting 100 new staff this year, split evenly between technicians and apprentices, enabling 10% of sites to open 24 hours a day, five days a week. It’s adding HGV facilities, and technicians are being trained to encounter an ever-broader fleet, giving live updates via a new tablet-based workshop system. Going digital means there’s a seamless handover when work

can’t be undertaken in-house.

BT Openreach has plenty of benefits.

With a fleet including a specialist equipment, technicians are used to unusual machinery, and Guest says that’s helped attract customers: “Our garages can handle not only different manufacturers, they’re comfortable looking after things with strange bits of plant on the back of them. That’s as important to our customers as the vehicle itself.”

That doesn’t only benefit the workshops. BT Fleet is managing the ongoing replacement of 8,500 BT Openreach vehicles; experience it’s already been able to

pass on. From the intricacies of buying decisions for the vehicles and logistics of switching engineers into them, means it knows what its customers are going through, first hand.

“We have a huge presence in cash in transit utilities,” Brace explains. “Every minute they’re not on the road really damages their operation, and we understand that because that’s what Openreach is about. Because of that mission critical nature they are especially focused on health and safety. “[Health and safety is] a big part of our core values, we really believe in it, but it’s also a differentiator in the marketplace. We nurse carefully our accreditations, but we’re not resting on our laurels, we’re now a member of RoSPA, we’ve been a member of Van Excellence and are embarking on Truck Excellence as the FTA moves in that direction.”

The wider BT Group plays a role; Brace sees the acquisition of EE’s high-speed 4G data network as a particular asset for a business which is, by its nature, mobile.

But it isn’t only networking in the electronic sense that’s helping customers. The company holds annual events at the BT Tower in London to enable customers to share ideas, and that’s backed by regular customer clubs for ongoing discussions. It’s proved popular offering the opportunity for customers to collaborate on solutions and find out how BT Fleet is lobbying on the issues that affect them.

“If you put a lot of customers together and you’re not delighting them it can be a destructive thing to do,” says Brace. “But we’re glad that we did it, because these events are now being run by customers.

They’re asking each other what they want, and we’re helping to work with them.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, technology is high on the agenda, and customers are wanting apps. Brace says the company's first will be a daily defect check with links to its workshops for easier bookings and accident management.

“It will give a much more mobile and interactive experience which is what you would expect from a company like BT which has EE on its side.”

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FEATURE_Telematics_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:04 Page 1

FEATURE Telematics

INFORMATION

OVERLOAD Increased use of telematics is generating more data on drivers than ever before, but companies must be prepared to analyse and act upon the data – or face legal consequences. Julian Kirk reports.

he exponential rise in the adoption of telematics by companies is raising vital questions that every fleet manager should have answers to.

With the devices generating reams of data, there is a growing onus on those controlling fleet operations to ensure that they are acting on this information and not ignoring ticking timebombs which could land them, and their business, in court.

With telematics technology moving ahead rapidly (take-up has almost doubled in less than a year, with 65% of businesses now using the devices, according to the RAC Telematics Report 2016), there is more data about drivers and their habits being created than ever before. But the challenge for fleet managers is to interpret and use this data to ensure they, their drivers and their companies comply with the law.

Doug Jenkins, in his role as manager, risk control – motor, at insurance firm AXA, has noted a trend of fleets not acting upon the data provided. He said: “It is like any information companies have on a driver; if they are aware that the driver is driving for business and is, for instance, consistently exceeding speed limits, then this information must be acted on. The

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same applies if they carry out a driver risk assessment and it comes back as a high risk – they must act on it.

“My advice would be to turn the table on these issues and ensure they have a process, policy and resource to deal with the output before they embark on any actions.

“If a driver has an accident that attracts the police, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or any other agency, they can seize any information or data that is available for that driver. This can be written files, such as assessment results or a licence check, and data from a camera or telematics.

“You can imagine the scenario where a driver is involved in a serious accident and is charged with dangerous or reckless driving and the employer has data that shows they have been driving badly for a long time and the employer has done nothing with it – both would be facing serious consequences. So if they have any form of information about a driver, they must make sure that they do something with it and action it.”

ACFO chairman John Pryor agrees, saying there is an ‘obligation’ for companies to act on telematics data. He added: “Telematics produces reams of data – if

there is an accident and the driver is shown to be speeding before, then the company may have to answer more questions.

“Telematics is great but you must have processes in place to deal with the data generated and be prepared to act on that data.

“If you have a speeding driver, what do you do with the information? If you’re not going to do something, then why have telematics in the first place? Are you then culpable as well?

There are also insurance issues as well as corporate manslaughter legislation – ‘you did nothing with the data… why not?’.”

RAC Telematics managing director Nick Walker recognises that there is a potential issue with fleet managers becoming overwhelmed with data. He said: “The devices do generate a lot of data, which is something we are very conscious of because a fleet manager or business vehicle owner does not want to be overwhelmed with data, as it becomes meaningless if it’s not serving their purpose.

“It’s important for fleet managers to work with their supplier to understand exactly what data streams are

→

FEATURE_Telematics_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:04 Page 2

“Telematics is great but you must have processes in place to deal with the data generated and be prepared to act on that data.”

TELEMATICS... and the law The BVRLA’s legal guru, director of policy and membership Jay Parmar, sets out where companies stand from a legal perspective…

Where do fleet managers stand when it comes to the data they are given from telematics? Are they obliged to act on the findings if it reveals poor driving or more serious offences? And what are the legal implications of ignoring frequent offenders?

There is no specific legal obligation on fleet managers to act on data collected from telematics devices, though best practice is to use this data as part of employee training. However, if a company car driver had an accident while driving on business, which resulted in injury or death, and it became apparent that a telematics device had shown poor driving (e.g. regular speeding) which had been ignored by the fleet manager, the employer could be guilty of an offence under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. What information are fleet managers obliged to reveal to the police or HSE and what do they not have to reveal?

When can this data be accessed by police, and how much can they access?

Fleet managers do not have to voluntarily declare any data from telematics devices, but the police can request any data via a court order in relation to the prevention or detection of crime. If a rental or leasing company is approached by the police, who have a court order for data which is stored on a tachograph, tracker or telematics device, they can release the data if available without informing the customer or obtaining their consent.

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

FEATURE_Telematics_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:04 Page 3

FEATURE Telematics

INFORMATION OVERLOAD to be most beneficial for them and → going their type of business. That’s why it’s

important to understand customer need when it comes to managing the data generated, and how they want that presented, i.e. as an app for individual drivers or on a dashboard as part of a management system, or both.

“As an employer you also have a duty of care towards your staff when dealing with the information being generated.

For example, if a driver breaks the speed limit or is involved in an accident, the information will immediately be sent to the fleet manager, or whoever is set up to receive the data.

“As part of their duty of care, an employer is obliged to advise a staff member of their legal responsibilities as a driver of one of their vehicles, and also to prevent that employee from putting themselves at risk of injury or accident by making them aware of their speeding incidents, if they occur.

“It is an area where HR departments and business owners need to be up to speed with the latest regulations, and to ensure there is a clear policy in place, because essentially the telematics unit now gives the employer much more visibility and awareness of employee activity behind the wheel once they’re off site.”

Corporate manslaughter fines revised upwards New sentencing guidelines came into effect earlier this year, with fines of up to £20 million for companies convicted under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

The potential fines on conviction are broken down into four sections, based on a company’s turnover, and range from £180,000 for a ‘micro organisation’ with a turnover of up to £2 million, up to £20 million for a large organisation turning over more than £50 million.

Within these guidelines, the courts will be asked to view ‘aggravating factors’, such as ‘deliberate concealment of illegal nature of activity’, obstruction of justice and a poor health and safety record. Factors which can be used in mitigation include ‘a high level of cooperation with the investigation’, effective health and safety procedures, and evidence of steps taken to remedy the problem.

While a £20 million fine will be a rarity, the guidelines state menacingly: “the fine must be sufficiently substantial to have a real economic impact which will bring home to management and shareholders the need to achieve a safe environment for workers and members of the public affected by their activities.”

Courts may also choose to add further punishments, including publicity orders and compensation payments to victims.

CASE STUDY Inside2Outside Canopy company Inside2Outside (I2O) has succeeded in changing driver behaviour in regards to speeding after installing telematics devices across its fleet.

The firm estimates staff speeding has reduced by around 20% since installing Crystal Ball’s FleetTracker system and the Driver ID bolt-on which enables I2O to highlight driver performance, including any speeding events or any other motoring offences, allowing any fines or penalties to be allocated correctly.

General manager Vanessa Reed said: “I2O can now ensure a safer workforce on Britain’s roads, helping to maintain clean driving licences, prevent speeding penalties and reduce vehicle wear and tear.

“As a result, our use of Crystal Ball has also resulted in improved fuel consumption. Scheduled reports allow me to address speeding instances with the driver to prevent future incidents and this has definitely had a positive impact on driver behaviour.”

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

TELEMATICS in numbers 51% of fleet managers say their organisation uses telematics.

67% of fleet managers say their business would benefit from advice on how to use their telematics data.

59% of fleet managers are likely to increase their spending on telematics in the next few years.

27% of fleet managers use telematics to provide evidence for disciplining drivers.

29% use it to reward drivers.

Source: BT Fleet/AA Operational Fleet Insight 2016 Report

ADVERT_FW subs_IFW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 18:41 Page 1

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EST AWARDS_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:00 Page 1

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

Emissions Control Increasingly varied in its entries, the Energy Saving Trust’s 2016 Fleet Hero Awards celebrated the public and private sector organisations achieving safer, more economical, and cost-effective fleets, and the innovations driving their impressive results. →

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

EST AWARDS_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:00 Page 2

EVENTS Fleet Hero Awards

→ And the winners were...

Andrew Jones MP with Luke Stanbridge and Sam Cornwall from Z-Tech.

Best Business Sector Fleet Z-Tech Control Systems Andrew Jones MP with Jon Stansfield, Phil Eaves, George Cave and Gemma Matthews from Farmdrop.

Ultra-Low Emission Fleet Farmdrop Farmdrop’s fleet of 10 electric vans delivers fresh farm produce, ordered online, to customers in London. Electromobility was core to the business case, the company planning its routes around their 70-mile real-world range, flexible deliveries and rapid charging, always running them full and using sustainable lambswool insulation instead of energy-sapping refrigeration on board.

A programme of continuous improvement at Z-Tech, backed by an EST Fleet Review in 2009 and followup in 2014, has created a company-wide culture of improving efficiency. It’s downsizing vans or switching to electric models where possible, incentivising ULEVs as company cars, while software-based training ensures employee buy-in for more efficient driving, cutting CO2 and accident rates.

Andrew Jones MP with Andrew Brown and Steven Thompson from West Yorkshire Police.

Best Public Sector Fleet West Yorkshire Police

Andrew Jones MP with Graham Telfer from Gatsehead Council and Ross Midgley from Enterprise-Rent-A-Car.

Grey Fleet Management Gateshead Council

Efficiency gains for blue light fleets are a difficult achievement, and West Yorkshire Police continues to impress. It’s optimised its fleet using telematics and geofencing, introduced more efficient vehicles, cut grey fleet and overall mileage using pool cars and econferencing, and is actively promoting alternative transport where possible.

In the last 10 years, Gateshead Council has managed to cut grey fleet mileage by 33%. Staff are encouraged to use discounted public transport and cycle facilities where possible, and over 400 have signed up to the council’s car sharing scheme.

Its 18 pool vehicles include hybrids and EVs, with solar panels and charging points installed for further carbon reductions.

Lauren Stewart from BMW with Andrew Jones MP.

Vehicle Manufacturer BMW

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

BMW was a pioneer of fuel-saving technology, and continues to lead. Its range spans low-carbon petrol and diesel models, fully electric cars and now a growing line-up of plug-in hybrids which are both desirable and economical, featuring standard satellite navigation and ECO PRO drive modes to maximise efficiency. Backed by improvements to the manufacturing process, it’s a worthy winner.

EST AWARDS_FW_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 13:00 Page 3

Andrew Jones MP with Roy Smith and Jovan Balach from Drive DeVilbiss and Fleet World editor Alex Grant.

Fuel-efficient Driving Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Formerly known as Park House Healthcare, Drive DeVilbiss offers logistics solutions for the healthcare sector, and has expanded significantly since 2009. Yet, implementing measures including driver training, telematics, route and load planning, have resulted in a 44% improvement in fuel economy, with reduced speeding offenses and lower SMR costs too.

Actor Robert Llewellyn with Chris Beattie from WEGO.

Innovation Award WEGO Couriers and InterCity Rail Freight

Andrew Jones MP with Stuart Brunger from Magenta Technology.

Fleet Supplier Magenta Technology Advanced route planning and fleet optimisation software has traditionally focused on large fleets, but Magenta’s Maxoptra solution brings those same advantages to SMEs – claimed to be 90% of the UK fleet sector, and a big opportunity to cut CO2 emissions. It’s low risk, easily implemented and flexible for organisations without dedicated fleet managers, and typical mileage reduction is 10-15%.

An innovative partnership between a first and last mile courier and rail freight company which is offering fast, eco-friendly and cost-effective delivery of goods into London. Growing demand from businesses where fragility and time-sensitivity are vital has helped deliver a 195-tonne CO2 reduction during 2015, compared to using diesel vans, and WEGO’s own fleet consumption is monitored too.

Andew Jones MP with John Gorton from Essex Police and Kent Police.

Actor Robert Llewellyn with Ruth Lees and James Brass from City of Bradford Council.

Air Quality Initiative City of Bradford The City of Bradford has an ongoing project to monitor and improve local air quality. As well as rolling out its own EVs, a cycle superhighway and travel hierarchy for staff, it’s planning a widespread charging network of 2,500 stations, retrofitting buses with exhaust aftertreatment systems and supporting plug-in taxis. It’s also cut CO2 by 332 tonnes between 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Unsung Fleet Hero John Gorton, Essex Police & Kent Police As Head of Transport for Essex Police and Kent Police, John Gorton has delivered almost £5m in fleet savings over the last two years. Fleet-wide telematics will be rolled out by the end of 2016, he’s removed under-used assets, deployed greener vehicles, cut grey fleet mileage and shed five million miles of unnecessary travel with more to come. He’s also an advocate, running his own 99g/km car.

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

TAXATION_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 18:20 Page 1

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

It’s time to get into the detail Multi-vehicle replacements are never as simple as just getting the cheapest quote, explains Professor Colin Tourick.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

TAXATION_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 18:21 Page 2

must have been asked this question dozens of times over the years. Typically, the person asking the question is someone in a medium-size company with responsibility for finance, procurement or human resources and who hasn’t had much responsibility for running a car fleet. Their company has a fleet of cars, they need to replace a certain number of them over the next 12 months, they are cost-conscious and may have been asked to reduce the amount spent on the fleet by 5-10%.

They believe their problem will be solved if they can just find the cheapest leasing company.

My typical answer to the question is that the cheapest leasing company doesn't exist, and that even if it did I couldn't recommend it because the client would soon discover that signing up with them would not minimise their costs. That response always elicits a frown, at which point I find myself embarking on a long explanation, which goes something like this: “Let's imagine that we produce a list today of all of the cars that you will need to replace in the next 12 months and that we send it out to every leasing company and leasing broker in the country. We will receive back a series of quotes showing the monthly rentals payable for those cars if they were to be supplied today. We could add up the total rentals for each supplier, rank them in order and we would find that one was definitely the cheapest.

“Let's now say that you decide to sign up with that supplier. As you come to order those cars over the next 12 months you will discover those prices will have changed. This could be because of changes in the manufacturer’s list price, the discounts the leasing company receives from the manufacturer and/or dealer, the leasing company’s cost of funds, their view of the likely cost to maintain those vehicles over three or four years, their view of the disposal values of those vehicles at the end of the lease or a combination of any of these. So the leasing company that offers the cheapest prices today may well not be offering the cheapest prices when you actually come to order the vehicles.

“It also doesn't make much sense to try to go out to tender for your requirements more frequently – say once a quarter or once a month – because you will end up with a fleet supplied by a hotchpotch of suppliers, will lose the ability to pool mileage across all of your vehicles and you will face an administrative nightmare.”

The problem here is that we started off with the wrong question. Rather than asking which leasing company is the cheapest, we should be asking which leasing company can minimise the client’s costs. To answer this question we have to dig deeper – and the tender process should be designed to find the leasing company most willing to help us to do so.

This is a list of good questions to ask a potential supplier if you wish to minimise your fleet costs. Space only permits the inclusion of those things relating to the supply and maintenance of the vehicle, though you should also include questions about the reduction of fleet risk and the supply of additional services such as hire cars, online tools to help you monitor the fleet, feeds of data into your internal systems, etc.

I

You should choose a leasing company that will give you the best answers to these questions: 1. How many vehicles should we be running? Do we need all of the cars we have at the moment? Would it be more cost-effective to move some employees out of company cars and give them a cash allowance? Could we find better ways to manage journeys to reduce the need for some cars, vans and/or the mileage they cover?

2. If we are to provide a cash allowance for some employees, how much should we pay?

3. How should we decide which cars to allocate to each employee/employee grade?

4. Which vans should we be operating?

5. Should we set a CO2 limit for all cars (to save tax and National Insurance for the employer/employee)? If so, what should the limit be?

6. Should we choose vehicles from a restricted list of manufacturers?

7. How long should we keep our vehicles and how many miles should we build into the lease?

8. Which finance product/s should we use?

9. Which is the optimum financing solution for a company with our tax/VAT position?

10.Should we include budgeted maintenance in the lease rental?

11. How should we manage fuel cost reimbursement and what reimbursement rate should we pay?

12. What rules should we build around the use of the vehicles?

For example, should we charge employees for damage, allow their family members to drive company vehicles, etc?

13. Should our vehicles be serviced at franchised dealers or independent garages?

14. Should we fit premium, mid-range or economy tyres? Should we fit lower-grade tyres in the last few months of a lease?

15. What work should we allow to be carried out during the last six months of the lease?

16. How proactively will the leasing company monitor our fleet policy and will they routinely come forward with ideas to minimise our costs?

17. Will the leasing company offer us open book pricing and a profit share on residual values and maintenance?

18. Will they commit to fixing the key elements of their prices and submit to external benchmarking?

19. Will they commit to a detailed service level agreement designed to ensure the smooth management of the fleet whilst minimising your internal administration?

20. Can they guarantee a smooth implementation process?

The winner of your tender process should be the company that designs the most elegant and cost-effective solution, tailored to your individual needs. This will give you a sustainable cost advantage.

Professor Colin Tourick MSc FCA FCCA MICFM University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 51

LTT_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 16:57 Page 1

our fleet SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive GREAT, another relatively low-powered soft roader! On paper at least, the move from Kia Sportage to SEAT Ateca should have gone almost unnoticed. A similar 1.6-litre diesel engine, putting out an almost identical 115hp and a slightly lower 184lb/ft of torque, pushing along 1.5-tonnes of two-wheel drive crossover.

How wrong can you be? Chalk and cheese! SEAT’s entry into the compact SUV market has been much heralded, with Ateca ads on the back of every magazine on the WH Smith rack. Our car’s retina-searing Samoa Orange launch colour also ensures that the Spanish firm’s riff on parent company VW’s Tiguan doesn’t go unnoticed.

You sit lower in the Ateca, supported by a relatively grippy seat and that semi-sporty feeling is undiminished when you start to drive. Forget lumbering SUV, the SEAT drives like a warm hatch, with quick-witted steering and handling that makes the long way home a realistic proposition again.

The Ateca is actually around 125kg lighter than the Kia and it shows, both in driving response and at the fuel pumps. Even with just a few thousand miles on the clock, it’s returning around 50mpg, admittedly against a claimed 65.7mpg. But that’s almost 10mpg more than the Sportage ever achieved in our hands. CO2 emissions are also down, to just 113g/km.

SEAT seems to have done its sums well too, with our

Ecomotive Ateca listing at just £21,900 on the road. Of course the press office has added a host of options to our car, costing a not insignificant £4,180, but we’ll report on those in the coming months. Early plus points include a winter pack with heated seats and a set of full LED headlights though.

SEAT may have come a bit late to the compact SUV party, but on the strength of the first month with this Ateca, it is aiming high.

Dan Gilkes

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI S line 190 PS S tronic SO the A4 Avant has gone back after a highly successful six months. After it had gone, I jumped in another car (which shall not be named) to do my usual commute to the Fleet World offices.

Three things struck me immediately: no Apple CarPlay meant if felt like going back to the dark ages after the Audi.

I couldn’t access all my music, podcasts and Apple mapping and so it felt a much less personalised environment. Then, in the endless traffic jams of the A1 southbound, the active cruise control of this new car had all the subtlety of kids driving dodgems. The latest Audi system is so much more nuanced, with the braking and acceleration smoother and more progressive than any other system I’ve tried.

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

The thing is the seats. I had specified the high quality leather S Line seats when speccing the car, and I was a bit concerned they might prove to be overly firm. But over 10,000 miles, including two very long trips into deepest France, they turned out to be remarkably comfortable, to the point I only noticed how good they were when they were gone and my bum was perched on inferior chairs.

So the A4 is a fabulous company car. It has proved to be remarkably high quality and feels extremely premium.

While Audi extends its reach into all sorts of sectors at the lower end of the market, the A4 reminds you that all its cars are built to the standard of luxury machines, no matter what the price.

A postscript to my moan last month about the size of the 40-litre fuel tank though. I had an email from Andrew Fletcher, business development manager at Audi Northampton. He said: “All my customers get their cars upgraded to larger AdBlue and fuel tanks free of charge, although in the case of the quattro the AdBlue tanks remain the same due to space.”

Definitely worth doing, I’d say. The A4 we had was on 19 inch wheels which didn’t help economy (along with my driving) and I averaged around 50mpg. So the larger 60 litre tank will significantly cut the number of stops for fuel.

All in all, we’d heartily recommend the A4 Avant. It might not look a great deal different to the old car, but it is a huge leap forward in every other way.

Steve Moody

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our fleet Skoda Superb SE L Executive Greenline III Estate

Kia Sportage 3 1.7 CRDi IT seemed a fitting end to our six months with the Sportage that it should spend some time sharing a driveway with my own family car; a 2014-model in almost an identical spec. Despite the near-identical silhouette, and a very familiar driving position, the two cars feel very different.

For a start, Kia now seems to be better benchmarking European rivals on dynamics and refinement. Ride quality is noticeably better on rough roads, it’s more sure-footed while cornering and the steering is better weighted. It’s also far quieter, especially from cold, with less vibration through the cabin with the engine running. So it feels more substantial.

Side by side, it’s also interesting to see where extra space has been liberated. The rear bench is more sculpted, and more comfortable too, and the boot is a little larger even with a spare wheel underneath. Things you notice when, like us, you’re carrying two young kids and only leaving the kitchen sink at home.

Drivers have noticed. The old Sportage had a record year in its final 12 months on sale. Between February and October, the new one outsold it by 50%. There are plenty of reasons for new and existing customers to take note.

Alex Grant

the figures

THE Superb keeps on racking up the miles, now showing 7,854 after a fair bit of recent activity. Interestingly, the fuel consumption appears to have taken a turn for the worse, slipping out of the 60s mpg. The onboard computer tracks fuel consumption since the last fill-up, from the start and long-term.

The system suggests that ‘From the Start’, means from 41 miles and long-term from 3,816 miles, although I am not sure why these mileages were chosen. It shows that since the beginning, the car has been averaging around 52mpg, while in the long-term it is around 59mpg, so 60mpg is still close by and it must be returning over 60mpg on longer drives to be reaching such an overall average. As yet, I have not had to top up the AdBlue tank. According to the handbook, AdBlue consumption should be between 0.8 – 1.2l/1000km – 2,350-3,530mpg and the AdBlue tank holds around 13 litres. On that basis, I should need to fill up fairly soon.

Otherwise, the car continues to perform faultlessly. I suspect the falling fuel consumption is a measure of my occasional frustration with the Greenline gearing, which means that holding on to the lower gears is necessary if you want to accelerate briskly, because the higher gears are all quite long, designed to improve motorway fuel consumption, which is very effective once you are up to cruising speed, but not so helpful if you want to press on. Overall, the Superb continues to be superb.

John Kendall

OTR PRICE £26,715 POWER 120hp @ 3,600rpm TORQUE 184lbft @ 1,600rpm 0-62mph 11.1 seconds TOP SPEED 128mph COMBINED MPG 76.3mpg CO2 96g/km (19% BiK)

Keep up with all the latest daily fleet news at fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk / 55

LTT_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 18:17 Page 3

our fleet Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 HSE Luxury 180hp Auto

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging

the figures IT feels like Christmas has come early with the arrival of our new Land Rover Discovery Sport long termer.

If I was still putting pen to paper for Santa, then many of the key features of the baby Disco would be on my list: sevenseat versatility with a fairly compact footprint, a premium badge, competitive pricing and strong driving dynamics.

And although it’s nearly two years since the model was launched, we’ve benefited from the time gap. For fleets, the appeal of the Discovery Sport, which replaced the Freelander, was slightly blunted at launch as it was only available with the 2.2-litre SD4 diesel engine. This has now been replaced with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Ingenium diesel covering two outputs: the 148bhp E-Capability (Land Rover’s badging for its most economical models) and the 178bhp model on test here.

With 129g/km and combined mpg of

57.7, the lowerOTR PRICE powered engine is £43,400 the most economPOWER ical for company 180hp @ 4,000rpm car drivers but it’s TORQUE 317lbft @ 1,750rpm not available with 0-62mph seven seats, so it 8.4 seconds loses what it gains TOP SPEED in my eyes.

117mph Instead we’ve got COMBINED MPG the 178bhp version 53.3mpg with its 139g/km and CO2 139g/km (19% BiK) 53.3mpg; competitive enough figures when you take into account its four-wheel drive capabilities – which come as standard across the range – and a 1,884kg kerb weight.

Our test model also comes in HSE Luxury trim, which features a wealth of kit that we look forward to testing over the next six months.

Natalie Middleton

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Alphacity BMW 116d I have to admit, I was a little sceptical about relying upon a key card, controlled remotely, when you’re potentially 150 miles from the office, in the middle of nowhere and really don’t want to be stranded. But a month into our time with the AlphaCity BMW has convinced me (and the rest of the team in the office) that this is the way forward.

Having experienced one little glitch early on, which I’m ashamed to say was down to OE (operator error) on my part, it’s been pretty much plain sailing. The online booking system is easy enough for even the most technophobic employee to navigate around and as 56 / fleetworld.co.uk

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long as the instructions and the right process is followed...ahem... it’s simply a brilliant way to keep staff – who would otherwise be using their own cars. The car’s connectivity is great too.

Luke Wikner

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Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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IAM RoadSmart Tel: 020 8996 9600 www.iamroadsmart.com

www.soficoservices.com

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

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

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.cardinus.com

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

14:14

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Tel:+3292018040

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk

www.billplant.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

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

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Sofico NV

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

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Page 1

November 2014

FLEETW RLD FLEETW RLD November 2014

All that matters in

the world of fleet

All that matters in the world of fleet

interview

Michael O’Shea of

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

Volkswagen

stopping power

Why fleets should

stopping power

check their brakes

Why fleets should check their brakes

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk MODE MODELPUPIL LPUPIL Behind the wheel

of Tesla’s remarkable

Model S

Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

2014 2014 MPG Marathon 100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate? The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

misfuelling

contact

fuel management

AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email

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

MPG Marathon 100mpg in real-world driving from a C-segment estate?

The UK’s premier economy event sees if it’s possible...

fleetworld.co.uk fleetworld.co.uk

tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

telematics & tracking

www.quartix.net

TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Tel: 0870 013 6663 Fleetmatics Tel: 0800 975 4566 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 01932 504300 www.airmaxremote.com

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

ADVTL_ALD_FW_Dec16 06/12/2016 16:29 Page 1

greener fleets

A positive message The Autumn Statement may have had a few surprises up its sleeve but for businesses willing to embrace ultra-low emission vehicles, there was a broadly positive message, says Matt Dale, Consultancy Services Manager at ALD Automotive.. his year’s Autumn Statement may have its detractors but, from a fleet perspective, there were several announcements that were generally good news, including the freeze on fuel duty and the roads investment.

But the biggest message of all to take away was the Government’s continued drive on lowering fleet CO2 emissions through revisions to company car tax.

With over 50% of new car registrations in the UK going to fleets, it’s encouraging to see the Chancellor’s recognition of the role that the company car market plays in driving ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) take-up, as shown by the new bands for company car tax. As of April 2020, 15 new bandings will be introduced, of which 11 will be for ULEVS. Vehicles rated at under 50g/km will use both the CO2 emissions and the electric range to determine the company car tax. And any vehicle under 90g/km will be better off under the new regime.

Of course the intended result of all this will be to drive fleets to procure ULEVs in far greater numbers, with longer-term positive effects across the UK car parc as such vehicles hit the used market.

And there was more positive news with the announcement of a £390m investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and connected vehicles – including £80m for charging infrastructure, plus the 100% first year capital allowances for workplace EV charging available from now until March 2019. Coupled with the recently announced Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), whereby businesses can apply to claim £300 for each socket up to a maximum of 20 across all sites for each application, this provides a significant incentive for companies to go ‘ultra low’.

And of course there was further encouragement to go green with the news that ULEVs of 75g/km and under will be exempt from the push to remove tax advantages for most salary sacrifice schemes, including cars. The salary sacrifice mechanism already favours those choosing the most efficient vehicles and this will heighten this.

There are some downsides of course. Higher-emission cars will lose some of their tax benefits under salary sacrifice. but nevertheless we still believe that such schemes will

T

Contact ALD Automotive:

58 / advertisement feature

t 037000 111 81

continue to offer employees savings through corporate discounts, reclaimed VAT, employee National Insurance savings and the employee does not require any credit checks or large deposits for a new car.

And the Government has now signalled its plans to remove tax benefits on cash-or-car schemes, meaning companies will need to revisit their fleet policies and possibly rethink their strategies.

The push to incentivise ULEVs through both company car tax and salary sacrifice may also have some implications for employers seeking to provide practical, fit-for-purpose cars for employees that also fit within current grade structures.

For this reason, the Autumn Statement will make it expedient for all fleets to review their vehicle choice lists to ensure they’re factoring in future tax considerations – and this requires the use of a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach.

Only by using TCO as a platform to select vehicles – using expert consultants such as ALD Automotive’s own Consultancy Services team – can fleets be sure that they see the full cost picture, including future BiK charges. This can then aid with identifying those vehicles that fit their business needs while still attracting lower tax.

Of course there are other actions that fleets can take to help mitigate any financial impact of the Autumn Statement.

Although the news of moves to target combat “whiplash culture” in the UK is much welcome, the increase in Insurance Premium Tax, which follows two recent rises, is expected to hit fleets if passed on by insurers. Nonetheless, by implementing a comprehensive road risk management programme – aided by the use of telematics systems such as ALD’s award-winning ProFleet2 technology – fleets can work with their insurers to help manage their premiums.

And while the fuel duty freeze – now the longest for 40 years – is much welcome, fleets are reminded that fuel prices remain volatile and that proactive fuel management, helped by their use of telematics and fuel cards, should very much remain on their agenda.

Overall, the message remains as always that with continued reviews of their policies, businesses can help futureproof their fleets.

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

VFW_LEAD_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 16:38 Page 1

VAN

December 2016

FLEETW RLD

p60

at a glance driven...

FORS holds its first national members conference

Renault Kangoo // Citroën Dispatch XS

plus...

First impressions of Volkswagen’s new front wheel drive Crafter

vanfleetworld.co.uk

VFW_NEWS_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 15:32 Page 1

inbusiness Growing membership adopts FORS ORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has held the first FORS Members Conference, attended by more than 350 transport professionals. The organisation recently updated its operating procedures, launching the FORS Standard 4.0, and the conference provided the opportunity for members to better understand the changes to the document.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the amount of support the event has had,” said John Hix, FORS director.

“It was fantastic to see so many FORS members under one roof, all united with the aim of improving the logistics industry and implementing key changes into their fleets.”

The conference included an update from CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety), talks on work-related risk and a look at safety and sustainability within the freight industry. It also celebrated several membership milestones, including the accreditation of the 4,000th member company.

Originally formed by Transport for London (TfL) in 2008, FORS has gone on to become a stand-alone national voluntary accreditation scheme, with more than 60% of members now based outside the London area. In fact there are currently more than 4,300 member companies across the UK, of which 3,500 fleets run

inshort

F

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

TCO leads to Renault vans as well as trucks. In total FORS believes that more than 45,000 LCVs are now covered by the scheme and FORS provides specific van training for those fleets, under its Van Smart initiative.

“FORS was driven to improve professional standards,” said chairman of the Governance and Standard Advisory Group, Steve Agg (pictured above).

“It brings responsibility, but it also brings advantages. If operational activity is improved, so too is your service to your customers. Membership of FORS gives companies a tangible means to show that they care, as FORS is an obvious opportunity to differentiate.”

FORS is keen to attract van fleets as well as heavier haulage operators. Further expansion of the scheme is planned, with a steady flow of companies signing up to the accreditation process.

“There’s been a programme of continuous growth within FORS and I don’t see that changing in the next few years,” said Mr Agg.

Van Excellence Report launched he Freight Transport Association has launched its Van Excellence Report 2016-17, analysing the sector and the positive contribution that it makes to the economy. While acknowledging the continued growth of the van fleet, with more than four million LCVs now working on UK roads, the FTA report recognised a lack of professional transport skills in many of those running van operations.

“We want to ensure that van operators take safety and compliance as seriously as those running HGV fleets. This requires a cultural change in order to shake off the traditional van driver image and transform the sector into a professional industry,” said Mark Cartwright, FTA’s head of vans.

“All too often a company’s van fleet isn’t seen as part of its health and safety

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commitment – yet driving is one of the most dangerous activities that most people undertake at work. FTA’s Van Excellence programme can help operators to fully understand their obligations to their employees, customers and other road users, sharing good practice and helping them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.”

The report notes that there is a possibility that vans will be more heavily regulated in the future. However, both industry and enforcement agencies are keen to promote voluntary self-regulation in the van sector.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is one organisation that has recognised that industry accreditation schemes will play an important part in improving compliance standards in the sector.

Office supply provider Lyreco has added 172 Renault Master vans to its fleet. The company engaged ERA Fleet Cost Management to manage a tender between manufacturers and the contract was awarded to Renault on the basis of the firm’s lower whole life costs.

The long wheelbase, medium height vans are powered by the 135hp version of Renault’s 2.3-litre diesel engine and have been specified in Business trim. Leased through Fraikin, the vans have been supplied by Greenhous Renault in Shrewsbury.

Custom-made options Ford’s six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission can now be ordered in the Transit Custom and its Tourneo people carrier stablemate. Tourneo can also be ordered with the firm’s new air rear suspension system. At the same time, Ford has announced a new version of its popular Sports series Custom, based around the new 170hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, and a range of Colour Edition vans.

Vivaro food vans Three Vauxhall dealers in London (Now, Tony Le Voi and GO Vauxhall) have provided two Vivaro vans to City Harvest, a charity that provides food that would otherwise have been disposed of to homeless and vulnerable people. City Harvest will use the refrigerated vans to collect surplus food from the food industry and distribute it to homeless shelters and soup kitchens throughout the Capital.

ROAD_VFW_Citroen_Dispatch_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 15:04 Page 1

Citroën Dispatch XS Citroën’s Dispatch XS offers new market opportunities, says Dan Gilkes.

hen Citroën took the wraps off the new Dispatch earlier this year, it unveiled a completely overhauled mid-weight model. More than that though, the firm broadened the van’s appeal, by offering a far wider range of sizes and capacities.

The two long wheelbase M and XL models compete in familiar territory for Citroën, but the smaller XS model should open new doors. The compact XS van picks up where the smaller Berlingo finishes, with an overall length of just 4.6m long. However it delivers a larger 4.6m3 load volume, with a load length of 2,162mm.

The XS model is available with a choice of 95hp and 115hp versions of Citroën’s 1.6litre BlueHDi engine, or the more powerful 120hp 2.0-litre. Engine size has an impact on carrying capability though, with the 1.6litre vans offering a payload of around 1,000kg, while the bigger engine can haul as much as 1,400kg.

Despite the power on offer, this 95hp engine provides more than enough get up and go for a van of this size. It boasts a healthy 210Nm of torque too. However, while all other models use a six-speed manual gearbox, the 95hp engine only gets five forward ratios.

That’s fine for urban work, butfor longer distance trips the six-speed box with the 115hp engine might be a better bet.

The six-speed vans come with Start&Stop as standard too, helping them to emit less CO2 than the 95hp engine, though 144g/km is reasonable for a van of this size. We ran this van on the 2016 MPG Marathon and it returned a highly commendable 54.7mpg

W

what we think New Dispatch offers improved economy, increased load carrying capacity and a superior driver environment.

specification MODEL

Citroën Dispatch XS BlueHDi 95 Enterprise BASIC PRICE £18,845 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,560 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 94PS @ 3,750rpm TORQUE 210Nm @ 1,500rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,610 KERB WEIGHT 1,510 PAYLOAD 1,100 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,000 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,162 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,628 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,397 LOAD VOLUME 4.6 m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 144g/km/51.4mpg OIL CHANGE 2 year/20,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles

over two days of driving, but it may well have done even better with another gear ratio to help drop the revs at cruising speeds.

An entry-level power output needn’t result in a poverty trim level though. The XS van can be ordered with the base X trim or the higher Enterprise specification. You can’t have the new range-topping Enterprise Plus trim with this engine though.

The Enterprise specification includes electric windows, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. You also get a steel Moduwork bulkhead with a flap that allows for longer loads, up to 3.32m in the case of the XS, to be loaded through under the passenger seat.

If the Dispatch exterior looks bang up to date, then existing customers will love the interior. Spacious and comfortable, with height and reach adjustable steering and a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, the van delivers an excellent working environment.

Behind the cab you get electric twin sliding side doors on all models. There is also an Easy Entry Pack (£1,350) that allows you to wave a foot under the rear bumper to open the side door if your arms are full.

The 95hp motor promises up to 51.4mpg combined, which is entirely achievable as proven in the MPG Marathon. Service intervals are at 20,000 miles and the van comes with Citroën’s three-year/100,000 mile warranty.

While all three new Dispatch models are a huge leap forwards, the addition of the smaller XS takes Citroën into a new market sector, boosting its appeal to fleet customers.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 61

ROAD_VFW_VW_Crafter_Dec16 06/12/2016 15:18 Page 1

Volkswagen Crafter Volkswagen will launch new Crafter with front-wheel drive at next year’s CV Show, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Large van POWER 102-177hp LOAD VOLUME 7.5-18.4m3 GVW 3.0-4.5 tonnes

olkswagen is going it alone in the heavy van market, parting company with Mercedes-Benz, which builds the current Crafter alongside its Sprinter models. Over the last two years VW has built a new €800m factory in Poland, that will assemble up to 100,000 vans a year, of which around 20,000 are expected to be badged MAN and sold through the truck manufacturer’s network.

That’s some jump from the 2015 worldwide total of 50,400 Crafters, of which 8,009 found buyers in the UK. The new van has to be pretty special therefore to achieve such market growth.

In fairness, new Crafter will tackle far more of the van market than its predecessor, as it offers front, rear and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Not that they will all arrive together however. Front wheel drive will be first, accounting for up to 70% of UK sales, with an introduction at next year’s CV Show in Birmingham. This will be followed by 4 Motion (5% of sales), which is based on the front drive chassis and then rear drive (25%) later in 2017.

All Crafters will be powered by VW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, mounted longitudinally in rear drive vans and across the chassis in front and all-wheel drive models, where it is tilted by 8° towards the grille to make more room for the driver and passenger in the cab. The front drive models deliver 102hp, 140hp and 177hp, the latter benefitting from two turbos to boost performance.

All engines in all layouts can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth eight-speed full automatic transmission. There is no price for the auto as yet, but expect to pay a similar premium as the DSG box in Transporter. The auto option does however open up the supermarket home delivery market to VW, which currently

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uses Iveco Daily and Mercedes Sprinter chassis equipped with automatic transmissions.

Unsurprisingly the auto is simplicity itself, you can swap the gears yourself if desired, but there is little benefit and it’s far better to simply let the box get on with the work. The good news for the majority of drivers, is that the manual is equally easy to operate, delivering spirited acceleration in even the 102hp models.

Crafter boasts a sharp external appearance, with optional LED headlights adding to the VW ‘face’. There are three lengths and three roof heights available, or you can also have Crafter as a single or double cab chassis or as a factory-built tipper or dropside. Further conversions will no doubt follow once all base models have been launched.

Anyone who’s driven a recent VW will recognise the cab’s interior, though that’s no bad thing. There are plenty of storage trays, cubbies and drawers on offer and the emphasis seems to be on functionality as well as form. The adoption of electromechanical steering allows a wide array of electronic driver assistance systems, including standard Side Wind Assist and Post Collision Braking, while Lane Assist, Park Assist and Trailer Assist are just some of the optional systems on offer.

Volkswagen UK is expecting the 140hp engine to take up to 80% of front wheel drive Crafter sales, with the 102hp grabbing the lion’s share of the remaining orders.

Start & Stop is standard on all engines, contributing to a claimed 15% improvement in fuel economy. Indeed VW claims that customers will save up to 1 litre of fuel per 100km with the new Euro 6 engines, and the vans will require one less oil change over 200,000km, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

ROAD_VFW_VW_Crafter_Dec16 06/12/2016 15:19 Page 2

what we think... highlights Front wheel drive models are expected to account for 70% of UK Crafter sales.

New Crafter, in front drive form, is a quality van that promises reduced TCO. With an expanded range of vans on offer, VW's aim of increasing European market share from 4.3% to 6.5% by 2020, looks achievable.

All engines are available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

VW is claiming a 15% fuel saving over the previous Crafter.

FLEET FACT The 140hp front wheel drive Crafter is expected to be the most popular model with UK customers.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 63

MKT_VFW_Daily Rental_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:40 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Daily Rental

Europcar

Arnold Clark Car& Van Rental

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is one of the UK’s largest, independently owned rental companies with over 50 years’ experience providing long and short-term tailor-made economical fleet solutions. We have a nationwide, multi-franchise fleet with over 4,500 commercial vehicles, operating in 38 branches throughout the UK. Close manufacturer relationships mean we can offer competitive rates on a range of up-to-date vehicles, which are all under one year old. Our impressive range of high quality commercial vehicles allows us to cater to all industry sectors and provide fleet solutions tailored to meet each client’s individual requirements.

Contact: Sales Team car.rental.sales@arnoldclark.com www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Operating 7,500 vans at peak times and working with all the key van and truck manufacturers, the Europcar fleet now includes 4x4 pick-ups, 5 and 6 seater crew vans and Chapter 8 compliant vehicles as well as the full range of standard commercial vehicles. With an average age of 14-15 months, Europcar vans offer the best in security and functionality as well as delivering important cost and environmental benefits. And 14 specialist sites in all the major business conurbations across the UK ensure that the right vehicles are available in the right place at the right time.

Tel: 01923 811250 businesssupport@europcar.com

www.europcar.co.uk

Tel: 01786 468700

Fourways FleetEurope

FleetEurope is an award-winning, independent provider of short and mid-term commercial vehicle rental. Our extensive network provides access to 175,000+ commercial and specialist vehicles from 1,500+ locations nationwide for delivery to your home or office address within two hours.

Additional benefits include an industry-leading online booking system, dedicated account management, 24-hour emergency support, one-way vehicle rentals, a marketleading 99% invoice accuracy rate and extensive management reporting to continuously monitor and reduce your rental expenditure.

Try our van rental service for free today. Visit www.fleeteurope.co.uk and rent a Transit Connect, Transit Custom or Long Wheelbase Transit Van free for a day.

Contact: Rental Team info@fleeteurope.co.uk

Tel: 01494 435000 www.fleeteurope.co.uk

SHB Hire Ltd

SHB has a diverse fleet of over 14,500 vehicles ranging from cars, standard and specialist LCVs and HGVs to golf buggies and ATVs. They have the largest 4x4 rental fleet in Europe as well as the biggest hire fleet of HGV tippers and crane lorries in the UK. Specialist services include spot, flexi and long-term hire, buy and lease back options and fleet management.

They specialise in all market sectors and offer bespoke hire packages to meet their customer’s business needs.

Contact: Hire Team enquiries@shb.co.uk

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Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

Fourways Vehicle Solutions offers a distinctive customer service based approach to corporate vehicle rental. Through our vast supplier network we provide short and long term car, commercial and specialist vehicle hire right across the UK. We can source all types of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to: Car derived vans, SWB/LWB vans, Luton vans, Crew-cab Tippers and dropsides, Refrigerated vans as well as Welfare vans. We can also provide additional requirements such as towbars, roofracks, truckman tops and Chapter 8 livery to suit your needs.

We would be delighted to talk to you about tailor making a solution to suit your vehicle rental requirements.

Contact: Julia Barwick/Lucy Stokes info@fvsl.co.uk

Tel: 03448 000385 www.fvsl.co.uk

Thrifty Car and Van Rental

Thrifty Car and Van Rental has 98 UK locations, offering a full range of commercial vehicles. Thrifty has a dedicated Central Reservation Team, providing an immediate response to enquiries and offering highly competitive rates, with access to a quality fleet of vehicles nationwide and an efficient delivery and collection service. Fast, accurate billing and detailed management information is available along with a dedicated account manager. For longer-term hires, Thrifty’s Flexi Fleet programme enables customers to rent vehicles on a short to medium term basis without being tied into a longterm commitment.

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

Tel: 01494 751615 www.thrifty.co.uk

Key to services

✔ Service provided

Service unavailable Do you provide online damage management?

Do you provide electronic invoicing and statements?

How many vehicle groups do you offer?

Do you offer a guaranteed no turn down policy?

Do you offer refrigerated vehicles?

Do you offer vans fitted with tail-lifts?

Do you offer vans fitted with satellite navigation systems?

Do you offer an on-line management reporting facility?

Do you offer an on-line booking facility for vans?

Do you offer a delivery/ collection service for vans?

Do you offer a one-way rental facility for vans?

How many rental locations does your company have?

How many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

MKT_VFW_Daily Rental_Dec16 06/12/2016 14:40 Page 2

VAN FLEETW RLD

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental 2.5k 38 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 ✔ -

Europcar 7.5k 282 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 16 ✔ ✔

FleetEurope 175k 1500 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ All ✔ ✔

Fourways 100k 2000 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 230+ ✔ ✔

SHB Hire Ltd 11.5k 15 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 160 ✔ ✔

Thrifty Car and Van Rental 5.5k 98 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 7 ✔ -

Want to know how much your commercial vehicle fleet costs to run?

Visit www.fleetworld.co.uk to gain greater control, with the all-new Fleet World Workshop webtools...

FLEETW RLD

Comparator and calculator webtools for f leets

ROAD_VFW_Renault_Kangoo_Dec16_Layout 1 06/12/2016 15:06 Page 1

Renault Kangoo Renault has revised the engines and trim levels on the popular Kangoo range, says Dan Gilkes.

enault was one of the first manufacturers to make Euro 6 engines available on its vans, with the introduction late in 2015 of its first optional EU6 motors in Kangoo. The faithful 1.5-litre dCi engine continues to power Kangoo today, offering 75hp, 90hp or 110hp in EU6 ENERGY form.

The addition of a NOx trap in the exhaust system has allowed the engine to meet emissions standards without resorting to AdBlue or SCR, keeping costs and weight down.

This mid-range ENERGY dCi 90 engine offers a combined figure of 67.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 110g/km in the standard Kangoo, making it one of the most efficient in the line-up. This is partly achieved through the use of standard Stop & Start technology and a regenerative braking system called Energy Smart Management.

There is little change from behind the wheel, with the 90hp engine delivering a strong 200Nm of torque, which is more than enough to keep pace with traffic. As before, you only get five forward gears with the two lower powered engines and have to stretch to the 110hp motor before a sixth ratio is added.

That said, this Kangoo had a relaxed cruise, despite the fact that Renault had replaced the standard full steel bulkhead with an optional (£225) swivelling mesh bulkhead and folding passenger seat. The upside of this option of course is additional load volume, but more importantly it lets you carry loads up to 2.5m long in the standard length Kangoo.

For those that require even longer load lengths, but don’t want to go for a roof rack, the test van was also supplied with a sliding

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what we think Kangoo remains a highly competitive option and fleets will welcome the low running costs and ease of operation.

specification MODEL

Renault Kangoo ML19 ENERGY dCi90 Business+ BASIC PRICE £19,180 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,461 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 90PS @ 4,000rpm TORQUE 200Nm @ 1,750rpm Weights (kg) GVW 1,950 KERB WEIGHT 1,290 PAYLOAD 650 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,050 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,731 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,219 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,251 LOAD VOLUME 3.0m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 110g/km/67.3 mpg OIL CHANGE 2 year/24,000 miles WARRANTY 4 yr/100,000 miles

rear roof flap (£220) that allows you to carry longer loads sticking out of the top of the roof.

While updating what’s going on under the bonnet, Renault also took the opportunity to bring Kangoo’s trim levels in line with its other van models. That means you can now choose between Business and Business+ specifications, though there are still a host of options available if they doesn’t cover your every need.

The standard Business van comes with a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows and door mirrors, load area lighting, a left hand side loading door, an alarm, full steel bulkhead and ESC with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend.

For a £700 premium you can make the move to Business+, which adds electric folding door mirrors, one-touch driver’s window, a centre console with armrest, an overhead parcel shelf, manual air conditioning and body coloured front and rear bumpers with rear parking sensors.

The Euro 6 engines have 24,000 mile/two year service intervals which should reduce running costs further, especially as there is no requirement for AdBlue. Add in improved mpg and the fact that all Renault vans have a standard four year/100,000 mile warranty and you have a pretty compelling package.

However, the competition has not stood still and there are now vans of this size with high roof options and payloads of up to 1tonne. If Renault wants to keep pace, it may have to do more than update engines and trim levels to keep customers coming back.

VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Dec16_VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 06/12/2016 15:24 Page 1

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

Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0370 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Civica UK Ltd Tel: 0117 924 2703 www.civica.co.uk/tranman

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

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

Avis Rent A Car Budget Rent-a-Car Tel: 0844 5000 08701544 56 56 56 www.avis.co.uk www.budget.co.uk

Lex Autolease Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk

AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731 www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

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

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

Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletrac.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com

telematics & tracking

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk

conversions Full listings online at

Clarks Vehicle Conversions fleetworld.co.uk Tel: 0845 319 2787 www.van-conversion.co.uk

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

www.quartix.net

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Full listings online at

risk management TRACKER Network (UK) Limited Tel: 0845 604 6091 www.TRACKER.co.uk

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

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

IAM RoadSmart Tel: 020 8996 9600 www.iamroadsmart.com

Tel: 0870 013 6663

automatic transmissions Stephens Engineering Automatics Limited Tel: 01920 462530 www.stephensengineering.co.uk

fast-fits & tyres

vehicle CCTV

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

Exeros Technologies Tel: 020 8303 1188 www.exeros-technologies.com

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

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Bill Plant Ltd Tel: 01765 645023 www.billplant.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 / 67