Fleet World January 2013

WE’VE EXTENTED OUR FLEET OPTIONS (SEE THE BACK) WWW.JAGUAR.CO.UK/CORPORATESALES

The Jaguar XF range has been created to meet the tough demands of business while eclipsing the ordinary fleet benchmarks for desirability. We have worked hard to address the core priorities of the fleet market and the model that vividly reflects this is the 163PS 2.2 Litre Diesel; the most fuel efficient Jaguar ever with remarkably low whole life costs.

Available from £29,940*, the 2.2 Litre Diesel with Intelligent Stop/Start achieves up to 55.4 mpg and CO2 emissions from just 135 g/km, resulting in a BIK rating of 21%. Insurance classification is also down by 7 groups for 13MY. The specification is exceptional too. Expect DAB radio, cruise control and a beautifully crafted interior combining leather with contemporary veneers and polished aluminium. A 7-inch colour touch screen incorporating Satellite Navigation is standard on all but the SE model and an 8-Speed Automatic transmission comes with every XF.

To see for yourself what your fleet has been missing, visit our website to arrange an extended demonstration.

THE XF RANGE ALIVE TO YOUR BUSINESS PRIORITIES WWW.JAGUAR.CO.UK/CORPORATESALES *£29,940 is the on the road price for the XF Saloon 2.2 Litre Diesel SE 163PS. On the road price is the Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price plus Car Tax, First Registration Fee and Delivery Pack.

Official fuel economy figures for the XF Saloon range in MPG (L/100km): Urban 16.7–46.3 (16.9–6.1).

Extra Urban 32.8–62.8 (8.6–4.5). Combined 24.4–55.4 (11.6–5.1). CO2 Emissions 270–135 g/km.

The leading magazine for fleet decision-makers

January 2013

FLEETW RLD 3 1 ‘ F O 2 1 TO P The dozen fleet ca

rs

to know d e e n u o y r a e y is coming th

about

inside Cost trends Are vital fleet costs on the rise?

Fleet management When to buy and when to DIY

The Insider A blurred vision on eyesight?

fleetworld.co.uk

The leading magazine for fleet decision-makers

January 2013

FLEETW RLD TOP 12 OF ‘13 The dozen fleet cars

coming this year you

need to know about

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RECRUITMENT For the lastest recruitment vacancies, visit fleetworld.co.uk

inside Cost trends

Fleet management

Are vital fleet costs on the rise?

When to buy and when to DIY

The Insider A blurred vision on eyesight?

fleetworld.co.uk

Publisher Ross Durkin ross@eetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@eetworldgroup.co.uk Motoring Editor Alex Grant alex@eetworldgroup.co.uk Editorial Assistant Katie Beck katie@eetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor John Kendall john@eetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Director Anne Dopson anne@eetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executive Darren Brett darren@eetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@eetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@eetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Tina Ries tina@eetworldgroup.co.uk Samantha Hargreaves sam@eetworldgroup.co.uk Internet Editor Luke Durkin durks@eetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by Stag Publications Ltd, 18 Alban Park, Hateld Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ tel +44 (0)1727 739160 fax +44 (0)1727 739169 email fw@eetworldgroup.co.uk web eetworld.co.uk

STAG Publications

Viewpoint

Contents

I spent much of the last six weeks canvassing opinion on whether costs for various important elements of fleet management would rise or fall in 2013, and you can see the fruits of those labours in this issue.

Some of the results are surprising, and some are as predictable as ever: almost every expert I spoke to reckoned fuel costs and the tax take will rise this year. In the case of fuel, most thought by a significant amount. But perhaps you had already budgeted for that anyway.

It means that running a fleet more efficiently will be as crucial as ever, so it is timely that this year sees a hugely expanded Fleet Show at Silverstone in April. It has grown from the highly successful EV and Low CO2 Show of last year and will encompass everything a fleet decisionmaker needs for their operation, from test drives of cars around the famous track to demonstrations by suppliers and seminars from experts.

Talking of experts, our Insider’s column last month caused a bit of a ruckus with his assertion that sometimes fleet management might be best left out of the hands of leasing companies. Our view here is that we present opinion for you to sift and analyse from your own perspective, so in the name of fairness, we feature in this issue a piece on the type of management services leasing firms offer and how you might employ them.

Then there’s the metal on your fleet: new cars come thicker and faster every year, so we’ve also included a handy guide to the key models of 2013. Enjoy the issue.

04 A month in fleet 12 Fleet World Barometer Making sense of the eet surveys this month

16 Comment 20 Fleet Trends Fleet World’s Cost Trend Analyser 2013 shows how industry experts see costs rising or falling.

30 A dozen for ‘13 The 12 key models to look out for this year.

38 Driven Dacia Sandero // Honda Civic i-DTEC

40 Cash-for-car We look at the operational and HR issues and the nancial impact on employees.

44 When to buy and when to DIY Fleet management – the one-stop approach or do it yourself? A look at the options.

48 Fleet Academy 53 SWOT Team New Vauxhall ADAM vs rivals.

59 Fleet on fleet Fleet manager Liz Hollands talks to Ian Green, group car eet manager at Peveral Services.

60 Fleet update 67 VAN Fleet World VW Transporter // LCV Contract Hire & Leasing.

COST TREND ANALYSER 2013

20 30

®

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.eetworldsubscriptions.co.uk

44 53

Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2011 19,619

Steve Moody Editor

59

January 2013

03

A MONTH IN FLEET A skip through the key news and events since the last issue of Fleet World.

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FLEET DRIVER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION LAUNCHED

FLEET CAR SALES HOLD STEADY IN 2012

A new competition has just been launched to find the UK’s best company car driver.

The competition is being organised by ALD Automotive and Toyota & Lexus Fleet Services, in association with Fleet World magazine.

Company car drivers and fleet managers who think they have the skills to show that they are the best need to go online to register their interest before 31 January. Successful applicants will be asked to complete a simple Fleet Driver Risk Index (FDRI) – an online questionnaire identifying positive driving traits.

After the FDRI, the leading contenders will have their driving style monitored over a control period, with the top 20 being invited to compete in the final, which takes place at the Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone on Wednesday 24 April 2013.

Driver assessment will be carried out by a team of professionals from Peak Performance and the final will be carried out in the new Toyota Auris Hybrid, supplied by Toyota & Lexus Fleet Services.

The competition is open to any fleet manager or company car driver in the UK, including those with cars sourced through salary sacrifice or employee car ownership schemes.

To register, visit www.aldnews.co.uk/fdoty

The new car market hit a four-year high in 2012, driven by strong consumer demand, while fleet sales remained steady and the sub-25 sector saw a decline.

The new car registrations figures released by the SMMT show a 5.3% rise in 2012 to a total of 2.04 million units – the highest growth since 2001 and only the second rise since the recession – thanks to a 12.9% rise in private demand.

This compares to fleet sales, which saw just a 0.6% rise for the year, while registrations within the sub-25 fleet sector declined 9.5% in 2012.

The rise in private registrations has led to a drop in the market share held by the fleet sector, down to 50.2% from 52.5% last year. However, some experts have said that the private sales figures may have been heavily bolstered by a glut of preregistered cars as manufacturers try to account for lack of sales in the beleagured southern European market.

Concerns are also being voiced that heavy discounting has been going on in the retail sector, which could lead to instability in the used market.

Commenting on the forecasts for the 2013 market, the SMMT said that conditions will be challenging but that it anticipates performance on par with 2012.

CHANGE AT THE TOP FOR ALD AND ARI FLEET Mel Dawson, previously sales director at ALD Automotive, has been appointed as the company’s new managing director following the departure of Keith Allen to head up ARI Fleet UK. Dawson has over 15 years’ experience of the company, joining in 1997 as commercial director before being appointed sales director in 2005.

Meanwhile former ALD MD Keith Allen is now heading up ARI Fleet UK, previously Fleet Support Group.

With 13 years at ALD under his belt, Allen said that his time at the company had been rewarding both professionally and personally but added that the opportunity to join ARI Fleet UK was too good to pass up.

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CONFIDENTIAL

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NEW ECO SUB-BRAND TO BROADEN HONDA’S FLEET APPEAL Honda has become the latest manufacturer to establish a ”brand within a brand” with its Earth Dreams Technology.

The concept is similar to Volkswagen’s BlueMotion programme and, according to Honda’s new fleet boss, is designed to boost fleet appeal.

The first Earth Dreams Technology engine, the 1.6 diesel, arrives early in 2013 in the Civic before being rolled out to the CR-V and 2014 Civic Wagon. With CO2 emissions of 94g/km and 118bhp, Honda expects to sell 8,000 Civics in the first year with 75% going to fleets. The 2.2 will remain on sale, but is expected to sell in very low volumes.

Lee Wheeler, manager – corporate relations at Honda UK, said the 1.6 diesel Civic already had an order bank before the first cars are on UK roads.

‘Earth Dreams Technology is the philosophy that this was built under,’ he explained. ‘It’s environmentally efficient and offers great dynamics. It will take one or two years to develop, but my aim is to build this as a brand within a brand. Our corporate sales team will be talking to fleet managers and leasing companies explaining it’s more than just an engine.

Earth Dreams Technology is a great way to do that.’

Ford NEWS

inbrief Focus debuts new Ford door edge protector

Transit Custom gets 5-star rating THE all-new Ford Transit Custom one-tonne van has broken new ground to earn a first-in-class five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP; the Ford Tourneo Custom people mover attracted the same top Euro NCAP score.

The 2013 “International Van of the Year” scored 77 per cent overall in Euro NCAP’s new heavy vehicle crash tests, achieving best–in-class marks for child protection (90 per cent), adult protection (84 per cent) and safety features (71 per cent).

Ford also received the first-ever Euro NCAP Advanced rewards for technology available on a commercial vehicle. Lane Keeping Alert brings Ford’s total of different Advanced rewards to seven – more than any other manufacturer.

“Transit Custom redefines safety in its sector,” said Ford of Europe’s vice president of product development, Barb Samardzich. “We’ve combined a high strength steel structure, a pedestrian-friendly front end and segmentleading safety technologies to create a van that provides the best protection available – something fleet customers and owner operators will appreciate.”

The all-new Transit Custom was subjected to more than 4,500 virtual crash simulations and 30 physical crash tests during development.

It is engineered with a comprehensive range of features in the front end which are designed to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians, and is the first Transit to be available with an enhanced restraint system with curtain airbags for front seat occupants.

“With such good protection for its occupants and also for pedestrians, the Ford Transit Custom is undoubtedly setting a high standard,” said Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen.

The Ford Focus is available now with the Ford Door Edge Protector, which activates as the door is opened to provide a buffer that protects paint and bodywork.

A protective flap concealed in the door moves into position in a fraction of a second to offer maximum protection with minimal impact on weight and without affecting existing mechanisms or side impact performance. It retracts in just 60 milliseconds to allow for doors being slammed shut.

MyKey fits for Fiesta

Ford’s unique MyKey technology, available on the new Fiesta, is a programmable feature that allows fleet managers to limit top speed and audio volume of vehicles, and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.

The technology, which Ford plans to roll out across its European product line-up by 2015, works by recognising different keys for the same car and then adjusting the vehicle settings according to the owner’s requirements.

New Ford Fiesta continues to exceed expectations THE new Ford Fiesta delivers large car quality in a small car and is designed to exceed the highest expectations of customers downsizing from larger vehicles.

The stylish new Fiesta meets the global trend for downsizing by setting a new quality benchmark with a dynamic exterior and a harmonious and ergonomic interior offering new and enhanced features.

It also offers a choice of advanced powertrains, including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – recent winner of the International Engine of the Year award.

The new Fiesta face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, and bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology. Ford has relocated electric window switches, heated seat switches and interior door handles, and there are new seat fabrics and designs with leather, partial leather, comfort fabric and sport fabric trims.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

A MONTH IN FLEET A skip through the key news and events since the last issue of Fleet World.

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COMPANY CAR DRIVERS TAKING MORE DEADLY RISKS

AVIS BUDGET ACQUIRES ZIPCAR FOR $500M

Fleets are being urged to ensure they have comprehensive safe driving policies in place due to significant numbers of fleet drivers risking crashes by texting, speeding and grooming at the wheel.

According to research released by Brake and Direct Line, people driving for business purposes are more likely than the general driving population to take risks including: • Nearly a third (31%) text while driving, compared to 28% of non-work drivers.

• Nearly one in six (17%) admit grooming while driving, compared with 14% of non-work drivers.

• More than a third (37%) admit driving while talking on a hands-free phone, compared with 24% of non-work drivers.

• More than half (54%) admit speeding on 60mph limit roads, compared with 34% of non-work drivers.

• More than three quarters (76%) admit speeding more than 5mph above the limit on 30mph roads, compared with 62% of non-work drivers.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: ‘We are urging all employers to ensure they have comprehensive safe driving policies in place and that staff know the importance of not speeding or driving distracted. We are also calling on anyone who drives for work to make a commitment to stay within speed limits, stay off the phone, and focused on the critical task at hand.’

Avis Budget is to expand into the car-sharing industry with the acquisition of Zipcar in a deal worth around $500m.

Ronald L Nelson, Avis Budget Group chairman and chief executive officer, said: ‘By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential, both in the United States and internationally, and will position our company to better serve a greater variety of consumer and commercial transportation needs.’

Zipcar offers hourly rental services in 20 major metropolitan areas in the United States, Canada and Europe, including the UK, and has more than 760,000 members.

Avis said that it expects to generate $50 to $70m in annual synergies as a result of the transaction, and added that it plans to achieve substantial cost savings by increasing fleet utilisation across the two companies.

The transaction is subject to approval by Zipcar shareholders and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to complete in the spring of 2013.

FIRMS COULD SAVE £350,000 BY SWITCHING 10% OF FLEET TO EVs British companies could save £350,000 by switching 10% of their fleet to electric vehicles, according to a new report by British Gas, which also found that the financial and emergency services would gain the most from such a move.

The potential savings were identified in a British Gas study, conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory, which also found that a move to using 10% EVs would reduce fleet CO2 emissions in Britain by more than 5% each year.

And the company’s data shows that converting 50% of a fleet to electric vehicles would result in an average annual cost saving of £1,753,000 for companies and reduce CO2 emissions in Britain by around 26% (2,320,000 tonnes).

Colin Marriott, fleet general manager at British Gas, said: ‘This report shows that businesses, under pressure to reduce both costs and carbon emissions, cannot afford to ignore the benefits of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles offer us so many benefits as a business that we’re introducing them into our own fleet and aim to have 1,400 by 2015 as part of our drive to reduce fleet carbon emissions by 25%.’

06

CONFIDENTIAL

fleetworld.co.uk

FLEET SHOW SEMINAR PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED The seminar programme at this year’s Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone has been announced, with leading experts in the field of green fleets taking to the stage.

Paul Nieuwenhuis from the Centre for Automotive Industry Research will be reporting on key findings of the ENEVATE (European Network of Electric Vehicles and Transferring Expertise) project.

Speakers from CENEX will explain how some of the technology they are currently testing will impact on fleets in the years to come, while Professor Kevin Kendall from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research who will explain how fuel cell hybrids are poised to play a key role in the development of low-emission fleet mobility.

One more presenter will soon be confirmed, as well as a debate taking place after the seminar programme.

The Fleet World Fleet Show takes place on Wednesday 24 April at Silverstone Circuit and combines a seminar programme, test driving on the International and Stow circuits, plus an indoor exhibition area.

The seminar programme proved to be an extremely important aspect of the 2012 event and organiser Ross Durkin explained that the emphasis at this year’s show would continue to be shared by the educational aspect of the seminars, hands-on driving experience on the track and face-to-face meetings with fleet suppliers.

far out

The Fiat 500 has gone all 70s! The new Colour Therapy range is available with white alloy wheels, white aerial, white mirror covers, stylish pool ball gear knob and a choice of five 70s colours. Under the bonnet though, the unashamedly futuristic engine offers best in class performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions. The past and present in perfect harmony.

New Fiat 500 Colour Therapy range.

From just £129 a month for business users only.

Visit fiat.co.uk/fleet for more info.

IN 70S COLOURS fiat.co.uk Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe^. Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 64.2 (4.4); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.9 (4.8) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 113 – 90 g/km. Above rentals based on Fiat 500 1.2 Colour Therapy on Contract Hire payment profile of 3 rentals in advance (equivalent to £387) followed by 35 rentals of £129. All rentals exclude VAT and maintenance. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered with Fiat Contract Hire before 31st March 2013. Offer subject to status, guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Fiat Contract Hire, 240 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 4DX. ^Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, 1st half year 2012.

A MONTH IN FLEET A skip through the key news and events since the last issue of Fleet World.

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INBRIEF

TAX DISC AXE COULD SAVE MILLIONS FOR FLEETS The tax disc could become obsolete under new Government plans to digitise car taxation, and could save fleets millions in wasted administrative time.

The proposal forms part of a Department for Transport consultation on the future direction of the Driving Standards Agency, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Vehicle Certification Agency.

The move has been greeted by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which has been campaigning for the Department for Transport to axe the tax disc for a number of years as part of a wider streamlining of DVLA services.

The BVRLA’s chief executive, John Lewis, said: ‘We estimate that removing this pointless piece of paper would save the Government around £90m a year and produce major administrative cost savings for fleet operators as well.’

SHELL LAUNCHES FUEL ECONOMY CAMPAIGN A new campaign has been launched by Shell to help fleet drivers save fuel and reduce fuel costs.

Dubbed ”Target One Million”, the campaign will include a series of interactive, online mini-games to help equip fleet drivers with the skills they need to become more fuel efficient.

For more details and to play the first interactive mini-game, visit: www.shell.co.uk/target1million

FLEET SAFETY FORUM PUBLISHES GREY FLEET GUIDE New guidance on minimising the risk of grey fleet drivers has been published by the Fleet Safety Forum.

The guide highlights the importance of providing alternatives to grey fleet use in the first instance, and if drivers do have to use their own vehicles for work purposes, subjecting them and their vehicles to the same rigorous safety checks and risk assessments as other company drivers. It also features a best practice case study of an operator that has taken steps to successfully mitigate the risks associated with grey fleet drivers.

The guidance is available for free to Fleet Safety Forum subscribers, or can be purchased for £5 by non-subscribers. Please email admin@brake.org.uk or call +44 (0)1484 559909 to order.

RECRUITMENT CHANGES AT TRADE GUIDES CAP has announced that Adrian Rushmore, previously managing editor at Glass’s, has joined the company as its operations director.

Rushmore has 26 years’ experience with Glass’s Information Services, the last 12 years spent in the position of managing editor.

As operations director at CAP he will oversee the quality of products and have significant input into the development of new products and services.

Meanwhile VIP founder Martin Keighley has parted company with parent company CDL Vehicle InformaAdrian Rushmore, operations director, CAP tion Services to pursue new challenges, and says he’s looking at both short and long term opportunities within the automotive sector, particularly in areas relating to used valuations and ownership costs.

CONFIDENTIAL

> FUJITSU RENEWS LEX DEAL Fujitsu UK & Ireland has renewed a three-year agreement for its 2,000-strong vehicle fleet with Lex Autolease.

The IT systems, services and products provider’s fleet of both job need and perk vehicles are fully managed and provided on a contract-hire and accident management blended solution from Lex Autolease.

> ESTATE AGENCY SWITCHES TO FIAT 500 Estate agency Orchards of London has switched its entire fleet of sales consultant vehicles to low-emission Fiat 500 city cars as part of its focus on corporate social responsibility.

A major reason for the purchase was the model’s low CO2 emissions, which fit in with the company’s recent gold award for corporate social responsibility at the National Estate Agency of the Year Awards.

TV CHANGING THE WAY YOU VIEW THE WORLD OF FLEET visit fleetworld.co.uk to catch the latest

broadcast

Making sense of the surveys in association with

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...

LEASING INDUSTRY INDUSTRY SET FOR GROWTH IN 2013 The leasing sector is expected to see growth in 2013 despite the Government’s ”tax attack”, according to a survey of BVRLA members at its recent Industry Conference.

• 56% of rental and leasing executives said that, based on what their customers were telling them, the number of vehicles on fleet would grow in 2013.

• 34% are expecting fleets to stay the same size.

• 10% expect some shrinkage.

Source: BVRLA

Conference speaker David Rawlings of BCF Wessex, said: ‘Despite the capital allowance changes, contract hire will still be a taxefficient service, and should not be seen as a low-cost commodity.’

TELEMATICS DRIVERS THROW WEIGHT BEHIND TELEMATICS The majority of drivers feel that the use of telematics in company cars brings added safety benefits, according to research from business insurance specialist QBE. The survey found that: • 66% of respondents would feel safer on the road if fleet vehicles were fitted with telematics devices to monitor the driver’s behaviour.

• 74% of over 55’s said they were in favour compared to 58% of under 35’s.

Source: QBE

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Matthew Crane, managing director, motor, QBE, said: ‘Telematics devices enable us to identify problem drivers but it is the improvement of their performance that will ultimately reduce accidents and prevent harm.’

DRIVING OFFENCES WORK PRESSURES LEAD TO RISE IN MOTORING OFFENCES Motoring offences made by company car drivers increased sharply last year, with drivers committing an offence every 50 seconds and racking up more than £7m in fines, according to new research from Lex Autolease.

• More than 121,000 motoring offences were committed by company car drivers in 2012; an increase of 10% compared to 2011.

• Speeding offences rose by 12% with illegal parking up 13%. These two were the most common type of company car offences, accounting for two-thirds of all infringements.

• The number of offences for bus lane infringements rocketed by 30% between 2011 and 2012 and now accounts for 10% of all offences.

Source: Lex Autloease

Ian Thomson, head of fleet operations at Lex Autolease, said: ‘In general, company car and van drivers are under significant pressure to complete each journey as quickly and efficiently as possible and hit tight deadlines. Unfortunately this pressure can also have a negative impact on their driving behaviour.’

TYRE SAFETY TYRE AWARENESS EVENTS BOOST ARVAL The figures from 151 employee vehicles tested at Michelin’s latest Fill Up With Air roadshow at Arval revealed: More than two-thirds of tyres were at the correct pressure or less than 7 psi underinflated. This compares to 38% from the first such event held at Arval in 2008.

The number of cars found to have tyre pressures considered to be very dangerous – more than 15 psi under-inflated – has dropped to 3% over the last four years.

Paul Brady, Michelin’s key account manager for Arval, said: ‘We are really pleased to see a continuing improvement in results. It goes to prove that the effort the business is going to in developing safety awareness among drivers is really paying off.’

Source: Michelin

ELECTRIC VEHICLES EV TRIAL GOES WELL WITH ZENITH Electric vehicles do have a future in business transport according to Zenith, following positive feedback from its trial of two Nissan LEAFs. While the cars have been rated very highly by those who have tested it, the trial has highlighted that the vehicles have limitations: 40% of drivers involved in the trial said the availability of charging points was a problem.

53% were dissatisfied with the range of the vehicles.

50% felt that the charging time was poor or very poor.

And 25% said that the cost of buying a vehicle would prevent them from making the change to electric motoring.

Source: Zenith

Tim Buchan, Zenith’s CEO, commented: ‘We believe electric vehicles do have a use for businesses, particularly as pool cars to be used for short journeys, or for longer trips within the range or where there is an overnight stop when it can be charged. Improving charging times and practicality of charging would assist their take-up, as would increases in range.’

• for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit www.fleetworld.co.uk

January 2013

13

THERE’S PLENTY TO THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES TOURING.

With the new BMW 3 Series Touring, there’s a revelation at every turn. Explore the wide range of petrol and diesel engines that achieve more power, yet still achieve greater fuel economy while emitting less CO2. The BMW 320d, for example, delivers 60.1mpg (combined) with emissions of just 123g/km CO2 for BIK from 18%. You’ll also encounter new standard features including a convenient powered tailgate and opening rear window, 495 litres of luggage space, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and 6.5＂Control Display with iDrive controller, alongside Drive Performance Control which allows for a selection of tailored driving modes.

To discover even more, visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk or call us on 0800 777 113.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 3 Series Touring: Urban 30.7–49.6mpg (9.2–5.7l/100km). Extra Urban 51.4–72.4mpg (5.5–3.9l/100km). Combined 41.5–60.1mpg (6.8–4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 159–123g/km.

BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

BMW Corporate Sales

bmwcorporate.co.uk Tel: 0800 777 113

DISCOVER.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

COMMENT

Lip service is not enough Curtis Hutchinson Are fleets noticing the overtures made by car brands and local dealers?

Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, asks ACFO's Julie Jenner.

‘Carmakers and dealers have begun to appreciate how important local businesses are’ 16

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There is a common theme running through chats I’ve had in recent months with bosses of car companies and dealer groups. At some point in the conversation fleet comes up and the desire to better facilitate fleet requirements through local dealers.

Reading between the lines the message is clear. Fleets, especially those operated by SMEs, have been under-valued by carmakers and their dealers, both preferring to chase the bigger returns offered by volume deals.

However, in these leaner times the wants and needs of SMEs are being paid more than lip service. Carmakers and dealers have begun to appreciate how important local businesses are to them, not just in terms of car sales but also the provision of servicing and repair jobs.

When I asked Mark Lavery, chief executive of Cambria Automobiles, one of the country’s top 30 franchised dealer groups, how important local fleet is to his business, he summed it up in just two words: ‘Mission critical’.

The Cambria approach is typical of many dealer groups but to find out how it is filtering through to fleet managers, I asked Julie Jenner, chairman of the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO). She pointed out that with over 60% of company cars operated under some form of lease, the opportunity for fleet managers, especially those running big fleets, to build meaningful relationships with their local dealers is limited.

‘These are busy people for whom running the fleet is often only one part of their job function.

They will be interested in controlling costs, minimising downtime and making sure cars are returned promptly, so in many cases they won't care if this is being managed by the leasing company or through a local dealer,’ she said.

However, she does welcome moves made by some car brands to offer a more personalised service to fleets.

‘For too long motor manufacturers appear

to have had as their sole focus Britain’s biggest fleets, but the vast majority of organisations operate less than 100 vehicles. Although many contract hire and leasing companies do a good job in providing fleet advice to customers it can, in some cases, prove to be a one dimensional view. Manufacturers that have recruited business advisers to be the conduit between themselves and their customers are likely to see the move vindicated through rising sales.’

Jenner makes a valid point that fleet managers are driven by the need to keep a lid on costs and this is where many main dealers have lost out to more price sensitive independent repairers, many of whom can also offer high quality levels of service.

Halfords Autocentres is an impressive repair chain with strong branding and operating on a national basis, from over 260 outlets. It also makes a virtue out of aggressively undercutting the servicing and repair prices charged by franchised dealers.

‘Would I recommend the use of non-franchised workshops to ACFO members?

Absolutely. Yes. Competition is healthy and if fleets can still get a high level of service, then why not?’

An area where dealers and carmakers could potentially get closer to fleets is through a greater readiness to encourage userchoosers to test drive their demonstrators.

‘One of the biggest complaints fed back to me is from user-choosers who say dealers don't want to know them as they know they will not be making a sale,’ Jenner revealed.

Perhaps there is a genuine opportunity here for dealers to work closer with local SMEs by proactively offering test drives to userchoosers. For such schemes to work they would need to be backed by car manufacturers as they will generate sales, but not necessarily through the dealer. Now there’s a gauntlet for manufacturers and dealers to consider.

£17 will service the most important equipment in your fleet The drivers’ eyes

Incredibly, 1 in 3 drivers would fail en eye test. At Specsavers we know how important the safety of your drivers is to you. So, just like their vehicles get an MOT, we can make sure their eyesight is legal and roadworthy too, and not a risk to themselves or other road users. For just £17, your employee can have a thorough professional eye test at a Specsavers store. Or for only £35, they can have an eye test plus a pair of glasses from our £45 range, or a £45 discount towards other ranges. It’s peace of mind for both you and your drivers.

To find out more, call Specsavers Corporate Eyecare on 0115 9330800, email uk.corporateeyecare@specsavers.com or visit us at specsavers.co.uk/corporate

Source: 677 vision screenings, Specsavers Drive Safe Campaign 2012.

Conditions apply. See brochures for details. ©2012 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

COMMENT

Is there a blurred vision on eyesight?

The Insider This month, our tame fleet manager asks if a change of policy on drivers’ eyesight will cost fleets dear.

’BRAKE and insurer RSA are calling for the Government to tighten up rules on driver eyesight...’

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How are your rods and cones faring? The human retina contains two types of photoreceptor cells, known as rods and cones. Cones allow us to see fine details, and give us colour vision, but rods are better at sensing movement, and thus aid our peripheral vision.

Even in healthy individuals, these photoreceptors decrease in density with increasing age, the decline affecting more rods than cones. The size of our visual field decreases so that by the time you reach your 70s and 80s, you may have a peripheral visual field loss of 20 to 30 degrees.

In case you are wondering if you have picked up a poor man’s version of The Lancet, I’ll explain where this is going: following a recently commissioned report, BRAKE and insurer RSA are calling for the Government to tighten up rules on driver eyesight and demanding the traditional number plate test be replaced with a compulsory full vision test. The test would be undertaken by a qualified professional at the start of a person's driving career, with subsequent mandatory re-testing every 10 years linked to driving licence photocard renewal.

The RSA report concluded that crashes caused by poor driver vision account for an estimated 2,900 casualties and cost a staggering £33 million per year.

We’ve all been held up by drivers timidly proceeding in front of us because they just can’t see where they are going, unexpectedly jamming on the anchors, and narrowly missing parked vehicles and other obstacles.

Currently, the UK requires only that drivers self-report being able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres on applying for their first licence or renewing it after 70 years of age, and should be able to read a new-style number plate at a distance of 20 metres in good daylight every time they get behind the steering wheel.

The number plate test is undertaken for-

mally only at the driving examination test itself. The detailed test proposed would include measurement of visual acuity, field of vision, twilight vision, glare and contrast sensitivity, and other visual functions that can compromise safe driving. Static visual acuity and reduction in field of vision are the defects most likely to cause problems in traffic, with the former affecting steering control, and reading road signs. In fact, it is also suggested that mental workload is affected by acuity and that on longer journeys, increased mental workload increases the risk of acute fatigue and consequently, the likelihood of accidents.

Most people would still be able to obtain a licence as eyesight correction would be by use of glasses, or a minor operation.

There is a cost to all this, of course. No-one has proposed how the additional eye tests would be paid for, at around £22 a throw, but one has to assume optometry may be a good career to get into with at least half a million tests being required annually for initial licence applications and regular renewals.

Then there are all those extra sets of glasses, at an average of £145 a pair.

In the meantime, while a change in legislation is being pursued, the call is for drivers to self-regulate by taking regular eye tests every two years. Changes in vision can occur gradually over a period of time and, as such, a driver may not realise they have a problem with their vision.

My question to you is, as managers of fleets of professional drivers, do our companies have a moral responsibility to provide free eye tests for our employees? And, where corrective glasses are required, how do we ensure our employees make that purchase and subsequently wear the darned things, because I have a feeling that this will get picked up as a ‘must-have duty of care responsibility’ once the planned campaign gathers momentum.

FEATURE Fleet Trends

COST TREND ANALYSER 2013 Fleet World has asked dozens of industry experts to rate how they see costs rising or falling across a number of sectors over 2013. By Steve Moody COST is the most significant area of fleet management and so we’ve broken it down into a number of parts to find out how they are trending in the next 12 months. We asked many industry experts to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 whether they see each sector increasing or decreasing, and then averaged out the result to come up with a definitive figure. We’ve also asked some of the respondent for analysis on why they see the trends heading in the way they think they will.

WE ASKED THEM TO PUT A FIGURE AGAINST KEY FLEET COSTS: 1 2 3 4 5

– – – – –

£

SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER COMPARED TO 2012 LOWER ABOUT THE SAME HIGHER SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER

FUNDING 2.5 ‘We expect a number of foreign investors, including a major Australian bank, to come into the funding market in 2013, and the increased competition will lead to a slight fall in funding rates, which have themselves eased slightly during the year. This should have the knock-on effect of reducing contract hire rentals slightly, or at least ruling out substantial increases.’

Scott Lloyd, head of data and pricing, Tusker ‘There has been a general easing in the market and schemes like Project Merlin, in which the four main banks agreed with the Government to lend up to £190bn, have certainly had an impact and led to a wider availability of credit.

‘With banks starting to reduce their lending restrictions, and the economic concerns of the last two years beginning to subside, while we are not yet back to the levels we were before the onset of the credit crunch, we are certainly starting to get there.’

Martin Brown, managing director, Fleet Alliance ‘The base rate has been fixed by the Bank of England for some time. There are no positive economic indicators that suggest any change in the bank’s current strategy so we are not forecasting an increase in funding costs any time soon.’

Cliff Ainger, fleet manager, ARI Fleet UK

20

NOTE: In the ‘Residual Values’ section we asked for numbers relating to whether prices would move relative to current values, not cost (ie ‘1’ would mean significantly lower residual values than 2013, not significantly lower costs).

fleetworld.co.uk

‘Probably better to avoid the somewhat obvious comments that could be made about the banks, suffice to say that, on the whole, the craziness of the past two years seems to be calming down and some degree of sense about funding rates is creeping in. Creeping rather than running I would say! More work still needs to be done on increasing funding lines to the wider business community in general and hopefully the Government will get on top of that. I would expect to see some stability generally with the main funders and that could well be transferred down to some of the smaller funders dropping their rates slightly too.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet ‘Last year I forecast the entry of potential new funding entrants to the leasing market with an appetite for healthy profit. This has come to pass with other financial institutions looking at the sector as good risk, some from as far afield as Australia. This bodes well for the sector which could grow next year as a result. The caveat is the ongoing Eurozone debt crisis, which may see further European financial institutions seek the exit door, especially given the torrid state of new car sales on continental Europe.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group Currently with base rates at an all time low and likely to remain at this level for the whole of 2013, and with increased funding providers entering the automotive sector, competition is definitely on the increase. As a result, lenders’ margins are starting to decline slightly -we expect this trend to continue.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts

BiK TAXATION (IN ALL FORMS) 3.8 ‘April 2014 will see Corporation Tax lowered by 1% – great news for businesses large and small. Kick starting economic growth by lowering VAT back to 17.5% would help too in encouraging consumer purchases. Simplifying tax structures across the board would help head-off tax avoidance and evasion. Amalgamating NIC and Income Tax would be a start. Given the Government’s record on U-turns, the latest being an agreement to consult on BiK tax bands to encourage adoption of ultra-low emission cars, anything’s possible. We still have to see a Plan B, which would inevitably have to jump start growth through lowering taxes.

Frankly, as I only see fuel prices rising, I only see tax rates lowering with a greater emphasis on tax collection. Starbucks, Amazon, Google and plumbers beware!’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group

‘The Government is seeking to raise as much additional income as possible to replenish its coffers so taxes are likely to increase by more than inflation.’

Cliff Ainger, fleet manager, ARI Fleet UK

‘There is no greater certainty than taxation will continue to increase, in one way or another, over the next few years. Six more years of austerity I think the Chancellor said, and whichever way we look at it, digging ourselves out of the hole we are all in will mean that we have to continue to pay more taxes. However, even the Chancellor knows that we all still need to spend money to make the economy work so I believe the majority of the hard pain is over and we will see more modest increases in taxation only.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet

‘A further tightening of company car tax thresholds by 1% for cars emitting more than 75g/km of CO2, and the ending of zero tax status in 2015 for all zero and low emission cars, has completely undermined the Government’s claim to promote and encourage environmental benefits through stepped CO2 efficiency. By linking “tax-free” motoring to mainly small or hybrid-electric vehicles, the practicality of running such vehicles for normal fleet use has become ever more marginalised.’

Tony Hulatt, managing director, CLM

‘The Government’s decision to reexamine BiK rates on ultra-low and zero carbon vehicles is a welcome move. More clarification is now needed in terms of the level of taxation proposed and the duration of any concession. If BiK advantages are going to be removed for low and zero emission cars we would advocate a phased reduction, as any sudden cut in benefits will be very detrimental to a fledgling market.’

Chris Chandler, principal consultant, Lex Autolease

‘We know from the Autumn statement that fuel duty will not increase in the short term, the rate of VAT appears to be stable, but the impact of the revised Writing Down Allowances given the realignment of bandings based on the CO2 emission of vehicles will increase certain vehicles rentals if they have moved up within the three applicable bands.

The immediate impact will be detrimental to those vehicles affected, however over time vehicle manufacturers will launch new vehicles with lower emissions so the fleets who adopt the new bandings quickly within their vehicle policy will experience little impact. We await any further news regarding the removal of the 100% Writing Down Allowance for the leasing industry.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts ‘Company car drivers are becoming much more P11d savvy and increasingly take CO2 and vehicle benefit-inkind taxation into consideration when making their car choice rather than just being “wowed” by a particular model. Additionally, salary sacrifice schemes are becoming an ever-more popular method for employees to obtain new low emission vehicles.’

Martin Evans, sales and operations director, Jaama

LEASING RATES 3.4 ‘We have seen a definite reduction in rates in the last quarter of this year, especially for fleets of note, due to increased competitiveness in the leasing market. There seems to be an increased appetite for fleet business among almost all of the major leasing companies as they look to increase volumes. This level of intense competition will continue to drive down rentals for end users – and margins for leasing companies.’

Martin Brown, managing director, Fleet Alliance

‘Lease companies are at the mercy of external factors for the most part so as long as there is stability with the new and used car markets and with the costs of funding, there will be stability with lease costs. I would expect that to be the case through 2013.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet

January 2013

21

FEATURE Fleet Trends

FUEL 4.1 ‘The decision to postpone the introduction of the 3p fuel surcharge is likely to be a temporary reprieve and in the medium to long-term fuel prices will rise.

The hiatus gives fleet managers the opportunity to get to grips with their fuel budget. Rather than focusing on the pump price, they should monitor the individual pence per mile cost for each driver.’

Chris Chandler, principal consultant, Lex Autolease ‘Obviously a significant area of expense for all fleet operators and one that is only going to get higher as time goes by and oil runs out. Understanding the costs of fuel and how it should impact on vehicle choice is still often missed completely. We simply cannot understand why every organisation hasn’t moved to a wholelife cost model to determine their optimum fleet car schemes. I’m also still baffled by the number of companies that offer a carte blanche free fuel policy.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet

‘As the wholesale fuel market is governed by world demand, as long as supply and demand continues to balance between the mature markets like the Eurozone and the emerging BRIC economies – Brazil, China, India, Russia – then the market will continue to equalise. As soon as there is any significant growth in the emerging economies or if the retailers decide to try and increase their margins then prices will go up.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts

Fuel is obviously a significant area of expense for all fleet operators and one that is only going to get higher as time goes by and oil runs out

‘Whilst we had a reduction in wholesale and pump prices towards the end of 2012, we do not believe that this will continue and extra burden will be placed on the cost of fuel. This means that controlling and managing fuel costs should be a key priority for fleets for the coming 12 months.’

Paul Gregory, head of country for UK and Eire, Fleet Logistics

‘The price of oil has continued to rise. It was hovering at the upper end of $108 per barrel in mid-December. Fuel at the pumps has risen by over 50% in the past five years and Nick Hardy, Ogilvie Fleet by an average of 18% over the last two so there is only one way for prices realistically to go and that is up. Any major hostilities in the Middle East region, or the threatened Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway to a fifth of the world’s oil supply, would certainly trigger a spike in oil prices.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group ‘Despite the cancellation of the planned rise in the Autumn Statement, fuel prices look set to go still higher ‘A small increase in fuel costs can be expected due to the increased price next year, making this the single most important area of crude oil caused by continued political unrest in the Middle East and for fleet attention. For many companies, this will mean increased demand from Asia. Additionally, while the Chancellor used controlling fuel costs and cutting business miles.’ the Autumn Statement to cancel January’s fuel duty increase he Jon Tandy, business development announced an inflation-linked duty increase in September.’ director, Mycompanyfleet Cliff Ainger, fleet manager, ARI Fleet UK

DAILY RENTAL 3.3 ‘In 2013, with demand unlikely to grow coupled with the increased supply of vehicles into the rental companies and funding becoming relatively easier, there will almost certainly be a pressure on suppliers to deliver greater service. 2013 innovations may well see the development of car club style rental by the hour products and hybrid or electric vehicles becoming more widely available. 2012 saw the continued renaissance of the commercial rental sector and we predict that, in 2013, there will be further new entrants and growth of the existing fleet, which will be further underpinned by a buoyant used commercial vehicle market. ‘ Mark Thompson, head of operations, Alliance Asset Management ‘Short-term vehicle rental companies could be at the vanguard of a radical change in vehicle mobility. In urban areas, constrained by lack of adequate parking, regular traffic jams and the high cost of vehicle ownership, town dwellers could turn to vehicle rental in droves as more rental companies offer rental by the hour and their technologies enable optimal vehicle utilisation by real-time vehicle positioning. Similarly, vehicle rental companies could take the car club concept to the next level.

Vehicle rental not only offers the perfect test environment for ‘try before you buy’ but can offer the most suitable vehicle for whatever occasion. One thing’s for sure though, rental rates will rise.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group ‘There have been no major casualties in the market despite the economic challenges. The increased cost pressures for suppliers on a non-risk fleet bearing basis will see a move to a risk-bearing basis because of the lower cost of operating vehicles.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts

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fleetworld.co.uk

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 2.9 ‘The percentage of vehicles with a maintenance element to their leasing contracts may well reduce in 2013, as fleets consider whether the cost of inclusive maintenance and the peace of mind that often goes with it represents best value versus managing the costs directly or through a specialist fleet management provider. There will continue to be a sharp focus on vehicle and operator downtime in a bid to reduce the cost of replacement vehicles and savvy fleets may look to implement a year-on-year performance target with their chosen maintenance providers as a benchmark figure. Whilst the vehicle parc average age is still relatively young we anticipate SMR costs will remain low. ‘ Mark Thompson, head of operations, Alliance Asset Management ‘Significant marketplace competition means that, on average, fleets have not seen any excessive increases in core service, maintenance and repair vehicle spending during 2012 and we do not see this changing as we move into 2013. Workshop labour rates are not moving significantly and in many cases are static. Additionally, as more and more fleet managers take a greater interest in accessing online their own fleet data they are able to highlight where costs can be removed or reduced.’

Peter Hitt, senior business manager, operations, ARI Fleet UK

MANUFACTURERS HAVE WORKED HARD TO KEEP A LID ON INCREASING SMR COSTS WHERE POSSIBLE AND SERVICE INTERVALS ARE INCREASING

‘Costs of servicing and maintenance are increasing. Labour rates are rising, tyres are more expensive and bottom lines need to be maintained (or improved). However, the manufacturers have worked hard to keep a lid on these costs where possible and service intervals are increasing. The end result is that we could see some SMR costs reduce, though I would expect that the overall change for a mixed SMR budget would likely be neutral in the next 12 months.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet ‘Currently around two-thirds of our lease fleet is serviced, maintained and repaired by the franchised dealer network. We see this dropping to half over the coming year so the split will be 50:50 between franchised dealers and independent repairers. This is a natural consequence of driving better value and lowering costs.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group ‘There is still significant ongoing competition between franchised dealers and the independent sector, so service outlets are unlikely to be in a position to increase their prices.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts ‘We believe that external factors, including rising raw material costs and cost pressure at dealerships, will bring higher SMR prices this year. However, a large fleet or a company using a fleet management company will contain increases by using tactics such as switching to independent garages for some elements of their SMR work.’

Paul Gregory, head of country for UK and Eire, Fleet Logistics

January 2013

23

FEATURE Fleet Trends

RESIDUAL VALUES 2.7 ‘In 2013 the supply of used cars will remain tight, although we may see some changes to the mix as emergent manufacturers – particularly in the fleet sector – such as Kia, Hyundai and Fiat see cars returning to market in greater numbers which could have a negative impact on their residual values. However, retail new car demand is rising and if that resurgence is further witnessed in the used car market then residual values could ease up and we might even have a situation where retail demand for used cars outstrips supply.’

Gerry Lynch, chief executive, Carcom.co.uk ‘With such a demand led market, prices have increased and leasing companies have subsequently increased their residual values too. However, those residual values have increased to levels that most people in the industry have never seen before and, perhaps, to an unsustainable level. The used car market is exceptionally volatile and affected instantly with unexpected changes in the economy. I believe that a greater degree of prudence is now necessary with the setting of future residual values and wouldn’t expect to see an increase in forecasts.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet

‘Values should stay relatively consistent over the coming year due to lower volumes of used cars coming onto the market for sale and with the unemployment figures falling and very early signs of an economic recovery a slightly higher demand for cars from consumers is likely in 2013.’

Jon Mitchell, Autorola UK sales director ‘We believe the traditional three-year-old market will see a slight reduction in value as the market continues to normalise, in part due to the increased supply of vehicles of this profile after the reduction in used vehicles caused by the lack of fleet registrations in 2009 and 2010. The 18-24 month profile should continue to perform well albeit the recent failures in the credit hire sector may see a short spike in availability affecting prices downwards, but these will recover once the market returns to a normal level.’

Mark Thompson, head of operations, Alliance Asset Management ‘We don’t see demand being quite as strong this year with the current gloomy economic conditions dampening demand from retail buyers.

But we don’t see it being a bad year either, and although we think values will decline from the peaks of 2012, we think this will be a gradual and slight reduction, rather than a dramatic one.’

Scott Lloyd, head of data and pricing, Tusker ‘Following the sharp rise witnessed during 2012, we anticipate residual values remaining fairly static unless the economy improves significantly.’

Cliff Ainger, fleet manager, ARI Fleet UK

DAMAGE REPAIR 2.8

26

‘Of the many factors which determine the value of a used vehicle, the really critical one is condition. Mileage is no longer the “bogeyman” because buyers will accept a higher mileage car, especially in a situation of supply shortage, if condition is good and in line with buyer expectations. Professional volume and specialist buyers from across both independent and franchised dealer networks want to buy “oven ready” stock. It is therefore critical that the distinct 2012 trend for fleets to forego cosmetic repair prior to remarketing, is discontinued.’

Gerry Lynch, chief executive, Carcom.co.uk

‘More fleets should be insisting on a more detailed triage approach to channelling their vehicle repair into the most suitable route for the damage incurred, rather than a one route to repair fits all approach. It’s more cost effective for the bodyshop to be given the higher cost and more severely damaged vehicles as they will have the right equipment to do a high quality job. The smaller repairs should be channelled through smart repairers and mobile bodyshops that keep vehicle off the road (VOR) time to a minimum and reduce repair costs.’

Penny Stoolman, MD, Total Accident Management

‘We do not see any change in 2013, which is a continued reduction in the number of accidents. This is due to a range of factors including a continued improvement in safety features fitted to vehicles and drivers clocking up fewer miles due to the high cost of fuel. An overall reduction in accident frequency means body repair workshops are less busy and that will inevitably mean that more will cease trading. In the last five years the number of repairs carried out by workshops has dropped by more than 20% and there are no signs that this trend shows any signs of changing. We believe labour rates will remain static, however the cost of parts and paint is likely to increase.’

David Blacklock, insurance manager, ARI Fleet UK

‘Influencing driver behaviour is essential to reducing accident repair costs. 90% of road accidents involve human error so the more employers can do to influence driver behaviour the lower will be their repair and “absence from work” bills.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group

fleetworld.co.uk

‘Companies are now starting to understand the cost impact of a vehicle with damage. Employers are becoming more influential in this area by recharging the cost of the damage caused to their employees as a mechanism to reduce their overall costs to themselves and to encourage better driver behaviour.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts

‘In the used vehicle sector, despite demand being relatively flat, the lack of stock is keeping values firm - which has generally meant good returns for business sellers.

This stock shortage is a long term issue and is unlikely to change until new car volumes pick up significantly and the economy improves enough to generate a bigger churn of vehicles in the marketplace. Currently there appears to be little on the horizon that is going to change those wider market conditions, but with the continuing economic pressures and reduced consumer confidence we should not expect to see the same robust value growth in 2013 that was experienced in 2012.’

BCA’s director of communications, Tony Gannon ‘Our view is that used car values should hold out reasonably well based on simplistic supply and demand. With that in mind, we do not anticipate any major changes in residual values. Caution is always the byword.’

Roddy Graham, commercial director, Leasedrive Group ‘Until the supply of sub four-year used cars exceeds demand the prediction is that residual values will remain very stable. While new car registrations remain at two million or below, demand for used cars will continue to be higher than supply, at least for the next 18 months.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts

VEHICLE TRANSACTION PRICES 3.6 ‘There’s no doubt that vehicle transaction prices have rocketed. However, there is good reason for that in that many of the word’s key manufacturers ran unsustainable businesses based on shifting metal rather than making money. Now that sense seems to have prevailed in most quarters, production volumes are down and prices are up. With ongoing increases in raw materials and instability of exchange rates, I expect prices to continue to rise, albeit at a steadier pace than we have seen.’

Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director, Ogilvie Fleet ‘We expect these will decline as motor manufacturers, especially those producing vehicles in the EU are already taking action to decrease their transaction prices due to lower demand in mainland Europe along with continuing over capacity. The good news is the UK economy is already showing the first signs of increased demand in the retail sector, and were the Euro Sterling exchange rate to improve further, exports to the UK will become increasingly viable.’

Neal Francis, managing director, Pendragon Contracts ‘There may well be further inflationary pressure in the new car market in terms of rising vehicle prices as manufacturers seek to recover their new model development and other costs. While we think that inflation in the economy will generally be on the low side as measured by the RPI, market forces will dictate a small increase in vehicle prices. This in turn will lead to the larger fleets demanding stronger discounts from suppliers to offset the rise in prices as they will be under huge cost constraints themselves and increases in acquisition costs will not be welcomed by fleet managers.’

Paul Gregory, head of country for UK and Eire, Fleet Logistics

January 2013

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Highly efficient TDI engines enable combined fuel consumption of up to 57.6mpg, while CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km (A6 Saloon 2.0 TDI manual) mean BIK tax starts from just £97 a month1.

Luxury specification as standard The A6’s luxurious specification includes 17” alloy wheels (18” on S line, 20” on Black Edition), a 10-speaker 180 Watt sound system, SD card satellite navigation with 6.5” retractable MMI display, leather

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The Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDI S line: comparisons Audi A6 2.0 TDI S line

BMW 520d M Sport

Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI Avantgarde

£32,605

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129

130

133

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184hp

170hp

57.6

57.6

55.4

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£111/£222

P11D price CO 2 emissions (g/km) Max power Combined mpg BIK tax (20%/40%)

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Cost per mile (p/mile) Upholstery

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50.21

51.36

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Leather

Leather

18”

18”

17”

SD card-based

Business Media Pack

Becker Map Pilot

Alloy wheels Satellite navigation

1 BIK tax quoted per month for 20%/40% tax payers in 2012/13, correct at December 2012. 2 Over 3yrs/60,000 miles. Source: CAP Monitor, December 2012. Models shown for illustration purposes only. *From 1 January, 2013.

luxury in class for economy and emissions New Black Edition models top the range The sleek Black Edition trim level (pictured above right) brings a distinctive sporting edge to the A6 range and is now available with all engines (except hybrid and S6) for a price premium of £2,350 over S line.

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surprise the A6 hybrid can cover 0-62mph in just 7.5secs, while returning combined fuel consumption of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 145g/km.

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Lease rates from £339 a month1 The Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDI 177PS SE manual is now available on contract hire with Audi Finance from just £339 a month1 1 Plus VAT and initial rental. Business users only. Over three years/10,000 miles pa. Further charges may be payable when vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s from participating Centres only for vehicles ordered before 31 March 2013 and delivered by 30 June 2013 (subject to availability). Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Specification correct at time of publication. Prices quoted and examples shown are correct at time of publication (January 2013) and do not take into account any variation to government taxes or charges arising after the date of publication. Terms and conditions apply. Audi Finance, Freepost Audi Finance.

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fleetworld.co.uk

• CITROEN DS3 CABRIO • PEUGEOT 2008 • RENAULT ZOE • HONDA CR-V I-DTEC • VW GOLF BLUEMOTION • MAZDA6 • NISSAN LEAF • TOYOTA AURIS WAGON SPORTS • MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS • SKODA OCTAVIA • KIA CARENS • VAUXHALL CASCADA

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A PREMIUM CAR WITH FLEET PRACTICALITY Thanks to our state-of-the-art diesel hybrid technology, the New 508 Diesel HYbrid4 Saloon delivers a class-leading 95g/km of CO2 and exceptional fuel economy. Add to that four distinct driving modes and a high specification, and you’ve got a premium car with fleet practicality.

To arrange a demo, please contact our Fleet Centre on 02476 88 4644.

The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for the 508 Diesel HYbrid4 range is: urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 80.7 (3.5) Extra Urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 76.3 (3.7) Combined drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 78.5 (3.6).

NEW PEUGEOT 508 DIESEL HYBRID4 SALOON

COVER STORY Fleet Cars of 2013

A DOZEN FOR ‘13 THE 12 KEY MODELS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR, AND WHEN TO EXPECT THEM ON YOUR FLEET. BY ALEX GRANT.

CITROEN DS3 CABRIO Citroën has sold more than 200,000 DS3s globally since the supermini launched three years ago. It’s been an important part of reinventing the brand’s image, and popular with fleets thanks to its lowcarbon engines and aesthetic appeal. A refreshed version is coming soon, but most of its styling updates will get a first outing on the DS3 Cabrio, which launches in early 2013 with the MINI Convertible and Fiat 500C in its crosshair.

The Cabrio retains five seats and most of the DS3’s side profile and boot space, adding a pearlescent fabric centre section to the roof and a menial 25kg to the weight. This can be optioned in three colours and retracts to the bottom of the rear window line in 16 seconds at up to 75mph.

It’s also the first DS3 to get the new LED rear lights and PureTech downsized petrol engines destined for the rest of the range. Conquest sales beckon. WHEN? Early 2013

PEUGEOT 2008 Looking almost identical to the concept car shown at last year’s Paris Motor Show, save for the lack of a luminous yellow paint job, the 2008 is Peugeot’s entry into the growing B-segment crossover class. It’s a sector where most mainstream manufacturers will be launching products in the near future, and could help retain user-chooser customers the ageing 308 can’t tempt. Production begins alongside the 208 this summer, and the first UK cars will be delivered in the second half of the year.

The 2008 is roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke, and features the same floating trapezoidal grille and claw-shaped rear lights as the 208. Engines include e-HDI diesels and Peugeot’s first use of the new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, with CO2 emissions starting at 99g/km. The manufacturer has also hinted at a connected multimedia system, and buyers will be able to order the car with snow and mud tyres similar to the 3008.

WHEN? Autumn 2013

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RENAULT ZOE The supermini sector is ideal for electric vehicles, as it tends to be one defined by short commutes and low average mileage where battery range isn’t much of an issue. Unfortunately high pricing tends to be a deal-breaker, which is a problem Renault hopes to solve with the ZOE. Thanks to the carmaker’s battery leasing scheme and a £5,000 government grant, this Clio-sized all-electric car will be priced from £13,650.

It’s also home to technology as advanced as the styling suggests. The ZOE features new EV-specific tyres, an energy-saving cabin heater pump and regenerative braking system aimed at boosting its range to a best-in-class 130 miles on the official combined cycle. It can be recharged at multiple speeds through a single charging port, and is fitted with Renault’s R-Link tablet-style multimedia system. This combines conventional navigation, telephony and audio functions with a high-speed data connection and additional functions for electric motoring. It could be ideal for low-mileage public sector fleets. WHEN? Early 2013

HONDA CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC Honda is readying a line-up of efficient new engines under its Earth Dreams Technology banner, aiming to create a green sub-brand similar to BMW’s EfficientDynamics line. The 1.6 i-DTEC is the first to launch in the UK, debuted recently in the Civic and earmarked for the CR-V crossover from September onwards.

To date, the CR-V has only been offered with the 2.2 i-DTEC, which in turn has no two-wheel drive option and emits a minimum of 149g/km CO2. With the 1.6 i-DTEC, Honda will have its first two-wheel drive diesel crossover and is targeting best in class emissions, which would mean undercutting the smaller 119g/km Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai.

The CR-V is a popular model with buyers who use its off-roading ability, so the 1.6 i-DTEC won’t take over from the 2.2 as it has in the Civic. But this is expected to be the most popular choice for fleets, and in a growing segment it should open new doors for Honda. WHEN? Late 2013

January 2013

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COVER STORY Fleet Cars of 2013

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF BLUEMOTION Volkswagen will be able to claim the C-segment’s lowest CO2 emissions when it launches its third Golf BlueMotion next summer. Predicted to offer 88.3mpg and 85g/km, it’s more efficient than current class-leaders the Renault Megane and the revised Toyota Auris Hybrid, as well as undercutting the Polo Bluemotion. It also hints that the next Passat BlueMotion should emit less than 100g/km CO2.

Based on the 1.6 TDI, the engine has been retuned to offer an extra 5bhp, while the bodywork is lighter and 10% more aerodynamic than the rest of the Golf range. Longer gear ratios, lower rolling resistance tyres and reduced drivetrain weight all contribute to the lower fuel consumption. Similar to previous versions, the BlueMotion upgrades will add to the up-front price, but this should be balanced by slipping comfortably into the lowest of the new benefit-in-kind tax bands when these tighten from 99g/km to 76-94g/km next year. WHEN? Summer 2013

TOYOTA AURIS WAGON SPORTS Debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September, the Auris Wagon Sports is the first time Toyota has had a C-segment estate since 2006. It’s a vital model, too. Estates make up a quarter of the segment’s sales Europe-wide, and this could help retain space-conscious buyers who may otherwise move into a low-CO2 crossover, which the carmaker doesn’t have.

The Auris Wagon Sports shares its wheelbase with the hatchback, growing 285mm at the back end to improve the load space. It’s also confirmed for the hybrid drivetrain, which gives Toyota a unique model in this sector. The hybrid battery moved from under the boot to under the rear bench as part of the recent refresh, which means all Auris models have the same load space.

Pricing and running costs haven’t been released yet, but the hybrid has the potential to be the segment’s most efficient estate, undercutting the 90g/km Megane dCI 110.

WHEN? Summer 2013

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MAZDA6

With the striking new Mondeo delayed until 2014, Mazda has a real opportunity to increase its Dsector foothold with the new Mazda6. This is the second model to feature Mazda’s SKYACTIV Technology improvements, which means efficient and responsive new powertrains, lighter and stiffer bodyshells and revised chassis components. So not only is this car larger and more fun to drive than its predecessor, but it’s better looking and considerably more efficient too.

The range comprises two diesel and two petrol engines, six trim levels and estate or saloon body styles, with the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine in the lower of its two power outputs predicted to be the fleet favourite. This combines 148bhp with some of the sector’s best efficiency figures - 62.8mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 108g/km – better than low-carbon Ford, Vauxhall or Volkswagen rivals. Improved residuals and a petrol with the lowest BiK in the range will really up Mazda’s appeal. WHEN? January 2013

NISSAN LEAF Localised production of a Europe-only LEAF will begin at Nissan’s Sunderland plant next April. While there are no official details at the time of writing, the Japanese market LEAF has recently been updated too, which could offers some clues about what’s coming to Europe.

Most of the upgrades are to the drivetrain. This now features a smaller, lighter high voltage unit which is relocated to the front of the car and a new motor with less rare earth metals used in its manufacture. These upgrades shed 80kg, improve the range by 14% and include a low-price entry-level trim costing around £25,500. If European pricing is similar, this could bring the LEAF entry price under £21,000 after the £5,000 UK government grant, much closer to conventionally powered C-segment rivals. Details of the Sunderland-built LEAF will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. WHEN? April 2013

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS The executive segment has become sportier and more youthful recently, and the refreshed E-Class brings Mercedes-Benz in line with fresher-looking competition. This substantial facelift introduces single-piece headlamps either side of a more prominent grille badge, in-keeping with the latest models, while the outgoing car’s muscular rear arches have been softened and the interior subtly revised.

Mercedes-Benz has chosen the E-Class to debut 11 new driver assistance systems, including accident avoidance technology and a simulated birds-eye view parking camera, before they are fitted to the next S-Class. All diesel engines have had small improvements in economy, including the hybrid which now emits 107g/km CO2 in the saloon. Also interesting for fleets, though, is a pair of new efficient 2.0-litre petrol engines. The E200 and E250 both return 48.7mpg and emit 135g/km in the saloon, with power outputs of 184 and 211bhp respectively. These could be a viable tax-efficient choice for low-mileage user-choosers. WHEN? Early 2013

January 2013

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COVER STORY Fleet Cars of 2013

KIA CARENS

SKODA OCTAVIA Skoda begins 2013 launching all-new Octavia, featuring the same upmarket styling as the Rapid and based on an extended version of the new Golf modular platform. It’s the longest wheelbase yet derived from the platform, offering improved rear occupant space and a marginal increase in boot capacity, while, at 102kg lighter than its predecessor, it’s also the most efficient Octavia yet.

From launch, the Octavia will use four petrol and four diesel engines, and all except the entry-level models will feature idle stop and energy recuperation as standard. The CO2 leader is the 89g/km Octavia GreenLine, based on the 1.6 TDI, which is the first time Skoda has offered a C-Segment car at under 100g/km. Luxury class features such as fatigue detection, automatic parking and high beams and the accident avoidance system from the Citigo all help make this a sophisticated, costconscious choice. WHEN? March 2013

Kia’s large MPV is the last model in the range to receive the stylistic influence of design chief Peter Schreyer, and it can’t come soon enough. The result makes Carens one of the best looking MPVs on sale. Styled a lot like the new cee’d, it’s smaller than its predecessor but offers additional interior space while retaining its seven-seat capacity.

The new Carens will feature two versions of the 1.7-litre diesel engine with 133 and 134bhp, the former offering CO2 emissions as low as 118g/km, and two petrols with 133 and 174bhp. All cars get six-speed gearboxes and a front passenger seat which folds flat to extend the load area, and the new car is expected to achieve five Euro NCAP stars when it is tested next year, beating the four achieved by its predecessor. This should increase its company car appeal while retaining its Motability popularity. WHEN? Spring 2013

The Cascada takes Vauxhall into its fourth new segment within 12 months when it arrives in UK showrooms next March, continuing a design-led move upmarket kick-started by the ADAM city car. Based on the current Astra platform and sharing the GTC’s front suspension setup, this is a four-seat convertible of 4.7 metres in length, a similar size to the new Astra saloon and longer than the Audi A5 Cabriolet.

Three engines will be available from launch, comprising the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 165bhp 2.0 CDTi as well as the first use of a new 168bhp 1.6 turbocharged petrol. Cascada won’t record massive fleet volumes, especially if Vauxhall restricts sales as it has with the ADAM, but it could be a helpful model for changing perceptions. WHEN? March 2013

VAUXHALL CASCADA

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NV200 SE

1.5 dCi

NV200

£149

FROM + VAT per month contract hire*

4400mm overall length 739kg payload 55.4mpg/135g/km CO2

LARGE NOW AVAILABLE IN SMALL 4.2M3 OF LOADSPACE IN A COMPACT VAN. THE NV200. PRACTICALLY GENIUS. Sound impossible? Just wait till you open the back doors and see for yourself. 4.2m3 of load capacity means bigger loads, fewer pick-ups and even quicker finishes. And because it’s all in the footprint of a compact van, it’s even easier to park and get about town too. Now that’s more than practical, it’s practically genius.

Nissan. Innovation that excites.

nissan.co.uk/nv200

*BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Contract Hire is available subject to status and conditions on eligible vehicles registered between 02/01/2013 and 26/03/2013. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Example based on 12+35 profile, 10,000 miles per annum on a non-maintained contract. Further charges may be made subject to mileage and condition. Excess mileage will be charged at 6.4 pence per mile (excluding VAT). RAC cover, vehicle excise duty and 3 year/100,000 mile warranty included. Contract Hire Finance provided by Nissan Business Finance, a trading style of Arval UK Limited, Windmill Hill, Swindon SN5 6PE. Model shown is NV200 SE 1.5 dCi priced £13,970 exc. VAT and optional metallic paint at £350. Models subject to availability. Prices correct at the time of going to print. Nissan Motor (GB) Limited, The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.

DRIVEN

Dacia Sandero Could the super-cheap new Sandero find a way on to fleets? Steve Moody investigates.

SECTOR Supermini PRICE £5,995 – £9,795 FUEL 47.9 – 74.2mpg CO2 99 – 137g/km Dacia doesn’t really think the Sandero, a supermini it claims is the UK’s cheapest car, will be much of a fleet proposition, as it will lack the discounts and pack deals of other brands.

That might well be the case, but time will tell. After all, a good car at a keen price has generally found its way onto fleets one way or another, especially in times when businesses are looking for cost-effective motoring. So we shall see, because it’s actually a very good car, favouring function over frivolity, with clear, simple pricing policies and some useful engines.

Powering the Sandero are a choice of three units. The first, the 1.2 16V 75, is on offer with every trim level but too inefficient for fleets, while the more frugal, yet powerful, TCe 90 and dCi 90, can be had with both Ambiance and Lauréate styles.

The new three-cylinder TCe 90 with Stop/Start technology is capable of 109mph, with fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO 2 emissions of 120g/km, while higher mileage drivers may prefer the new dCi 90. This 1.5-litre diesel delivers 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO 2. These two engines also boast gearshift indicators and an ECO mode to limit engine torque.

Kicking off the Sandero range is the aptly named Access. At £5,995, few new cars come close for the same combination of price and

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space. But very few will see the road, I’d wager, with most drivers opting to spec up their cars to something a little more luxurious, as this model doesn’t even come with a radio.

For £600 more, the mid-level Ambiance includes radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input, Bluetooth, remote central locking, electric front windows, body coloured bumpers and 15” ‘Colorado’ wheel trims.

The top-of-the-range Lauréate versions start from £7,995, but come with air conditioning, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, cruise control and electric rear windows as standard, while an optional fully-integrated 7-inch touchscreen navigation and multimedia system is £250.

Inside, some of the plastics are suitably cheap feeling, but it has one of the biggest boots in its class, at 320 litres or 1,200 litres with the rear seats down. As for the way its drives, well, the newer engines are willing enough, but the gearchange is notchy and it handles in a way that clearly illustrates it’s being held up by bits of Kangoo and previous-generation Clios.

Perhaps of more interest for the user chooser on a budget is the Stepway version, which for £600 more than the equivalent Sandero, is sprinkled with a splash of style and sophistication. Sitting 40mm

higher, with satin chrome roof bars and front and rear scuff plates, it is chunkier, and much more distinctive.

Dacia’s plan is to win a 1% share of the UK market this year, which means about 18,000-20,000 units of this bargain basement supermini, the slightly smarter Stepway version and the Duster SUV. All Renault dealerships have signed up to sell the Dacia cars, which means that its network will hit the ground running with experienced people and good locations.

Also, it looks like there will be some strong residuals too, thanks to the no-discount policy helping to keep confidence in process high, and Dacia’s view that retail owners will keep the cars a long time (being conservative swappers of their cars), which could mean a gentle trickle back onto the used market. The result might be some interesting leasing rates.

verdict Cheap to run, well-specced, spacious and comfortable but fairly uninspiring to drive, Dacia's Sandero does exactly what it says on the tin. While fleets may not be ordering thousands of these things, there might be some useful job need/pool car roles for it in businesses after all.

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Efficient new diesel is exactly what Honda needs in the UK, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower-medium PRICE £19,400 – £23,175 FUEL 78.5mpg CO2 94g/km Honda was a latecomer to the diesel market, and it has not exactly blazed a trail since.

Since its first engine – the pretty decent 2.2litre i-CDTi launched in the Accord in 2003 – there have been rumours of stalled and abandoned projects and an apparent lack of desire or cash in Japan for diesel development.

It showed in products: while a substantially overhauled version re-joined the Civic range late in 2011 after a year with no diesel offering, this relatively large, powerful engine was the only diesel on offer, meaning the car was a hard sell for fleets, despite a useful drop in CO2 emissions.

But the firm is now focussed again, and that can only be good news for the corporate market. The 1.6 i-DTEC is a completely new engine, developed in-house and manufactured at the carmaker’s plant in Swindon. It’s significant not only for its European sales potential, but as the first engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology subbrand, with which the carmaker is aiming to offer a similar low-carbon, driver-focused line-up to BMW’s EfficientDynamics models.

Three quarters of UK Civics with this engine will be sold to fleets, and it’s expected to make the 2.2-litre Civic almost obsolete. At 94g/km it boasts some of the lowest CO2 figures in the segment, and with 118bhp the Vauxhall Astra is the only sub-

100g/km car to offer more power. Honda’s plan here is to offer a no-compromise fleet option, swaying buyers with high driver appeal and low running costs.

In reality, most won’t miss the 30bhp drop in power. This is a very lively small engine, keen to rev and responsive from low down thanks to the lag-reducing small turbocharger. It’s also happy to be worked hard, delivering linear power as opposed to the sometimes peaky delivery in other small diesel engines, and never feeling laboured or thrashy.

Lighter components have saved 54kg at the front end, so while it’s slower on paper the 1.6 Civic feels noticeably lighter and more responsive, helped by a positive, short-throw gearbox.

There’s also no loss of refinement. It can be a little grumbly at low revs and high loads, but quietens at speed to a barely audible hum. If anything, it feels sportier to drive than its larger sibling despite the drop in power, without losing any of its high speed ability in the process.

All of which belies this being a first generation unit. Honda may be new to the small diesel pack, but this feels as polished as any of its closest rivals. The weight saving should contribute to respectable driveability in larger cars too, though whether it’ll be a little overworked

in the Accord and CR-V is another matter.

Honda has rational appeal on its side too.

Fuel economy is a claimed 78.5mpg and while the test route wasn’t ideal for demonstrating this, figures in the mid-50s imply over 60mpg should be easily achievable on a combined cycle. It’s keenly priced, should be reliable and benefits from stronger residuals than most in the segment, at 36%, which the carmaker is keen to maintain by limiting volumes and controlling sales channels.

This is an engine which will, in time, make up a quarter of all Hondas sold in the UK, and it’ll be offered with multiple power outputs that may make it suitable for cars like the Jazz. It will also be an important engine for the forthcoming Civic Wagon due early in 2014. For the short term, though, it’s a well-engineered and well-timed addition to one of Europe’s biggest segments that Honda dealers must be glad to have at last.

verdict Honda has a little repair work to do on its fleet presence in the UK, but this engine will go a long way towards doing that.

It’s keenly priced, great to drive, tax and fuel-efficient and a perfect fit in the Civic.

Perhaps now is the time to put this back on your choice lists.

January 2013

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FEATURE To buy or to lease?

CASH-FOR-CAR

OPERATIONAL & HR ISSUES This month Professor Colin Tourick looks at the human side of cash-for-car and the HR and financial impact on employees and business.

LAST time we looked at some of the tax and structural issues to consider with cash-for-car: schemes in which an employer stops providing a company car and simply provides the employee with more salary instead.

This month we will look at cash-for-car from an operational and HR perspective.

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We’ll start by looking at operational issues. Selecting, test-driving, buying, maintaining, insuring and disposing of a car all involve an element of hassle.

With company cars the employer has the hassle, with many cash-for-car arrangements it is left with the employees, who will most likely do these tasks

during working hours when they should be concentrating on their day-jobs.

When implementing a cash-for-car scheme you will have to make some important policy decisions.

In many company car schemes, employees are allowed to select a car from a list, according to their staff grade.

in association with

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

When introducing cash-for-car schemes, many employers try to replace these car bands with cash bands – “if you are at such-and-such a grade you are entitled to receive £400 per month instead of a company car”.

However, if two employees are earning the same salary and doing the same job but don’t drive the same business mileage, paying them identical cash and mileage allowances will leave one substantially better off than the other.

They will be unable to afford the same car. In fact these schemes work best when employees have a good idea of the level of business mileage they will drive – and many don’t.

What happens if a driver moves job inside the organisation and now drives more or less miles than planned? Who pays the additional costs or gets the savings, the employer or the employee?

Motor insurance can be problematic.

Employees don’t build up no-claims bonuses while driving the company’s vehicles. Therefore, some employees who have opted for cash allowances have discovered that motor insurers have quoted very large premiums and have not recognised their years of accident and claim-free motoring. The better cash-for-car schemes recognise this issue and include arrangements with the companies’ insurers to continue to cover those staff who opt for cash. After all, the insurers still want the business and the risk has not changed.

Vehicle selection can be an issue.

Where cars are used in your business (for example, by salespeople) you might think it reasonable for the company to stipulate the type, age and quality of car that can be used on company business. But the employee can reasonably say they should be able to spend their income on whatever they want. In practice, many cash-for-car schemes limit the cars that employees can use on company business, e.g. no sports cars, nothing over four years old and no two-door cars.

Where schemes are less prescriptive than this, many employees now enjoy the newly-found freedom to choose

whatever car they want, and many have selected quality used vehicles to stretch their cash allowance further.

Some schemes allow the employer to deduct cash from salary and pay this directly to a leasing company. Lessors prefer this as it reduces their administration and gives them one point of contact.

If employees use their own cars on company business, the cars must comply with health and safety legislation and be properly serviced, maintained and insured (for business). These cars should be included in your health and safety assessments.

You may need a consumer credit licence from the Office of Fair Trading if you plan to help your employees organise car finance. It is hard to get the OFT to be prescriptive about who does and doesn’t need a licence. However, it seems that if you simply advertise a leasing company’s PCP scheme on your intranet and invite staff to apply direct to the leasing company, you will not require a licence. But if you administer the finance application process, handle the application forms, arrange for the agreements to be signed, etc, you will be doing the same job as a broker and your business has to be licensed.

Turning now to human resource issues, there is much debate on how employees can be encouraged to take up cash-forcar schemes.

Some consultants insist that all employees can be pushed into them on the same day without any problems.

However, if your company’s standard employment contract says you will provide employees with a car, you cannot unilaterally withdraw this benefit. If the contract allows you to withdraw or modify this benefit at your sole discretion, you are free to make whatever changes you wish, though you may well have a very unhappy workforce if you impose a scheme on them.

Employees are rarely enthusiastic when facing withdrawal of their company cars. Once their cars are gone, many will have to enter into finance agreements to obtain their cars, committing to pay thou-

sands of pounds over a number of years.

If they have concerns about job security (for example, if the company has made people redundant recently, or if they have received adverse comments about their personal performance) they will be reluctant to make this commitment. If they are planning to move home they may have concerns about their ability to raise a mortgage if they have to disclose several thousand pounds of additional indebtedness to potential lenders.

In some, the employer organises accident, sickness and redundancy insurance for the employees through an insurance company. It may seem strange for the employer to organise redundancy cover but it provides an important safety cushion for their employees.

Salary is normally the starting point for calculating some employee benefits; particularly pension contributions. As a cash-for-car scheme involves adding a sum of money to the employees’ salaries, most schemes specifically state that the cash allowance shall be excluded when calculating pension benefits.

So, why should you introduce a cash-for-car scheme?

Introduced correctly, they can be motivational. They can allow the individual employee freedom to choose their own vehicle, save money for the employer and save a lot of administration.

Introduced incorrectly they can expose your drivers to financial risks, have a demotivating effect and expose your company to new health and safety risks.

In practice, many cash-forcar schemes limit the cars that employees can use on company business January 2013

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CITROËN DS LINE

DESIRABLE, AFFORDABLE, UNIQUE Launched in 2010, the multi award-winning DS Line is a global success story, totalling more than 40,000 UK sales and continuing to grow into new segments. Built for the business user, each model not only features Citroën’s renowned design, but offers high specification, impeccable build quality and low running costs thanks to a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. For fleets, the choice has never been easier.

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CITROËN DS3 CABRIO.

DS LINE

UNCOMPROMISED AL FRESCO

CITROËN DS3.

INNOVATIVE AND COMPACT CO2 from: 91g/km BiK from: 13%

Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, DS3 Cabrio is the fourth model in Citroën’s DS Line and will continue to build on the appeal of the popular DS3 hatchback when it arrives in UK showrooms early this year.

Its unique roof features a central fabric section which can be retracted to the bottom of the rear screen in just 16 seconds at up to 75mph.

This retracting section is as customisable as DS3 customers have come to expect from the smallest member of the DS Line, available in three designs including the DS monogram, each with a shiny pearlescent thread.

The roof is designed to offer the same refinement, five-seat cabin and almost as much boot space as the hatchback – a class-leading 245 litres – while adding only 25kg to its kerb weight. It also allows the DS3 to retain its distinctive side profile, with floating roof and shark fin B-pillar left intact. With DS3’s renowned agility and driver enjoyment included as standard, it’s a desirable new entrant in the compact convertible class.

Fresh, original and innovative, DS3 launched Citroën’s DS Line in 2010 and has since sold more than 200,000 vehicles worldwide. High quality materials, unique design and an engine line-up ranging from 91g/km CO2 to 155bhp offer widespread appeal to the stylish supermini, while near infinite customisation options, including contrasting body and roof colours, interior accents and graphics, mean no two DS3s need ever look alike.

CITROËN DS4.

WHY CONFORM?

CO2 from: 114g/km BiK from: 16% Beautifully non-conformist, DS4 offers style and driver-focused appeal of a sports coupe with the practicality of a five-door hatchback. Flared wheel arches and a steeply raked roofline belie the flexibility of easy access for five, while the sculpted and heavily soundproofed cabin is awash with materials from a class above. Agile and quick to respond, with engines including a 200bhp petrol and e-HDI micro-hybrid emitting just 114g/km CO2, DS4 is a design statement with substance.

CITROËN DS5.

LUXURIOUS TECHNOLOGY CO2 from: 91g/km BiK from: 10%

The flagship of the DS line, DS5 is the pinnacle of Citroën’s Créative Technologie. Capacious interior space is combined with the aerodynamic silhouette of a grand tourer, while its luxurious interior is packed with innovative, aviation-inspired details that will delight drivers. Drivetrains are as revolutionary, including including a range of HDi diesel engines and Citroen's first diesel-hybrid, offering 200bhp and four wheel drive, while emitting a tax-conscious 91g/km of CO2.

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US ON 08457 940 940 OR EMAIL FLEET@CITROENCONNECT.CO.UK

FEATURE Contract Hire & Leasing

When to buy and when to DIY Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of different services being offered by contract hire and leasing companies. What are they and should you go for a one-stop approach or is it easier and cheaper to do it yourself or find another supplier? Natalie Wallis reports.

In the last couple of decades, contract hire firms in the UK have evolved into not only one of the most cost-effective providers of vehicles but also the most comprehensive providers of everything a fleet needs, from management of drivers, rental supply to collecting parking fines.

But do you really need to take all or even any of these services? Should you split them between different suppliers to get the best deal? Or could you just take care of your day-today operational fleet requirements more cost-effectively and time-efficiently if you went for the DIY option?

Roddy Graham, commercial director of Leasedrive, says that the decision on which services to outsource comes down largely to the size of the company – but also its own business culture.

He comments: ‘This is horses for courses. There’s sometimes a culture within an organisation and it’s an ownership culture and sometimes there’s a usership culture. More and more you see organisations saying, “Let’s outsource non-core activities because someone else

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can do it better than we can.”’

He continues: ‘If you’re an SME with a dozen or 20 vehicles or something like that, for the managing director it [fleet management] is almost a hobby. It’s almost like, “I’ll go out and buy the cars because I’m the managing director and people in the local area know me.”

‘In the middle market, they [company cars] move from just being funded to being a pain in the backside; that’s sort of 50 vehicles up to a thousand-odd vehicles.

It’s that sort of market where outsourcing is hugely valued because you’re a big organisation but you’re not big enough to justify having separate departments to do everything you do.

‘Once you get over a couple of thousand vehicles, like large utility companies, that’s when they will do in-house fleet management. So most of these huge fleets will have aspects that they control themselves but some parts they’ll say, “Well, I would be better to get the maintenance controlled by, say, Leasedrive because they’ve got a better network and I can just

be the supply chain manager for that part.”’

He adds one very salient point: ‘But everyone outsources something, whether it’s roadside membership – because I don’t know anyone who does that themselves – or short-term rental requirements.’

Liz Hollands, fleet & facilities manager at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), agrees that outsourcing decisions very much depend on the size of the fleet, and the other duties to be managed – but warns that the DIY option can often be labour intensive and can come at a cost.

She comments: ‘My overall preference is for dual leasing supply – to achieve best buying power – but that makes for a lot more work producing reports. At the FTA I also run Facilities and there are simply not enough hours in the day, so we have to pay a bit of a premium for the benefit of one provider doing almost everything for us. If I were to keep everything in-house I would need the right expertise to manage all the different elements efficiently, and am unlikely to be able to match the buying power of the last providers.

I would always shop around rather than keep everything with one organisation and make sure services are regularly benchmarked.

Damian James, head of operations, Bracknell Forest Council

‘When I was first working in fleet I very quickly realised the benefit of appointing an accident management provider who would deal with claims and uninsured loss recovery. I reckoned I was spending 15% of my time on that alone, and still not doing it to best effect.

‘I know there are fleets who don’t take a complete package, and who outsource various elements. For instance, one used to outsource its finance because they could obtain better rates than the incumbent provider. I might be able to save money by arranging our own maintenance – but then I’d have to manage all the suppliers; and know I was being correctly charged, and pay them, and deal with warranty claims with a manufacturer. Frankly, I’d rather use outside expertise and pay a regular budgeted amount, with a profit share arrangement at the end of the contract.

‘It’s another of those areas where one size does not fit all and there is no right answer.’

Damian James, who also speaks from the in-house fleet manager’s perspective from his role of head of operations at Bracknell Forest Council, agrees that outsourcing decisions really depend on individual setups within organisations. But he does advise fleets to farm out different services to different suppliers.

He comments: ‘My experience has been that usually I have not taken additional services on top of general fleet management as I have staff here who can cover these aspects as part of their more general role. They have the local knowledge and unique understanding of my fleet to be able to react quickly, cost effectively and in the best interest of the vehicle user. As a small fleet my experience of external suppliers is that I don't always get the reaction time and urgency that is required.’

However, he continues: ‘If I was to source additional services I would always shop around rather than keep everything with one organisation and make sure services are regularly benchmarked.’

Certainly Tusker – a specialist in salary

sacrifice car schemes, which have seen a sharp rise in popularity as an additional new service in recent years – says salary sacrifice schemes are complementary to traditional contract hire and do not need to come from the same supplier.

Tusker’s CEO, David Hosking, comments: ‘We believe the “traditional” company car fleet and salary sacrifice car schemes are complementary and not mutually exclusive, as we provide vehicles for both. However, it is by no means unusual to have one supplier for contract hire and a totally different one for a salary sacrifice car scheme.’

However, speak to the contract hire firms about their overall provision of services and they are at pains to point out the benefits you stand to gain from using a broad spectrum of their services.

Gary Killeen, fleet services commercial leader for GE Capital UK, says: ‘The important point to remember is that add-on services increasingly form part of an entire consultative service of which contract hire or any other form of leasing is simply the funding element.

‘Businesses enter into relationships with full-service vehicle leasing organisations like ourselves because they want to tap into our in-depth expertise, operational scale and proven processes in order to create an entire fleet solution and infrastructure that not only meets the customer’s long-term needs but is proactively monitored and managed to take account of any alterations that changing circumstances demand.’

And Ian Hughes, commercial director at Zenith, explains the benefits of having a full suite of products and services delivered from one central platform: ‘It makes sense to choose a provider that offers a range of additional services, rather than utilising another third-party provider or adopting administratively heavy and not necessarily accurate offline processes.

‘Reporting can be centralised and data shared so that, for example, whole-life cost analysis includes fuel and ancillary spend to deliver the true cost of the fleet, a risk management matrix includes accident statistics.

Using isolated software from different providers or managing these processes inhouse can mean that the full capabilities of data management and analysis are not realised and that unnecessary time, risk and cost is incurred. Benefits can include improved reporting, reduced administration, reduced costs and legislative compliance.’

For fleets that still wish to go down the route of using different providers for different services, Gary Killeen has this advice: ‘In circumstances where a fleet manager has the time, capacity and resource to look at sourcing services from multiple providers then this should be reviewed holistically as part of a comprehensive fleet policy review and benchmarking exercise based on an in-depth tender process assessing the full fleet provision.

‘However, in our experience, the time and expertise required to assess the benefits of sourcing services separately nearly always proves for a single source of supply where economies of scale, a single point of contact, reduced administration resource, contractual and service level simplicity coupled with integrated process controls and the considerable advantage of consolidated reporting provides customers with a very compelling argument to source all elements of a leasing solution from their full service leasing provider.’

Ultimately the decision on whether and what to outsource will depend on the size, nature and inherent culture of your business, as well as the prevailing economic climate.

But the final word on what contract hire companies have to offer in the way of fleet management and other services goes to Leasedrive’s Roddy Graham, who says: ‘It would be really sad if as an industry we have wasted all the millions of pounds that we’ve spent in developing technology and products and services. We’ve come through the worst recession in living memory and there haven’t been any high-profile liquidations or receiverships within the contract hire and fleet management industry. And our customers should look at that and say that it is a resilient industry.’

January 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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www.fleetacademy.co.uk 48

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The subject of women bishops may have dominated the news over recent weeks, but one area where women are apparently already achieving equality – and asserting themselves over their male counterparts – is ecodriving and eco car choices.

According to a press release from Business Lease Netherlands, women are leading the way in both areas.

The firm says that females are opting for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and where they do opt for larger cars, they’re going for lower CO2 versions.

And the ladies are apparently demonstrating more prowess at eco-driving, consuming marginally less fuel.

Although there will always be exceptions to the rule – especially the further up the corporate ladder you go – in some ways this research seems to be stating the blinking obvious, with females renowned for opting for vehicles that are affordable and practical, and thereby often leaner and cleaner.

And just one look at the Fleet World long-term test fleet would seem to bear this out – with both Anne Dopson and myself driving two of the smallest and cleanest cars that we’re running, while the majority of lads have opted for

J. Mistry, Car Leasing Business Intelligence, XLGC replied…

Amongst all drivers, this assertion is probably true by a small margin, maybe due to female drivers being slightly less aggressive. However, if you are looking at ultra-efficient driving, then female enthusiasts are fewer in number, and usually not so enthusiastic.

Just as fewer female drivers will have read the police driver manual for advanced driving (all about observation, anticipation and control – not speed!), in my experience fewer seem to be aware of how to utilise fuel saving techniques.

in association with

debate...

Removing tax insurance checks – an absurd proposal?

Edmund King, President , The Automobile Association both larger-sized and larger-engined cars.

And whilst my husband may never admit it, I also know that if I drive a car after him I’m bound to get a better mpg figure according to the onboard computer – even though the exorbitant fuel prices of recent years have curbed his driving practices somewhat.

But I do have to confess to not being the greatest at eco-driving. It’s not that I don’t try to ease off the accelerator or anticipate junctions more, but somehow the pressing need to always be somewhere on time dominates…

And actually Enterprise Rent-A-Car has come out with some new research this month that says that men are more environmentally motivated than women and are more likely to look at other options to using the car, such as vehicle rental, cycling or walking, or public transport.

So what do you think? Are women bearing the standard for eco driving – or is it the case, as with other areas like booze and cigarettes, where women in time pick up on male vices?

Terry Harvey, Head of Tax, Hitachi Capital, replied…

Perhaps women just drive the family’s smaller second car more often, or are the registered owners of such cars, and so distorting the statistics?

My own research, which is extremely limited, suggests that my wife is far worse in our new eco Fiesta. She may drive moderately efficiently, but sadly has no concept of driving ultra-efficiently!

Under new government plans to digitise car taxation, the tax disk could become obsolete. The proposal by the DVLA to remove the insurance check when car owners apply for a tax disc would be a huge step back for motoring legislation enforcement.

According to recent statistics, 1 out of every 25 motorists on British roads is driving without cover, a significant improvement over five years ago. Even so, this is still one of the poorest uninsured driving records in Europe and now is not the time to knock out an important legislative pillar.

It would send out entirely the wrong message, and undo much the work carried out by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, the government and the insurance industry to enforce the law. To knock out a simple and almost fool-proof check that insurance is in place, once every year or six months, is madness. It’s telling the public that it’s OK to delay or even avoid taking out cover.

It’s simply not good enough to rely on the police using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to identify uninsured vehicles after the event. Currently, application of a tax disc online confirms that both insurance and MoT are valid. If either has expired, this acts as an immediate reminder to the driver that they are not covered, or that their vehicle might not be safe to drive.

If this proposal becomes law, we will see a sharp rise in the number of people driving without cover, either deliberately or through oversight.

Would you be as concerned as I am about your employees and vehicles being exposed to more uninsured drivers if this legislation is passed?

Clive Buhagiar, Head of Public Sector, Alphabet (UK) replied…

What is DVLA trying to achieve with this proposal? Does it give a massive saving in administration and costs?

I really can’t see that being the case in real life. As pointed out, we already have one of the worst records in Europe for uninsured drivers and these costs are always passed on to those who do follow the law.

The only thing I would say is that customer feedback shows that ANPR searches do appear to be happening more frequently by the police; but if we can stop the problem at source (i.e. when a tax disc is purchased), then surely this will allow the police to focus on other issues.

January 2013

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the iconic look, style and feel of Fiat 500...

Compact car style When it goes on sale in March, the Fiat 500L will be the third member of the Fiat 500 family, joining the globally popular hatchback and Fiat 500C cabriolet, and showing evidence of a strong DNA link to its siblings. So while L may stand for large, the new Fiat 500L is simply an evolution of an iconic design, made more versatile.

Just like its closest relatives, individuality is a big part of Fiat 500L ownership. There are 10 body colours, three contrasting hues for the roof, and several interior palettes to choose from, adding up to a total of 300 combinations. The dashboard is colour-coded to the bodywork, with upmarket blue-backlit dials and soft-touch plastics, while large windows add to an airy, stylish and spacious cabin awash with Italian style.

Innovative new features Not only is the Fiat 500L a new model line, but itʼs the first Fiat to get numerous technological innovations and features aimed at improving life on the road. Passengers can view the world through a huge 1.5-metre square glass sunroof, fitted as standard to the Lounge trim and optional throughout the range. Also new to Fiat is the worldʼs first in-car coffee machine, made by Lavazza, serving fresh coffee on demand.

All models feature the latest Uconnect five-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice controls and Bluetooth® phone connectivity. This can stream voice calls and audio through the carʼs premium audio system – co-developed with Beats by Dr Dre – as well as reading your text messages aloud when on the move.

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...with the added practicality and size of a mini MPV! Keeping costs down Priced from £14,990, the Fiat 500L offers outstanding value from the moment you place an order. Itʼs also incredibly well equipped, with essentials such as air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth® connectivity and the latest multimedia system included across the range.

But it doesnʼt stop there. Using the latest petrol and diesel engines, the 500L continues to cut costs throughout its life. As well as the 67.2mpg 1.3 MultiJet diesel, the rangeʼs most efficient model, the Fiat 500L will be the first to feature Fiatʼs more powerful TwinAir Turbo petrol. This ups power to 105hp, while returning best-in-class CO2 emissions of 112g/km. With the eco:Drive Live function offering real-time driver behaviour feedback on the touchscreen display, itʼs easy to get the best out of each engine.

Fiat 500L offers interior space and practicality usually only found in much larger MPVs Unrivalled practicality At 4.1 metres in length, the Fiat 500L is only 80mm longer than the Fiat Punto and is just as easy to manoeuvre and park in the city as a supermini. Yet it offers interior space and practicality usually only found in much larger MPVs, and a five-star Euro NCAP crash test score with top marks for adult and child occupant protection is proof of big-car safety too.

All seats except the driverʼs fold flat offering a load length of up to 2.4 metres from the tailgate to the dashboard, and even with the seats up the boot has a class-leading 400-litre capacity. There are also 22 compartments throughout the cabin, suitable for everything from water bottles to audio players. Itʼs big car practicality in a surprisingly small package befitting the 500 name.

To find out more about the new Fiat 500L, email our Business Centre at fiat.fleet@fiat.com or call 08446 623 648

fiat.co.uk

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Test driving of the latest cars and vans on the International Circuit, Stow Circuit and public roads Conference & seminar programme covering key topics for fleet decision-makers Extensive indoors exhibition area for motor manufacturers and fleet suppliers The perfect networking opportunity for fleet professionals Registration for the Fleet World Fleet Show at Silverstone, UK, is now open at www.thefleetshow.co.uk

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SWOT TEAM

VAUXHALL ADAM v RIVALS

THE RIVALS MINI ONE

FIAT 500

VOLKSWAGEN UP!

THE TEAM

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Alan Senior (AS) Director, Vehicle Information Publishing

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Commercial Director, KeeResources KwikCarCost

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

January 2013

53

SWOT TEAM This month the SWOT Team analyses the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new VAUXHALL ADAM against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

AC Out of the four vehicles selected the up! looks stonking value at £11,240 which is £1,500 cheaper than its closest rival the 500 and £2,000 cheaper than both the MINI and the ADAM, although both the ADAM and the MINI have far bigger engines than the other two.

All four sell on style rather than practicality, and as a newcomer the ADAM is going to have to go some to compete. Fiat and MINI already benefit from proven high residuals and Volkswagen will definitely be similar. Plenty of individualisation options keeps the range fairly fresh as you don’t get too many identical models coming into the used market.

AC The one vehicle that worries me more than any other is the ADAM. Not because it isn’t a good car and not because it isn’t a good looking car, but it seems quite expensive when put up against the 500 and the up!. It will be interesting to see how much the transaction price is, as this will have a massive effect on residual values, just like it does across the many other vehicles in the Vauxhall portfolio.

MJ The ADAM seeks to emulate the success of the MINI and 500, and although it doesn’t have the heritage that has served them so well, Vauxhall knows about this sector mainly due to Corsa. But it looks great and with a vast range of options it should manage to appeal to both female and male buyers, although women are expected to dominate sales. Equipment levels are good and some optional equipment is aggressively priced which should lead to good take up. But the strength of the competition cannot be ignored.

AS MINI is possibly the most iconic and well known name in the supermini sector. Both this and the 500 show a strong record on residuals. Volkswagen’s classless image within both the fleet and consumer arenas has given the up! an enviable position as a premium small car. ADAM’s neat, tidy and not particularly radical looks could give it more fleet appeal.

MW The ADAM looks great, and will appeal to the young and old, especially women. MINI has done so well for the last ten years, and no doubt will do for the next ten and remains to be ever-popular.

Fiat 500 has lots of image, plenty of heritage and everyone who owns one seems to love it. The Volkswagen up! makes the others look a bit expensive, it drives so well, and is generously equipped.

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MJ Vauxhall previously announced a huge new engine programme, including ultra-efficient engines for small cars, but these haven’t made it into the ADAM for launch, although some benefits are perhaps more relevant to corporate drivers paying BiK taxation.

To rival MINI performance ADAM needs to show a strong residual value and to achieve this will require restraint from Vauxhall on discounts from themselves and their dealers, although availability is forecast at little more than 10,000 units. The suggestion that Vauxhall will stock key models in popular specifications will centrally undermine the diversity of used examples that helps MINI keep RVs high.

AS It’s a shame the ADAM has been burdened from the start with an unrealistic and very expensive list price, this will put many off in the first instance. The MINI is expensive too, especially options such as sat nav. The up!’s tiny boot and the unachievable fuel economy figures on the 500 TwinAir are also talking points.

MW The ADAM range seems to be over-complicated, and Vauxhall are charging plenty for this cute car, maybe too much. Volkswagen isn’t so much battling against the rest here, but against competitors within the group from Skoda and SEAT. The MINI’s CO2 emissions are a bit high compared to the others, but in reality try and get anything like the 70.6mpg figure Fiat quotes for the 500 TwinAir, and you will be lucky to get within 20mpg of it, unless you drive it so slowly and annoy every other road user around you.

VAUXHALL ADAM

MINI ONE

FIAT 500

VOLKSWAGEN UP!

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

AC There are many opportunities for small, funky

AC Values could suffer if too many of these vehicles hit the used market, so manufacturers will have to be inventive to keep the ranges fresh.

These cars sell on style and status, which is a good thing because the Dacia Sandero completely changes the market when it comes to affordability. It may make massive inroads, especially where money is tight, because it is such amazing value.

cars as younger drivers are signing themselves up for PCP/PCH deals and renewing their cars every 23 years on finance. Proven strong residual values on the 500 and the MINI obviously help when it comes to monthly rental, and the up! should benefit from strong values as it is so competitively priced. I am not so sure about the ADAM and will be watching very carefully over the coming months.

MJ For Vauxhall the opportunities are significant as there is an increasing amount of more premium volume within this sector. The supermini sector is worth around half a million units a year so offers true long term potential, and up to 70% of sales are expected to be conquest sales.

The trick is whether volume-chasing Vauxhall dealers can provide a customer experience that matches the MINI and Audi A1 experience, which is essential if they can conquest those brands, and without which they will not be able to achieve minimal discount business. Handled correctly this could help Vauxhall’s brand image.

AS MINI has been around since 2001, but still cuts it in the fashion and image departments – an incredible achievement. Strong image is hard to acquire, but the 500 has arguably put Fiat in this league for the first time in the UK. Fleets love the Volkswagen badge and strong residuals, which will help the up! in these lean times. Vauxhall also has a long-standing reputation in this sector, so ADAM is an important addition.

MW The MINI is an attractive car, and still the first choice of younger buyers, a phenomenon which will remain for as long as it is produced. New additions to the 500 range keep it fresh and modern too. The up!’s green credentials, low price and high quality should attract new customers. Despite its high retail price, there is an opportunity for the ADAM to fill a gap in the market and offer an alternative to established brands.

MJ I would have put an Opel badge on the ADAM it could have done for Vauxhall what DS has done for Citroën. Although volume has reduced as their range has widened, MINI continues to dominate the premium offerings while more price sensitive Fiat 500 sells slightly more. The ADAM has a lot to offer and is after drivers of both these cars, but the sector has other players and the Volkswagen up! represents another alternative with its flexible interior layout and distinctive looks.

AS The ADAM is off on the wrong foot with the list prices, there are some very competitive deals to be had from established market leaders. The Fiat 500 continues to be buoyant though it’s not roomy enough for many fleets and TwinAir is an acquired taste. The up! is a less likely candidate for volume fleet success, but private sales are almost guaranteed. MINI isn’t the force it once was in the desirability stakes but this will no doubt be addressed by the manufacturer very soon.

MW The ADAM has to overcome its perceived high price, and for the public to understand the badging structure and options needed to make it a complete car. New owners will also have to like the decisions and tastes of the first owner. The MINI brand could be weakened by so many new models being added and the buying public being confused by the large range. Volkswagen has a lot of other budget hatches to compete with, and the Fiat 500 has to overcome its unrealistic economy figures. If it’s not careful, it will be creating a bad name for itself.

January 2013

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SWOT TEAM

VAUXHALL ADAM v RIVALS

VAUXHALL ADAM

Vauxhall ADAM Glam 1.4 16v ecoFLEX OTR: £13,270 P11D: £13,215 Fuel: 55.4mpg CO2: 119g/km Residual value (3yr/60k): £4,500 (34%) BiK: 14% SMR: £1.597 Fuel costs: £6.582 Insurance: £1,530 Finance: £1,784 NI: £821 VED: £60 Cost per month: £587

MINI ONE

MINI One Hatch OTR: £13,460 P11D: Fuel: 52.3mpg CO2: 127g/km Residual value (3yr/60k): £5,050 (38%) BiK: 16% SMR: £1,369 Fuel costs: £6,973 Insurance: £2,325 Finance: £1,810 NI: £943 VED: £200 Cost per month: £612

FIAT 500

Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir Lounge

VOLKSWAGEN UP!

THE VERDICT

Standard equipment: • DAB Radio/CD with Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs • Electric windows • Cruise control • Climate control • 16-inch alloy wheels • ESP Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Half artificial leather upholstery £350 • IntelliLink navigation upgrade £275 • Parking sensors (rear) £275

Standard equipment: • DAB radio/CD • Electric windows • Manual air conditioning • Heated mirrors and washer jets • DSC Optional equipment: • Bluetooth and USB connectivity £295 • Metallic paint £400 • Half leather upholstery £460 • Satellite navigation £1,345 • Alloy wheels (15-inch) £340

OTR: £12,760 P11D: £12,705 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 95g/km Residual value (3yr/60k): £4,600 (36%) BiK: 10% SMR: £1,572 Fuel costs: £5,293 Insurance: £2,205 Finance: £1,715 NI: £579 VED: £0 Cost per month: £542

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs • Electric windows • Manual air conditioning • Electrically adjustable heated door mirrors • 15-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £450 • Climate control £270 • Blue&Me TomTom satellite navigation £349.99 • ESP £320 • Leather upholstery £780

Volkswagen High up! (75PS) Bluemotion Technology 5dr OTR: £11,240 P11D: £10,970 Fuel: 67.3mpg CO2: 98g/km Residual value (3yr/60k): £4,500 (41%) BiK: 10% SMR: £1,586 Fuel costs: £6,068 Insurance: £1,086 Finance: £1,481 NI: £500 VED: £0 Cost per month: £479

Standard equipment: • Radio/CD/SD with Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs • Electric windows (front) • Satellite navigation • ESP • Heated seats • 15-inch alloy wheels Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £450 • Leather-look seats £450 • Cruise control, parking sensors and multi-function display £350 • Panoramic sunroof £650

VAUXHALL is asking a high price for the ADAM, but if it can get the customer experience right and hold back on discounts this could be an important model for improving its brand image. This will be vital if the newcomer is to steal sales from established rivals.

But in tight financial times, this group has threats outside its natural competition. Well-packaged, keenly priced premium superminis like the Volkswagen up! may not be direct competitors, but they offer as good, if not better, practicality, cute styling and low running costs at a cheaper price.

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FLEET OPERATIONS

A whole new headache for fleet operators Nigel Fletcher Commercial fleet operators need to ready themselves for the changes to European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval, says Nigel Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director of ALD Automotive.

“ Fleets will be hit by the requirement that additional approval be gained for any modifications.”

Forget about that extra glass of wine on New Year’s Eve; this April is set to bring about an even bigger headache for fleets running commercial vehicles, as the impact of the latest round of European legislation is felt. In the form of ECWVTA European Community Whole Vehicle Type approval.

The legislation itself is nothing new – it’s been around for many years for cars and motorcycles and in the words of the DfT, “provides a mechanism for ensuring that vehicles meet relevant environmental, safety and security standards” – in other words, that vehicles are safe to use on the roads and meet environmental limits too.

New ECWVTA legislation is being phased in to include other vehicle sectors bringing them in line with the car sector, ensuring that all new road vehicles are covered by 2014.

Since 29 October 2011, ECWVTA has been mandatory for minibuses, buses and coaches.

However, from many fleets’ perspectives, 29 April 2013 is a more pertinent date as it’s from then that ECWVTA will be introduced for light vans registered from this date onwards – and that’s when things could get chaotic.

Although responsibility for compliance with the ECWVTA will mainly fall with the vehicle manufacturers, companies running light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes – a staple part of many organisations’ fleets – will be hit by the requirement that additional approval be gained for any modifications.

Without a full type approval certificate initial registration will not be possible, therefore, No approval = No registration = No sale.

The areas of approval will be:• Alterations affecting the rolling, unladen mass • All bodywork affixed to chassis cabs t 0870 0011181 e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

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• Any additions of electrical components (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) • Van conversions affecting the external dimensions of the original vehicle

The BVRLA has already announced its concerns over the legislation – in particular that each vehicle would have to be individually reinspected, tested and approved.

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has presented details of a blanket approval scheme that will cover the more common vehicle modifications and is intended to reduce the burden on fleets, test centres and inspectors. And it is working with the BVRLA and VOSA – which will police the regulations – to help avoid extra costs and time delays.

However, even at this stage there are still many unanswered questions about the legislation.

The BVRLA has raised concerns over what modifications could be ‘blanket approved’ and voiced concern that both body builders and converters may have to make significant changes to their production processes and control, thus incurring additional costs, which will ultimately have to be passed on. It is clear that ECWVTA will have an impact within the industry – from leasing providers funding the vehicles, to converters and dealerships. That’s not to mention the impact on fleets themselves, who could face significant time and cost implications.

There are those in the industry who have highlighted the benefits of ECWVTA, namely that, in the words of the VCA, “All vehicles will be manufactured to the same high standards of road safety and environmental performance, promoting customer confidence and retaining more value in vehicles produced.”

And the VCA says that ECWVTA will reduce trade barriers by creating a level playing field for companies wishing to sell their vehicles in Europe.

As always, our main focus is on our customers and we are already planning ahead to meet fleet requirements. In particular we are working closely with our customers and their vehicle suppliers to help minimise the impact of the legislation and to help build a plan for what they need to do to ensure that vehicles meet approval standards and that there is minimal disruption to their business.

If you have any questions about European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval, please do get in touch with us at www.aldautomotive.co.uk.

FLEET ON FLEET

Damage limitations Ian Green, group car fleet manager at Peverel Services, speaks to Liz Hollands about comical attempts to cover up damage and how he has introduced telematics.

Do you take a large or small insurance excess, or do you self-insure?

I would say our insurance excess is average, at £250 per claim. We recover £50 from each driver as a contribution towards this excess for each necessary repair and £50 towards the cost of repair if we don’t make a claim and there is no third party to recover our costs from.

How is your fleet made up?

Peverel Services Ltd provides propertyrelated services throughout the UK including property management, letting, security and protection systems as well as property sales and insurance. The fleet of 360 vehicles are contract hired with full maintenance over three years. The scope of vehicle choice is vast and varied from small hatchbacks to Range Rovers depending on the job need and position within the company.

Are you qualifications or experience based – or perhaps a mixture of both?

My experience is based on both qualification via the ICFM and knowledge gained over the past 10 years within the fleet industry. In addition to this I owe a great deal of gratitude to ACFO members past and present who have been more than willing to help and offer sound and impartial advice. I am now in the fortunate position where I can contribute more and hopefully ”put something back” as they say. I am privileged to hold a regional officer position in the Southern region.

How do you communicate information to your drivers?

In many ways. Sometimes it is by traditional ”snail mail” but mostly electronically – just often enough to make a difference but not so often that the messages become diluted or ignored. We regularly update the Group Company Car Policy and insist that the relevant signed pages are return prior to any new vehicle orders being placed. And there are no exceptions to this policy!

What’s the worst fleet-related issue you’ve had to deal with?

Only two weeks ago I took delivery of a return vehicle from a driver leaving the busi-

And the funniest?

That would be when I realised that the driver above was actually being serious!!!

Do you track your vehicles, and how did you persuade drivers it was a ‘Good Thing’?

We are about to install a VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) to a large number of service engineer vehicles, as well as the senior management and support teams’ vehicles.

We are focussing on health and safety first and foremost, with the added benefits such as job and journey scheduling.

The business communicated the changes by engaging with our mobile workforce face to face and explained the risks we wish to manage, and the accident statistics that we wish to improve upon.

The business also invested time working with a supplier who was willing and able to provide privacy functionality that enables the drivers to retain control over what registers as a business journey. The system is set up in a way that prevents private use being recorded within the mapping or data fields. The installation program is due to commence later this year.

How do you deal with damage on returned cars?

All return vehicle damage is reported and supported by in-focus digital images by the lease company for us to review. If we believe that the damage is clearly identified and falls within the BVRLA ”Fair Wear & Tear” guidelines, we will accept the costs.

These costs will then be passed onto the driver by way of a salary deduction as clearly stated within the Car Policy.

What would be your one best piece of advice to someone just starting their fleet career?

Try to meet with other fleet managers or people within organisations that have fleet responsibility. It’s amazing how the fleet community pulls together to help each other out. It’s probably because there is always something new to learn regardless of experience, so interacting via ACFO, ICFM and the vast fleet media; that’s my advice.

ness. The car had been crashed with severe damage to both flanks. Instead of reporting the damage to the Fleet Department, the driver attempted to cover up the damage in the most grotesque manner. The slap-dash use of filler and cans of spray paint were evident from a mile away. Imagine my surprise when the driver said, ”I thought it would save the company money”!

January 2013

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FLEET UPDATE

This month Downsizing and hybrid technology come into their own while winter tyres are missed.

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro SE S tronic

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium

Like you, we have had a staggering amount of rain in the last month or so, and I’ve been grateful for the assistance of the Audi’s four-wheel drive system. I think.

I add this caveat because the car is on standard tyres.

At this time of year for the past couple of seasons I’ve been on winter rubber, both on a four-wheel drive Volvo XC90 and two-wheel drive Audi A6, and I am a huge fan of the reassuring extra grip these offer.

On a couple of occasions, the quattro system has been as much use as a chocolate teapot: icy country roads have seen the tyres skate over the top with no grip whatsoever. It doesn’t matter how cleverly you can apportion traction to whichever wheel can use it if all four have given up the fight.

Also, it’s noticeable how much more deflection (i.e. the amount the car is buffeted off-course) there is through standing water on standard tyres. I’ve also driven a rearwheel drive BMW 3 Series recently, on winter tyres, and the levels of grip and traction are noticeably higher in all conditions than even the Q5 in its current state. The conclusion then is: get your tyres right, and the rest will take care of itself.

The Stop/Start system is driving me slightly insane too due to its mood swings, sudden cut-outs and slow witted start ups – it must be an older version because I’ve not noticed it on other Audi models.

Other than that, the Q5 is proving useful family transport. It doesn’t have the biggest boot, being quite a foursquare car, which means lots of width but not so much length, it’s been managing mid-30s mpg, and rides very well and has all the quality you would expect of an Audi.

Let’s just pray there’s no snow on the way….

Every so often a car comes along that really moves the game on a step or two – an accolade which the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost certainly merits.

Motoring journalists can be a bit sniffy when a motor manufacturer introduces a new model into an already crowded sector, and comments like ”I can’t see the point of them building it” are far from uncommon on press launches of some more mediocre cars. In the case of the Focus what we’ve seen is the addition of an incredibly impressive engine into a car that has already established its credential in the fleet sector.

I can’t deny that when our motoring editor handed me the keys to the Focus I was still grasping for some reason why it might be better after all to hang onto my DS5 for a little longer. I still remember the engine in my wife’s Fiesta 1.0 Popular Plus back in 1987. It sounded (and pulled) like a sewing machine and the thought of a 300-mile journey home late at night in something like this didn’t exactly have me champing at the bit.

The pleasantness of my surprise was amazing. Not only was there plenty of power and torque, but it sounded really good as well. Add to this the brilliant design that is the interior of the Focus and I will readily admit that I was in no hurry to give it back.

Deserted motorways in the middle of the night aren’t a great help where fuel economy is concerned and I can’t claim to have really challenged the combined fuel consumption figure of 56.5mpg. But as game changers go, the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is one of the cars that, despite my preference for larger cars and much larger engines, has really established itself in my book of fleet favourites.

Ross Durkin

Steve Moody OTR PRICE £36,595 POWER 177bhp @ 4,200rpm

OTR PRICE £19,195 POWER 125bhp @ 6,000rpm

TORQUE 280lb.ft @ 1,750-2,500rpm 0-62MPH 9.0 seconds

TORQUE 170lb.ft @ 1,400-4,500rpm 0-62MPH 11.3 seconds

TOP SPEED 124mph COMBINED MPG 47.1mpg

TOP SPEED 120mph COMBINED MPG 56.5mpg

CO2 159g/km (25% BiK)

CO2 114g/km (13% BiK)

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Peugeot 508 Hybrid4

I’ve had around three months with the Peugeot now and I’ve had time to familiarise myself with hybrid life. One of the things that obviously seems to impress others is the car’s ability to move silently. It gets plenty of looks from pedestrians if I’m waiting at a junction and then pull away silently, even if they can’t quite work out how it’s managing to do it. Confusion is often compounded if the engine fires up in the process.

It also makes progress in traffic jams a quiet experience inside the car, as I can trickle along electrically for over a mile if conditions are right. My driveway involves a blind exit and setting off under electric power makes it easier to keep an ear open for traffic, although passing pedestrians are not expecting a silent car to emerge either.

As has been said on many an occasion before, hybrids come into their own in stop-start traffic and the 508 Hybrid4 is no exception. As someone commented to me recently who had been driving a Citroën DS5 DSport Hybrid4, which shares the same basic driveline, we expect fuel consumption to increase in urban traffic, but in the Hybrid4, the opposite happens and fuel consumption drops significantly.

One of the Peugeot’s display options is a bar chart of fuel consumption taken over five minute intervals for the past half hour or so. In urban driving, it’s not difficult for the bar to stretch up to 100mpg. 60 to 80mpg is quite commonplace. If there is a definitive answer to the question, ‘What’s the point of a hybrid?’, then that is it. The reduction in emissions (exhaust and noise) and fuel consumption in urban areas, where air quality suffers could make a significant difference.

On these long winter nights, the Peugeot’s optional steering bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights are an option I would definitely choose for myself. The whiter coloured light illuminates over a far greater distance than halogen headlamps and the cornering function helps to give an additional warning during turns. I would count these as significant safety enhancements.

Renault Megane Sport Tourer dCi 110 It’s amazing how popular an estate vehicle with 60+mpg capability becomes on the FW Fleet over Christmas, when boots need to be packed with all manner of presents and paraphernalia and long journeys beckon. When you factor in the excellent integrated TomTom sat nav with live traffic services and long-distance cruising ability, I was quite pleased to have commandeered the Megane Sport Tourer’s key card.

Given that the Laguna is no more, Megane has to appeal to a slightly wider audience and this makes features such as generous rear legroom all the more important. Luckily, there are no issues to report here and likewise, behind the wheel, long-distance comfort is as good as you could hope for. And I still maintain that the 110dCi engine represents the sweetspot in the Megane range in terms of power, economy and tax efficiency.

Dynamique TomTom trim gives electric front windows – our model has optional (£180) and desirable electric tinted rear windows as standard – automatic lights and wipers, the aforementioned Carminat TomTom live navigation system, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth® connectivity and cruise control as standard. Our Megane also adds rear parking sensors which is £310 well spent, or £350 if you opt for the camera as well, especially if reverse parking into a space more suitable for a Megane hatchback is not your forte.

We talked last month about the Sport Tourer’s incredibly impressive combined cycle figure of 80.7mpg and it would be fair to say we’re some way short of that in daily use. The engine is still relatively new and tight though so we expect to be spending less time at the diesel pumps in future, and it should be pointed out that this figure is the same for the lighter and possibly more aerodynamic Megane hatchback and coupe, so matching it was always going to be a tough ask.

Luke Wikner

John Kendall OTR PRICE £31,450 POWER 163bhp @ 3,850rpm

OTR PRICE £20,600 POWER 110bhp @ 4,000rpm

TORQUE 221lb.ft @ 1,700rpm 0-62MPH 9.0 seconds

TORQUE 177lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62MPH 12.4 seconds

TOP SPEED 130mph COMBINED MPG 78.5mpg

TOP SPEED 118mph COMBINED MPG 80.7mpg

CO2 95g/km (13% BiK)

CO2 90g/km (13% BiK)

January 2013

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FLEET UPDATE

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi n-tec+ After a couple of months in the Qashqai, it’s still proving to be a great company car, offering plenty of room for family requirements whilst being comfy to drive and with a great elevated driving position.

And I’m a distinct fan of the Renault-sourced 1.6 dCi engine, introduced early last year in Stop/Start form to offer strong economy and CO2 figures but with performance to rival the range-topping 2.0-litre.

Overall, the 1.6 is really great to drive – it pulls well, particularly in the mid-range, and is also refined, making it particularly great on the motorway. However, there’s not much life in it under 1,800rpm and I always finding myself giving it some welly whilst pulling out of junctions.

And I think it’s this – particularly combined with the fact that the vast majority of my journeys are round-town and that I’ve never been the greatest at economy driving in everyday conditions – which has led to my combined MPG figure of 43.1mpg to date. Even though the car is equipped with the Stop/Start function, the engine isn’t warmed up enough on most of my mile-or-so journeys for it to kick in.

I do however know it’s capable of much more – when other testers on the Fleet World team drove it prior to me they were achieving around 60mpg, although that was with a lot of motorway runs and the practising of some eco-driving measures from our very own MPG Marathon.

So for the majority of fleet drivers – particularly those regularly covering long distances and/or with eco-driving expertise – the 1.6 dCi remains a no-brainer but I do wonder whether the 1.6 petrol, which is £3,200 cheaper than the 1.6 diesel, would be a cheaper alternative for lowmileage drivers, especially retail buyers.

Natalie Middleton

SEAT Ibiza FR ST 1.2 TSI

The small car sector has become increasingly technology rich, with manufacturers no doubt targeting younger, tech-savvy drivers. Despite a handsome facelift last year, it’s nearly five years since SEAT renewed the Ibiza, so how does it fare against the advanced new competition?

Compared to newcomers, such as Peugeot 208 with its USB/radio colour touch screen, the Ibiza is starting to show its age. All models, including our range-topping FR, get a single-slot CD and radio with a red-on-black display and simplistic, but surprisingly intuitive, multi-function control knob.

So upgrading is a must. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are bundled as a £410 package but both are useful, desirable features for fleet drivers. The package also includes voice controls, activated using a button on the steering column.

This does have its limitations, though. There’s no option to navigate through contacts using the buttons on the unit itself, so making phonecalls means using the voice controls. Most names are fine, but it sometimes struggles to distinguish between Mums, Marks and Homes at motorway speeds.

The USB connectivity is also limited. It’s not iPod or iPhone compatible without an additional £74 lead, and the Ibiza doesn’t support Bluetooth audio streaming or the Apple-supplied charging cable so there’s no way around this. However, once connected, it’s easy to navigate through albums and playlists using the dashboard and steering column controls.

Also useful is the optional satellite navigation. It’s not a built-in system in the Ibiza, instead using a TomTom XL unit mounted in a SEAT-supplied cradle which plugs into a power supply under a flap on the top of the dashboard.

It’s a very neat installation, but while £229 is cheap for factory-supplied navigation, I’d be tempted to buy a cheaper, more advanced TomTom screen-mounted unit with HD Traffic and put up with the trailing wires.

Alex Grant OTR PRICE £23,145 POWER 128bhp @ 4,000rpm

OTR PRICE £14,845 POWER 103bhp @ 5,000rpm

TORQUE 236lb.ft @ 1,750rpm 0-62MPH 10.3 seconds

TORQUE 129lb.ft @ 1,550rpm 0-62MPH 10.2 seconds

TOP SPEED 118mph COMBINED MPG 62.8mpg

TOP SPEED 118mph COMBINED MPG 55.4mpg

CO2 119g/km (17% BiK)

CO2 119g/km (14% BiK)

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MPG Marathon

MARKET OVERVIEW Risk Management

AA DriveTech

Cardinus Risk Management

AA DriveTech is the UK’s leading DriveTech road risk management and driver education companies.

The FleetSafe Division delivers driver risk management solutions throughout the UK. This includes in-vehicle and workshop training for car, van and LGV drivers (including Driver CPC) and “driving for work” programmes through a fully integrated online risk management portal, including a licence validation service, driver risk exposure assessment tool and ten e-learning module, called www.fleetriskmanager.com At AAdrivetech.com, we describe how our customers have benefitted from implementing occupational road risk strategies with us. Case studies include: • Center Parcs • Cordek • Feedwater • Sainsbury’s Online • Shred-it.

Cardinus Risk Management has built up an enviable reputation of being able to provide our services and solutions to fleets of all shapes and sizes ranging from below 10 to the tens of thousands.

Many blue chip, insurance and vehicle leasing companies use our wide array of fleet solutions which include consultancy, risk assessment, e-learning, practical training, licence, MOT and business insurance validation on a day to day basis.

We can also offer non-fleet solutions to cater for your wider health & safety requirements.

Our wider portfolio of solutions includes risk assessment, e-learning and practical solutions that cover fleet, property, environmental, DSE (display screen equipment), ergonomics, homeworking, fire, asbestos and risk engineering.

Contact: Samantha Harris-Jones tellmemore@AAdrivetech.com www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe

Contact: Christian McKay christian.mckay@cardinus.com

Tel: 0845 299 6131

Tel: 01733 426 015 www.cardinusfleet.com

DriveSense Ltd

ARI Fleet UK In December 2011, Fleet Support Group (FSG) was acquired by ARI – the world’s foremost vehicle fleet management company – and is now called ARI Fleet UK. Founded in 1987, we currently manage more than 55,000 vehicles, making us the UK's largest independent fleet management company.

Several factors ensure our clients enjoy the lowest possible total cost of fleet ownership. ARI is always first to apply new technology that meets the need for faster, more in-depth management. Our RiskMaster programme facilitates driver performance measurement and modification.

DriveSense specialise in Driver Risk Management and Driver Training solutions for business drivers including grey fleet drivers.

Having understood our client’s objectives we design a bespoke solution to deliver maximum results and return on investment.

Our programmes can be implemented easily and cost effectively into your business with the minimum disruption. Licence checks, Grey Fleet checks, Risk Assessment and e-learning are delivered on-line with full management reporting to ensure complete compliance. If further intervention is required our in-vehicle and classroom training is delivered by our DSA Fleet Approved Advanced Driving Instructors.

Contact Name: Marcus Bray Marcus@arifleet.co.uk

Contact: Kate Smithson kate@drivesense.co.uk

Tel: 0844 8000 700 www.arifleet.co.uk

Tel: 01628 581930 www.drivesense.co.uk

Jaama Ltd

IAM Drive & Survive Ltd

Jaama is a multi-award winning fleet software and road safety specialist. Jaama’s Key2 system delivers a totally holistic approach enabling fleet decision-makers to effectively manage their drivers and vehicles including ‘grey fleet’ in-house and in one place.

Integrated licence checking, Driver CPC and ADR management, training, driver, accident and maintenance history and fuel data can be stored and viewed. A consolidated view of a driver’s history combined with vehicle data (mpg and maintenance budget) provides meaningful information helping you: • Proactively manage duty of care • Reduce fuel consumption/emissions • Reduce incidents/related costs • Identify training needs Jaama also carry out Fleet Management Essentials training seminars.

IAM Drive & Survive is a leading occupational driver risk management provider and is the commercial subsidiary of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), the UK’s largest independent road safety charity whose sole aim is that of improving road safety for all.

IAM Drive & Survive promotes occupational driver and rider improvement throughout the fleet and business community, utilising online, classroom and on-road modules. It helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees, reduce road incidents and minimise costs and has one of the most comprehensive ranges of occupational driver training, including driver risk management programmes and driver CPC compliance.

Contact: Collette Dooley Tel: 0844 8484 333 enquiries@jaama.co.uk www.jaama.co.uk

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Contact: Neil Hawley neil.hawley@iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

RoSPA RoSPA’s driver trainers are Fleet Approved Driving Instructors (not just ADI qualified) and hold a DSA Grade 5 or 6, making them some of the most highly qualified instructors in the UK. In addition all our trainers have passed RoSPA’s Advanced Driving Test at Gold grade and hold RoSPA’s National Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction.RoSPA offer a range of fleet solutions second-to-none including: • Driver training • Fleet consultancy • Risk assessment • Advanced driving and riding • CPC training and much more.

Contact: Nicola Griffiths enquiries@rospa.com

Tel: 0121 248 2233 www.rospa.com/drivertraining

FLEETW RLD

Do you offer on-line Risk Assesment?

Do you offer psychometric driver profiling?

Do you offer risk assessment as part of your programme?

Do you offer an on-the-road driver training programme?

Do you offer a classroom-based driver training programme?

Do your instructors provide a demonstration drive?

Do you offer a vehicle inspection service?

Do your instructors carry out a driver eyesight test?

Do you offer a licence checking facility?

Do you offer nationwide trainer coverage?

Do you offer training for all vehicle types?

Do you offer Post Accident investigations training?

Do you offer e-training as part of your programme?

Key to services

AA DriveTech

ARI Fleet UK

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Cardinus

DriveSense

IAM Drive & Survive Ltd

Jaama Ltd

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-

-

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Mac GB Ltd

Peak Performance

Roadmarque®

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-

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RoSPA

Zenith

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Service provided

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Service unavailable

Mac GB Ltd

Peak Performance Welcome to ‘Better Driving’…

• “A 30 per cent cut in accident rates” • “Accident costs have also been almost halved” • “Employee wellbeing and safety have been significantly improved” What Is ‘Better Driving’?

‘Better Driving’ is a multi-award winning range of risk management solutions that delivers deliver positive, effective and lasting results and is proven to significantly reduce accident involvement and improve driver safety.

‘Better Driving’ for your business…

Peak Performance has helped hundreds of businesses meet their Duty of Care, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental objectives, delivering significant costs savings through fewer accidents and lower costs. …‘Better Driving’ means ‘Better Business’

Contact: Kirstie Snape Tel: 01246 244200 or 07971 207212 Kirstie.snape@peakperformance.net www.peakperformance.net

Mac GB Ltd is one of the UK’s leading providers of Occupational Road Risk (ORR) solutions. Through years of experience, Mac knows that a sustained campaign of ORR solutions, linked with the company’s health and safety policy, will have an immediate impact on: • Reduction in accidents • Reduction in fuel consumption • Employees’ attitude and behaviour • Enhance the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Duty of Care programme.

By using EX POLICE CLASS ONE INSTRUCTORS delivering INDEPENDENTLY ACCRED ITED COURSES, you are guaranteed a quality assured service, making Mac the obvious and first choice provider for corporate bodies, whatever the situation.

Contact: Richard Wilyman richard.wilyman@mac-hq.co.uk

Tel: 01745 828180 www.macdrivertraining.com

Roadmarque® Roadmarque® is the industry’s most comprehensive road risk assessment system, developed by Imagitech – the UK leaders in driver assessment and driver education software.

Roadmarque® is one of the most competitively priced, flexible, reliable and effective systems currently available.

Roadmarque® profiles your drivers, completes a full DVLA licence check, fully risk assesses each driver, takes into account vehicle choice, estimates CO2 output, provides grey fleet management, engages the driver and reports back with a solution to ensure your company is protected – within budget.

We are working with organisations of all sizes delivering simple, practical and effective solutions. As an independent provider, we are not going to sell you something you don’t need. Contact us now to find out more.

Contact: Dr Gerhard Manogg enquiries@roadmarque.com

Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

January 2013

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FLEETW RLD AUCTIONS & REMARKETING

ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 www.british-car-auctions.co.uk

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

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY DAILY RENTAL White Clarke Automotive Solutions Tel: 0870 787 2211

FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

RISK MANAGEMENT

Sofico Tel: 07815 601622 www.soficoservices.com

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015 www.cardinusfleet.com

www.whiteclarkegroup.com

FAST-FITS & TYRES

DRIVER LICENCE CHECKING

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

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

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental Tel: 0845 702 3946 www.arnoldclarkrental.com

White Clarke Group Tel: 01908 576 605

DriveSense Tel: 01628 581930

www.whiteclarkegroup.com

www.drivesense.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

AA DriveTech Tel: 01256 495732

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

CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE

www.AAdrivetech.com/fleetsafe DriveTech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAC Risk Management Tel: 0870 606 2606

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

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

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

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

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

Leasedrive Tel: 01344 466 466 www.leasedrive.com

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

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

Peak Performance Tel: 01246 244200 www.peakperformance.net

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

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

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

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

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

www.racfleetriskmanagement.co.uk

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

TELEMATICS & TRACKING

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

FUEL MANAGEMENT The leading magazine for fleet decision-makers

December 2012

FLEETW RLD

LINKED IN How growing connectivity will shape the way fleets operate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

VAN

fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD January 2013

‘The BMT package includes cruise control, low rolling resistance tyres, Start/Stop and an energy recuperation system’

January 2013

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A MONTH IN FLEET A skip through the key news and events since the last issue of VAN Fleet World. Edited by John Kendall.

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CONFIDENTIAL

EURO NCAP CRASHES VANS

SMMT TO RUN TYPE APPROVAL WORKSHOPS

Euro NCAP has carried out crash tests on several vans including Combi versions. The models tested include the new Ford Transit and Tourneo Custom, the Hyundai H1 (i800 and iLoad in the UK), Renault Trafic (structurally identical to the Vauxhall Vivaro and Nissan Primastar) and the Fiat Scudo (structurally identical to the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch).

The Ford Transit Custom was the only model to score five stars in the tests and is the only vehicle in this category to have done so. Both Transit and Tourneo models are fitted with ESC electronic stability control and a speed limiter. Lane Keep Assist is available as an option. All new vehicles must be fitted with ESC from 1 November 2014.

The Hyundai H1 and Fiat Scudo scored three stars and the Renault Trafic two stars.

‘We are optimistic that the safety of these vehicles will advance significantly in the next few years,’ said Dr Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP. ‘By and large this is a neglected vehicle category that from a safety perspective is still immature. Not all offer electronic stability control as standard and most provide poor protection for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians in the event of a collision.’

The SMMT will be running a series of workshops in February to explain the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval system (ECWVTA). Several ECWVTA application dates relevant to light CV converters have either passed recently or are due within the next 18 months or so.

Fleet managers are likely to handle vehicles that fall into categories N1, N2 or M2. N1 covers light CVs up to 3,500kg gross vehicle weight and N2 for vehicles between 3,501kg and 12,000kg GVW. M2 covers most minibus categories, with up to 17 seats.

From 29th April, “Completed” N1 vehicles, classified as “existing” type must conform to the new European Commission Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations. This will cover all conversions up to 3,500kg GVW for existing models including popular conversions such as panel van fridge conversions, tipper, dropside, box body, and Luton. Base vehicle and body must carry the required approval markings and documentation.

N1 and N2 Special Purpose vehicle conversions, i.e. those converted for a specific purpose, such as car or machinery transporters, came under the legislation for new type approvals in October 2012.

The SMMT says the courses are aimed at body builders and converters. Fleet managers would also benefit from knowing how the rules affect vehicles on their fleet. ‘Through these workshops, SMMT will help companies to get fully up-to-speed with the latest Type Approval Regulations, ensuring that they meet all legal requirements’, reckons SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.

The workshops are at: Wednesday 6 February Thursday 7 February Tuesday 12 February Wednesday 27 February Thursday 28 February

Huntingdon Race Course Haydock Park Race Course Bristol Rovers Football Club Newcastle Race Course Perth Race Course

Workshops are free but limited to the first 50 applicants at each venue. Bookings can be made by contacting Claire Balch at the SMMT (cbalch@smmt.co.uk). The workshops are organised in conjunction with the VCA and VOSA.

FORD LAUNCHES NEW FIESTA VAN Ford launched the new Fiesta Van, based on the latest three-door Fiesta car model in January. All diesel powered models offer carbon dioxide emissions below 100g/km, although there is no concessionary vehicle excise duty rate for light CVs. Engine options include the new 75hp 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with CO2 emissions of 98g/km and EU combined fuel consumption of 76.4mpg. The ECOnetic variant is powered by a 95hp 1.6-litre Ford/PSA diesel offering 87g/km CO2 emissions and 85.6mpg combined.

ECOnetic equipment includes automatic engine Stop/Start, lowered suspension, an aerodynamic rear under tray and wheel trims and low rolling resistance tyres. Ford also offers a 1.25-litre 81hp petrol engine.

Like the model it replaces, the Fiesta Van will offer a load space volume of 1.0m3. Gross payload ranges between 485 and 508kg. Equipment includes a steel bulkhead, four tie-down hooks, a rubber floor mat and protective interior trim.

Like the new Fiesta car range, the van will be available with features such as MyKey, which enables a key fob to be programmed with settings including a top speed limiter. Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance can call the emergency services automatically following an accident. Active City Stop is a collision avoidance system. Other options include Hill Start Assist, Easy Fuel and Rear View Camera.

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DRIVEN

VW Transporter BlueMotion

Words Dan Gilkes

specification MODEL BASIC PRICE

Volkswagen Transporter T27 BlueMotion £18,770

ENGINE FUEL INJECTION

4-cyl/1,968cc Common-rail

POWER 114hp @ 3,500rpm TORQUE 250Nm @ 1,500-2,500rpm Weights (kg) GVW 2,700 KERB WEIGHT 1,829 PAYLOAD 871 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,800 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,570 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,692 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,410 LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 566 LOAD VOLUME 5.8m3 Cost considerations FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres COMBINED MPG 44.8mpg CO2 emissions 166g/km OIL CHANGE 2 yr/18,000 miles WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles

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Volkswagen has been promoting its BlueMotion Technology fuel saving options for some time and they are now available on the latest Transporter line-up. Somewhat confusingly, VW offers both BlueMotion Technology on a number of vans, and a specific BlueMotion model.

BlueMotion Technology (BMT) is available on both the 84hp and 114hp versions of VW’s stalwart Transporter, with a variety of body lengths and heights and a range of gross weights. The BMT package includes cruise control, low rolling resistance tyres, Start/Stop and an energy recuperation system that uses the power that is normally wasted in deceleration and braking to turn the alternator and charge the battery.

The result in a standard short wheelbase model is a claimed 41.5mpg with either engine output, and CO2 levels as low as 179g/km. However, you can go a step further than BMT, and opt for the full BlueMotion Transporter, available only in short wheelbase T27 form.

Available solely with the 114hp version of the firm’s 2.0-litre TDI engine, the full BM van uses all of the BMT systems, but has been optimised to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. The BM model also comes with a tyre pressure warning light to ensure that drivers are aware if tyre pressures are not at optimum levels. VW claims that the BM model is a full 18% more economical than a regular 102hp Transporter, delivering up to 44.8mpg and a CO2 reading of just 166g/km.

Perhaps surprisingly, the BlueMotion Transporter comes with just five forward gears in the box. Some might have expected a long sixth gear for low rev cruising but that’s not the case.

That’s not to say that the BlueMotion can’t cover the miles in comfort though – it certainly can – but its remit appears to be more local journeys, where 40mpg plus is easily achievable.

It’s probably worth mentioning at this point that we didn’t expect to match VW’s claimed economy on this test. That’s not because it isn’t

a realistic target, but due to the fact that the firm had swapped the BMT’s low rolling resistance rubber for a set of cold weather winter tyres, which though offering increased grip as the temperatures fall, do little to aid fuel economy.

Drivers who find themselves in the BM model will be pleased to hear that the van drives in much the same fashion as any Transporter. The 114hp engine feels like it has more than 250Nm of torque in the lower gears, as the van will pull from virtually no revs. The only time you have to work the engine is when accelerating at higher speeds on the motorway, where you are occasionally left wanting a little more shove.

It does offer a relaxing drive over longer distances though and is a very comfortable place to spend the day, particularly as our test van was equipped with the SE pack (£970) of air conditioning, a solid bulkhead, alarm and driver’s armrest, along with the standard BM’s cruise control.

Indeed, driving VW’s most economical Transporter doesn’t require a hair shirt, you can still load the van with a host of optional extras to suit a specific operation. The only limiting factor is that 2.7 tonne gross weight and short wheelbase body.

There is a small cost involved of course. A standard T26 Transporter with the 102hp engine will set you back £17,710, while a T28 with the same engine starts at £18,060. The BlueMotion Technology T26 with the 114hp engine is £18,340 while the T28 is £18,690. Go the full BlueMotion route, with the T27 model and your starting price rises to £18,770. The upside is a potential 18% fuel saving compared to the standard van.

verdict The BlueMotion Transporter won’t suit every operation, however if you can live with the T27 body and 114hp combination, a 7.1mpg fuel saving will certainly please the accountant.

Discover specialist solutions delivered by experts.

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

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

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

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

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive

Alphabet

The ALD Automotive group is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 900,000 vehicles across 37 countries worldwide. Within the UK ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of award winning products for major plc’s, small businesses and individual drivers alike.

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

ALD hold Investor in People, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.

Managing over 109,000 fleet vehicles, Alphabet are one of the largest and most well trusted providers of funding and management for mixed commercial vehicle fleets to UK businesses and public sector organisations. While many vehicle leasing companies claim to be able to meet your business’s every need, few can match the track record and experience of Alphabet when it comes to understanding your mixed fleet requirements. Our highly experienced team can guide you through the complex process of vehicle specification, preparation, maintenance and disposal – ensuring ‘best advice’ at every step of the way.

Contact: Mel Dawson mel.dawson@aldautomotive.com

Tel: 0870 0011181 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Motiva Group Motiva Group has been helping commercial vehicle customers reap the benefits of contract hire for more than 25 years.

Our pricing structure and network of industry contacts guarantees that customers get the most competitive rental from us every time. We believe that delivering consistent great value over the life of a contract is better than offering headline rates.

The Motiva difference is service. There is no faceless call centre, and all customers have named account managers, named sales administrators and direct access to our Managing Director.

As well as helping customers select the perfect contract, our expert team can advise on truck and van specification, fuel management, risk management and duty of care responsibilities.

Contact: Martin Franks Martin.Franks@motivagroup.co.uk

Tel: 0800 054 6555 www.motivagroup.co.uk

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd Ogilvie Fleet provides contract hire, leasing and fleet management solutions for clients operating 25 to 250 vehicles. With a fleet of almost 10,000 vehicles, we're one of the largest independent contract hire and leasing specialists in the UK, providing initiatives and solutions to an extensive, client base.

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

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

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Contact: Dave Freeman dave.freeman@alphabetcarlease.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

Tel: 07785 734713

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

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

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

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

Lex Autolease Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading provider of specialist Commercial Vehicles. By investing in industry expertise, innovative service and a comprehensive range of vehicles we can bring genuine added value to your business and contribute to your success.

We look at all areas of your requirements from design and specification to funding and maintenance, enabling us to create a bespoke solution to match your business needs.

We have the industry knowledge to build the perfect commercial fleet for your business as well as the experience to meet the challenges of your specific vehicle requirements.

Tel: 0800 389 3690 www.lexautolease.co.uk/commercial-vehicles

marketing@lexautolease.co.uk

Pendragon Contracts Pendragon Contracts provide a consultative, flexible and solutionsdriven approach tailored to every corporate customer’s individual needs. We can provide consultancy on Whole Life Costs resulting in considerable savings for our clients. Our products and services include contract hire, salary sacrifice car schemes, discounted vehicle supply, online vehicle fleet management, vehicle recovery, risk management, accident management, tyre provision, glass replacement, fuel provision, daily hire and telematics.

Contact: John Given info@pendragon-contracts.co.uk

Tel: 01332 292 777 www.pendragon-contracts.co.uk

VAN FLEETW RLD

Approximately how many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

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

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

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

Can you create bespoke return conditions for your LCV customers?

Do you offer pooling of excess and credit mileage?

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

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

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

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

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

Key to services

Alphabet

17.5k

-

ALD Automotive

4.3k+

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

4.2k+

-

-

-

Fleet Alliance Limited

2k

-

Lex Autolease

70k

Motiva Group

5k

Ogilvie Fleet Ltd

1.5k

-

-

Pendragon Contracts

3k+

-

Venson Automotive Solutions

7.5k

Volkswagen Group Leasing

9.5k

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

Fleet Alliance Limited Volkswagen Group Leasing Volkswagen Group Leasing is a division of Volkswagen Group – one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

So as a finance company that’s also a vehicle manufacturer, we know the van market inside out. We understand that running a fleet of vehicles, no matter how big or small, can be complicated.

That’s why as well as supplying a great range of LCV’s in every make and model, we also offer great quality fleet aftercare, which helps your fleet run smoothly. Our products and services include contract hire, daily rental, mini-lease, total outsourcing, vehicle maintenance and accident management.

Contact: Phil Jones Tel: 01908 484576 phil.jones@vwfs.co.uk www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk

Fleet Alliance is a leading UK fleet management provider offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. We currently manage over 10,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients of all sizes. We deliver a complete fleet solution via our market leading Fleet 360 model which provides the best combination of advice, products, competitive pricing and outstanding service.

Contact: Grant Boardman grant.boardman@fleetalliance.co.uk

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

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

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

Contact: Anneka Marwaha sales@venson.com

Tel: 08444 99 1402 www.venson.com

January 2013

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VAN

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

FLEETW RLD AUCTIONS & REMARKETING

CONTRACT HIRE, LEASING & FINANCE

RACKING SYSTEMS

TAIL LIFTS

FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

BCA Tel: 0845 600 66 44 www.british-car-auctions.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk DAILY RENTAL

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk TELEMATICS & TRACKING

FUEL MANAGEMENT

VEHICLE VENTILATION

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

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

Trakm8 Tel: 01747 858 444 www.trakm8.com

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

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

VEHICLE DATA

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

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

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

Full listings online at

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

fleetworld.co.uk RISK MANAGEMENT

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

FAST-FITS & TYRES

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

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

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

Full listings online at

Roadmarque Tel: 0845 053 0331 www.roadmarque.com

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

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

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

VAN

Full listings online at

fleetworld.co.uk

fleetworldgroup.co.uk

FLEETW RLD January 2010

‘Doblo has always shown promise, now it looks as though it can deliver’ p46

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

fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

January 2010

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43

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

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

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

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

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

With all the dynamic prowess, efficiency and tax advantages of the XF Saloon, the XF Sportbrake is beautifully versatile.

Beneath the subtle arc of its extended roofline you will find a luxuriously appointed interior that can be configured almost 100 different ways and up to 1,675 litres of flexible luggage room.

Alive with advanced technology and generous specification, the XF Sportbrake is available from just £31,940*.

Every Jaguar is meticulously designed and engineered to provide fluent, inspiring performance and handling. Combined with business-friendly cost effectiveness and sheer beauty, you can see why the XF has won Auto Express Car of the Decade and JD Power’s coveted ‘Best Executive Car’, plus around 100 further awards worldwide.

To see for yourself what your fleet has been missing, visit our website to arrange an extended demonstration.

THE XF SPORTBRAKE ALIVE TO YOUR BUSINESS PRIORITIES WWW.JAGUAR.CO.UK/CORPORATESALES

*£31,940 is the on the road price for the XF Sportbrake 2.2 Litre Diesel SE 163PS. On the road price is the Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price plus Car Tax, First Registration Fee and Delivery Pack.

Official fuel economy figures for the XF Sportbrake range in MPG (L/100km): Urban 37.7–46.3 (7.5–6.1).

Extra Urban 54.3–62.8 (5.0–4.3). Combined 46.3–55.4 (6.1–5.1). CO2 Emissions 163–135 g/km.

THE NEW JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE WITH 1,675 LITRES OF LOADSPACE WWW.JAGUAR.CO.UK/CORPORATESALES