Fleet World January 2018

January 2018

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Interview

THE 2018

Rob East of Mercedes-Benz

TO OF FLEET Challenges and opportunities from an unprecedented year of change

Driven

Analysis

Ask the Experts

DS 7 Crossback Range Rover Velar BMW X3

Could Budget changes affect fleet funding?

Your fleet conundrums, solved by our panel

Find out more at thefleetshow.co.uk

9TH MAY 2018 fleetworld.co.uk

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contents January 2018

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Sandra TappermannPieper of LeasePlan discusses what’s next for the fleet giant.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Interview Rob East of Mercedes-Benz

THE 2018

DRIVEN:: DS D 7 Crossback.

Crossback Cr ck.

TO OF FLEET Challenges and opportunities from an unprecedented year of change

Driven

Analysis

Ask the Experts

DS 7 Crossback Range Rover Velar BMW X3

Could Budget changes affect fleet funding?

Your fleet conundrums, solved by our panel

Find out more at thefleetshow.co.uk

9TH MAY 2018 fleetworld.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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Editor Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Rob East of Mercedes-Benz on new initiatives on the horizon.

24 27

Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk VFW Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Hyundai's Kona What you need to compact is put look out forSUV in the through its paces. fleet industry in 2018.

Fleet Consultant Steve Moody steve@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory – Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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Will Budget diesel changes affect the way vehicles are sourced and funded?

Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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

VAN FLEETW W RLD

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Behind the wheel of Fleet World’s fleet.

DRIVEN: Mercedes-Benz X-Class SPOTLIGHT: Land Rover Disco Commercial

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fleetworld.co.uk / 03

fleetreview This month, editor Alex Grant looks forward to 2018 from a fleet perspective, and how Fleet World is on hand to help you make sense of it all...

A big year for fleet So, 2018 is finally upon us. An unprecedented year of tax reforms, tightening data protection legislation and shifting consumer demand, against a backdrop of new technology, political changes and air quality consultations. We’ve been speaking with suppliers and experts to outline what you need to know – and you can find the full feature on page 27.

In the meantime, we’ve got some diary dates you won’t want to miss. Our calendar kicks off with the prestigious Fleet World Honours, which takes a slightly different format this year. The event takes place at the Royal Automobile Club in London’s Pall Mall, on 13 February, focusing on products, services and innovations for car fleets. A separate VansA2Z and Van Fleet World Honours will follow on 22 March, taking place at Twickenham Stadium, and will recognise the most innovative new launches aimed at commercial vehicle operators. More information on both can be found at fleetworldhonours.co.uk.

On 9 May, The Fleet Show returns to the iconic Silverstone circuit, bringing hundreds of decision-makers, suppliers and manufacturers together to share information, experience the latest products and plan the year ahead via interactive seminar and Q&A sessions held through the day. Growing in size and breadth every year, it’s an unmissable event with plenty of reasons to make the trip – for updates, visit thefleetshow.co.uk.

There’s more to come; our annual MPG Marathon (thempgmarathon.co.uk) economy driving event will take place on the 9-10 October – it’s a first opportunity to see how the new WLTP test cycles, set to transform the decision-making process for fleets over the coming years, fare under real-world conditions. We’ll also be announcing dates for this autumn’s Drive VansA2Z (drivevansa2z.com) in the near future. I look forward to telling you more over the coming months.

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

“An unprecedented year of tax reforms, tightening data protection legislation and shifting consumer demand, against a backdrop of new technology, political changes and air quality consultations.”

04 / fleetworld.co.uk

Ford NEWS

inbrief

New Transit Connect: Ford’s revolution The new Transit Connect and Transit Courier are part of a Ford product revolution, with both available to order in spring 2018 for delivery from mid-year.

New Transit Connect introduces a smart new front-end appearance and, inside, an upgraded cabin features a revised instrument panel with new central control area. An optional floating, six-inch colour touchscreen is available, featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system.

State-of-the-art powertrains provide enhanced fuel-efficiency, while achieving Euro 6.2 emissions standards. Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine combines the latest fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies.

An advanced new version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine features significant changes to the cylinder head, fuel injection and emissioncontrol systems for further fuel-efficiency. New technologies also include cylinder deactivation, enabling it to run on two cylinders at low loads.

An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is fitted to all engines as standard. The 1.5 litre EcoBlue engine can also be specified with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Service intervals have been extended on both diesel and petrol variants, with manual diesel vehicles offering best-in-class variable intervals of up to two years/25,000 miles. The longer intervals contribute to scheduled maintenance and non-scheduled repair costs lower than primary competition, according to Ford analysis.

Segment-first driver assistance features include Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist.

Short and long wheelbase options provide load volumes up to 3.6 m3 (VDA) and bodystyles including van and double-cab-in-van.

New Transit Courier refreshed and redesigned The new Transit Courier brings a refreshed front-end appearance and a cabin featuring a redesigned centre console, including a new six-inch colour touchscreen with SYNC 3 available on higher series models, and positioned closer to the driver for improved visibility and ease-of-use.

Meeting the latest Euro 6.2 emissions standards, the updated powertrain line-up offers fuel-efficient 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines. All vehicles feature Ford’s all-new six-speed manual transmission, offering improved shift quality, refinement and contributing to better realworld fuel-efficiency.

A new fuel-efficiency package is offered as standard on diesel models, which integrates optimised aerodynamics with an Active Grille Shutter that improves warm-up times and reduces aero-drag.

New Transit Courier offers payloads of up to 600kg, load volumes up to 2.4 m3 (VDA), and a choice of van and kombi bodystyles, with a new Limited variant providing an alternative to the dynamic Sport model.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

New Ford EcoSport delivers The new Ford EcoSport delivers enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies.

It offers for the first time Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology (available from mid-2018), combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox, delivering up to 125 PS and optimised CO2 emissions.

It is also available for the first time as a Ford Performanceinspired EcoSport ST-Line model, with SYNC 3 connectivity, Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter and Rear View Camera.

A 125 PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel model with front-wheel drive and all-new, low-friction six-speed manual gearbox will offer even lower CO2 and greater fuel efficiency from mid-2018.

Ford’s 100 PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine combined with frontwheel drive and six-speed manual gearbox is available from launch, offering 67.3mpg and 107 g/km CO2 emissions.

Also available are 140 PS and 125 PS versions of Ford’s multiaward-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivering 54.3mpg and 119 g/km CO2 emissions.

From mid-2018, a 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost model will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost is also offered from launch with a sixspeed automatic gearbox featuring steering-column mounted paddleshifters, and delivering 48.7mpg and 134 g/km CO2 emissions.

inbusiness No-deal Brexit to raise operator costs, warns BVRLA

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eaving the EU without a tariff‐free trade deal could see the price of vehicles go up “about 10%” while the price of parts could rise “about 4.5%”.

So said Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Industry Association (BVRLA), at its Parliamentary Reception held last month at the House of Commons where he warned of the consequent increased prices for customers and the knock‐on effect of inflation and a negative effect on economic productivity.

Speaking at the event, Keaney said Brexit is the most important factor affecting the rental and lease industry going forward into 2018.

“Brexit covers all aspects of our business, and it needs to be broken down. It’s very clear from a governmental perspective, that Brexit means Brexit, so we’re going to leave the single market.

“This makes it absolutely clear for us: we need a trade agreement, which actu‐ ally gives us a tariff‐free environment. I think that’s critical for our members.”

Volvo to reshape its fleet offer for 2018 Volvo is restructuring its fleet team, dividing it into four regional divisions to better cater for local customers.

The changes are being overseen by head of fleet, Steve Beattie (pictured right) – who joined the company in September – and is putting four regional business development managers in place, while renewing the carmaker’s focus across all areas of the business: true fleet, rental, Motability and PCH. Volvo plans to refocus its dealerships, encouraging them to connect with and supply vehicles to local businesses. Larger dealerships will offer support to smaller dealerships by way of 23 new business development centres located within, which will also support leasing companies for larger orders.

“Next year is very exciting, with the launch of XC40, which is going to get us into a segment we’ve not been in before,” said Beattie. “There’s 10,000 fleets out there, but we’re probably only talking to 1,500 of them. There’s so much opportunity out there for us than where we are.”

Industry mourns loss of Freddie Aldous The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has paid tribute to Freddie Aldous, who passed away last month.

A legendary figure within both the BVRLA and the European Car and Truck Rental Association (ECATRA), Aldous led a long and distinguished business career from early days in finance house UDT followed by Swan Self Drive, a small rental company and then Swan National which later became Eurodollar.

Within the BVRLA, Aldous held various roles as rental committee chairman, chairman, then president and in 2004 he was awarded the honorary life president title.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said Aldous was a visionary and one of, if not the, founding father of the BVRLA.

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

in brief 0.8% Increase in UK average new car CO2 igures in 2017, to 121.04g/km.

Source: SMMT

Fresh legal action on air quality The Government is facing a third wave of legal action from environmental law irm ClientEarth over its “persistent failure to deal with air pollution”.

The latest case challenges elements of Defra’s latest air quality plan following ClientEarth’s second case in 2016. The case will be heard in the High Court prior to 23 February 2018.

Audi adopts new approach to UK fleet sales Audi UK is adopting an agency model for its leet sales from 1 April, aimed at offering more stability for dealers and clarity for customers, while supporting a growing model range and changing buyer habits.

The change follows a 12‐month consultation process working with leasing companies, corporate partners and the dealer network, and brings Audi in line with the rest of the Volkswagen Group, which means the systems and processes are already in place.

Head of leet Tom Brennan told Fleet World it would give greater control over leet sales, while providing better clarity of terms and service for customers and offering direct ordering for leasing companies. Vehicle handovers will take place at dealers, who will receive a handling fee for doing so.

“It’s the de facto model for the UK in terms of the way most manufacturers operate and it’s a preference for leasing companies and our corporate customers,” he said. “We recognise that if we’re going to be delivering a better service to them, or improving our relationships, then going to an agency model allows us to do that. We’re going into a period where we deliver some changes, but hopefully for our customers it will be seamless.”

in brief

New cars

ALD launches global solution

Hyundai Nexo FCEV

T

he successor to the ix35, Hyundai’s Nexo fuel cell elec‐ tric vehicle will bring increased power, range and performance when it goes on sale in select global markets from early this year.

Built on all‐new platform designed for fuel cell power, the Nexo is longer, wider but lower than the ix35 and brings increased torque of 291lb.ft (221 for the ix35) and a 0‐62mph time of 9.5 seconds (12.5 for the ix35). Meanwhile estimated NEDC range is up 36% to around 500 miles from the ix35’s 369 miles.

The Nexo will also provide a platform to debut Hyundai’s forthcoming autonomous technologies including autonomous parking, a Blind‐spot View Monitor system and Lane Following Assist, which can keep the steering on the Nexo centred at speeds between 0‐90mph on both highways and city streets and can be used with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist tech that adjusts speed in line with prevailing limits.

Volvo XC40 PHEV

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plug‐in hybrid version of Volvo’s new XC40 crossover will be gradually rolled out in Q4 2018.

Adorned with a T5 Twin Engine badge, the car will be equipped with a three‐ cylinder petrol engine, powerful electric motor for electric‐only driving and a large lithium‐ion battery, likely to offer a range in excess of 20 miles.

The car is the first to use Volvo’s new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, used to demonstrate a plug‐in hybrid powertrain in 2016 when Volvo confirmed the T5 Twin Engine setup.

Full details for the XC40 T5 Twin Engine are still to be announced but Volvo has already said its Drive‐E 3‐cylinder petrol turbo will have a cubic capacity of 1.5 litres, offer up to 177bhp and be coupled to a seven‐speed dual‐clutch transmission (DCT) driving the front wheels. An all‐electric Chinese‐built battery variant of the XC40 is expected too, as well as a second hybrid.

ALD Automotive is to launch a new global leet reporting solution that consolidates leet management data from multiple sources, including third‐ party data.

The new solution is available for clients of the ALD Automotive | Wheels Global Alliance and is said to bring together operational performance metrics and consolidated leet data on a neutral platform aimed at helping manage leets on a global scale.

AlphaCity to go multi-make Alphabet is to expand its AlphaCity corporate car sharing platform into other manufacturers' leets, as it reports a near 20% uplift in journey bookings during 2017.

First launched in 2012, the scheme has solely offered BMW Group vehicles up to now but 2018 will see the scheme go multi‐make and expand into LCVs following a successful trial last year.

DfT plans for Major Road Network The Department for Transport has begun a 12‐week consultation process to identify and upgrade vital A‐roads as it creates a new Major Road Network across England.

The proposed network covers 5,000 miles of key A‐roads, each of which could bene it from up to £100m of funding, raised through Vehicle Excise Duty.

trading places

in

in

in

Arval UK names new MD Miguel Cabaça has joined Arval UK as its new managing director following the departure of Benoit Dilly to another role within the BNP Paribas group.

Cabaça moves from Arval’s Paris head office where he was director of private lease and previously held a number of management roles within the BNP Paribas Personal Finance business.

Hyundai names new fleet director Hyundai UK has appointed former Nissan head of leasing, specialist fleet sales and rental Michael Stewart as its new fleet director.

Stewart replaces Guy Pigounakis, who moved to DEKRA Automotive in October, and is tasked with further growing Hyundai’s fleet business, including with the recently launched IONIQ range.

New addition at CD Auction Group CD Auction Group has appointed Simon Cullen to the newly created role of Pool Fleet Management (PFM) manager.

Cullen joins the company from Home Retail Group where he was transport team leader for two years and will draw upon his experience of using PFM to further develop the solution.

08 / fleetworld.co.uk

business inb

Is the clock ticking for the company car?

Diesel tax reform is already contributing to a declining market and stagnation of average CO2 emissions – with accessible finance for consumers, could it spell further problems for company cars? Natalie Middleton speaks to the experts.

T

he question of whether to take cash or car has perplexed drivers for years, but latest tax changes could make the issue more confusing.

From April, first-year VED rates and company car tax will rise for what’s looking like all diesel cars – a move branded “grossly unfair” by ACFO chairman John Pryor, who said the latter “further slices away at the value of company cars to both employers and employees”. But could the changes go one step further and actually encourage drivers to take cash allowances instead?

Although the latest available Benefit-in-Kind figures from HMRC show the number of drivers taking company cars reached a five-year high in 2015/16 – up to around 960,000 from 950,000 in 2010/11 and 940,000 in 2012/13 – the total is still down by more than 10% on the figure of nearly 1.1 million drivers in 2007/8.

And there are some in the industry who think this could be exacerbated by the Budget changes, including ICFM chairman Paul who said the result “will be that employers and employees abandon company cars as a benefit that is too expensive”.

ACFO believes the change may see employees decide to opt for a cash allowance, possibly moving into older, more polluting vehicles and circumventing the Government’s bid to improve air quality.

However, not all agree that the move to cash allowances is cut and dried. Although David Bushnell, product manager – mobility at Alphabet, said some fleets are already considering the switch, the company’s advice is to look beyond cost: “We often hear from businesses and employees that the true value of a company car is only really understood when something goes wrong, such as an accident or a maintenance requirement.”

In fact, Bushnell said that despite the BiK and VED increases,

10 / fleetworld.co.uk

the firm’s analysis shows that for the majority of employees paying higher or lower rate tax, if you choose the right vehicle – in terms of its P11D value, CO2 output and fuel economy – “the traditional company car scheme remains more attractive than a cash offering, both to the employee and the employer”.

Arval’s approach is similar. Head of consultancy Sean Sadlier said drivers could view company cars as a way to avoid issues affecting ownership, such as pressure on diesel and air quality. “We expect these same factors to lead to a general trend towards more fleets leasing their vehicles,” he said.

“It makes little sense to buy your own cars and vans, and take the residual risk, when there is so much uncertainty and unpredictability around.”

In fact, there are many in the fleet industry who believe that the tax changes will have limited impact on diesel take-up, only moderately increasing the appeal of alternatively fuelled vehicles in line with an ongoing shift.

Highlighting how vehicle and fuel suitability ultimately depend on the individual journey requirements of drivers, Robert Lea, strategic account development manager, ALD, commented: “Diesel vehicles have been the workhorse of the UK’s company car market for many years, and they will continue to account for a large percentage of the fleet for the foreseeable future. The recent negative press and the new measures brought in during the Autumn Budget do not detract from the fact that they are still, for many fleet managers and drivers, the sensible economic choice.”

Summing it up, Colin Tourick, professor of automotive management at the University of Buckingham business school, added that despite the changes, the basics of company car tax remain the same: “If you want to reduce your BiK tax you should simply choose a low-CO2 car. Your drivers still have control. Company cars deliver a multitude of advantages whereas cash allowances deliver a plethora of problems.”

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Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 44.1 (6.4)-60.1 (4.7), Extra-urban: 57.6 (4.9)-80.7 (3.5), Combined: Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 2017/18 tax year.

1.2 (130PS) Turbo Start/Stop model illustrated (P11D of £26,445) features Topaz Blue two-coat metallic paint (£565), silver-effect roof rails (£150) and black roof and door mirrors (£320), provision of OnStar services or Wi-Fi services. OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd, (a GM Company). Wi-Fi services require additional account with 12 months from registration date or delivery of vehicle, whichever comes first. Wi-Fi trial has a time limit and capped data allowance. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial

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Visit threedaytestdrive.co.uk accordance with the relevant EU directive. Grandland X range fuel consumption figures 51.4 (5.5)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 128-104g/km.

Vauxhall Motors Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. Grandland X Elite Nav optional at extra cost. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. Vauxhall are not responsible for the OnStar Europe Limited’s mobile network operator supplier. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Use of OnStar services (except Wi-Fi) is free of charge for periods. Check vauxhall.co.uk/onstar for service limitations and charges. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (January 2018). * = Standard on all models except SE.

Government must focus on rapid chargers for fleets, says new report R

apid charging points for electric vehi‐ cles are a more cost‐effective way to reduce air pollution than slower on‐street units, despite the latter being cheaper to install, new research has revealed.

Speaking at a recent Westminster Forum event, Dr Rebecca Driver, director of Analytically Driven, said a network of rapid chargers would enable longer‐ distance drivers, particularly leets, to use electric vehicles, in turn offering bigger improvements in air quality than getting private motorists to make the same move.

Rapid chargers offer around an 80% charge in roughly half an hour, enabling operators to double‐shift vehicles if drivers

top up during a lunch break. Analytically Driven’s research for Addison Lee had shown that, while only 7% of journeys are 25 miles more, these account for 47% of the UK’s total mileage. With Addison Lee drivers averaging 144 miles per shift, converting just one of the company’s leet to electric could offer air quality improvements equiv‐ alent to ten private motorists doing so.

The company also discovered that 50kW rapid chargers are a more cost‐ effective way to add capacity to London’s infrastructure than the slower and more common 7kW points. Investing in a 50kW network would have the per‐kilowatt capacity of the capital’s charging points

compared to adding slower units, it said.

Dr Driver is calling for the Government to focus on faster charging to accelerate uptake of electric vehicles among leets, explaining that forecasts for the network were inadequate: “The calculations I did suggest that just to support Addison Lee’s leet, which is 4,200 vehicles, you would need 330 [rapid chargers],” she explained.

“To switch 25% of [London’s] taxi and private hire leet of 108,700 vehicles, you would need 2,435, and for the entire leet you would need 8,540. Current plans for London are 75 by the end of this year, and by the end of 2020, 300 rapid chargers. So not even enough to support Addison Lee.”

Major fleet policy changes essential to reap benefits of PHEVs F leets migrating from diesels to plug‐in hybrids could be in for a nasty surprise on running costs unless they make signi icant leet policy changes, according to FleetCheck.

The company is warning that diesel ‘demonisation’ and tax reforms are encouraging fleets to look at PHEVs without real‐ ising that drivers will need help to get the best fuel economy out of their hybrid – including access to charging both at home and at work.

Peter Golding, managing director, said: “The strong fuel economy and emissions that plug‐in hybrids deliver in the of icial igures are entirely dependent on their electric range being maximised. If drivers cannot charge them easily, then fuel economy will suffer.

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

“Certainly, it must be a matter of policy that any driver issued with a plug‐in hybrid should have off‐road parking with charging available.”

He added that drivers would also need guidance on how to get the best fuel economy out of their hybrid, which might require changes in their driving style, and said that in many cases leets would still come to the conclusion that diesel was the best option in terms of fuel economy and emissions.

“For higher mileage drivers especially, there is every suggestion that a Euro 6 diesel remains the most environmentally responsible solution, whatever the press, pressure groups and others are saying about its impact on air quality.”

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

in brief

Dresden gets second production shift for e-Golf

V

olkswagen is introducing a second shift at its Transparent Factory in Dresden, doubling the site’s production of the electric e‐Golf to meet demand in Europe.

Dresden, which had produced the Phaeton luxury car, had been converted to a public showcase for future technologies until it began producing the e‐Golf in April 2017, on a single shift of 35 cars per day. This second shift will grow that to 70 cars per day, in addition to vehicles produced at the main Golf production line in Wolfsburg.

Locally, it follows Volkswagen introducing a scrappage programme for pre‐ Euro 5 diesel vehicles, which offers up to €10,000 (£8,850) off the purchase price of a new car on top of government incentives.

The e‐Golf was updated in line with the rest of the Golf line‐up last year, gaining a longer range, more power and upgrades to the infotainment system.

Although the 4,332 plug‐in Golf sales in Germany between January and November 2017 were 60% weighted towards the e‐Golf, the GTE plug‐in hybrid is by far the bigger seller in the UK.

Jaguar hints at fleet-focused versions of I-Pace SUV

J

in numbers

25%

Shef ield City Council has deployed ive Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric vans, converted to run on hydrogen. Supplied

by Arcola Energy, the fuel cell system doubles the range and working time of the vehicles, which were put into use as part of the council’s leet at the end of last year aimed at improving air quality in the city.

Green Tomato Cars to axe diesels by end of 2018 Private hire company, Green Tomato Cars, is to de leet all of its remaining diesel vehi‐ cles by the end of 2018, ahead of London’s Ultra‐Low Emission Zone launching next year. Most of the leet is already Toyota Prius hybrids, or other electric and hybrid vehicles, though there are still diesel exec‐ utive cars and MPVs in use.

EQUA Index extended to electric vehicles

aguar has hinted that it could offer multiple battery options of its irst elec‐ tric car, the I‐Pace SUV, providing lower‐cost versions which could broaden its appeal with leets.

Speaking to Jaguar’s vehicle integration manager for I‐Pace, James Matthews, on‐site at Jaguar’s Gaydon HQ, Fleet World was told numerous details about the vehicle including chief speci ications: dual electric motors producing a combined 394bhp, 516lb/ft torque, via a single speed transmission.

The I‐Pace goes on sale from March, initially with a single 90kWh battery providing more than 300 miles of range. Launch models could be followed by versions with reduced power and a smaller battery capacity, using the modular design of the battery pack to provide different kilowatt‐hour capac‐ ities in a less expensive package.

However, this will likely depend on demand.

Performance igures remain unannounced, but Jaguar says they aimed for, “frighteningly quick”. The SUV is also some 400kg lighter than a Tesla Model X. Source: BMW UK

Hydrogen van fleet for Sheffield City Council

Emissions Analytics has extended its EQUA Index programme to test electric vehicles, starting with the Tesla Model 3.

The company said electric drivetrain ef i‐ ciency will begin to play a larger role in customers’ decision‐making as the choice of vehicles increases. European test data can be found at equaindex.com

SMEs targeted with design-led EV charge points British company, Andersen, has launched a 7kW charging point aimed at SMEs, targeting conservation areas or sites where aesthetics are important. The A1 is eligible for OLEV’s Workplace Charging Grant, it’s made from aluminium, stain‐ less steel and sustainable wood, and is offered in eight colours, each featuring a tethered charging cable.

73% PHEV share of 3 Series saloon fleet sales in the UK during 2017.

Source: Hitachi Capital UK

Fleets saying more government support is needed for ULEVs.

fleetworld.co.uk / 15

inbusiness

Q &A

Sandra Tappermann-Pieper, global director of marketing and branding at LeasePlan, speaks to Natalie Middleton about the leasing giant’s ‘What’s next’ global marketing campaign and its new propositions for the corporate, SME and private sectors.

What’s the basis behind the ‘What’s next’ campaign?

LeasePlan is always looking at what’s next and the answer is ‘Any car, Anytime, Anywhere’. That’s what we’d like to make possible for everyone.

We have a couple of examples where you can see we are really working on it. One of them that you will see this year is that we will launch a completely new way of buying a used car using our ex-lease cars. We plan to do that through a very sophisticated digital platform and also link to a seamless experience where you can test-drive your car and pick it up if you want to, but also complete the full buying process online with home delivery if that’s what you want.

What is unique here is that we talk about fixed price – no negotiations; we’re very transparent in the pricing.

Another main strength is that a lot of people feel very uncomfortable in buying a used car. Because our cars are leased cars, potential buyers have full transparency of the maintenance and the full history of the car and can see immediately how well we have taken care of these cars.

They can try the car for 14 days and if they don’t like it after this, they can just give it back with no questions asked.

On top of this we are trying a new car subscription model in the UK from January. This provides drivers with more flexibility for what type of car they’d like to drive and what period, and enables them to change it as required, for example when they go on holiday. We will transform ourselves more and more to this type of models in the future.

This will be aimed at both private and fleet drivers but mainly focused on SMEs because we see that they treat mobility in quite a similar way to a private individual.

We’re also launching a ‘Click & Drive’ offering for the SME segment, offering special online lease deals, an all-inclusive

16 / fleetworld.co.uk

service package and fleet reporting along with fast delivery times – so if you order a car now, you can drive it next week.

How are you targeting bigger fleets with the ‘What’s next’ programme?

If we look at the bigger fleets, we see more developments there to make themselves more sustainable and we’re committing ourselves to a point where there are no emissions any more. We’ve already signed up to the EV100 campaign for multinationals, with plans to have all our employees driving electric cars by 2021.

And we are also helping to migrate our customers to EVs with an end-to-end service, so we offer initial consultancy on which vehicles will work for that particular fleet and we make sure that the charging infrastructure is in place and can ensure there’s just one travel card for everyone, including employees in hybrids.

We’re also launching something we call the ‘360 formula’. This cover three elements.

First of all, we cover the total cost of ownership: looking at the total cost involved and how we can make sure those costs become lower in future.

The second part is how we can increase the sustainability of your fleet. And last but not least, how can we improve your employee satisfaction and driver safety.

And there can be other elements behind this, such as right sharing – I think that’s really part of the future.

Of course in the very far future we’re looking at autonomous vehicles, which will bring lots more opportunities; that’s the area where we really think we can also play a role.

What about the shift to mobility solutions?

We have already done this for quite a while. So in certain countries like the Netherlands, we can provide mobility cards, but it’s still really hard to see the takeup. I believe we will see the market move to a position where mobility is provided through the vehicle.

I can also imagine in the future that bigger companies will say – and in the UK we already have this option – that if you just provide the driver with some cash, they can sort it out themselves. That’s also going to be an area where we see the industry probably evolving over the years.

DIARY DATE

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

9TH MAY 2018

Find out more at thefleetshow.co.uk

FEATURE Fleet advice

Ask the EXPERTS

Our panel of experts answers your latest fleet conundrums...

Q

With reforms to ‘salary sacrifice’ schemes announced in last year’s Finance Bill, what changes can we expect as an operator, and is it still as cost-effective for drivers?

T

here have been a number of misunderstandings surrounding the changes to salary sacri ice and as such, many of the bene its had been perceived to have been removed. However, the impact was hugely overstated and savings remain within Car Bene it Schemes.

For drivers: they will pay either the Bene it‐in‐Kind amount, or the tax on the amount sacri iced for the car only, whichever is the higher amount. It’s important to highlight that it’s the car only, as previously this was thought to be the entire amount sacri iced, which also included maintenance, insurance, tyres etc. It was for this reason that so many thought that savings had been removed, which was incorrect.

For employers, National Insurance savings are still

David Hosking chief executive officer Tusker

available on over half of cars available on Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme, which previously were thought to have been removed. This could mean savings of thousands of pounds for organisations, depending on the cars their employees choose.

So, 98% of drivers will make the same savings as those who took a car prior to April 2017. Savings can be made through National Insurance, as well as through group discounts which Tusker passes on to their customers.

ULEVs still provide the biggest savings for employers and drivers, and so Tusker anticipates ULEVs continuing to increase in popularity – we had a 10% increase in ULEV orders last year.

Q

Jayson Whittington

What is the outlook for the residual values of ex-fleet stock in 2018 and should we expect a sharp fall in the value of diesel cars?

F

ollowing the growth of new car registrations over the past ive years, which has been aided in part by the popularity of PCP deals together with strong leet sales, the wholesale used car market has seen an increase in two‐ and three‐year‐old cars entering sales channels at end of contract. An increased supply can of course lead to down‐ ward pressure on prices, however what we have seen over the past couple of years is a strong used car retail market emerge that has actually bolstered demand from trade buyers. This has kept demand broadly in line with the increased supply.

Looking at average hammer price for cars between two and a half to four and a half years of age, it is clear that over the past two years the market hasn’t suffered any

chief car editor Glass’s

major price pressure as a result of the increased volume.

In fact, the market appears to have been very resilient, and is expected to continue being so.

The new car market currently appears to be experienc‐ ing a shift away from diesel cars. In the used market too, there has been a change. The popularity of petrol models has increased, which has led to stronger demand from buyers in wholesale channels.

As a result, ‘hammer’ prices have strengthened. What is interesting, however, is that the price performance of diesel cars hasn’t been significantly impacted. This under‐ lines the fact that diesel cars remain a very good used proposition for dealers, traders and consumers alike, which should protect against a crash in RVs.

To pose your questions to the panel, e-mail: experts@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

18 / fleetworld.co.uk

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Meet your budget by switching to our world-leading hybrids.

See how much you can save by calling 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cost

DS 7 Crossback Is the first DS SUV redefining the segment, or just following the crowd? Alex Grant finds out.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £28,050-£43,535 FUEL 56.5-68.9mpg CO2 107-135g/km

F

ledgling French brand DS prides itself on being differ‐ ent to the mainstream; an identity defined by a ‘Spirit of Avant Garde’, claimed to be forged from memories of Citroen’s unmistakeably non‐German luxury cars of old.

But it’s not averse to ticking that most conventional of boxes, and launching an SUV. Pretty much a prerequisite product these days, the DS 7 Crossback is the range flagship. A luxury SUV aimed at the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 (though it’s larger than all of them), coming to the UK with ambitions of around 5,000 units per year, just over half of which will go to fleets.

That’s not an easy task. DS faces the challenge of conform‐ ing to norms of space and flexibility in this segment, without simply ending up as a ‘me too’ product. Hemmed in by the confines of an SUV silhouette, a lot of the ‘Avant Garde’ features here are skin deep; shimmering plastics, watch strap upholstery and diamond motifs on the exterior lights, switchgear and graphical displays. It’s perhaps trying a bit too hard in places, but there’s enough here to mark itself out Don’t ignore the petrol engine. There’s a sizeable price without alienating conquest customers. and fuel consumption sacrifice for moving up from the Mechanically similar to the Peugeot 5008, though with a 130bhp diesel, presumably because the higher‐powered more sophisticated rear suspension setup, it’ll engines have an automatic gearbox as standard, come to the UK with a choice of 130bhp or and the 225bhp petrol is almost as efficient as FLEET FACT 180bhp diesel engines, or a 225bhp petrol. DS the equivalent diesel. Given that it’s also reckons the demand will be weighted towards cheaper, significantly quieter and more tax‐effi‐ the two high‐performance units, both of which cient, it’s worth looking into.

225bhp petrol have an eight‐speed automatic gearbox, and Probably the best fit for fleets, most useful has a 10% longer either the sporty‐looking Performance Line or equipment comes in at Performance Line, as range than the luxury‐focused Prestige trims. This puts the do the flamboyant LED headlights which 180bhp diesel. core of the range between £35,000 and swivel and dance into life as you unlock the £40,000, with claimed residual values car, then re‐shape the beam to suit the condi‐ predicted to be only slightly behind the usual suspects, so tions ahead. All 180bhp diesels also get the brand’s clever contract hire rates ought to be more favourable than previ‐ active suspension, which monitors the road surface and ous big French cars. configures itself accordingly, though annoyingly only in one of the four available driving modes. It’s a £1,000 option otherwise, unless you move up to Prestige, while partially‐ automated driver assistance functions come in on the top‐ level Ultra Prestige trim.

Customers should find little to complain about. The bulky centre console limits space up front, but there’s plenty of room in the back and a sizeable boot with under‐ floor storage. DS also loses some tech points for the slightly laggy touchscreen, low‐res reversing camera, and an unin‐ tuitive dashboard layout which puts important controls on touch‐sensitive buttons that give no feedback when pressed. Materials you actually touch, however, are high quality. Ride comfort isn’t unpleasant on its biggest wheels, though is much better on smaller ones and quieter too.

OK, so it’s not laden with ‘Avant Garde’ design and tech‐ nology, but the DS 7 Crossback ticks enough of the SUV boxes without being a giant leap for those moving out of familiar rivals. All DS has to do is make sure – in an ever‐expanding part of the market – its newcomer doesn’t go unnoticed.

20 / fleetworld.co.uk

what we think

highlights 296bhp, 40g/km plug-in hybrid due in 2019, with 30-35-mile electric range.

The DS 7 Crossback does everything most SUV customers will want from it.

But this is a segment full of familiar names, of which DS isn’t one, so it could perhaps have pushed the boat out a little further to stand out from the crowd.

LED headlights, navigation and digital instruments on most UK cars.

Offered with Grip Control system, but no four-wheel drive version.

key fleet model DS 7 Crossback BlueHDI 180 Performance Line fleetworld.co.uk / 21

Peugeot 5008 Transforming into an SUV does little to dent the 5008’s family-moving ability, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Crossover PRICE £24,495-£35,895 FUEL 46.3-68.9mpg CO2 106-140g/km

W

hile it probably didn’t come top of many drivers’ padded, so quite firm for long trips, and they leave almost wishlists, the old 5008 was a great compact MPV. no boot space when they’re upright. Unlike the old car, Comfortable, adaptable and with competitive there’s nowhere to store the load carrier when it’s not in CO2 emissions on its side, those who needed cargo and use. If you have a sudden need to carry large loads or extra people‐moving abilities would have had no reason to feel passengers, it’ll end up getting trodden on in the middle‐ short‐changed. row footwell.

But tastes change. MPVs have fallen out of fashion, and Peugeot is offering the usual Active, Allure, GT Line and GT Peugeot wants to wrap those rational benefits in something trims, and all are generously equipped. The digital instrument with more car park appeal. So the 5008 has morphed into a cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, with Android seven‐seat soft‐roader, locking horns with a growing basket and Apple smartphone mirroring as standard features, while of rivals including the Nissan X‐Trail, Skoda Kodiaq and sat nav comes in at Allure. The cabin is well laid out, with Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace as it does so. upmarket grey fabric inserts, silver accents The foundations are brilliant. This is, and plenty of storage spaces dotted essentially, a seven‐seat version of the around. The only frustration is the info‐ excellent new 3008, which means it’s tainment system, which isn’t particularly home to a cabin that feels at least £10,000 intuitive or quick to respond. above its price point, and Peugeot’s smart Depending on trim level, there are two new family styling, with a thick metal petrol engines (128bhp and 163bhp) window surround that manages a half‐ and a choice of 99bhp, 118bhp, 148bhp respectable job of masking the extra bulk and 179bhp diesel units. On paper, the at the back end. most efficient version is the entry‐level There’s more to this than a third row of diesel, but that’s likely to be limited in seats. Inside, it’s closer to an MPV than a real‐world use by its five‐speed gearbox. typical crossover, with the 3008’s single‐ The BlueHDI 120 gets six gears, it’s quiet, piece rear bench replaced with three smooth and offers 50mpg at motorway individually sliding ISOFIX‐equipped speeds, but can feel a bit lacking when The 5008 impresses for seats. The wheelbase is 165mm longer, the 5008 is full of people and belongings. near-premium features accommodating longer rear doors for At 118g/km, the BlueHDI 150 is in line at a competitive price, easier access to the third row of seats, with smaller crossovers with downsized which are big enough for adults. Fold engines, and will be more comfortable but don’t be too tempted them away, and the boot is almost as when moving heavy loads. to opt for the small large – beneath the parcel shelf – as the Overall, then, it’s a very successful diesel if you’re planning 5008 MPV. transfer of the best MPV qualities into a to use that extra space.

It has the usual small MPV pros and bodystyle drivers might want, as well as cons. Those third row seats aren’t well need. Full marks, Peugeot.

what we think

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

Hyundai i30 N Hyundai’s first hot hatch is a turning point for the brand, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £24,995-£27,995 FUEL 39.8-40.4mpg CO2 159-163g/km

I

n its seven generations, the Golf GTI has become so seg‐ ment‐defining that it’s easy to forget how implausible it must have seemed in 1975 – a performance car from a manufacturer with no heritage in that space, and only recently emerging from the Beetle era. Credible Hyundais are far more established of course, but the brand’s first proper hot hatch has its work cut out.

Hyundai knows this, and no holds are barred; styled by ex‐Audi designer Peter Schreyer, and tuned by the brand’s new N department, led by Albert Biermann, formerly of BMW’s M Division. This has branding hurdles to overcome, but getting the right people behind it is a good way to make enthusiasts take notice.

Hot hatches have to work for head and heart; both trims include commuter‐relevant kit including sat nav, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry and start. Move up to N Per‐ formance, as most are expected to do, and power jumps from 247bhp to 271bhp, paired with bigger wheels and brakes, fast‐road tyres and an electronic limited‐slip differ‐ ential, plus leather and suede upholstery, which can be deleted to trim 12.7kg from the kerb weight.

This feels just as good as you’ll want it to; blisteringly quick through the gears, sure‐footed while cornering and

with tight, precise controls, it’ll satisfy even the keenest driver without making dull commutes hard work – just as a hot hatch should. Its only real drawback is the mul‐ titude of settings for the drivetrain, and that N mode is for masochists and track days only. Its damper settings are far too stiff for the road.

So it’s a convincing newcomer; a great halo car with real user‐chooser appeal and scope for N‐inspired styling packs lower down the range. Like the first Golf GTI, implausible‐ sounding machinery is often worth a second look.

Lexus CT 200h A major refresh when a new model is perhaps what’s really needed, suggests Craig Thomas.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £23,495-£30,495 FUEL 68.9-74.3mpg CO2 88-94g/km

T

he CT was a genuine ground‐breaker when it launched in 2011. A premium hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, it not only stood out against the competition (Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, etc) but the resulting economy and emissions figures made it a serious proposi‐ tion for fleets ‐ part of the reason why it instantly became the Japanese brand’s best‐seller.

Six years on, and, considering the life cycles of most car mod‐ els, it would be reasonable to assume that a new generation was due, but instead we’re getting an update, with the empha‐

sis on making the CT stylistically more of a modern Lexus.

Taking cues from the recent LC and upcoming LS, the CT adopts the now‐familiar spindle grille (a matter of taste, one strongly suspects), LED headlights and L‐shaped day‐ time running lights. It's a similar story at the rear, with new lights and bumper, while there are also new alloy wheel designs. Interior changes include a larger 10.3‐inch display for the navigation and media features, and updates to the upholstery and trim.

F Sport models also receive sportier design elements (mesh grille, metallic black elements, bolder new paint colours – including two‐tone options – and some interior trim seat upholsteries).

All of these cosmetic changes certainly go some way to updating the CT – as does the addition of the Lexus Safety System +, which brings the car’s safety tech up to date.

It’s under the skin where the CT really needed some updates: the car’s weak spots lie in the departments of ride quality and handling (the former is too firm, the latter has grip issues), but both will have to wait for an all new car. If Lexus wants to maintain the CT’s appeal, it needs more fun‐ damental changes. A new generation should emerge sooner rather than later.

fleetworld.co.uk / 23

Range Rover Velar Outgrown your Evoque? The Velar might be just what you’re after, reckons Alex Grant.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £44,830-£85,450 FUEL 30.1-52.5mpg CO2 142-214g/km

B

ack in 1969, Velar had signalled a new direction for 178bhp and 237bhp diesels the likely big‐sellers – we Land Rover. A prototype of what would become the tested the latter. Four‐cylinder engines can deprive a first Range Rover a year later, it was a step into luxury car of the performance and refinement that suits lifestyle off‐roaders; genuine terrain‐crossing ability with them best, but the Velar’s heavily‐insulated cabin shuts out the luxuries of a conventional saloon or estate. Today, Velar most of the mechanical grumble of its smallest engines and brings the Range Rover family to four models and, with no there’s enough muscle from the twin‐turbocharged 2.0‐ Defender until 2019, ‘lifestyle’ isn’t a tangent, it’s the core litre to avoid it feeling underpowered. The main grumble brand strategy. is the gearbox; at times over‐keen to shift up, and reluc‐ It’s a striking newcomer; more sportwagon than SUV, a tant to downshift, it can slow progress. caricature of the brand’s design cues, stretched as if in a Otherwise, the cabin is Land Rover’s best yet; impeccably motion blur, hunkered over wheels of up to 22 inches and high quality and with most controls moved onto a pair of de‐cluttered so aggressively that even touchscreens. There’s an art to making the door handles retract into the body this work, but it’s lag‐free and intuitive, when they’re not in use. Love it or loathe with two rotary switches selecting it, there’s as much wow‐factor here as different drive modes, media settings there was in the Evoque, before it and climate functions, depending what’s became so ubiquitous. on screen. Most Velars also get 4G data‐ Velar fills the gap between the Evoque connected services, including live traffic and Sport, though it’s closer in size to and fuel price information, and the abil‐ the latter, and the platform underneath ity to automatically send your arrival is shared with the Jaguar F‐Pace – time to selected contacts. arguably one if its closest rivals, depend‐ On the downside, athletic styling ing on spec. All versions get automatic brings predictable compromises in terms transmissions and four‐wheel drive, of interior space, especially in the back unlike the Jaguar, which bumps up the (not that it’s ever hampered demand for entry‐level pricing, and all except the the Evoque), and even the air suspension Striking styling and base trim can be up‐specced to a more (a £1,180 option on the D240) doesn’t badge cachet are good aggressive R‐Dynamic version for entirely cure low‐speed ride quality on foundations. But, with £2,420 extra, cutting large vents into the its large wheels. Proper off‐road driving front bumper. UK demand tends to be modes are optional, too, though it’s such a heavy focus on weighted towards the top of the range unlikely that the target audience will lifestyle customers, 2WD and, given how plain it looks in low spec, miss them much. Velar had once been the might have given it even that’s probably a good thing here. name for Land Rover’s step back on road broader appeal.

Land Rover is offering three petrol – and almost 50 years on, it’s still taking and three diesel engines, with the the brand in that direction.

what we think

24 / fleetworld.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

BUSINESS SAVVY With a line-up of attractive, technology-rich products and the support in place for your business needs, SEAT might already be UK’s fastest-growing true fleet brand, but there’s plenty more on the horizon.

Award-winning products No matter what your fleet size, our expanding, award-winning product range has something to keep your business moving and your drivers happy. Stylish, technology-rich and with class-leading whole-life costs helped by competitive P11D pricing and high residual values, not only have our latest models been awarded ‘best buy’ titles by What Car? magazine, but we’re finding more and more large corporate customers are choosing SEAT for their entire fleet.

It’s no wonder; 2017 marked the next phase in our major product offensive, with the updated Leon and all-new Ibiza closely following the Ateca crossover in 2016. Each offer uncompromising spec,

with Front Assist, proven to reduce accident rates by 25%, included as standard across the range, while cutting-edge driver assistance and connected car technology is also available on all new models.

We’re not slowing down. 2018 will be the first full year of facelifted Leon and new Ibiza, and the Ateca’s baby brother, the Arona crossover. Offering strong residual values and a line-up of six fixed trim levels packed with features and technology for drivers, Arona will save time for fleet operators thanks to clearly defined, set CO2 emissions figures. With Amazon Alexa integration, and SEAT’s all-digital virtual cockpit to come, ahead of a flagship large SUV early in 2019, there’s plenty more to come.

Working with you Keeping your business moving shouldn’t be difficult. Our new fleet website offers specific advice and guidance tailored to

company car drivers, fleet managers and small businesses, with the ability to compare total ownership costs with key rivals within minutes. And we’re so confident that your drivers will love our model range, that we’re extending our popular four-day test drive programme in 2018 to help them familiarise themselves with the latest additions.

Booking takes a few minutes, and can be done online.

But it’s not just about great products.

With a combined 250 years of experience working with large and small operators, our dedicated fleet team is on-hand to help minimise running costs and make the most of your available budget. In turn, that’s supported by an extensive network of Business Fleet Centres in dealerships, offering attractive contract hire rates and putting the support in place to keep your staff mobile. In short, it’s never been easier to do business with SEAT.

SEAT for Business.

For more information call 0800 975 7844 or visit seat.co.uk/business

BMW X3 BMW’s third-generation X3 is a technological showcase, with more to come. By Alex Grant.

SECTOR SUV PRICE £37,980-£50,530 FUEL 34.5-56.5mpg CO2 132-188g/km

W

ithin two decades, BMW’s SUV range has lights, softer leather, part‐digital dials and Park Assist are expanded from the first X5 to include every standard on all versions. One point to note, though, is the segment from the X1 to the first pre‐production 68‐litre fuel tank is optional on the SE, which has a X7s ahead of its launch next year. It’s a core product offer; 60‐litre tank as standard. Also, M Sport is the only version a quarter of its UK volume, and continuing to grow. Some‐ to get the Professional Navigation system, with a bigger thing this new X3 will play a large part in. screen and additional features. Most of the connected and To give some idea of this segment’s popularity, BMW partially‐autonomous driving features from the 5 Series sold 50% more second‐generation X3s globally than it did are available as options. of the first, and it’s expecting to double that again with the With an electric version due in 2020, and a plug‐in third‐generation car. Considering this is a segment span‐ hybrid likely too, the X3 also moves the game on in terms ning from Porsche to Volvo, that’s saying something. of drivetrains, but the launch offer is fairly conventional.

Sales aren’t all that’s growing; styling A new entry‐level 20i petrol and high‐ mirrors the X1, which is no bad thing, performance M40i join the familiar 30d but it’s now 5cm larger in every direc‐ and almost‐default 20d, and all have tion than the old X3, and bigger than the four‐wheel drive and an eight‐speed original X5. But it’s also more aerody‐ automatic transmission – only 5% of namic, despite rolling on larger wheels the old car’s customers picked a (as per customer demand), shares a manual box. platform with the latest 5 Series and You’d want for nothing in 20d spec. splits its weight 50/50 between the two The engine is barely audible aside from axles, just like a BMW saloon. some grumble under load, though all BMW’s broad SUV line‐up means test cars had the £110 acoustic side there’s been no need to soften its practi‐ glass option ticked, and it feels more cality in the name of sportiness. It’s like a low‐slung estate car than a high‐ incredibly spacious and well glazed, sided SUV to drive. Ride quality on M with loads of room in both rows and Sport wheels is perfectly acceptable on The X3 offers an space for three child seats across the rough surfaces, though it can bounce a appealing package of back. Though boot capacity is bit at high speed, and the variable space, flexibility and unchanged, it’s reshaped to accommo‐ steering setup on our test car was a date bulky items, extended over a fold‐ little over‐assisted on the motorway: on-road driver appeal ing three‐piece rear bench, and Easily solved by playing with the drive which could make you augmented by more cubby holes than modes. BMW’s sports tourers make a question the need for even the messiest family could fill. great case as a fit‐for‐all‐needs car, and the larger X5.

The SE, xLine and M Sport trims are you’ll sacrifice nothing by moving into unchanged, though adaptive LED head‐ its deservedly popular SUVs.

what we think

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

2018 A TO Z OF FLEET in association with

THE 2018

TO

OF FLEET Against a backdrop of regulatory changes, new technology and shifting attitudes to diesel, the next 12 months promises both challenges and opportunities for fleets. Alex Grant takes a look at what’s on the horizon.

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fleetworld.co.uk / 27

2018 A TO Z OF FLEET

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APPS

Chevin FleetWave Forms A powerful cloud‐based tool for mobile workers, enabling them to capture data such as signatures, images, notes, barcodes and more through custom‐made forms, then upload them instantly to the Fleet‐ Wave software. Chevin claims reduced costs and admin time, as well as streamlined roadworthiness inspections, expenses reporting and trip recording.

More information: chevinfleet.co.uk

Jaama My Vehicle App Updated for 2018, Jaama’s smart‐ phone app enables drivers to log odometer readings, accident details (with photographs) and undertake daily vehicle checks, lagging faults for recti ication.

Integration with the Key2 soft‐ ware means service, maintenance and repair work can be booked and carried out quickly, minimis‐ ing downtime.

More information: jaama.com

JCT600 driveVLS Launched earlier this year, driveVLS is both a data hub for drivers and a way to gather information, and JCT600 is adding speci ic versions to suit company car, grey leet or private drivers. It’s a quick way to check driver, vehicle and documentation details, get tax information and news, or for users to locate nearby suppli‐ ers or get in touch with JCT600 directly. More information: jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

BREXIT While the UK will still be part of the EU during 2018, ongoing negotiations around trade and alignment of regulations after Brexit should offer some clarity for business operators through the year. Affecting everything from the price of cars, parts and fuel, to environmental policy, it’s an area the leet industry should be watching closely.

“The big challenge will be that economic uncertainty is set to continue in 2018 and against this backdrop, businesses still need the effective mobility of people, resources and products,” says David Brennan, CEO at Nexus Vehicle Rental. “With leet budgets squeezed, there are growth opportunities in the rental market and we can expect to see an increase in spend in 2018, as [busi‐ nesses] look to reduce ixed costs such as the outright purchase of vehicles.”

Geoffrey Bray, chairman of the Fleet Industry Advisory Group (FIAG), believes there’s plenty to be optimistic about: “The natural reaction of many leet decision‐makers against a background of uncertainty is to retain the status quo,” he says. “However, to stand still is to effectively go backwards. It is a challenging and changing world and Brexit will have an impact, but it will also present major oppor‐ tunities. Businesses must be nimble and alert – and that includes within the leet arena – and move forward as opportunities occur.”

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

in association with

COMPANY CAR TAX Announced during the Autumn Budget, the company car tax diesel surcharge will be increased by one percentage point from April 2018, affecting both Bene it‐in‐Kind for drivers and Class 1A NICs for employers. This amounts to a four percentage‐ point disadvantage for a diesel car, compared to a petrol alternative with the same CO2 emissions, though models which meet the RDE2 emissions standard (discussed later in this feature) are exempt.

Toby Marshall, sales and marketing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, believes it’s a positive sign: “We’re hopeful that 2018 will bring some stability in terms of vehicle tax and regulations to restore consumer con i‐ dence and reboot the market,” he says.

However, Jaguar Land Rover expressed concerns about penalising speci ic fuels. “The key challenge is to ensure that taxation burdens placed on drivers of cars are fair and reasonable irrespective of their powertrain choice,” says, Jeremy Hicks, the company’s UK MD.

DIESEL vs PETROL A perfect storm of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, improving petrol and hybrid alternatives, media hyste‐ ria and Government policy has soured public opinion of diesel.

Registrations fell 16.1% year‐on‐year to the end of November 2017, taking 42.2% of the market compared to 47.8% in 2016.

That trend is likely to continue this year, but petrol isn’t necessarily the solution. Independent testing from Emissions Analytics has shown some emit more pollutants than the best‐ performing diesel engines, and hasty decisions could result in higher fuel bills for operators. It’s never been more important to take a whole‐life view.

“Best practice dictates that vehicle choice lists should be based on total cost of ownership igures and new charges are likely to impact on diesel more than other fuels,” says ICFM chairman, Paul Hollick. “The government’s ill‐informed ‘all diesels are dirty’ obsession could mean an avalanche of local authority diesel surcharge parking schemes. Moving forward, there is no de initive right leet fuel, but vehicle operations will feature a mix based on itness‐for‐purpose.”

ELECTRIC VEHICLES Government support for ULEVs appears to be starting to lose pace with the slew of new products arriving in the UK. However, the Budget pledged £200m for charging infrastructure (to be matched by private investors), an extra £100m for the Plug‐in Car Grant, £40m for charge point R&D, while abolishing BiK on workplace charging.

Matt Dale, consultancy services manager at ALD Automotive, believes this will all help: “With the government ploughing investment into EV infrastructure and measures like tax incentives and clean air zones, leets will increasingly be looking to explore the bene its of alternatively fuelled vehicles. Education, awareness and training in this area will be vital if their potential is to be realised.”

Private investment is growing. Chargemaster is launching a corporate subscription to its 6,000‐unit Polar network for leets running plug‐ins, offering itemised central billing for multiple users so operators can monitor costs easily. Meanwhile, Franklin Energy’s public, home and workplace charging points feed data into one back‐end system, again allowing companies to track mileage, cost savings and CO2 reductions.

“Businesses will face more complex purchasing decisions next year as the Government looks to encourage increased usage of alternatively‐fuelled vehicles,” says Tim Porter, managing director of Lex Autolease. “It’s vital that leasing companies help decision makers to understand the impact of this shift, and to select the right fuel technology for their business needs.”

The EV Experience Centre in Milton Keynes offers advice for fleets and consumers looking to make the switch.

✇ fflfleetworld. leetw world.co o..uk / 4 49 29 9

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2018 A TO Z OF FLEET in association with

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FUEL PRICES

HYBRIDS

Despite the continued freeze in duty, petrol and diesel prices are expected to rise during 2018: “Fuel is already the largest cost faced by leet operators and, with the continued weak‐ ness of sterling, it is only likely to get worse over the next 12 months,” says Paul Holland, chief operating of icer at Fleetcor.

The company is advising leets to make use of telematics and running cost data, as well as ensuring vehicles are well maintained, and not refu‐ elled at forecourts where prices are high. “By taking these steps, and acting now, leet operators can ensure they are doing all they can to streamline fuel consumption across the vehicles in their care,” he adds.

Conventional hybrids, not plug‐ins, have become a sensible alternative for leets moving away from diesel, with new‐generation driv‐ etrains offering high economy at motorway speeds as well as in town, while not requiring regular charging.

Demand is picking up; Toyota UK will drop the diesel Auris this year, Honda’s CR‐V will also trade diesel power for a hybrid version, and Ford has raised 2018 sales expectations for the Mondeo Hybrid following signi icant interest in 2017.

GDPR The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force on 25 May 2018, aimed at harmonising regulations across Member States and making it easier for citizens to control their data. It’s expected that an equivalent will be passed into UK law post‐Brexit, and British companies with business interests inside the EU will still have to comply anyway.

In the UK, it replaces the Data Protection Act, seen as one of the region’s lighter regulatory burdens in this area, and for fleets and the wider automotive industry it creates potential issues around data collection and storage, partic‐ ularly from connected cars and telematics devices. Opera‐ tors will be required to prove that they had unambiguous consent to gather data, with the burden shifted to them to

provide evidence in the event of a claim. Individuals can request information on how data is processed, or for it to be deleted, and have a right to be noti ied if there has been a breach. Fines can range up to €20m (£17.7m) for non‐compliance.

Marcus Bray, head of sales and co‐founder at Fleet Service Great Britain, says the effects could be signi icant for leets: “Some of the information already collected by employers relates to employees and their behaviour, so FSGB will help businesses to be clear about what information is being gathered and why and how it is being used.”

Meanwhile, Cap HPI has invested in a dedicated team for GDPR: “These are big, statutory changes and cannot be taken lightly by any business in our industry,” said Chris Wright, managing direc‐ tor. “I’d urge everyone to consider – are you doing enough?”

IFRS 16 IFRS 16 is a new lease accounting standard, which comes into force on 1 January 2019, aimed at giving investors a clearer picture of a publicly limited company’s leased assets and liabilities. Signi icantly for leets, it will mean contract hire vehi‐ cles appear on the balance sheet for the irst time, instead of being counted under pro its and losses. The BVRLA has warned that it could pose an ‘additional reporting burden’ for operators, but doesn’t believe it will deter demand for leased vehicles.

Jason Chamberlain, sales & marketing director at ARI Fleet, sees funding becoming more varied: “Maximising a leets avail‐ ability and return on investment will stay high on the agenda in 2018. But, by providing funding solutions that support the new accountancy standards, technology advancements that deliver accurate trend reporting and evolving SMR solutions to produce ef iciencies, ARI’s customers will see this challenge turn into an opportunity.”

30 / fleetworld.co.uk

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Ambitious, Automated, Award winning... A is for All Fleet Services

W

ith a record breaking year behind us, the launch of a new digital irst arm to the business all leetonline.com, new appointments, customer growth and awards won, 2017 will be hard to beat – however I know the business is ready to do just that. At All Fleet Services we’re looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2018. It’s an exciting time in the industry and we’ve never seen a period of such rapid change. Phrases like connectivity and autonomous now trip off the tongue and All Fleet Services is positioning the business to lead the way.

Already a market leading supplier of outsourced services to the leet and automotive industries, the new range of digital products from All Fleet Online embraces the latest technology to connect and transform the industry. We are disrupting tradi‐ tional methods of service delivery through a series of click and go products designed to improve customer experience, whilst driving down the cost of delivery. The irst of these innovative

products, Fleet Fine Online was launched earlier in 2017, and next, Connected Car Online will be launched in 2018 under the All Fleet Online brand. Aggregating data to create intelligent insight, improving leet ef iciency and not forgetting enhanc‐ ing the customer experience.

I’m proud that we continue to put the customer at the heart of our business whether interacting via the telephone, website, in person or portal. In fact, I’d love you to help shape our visions and new products for 2018, 2019 and beyond... please get in contact. Or visit www.all leetonline.com to register to be kept up to date with our developments.

Wishing you a successful 2018.

Dave Scobie Managing Director All Fleet Services

KNOWLEDGE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS JUST FOR BUSINESS Dealer support for leets has never been better, and manufac‐ turers are investing heavily in programmes to provide services for local businesses. Peugeot’s Business Centre Dealer network grew 20% in 2017, to 60 sites, and in 2018 it will launch a new Built for Business conversions programme to put popular off‐ the‐shelf commercial vehicle parts on its price list. Conver‐ sions will be available across the network.

Toyota and Lexus are also util‐ ising the network more for leets; in 2018, the two brands will supply vehicles to busi‐ nesses through their local deal‐ ers. It’s aimed at offering a better customer experience, building an aftersales relationship and saving on transport costs.

New web portals for fleets...

All Fleet Services: Following on from Fleet Fine Online, a portal which enables quick, paperless processing of ines, All Fleet Services will launch a Connected Car Online solution in 2018. This will use connected car and telematics data to anticipate faults, and offer online SMR booking to minimise downtime.

Europcar: Tailored towards diversifying mobility needs, Europcar One presents a range of transport options on a single portal, showing cost and environmental advantages for each and enabling operators to book, manage and monitor usage more ef iciently.

Seat: New for 2018, Seat’s leet website has dedicated sections catering for drivers, leet managers and small businesses; it’s a place to compare whole‐life costs, inancing options, get advice and book cars through the brand’s expanding four‐day test drive programme.

Tusker: Developed during a two‐year overhaul of the business’s systems and processes, Tusker launched its web portal in October to offer a simpler ordering process for drivers.

It’s also moving its accounts over to what’s said to be a slicker new IT system, a process due to complete early in 2018.

fleetworld.co.uk / 31

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2018 A TO Z OF FLEET

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LCVs Although “White Van Man” escaped the anti‐diesel policies in the Autumn Budget, operators can expect increased dif iculties related to air quality, according to Ford leet director, Owen

Gregory. The carmaker is beginning a trial of plug‐in hybrid Transits with leets including TfL, the Metropolitan Police, British Gas, Clancy Plant and others, with telematics data set to be used in production versions due in 2019.

“The air quality debate will not subside, especially in city centres and other urban areas,” he says. “Vans represent 75% of peak freight traf ic, with more than 7,000 vehicles per hour driv‐ ing in central London, so the case for Transit completing jour‐ neys in town in electric mode is clear.”

The appetite among leets is growing. Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions carried out a Future of Fuel report in 2017; 82% of operators surveyed said they believed it was important to move to alternative fuel sources, with vehicle costs cited as a major obstacle. But the company’s managing director, Jon Lawes, says there are signi icant fuel savings to be made: “Our research has found that electricity would be approximately 15p per mile cheaper than petrol or diesel for vans, and 38p per mile cheaper than diesel for HGVs. Over the combined 65.7bn miles commer‐ cial vehicles travel each year, these fuel savings would total approximately £13.7bn.”

MOBILITY New technology and more lexible, on‐demand access to vehi‐ cles is totally re‐shaping business travel, and service providers are keen to help navigate through the many options available. In 2017, ALD launched its Mobility Experience in Bristol, bringing decision‐makers together to review staff travel, challenge old ideas and develop new ones through immersive, game‐like displays and discussions, and develop a new policy encompassing multiple modes of transport.

Enterprise Rent‐A‐Car, meanwhile, is combining its booking platforms to enable staff to identify and “self‐ serve” different mobility options based on their employ‐ ees’ travel policy. “Many companies know they spend more money on travel than they need to,” explains Adrian Bewley, head of business mobility. “However, the chal‐ lenge is identifying where to effect savings. They want employees to ‘self‐serve’ transport while staying within rules that make sense financially and sustainably. This is where Enterprise is working to develop bespoke solutions based on a range of vehicle types accessible by the hour, day, week or more, and from every location.”

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

Vehicle technology plays a role, too. Following a success‐ ful trial with a Vauxhall Astra, Alphabet will extend its keyless corporate car‐sharing programme, AlphaCity, to models outside the BMW and Mini range during 2018 – including light commercials. Simon Carr, chief commercial of icer, says: “For me, the real opportunities for the market in 2018 are in the adoption by leets of this technology and its applications to meet short term, ‘mobility‐on‐demand’ requirements which are currently inef iciently served through taxis, daily rental and pool cars.”

Likewise, there’s a growing need to be able to monitor this across all modes: “The strong trend towards more connectivity in business travel will continue, especially since the government made Mobility one of the four pillars of its new industrial strategy in November,” says Paul Hollick, managing director of TMC. “The growth of Mobility is creating massive need for the ‘big picture’ view across the whole business travel supply chain, which TMC’s unique services are able to distil from all types and sources of raw data.”

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NEW CARS 2018’s biggest fleet vehicle launches DS DS hopes to almost double its UK leet sales with the DS 7 Crossback; a large SUV, launching at the start of the year. A 295bhp plug‐in hybrid will follow in 2019.

Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept

DS 7 Crossback

AUDI Audi is launching 18 new models this year, including a new A7, Q3 crossover, A6 and A1, and a lagship Q8 luxury SUV. A1 production will take place alongside the Seat Ibiza, making space for the electric E‐ tron SUV at Audi's factory in Belgium, scheduled to launch at the end of the year.

BMW BMW will follow a new X3 by extending its SUV line‐up with the X2 coupé‐crossover, and X7, which has just begun pre‐produc‐ tion and could rival the Range Rover.

CITROËN Citroën has ended production of the C4 hatch; replaced by a more conservative C4 Cactus refresh. The C5 Aircross SUV arrives in Europe at the end of the year.

FCA FCA Group strategy, outlined in 2014, suggests a new, rear‐wheel drive Alfa Romeo Giulietta is due this year, based on the Giulia’s platform, though it’s uncon‐ irmed. Sister brand Jeep will get a toned‐ down Cherokee to join the new Compass, while Fiat has refreshed the 500L and grouping the range into Urban (MPV), Cross (SUV) and Wagon (seven‐seat) versions.

Citroën C5 Aircross

Fiat 500L

FORD Ford’s main launch this year will be a new Focus, likely to adopt new Fiesta styling cues and include a longer‐range electric version.

It’s printed hashtags on the camou lage of test cars, suggesting the reveal is due early in the year. The Fiesta range will expand to include the Active crossover and sporty ST. Ford Fiesta Active

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BMW X3

fleetworld.co.uk / 33

DRIVE SMARTER Derived from decades of innovation, Volvo’s expanding line-up of luxury plug-in hybrids provides clean, efficient solutions for your fleet, with incredible performance and flexibility for drivers too.

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION Developed to meet the challenges of everyday life, Volvo Cars has long pioneered industry-changing technologies; market-first innovations which contribute to safer, cleaner and more enjoyable travel. It’s a people-led approach, now delivering cutting-edge connected and electrified vehicles, perfect for the needs of drivers and businesses.

That pace of change has never been quicker.

From 2019, Volvo Cars will begin phasing out conventional petrol or diesel-powered models, with all new vehicles set to be equipped with an electrified drivetrain. It’s a portfolio spanning 48volt mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars, combining the luxury and performance expected of the brand with high efficiency, low emissions and reduced running costs to suit the full spectrum of end-users.

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THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS Available for the XC60 and XC90 luxury SUVs, and executive S90 saloon and V90 estate, Volvo’s unique T8 Twin Engine technology delivers the environmental and efficiency benefits of electric driving, without compromising on driver enjoyment or flexibility.

The system combines two power sources. A 320hp 2.0litre petrol engine, from Volvo’s advanced Drive-E line-up, supplies drive to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. At the rear, an 87hp electric motor – supplied with energy from a mains-rechargeable battery – provides fuel-free driving for up to 28 miles, fully charged in as little as three hours.

This offers three vehicles in one. Selectable driving modes allow the system to prioritise or conserve battery power, to intelligently use both power sources in unison, or to deliver the

BUILT FOR BUSINESS Integrating new technology can be challenging. Our dedicated Business Sales call centre, and regional sales teams, are on hand to provide informed, practical advice on issues such as charging, running costs and practicalities around electric mobility, while a partnership with POD Point means we’re able to offer a range of charging solutions for the home and workplace.

T8 Twin Engine models also take advantage of innovations from elsewhere in the range. All are offered in Volvo Cars’ new fleet-focused Pro trim levels, including our connected Sensus infotainment system with On Call smartphone app, enabling drivers to remotely check vehicle and charging status, download previous routes and upload navigation destinations. Cutting-edge safety and assistance technology, progressively moving towards an aim that nobody will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo from 2020, provides safer, easier travel and peace of mind for operators too.

Don’t just take our word for it; Volvo was named Car Technology Brand of the Year at the Car Tech Awards last year, also collecting Best Safety Technology and Safest Car for the XC60. The XC60 was also recognised as the safest car tested by Euro NCAP last year, reflecting decades of innovation with no signs of slowing down.

full performance of over 400hp with four-wheel drive traction, in each case optimising steering, throttle and brake responses and climate control to suit. It enables electric-only commuting and tax-efficient CO2 emissions of 46g/km (S90/V90) or 49g/km (XC60/XC90) without range anxiety on longer journeys.

Engineered for electric driving from the start, there’s also no sacrifice in terms of practicality. The high-voltage battery is packaged between the front seats, offering excellent weight distribution and a low centre of gravity, while also not impacting on passenger space or vehicle safety. All T8 Twin Engine models provide Volvo’s renowned cargocarrying ability, while the XC90 still features seven seats.

CALL THE VOLVO CAR BUSINESS CENTRE ON 0345 600 4027 OR VISIT VOLVOCARS.CO.UK/BUSINESS

2018 A TO Z OF FLEET

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NEW CARS 2018’s biggest fleet vehicle launches LAND ROVER Land Rover’s mild updates to the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport include a 64g/km CO2 emitting, 398bhp plug‐in hybrid version, replacing the outgoing diesel‐hybrid system.

Honda Civic Diesel

HONDA Honda’s new Civic will get its irst diesel engine in March; it’s one of the irst WLTP‐tested vehicles on sale, returning 76.3mpg and emitting 99g/km CO2. Ironically, the new Civic launches as diesel is removed from the CR‐V range in favour of a new hybrid system.

JAGUAR Jaguar will build on the F‐Pace with two important new SUVs. The E‐Pace will go up against the Evoque, and includes a 124g/km front‐wheel drive diesel engine, while the I‐Pace is a long‐range, high‐power electric SUV to rival the Tesla Model X.

HYUNDAI Hyundai’s focus next year is on alternative fuels. An electric version of the Kona is due in the irst half of the year, offering a range of 300 miles to a charge, while Nexo, its successor to the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle was unveiled featuring a 500‐mile range.

Hyundai Nexo

LEXUS Lexus’s new LS luxury saloon launches early in 2018, alongside mild updates for the big‐selling CT and NX.

Jaguar I-Pace

KIA Kia’s Frankfurt Motor Show concept (pictured) hints that a new Cee’d is on the way; expect it to break cover either at Geneva in March, or Paris in October. The Stinger sports saloon and a refreshed Sorento SUV also add to the model range.

Kia Cee’d concept

INFINITI In initi’s rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 is due late next year; the QX50’s engine options include a petrol unit claimed to offer diesel‐like torque and fuel ef iciency.

Infiniti QX50

36 / fleetworld.co.uk

MAZDA Mazda hasn’t con irmed it yet, but the recent Kai concept suggests a new Mazda3 is on the way; it’ll get the new Skyactiv compres‐ sion‐ignition petrol engines, said to offer diesel ef iciency.

Mazda Kai concept

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MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes‐Benz begins 2018 with a new CLS, in time to rival the latest Audi A7. The A‐Class and C‐Class are also due for renewal, the latter likely to receive a diesel plug‐in hybrid system aimed at leets.

Mercedes-Benz EQA concept

MINI Mini will launch updated versions of the three and ive‐door hatch, and cabriolet, in March. Changes include a new seven‐ speed, dual‐clutch transmission, and refreshed infotainment.

PEUGEOT Peugeot’s SUV range will bed in during 2018; the 5008 adding seven‐seat lexibil‐ ity to the popular new 3008 at the start of the year.

TOYOTA Toyota has performed a mild refresh on the Auris, though it will no longer be offered with a diesel engine; hybrids account for almost 75% of UK sales.

RENAULT Renault hasn’t con irmed any newcomers this year, though the Clio will be due for renewal in 2019 and could break cover over the next 12 months.

VAUXHALL Vauxhall is launching an electric Corsa in 2019, platform‐shared with the Citroën C3 and Peugeot 208. That means petrol and diesel versions could break cover this year – expect front‐end styling to re lect cues from the 2016 GT concept.

SEAT Seat will continue the Ateca’s momentum with two new crossovers; the Juke‐ rivalling Arona early in 2018, and a seven‐ seat SUV at the end of the year, likely to be based on the Skoda Kodiaq.

Seat 20V20 concept

MITSUBISHI Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross SUV arrives in January with a 1.5‐litre turbo petrol engine, and a 2.2‐litre diesel to follow later in the year – though no sign of the plug‐in hybrid system featured in the concept car that previewed it. The seven‐seat Shogun Sport SUV will also launch before the summer.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

SKODA Skoda’s indirect Yeti successor, the Karoq, launches in January, featuring a removable rear bench and fleet‐specific SE Technology trim, plus competitive petrol and diesel engines for fleets.

GT concept

VOLKSWAGEN Volkswagen is renewing a familiar nameplate with the Polo, but volume growth will come from newcomers. The T‐Roc and seven‐seat Tiguan Allspace arrive irst, followed by the Polo‐based T‐Cross crossover (previewed by the T‐ Cross Breeze concept) and a new Touareg before the end of the year.

Volkswagen T-Cross Breeze concept

Volvo XC 40

NISSAN Nissan will replace the ground‐breaking Leaf EV in the irst half of 2018; the new version offering a 235‐mile range and power boost to 148bhp, with a high‐power, longer‐range Nismo model to follow.

Nissan LEAF

VOLVO Volvo’s irst car on its modular compact car platform is the XC40 crossover, which launches at the start of the year and will get a plug‐ in hybrid during 2018. A new S60 and V60 are also due this year.

fleetworld.co.uk / 37

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2018 A TO Z OF FLEET

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OPTIONAL REMUNERATION ARRANGEMENTS Announced during the 2016 Autumn State‐ ment, Optional Remuneration Arrangements (OpRA) legislation brought taxation for most salary sacri ice schemes in line with cash income as of April last year. It means employ‐ ees opting for a car on salary sacri ice are liable for either the company car value and salary sacri iced, or the cash allowance given up, whichever is higher.

But it’s taken months for the industry to get a clear picture of the details – including that extras such as servicing, maintenance, insurance and breakdown cover are not considered by HMRC to be part of the bene it. Chris Salmon, commercial director of SG Fleet UK, says: “Companies must review bene it arrangements, as OpRA impacts employees who have waived their current or future right to earnings, in return for a non‐cash bene it, including salary sacri ice vehicles.”

PERSONAL FINANCE With the FCA and Bank of England taking increasing inter‐ est in PCP schemes, and rising tax burdens for company car drivers, Paul Walters, managing director of JCT600 Vehicle Leas‐ ing Solutions is predicting a shift towards personal inance.

“We believe these changes will add to the current decline of the company car in favour of personal lease agreements (PCH). That is why we have launched our new, simple and effective PCH product ‘micarlease’ that is available to all of our customers’ employees, not just those opting out of company cars.”

David Cooper, managing director of Arnold Clark Finance, is claiming a similar trend: “There has been a phenomenal rise of personal leasing and ACVM will be putting this at the forefront of our product offering,” he explains. “Our new personal car leasing website will allow individuals to search, quote and order vehicles online to be delivered directly to them.

Through this platform we will also be launching our corporate af inity scheme for businesses looking to provide a lexible bene it to all employees.”

AIR QUALITY The UK Government will start 2018 facing a High Court hearing over illegal air pollution levels in 80 local authorities – the third such case brought by ClientEarth, which has won the previous two. It’s accused of backtracking on clean air zone plans, not setting out measures for Wales, and not setting requirements for 45 local authorities to improve air quality.

ClientEarth is seeking a court order to force additional actions on top of the Air Quality Plan, issued in July, with clear timeta‐ bles for consultation and implementation.

Preparing for a tightening of deadlines could prove vital. BT Fleet Solutions says it is aiming to “lead the debate” on air quality, util‐ ising its own data and developing its garage and charging point infrastructure to support customers’ conversions to alternative fuels.

Likewise, the Energy Saving Trust is offering guidance to help businesses comply with planned Clean Air Zones, select appro‐ priate vehicles, and get the best out of them. It’s a recognition that environmental performance ranks as highly as managing risk and running costs. Ian Featherstone leet advice manager, comments: “It’s an exciting time to be working in the leet indus‐ try with the type of vehicles we drive, and the environment we drive them in, changing at pace.

“The challenges remain as big as ever with climate change and local air quality dominating the environmental landscape and Government working to continue to tackle both of these important issues.”

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

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REAL DRIVING EMISSIONS The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test quietly came into force at the start of September 2017; it’s an on‐road test which uses portable equipment to analyse exhaust gases, ensuring that vehi‐ cles can meet Euro 6 pollutant limits outside the laboratory. From next April, it will also underpin diesel car tax in the UK. This is being introduced in two parts, based on a tightening ‘conformity factor’. Already underway, RDE1 will apply to all new vehicles from September 2019, and allows them to emit 2.1 times more NOx on the road than the laboratory limit. RDE2, which arrives in January 2020 and applies to all vehicles a year later, aligns on‐road and laboratory limits, albeit with a margin of error to accommodate inaccuracies and variables. Cars which meet RDE2 limits are exempt from April’s diesel tax hikes and, although none are known to do so, it’s possible that RDE1 testing will uncover some compliant models over the next two years.

SAFETY Chris Salmon, commercial director at SG Fleet, sees safety as a big concern for 2018. The company is enhancing its LCV and commercial leet solutions for the year ahead, broadening the choice for customers and helping to manage costs, but also improving driver safety through real‐time monitoring, regular reviews, and a focus on health & safety and duty of care.

Venson is also bolstering its efforts in this area. Working with RoSPA and the FTA, it will be offering free training courses, looking at driver behaviour, safe vehicle handling and manang occupational road risk. These will be offered nationwide.

T-CHARGE London’s ‘toxicity charge’ was announced in Febru‐ ary 2017, but most fleets will escape its effects. Drivers bringing cars and vans which don’t meet the Euro 4 emissions standard (pre‐ January 2006) will pay an addi‐ tional £10 to enter the Congestion Charge Zone between 7am and 6pm on top of the £11.50 fee. Fines have just gone up to £80.

USED MARKET It’s not a great accolade, but the used car market is defying the decline in new car registrations. The latest comparable igures show a 4.6% year‐on‐year drop in new cars to the end of October (2.2m vehicles), while the used market held steady (6.3m vehicles, up 0.1%). That’s also re lected by Finance and Leasing Association igures, showing a 6% decline in new car inance deals during the same period (979,975), compared to a 5% uplift for used cars (116,918 units).

Philip Nothard, head of external relations at Cox Automotive, says it re lects increased attention from dealers: “Our data shows that in auctions, the car supermarkets are continuing to buy and this is driving the market forward, while franchise dealers appear to be a little more cautious, which perhaps re lects their focus on a slowing new car market. We anticipate that this will level out in 2018, with used cars continuing to be an area of focus for all dealers, as we move through the early quarters of next year.”

VED Alongside company car tax changes, irst‐year Vehicle Excise Duty rates for diesel vehicles will rise by one band from April next year. It adds around £20‐40 to most typical leet cars, and the increase is waived for vans and for cars that‐ meet the RDE2 emissions standard (discussed elsewhere in this feature). HM Treasury is predicting a £125m revenue uplift, and expects it to have a ‘negligible’ effect on purchasing decisions. fleetworld.co.uk / 39

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2018 A TO Z OF FLEET in association with

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WLTP The Worldwide harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) replaced the heavily criticised New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) test cycle in September, and manu‐ facturers have a year to re‐test all except run‐out models under the new regime.

WLTP is a longer, higher‐speed, higher‐load driving cycle, anticipated to give more real‐ istic economy and emissions figures, as well as recognising the effects of optional equip‐ ment – but it could result in CO2 figures 20% higher than under NEDC. Manufacturers will still produce ‘NEDC Correlated’ igures for new cars until 2021, putting WLTP data through a conversion tool, and these will continue to underpin vehicle tax until April 2020. However, some manu‐ facturers are already quoting WLTP igures (Honda has released them for Civic diesel), while Seat’s Arona crossover is launching with ixed speci ication packs to reduce complexity for leets. It’s also worth noting recent analysis from JATO Dynamics, which showed some early NEDC Correlated igures are signi icantly higher than genuine NEDC data. This could mean re‐tested vehicles move up a couple of tax bands over the next year.

YOU With so much complexity on the horizon, networking and sharing ideas and solutions with peers will be incredibly valuable.

ACFO begins 2018 with a re‐structure, aimed at encouraging more members to join. It removes the organisation’s nine‐region structure and local meetings in favour of spring and autumn webinars, with plans to add more based on demand.

National chairman, John Pryor, comments: “We believe that the new structure, which sees regional meetings replaced by spring and autumn webinars to keep members up‐to‐date with the very latest ACFO, regulatory and legislative news, coupled with our seminar programme tackling agenda‐topping issues will prove popular. As a result, we hope the development will act as a springboard to encour‐ age employees with leet management responsibility to join ACFO.” The ICFM is also targeting new members; it launched a fellowship programme during 2017, shortening the application process for long‐ serving leet managers, and a new advisory board dealing with grass‐ roots industry issues will follow in February.

CLEAN AIR ZONES

EXTRA CAPACITY Weight thresholds for electric light commercial vehi‐ cles are being raised from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes, account‐ ing for their heavier drivetrains. The move follows a consultation launched in July, and means drivers can use them on a Category B (car) licence, rather than requiring a C1 (<7.5 tonne) licence, as well as exempt‐ ing them from restricted operator licensing require‐ ments. The Department for Transport hopes this will make them more competitive, and attractive, to run.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

DEFRA’s Air Quality Plan, released last July, identi ied nitrogen dioxide pollution as a local issue, adding that intervention is needed on around 100 major UK roads, which will still be over legal limits by 2021. It tightened deadlines for local authorities to take action to improve air quality; draft plans must be submitted by March 2018, with inal versions due by the end of the year. A Clean Air Fund, raised through diesel taxation announced in the Budget, will help implement any changes.

Claire Evans, head of leet consultancy at Zenith, says: “The impact of these are unknown, and Zenith is gearing up to help customers navigate these changes for different areas of leets, from cars to HGVs, with longer‐term planning to transition to cleaner technologies.”

FLEETW W RLD

What is the number of filling stations at which the card is accepted?

Is your card single-branded or multi-branded?

Do you provide management reporting?

Do you offer account and database management via the Internet

Does your card offer pan-European coverage?

Do you offer a card to pay for non-fuel items?

Do you offer rebates to major fleet customers?

What types of vehicles does your cards cover?

Do you offer a chip and pin security system?

Do you provide data download into PC-based fleet management systems

Do you offer a facility for splitting business and private mileage?

Do you charge a card fee?

Do you offer a non-pump price agreement?

MARKET OVERVIEW Fuel Management

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Barclaycard Fuel+ in Association with TMC

Barclaycard Fuel+ in Association with TMC TMC and Barclaycard provide a total fuel solution via Barclaycard Fuel+ in Association with TMC. The exciting Fuel+ card gives you the power of integrated audited mileage capture and telematics data analysis with the ability to purchase fuel at most UK filling stations, including supermarkets. It’s the single, powerful, secure solution for consolidated corporate vehicle fuel purchasing and mileage expense management. There are NO transaction charges (although card fees may apply). Winner of the 2017 Fleet World Honours Innovation in Cost Reduction, Fuel+ offers multiple opportunities to control fuel and mileage expenses.

Contact: Adam Pendergast Tel: 01270 525218 reply@themilesconsultancy.co.uk www.themilesconsultancy.com

Fuelmate Ltd Whether you operate locally, nationally or within Europe, Fuelmate can provide your business with the perfect solution to your fuel card needs. Sitting within a 5th generation, family owned business we proudly deliver over 30 years of fuel card expertise to our valued customers.

Fuelmate offers a wide variety of different cards from the leading networks including; Shell, BP, UK Fuels, Keyfuels, Esso and Texaco. We also offer an innovative fuel card solution designed specifically for Fleets, the Fleetmate deal offers a fixed price deal across all networks.

Contact: Andy Smith enquiries@fuelmate.co.uk

Tel: 0800 158 3582 www.fuelmate.co.uk

BP WEX Europe Services As the supplier of Esso CardTM, WEX Europe Services offers access to over 50% of the filling stations in the UK. Drivers can fill up at Esso, Shell, BP and UK Fuels sites through the company’s multi-card offering that is a combination of the Esso CardTM and the UK Fuels card. By using a combination of the two cards, customers can choose from more than 4,800 strategically located filling stations nationwide.

This extensive network, together with competitive pricing, easy invoicing and advanced online account management tools, sets WEX Europe Services apart from its competitors.

Tel: 08006 26672 newaccounts@wexeuropeservices.com www.wexeuropeservices.com

Whether you are managing a fleet of HGV’s, cars, vans or a mixed fleet, no matter what size, BP has a range of Fuel Cards to support your business.

By partnering with the UK’s favourite forecourt you can benefit from: • Better control of your spend- via fuel savings and advanced security • Our extensive and strategically located network of sites • Account management and customer service teams • Reduction in fleet administration time and cost- via online fleet management tools Our Fuel Card solutions are used by thousands of companies across multiple industries, fleet sizes and fleet types.

Find out how BP can help drive your business forward.

Tel: 0845 603 0723 BPCardsAdmin@bp.com

www.bpplus.co.uk

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

INTERVIEW Rob East, Mercedes-Benz

Star Quality Looking back at a turbulent 2017 but with plenty of new initiatives on the horizon, Mercedes-Benz’s head of fleet, Rob East, sits down with Craig Thomas.

How has 2017 been for Mercedes-Benz’s fleet operations?

“Very positive. Certainly, it’s been a tough market. We were always very prudent in planning for 2017. We recognised there was always going to be an element of political and economic uncertainty. But if I look at the fleet market, the market is down 5% but we’re still showing positive growth of 2%. So, broadly it’s been another successful year.”

What’s been particularly successful for you, model-wise, in the fleet market?

“Our three key products are A‐, C‐ and E‐ Class. What’s great to see is the level of demand we still have for A‐Class, despite the fact the car is now almost in its last full‐ year life cycle.

“Where we’re very fortunate with A, C and E is that they’re all seen as the strongest car

42 / fleetworld.co.uk

in the sector. C‐Class is still remarkably strong and it’s having a facelift in mid‐2018.

And we’re now one year into life of E‐Class and I think certainly the feedback we have on that car is nothing short of phenomenal.”

How do you see 2018 shaping up?

“We’ve got a number of product initiatives or launches that will be fundamental to our success.

“One is new A‐Class, which we’ll see first in June. For us that’s particularly exciting and I think is a really great statement in terms of future Mercedes‐Benz product.

“The second exciting product element for us in fleet is the launch of diesel plug‐in hybrid C‐ and E‐Class, which will probably be in around Q3 and certainly we can see opportunities for those cars. They will have all the benefits of a battery electric car, but also the real‐world fuel economy of a diesel.

“Our strategy is really clear: we want to maintain our posi‐ tion as the number one premium fleet brand through sustainable growth.

“We’ll also be looking at how we can continue to develop our e‐mobility strategy as we recognise that we’re in a very rapidly changing world. I think there is a greater level of end‐user and driver acceptance of different types of powertrain and it’s not just about preparing our offer from a product perspective and a sales offer: it’s how we make sure we prepare our retailer network for this fundamental, once‐in‐a‐generation shift.

“Another element that we’ll continue to focus on is around the connected car, because again we recognise that fleet managers, end users and lease companies want to engage with the vehicle in a slightly different way. We’ve seen a huge uptake level in our ‘me connect’ proposition, which is very much a retail proposition. so from Q1/Q2, we’ll launch ‘connect busi‐ ness’, which is a full telematics suite that gives a much greater level of functionality, particularly to fleet managers.

“The final element that we see as a massive opportunity is all around the kind of fleet customer experience. One thing we’ve done recently is that we’ve replotted what would be the opti‐ mum customer journey – particularly user choosers, because we recognise that they buy with the same mentality as a retail customer. But they don’t always get the experience so we’re looking at those key interventions along the customer experi‐ ence, along the customer journey, to ensure that fleet customers get an exemplary experience. Because if they get an exemplary experience throughout the whole life of the car, when it comes to replace the car it’s an easy choice to choose Mercedes‐Benz again.”

So what differences will fleet users see?

“One thing we’re launching is an end user demo campaign. We’ve never done it before: we’ve always provided lots of demos to lease companies or to fleet managers, but we’re actually targeting end

users directly. Because there will still be a range of end users who think that Mercedes‐Benz is out of their reach, which it simply isn’t. So we’re going to cover the insurance to make it easier, the car’s going to be delivered to the end user’s house, which is a really clear statement of intent that we’re going to be amplifying our focus on the end user channel. They’ll have the car for 48 hours and get to live with it.

“Over the next three to six months we’ll be talking about other key interventions, critical around the purchase, the journey of the car and the life of the car with the end user.

“This is all about evolution not revolution. It’s all about an understanding what are the critical elements if you’re an end user or a user chooser, those critical touch points throughout your pre‐purchase experience and, once you’ve got the car – because again, if we make it exemplary there’s more chance you’ll use us again. There is no doubt as we go into a toughen‐ ing market, our focus will move from this very acquisitive focus to much more about loyalty. So what we want to do, in conjunction with the lease companies, is to start to measure customer loyalty, which I’m not aware anybody does at the moment. That for us is going to be a real differentiator.”

How are you seeing fleets responding to the diesel issue?

“Undoubtedly, in the retail market we’re seeing a significant rich‐ ing of our mix in terms of petrol. We don’t see that quite so much in fleet because in terms of current company car taxation regime it’s still advantageous to take a diesel car over a petrol car even with the 1% surcharge announced recently. I think it’s about them taking a balanced, pragmatic view.

“Of course, we’ve got some London‐based end user customers who are moving to a petrol‐only policy. But we’re not seeing a significant shift. For us as an OEM, all we can do is just give customers that broader choice around power‐ train, so our customers have a powertrain choice that fits their requirements.”

2018 Core fleet upgrades

“The EQA concept gives some idea of how the next A-Class could look.”

THE A‐Class is Mercedes‐Benz’s best‐ seller in the fleet market, with just over 28,600 sales in the year up until the end of November – despite the model being in the last full year of its existence. A new generation will arrive in early summer 2018.

The C‐Class is the company’s best‐ seller overall, with 43,790 sold in the UK up until the end of November, 26,704 of those going to fleet customers. A mid‐life update is due mid‐year, likely to take cues from the S‐Class, with a diesel PHEV in Q3.

Launched in 2016, the E‐Class is selling strongly for a car at the upper end of the market, with just over 17,250 fleet sales in the first 11 months of 2017. This will also get a diesel PHEV in Q3.

fleetworld.co.uk // 43 fleetworld.co.uk 45

FEATURE Contract Hire & Leasing

â&#x20AC;&#x153;From 6 April 2018 all company car drivers running diesels will see the long standing 3% supplement raised to 4%.â&#x20AC;?

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

STATEMENT

OF INTENT The Autumn Budget sent out a clear message on how the Government views diesel vehicles, which will impact future choice. But will the changes impact the way vehicles are sourced and funded? Curtis Hutchinson reports.

T

he Autumn Budget may have been a mixed bag for businesses across the UK, but chancellor Philip Hammond sent a clear message to leet managers and user‐choosers; think twice before choosing diesel.

While the rights and wrongs of this approach can be argued at length, what is certain is this government’s stance on diesel; it will not allow itself to be seen to promote its use, and is now actively legislating against it.

From 6 April 2018 all company car drivers running diesels will see the long standing 3% supplement raised to 4%; a move that will penalise individuals for choosing diesel for its fuel ef iciency and therefore make it less attractive amongst some user‐choosers.

An even more overt message was the penalising of new generation Euro 6 engines – which have signi i‐ cantly reduced NOx emissions and low CO2 emissions.

These units were rounded on for not complying with the Real Driving Emissions Step 2 standards; even though they do not become mandatory on new cars until 2021.

By moving all diesels that do not comply (and that is currently all diesels) into a higher VED band from next April, the government has made a statement of intent; it might only equate to an extra £20 in the irst year of registration but can be seen as an indicator of how diesel will be treated in the future.

Confused? You will be. Until then new leet cars still need to be sourced. So how will the Budget impact these future choices and their funding? With this in mind Fleet World spoke to some of the key providers of contract hire and leasing services to UK leets to see what impact they think the Budget changes will have.

A Continuing Role Matt Dale, consultancy services manager at ALD Auto‐ motive, is unequivocal about the continued future role of diesel. “Diesel vehicles will continue to play a major role in contract hire and leasing leets for the foreseeable future. Whilst they may have had some negative press in recent months and the chancellor has targeted them once again, the commercial bene its of running a modern

diesel vehicle are still signi icant to many company car drivers and their leets.

“Newer Euro 6 diesels are a far cry from previous generations in terms of pollutants and whilst their long‐ term future over the next 20 years is certainly in doubt, leets still have another ive or six replacement cycles to work out what’s best for their needs in the meantime.”

Furthermore, Dale believes any impact on residual values, caused by the slowdown in demand for used vehicles, will impact all diesels regardless of how they are funded.

“The cyclical nature of the used car market is some‐ thing all experienced lessors are aware of and plan for accordingly. For most, therefore, a softening in resale values in recent months is not a surprise. Continuing growth and record new car volumes was unsustainable and, inevitably, this was always going to have a subse‐ quent dampening effect on used car values three or four years later.

“Whatever funding method leets choose, however, whether they buy outright or lease, falling RVs has the same affect regardless; an increase in total cost of owner‐ ship, for both petrol and diesel alike. The increase in cost is mirrored in both scenarios, whether from a leet real‐ ising lower auction values for cars they’ve bought, or paying a higher monthly rental as a result of a lessor’s projected drop in a future resale value.”

So in the short to medium term the position of diesel looks secure, although Ian Hill, managing director of Activa Contracts, urges leet managers to consider the alternatives when sourcing new vehicles.

“Diesel has dominated all leets – irrespective of the vehicle funding route – for many years, but its position as the fuel of choice is under threat,” he said. “Fleet deci‐ sion‐makers must future‐proof their vehicle operating decisions and that means analysing the pros and cons associated with petrol, hybrid, plug‐in hybrid and zero‐ emission electric vehicles as well as diesel models.

“The likelihood is that, depending on business need, many leets will ind themselves contract hiring vehicles

→ fleetworld.co.uk / 45

FEATURE Contract Hire & Leasing

→

with a blend of fuel choices. However, diesel is likely to remain the preferred choice for high‐mileage motorway driving and where a large number of journeys are made in non‐urban environments.”

However, he suggests any fall in the residual values of diesel could give fuel ef icient petrol cars more attractive contract hire rates. “Leasing companies will be taking a fresh view of diesel residual values and potentially re lecting increased deprecia‐ tion in contract hire rates. As a result, petrol models in whole life cost modelling may prove to be cost‐effective as may hybrid and plug‐in vehicles in niche operations.”

Testing the alternatives As petrol becomes a viable alternative, Hill warns against plug‐ in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) being viewed as a panacea for all drivers. “PHEVs are only viable if they are used ef iciently and, potentially, as a stepping stone to electric vehicles.

However, all too frequently plug‐in hybrids are chosen purely for their company car bene it‐in‐kind tax advantages and are never ‘plugged in’. As a result, fuel costs dramatically escalate – a case of wrong car for the wrong requirement.”

Richard Cox, a leet consultant with Arval UK, also sees an ongoing role for it: “Diesel residual values are likely to weaken, and leets may want to limit their exposure for this reason. Our best estimates are that there will be a decline in diesel repre‐ sentation on company car leets of around 12% by 2020. Taking their place will be irstly petrol cars, then hybrids and, to a much lesser extent, full electric vehicles,” he says. The fact is that the underlying bene its of leasing remain convincing, almost irre‐ spective of the kind of cars and vans that leets want to acquire.”

Plug-in hybrids could offer a stepping stone to electric vehicles, if they are used correctly.

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

So with petrol remaining the main alternative fuel to diesel, Nick Hardy, sales and marketing director of Ogilvie Fleet, also points out that cost of ownership calculations are re lecting it in a more positive light.

“Over the last three years there has been a very gradual swing away from diesel in the company car sector. However, that is not due to the demonisation of diesel, but a re lection of total cost of ownership igures, which should form the basis for all vehicle operating decisions. For example, petrol car performance, notably in terms of fuel economy, has improved and that is in lu‐ encing total cost of ownership igures.”

Hardy also pointed out that hybrid and plug‐in EVs have an increasingly important role enabling a greater choice in match‐ ing vehicle powertrain to individual driver requirements rather than the “historic defaulting to diesel”. However, he does not foresee diesel demand falling off a cliff and urges businesses to continue to choose cars by assessing their cost of ownership.

“Contract hire and lease rates are always kept under review and are re lective of marketplace conditions. Marketplace changes, such as the cost of money and used car vehicle demand, impact on all funding routes not just contract hire and leasing.

“The used car market has been overheating for a long time and what we are seeing is a realignment of values. It's a gradual calming down, which makes no difference to the funding routes.”

When it comes to future vehicle choice and funding, the consensus is that diesel vehicles still have an important role to play in the medium to long term. However, leet managers need to factor in how falling RVs will affect all funded cars and base all decisions on whole‐life costs where they will start to see some petrol engine cars achieving more favourable rates.

our fleet Toyota C-HR Hybrid Dynamic PLUG-IN and hydrogen-powered vehicles might be hogging the limelight of late, but advances in the familiar hybrid technology are so significant that they’re overcoming the old hurdles. The C-HR, which gets a 118bhp hybrid system instead of the more typical diesel engine, is a great illustration of that.

Toyota is arguably the household name in hybrids, and the C-HR gets the same setup as the latest Prius. This means it’s no longer a car just for urban commuters; its software prioritises electric power over a wider speed range, leaning on the two motor-generators while accelerating and on the motorway. High-speed economy of 60mpg is on par with a diesel engine, and doesn’t require hypermiling or the steamed up windows you get from winter driving in Eco mode.

It’s also a better car to drive. This won’t re-set lap records at the Nürburgring, but Toyota’s new platform offers surefooted handling and progressive, natural controls for keener drivers and the hybrid system is neatly packaged.

The motors, battery, transmission and control system are smaller and lighter, and positioned as low as possible so as not to disturb the balance of the chassis. Plus it can tow – albeit only up to 725kg.

Yet it’s managed this without losing the best bits of hybrid driving. The 1.8-litre petrol engine has a short warm-up cycle, switches off regularly and is designed to waste as little heat energy as possible – Toyota reckons

Jaguar XE 2.0d Portfolio LTT

the figures this ‘thermal efficiency’ is the best in the industry. So, when it does whirr (quietly) into life, it’s not swigging fuel unnecessarily, nor is it overly intrusive.

Of course, the C-HR has no diesel alternative, nor is there a fleet-relevant petrol if you’re averse to choosing the hybrid. But, while petrol-electric power might once have been an option for eco-minded early adopters, it’s quietly become a core, competitive alternative.

Alex Grant

OTR PRICE £28,615 POWER 118bhp @ 5,200rpm TORQUE 120lb.ft @ 3,600-4,000rpm 0-62mph 11.0 seconds TOP SPEED 105mph COMBINED MPG 72.4mpg CO2 87g/km (17% BiK)

AlphaCity BMW 320d GIVEN that we’re becoming increasingly used to services on demand, it’s perhaps no big surprise to see the AlphaCity corporate car sharing service growing during 2017. The company saw almost a 20% uplift in bookings, each car being used by an average of 30 employees and with 90% of the fleet’s one-million miles being conducted during work hours.

But 2018 looks likely to grow that even further. This keyless service is being extended beyond BMW Group models, following a demonstration with a Vauxhall Astra last year, and this will include light commercial vehicles for the first time. A move that can only extend an already growing demand for mobility on demand.

Jonathan Musk

DESPITE the endless attack of the SUV and the crossover, premium compact saloons remain the stalwarts of the fleet market. Having covered a few thousand miles in our Jaguar XE, it’s not hard to see why. Comfortable yet entertaining to drive, potently rapid while happily returning 55mpg, the XE is easily capable of taking the fight to the German trio that dominate this sector.

Except, that is, for one thing. While you can have your A4, 3 Series of C-Class in saloon or estate forms, there is no versatile load-lugging XE yet. Which is a shame.

Dan Gilkes

fleetworld.co.uk / 47

our fleet

Mazda6 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav THE opportunity to get behind the wheel of our Mazda6 long-termer saloon marks the end for me of a long run of MPVs and seven-seater SUVs, as well as a return to diesel power – and I have to say I’m enjoying both.

The Mazda6 has upped its game since I last drove it and both design and performance are noticeably sharper in the third-generation model, making this both a car to relish driving and arriving in. I’ve already put some miles on the clock over the Christmas period and the car has earned a few comments from friends for its looks.

And of course there’s no more hatchback as Mazda places more focus on the 6 as a premium model. As someone who doesn’t travel light, I’ve actually found the

Mazda6 more practical than anticipated. Coming from a seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq, I expected to notice the downturn in boot size more. But the Mazda6’s 480 litres of boot space is fine for accommodating most things, including my mum’s wheelchair that I regularly have to transport around – although the narrow boot opening does limit some things and I’m thankful that I don’t need to lug my son’s bike in the boot this term for Bikeability. However, the ability to fold the rear seats down with just a pull of a lever opens up more possibilities.

All of which means the Mazda6 ticks a lot of company car standard tickboxes and a whole lot more.

Natalie Middleton

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport 1.6 Sri VX Line Nav Turbo D ecoTEC S/S I RECENTLY bid farewell to the Jaguar XE, which was promptly replaced by the Vauxhall Insignia – the first one I’ve driven for some time. With three growing children (one of whom is probably soon going to overtake my 6ft standing), space is a big priority and the Insignia has it in spades. Step into the rear of the car and the leg and headroom is almost limousine-like, but it’s the same everywhere. The boot is huge and there is also plenty of room up front for myself and Mrs C. Not only is this is a big car, it has a very premium look and feel. I’ve lost count of the number of people who mistake it for an upmarket German brand and, to be fair, it drives like one too. The two-litre diesel turbo has plenty of torque to shift the big motor, but it is just as much at ease on motorway cruises – of which I’ve had plenty in the past couple of months.

Our long-term model is loaded with tech – even in-car Wi-Fi – but the best item for me (given my previous confession of being an in-car gadget fan) has got to be the heated steering wheel. I almost don’t want the cold weather to end…

John Challen

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

Volkswagen Passat GTE SO the Passat has been regularly and dutifully plugged in (once I worked how how to get the fiddly grille flap open) and batteries replenished often. This gives about 20 miles of battery-only operation in these wintry conditions.

This would be excellent and would save fortunes if the office was just down the road and I could recharge there.

Unfortunately, my commute is about 80 miles and that means the car has to eke out this battery in the best way possible. You have the opportunity to hold the battery life manually until you think its best deployed (probably in traffic jams), put it in hybrid mode, GTE mode (sporty-ish) or battery charge mode.

I tried to manage the various systems myself but in the end felt like Lieutenant Sulu trying to drive the Enterprise, such was the variety of buttons to poke and menus to access, so left the thing to its own devices.

The results have been interesting: it’s clearly a very clever set-up that constantly assesses what is best at any given

time and it runs pretty smoothly too, but for all the brains and activity, I’m getting about 45mpg, which a Passat diesel would easily beat. Very much a car for the right person and driving profile, then.

Steve Moody

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ5 4x4 IT will be intriguing to see how the Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre BoosterJet that has just arrived at Fleet World HQ compares to our outgoing 1.2-litre Dualjet model.

One thing’s for sure, it won’t be as able in the snow that we endured at the end of 2017 – the type of weather that really saw our little Suzuki come into its own – laughing in the face of deeply snowy inclines. It may not have had the greatest amount torque to get up said hills (a slight niggle that hopefully the more powerful and equally fuel-efficient 110bhp 1.0litre turbocharged unit will overcome) but get up them it did,

even if it meant chaning down to a lower gear than expected.

The range-topping SZ5 trim level gives you everything you could realistically need, with the notable exception of heated seats in the snowy season, but the rear parking camera, integrated navigation system and adaptive cruise control more than make up for this omission.

Efficiency-wise, given the new WLTP tests this year and on the back of an impressive MPG Marathon performance of 81mpg, we averaged a frugal 64mpg in the mild-hybrid 1.2 Swift.

Luke Wikner

fleetworld.co.uk / 49

our fleet Volvo V90 D4 Momentum PREMIUM. It’s a tough nut to crack, balancing the need to offer something different to the German luxury brands, without deviating beyond the norms of the segment. And I reckon, over time, we’ll look back at the latest Volvo line-up as an example of the Swedes really getting it right. Strong on presence, without feeling like the established players, they’re a step into the middle of the room.

Of course, while first impressions are important, it’s vital that it can stack up over the longer term. We’ve taken on a V90 in Momentum spec, powered by the 187bhp D4 diesel engine, to see how it fares in a segment which – even in the two years since this car first broke cover – has become even harder to muscle in on.

So far, so good. The V90 feels worlds away from the V70 it’s replaced – even down to my trip to Volvo Cardiff to have the On Call system paired with my phone. With the brand’s latest driver assistance technology on board, and plenty of motorway miles and family-moving duty on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see how the Swedish alternative shapes up over its six-month tenure.

Alex Grant

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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fleet insurance

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ultra 190 S line S tronic ‘54-LITRE fuel tank’ is not one of the sexiest option boxes you can tick when speccing your new car, but it is one that will make a huge difference.

We were caught out before when running an A4 Avant which came with the standard 40-litre fuel tank and spent more time than necessary in our local Shell garage. This time around, we ensured the 54-litre tank was specified – and even better, it’s a no-cost option. Allied to mid-60s fuel economy and we should be collecting a lot less loyalty points this time around.

Other spec highlights on our S line Sportback include lovely deep Manhattan grey metallic paint (£645), a driver assistance pack (£1,250 and a suite of safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, collision avoidance, turn assist and lane assist) and the technology pack (£1,395 and featuring uprated navigation, Audi Connect, the Phone Box with wireless mobile charging and the excellent Virtual Cockpit).

All of which brings our Sportback’s price up from a standard £38,120 to £42,255. We’ll be letting you know if the options fitted are worth the expense over the next few months.

Julian Kirk

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

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

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 51

VAN

January 2018

FLEETW RLD

at a glance SPOTLIGHT Land Rover Discovery Commercial

TECHNOLOGY Updated Sprinter

DRIVEN Mercedes-Benz X-Class

vanfleetworld.co.uk

Mercedes X-Class Mercedes-Benz joins the pick-up market with much more than a restyled Nissan Navara, says Dan Gilkes.

SECTOR Pick-up POWER 163-190bhp PAYLOAD 1,066-1,087kg CONSUMPTION 35.8-37.2mpg

M

ercedes‐Benz has finally launched the X‐Class pick‐ The mid‐level PROGRESSIVE trim adds £1,200 to the up in the UK, though initially only with four‐cylin‐ price and comes with 17” alloys, aluminium trim inside and der engines. A V6 from the E‐Class will join the out, heated mirrors, a load securing rail system and painted line‐up by the middle of 2018. Based on the Nissan Navara bumpers. The big seller is expected to be the range‐topping and built by the Japanese firm at its plant in Barcelona, the POWER trim, at £3,500 above PROGRESSIVE. This comes X‐Class is not simply a new grille and lights. Mercedes only with the higher‐powered engine, 18” alloys, rear claims that every panel has been replaced and a quick look chrome bumper, fog lights with chrome surrounds, LED at the specification sheet shows that the truck is slightly big‐ headlights and tail lights, electrically folding mirrors, key‐ ger in every dimension. less go, electrically adjustable seats, man‐made leather and Initially the X‐Class will be offered with two versions of microfibre upholstery and high‐gloss trim interior. the Renault‐Nissan 2.3‐litre four‐cylinder Mercedes has opted for a wider track, engine. As with Navara and Renault’s with revised wheel hubs and Mercedes’ Alaskan, they deliver 163bhp and 403Nm own wheels. The trucks retain the inde‐ of torque in the X220d, or 190bhp and pendent coil spring suspension from 450Nm in the X250d. The lower powered Navara, but this too has been tuned to suit engine comes with a six‐speed manual the vehicle. gearbox as standard, while the 190bhp Noise levels are considerably lower than engine gets a seven‐speed automatic. in the Nissan and the level of refinement All UK X‐Class models will be double in the cab is higher than any other pick‐up cab with four‐wheel drive, selectable in on the market. Cruising at motorway the four‐cylinder models and full time in speeds is almost totally silent and the the V6. There will be three trim levels on automatic transmission swaps gears so offer, with the 163bhp engine only smoothly that you can hardly tell. If you offered on the two lower levels. The want to change ratios yourself though, you 190bhp engine can be had with all three. have to move the lever back and forth, as The base model is the X‐Class PURE, there are no paddles with the auto box.

Much to our surprise, which has 17” steel wheels, air condi‐ The interior is very upmarket, with a the X-Class does bring tioning, ECO start/stop, a reversing cam‐ huge brushed alloy panel across the dash. something new to the era, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake However, apart from a small cup holder pick-up market, with a Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Mercedes is and shallow door bins, there is very little genuinely premium expecting a very low take‐up at this level, storage. It will be a minor quibble for as little as just 1% of UK sales, but the many buyers though, the three‐pointed feeling cab. It also PURE model will also be offered as a star on the grille guaranteeing that the drives very well. chassis cab, for conversions, for those firm’s target of 2,500 registrations in who need a real working Mercedes.

2018 should be easily reached.

what we think

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 53

technology Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Holistic deliveries This year’s Mercedes Sprinter looks set to take van operation to a new connected level, says Dan Gilkes.

M

ercedes‐Benz will launch a third generation Sprinter van, offering front, rear and all‐wheel drive, manual and automatic transmissions, multiple wheelbases, four body lengths and three roof heights.

The diesel vans will be joined by a full electric eSprinter in 2019, as part of a £132m (€150m) investment in electric vans.

This will result in a full range of e‐LCVs, from Citan through to Sprinter, with the eVito irst to arrive in 2018. The eSprinter will be front wheel drive, with batteries held in a modular frame beneath the load loor.

Mercedes‐Benz will work as a consultant with companies keen to take on electric drive. This will include deciding whether an electric LCV is right for the operation and analysing potential changes to the customer’s charging infrastructure to support e‐LCVs. The company is planning to provide customers with a complete suite of logistics and mobility solutions, for both the electric and diesel‐powered vans.

“We are becoming a provider of holistic delivery solutions,” said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes‐Benz Vans.

“The Sprinter is the irst example of this new class of vehicle from Mercedes‐Benz Vans and represents our understanding of the concept of smart hardware in every respect.”

GLOBAL DELIVERIES In part, this revised focus is in response to the changing needs of van operators around the world. According to Matthias Winkenback, of Boston’s MIT, the 600 fastest growing cities will make 60% of global GDP by 2025 and will be home to 25% of the global population.

In 2014 Winkenback said that there were 44bn parcels deliv‐ ered worldwide, a igure that had risen to 65bn by 2016 and is expected to continue to grow by 110% between 2015 and 2025.

Vans will be an integrated part of a connected mobility solution, providing real‐time data and visibility for improved responsive‐ ness. They will have to communicate with smart infrastructure and data will become an ever more important commodity.

MercedesPRO is a digital eco system of services that will provide operators with the tools to meet the fast‐changing requirements of the future. Sprinter will have a communications module capable of internet connection. This will provide leets with real‐time information and dealers with service data to improve preventative maintenance and service to customers.

CONNECTED COMMERCIALS Mercedes will bring telematics services in‐house under MercedesPRO, providing leet managers with a single source for

54 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

dynamic route planning, geofencing, cold chain integrity and asset management. Drivers will be able to use a MercedesPRO app on smartphones, to communicate for live scheduling and route direction.

Mercedes is working on monitoring the digital cargo space, to provide leet managers with information relating to available space, number of parcels, weights and other important data. This will be open source hardware capable of communicating with a leet’s own software, based on an automotive‐grade Linux system similar to a smartphone.

The connection will allow live updates to the van’s software and partner companies will be able to develop apps to run on the system. In this way Mercedes will build a network of IT and tech companies much like its approved body builder and converter partners.

Internal update for new Sprinter Mercedes has unveiled the new Sprinter interior.

There will be four trim levels, based on one main dash design. All but the most basic vans have a large central console, that includes additional air vents, info‐ tainment and climate controls.

Customers will be able to tailor the cab to meet their needs. Three large storage bins on top of the dash can be open, covered or a mix of the two. You can have one or two central bins, depending on whether you value cubby space more than leg room for a central passenger.

Vans with an automatic transmission, up to 4.5‐tonnes gross weight, will have an electronic parking brake, removing any levers from the loor of the cab and making cross‐cab access easier. Though sharing the same steering wheel across the range, the number of switches on the wheel grows as you go up the trim levels, with the top speci ication clad in leather.

The imposing central console gets a piano black look on top trim levels, with climate control controls below. A 10” display screen dominates the console on higher levels, offering sat nav and other infotainment services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.

£2,000 5.9% APR DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION1

REPRESENTATIVE

THE MITSUBISHI

L200 SERIES 5 SHOWING THE WORLD HOW IT’S DONE

With outstanding load capacity, 4WD ability, manoeuvrability, economy, emissions and safety, the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 is a formidable all-rounder capable of tackling any job with ease. And with our generous deposit contribution1, owning one is easy too.

Take on the world. Search L200 | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find out more 1. £2,000 deposit contribution and 5.9% APR representative PCP finance on the L200 range. No deposit required and available over 25-43 months. Credit is subject to status and only available for retail sales to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 and over. This credit offer is only available through Shogun Finance Ltd, 116 Cockfosters Rd, Barnet, EN4 0DY. Shogun Finance Ltd is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Offer is subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer and is available between 17th December 2017 and 27th March 2018. The air conditioning system contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Chemical name: HFC-134a. Pre-chased weight: 0.52kg. Global-warming potential ratio: 1430. Converted CO2 weight: 0.74t.

RUNNER-UP MANUFACTURER

VFW SPOTLIGHT Land Rover Discovery Commerical

Discovered While the wait for a Defender replacement continues, wellheeled 4x4 van users can opt for a Commercial version of Land Rover’s latest Discovery, says Dan Gilkes.

All-wheel driver Land Rover has created a van version of its latest Discovery, offering construction business managing directors and upmarket farmers the opportunity to carry goods on and off the road.

By removing the second and third row seating and installing a flat load platform, Land Rover has created an 1,856-litre load area with a loadbed length of more than 1.6m.

In addition, there are two underfloor storage areas for smaller items. This includes a full width 60-litre compartment behind the bulkhead and a 94-litre storage space beneath the rear of the load floor. Equally important for many users, will be the Discovery’s 3.5-tonne towing capability, which matches the best of the 4x4 pick-ups.

The Discovery Commercial is offered with a four-cylinder 2.0litre SD4 diesel, providing 240bhp, or a 3.0-litre V6 TD6 model boasting 258bhp. Constant four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, along with a twin-speed transfer box and air suspension. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system optimises the engine, gearbox, centre differential and chassis systems to match the different demands of varying terrain. Terrain Response 2 is optional, automatically selecting driving modes and monitoring driving conditions.

FLEET FACT The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine in SD4 models promises up to 43.5mpg combined, with 171g/km of CO2.

56 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Luxury accommodation The Discovery Commercial comes with a host of driver aids, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and stability control systems for both on- and off-road use. A heated windscreen, heated mirrors, DAB radio and a powered tailgate are also part of the standard specification.

Buyers can choose between S trim, SE (for an additional £4,600) or HSE (£5,200 above SE). The base S model comes with 19” alloys, grained leather seating, 12-way electric front seats, air conditioning, a central TFT display and Land Rover’s 125W audio system. Make the step to SE and you add LED front lights, Navigation Pro, heated seating, front and rear parking aids, auto lights and wipers, two-zone climate control and Pro Services with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The range-topping HSE model rides on 20” alloys and comes with even more standard kit, including front fogs, Windsor leather seats, a gesture tailgate, Meridian sound system, rear view camera.

Business benefit With prices starting at £48,695 for a Commercial S with the SD4 engine, the Discovery is not going to appeal to many fleet users. However, as commercial vehicles have Benefit-in-Kind based on a standard flat rate, the monthly tax liability for a 40% tax payer is just £107.67. This stays the same throughout the range, right up to the £59,995, TD6 HSE model.

what we think...

The cost will be beyond most fleets, but if you need the ultimate in on- and off-road load carrying ability, there can be few finer 4x4 light commercials out there. DG

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 57

VAN

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

Approximately how many commercial vehicles does your company operate?

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

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

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

Can you create bespoke return conditions for your LCV customers?

Do you offer pooling of excess and credit mileage?

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

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

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

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

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

FLEETW W RLD

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

4.3k

Days Fleet

2.18k

1.3k

Lex Autolease

100k

Venson Automotive Solutions

5.5k

Key to services

Service provided

-

Service unavailable

JCT600 VLS Ltd

Days Fleet

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management ACVM provides an end-to-end LCV service, which means our experts can help build a unique solution that meets the exact requirements of your business.

We’re one of the UK’s top vehicle leasing and management companies and benefit from of being part of the largest privately owned automotive company in Europe. On top of ACVM’s 50 years of experience, we offer an extensive range of manufacturers and funding options, a daily rental service, in-house coachbuilders and digital print facility.

Our consultants work with you to understand your business and develop a tailored and flexible solution, making it easy to get your fleet on the road and keep it running smoothly.

Contact: Calum Ewart Tel: 0141 3322626 Calum.Ewart@arnoldclark.com www.acvm.com

58 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Founded in 1988, Days Fleet offers a comprehensive range of solutions to private and public sector fleets across the UK. We have the flexibility and the desire to deliver an outstanding service to fleets of all sizes. With no affiliation to a bank or vehicle manufacturer, we are well placed to offer impartial advice and to recommend the optimum fleet solution tailored to you.

We pride ourselves on our consultative approach by offering a flexible, yet comprehensive portfolio of products to suit our client’s ever-changing business needs.

At the heart of all of our services are our experienced, dedicated team who work to meet all of your fleet requirements.

Contact: Neil Vaughan neilvaughan@daysfleet.com

Tel: 0345 815 0019 www.daysfleet.com

JCT600 VLS Ltd JCT600 has been providing quality services to commercial vehicle operators for over 25 years. Part of the JCT600 Motor Group we are uniquely placed to have a true understanding of our customers’ needs and of the UK vehicle industry. We are experts in providing commercials from the standard panel van to more complex crew buses, dropsiders, tippers, healthcare minibuses and other specialist vehicles and can include ply lining, tail lifts, ramps, refrigerator units as well as other conversions.

JCT600 will deliver a knowledgeable, personal, flexible and customer focused service. “We don’t want to be the biggest, just the best”.

Contact: Kerry Clark kerry.clark@jct600.co.uk

Tel: 01132 500060 www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

Lex Autolease

Venson Automotive Solutions

We are the UK’s leading specialist commercial vehicle provider with access to expert advice from within Lex Autolease and across the wider motor industry. Let our skilled consultants and engineers build the perfect commercial vehicle solution for your business and overcome your unique challenges in the process.

By bringing together extensive expertise, innovative service and a comprehensive range of vehicle and funding options, Lex Autolease can keep your fleet running smoothly with unrivalled fleet management intelligence.

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.

enquiries@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Contact: Danielle Tilley sales@venson.com

Tel: 08003 893690

Tel: 08003 280370 www.venson.com

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW W RLD daily rental

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

Volkswagen Group Leasing Tel: 0870 333 2229

Bott Ltd Tel: 01530 410600 www.bottltd.co.uk

Ratcliff Palfinger Ltd Tel: 01707 325571 www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

accident management

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

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

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

SHB Hire Ltd Tel: 01794 511458 www.shb.co.uk

www.volkswagengroupleasing.co.uk

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

Selsia

Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk

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

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

fuel management

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk

telematics & tracking ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk

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

www.quartix.net

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

Tel: 0870 013 6663

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

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk

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

fleet management

STEPS

Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000

www.fleetoperations.co.uk

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

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

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

van liners United Vanliners Ltd Tel: 01778 561900 www.unitedvanliners.co.uk

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

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

driver licence checking TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

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

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

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