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EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW June 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk
AUDI A4 Advanced connectivity and electrified drivetrains mean broader appeal for fleet favourite
CHANGING TIMES Flexible mobility offers convenient alternatives to the traditional fleet... We look at the options
FLEET FINANCE Why now is the perfect time to start benchmarking your fleet costs
DRIVEN Octavia turns 60 BMW 7 Series Mercedes GLC Volvo V60
CONTENTS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:20 Page 1
EVERYTHING FLEETS NEED TO KNOW June 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk
CEL EBR
AUDI A4
ATI NG
Advanced connectivity and electrified drivetrains mean broader appeal for fleet favourite
INSIDE CHANGING TIMES Flexible mobility offers convenient alternatives to the traditional fleet... We look at the options
FLEET FINANCE Why now is the perfect time to start benchmarking your fleet costs
13 Innovation > Citroën’s 19_19 Concept previewed and explained
DRIVEN Octavia turns 60 BMW 7 Series Mercedes GLC Volvo V60
Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Martyn Collins martyn@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
June 2019 • fleetworld.co.uk
10 News Analysis > Could road charging work in the UK?
Editor-at-large Alex Grant alex@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
20 Driven > BMW 7 Series
Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Van Fleet World Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
18 Spotlight > New Audi A4
Account Directors Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
22 Driven > Mercedes-Benz GLC
Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk
31 Grey Mobility > Alternatives to traditional fleet
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 Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Victoria Arellano victoria@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
24 Škoda Octavia > history of the fleet and family favourite
40 SWOT > BMW X2
42 Fleet Finance > Benchmarking your fleet costs
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fleetworld.co.uk • 003
EDITOR COMMENT_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:01 Page 1
FROM THE
EDITOR New broom, old challenges Brexit might not have happened [yet], but its effect continues to be felt, like a chilly wind throughout the motor industry.
2019 was always going to be an unpredictable year for our industry, but half a year in, I don’t think many of us could have predicted what has happened in the UK. As I write this, prime minister Theresa May is about to step down, and on top of the uncertainty around leaving the EU, we have the unpredictability of what will follow once her chosen replacement takes control. Brexit might not have happened [yet], but its effect continues to be felt, like a chilly wind throughout the motor industry. According to figures released at the end of May by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British car manufacturing output plummeted by almost half in April. Just 70,971 cars rolled off production lines in the month, which is down 44.5% year-on-year, as factory shutdowns, rescheduled to mitigate against the expected uncertainty of a 29 March Brexit, took effect in many plants across the UK. In the month that followed, fleet and business registrations continued to fall by 4.4%, with 104,293 units registered. This means fleet and business registrations have fallen 3.2% to 567,902 units, compared to the first five months of 2018 which totalled 586,684 units – in a UK new car market that had also declined by 4.6%, with 183,724 units registered in May. Reasons cited for this fall, apart from the underlying economic and political climate, is the ongoing distaste for diesel and Clean Air Zones, plus the removal of incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles. All this, plus an added decline in consumer confidence. What we need from the next government is clarity and compassion for the fleet industry – whilst at the same time either securing a quick exit from the EU, or organising a separate solution. However, it is unlikely to backtrack on the axed plug-in hybrid car grant. With all this uncertainty, plus ongoing changes to WLTP testing, is it any wonder there’s a rising trend in employees opting to take the cash, rather than a company car. It is a subject we’ve been watching closely here at Fleet World, and we’d like to get you all involved – and you can start by turning to page 31 of this issue! We’d like to find out how grey fleet is affecting your business mobility. So, with the help of the BVRLA, we’ve put together a short Survey on page 37 and would be grateful if you fill it in and send it back to us... Or, you’ll probably find it quicker to go online to www.fleetworld.co.uk and complete the Survey there. It’s all part of trying to make your fleets more efficient in the future. Thanks in advance, and in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the issue.
Martyn Collins editor
Fill in the Survey online at fleetworld.co.uk
EXHIBITION > AWARDS > CONFERENCE
30 JANUARY • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk
2020
Model shown is a New Mondeo Titanium Edition Hybrid Estate 2.0 TiCVT Auto with optional Adaptive Headlamps and Power Tailgate. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Combined 46.3 (6.1). *CO 2 emissions 113g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO 2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.
E N E R G I S E
Y O U R
W O R K F O R C E
Intro ducing th e ultra- ef ficient an d p rac tic al New Mo n d e o H y b rid E s t ate. F e a t u r i n g p r e m i u m l e a t h e r i n t e r i o r a n d SY N C-3 t e c h n o l o g y w h i c h k e e p s d r i v e r s c o n n e c t e d o n t h e g o, t h i s s e l f- c h a r g i n g h y b r i d w i l l p u t t h e s p a r k b a c k i n t o y o u r b u s i n e s s .
VISIT: FORD.CO.UK/MONDEO-HYBRID
NEWS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 12:53 Page 1
THIS MONTH IN FLEET www.fleetworld.co.uk
Michelin to acquire Masternaut
IN BRIEF
74% Vehicle compliance rate in first month of London ULEZ. A1
A 52 0
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A501 A 41
A12 CI T Y
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1 A520
A501
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A 00
1 20 ER
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Honda and Ford announce plant closures Ford has begun a consultation on its Bridgend engine plant in Wales, which could close by September 2020, risking 1,700 jobs. The carmaker said the proposed action was necessary to support its global business redesign and is part of the company’s strategy to create a more efficient business in Europe. The news came just weeks after Honda confirmed its Swindon manufacturing facility will close in 2021 after a consultation failed to identify viable alternatives.
20% Rise in private parking tickets in last 12 months. Source: RAC Foundation
Save up to 30% on maintenance costs A new solution claimed to be already saving fleets up to 30% on parts and labour has been introduced by Fuel Card Services for fleets of all sizes. The pay-as-you-go MyService Expert solution gives fleet managers and drivers direct access to a nationwide garage network offering competitive savings on fleet servicing, maintenance, repairs and MoTs, using pre-negotiated discounted rates.
008 • fleetworld.co.uk
Michelin is to acquire European telematics specialist Masternaut for an undisclosed amount as part of its ongoing expansion into the telematics sector. The acquisition will see Masternaut continue to operate under its own brand as a fully owned subsidiary within Michelin, and was announced a month after Bridgestone Europe completed its own acquisition of TomTom Telematics for €910m (£781m) under plans to become a “mobility solutions leader”. For Michelin, the acquisition of Masternaut marks its third major deal in the fleet telematics industry, following previous investments in Nextraq in North America and Sascar in South America, and will give the firm access to Europe’s rapidly growing telematics market – projected by industry analyst Berg Insight to grow by over 15% p.a. in the next five years. The acquisition will also accelerate Masternaut’s product development and its growth across Europe including new markets, drawing upon Michelin’s investment and automotive expertise. Masternaut will particularly target developments data science, in areas such as predictive maintenance and operational re-engineering. Dhruv Parekh, CEO of Masternaut, said: “Together with the Michelin brand, we are well-positioned to expand in the connected vehicle industry across Europe. Operating within the Michelin Group accelerates our ability to achieve the vision of a connected world that is safer, cleaner and more productive.”
Discovery Sport gets extensive mid-life upgrades Land Rover has revealed a heavily revised version of its fleet favourite – the Discovery Sport – which gets a new mild hybrid engine line-up – and an all-new platform. Unveiled following the debut of the second-generation Evoque, the updated Discovery Sport retains its practical 5+2 seating and basic styling – but be in no doubt there’s more to this facelift than a new set of lights and bumpers. Firstly, as with the new Evoque, this Discovery Sport now sits on Jaguar Land Rover’s Premium Transverse Architecture. This enables it to introduce 48-volt mild hybrid technology for all models bar the entry-level D150 diesel – bringing CO2 emissions as low as 144g/km and fuel economy up to 40.9mpg – along with a full plug-in version due next year. And thanks to the new underpinnings, the Discovery Sport is 13% stiffer than before, according to Land Rover. The Discovery Sport is the next Land Rover recipient of the clever Clearsight Groundview and Clearsight Rearview technologies. Clearsight
Groundview works via cameras in the grille and mirrors to project a view through the front of the car on to the central touchscreen. Clearsight Rearview makes use of an aerialmounted camera, which projects an image to the rear-view mirror. Under the bonnet, it’s the RDE2compliant front-wheel drive 150hp diesel – the only unit not using mild hybrid tech – that will bring the highest efficiency for fleets, offering emissions from 140g/km of CO2 and fuel economy from 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) as well as exemption from the 4% BiK surcharge. The Discovery Sport is available to order now, in Sport, S, SE, HSE and RDynamic trims. Pricing starts from £31,575, for the entry-level D150.
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FCA exits Renault merger talks Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says it's pulled out of merger talks with Renault just a week after submitting a proposal as it blames French politics. Proposed at the end of May, the €33bn (£29.2bn) deal would have seen a 50/50 merger, creating the world’s thirdlargest carmaker after Volkswagen and Toyota, and allowing the companies to share development costs on key technology such as electric vehicles and self-driving cars. In its latest statement, which follows a board meeting, FCA outlined that while it “remains firmly convinced of the compelling, transformational rationale of a proposal that has been widely appreciated since it was submitted”, it had become clear “that the political conditions in France do not currently exist for such a combination to proceed successfully”. Less than an hour before FCA’s statement, Renault had said that a meeting had seen the board of directors continue reviewing the proposal with
Mel Dawson steps down as ALD MD
interest but that they had been unable to take a decision due to the request by the French Government, which has a 15% stake in Renault, to postpone the vote to a later council. French Finance Minster Bruno Le Maire acknowledged FCA’s decision to exit the merger talks but said in a statement that the state had worked constructively on the deal with all stakeholders. He added that agreement had been reached on three of the four conditions set by the state for a final agreement but needed to get explicit support from Nissan.
WLTP unfairly advantaging petrol engines, study shows The new WLTP test cycle is significantly underestimating the real-world fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of petrol vehicles, according to Emissions Analytics, potentially over-incentivising them against diesels. The firm’s analysis of official figures for latest WLTP-certified petrol cars show that, despite the test getting tougher CO2 emissions have fallen. They were expected to have risen from 152g/km under NEDC to a fleet average of 133g/km on an NEDC-Correlated basis. Meanwhile the full WLTP figure stands at 151g/km; still down on the NEDC figure despite the tougher WLTP test cycle. All these values still lie far below the realworld figure of 185g/km measured by Emissions Analytics in its own EQUA Index. In contrast, the official CO2 values for diesel cars have risen between NEDC and WLTP, as would be expected. Under NEDC conditions, the diesel group
APPOINTMENTS
averaged 124g/km, rising to 143g/km under NEDC Correlated and 175g/km under WLTP; very close to the Emissions Analytics’ real-world average figure of 173g/km. Concerned that the differences may be due to specific vehicles tested under the new regime, Emissions Analytics averaged EQUA Index results before and after the change to WLTP. The data showed a difference of only 2%, indicating very little change due to vehicle selection. In response, Emissions Analytics concluded that “optimisation of the labbased WLTP test has already set in”. However, the SMMT’s Mike Hawes criticised the study, calling the claims “misleading” and saying: “On-road testing of CO2 emissions can only ever provide a snapshot of how a vehicle is being driven and cannot be used as a comparison with official test values.”
Mel Dawson, managing director, of ALD Automotive UK is stepping down in June, after 22 years at the company. Following stints as commercial director in 1997 and sales director in 2004, Dawson was appointed managing director in 2012 where he oversaw a doubling of the company’s fleet size to 145,000 vehicles.
VWFS UK names new CFO Jean Smith has returned to Volkswagen Financial Services UK in the new role of chief financial officer. Smith brings more than 30 years’ experience in both captive and non-captive financial services, and joined VWFS in 2001. Her return to VWFS UK follows four years in a number of international roles and sees her succeed Albert van den Bergh, who has recently moved to VWFS AG.
Charlie Norman takes helm at DriveTech DriveTech (UK) has appointed Charlie Norman as its new director, building on his 16 years’ experience with the AA. Norman was previously chief financial officer at DriveTech and replaces David Wilson, who has decided to move on after three years in the role to be closer to his family.
fleetworld.co.uk • 009
ANALYSIS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:04 Page 1
A N A LY S I S ROAD USER PRICING
FOR WHOM THE ROAD TOLLS The subject of road user pricing has been back in the headlines following a new report from Centre for London. Natalie Middleton wonders if such a system could work on a UK-wide basis.
R
eports outlining how road user pricing could tackle issues in the UK are nothing new – this year marks the 55th anniversary of the socalled Smeed Report that recommended the Conservative Government at the time introduce nationwide road pricing to cut congestion. But road user pricing suggestions do seem to be coming with increasing alacrity as concerns mount not only over rising traffic but also on how to fill the gap from declining fuel and vehicle excise duty as drivers switch to ultra-low emission or fully electric cars; just last month, at the ICFM conference, Harvey Perkins, director of fleet consultancy firm HRUX, warned that we will see some form of UK-wide road charging if revenues do decline. This includes a recent solution mooted by transport planner Gergely Raccuja, who won the 2017 Wolfson Economics Prize for his idea of a pay-per-mile road tax that would be collected through the insurance industry and based on rates dependent on the vehicle’s weight and its tailpipe emissions. The tax would replace VED and fuel duty and the money raised would be used to boost investment in roads and improve air quality. Meanwhile AA president Edmund King and his wife, the economist Deirdre King, were shortlisted for the prize with their idea of Road Miles, where drivers benefit from at least 3,000 free Road Miles each year with a small charge thereafter of less than 1p per mile and fuel duty discounts are deducted. The scheme would see fuel duty drop 20% within five years to 47p/litre and drivers would be compensated for excessive roadwork delays and closures while the Government would get £2bn extra per year, helped by commercial income. The latest report comes from thinktank Centre for London, which has called for the capital to switch to a single road user charging system, which would charge drivers on a per-mile basis with charges varying by vehicle emissions, local levels of congestion and pollution
010 • fleetworld.co.uk
and availability of public transport alternatives. It would also be integrated with London’s wider transport system via a new app and digital platform that would open up mobility options. Such schemes, which tend to be supported by both economists and environmentalists, are showing increasing sophistication in resolving issues with previously mooted solutions, not least by eliminating most, if not all, other charges on drivers and by helping to ensure a balanced approach that makes drivers think about their alternatives, not just switch to driving on cheaper roads. Rapid advances in technology mean that supporting such schemes no longer
need be an issue either. In 2004, the Labour Government’s work on A Feasibility Study of Road Pricing in the UK found that a national road pricing scheme would probably become technologically feasible in 10 years’ time from the report date. But the main issue, as always, lies with the public. Despite the potential for less congested roads, road user pricing remains a hot potato explored and dropped by a number of governments, due to negative reactions from drivers and concerns over invasions over civil liberties. And it’ll take a novel scheme that doesn’t charge more than current road taxes to overcome this.
DISTANCE-BASED ROAD USER CHARGING > THE FUTURE FOR UK ROADS? Anthony Alicastro, chief executive officer of emovis – the UK’s largest operator of toll roads, was part of the discussion panel at the launch of the Centre for London report. He outlines the considerations. Distance-based road user charging – a national ‘pay as you drive’ system for the UK. Will it happen? It’s politically challenging but there is a major financial driver – as electric vehicles become the norm in 10 years’ time, that is a lot of lost fuel duty. HM Treasury will need to recoup its revenue from somewhere and the roads will still need maintaining. Opinion in London is gathering momentum in favour of this as a simpler, greener and fairer alternative than six separate charging schemes around the capital, but how would distance-based charging work at a national level in the UK? Here’s five guiding principles to get you thinking... • A replacement for road tax and fuel duty – a ‘pay as you drive’ scheme will be more progressive than a flat tax and the replacement of fuel duty would be critical to a fair system • Simplicity and interoperability – at the very least different schemes will need to talk to each other (like E-Z Pass in Eastern USA), but one simple scheme would be best for customers, particularly for fleet drivers • Transparency – an app will show you a fixed cost and journey time as well as public transport options and time savings • Repayments for delays – a major change from what we have in the UK today but we do it with trains and planes – why not automobiles? • A clear link to infrastructure investment – where does the money go? Government will need to be very transparent about its investment plans and priorities for the money raised. There are lots of different implementation options. Whether the UK has a series of city-based schemes or one national network that includes motorways is for policymakers to decide. But we could have a road user charging system that is simple to use, fair for motorists, enables healthy living and has real green credentials.
M E A S U R E D I S TA N C E I N E M O T I O N S . N OT K I LO M E T E R S .
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OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO RANGE MPG (L/100KM) COMBINED: 53.3 (5.3) TO 24.5 (11.5). CO2 EMISSIONS: 227 – 123 G/KM. Fuel consumption figures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO 2 figures, based on the outgoing test cycle (NEDC), will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
ALF010_ThisIsNot_NonFin_FleetWorld_210x297_AW.indd 1
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INNOVATION_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:11 Page 1
INNOVATION
APPS, GADGETS AND ESSENTIALS FOR PEOPLE ON THE MOVE...
CITROËN REVEALS VISION FOR LONGHAUL MOTORING WITH 19_19 CONCEPT THE FRENCH MANUFACTURER, CELEBRATING ITS 100TH BIRTHDAY HAS SHOWN THE SECOND ELEMENT OF ITS FUTURE MOBILITY PLANS - THE 19_19 CONCEPT MARTYN COLLINS FINDS OUT MORE.
The first element, the Ami One Concept, which debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, focused on urban mobility. The 19_19 Concept carries on from here, offering long-haul mobility to all these people live in the city, as a means to escape. Citroën believes, that in the future these people won’t take a flight due to C02 implications, so instead they will make very longhaul drives and the 19_19 Concept is the answer. How? Well, according to Arnaud Belloni, Citroën’s Global Marketing and Communications Senior Vice President, “These users will not accept electric vehicles that will have to be plugged in mid travel, so you need to rework the trip.” So, it would boast a long electric range, be autonomous on demand and driven by artificial intelligence. “It’s also highly comfortable, respecting the DNA of Citroën, plus you’ve got a floating cabin and the technology coming from aircraft.”
Inside, the interior is designed as a saloon, but there are individual seats, and the bench at the rear is designed like a comfortable sofa. To emphasise the comfort of the 19_19 Concept, Citroën have worked with Goodyear on those massive 30-inch wheels for the tyres. Made of up of layers of rubber, apparently there are lots of patents pending on this completely new generation of tyres. Although a production version of the 19_19 Concept is a way off, it
would be link through to the Ami One’s 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days or full ownership prospect – the same as those for production electric models going on sale next year. So far Citroën has shown two mobility visions, as part of its centenary celebrations. However, Arnaud told me they are working on one further third pillar for next year, which he described “as a step further.” These cars might be a way off, but the ownership prospect is very real.
fleetworld.co.uk • 013
EVNEWS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:15 Page 1
evfleetworld.co.uk
IN BRIEF BP’s new Fuel & Charge card BP Chargemaster is launching a combined fuel and EV charge card for fleets. Due to launch later this summer, the new card provides access to both the BP Plus cross acceptance network and the Polar network of more than 7,000 EV charging points. The announcement comes as BP confirms that it will begin rolling out nextgeneration 150kW chargers at BP forecourts from July.
Coventry to get EV battery centre of excellence The UK Government is driving its zeroemission vehicle ambitions with new investment in EV battery development. The £28m funding will be used on top of an £80m initial investment for the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, which is under construction in the West Midlands to provide claimed world-leading testing facilities.
ALD and ChargePoint team up ALD Automotive has signed a global framework agreement with ChargePoint to bring a comprehensive electric vehicle charging solution across its customer spectrum. The joint end-to-end electric vehicle solution will be rolled out across Europe over the next few months, helping facilitate and accelerate the transition to e-mobility for international corporate clients, SMEs and private individuals.
Orders open for MG SZ EV MG Motor UK has opened order books for its ZS EV electric car. The brand’s first fully electric car, the ZS EV will join petrol versions of the model. Details for pricing, range and the motor are yet to be revealed but MG has said it’s powered by a 44.5kWh water-cooled battery with rapid charging capability that will enable it to be recharged from 0-80% in 43 minutes, while a full charge using a domestic 7kW unit takes 6.5 hours.
014 • evfleetworld.co.uk
For greener, more flexible, future fleets...
First-ever electric Corsa to bring 205-mile range Vauxhall has taken the next step in plans to electrify its fleet with the reveal of the electric Corsa, due on sale later this year. Unveiled just days after the brand took the wraps off the Grandland X PHEV, the sixthgeneration Corsa gets a fully electric variant in line with Vauxhall plans for an electrified version of every model in its range by 2024, as first revealed in its PACE! post-takeover turnaround plans announced two years ago; this includes the new Mokka X and Vivaro models due in 2020. Available to reserve now, the Corsa-e is built on the same platform as the Peugeot e-208 and also features a 50kWh battery – guaranteed for eight years – that brings 136hp of power, a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and up to an official 205-mile WLTP range, compared to 211 miles for the Peugeot. Drivers can choose between three drive modes: Normal, Eco and Sport; with the Eco mode extending range by up to 40% compared to Sport. A 11kW on-board charger is included as standard and works with home and rapid chargers, with the latter enabling an 80% capacity battery charge in 30 minutes. The new Corsa – which will be five-door only and will also be available in conventional petrol and diesel forms – will also get advanced driver assistance systems while on-board equipment includes a range of infotainment systems and also offers the Vauxhall Connect telematics service.
Reservations open for new Volkswagen and Honda EVs Volkswagen and Honda have both opened pre-orders for their new electric cars, both which are said to be seeing significant interest. Honda has announced its electric car – its first mass-production electric vehicle in Europe – will be called the Honda e and will start first deliveries in spring 2020. No further technical details have been revealed – just confirmation of Honda’s announcement at Geneva that the Honda e will deliver a range of more than 125 miles and a ‘fast charge’ functionality of 80% battery charge in 30 minutes. Volkswagen has also opened pre-booking for the ID.3 electric hatch – which marks the first of its forthcoming ID family of all-electric cars. The line-up will bring three production battery options, giving WLTP ranges of between 205 to 342 miles with prices expected to start at under €30,000 in Germany (around £25-26k). The special edition available for pre-booking has a WLTP range of around 261 miles and is expected to be offered for less than €40,000 (around £34k).
EVNEWS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:16 Page 2
MOBILITY
Welsh public sector urged to ban grey fleet cars Public bodies in Wales should end the use of grey fleet cars to cut emissions as well as costs. So says the Urban Mobility Partnership as it highlights that turning to leased cars or car clubs could cut CO2 emissions from grey fleet journeys by 42% for the 44 public bodies in Wales. Such a move would also save the four largest local authorities in Wales (Rhondda Cynon Taf, Newport, Swansea and Cardiff) more than £2.8m a year, according to the organisation at a briefing for Welsh ministers and government officials on ways to cut congestion and improve air quality. Held just days after the Welsh Government declared a ‘Climate Emergency’, the specially convened summit also said that mobility credits and MaaS were the answer to Wales’ transport problems. The mobility credits would work in the form of a ‘Netflix-style’ app that could be used for journeys using trains, buses, car clubs and bike hire, as already being trialled in Manchester by Enterprise and Stagecoach and funded by Imove from the European Union to provide transport on demand across a variety of modes to Manchester Airport Group staff.
New Cenex-Connected Automated Mobility event opens for registration
IN BRIEF French ride-hailing app takes fight to Uber in London French ride-hailing service Kapten has launched in London to bring a ‘best value’ rival to Uber. Backed by Daimler and BMW, the firm – formerly known as Chauffeur-Privé – operates across zones 1-5 in vehicles including PHEVs and EVs and will offer ongoing low pricing claimed to bring fares on average 20% cheaper than rivals.
Toyota invests in Faxi Toyota Financial Services (TFS) has taken a majority stake in London-based Faxi, to capitalise on the firm’s ‘incentivised carpooling’ to reduce single occupancy vehicles, congestion and emissions. The news follows the two companies' work together since 2018 on the development of a Toyota-branded carpooling platform to offer such services in Europe.
New UK-wide ride-hailing app
Visitors can now register for the firstever Cenex-Connected Automated Mobility event, which will spotlight the latest mobility and connected/ autonomous vehicle (CAV) developments when it takes place on 4-5 September 2019. Running alongside the CenexLCV2019 low-carbon vehicle event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, the Cenex-CAM event – previously part of Cenex-LCV – will have its own dedicated exhibition, seminar hall and networking area in line with a growing focus on CAVrelated issues. Highlights include six seminar sessions over the two days in a 150+ seated seminar hall along with test ride options.
By registering for Cenex-CAM, visitors will also automatically be registered for Cenex-LCV2019, which includes a technology exhibition, extensive seminar programme and ride and drive options for the latest R&D and commercially available vehicles. Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said: “We are really pleased to open visitor registration for the CenexLCV and Cenex-Connected Automated Mobility events. The registration process includes the opportunity for visitors to express their areas of interest and this helps us shape the balance of the seminar content to best reflect our visitors’ key areas of interest.”
A new app that enables passengers to find minicabs and taxicabs in their area has launched across the UK. Operating across cities and rural areas, the Xooox (pronounced ‘zooks’) app shows passengers local ridehailing solutions based on a broad range of criteria, including the cost of the fare, type of cab, its emissions, ETA, boot space, number of seats and whether the vehicle is wheelchair accessible.
10,000 Number of reservations received for Volkswagen's new ID.3 fully electric hatchback less than 24 hours after pre-ordering opened. Source: SMMT
Source: Volkswagen
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OPINION_Curtis_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:33 Page 1
OPINION
Curtis Hutchinson motor industry guru
Hyundai’s fleet vision How the erstwhile retail brand’s focus has changed to the business sector and the role played by electrification.
ou would be forgiven for thinking that Hyundai was primarily a retail brand. It has, after all, built its reputation on an ever-increasing range of models, keen pricing and the backing of a customer-friendly fiveyear warranty. Yet Hyundai has been active in fleet for over two decades, maintaining a relatively low-level presence as an alternative to the established players, with generously specified cars supported by award-winning fleet aftersales processes across its dealer network. Last year the brand reassessed its fleet proposition in a move which saw business sales account for 56% of its total registrations, equating to a new record of 50,571 units. Its hero car was the Tucson, accounting for 19,919 of those sales. From this position of strength Hyundai is looking to further develop its fleet business. Heading up this new focus is director of fleet Michael Stewart. He joined the business in January 2018 from Nissan where he was head of leasing and specialist fleet sales, having previously looked after corporate sales planning and operations. Prior to this he managed Mazda’s fleet marketing, having joined the sector in 2003 as Vauxhall’s rental marketing manager. “My brief when I joined was to relaunch the Hyundai fleet proposition. We already had strong fleet elements in the brand but we needed a more forward-thinking strategy linked to the new product we’re seeing coming through. What you’ll see from us now is a more sustainable and smart growth strategy in fleet,” says Stewart. Working alongside him is Tim White,
Y
016 • fleetworld.co.uk
appointed national fleet sales manager last November after two decades at Vauxhall, most recently as national fleet sales manager. Future business sales will more closely mirror the 52:48 fleet/retail split of the wider market. Consequently, fleet volumes are likely to be lower this year but with reduced short-cycle rental volumes and increases in true fleet. This should provide a stronger base for the brand to grow its long-term fleet business as it maximises on the opportunities afforded by new models. Stewart’s fleet strategy is based around the concept of “smart growth” whereby the significantly expanded fleet team, supported by an investment in a new back-office infrastructure, is able to steadily build its true fleet book, talk to more end-user customers, especially SMEs, and engage with funders. “We can grow steadily through acquiring a strong order bank, especially through our SUV and transitional product line-up; we don’t have to buy chunks of volume. Whatever we do has to be sustainable and smart,” he says. Pivotal to Hyundai’s ambitious fleet plans will be the support and services offered by its 163-strong dealer network. The brand’s ambitious new National Fleet Centre Programme has seen the formation of 15 large fleet centres around the country, each with a dedicated Hyundai fleet infrastructure, national fleet delivery capability and pre-delivery inspection capacity for over 1,000 vehicles each. Each will also have the capacity to facilitate a minimum of 500 fleet registrations, hinting at Hyundai’s longterm aspiration for its fleet business. In time these fleet centres will provide
support to the rest of the network, which Stewart describes as “fleet and business ready”, ensuring every Hyundai dealer will have services in place to grow and support local SME business. In pursuit of delivering the best possible experience for customers, Hyundai has introduced a new Fleet Aftersales Charter and a dedicated fleet support line. With transparent pricing and processes, the charter sets out a commitment to reduce cost of ownership for fleets, including hourly labour rates capped at £60 (+VAT), a discount on MOT costs and a reduction on parts and accessories. The charter also guarantees a service appointment within 48 hours and offers a Fleet Response service, which sets a target of 60 minutes to diagnose an issue, or provide alternative onward transport. Meanwhile, electrification is playing a key role in Hyundai’s fleet proposition. It is the only global carmaker offering hybrid, PHEV, EV and fuel cell models and this is opening corporate doors previously shut. By 2020 Hyundai says 75% of all models sold in Europe will have an electrified version. “Electrification is now incredibly high on fleet agendas, so much so that there is more appetite, attention and demand than there is supply from manufacturers across the board. We are talking to major companies, the public sector and SMEs, everyone’s interested in electric vehicles. “With hydrogen we have good access to Nexo product and can offer a real proposition which means we are winning business where others can’t supply. “Hyundai is a fleet brand. We are ready, capable and able to meet the needs of the fleet market in a sustainable way,” finishes Stewart.
SPOTLIGHT_Audi A4_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:08 Page 1
SPOTLIGHT AUDI A4
FOUR SIGHT Advanced connectivity and electrified drivetrains are the headlines for the heavily-updated A4 range, explains Alex Grant.
EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION It’s not all-new, but this is a significant update. The bonnet, roof and tailgate are the only exterior parts carried over from the outgoing A4, while the new, animated, all-LED lighting and the swage line that breaks across the top of the doors bring it in line with the larger A6. Audi also hasn’t changed the line-up much between generations. UK demand is almost equally split between the saloon and ‘Avant’ estate, though slightly weighted towards the former. Take-up is strongest for S line, which includes the biggest visual changes compared to the old car, now marked out by colour-contrasted intakes on the bumper and triple air inlets at the leading edge of the bonnet – a nod to the Sport Quattro rally car of the 1980s. Around 5% of UK customers opt for the Allroad Quattro, which features a 35mm raised height, wider tracks, larger wheels and under-body protection for light off-road use.
018 • fleetworld.co.uk
THE FUEL PICTURE Attitudes towards diesel are shifting, even in the compact executive class. So you might be surprised to hear that Audi has no plans yet for a plug-in hybrid A4, despite strong fleet uptake in rival products. The launch line-up includes three ‘mild hybrid’ petrol engines, but the only electrified diesel is the 344hp S4. None of the diesels are certified to RDE2, though this will follow within months, ahead of the January 2021 deadline. In the UK, the entry-level 148hp petrol engine is expected to remain the best-seller both in retail and fleet. At launch, this will be the only version not fitted with an automatic transmission as standard, though Audi will offer a manual option for the 188hp shortly afterwards. Two ‘mild hybrid’ diesels, at 134hp and 161hp, are also due to be added to the range in the near future. No fuel economy or CO2 data has been released yet.
SPOTLIGHT_Audi A4_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:08 Page 2
Better ConneCted Audi set the benchmark for cabin aesthetics with the outgoing A4, so there’s no need for radical updates here. The biggest change inside is the new MMI infotainment system, now featuring a touchscreen instead of the old rotary controller. It’s better suited to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity than hopping from icon to icon using a wheel, and offers simpler search function using natural phrases - either voice commands or typed into the screen. The A4 also has the foundations of more advanced connected services. It can receive live information about forthcoming hazards, parking availability and (in selected cities) traffic light sequences transmitted via short-range data transfer. In turn, it will recommend an average speed based on the next green light, said to encourage smoother driving. Optional technology includes the ability to add new software features via a subscription, and a smartphone app for keyless access and engine starting.
In SUMMArY The A4 is a fleet staple – half of UK cars are sold to businesses – and that sector has changed significantly since the outgoing model arrived in 2015. So it’s surprising to see the updated version introducing neither RDE2-certified diesel engines, nor a plug-in hybrid. While that’s unlikely to topple it out of this sector’s best-sellers, both soften this familiar fleet car’s competitive edge. AG fleetworld.co.uk • 019
DRIVEN_BMW 7 Series_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:28 Page 1
DRIVEN
BMW 7 Series BMW’s 7 Series update is much more than just skin-deep, finds Jonathan Musk. BMW expects to sell around 2,000 7 Series in its first full sales year in the UK, with the 730d and 740d the expected big sellers, while the new and improved plug-in hybrid should take a good 10% chunk of sales. Short- or long-wheelbase is the first choice to make, but if you don’t ever intend on ferrying passengers it might be worth looking at BMW’s more svelte 8 Series instead. Next up is engine choice, which consists of silky straight-six diesel and petrol options, as well as BMW’s only V12 offering in the form of the magnificent M760Li xDrive. The 730d is hard to fault, however, and happens to be the cheapest in the range, starting from £69,445. It’s outrageously quiet and refined, not to mention powerful and reasonably economical, returning 41.5-44.1mpg*. It also benefits from CO2 emissions of 138g/km. Urban drivers would do well to step up to the £76,815 plug-in hybrid that features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine in place of the old PHEV’s 2.0-litre four-pot. Although on paper it ‘only’ offers an extra 68hp, the straightsix makes a huge difference and ensures the 745e is properly premium,
while the useful 34-36 mile electric range keeps CO2 at 48g/km (52g/km for the LWB 745Le xDrive). And that electric oomph means it’s monstrously quick. External styling changes include the difficult-to-ignore barbeque-sized ‘hexagoned’ front grille that’s 40% larger than the outgoing model and a more upright stance to the car all-round. LED head and tail lamps are also now standard, as is thickened glass to aid acoustic insulation. New to the range are six colour choices, as well as four alloy wheel designs, three of which are available on M Sport trim – which also adds M Sports steering wheel and dechromed exterior trim. You could easily fill this magazine with the 7’s lengthy equipment list alone, but interior highlights bring the latest iteration of BMW Live Cockpit which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch central touchscreen, ‘Hey BMW’ natural voice control, USB-C connectivity, wireless charging and Harmon/Kardon speakers. Choose from four simplified interior packs – Visibility, Premium, Technology or Rear Seat Comfort – to add typically desirable options. Chauffeuring must-haves comprise the £5,995 Rear Seat Comfort pack, or crème-dela-crème LWB-only £9,995 Rear Seat Comfort Plus pack that bring executive
SECTOR Large executive PRICE £64,530-£76,320 FUEL 35.3-134.5mpg* CO2 49-186g/km**
rear-seat opulence at the tick of a box. Choosing a 7 must reward with a sense of occasion and the updates to this latest version don’t disappoint. The six-cylinder engines evoke notions of past great BMWs and it’s a credit to the Bavarian firm's engineers that they’ve managed to make them economical in such a large car. Ride quality is nothing short of superb thanks to twin-axle air suspension too, although this does mean that coming to a stop without the car nodding takes a little practice. Wafting about in the 7 Series is what motoring is all about and there’s no question the updates bring the car bang up-to-date.
THE LOWDOWN KEy FLEET MODEL 730LD STRENGTHS ELEGANT, MODERN AND HIGH QUALITY WEAKNESSES IT’S MASSIVE. COSTLY OPTIONS
THE VERDIcT Updates to the 7 Series cement it as our favourite large executive car of the moment thanks to its excellent range of efficient engines, prestige, technology and comfort.
RATING *WLTP
020 • fleetworld.co.uk
** NEDC correlated
DRIVEN_Mercedes-Benz_GLC_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:30 Page 1
DRIVEN
Mercedes Benz GLC 300 d 4MATIC New engines, plus styling and tech tweaks, refine the already very competent GLC package, reckons Martyn Collins With the UK’s ongoing love of SUVs, it’s no wonder the GLC is one of Mercedes’ biggest models in the UK. In fact, in 2018, it accounted for 22,000 of total sales, with around 30% of those going to fleet customers. Three years into the current GLC’s life, and with rivals such as Audi’s Q5 and Land Rover’s Discovery Sport catching up – it’s time for a facelift. Outside, this equals a sleeker nose, with all-LED headlights, plus new grilles and revised front bumpers dependent on version. At the side there are new alloy wheel designs, with the back following the front of the GLC, with new LED rear lights and rear bumpers. Inside, new GLC facelift highlights include the MBUX multimedia system, which brings the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation and optional MBUX Interior Assistant with the multimedia system able to recognise and distinguish between hand gestures, by the driver and front passenger. It also gets the all-digital instruments fitted from AMG Premium Line models upwards. More significant changes for the GLC have happened under the bonnet, with two new diesel engines available at
launch, powering the 220 d and 300 d. The GLC 220 d is fitted with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 194hp and 400Nm of torque, while achieving 40.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and emitting 137g/km of CO2. Go for the GLC Coupé and this model is capable of a WLTP combined 41.5mpg with 145g/km of CO2. The GLC 300 d is also powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, this time with 245hp and 500Nm of torque. However, this GLC delivers up to 39.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 157g/km of CO2. Go for the sleeker Coupé, and it can achieve 39.8mgp WLTP combined, while emitting 159g/km of CO2. Most important from a fleet point of view is that both these new diesels are RDE2-compliant, thus meaning they’re not subject to the usual 4% surcharge on BiK or increased first-year VED. I only got to try the 300 d, in range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus Ultimate trim at the international launch. Overall, it’s a refined and punchy engine, well suited to the GLC’s car-like drive. Being the top spec car, this GLC was also fitted with Air Body Control, which includes air suspension and continuously adjustable damping. The upshot was, despite the standard 20-inch wheels, this GLC was very comfortable to drive – only feeling
SECTOR Compact SUV PRICE £39,420–£57,670 FUEL 39.2–41.5mpg* CO2 137–159g/km**
slightly wallowy during some camber changes and around town. Out of town, this GLC is pleasingly dynamic to drive, with responsive steering. Body control is also very good - with body roll kept well in check, although you are always aware of how heavy the GLC feels, especially when feeding it along tight country roads. New tech aside, the look and feel are much the same as the last GLC. This means high-quality trim and switchgear – but is the interior design a bit dated now? Front and rear space is good though.
THE LOWDOWN KEy FLEET MODEL GL 220 D AMG LINE STRENGTHS REFINED, COMFORTABLE, ENGINE IS RDE2 COMPLIANT WEAKNESSES INTERIOR FEELS A BIT DATED
THE VERDICT The GLC has been sensibly updated. These changes, plus the new RDE2-compliant engines, should be enough to stop buyers going elsewhere.
RATING *WLTP
022 • fleetworld.co.uk
** NEDC Correlated
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FEATURE_Skoda Octavia_Fw_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:42 Page 1
FLEET INSIGHT
THE OCTAVIA STORY THE OCTAVIA HAS BEEN A FLEET STAPLE FOR DECADES, BUT ITS RICH HISTORY GOES BACK MUCH FURTHER, FINDS JoNaTHaN MuSk.
EARLY HISTORY Škoda was a highly respected engineering firm long before the first Octavia arrived in 1959. Prior to the Second World War, the company had been at the top of its game and even produced Rolls-Royce rivalling cars, such as Hispano-Suiza H6 under licence. In a bleak turn of events, the requisition of its factories by occupying forces put a stop to that and its factories were subsequently torn to smithereens, its workforce decimated and car production ceased altogether. Rubbing salt in the wound, just hours after the declaration of peace on 9 May 1945, retreating forces bombed the Mladá Boleslav factory, significantly damaging the few remaining car tooling and production lines. However, such was the pride in Škoda, and testament to the remaining few surviving workers, vehicle production restarted just 15 days later on 24 May 1945, and on 24 June the very first post-war Type 256 truck rolled off the production line. Just one year later, Škoda’s first postwar car, the 1101 Tudor, started production. THE FIRST OCTAVIA Skipping a few models and years, 1959 saw the entrance of an appealing new Skoda model that would allow the brand to compete on a global stage and embrace the growing US and Indian markets. As the eighth post-war Škoda, its name was derived from the Latin word for eight, ‘octo’, and the Octavia was born. Leaning on the company’s previous 440/445 model, the new car benefited from double wishbone suspension instead of leaf springs. While producing a new chassis would have been a costly undertaking for the firm, changing the suspension was a negligible cost by comparison, yet offered vastly superior handling.
024 • fleetworld.co.uk
Differing greatly from today’s Octavia, early examples were powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine producing 40hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed transmission, delivering 70mph performance and 30.5mpg. A larger 1.2-litre engine arrived later offering 45hp in the Octavia Super. Although by today’s standards, horsepower increases were pitifully small, the Octavia Touring Sport (TS) with 50hp – 25% more than the outgoing car – was launched on 10 March 1960. This was a significant car for the brand, as it heralded its re-entry into rally motorsport. Although still on a shoestring budget, Škoda’s faith in the car paid off, with class-wins at the 1961, ’62 and ’63 Monte Carlo Rally. Rally had put Škoda back on the map once more and with that success behind it, the company was able to grow its market reach from Chile to New Zealand, while in Britain customers endured significant waiting lists to secure one. ŠKODA’S RENAISSANCE Following the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia, most industries were subjected to privatisation. The Czech government chose Volkswagen over Renault in 1990, and on 28 March 1991 a joint-venture partnership was formed with Volkswagen Group taking a 30% share – just one year after Volkswagen Group also took full ownership of SEAT. On 19 December 1994, Volkswagen Group increased its share to 60.3%, and a year later to 70%, and between 1991 to the introduction of the new Octavia in 1996, Volkswagen Group had already invested 1.4bn Deutschmarks in new production facilities at Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, as well as Škoda’s design, research and engineering departments. OCTAVIA RESURRECTED The new Octavia was designed by a team headed up by Dirk van Braeckel,
and made good use of Volkswagen underpinnings, using the A4 platform that also saw service for the Audi A3 and Golf Mk4 among others. Likewise, engines were borrowed from the Volkswagen line-up, with the initial range consisting a 1.6-litre petrol model. Although the car was first introduced in Europe in 1996, due to high demand, it wouldn’t be until 1998 before British customers would finally be offered a right-hand drive version. A 1.8-litre turbo was added to the range in 1999, along with diesels and an estate version, and in 2000 the line-up was revised with new trim names: Classic; Ambiente, Elegance, and the range-topping Laurin & Klement, as well as a new engine range. In 2001, the first Octavia vRS model was launched, powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 180hp. The model marked the first performance Škoda since the late 1970s proving a hit with customers, particularly in estate form, and laying the foundations for Škoda’s multimodel vRS range today. After eight years a total 1,451,636 Mk1 Octavia had been produced – including more than 78,800 sold in the UK – before it finally ceased production in 2004, making it the most successful Škoda at the time. GLOBAL CONQUEROR The Mk2 Octavia arrived in 2004 following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and featured a larger cabin and new design by Thomas Ingenlath, who would go on to design some of Škoda’s most notable models, including the family-favourite Yeti. Now based on the Volkswagen Group A5 platform, a new engine range was offered with direct-injection and sixspeed transmissions, as well as dualclutch ‘DSG’ transmissions. The new model would also see two all-wheel drive models, the 4x4 and
FEATURE_Skoda Octavia_Fw_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:42 Page 2
The first Octavia arrived in 1959, helping put Škoda on the map.
1996 marked a new generation of Octavia for the modern age.
The Mk2 Octavia introduced a 'hot' diesel vRS model.
Scout, as well as the first vRS powered by diesel in 2006. More critically for Škoda, the new Octavia allowed it to expand in all directions, with new production facilities set up in India, China and Russia. 2009 brought along a major facelift to the car, sporting a radically different design inside-out and new smallercapacity engines such as a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol to replace the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre FSI engines. In 2011, Škoda UK set about proving the Octavia vRS’s worth, by setting a speed record of 227.080mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, and becoming the world’s fastest 2.0-litre turbocharged production car in the process. By the time of its replacement in 2013, the Mk2 had doubled in popularity compared to the Mk1 Octavia, with more than 2,274,500 built,
The Mk3 Octavia claims 24% of Škoda's UK sales.
including 130,662 sold in the UK. This was thanks largely to the car’s ability to transcend markets, being bigger than a Volkswagen Golf, yet smaller than a Passat and cheaper than both. THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM The Mk3 Octavia would continue where the old car left, launching in 2013 and now based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture, while sporting a design by Jozef Kabaň, itself based on Škoda’s VisionD concept car presented in 2011. Thanks to the MQB’s flexible system, Škoda was able to introduce some sectorfirst driver assistance and safety systems, along with size and equipment increases, despite offering a 100kg weight advantage over the Mk2 Octavia. Separating it from its siblings in the Volkswagen Group, the Octavia features several ‘Simply Clever’ details, including an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a
reversible textile/rubber boot mat and a removable bin in the door pocket. In 2017, the range was revised with a new look and introduction of latest technologies. For the first time, a new 1.0-litre TSI petrol three-cylinder engine was added to the line-up too. Meanwhile, the vRS received handling tweaks and more power up to 230hp, as well as a vRS 245 as the ultimate halo Škoda. Despite being on sale fewer than six years, the Mk3 is already the most popular Octavia with more than 2.5m units built globally, and claiming 24% of Škoda’s UK sales – a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that Škoda now offers nine models in the UK. In just over 20 years, more than half a million Octavia have been sold to UK buyers, indicating the appetite for Škoda’s most versatile model shows no signs of letting up anytime soon.
The 1996 Octavia was the first all-new Škoda since the launch of the Favorit/Type 781 in 1987.
fleetworld.co.uk • 025
26 ROAD_Skoda Octavia-Skoda Fabia_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:44 Page 1
DRIVEN
Škoda Octavia 1.0 TSI SE Drive The basic Octavia is all the car you’ll ever need, finds Jonathan Musk. Equipment options and specifications are easy to get bogged down in, so in our digital age it is refreshing to find a car that doesn’t drown you with acronyms and instead just gets the job done. The Octavia is one such versatile machine, and rightly the Czech brand’s most popular model in the UK. SE Drive trim isn’t the most basic though – that accolade goes to the S – but it doesn’t get a lot more kit, only adding 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and an Amundsen 8.0-inch touchscreen sat nav. It’s a back to basics, no-nonsense breath of fresh air. But don’t go thinking the car is austere, as despite its very reasonable asking price, it has a large inte-
rior and comes equipped with such fleet niceties as Bluetooth, AEB, driver fatigue sensor, cooled glovebox and electric heated mirrors, amongst many other features. Naturally, all the usual welcome design touches Škoda is known for are present, including ‘simply clever’ ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and umbrella under the passenger seat – things that bring a satisfied smile whenever you see them. The 1.0-litre TSI pumps out a respectable 115hp, which might not sound much but thanks to the threecylinder’s torque it is usable in everyday driving and the six-speed gearbox is a delight to use, with sharp, easy changes. It’s simple to drive, rewarding even, and never
SECTOR Lower medium PRICE £20,310 FUEL 43.5-48.7mpg* CO2 110g/km**
feels strained despite the Octavia’s size. Fuel consumption is respectable too and working the manual box, official figures can be exceeded. With a starting price less than the most basic Volkswagen Golf, but certainly no less a car, and yet with space almost as accommodating as a Passat, the Octavia is something of a bargain. It’s impressive to drive, economical, refined, spacious and inexpensive. Could this be the ideal fleet car?
RATING *WLTP
** NEDC correlated
Škoda Fabia 1.0 TSI Monte Carlo Sportiest trim shows there’s still plenty of life in Škoda’s supermini, thinks Martyn Collins. Despite last year’s minimal Fabia facelift, there’s no doubt that compared to sister car, the SEAT Ibiza – awarded Best Fleet Supermini in the 2019 Great British Fleet Awards – the current model still looks a bit angular and dated. That’s not the case with the Monte Carlo version we’ve driven. In fact, it’s amazing how a thorough dechrome can make a car look more contemporary. Along with the added exterior styling pack, and optional 17-inch Torino alloy wheels filling the arches, I reckon it’s the sportiest Fabia we’ve seen yet. The interior gets colour-coded cloth and rather OTT carbon-fibre like trim on the sides of the seats, one-piece
sports seats, and a sports, leather-trimmed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, but apart from that it’s all standard and sensible Fabia. This means lots of high-quality pointy design, loads of stowage, good levels of interior space, plus a decent-sized 330-litre boot. Think this is another high-performance version of the Fabia hatch, helping in part to fill the gap left by the former vRS? Well, you’d be wrong as the Monte Carlo is just the rangetopping trim level. In fact, this test car wasn’t even fitted with the highestpower 110hp version of the 1.0-litre TSI petrol. Instead, it had the most popular 95hp version, which offers impressively spirited performance, especially around town – although the gearbox is a bit notchy and you
SECTOR Supermini PRICE £16,785 FUEL 47.1 – 50.4mpg* CO2 106g/km**
do miss a sixth gear on the motorway. On the road, the optional bigger wheels and sports suspension equal more road noise and a slightly unsettled ride. However, this Fabia is still good to drive, with precise steering, good control and negligible body roll. Rival supermini models in the Volkswagen Group might be getting all the attention at the moment, but this Škoda Fabia is still worth a look, although for business buyers, the midspec SE trim makes more sense.
RATING *WLTP
026 • fleetworld.co.uk
** NEDC correlated
DRIVEN_Volvo_S60_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:53 Page 1
DRIVEN
Volvo S60 Far from just being the salon version of the V60, the S60 has much more to offer, says Martyn Collins To those not in the know, the S60 appears to just be the saloon version of Volvo’s mid-size estate, the very likeable V60. Dig deeper and the S60 is in fact a landmark Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival. Why landmark, I hear you ask? Well, essentially it’s the first Volvo to be built at its US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. It is also the first Volvo model not to be offered with a diesel engine, instead the Swedish company will focus on petrol and petrol hybrid power. However, until the hybrid version arrives later this year, we will have to make do with the distinctly un-fleety, 250hp SR, 2.0-litre T5 petrol, here in first R-Design Edition trim. Still, in its current form, Volvo reckons this V60 will appeal to the fleet driver who perhaps doesn’t have to drive so far for the company; motorway warriors need not apply! Outside, think scaled-down S90 with added aggression thanks to the sharp exterior detailing of the S60’s design. It’s another great-looking Volvo. Inside, there’s more of the same minimalist interior design that Volvo has become
SECTOR Compact Executive
known for since the rebirth of its range. This also equals, in my opinion, some of the most comfortable and supportive sports seats in the class, plus a multi-adjustable driving position and adequate space in the back for two passengers. Not to mention a generous 442-litre boot. Does the US-built S60 feel as wellput together as our Swedish-made V60 long-termer? Annoying dashboard rattle on our launch car aside, I couldn’t spot or feel any difference. In £37,920 R-Design Edition trim you’re not left wanting for more kit as, on top of the already generous standard specification, this launch trim adds a rear-view camera, smartphone integration, Pilot Assist driver assistance technology and adaptive cruise control. Volvo predicts the R-Design Plus trim, upon which this model is based, will account for up to 80% of all UK sales. On the road, in expected best-selling T5 petrol turbo form, the S60 isn’t short of performance. Acceleration to 62mph takes just 6.5 seconds, yet despite its pace it has CO2 emissions of 152g/km and a WLTP combined economy figure of 35.3-39.9mpg. To make the most of the performance, even in Dynamic mode, I found it best to wake this 2.0-litre turbo engine by
PRICE £37,920 FUEL 35.3–39.9mpg* CO2 152g/km**
engaging manual mode and flicking the small and subtle steering wheelmounted paddles. Volvo also makes great claims for the improved dynamics of the S60, and it’s definitely the sharpest new Volvo in the toolbox. It may not be a BMW 3 Series, but body control and grip is excellent, plus the steering is well-weighted with a reasonable amount of feel. Ride-wise, those standard 19-inch alloys might look the part but they probably add a firmer edge to what is a generally comfortable drive.
THE LOWDOWN KEY FLEET MODEL S60 T5 R-DESIGN EDITION STRENGTHS KEEN DRIVE, DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY WEAKNESSES ONLY THE T5 PETROL UNTIL HYBRID ARRIVES NO DIESEL OPTION PLANNED
THE VERDIcT The most dynamic Volvo yet isn’t quite up to BMW levels of involvement, but it looks great and drives well. Will the lack of engine choice count against it?
RATING *WLTP **NEDC Correlated
028 • fleetworld.co.uk
ADVTL_SEAT_FW_June19_v3.qxp_Layout 1 07/06/2019 11:30 Page 1
NO MORE GREY AREAS What you need to know to manage the risk of your ‘grey fleet’. Managing your ‘grey fleet’ 2018 saw the introduction of the WLTP testing regime, and the resulting change in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures. These developments resulted in further rises in company car taxation, which is increasing year-on-year. With all these changes, some employees are questioning the value of a company car. Allowing company car drivers to use their own [private] vehicle for business use, or a ‘grey fleet’ policy, can provide an alternative solution. However, adoption of this policy does not absolve the company or the fleet manager from their duty of care responsibilities. So, you want to operate a ‘grey fleet’ policy, but do you have the correct legal framework in place to support this? According to the Department for Transport, over a quarter of road traffic accidents involve someone who is driving for work. Every vehicle – when driven on company business – is still considered a place of work, so health and safety rules still apply. Therefore, an employer’s legal obligation extends to include employees in their own vehicles while at work, so that they don’t suffer unreasonable or foreseeable harm or loss. Consequently, employees’ own vehicles must be treated in the same way that company cars and drivers are treated.
How to have an effective ‘grey fleet’ policy... Put someone in charge > Assign ‘grey fleet’ responsibility to a member of staff, to increase policy accountability. Establish a policy > Ensure everyone knows what is expected and that the policy includes safety guidelines plus a code of conduct. Conduct a risk assessment > Review employees’ driving records, to identify those who could benefit from driver training. In addition, look at how long employees are spending behind the wheel. Driver training can help make sure ‘grey fleet’ drivers are aware of company expectations while driving for business. Fit to drive? > Driver licence and documentation checking should be the norm – take particular care that vehicles have the correct business insurance in place, and that MOTs are current if the vehicle is over three years old. Safe to drive? > Encourage drivers to carry out periodic checks for tyre pressures and tread depth, oil and fluid levels, condition of wiper blades and functioning of lights. These checks should be performed with the same frequency as required of company vehicles. Also, provide clear guidelines to drivers regarding mobile phone usage. Setting limits > Make sure that you set timetables and journey times that don’t require drivers to exceed speed limits.
Supporting fleet operators SEAT achieved huge growth in true fleet sales last year – 27% up on the previous year. This growth, which came as the sector shrunk by 8% in a period of unprecedented change in the fleet industry, means the brand has been the fastest growing manufacturer in the sector for the past two years. Aside from an awardwinning model range, SEAT is dedicated to making life easier for increasingly under-pressure fleet managers and is working hard to help its customers respond to emerging challenges. This includes launching an extensive fleet management section of its website (www.seat.co.uk/fleet-cars/business/fleetcost-calculators.html), which includes informative and useful content on current topics like ‘grey fleet’ and writing down allowances. In addition, SEAT is also working on a range of self-help tools, so total cost of ownership and company car tax can be calculated; plus ‘car or cash’ tools to help employees evaluate the benefit of taking a company car – instead of a cash allowance. To help with a final decision, businesses can benefit from SEAT’s award-winning, extended 4-Day Test Drive, to help find an appropriate solution for their fleet operations.
To find out how SEAT Business could help your enterprise achieve more: w www.seat.co.uk/business t 0800 975 7844 e support@gfbcseat.co.uk
Every vehicle – when driven on company business – is considered a place of work, so health and safety rules still apply. Brought to you by
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CHANGING HABITS THE EMERGENCE OF FLEXIBLE MOBILITY IS PROMISING CONVENIENT, COST-EFFECTIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO THE TRADITIONAL FLEET. ALEX GRANT FINDS OUT HOW WELL TODAY’S SERVICES STACK UP FOR BUSINESS USERS. >>
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CHANGING HABITS... R
eports of the demise of private transport are, it seems, exaggerated. Department for Transport data shows British motorists are travelling 50% further annually than they were 45 years ago, with the majority of business mileage and journeys still undertaken in cars and vans – almost unchanged during the last decade. Despite growing concerns about climate change, drivers are as unwilling to reduce vehicle usage today as they were in 2011, when the DfT started asking them. So it’s no surprise that the UK’s vehicle parc is growing. Standing at 38.2 million licensed vehicles in Q4 2018, there are 10.6 million more (+39%) on the roads than 20 years ago, with cars (+8.2m) and light commercial vehicles (+1.7m) accounting for the majority of that increase. Nor is it surprising to discover delays per mile are growing steadily as the vehicle population rises. Traffic data analytical company INRIX claims congestion cost the UK almost £8bn in 2018 – an average of £1,317 per driver. The problem isn’t new, but the oftenhyped potential solution is an emerging one; a suite of flexible, seamless, multi-
Multi-modal route planning smartphone apps are becoming more popular.
032 • fleetworld.co.uk
modal mobility. Intelligent travel solutions which offer an alternative to vehicle ownership, claiming to cut congestion, improve air quality and boost productivity. The UK Government has earmarked £90m to establish four ‘Future Mobility Zones’, piloting solutions with end-users, and outlined mediumterm plans to cut dependence on cars and vans in a strategic report earlier this year. Consumers are already familiar with ‘on-demand’ services; now could be the time for fleets to take notice. Mobility as a Service For business or private travel, convenience is the car’s major selling point. So, alternatives have to be user-friendly to gain traction. Businesses can already encourage employees to use public transport, but these journeys typically include multiple suppliers and complicated route-planning – which is where ‘Mobility as a Service’ (MaaS) steps in. MaaS brings all available travel modes together. Enabled by widespread connectivity, it offers route-planning via multiple suppliers’ timetables, overlaid with historical and real-time data
IN NUMBERS 8.2m more cars and 1.7m more commercials than 20 years ago Congestion costs the UK almost £8bn in 2018 - an average of £1,317 per driver UK Government has earmarked £90m to establish four ‘Future Mobility Zones’
and requiring only a single payment. According to Yovav Meydad, chief growth and marketing officer at Moovit, a multi-modal route-planning smartphone app, this not only benefits end-users, but offers quicker improvements for cities than investing in road infrastructure. “A city that offers MaaS to its citizens takes a very active and responsible role
Businesses can already encourage employees to use public transport, but these journeys typically include multiple suppliers and complicated route-planning – which is where ‘Mobility as a Service’ (MaaS) steps in.
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Businesses can already encourage employees to use public transport, but these journeys typically include multiple supplier and complicated route planning... Transport alternatives have to be userfriendly to gain traction.
in creating a society where car ownership is no longer needed,” he says. “This will result in healthier, safer, cleaner, greener cities that are less congested.” However, this is in its infancy in the UK. In March, the House of Commons Transport Committee published its response to last year’s call for evidence on how such schemes could be implemented. Local and national government support would, it said, be vital for bringing this data together. ACFO, which was among the organisations that presented evidence, sees mobility as a way for fleets to keep track of how their employees move and for technology to advise on the right method. But, it added, today’s solutions need work. “ACFO has seen numerous apps, for journey planning and ticket holding, from various business travel agents, as well as apps for recording and the submitting of expenses,” says former chairman, John Pryor. “But the ability of a company to join them together is ‘fairly rare’. Consequently, the support of government towards a more integrated system will help businesses adapt and manage their mobility needs more effectively.” Matt Dale, head of consultancy at ALD Automotive, which is offering bespoke ‘Mobility Experience’ consultations for businesses looking at travel solutions beyond the traditional fleet, also advises caution. “What we’re
seeing is a lot of Mobility-on-Demand. If you scratch Mobility-on-Demand you have taxis and public transport. What we’re seeing with some of these is it’s cheaper to book your own train than it is through the app. We are working towards MaaS, but it’s not there yet.” New ways of working The landscape is moving quickly, and nascent technology isn’t an excuse to stand still. Europcar Mobility Group research, conducted last year, showed only 39% of fleet managers review their travel policies annually, while almost 10% said they either don’t review it or don’t know how often they do so. Yet employees’ behaviour as consumers means resistance to change might not be as big as it once was. “Vehicle travel and the company car is not so engrained in the psyche of younger employees today as it was in yesteryear,” says ICFM director, Peter Eldridge. “Companies could look to set a mobility budget for each employee that will influence the mode of transport they take, based on a range of factors including fitness-for-purpose, cost, convenience and safety. Employees will be able to access travel options via their own portal, make bookings and keep track of their budget.” So the onus is on operators. The Energy Saving Trust advises organisations to develop a ‘travel hierarchy’ for
employees – a flow chart or website outlining the available options, potentially including web conferencing to avoid travelling at all. This not only reduces ad-hoc grey fleet journeys, but it ensures employees are using the most time and cost-efficient modes. Some forward-thinking fleets are negotiating discounts with public transport operators or have mileage policies in place to incentivise drivers out of their cars. But the UK has a lot to learn, according to Craig Grant, head of mobility services at Alphabet UK: “In the Netherlands and some other European countries, Alphabet provides employees of corporate customers with a ‘mobility budget’, allowing them to choose the mode of mobility that best suits their needs – which could be a car lease, public transport travel card or even a cash payment, if they choose active forms of travel like walking or cycling. But this budget has to cover all their business mobility costs, meaning they can’t then expense a train trip if they’ve spent all of their mobility budget on a company car,” he says. “Ultimately it comes down to mindset and senior-level buy-in. For those businesses that can align the various stakeholders and get key decision-makers to collaborate, then you can move towards an understanding of your business’s true mobility costs, both in money and in employee time.” >>
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In association with
>> The case for Cars and Vans Consumer familiarity with ‘on-demand’ services doesn’t necessarily translate into business use. End-to-end journeys can often be substituted, but multi-stop trips are still problematic, as Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, highlights. “Our experience of the concept of mobility management is that it is something that is frequently discussed across the industry but that very little is yet happening in the real world,” he says. “This is not to say that we won’t move closer to a mobility model over time, but that businesses don’t seem ready or able to make that move in large numbers at the moment. Everyone can see the potential but the price in terms of infrastructure investment and lost efficiency makes genuine change difficult to achieve.” It’s a view shared by Ashley Barnett, head of consultancy at Lex Autolease, who says the company’s customer forums haven’t reflected widespread interest in the alternatives yet. Cars and vans might not be the cheapest option, but – particularly outside urban environments – operators are prepared to pay for that convenience, he continues. “In the context of the country’s full fleet size, it’s difficult to see shared
It’s worth noting that fleets are well placed to be contributors to the mobility ecosystem rather than just being users.
034 • fleetworld.co.uk
services competing with the practical benefits of having 24/7 access to a private vehicle. While we welcome the introduction of more alternative mobility solutions, we don’t anticipate they will become viable for business users in the short to medium term,” he explains. In the meantime, operators are taking a more flexible approach to sourcing their fleets, and suppliers are catering for that demand. Europcar Mobility Group now offers a suite spanning from its Europcar One platform, designed to provide access to shared and private hire vehicles and taxis for short-term users, through to Advantage which caters for longer-term car and van needs, without the ties of a traditional lease contract. Both offer an adaptable solution given that uncertain market conditions are driving a rise in grey fleet use. “I believe the current Benefit-in-Kind tax regime has much to do with this changing trend,” says Peter Crabtree, corporate sales director at Europcar Mobility Group. “It has created an environment where employer control of transport options is diminishing. Where given the choice, more employees are going for ‘cash4car’, and this takes the oversight away from the employer.” David Brennan, CEO at Nexus Vehicle
Rental, has a similar viewpoint. The company says the ability to react quickly to new requirements, or new challenges, is proving desirable. “Ongoing market uncertainty means business customers spanning all industries are increasingly reluctant to invest in depreciating assets and long-term contract hires. Flexible usership, on the other hand, provides a mobility solution that offers some protection in the short and medium term,” he says. It’s worth noting that fleets are well placed to be contributors to the mobility ecosystem rather than just being users. The Drivy service, for example, allows businesses as well as private individuals to share and make an income from their vehicles when they would otherwise be idle, including keyless handovers via an app. It means those who are still dependent on vehicles can at least contribute to, and benefit from, what is still a developing market. Fleet management is set to change rapidly over the next decade, as new technologies enable richer data and easier use of alternative travel modes. But, while usage of vehicles will change, tomorrow’s mobility managers are likely to be just as responsible for a fleet of cars as their present-day counterparts.
The rise in employees opTing To Take cash raTher Than company cars has led To a growing reliance on higher-co2 grey fleeT cars, conflicTing wiTh The governmenT’s emissions TargeTs. marTyn collins asks The major funders abouT how Their own cash or car schemes are Tackling eco and risk issues and also asks The fleeT experTs for advice on managing cash Takers...
ald auTomoTive ALDSelect is ALD Automotive’s new fully digital employee car scheme for corporate customers, designed as a complementary, low-admin proposition alongside traditional company car schemes. The new scheme is designed to run alongside traditional company car schemes, enabling HR and reward/benefits professionals to provide a car scheme to all their employees including grey fleet drivers and even those with no existing car allowance. In essence it supports organisations’ staff recruitment and retention efforts by giving them access to new, safer and greener cars at competitive prices. More impressive is that the whole process, from searching to managing, can all be done online – at the office or at home using a PC or smartphone.
50 505
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££550 £50
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ALDSelect starts with an online search and quote; which are provided in real time, personalised to each driver and saved for comparison. Employees can also apply for credit via the website, select maintenance if they require it, and once they have chosen, they are given a quick credit decision. Once ordered, employees can then track the progress of their order via their dashboard, e-sign their documents, pay and set up a direct debit, all online. It operates in a completely different way to salary sacrifice; ALDSelect uses manufacturer discounts and competitive finance to give employees a highly valued perk, but with no financial commitment or administrative requirements by the employer. This agreement is only between the employee and ALD Automotive; a key benefit for employers. It also vitally reduces the environmental impact of the grey fleet by
putting drivers in newer, safer and more efficient vehicles. Ian Turner, ALD Automotive’s sales director, explained: “We are very excited to be able to offer a fully digital all employee car benefit scheme in ALDSelect. We know that employees will love having direct access to savings and competitive finance on new cars, and employers can benefit from offering all their employees a car scheme.” >>
This agreement is only between the employee and ALD Automotive; a key benefit for employers.
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>> EUROPCAR MOBILITY GROUP UK The rise in drivers opting for cash allowances, Europcar Mobility Group believes, is as a result of heavier Benefit-in-Kind taxes leading to a growing reliance on grey fleet, which is in direct conflict with the Government’s emissions targets. Peter Crabtree, corporate sales director, comments: “Europcar Mobility Group UK recently commissioned research of fleet decision-makers, which found 29% said up to a quarter of staff have opted for cash allowance, while 26-50% have gone this route, for nearly a quarter of companies. Ultimately, this leads to increased use of grey fleet and nearly half of companies said that almost a third (30%) of employees use their own car for business journeys.” With the average age of a grey fleet vehicle standing at 8.2 years as per BVRLA research, such vehicles not only present risks by lacking modern safety equipment – and possibly business-use insurance and MOT certification – but they’re also potentially far higher polluting. According to figures, an estimated 12bn miles are travelled in grey fleet vehicles each year, emitting 3.5m tonnes of CO2. And then there’s mileage reimbursement costs too. “One way to overcome this is to integrate a range of mobility solutions that offer viable alternatives to cash for cars, for both employees and businesses into a one-stop business travel platform,” says Crabtree. “If journey optimisation is an integrated component of a multi-modal mobility service, businesses and their travellers can choose the best travel option for every journey.” Employers can also help staff manage their own cash allowance budget by recommending solutions that don’t necessarily tie them into a long-term contract, such as PCP. Europcar’s Long Term Flex is one such example and is claimed to be ideal for the cash allowance audience. Unlike traditional solutions, Europcar’s Long Term Flex offers 6-18 month contracts, has no large upfront payment and no exit penalty after six months.
036 • fleetworld.co.uk
“Cash for cars isn’t going to go away, so it’s vital for business productivity and profitability – and the wider environment – that fleet, business travel and mobility managers adopt new processes and policies to keep a control on grey fleet usage.”
mobility are around how often your vehicle assets are being employed, the number of people who can access them and ultimately the number of employee journeys which they are providing solutions for.”
ALPHABET
HITACHI CAPITAL VEHICLE SOLUTIONS
Another solution to the cash or car conundrum is Alphabet’s AlphaCity scheme. First launched in 2012, the forward-thinking scheme was intended to provide a more practical and costeffective alternative to both traditional pool cars as well as daily rental, taxis and grey fleet usage by enabling employers to set up their own, fully managed Car Sharing scheme. This can be accessed and booked by employees directly, via a user-friendly web portal and the costs automatically attributed to the relevant cost centre. Until last year, AlphaCity solely offered BMW Group vehicles but this was expanded into other carmakers and LCVs following a successful trial. The scheme has also seen increased take-up in usage of electric and hybrid vehicles. Average CO2 output for the entire AlphaCity fleet now stands at just over 100g/km and with the increase in take-up of electric and hybrid vehicles the expectation is that this will decrease further. Craig Grant, Alphabet’s head of mobility services, commented: “Shared mobility requires a mindset shift in the industry and with fleet decision makers; it’s not about the sheer number of vehicles you have on fleet, it’s about how you use them to deliver more mobility with less vehicles. The key questions for successful shared
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions’ managing director John Lawes believes that as an industry there is a large focus on the impact of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFV), but grey fleets are often left out of the conversation. “There are 14m grey fleet vehicles on the road, a figure that is only set to increase, so businesses need to seriously consider effective measures to manage their costs.” As such, he suggests customers with employees taking cash allowances should educate staff on the benefits of AFVs or implement grey fleet policies that encourage staff to use more environmentally friendly transport options – and can also help maintain lower costs. Lawes explains: “We regularly work with customers to help manage the impact of grey fleets and associated costs to their businesses, and find that considering car rentals, or an extension of the fleet beyond core company cars, can also be particularly wise choices. The benefit of migration to AFVs, he adds, should not be underestimated. The firm’s own research found that if all of Britain’s vans and HGVs were to switch to electricity, businesses could save around £14bn a year in fuel costs alone. “The first step to cost saving is a thorough evaluation of grey fleet and, from this, policies, controls and checks can be put in place to make sure there is a safe and compliant grey fleet in operation.” Lawes also warns that incoming Clean Air Zones (CAZs), including London’s ULEZ, could cause real issues for grey fleet too. “The BVLRA estimates that grey fleet vehicles are on average over eight years old and emit 152g/km CO2 emissions. [Diesel] engines that adhere to CAZ thresholds are at most just a couple of years old, so it’s likely that
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only a tiny proportion of these cars will qualify for CAZs. The vast majority will either need to be replaced, or the way that employees use their own cars will need to be revaluated.”
GREY FLEET SURVEY In association with
LEASEPLAN UK
$
To provide an alternative to unstructured cash allowances, LeasePlan has launched its ‘My Car Choices’ scheme; designed for corporate clients to use as part of their employee benefit and reward packages and similar in concept to ALD’s ALDSelect. A members-only, employer-endorsed web platform, it has been developed to provide customers’ employees with access to preferential rates on a wide range of brand-new cars from LeasePlan. Matthew Walters, head of consultancy and customer data services, explains: “This scheme offers the employee with a ‘cash taker’ mindset more choice, whilst giving the control back to the fleet manager, enabling them to ensure that a fleet policy is more detailed. As we move into a more emission-aware future, with the development of CAZs across our towns and cities, it’s important to ensure fleets are as up-to-date and therefore as environmentally friendly as possible.” Employees benefit from this scheme as, according to the firm, it offers great prices on a number of finance options, with tailored deals that often have shortened lead times. Offering peace of mind, it also includes full UK and European breakdown assistance, as well as routine servicing and fair wear-and tear-repairs. For employers, the scheme can bring numerous gains including enhancing employee retention and satisfaction without any implementation cost. LeasePlan also makes it simple to implement and manages the whole process, free of charge. The relationship is established directly with the employee, so the employer carries zero risk or liability. And by ensuring drivers are at the wheel of new cars, businesses can mitigate both the risks and the higher emissions involved with a traditional grey fleet.
1. How many vehicles do you have on your fleet? A) 1-30 B) 31-100 C) 101-300 D) 301+
7. Do you have policies to encourage staff to use cash allowances for green vehicles? A) Yes B) No
2. What is the composition of your fleet (%)? A) Job need ………….. % B) Perk vehicles …………. %
8. Have you changed your policy on Grey Fleet during the last five years? A) Yes B) No
3. Over the last five years, has your fleet… A) increased in size B) decreased in size C) stayed the same size And why? ……………………………
9. If YES, are you offering any of the following alternatives? A) Pool vehicles B) Car sharing C) Short term rental D) Mobility credits
4. Does your organisation allow employees to use their own vehicles (aka. Grey Fleet vehicles) for company business? A) Yes B) No
10. If NO, which of these would you be interested in implementing over the next two years? A) Pool vehicles B) Car sharing C) Short term rental D) Mobility credits
5. Does your organisation offer cash allowances for employees to choose vehicles outside the company car scheme? A) Yes B) No 6. If YES, has the number of cash allowances offered on your fleet over the last five years… A) Increased B) Decreased C) Stayed the same Name ......................................................................
Are you considering moving to or offering a Personal Contract Hire scheme to your employees? A) Definitely B) Possibly C) No 11. What processes, policies and procedures do you have in place to control cost and reduce risks? ……………………………......................... Job Title ......................................................................
Company ............................................................ Email ................................................................................
Please fill in the GREY FLEET survey by post to: Fleet World, 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ, or online at www.fleetworld.co.uk or by phone 01727 739160... fleetworld.co.uk • 037
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NEWS > INTERVIEWS > WHITE PAPERS > CASE STUDIES The latest news, interviews, case studies, white papers and a host of other features from the very best fleet suppliers
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SWOT_BMW-X2_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:55 Page 1
SWOT BMW X2 Our expert panel analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the X2, BMW’s attractive mix of coupé and compact SUV.
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
AC The X2 is different to many SUVs on the market and much better to drive. It may be lower than the X1, but it is still a very practical family car and interior space is still generally very good.
AC When you look at the rivals here, the BMW is around £3,500 to £4,000 more, which is quite a gap, so you would really have to want the BMW to make the choice.
AC It does offer something different for those who don’t want a full-size SUV. However, because of the higher list price, it would be an emotional decision rather than a financial one.
AC To many the X1 will be the better choice as it is cheaper and more practical; I guess that BMW is relying on X2 customers wanting something a little different and willing to pay slightly more for it.
GA Styling might not appeal to all – the low roof line may put some people off. There’s the X1 in that case.
GA There's no doubt that the sporty styling and driving characteristics will appeal to users who would maybe shy away from the X1 and some of the more conventional competitors.
GA Dynamically great as you may expect from BMW. The interior is very ‘premium’ and combined with a sporty driving position, it makes for a very compelling drive. MJ Great alternative to a conventional SUV – a true crossover – with a low driving position. Good load space area. Dynamic with familiar BMW feel, comfortable and high quality. MW Styling certainly has the ‘wow’ factor. It has great lines, a fantastic silhouette, and has those all-important turbine badges.
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MJ Sporty Coupé styling means reduced rear space. Centre touchscreen is responsive, but a bit shallow. Strangely, it has Apple Car Play but not Android Auto. MW The X2 is really an SUV, but BMW has called it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), and it’s probably right. This will cause confusion again over the naming and badging. Also, is there just a bit too much plastic cladding under the doors – or will it help protect the bodywork?
MJ BMW's X range sales continue to grow. The X2 is another opportunity and should attract buyers not yet ready for a full-fat SUV. MW The X2 will certainly open doors for new customers who want those BMW badges (an extra two now) plus want the practicality of this SAV, but don’t want to go into full-blown SUVs such as X1 or X3.
GA This is a highly competitive segment, with lots of strong competition – particularly from the other German manufacturers along with Jaguar and Volvo. There is certainly lots of choice. MJ Smaller SUVs used to be rather unexciting, but the competitors here mean that X2 faces some good competition, albeit more conventional. MW Are there any real threats for this group of vehicles? Probably not, but the X2 could be accused of simply filling a gap between the X1 and X3, with no real need for it.
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Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer relationship manager, Cap
BMW X2
Gavin Amos (GA) Global valuation director Global Analytic Services
Strengths AC Interior is well laid out. GA The interior is very ‘premium’ and combined with a sporty driving position. MJ Good level of standard equipment. MW It sits perfectly in the range and will be appealing to many.
Strengths
Audi Q3 35 2.0 TDI 150
AC Not the most fun to drive. GA Not involving to drive. MJ Looks too much like the prior generation. MW The Q3 really cannot do anything wrong, but again, like the rest of the range, Audi’s new badging is confusing.
Strengths
Jaguar E-Pace 2.0D 150 R-Dynamic
AC Dynamic drive and looks great. GA Refined and good dynamics. MJ Compact, spacious and practical. MW The right size and it looks like a Jaguar.
Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £575
AC CO2 levels and interior not the best. GA Often overlooked by buyers. MJ Feels heavy, some plastics hard, Digital display set low. MW The Jaguar’s badging is confusing, some think that E means Electric, but it’s the ‘I’ that is electric.
OTR: £37,145 Standard equipment: P11D: £36,235 • DAB, BT, USB Fuel: 39.4mpg • Climate Control CO2: 158g/km • Touch Pro 10.0-inch RV*: £19,585 (45.95%) touchscreen BiK: 37% • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto SMR: £2,633 • LED driving lights Fuel costs: £9,220 • Cruise control Insurance: £4,011 Finance: £4,892 Optional equipment: NI: £5,550 • Metallic paint £640 VED: £1,145 Cost per month: £1,308
Strengths
Volvo XC40 D3 150 R-Design
Weaknesses
AC Great standard spec. GA Premium feel inside. MJ Comfortable, good ride. MW Looks great, drives well.
Weaknesses AC Not the most fun dynamically. GA Could still be overlooked against its competitors. MJ Engine harsh under acceleration. MW The XC40 is good looking, but potential buyers don’t like the look of the rear C-pillar. It is just too big and chunky in their opinion.
*3 year/60K
Standard equipment: • DAB, BT, USB • Climate Control • MMI with sat nav and 10.1 inch touchscreen • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • LED driving lights • Cruise control
OTR: £33,985 P11D: £33,720 Fuel: 48.7mpg CO2: 127g/km RV*: £14,650 (39.48%) BiK: 32% SMR: £3,078 Fuel costs: £7,459 Insurance: £4,155 Finance: £5,010 NI: £5,172 VED: £500 Cost per month: £1,226
Weaknesses
VOLVO XC40
BMW X2 xDrive 18d M Sport
AC Many say it is style over substance. GA Styling will not appeal to all, maybe the X1 would be a better choice? MJ Dash is as X1, no rival to 3 Series. MW The X1 and X3 have most things covered.
AC Interior quality second to none. GA Badge remains desirable. MJ Good handling. Comfortable highquality interior. MW The latest Q3 is handsome.
JAGUAR E-PACE
Andy Cutler (AC) UK car editor, forecast values Glass’s
OTR: £37,375 Standard equipment: P11D: £37,110 • DAB, BT, USB Fuel: 48.7mpg • Climate Control CO2: 127g/km • 6.5-inch central screen RV*: £14,650 (39.48%) • Sat nav BiK: 33% • LED daytime running lights SMR: £3,078 • Remote central locking Fuel costs: £7,459 Insurance: £4,155 Optional equipment: Finance: £5,010 • Metallic paint £550 NI: £5,172 VED: £500 Cost per month: £1,330
Weaknesses
AUDI Q3
Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KwiKcarcost
OTR: £34,085 P11D: £33,500 Fuel: 47.1mpg CO2: 131g/km RV*: £14,850 (44.33%) BiK: 34% SMR: £2,800 Fuel costs: £7,713 Insurance: £3,561 Finance: £4,523 NI: £4,808 VED: £820 Cost per month: £1,193
Standard equipment: • DAB, BT, USB • Front/rear parking sensors • Climate control • 9.0-inch touchscreen • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto • LED foglights with cornering function • City Safety pack Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £575
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MATHS_Cost Management_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:57 Page 1
FLEET FINANCE
COST MANAGEMENT IN A PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY
IF YOU DON’T BENCHMARK YOUR FLEET COSTS ALREADY, NOW’S A PERFECT TIME TO START, SAYS PROFESSOR COLIN TOURICK.
T
he Brexit process has been messy and we are in a period of uncertainty that will probably last for a long time, because even if we do manage to exit the EU in an orderly fashion we will still have to negotiate a trade deal, which could take years to finalise. So spare a thought for those people in leasing companies who have to set residual values. Is the sluggish economy about to take off or crash? How might that affect the price of used cars in 3-4 years? Making the wrong call will harm their business, and this uncertainty must be making them particularly cautious, leading to lower RVs and higher rentals for their clients. Does your company have a view on the likely effect of Brexit on the UK
042 • fleetworld.co.uk
economy? If you’re fairly optimistic you may well be more optimistic than the RV-setters in your leasing company. In which case now might be a good time to consider switching from contract hire to finance lease to fund your fleet, so that you’ll pay for the actual cost of your cars over the next few years, rather than costs predicted, when so much is up in the air. Changing tack now, let’s talk about another way you might save costs; benchmarking – comparing supply costs across several companies. Your company may already check the cost of raw materials, photocopies, gas and electricity charges and so on, but most fleet managers don’t benchmark their fleet costs. It has been relegated to the
‘too difficult for now’ pile, which is understandable for several reasons. First, it would be impossible to find another fleet having exactly the same mix of models, vehicle ages and mileages as yours, let alone multiple fleets to provide a large population against which to compare costs. Also, two identical cars of the same age and mileage will show different costs if one is overdue a scheduled service or just had a new set of tyres (maybe because it’s used off-road a lot). And each vehicle model on your fleet is at a different stage in its product lifecycle: if a model is too early in its lifecycle there will be few costs to benchmark and if it is about to be discontinued there’s little point in benchmarking
MATHS_Cost Management_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 13:58 Page 2
because it will be too late to save costs by dropping an expensive model from the fleet list. So quite a lot of ‘cost benchmarking’ in the industry involves comparing actual costs with leasing companies’ or data providers’ cost predictions, which is fine, but it would be better to have real-time historic cost data to measure against. So, given these difficulties, what costs can you benchmark? Perhaps the easiest cost to benchmark is fuel cost. You can easily compare your actual fuel cost per mile against the manufacturer’s specification and your fuel card company’s data. You will quickly identify individual cars where mpg is lower than expected, and you can then investigate the reasons for this. (You suspect it’s this particular driver’s heavy right foot? Fit a telematics unit to measure the G-forces and average driving speed.) If you have several similar or identical cars on your fleet you can also
Most fleet managers don’t benchmark their fleet costs. It has been relegated to the ‘too difficult for now’ pile, which is understandable for several reasons.
benchmark mpg across all of those cars. The best mpg is 15% higher than the worst? What can you do to get the worst up to the best? Next let’s consider service, maintenance and repair costs. If your leasing
deal covers SMR costs you can probably skip the next paragraph but if you pay your own costs, perhaps through an ‘actual cost’ deal with your leasing company, read on. You have one car that has driven, say, 32,000 miles in the 26 months since it was added to the fleet, and SMR has cost £1,900 to date. How can you know if that’s reasonable or high? You have three sources of data to benchmark against. First, if you have several other identical models on your fleet of similar ages and mileages you can compare the costs and spot the variances. If not, your leasing company should be able to supply that data. They probably have enough examples of that model of a similar age and mileage and can tell you how much they have spent to date on SMR. And if they don’t have that data you can ask a data company to supply it. They’re in the business of predicting SMR costs and they assemble these by looking at costs likely to be incurred at each stage of a vehicle’s life, so they should be able to provide you with good data against which to benchmark SMR costs to date. Next let’s consider how you might benchmark the lease rentals you are paying. Each leasing company is going to be more expensive than the market average on some models and less expensive on others. By and large it’s a bad idea to go seeking the cheapest rental in the market every time you add a new vehicle to the fleet (you’ll be bogged down with admin, have multiple leasing agreements to manage and you’ll find it hard to manage pooled mileage) but if your leasing company is consistently more expensive than others you need to know this, even if just to allow you to have an informed discussion with them. Perhaps the best way to benchmark your lease rentals is by enlisting the help of a lease broker. They have access to multiple suppliers’ prices and for a modest fee may well be prepared to carry out an occasional cost-comparison exercise for you. Benchmarking isn’t a panacea. Whilst it might highlight cost differences that allow you to go back to your supplier and beat them up on price, a more constructive approach is to see what other insights it delivers. Why does that car seem to be costing more than others of the same model on our fleet? That model is very similar to these, so why is its mpg so low in comparison or its SMR cost so high? This type of analysis can help you make broader fleet decisions such as which vehicles to put onto your fleet, how long to run them for and which vehicles to use for which type of role.
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MASTERCLASS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:10 Page 1
Daily rental & car sharing
Implementing plug-in vehicles with confidence
Delivering the best customer experience in MaaS/TaaS scenarios
With the increased focus on air quality and more Clean Air Zones coming into effect, now is the time to start planning and implementing plug-in vehicle policies. But where do you start? What sort of vehicle will work for your business? How do you charge them and ensure drivers use them properly? The switch to plugin can be daunting with many things to think about, but it doesn’t need to be a problem, so long as you plan it properly. Possibly one of the most important things is to run a proper vehicle trial before implementation and not just take a vehicle on a quick test drive. Think about vehicle charging (which could include home, business and even client based chargers). Ensure that your fleet policy is updated to meet the needs of a plug-in fleet and don’t forget to include reimbursement for home chargers where necessary. ALD has advised and supported many customers with trials, but before we did that we ran a trial ourselves. After all, how can your provider supply you with knowledge and experience if they haven’t experienced it themselves? Speak to the consultancy team at ALD for more information...
Delivering the best customer experience is one of the key elements mobility providers must strive to address. Customers are savvy and competition is tough. Business people, employees and consumers of all categories want to organise their transport needs quickly, easily and reliably - whether booking vehicles, accessing account or product information, or making payments - wherever and whenever they want, even if that’s 3am in a hotel lobby! Self-service apps are the best way for mobility providers to fulfil this need so customers can access what they want using their smart phone or tablet while on the move. Done well, this is also a key way to differentiate service provision by delivering a better experience right to the customer’s fingertips through their device of choice. • Increase market propositions and maximise return on your assets Alongside a Driver and Inspections app, Bynx is continuing to develop its portfolio of self-service apps, plus a mobility module that allows for utilisation, management and tracking of vehicle assets in sharing and pooling environments. This offers far better utilisation than would otherwise be possible as vehicles can be made available to drivers with charges levied on a per use basis across any number of MaaS or TaaS offerings.
www.aldautomotive.co.uk 03700 011 181
www.bynx.com sales@bynx.com
Should fleet managers be switching to electric and hybrid vehicles? With ambitious Government targets that will see at least half of new cars being ultra-low emission by 2030, if not already doing so, managers should be planning to include electric and hybrid vehicles within their fleets. This can give rise to questions such as ‘How much do electric and hybrid vehicles cost to purchase, fuel and maintain when compared to petrol and diesel’? Fleet Management Software such as FleetWave can prove invaluable in aiding the transition towards electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition, integrated fleet fuel management systems provide detailed visibility of accumulated fuel costs and fuel economy performance (MPG, L/100Km). Environmental impact reporting tools generate real-world CO2 emission reports, eco-ratings and fuel analysis comparisons of whole life costs of fleet vehicles and fuel types. They also provide comparisons of real-world emissions versus the manufacturer’s figures. Initial higher purchase prices of an electric or hybrid vehicles can be recouped through lower maintenance and running costs, making them an economically comparable choice to petrol and diesel. The ability to auto-update with the latest government emission labels and sort company vehicles into categories for more complex fuel and emission reporting ensures that companies comply with legislation. sales@chevinfleet.co.uk 0177 382 1992
044 • fleetworld.co.uk
MASTERCLASS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:10 Page 2
Our panel of leading suppliers helps you get the most out of your fleet...
It's time for your fleet to go green With electric vehicles offering an increasingly clear positive return on investment, lowering overheads by radically reducing fuel costs and opening up opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of a business, it’s almost surprising that uptake hasn’t been even more rapid than it has been. Looking at what’s holding firms back from making the switch, one key aspect may be that electric vehicles (EVs) don’t operate in terms of some well-established ways of thinking about and working with internal combustion-based vehicles. The result is a new set of pain points that fleets have to solve for: availability of charging points, anxiety over vehicle range, and a different logistical framework for vehicle maintenance. Geotab’s telematics solution combines a leading data collection device with a world-class analysis platform to help offset those pain points, making it easier to monitor Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) performance, to understand charging as well as to use real-time state of charge data to dispatch the right vehicles. Applied to an existing fleet, it can also show in clear terms how much of a fleet can be effectively electrified today, and what needs to change to complete that project in the future. www.geotab.co.uk 03469 527 2407
Helping you to prepare for an electric future The adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is on the rise with new technology, environmental initiatives and benefit-in-kind advantages, this trend will only continue. When you start looking to adopt EVs into your fleet; primarily they have to deliver your operational objectives. To achieve this, it is important to analyse your drivers’ fleet profiles using telematics data and fleet reporting to gain an insight into their journeys, mileage undertaken and fuel usage. This will provide you with a clear understanding of the requirements for new vehicles thus allowing you to make an informed choice. Whilst immediately switching all vehicles to electric may seem like the practical financial decision due to government incentives and BiK advantages; it is also important to remember that diesel can still be the most cost effective option for employees carrying out significant mileage. JCT600 VLS sees EVs as part of the ‘blend’ of fleet, but not the whole answer - not yet anyway. They can be seen as an opportunity to make savings by diversifying your fleet and future proofing your company’s fleet development. Using whole life cost modelling, data capture and analysis - JCT600 VLS can guide you through this; enabling you to source the right vehicles for your business that deliver operationally, environmentally and financially.
www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk sales@jct600.co.uk
In-life repairs and refurbishment for EV/Hybrid vehicles
New Insight telematics platform from Trakm8
When EV/hybrid vehicles are part of your fleet, it is important to have an in-life repair and refurbishment partner who understands the associated issues of complex car technology, electronics and changes in body architecture. Our approach, as one of the UK’s leading vehicle refurbishment companies, is to invest in the latest equipment and training to help our people keep pace with today’s fast-moving technological advances: 412 employees have taken hybrid training courses to date with more in the pipeline so that we are ready for this change in the vehicle park. Our unique in-house training academy ensures our technicians have all the skills and knowledge they need to keep fleets moving via our network of state-of-the-art technical centres in Wiltshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Scotland. We recently rolledout an innovative Rapid In-Life Repair service resulting in shorter turnaround times and reduced costs for fleet operators, ensuring vehicles are back on the road as quickly as possible. We also offer a wide range of end-of-life services including inspections, repairs and refurbishment, enabling our customers to unlock the value of every vehicle being de-fleeted. Our expertise extends from traditional petrol/diesel cars to hybrid and electric vehicles and from wheelchair-accessible cars to vans. www.smartfleetsolutions.com
Trakm8 Insight is a unique and highly-customisable telematics and business intelligence platform. User-friendly dashboards display data on the metrics which matter to you the most, such as realtime location, driver behaviour, and vehicle health and maintenance information. Alternatively you can easily build your own dashboards for a personalised overview of your fleet. Insight’s comprehensive reporting suite includes time sheets, expenses, league tables, journey details, and vehicle status. Our user friendly, step-by-step report builder enables you to build personalised reports to deliver data in the way you want it packaged. Insight integrates fully with Trakm8’s award-winning RH600 telematics camera, which is already established with major fleets such as Iceland Foods and Calor Gas. The RH600 combines full telematics capabilities with the additional benefits of vehicle cameras, including live-streaming of footage over the 4G network. The RH600 is proven to cut accident rates by up to 39 per cent and incidences of speeding by up to 35 per cent. It can also cut fuel expenditure by up to 10 per cent. Trakm8 is adding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to the RH600, which include the ability to monitor distracted driving or driver drowsiness as well as collision warnings and tailgating alerts.
www.trakm8.com info@trakm8.com 0330 311 5157
fleetworld.co.uk • 045
MASTERCLASS_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:12 Page 3
Daily rental & car sharing
Our panel of leading suppliers helps you get the most out of your fleet...
Electric and Hybrid vehicles are the future for fleets
How to overcome barriers to adopting electric vehicles on policy
According to recent reports, they are expected to become dominant in 89% of fleets before the end of the next decade. Making your existing fleet lower-emitting needn’t be daunting and there are a multitude of benefits a fleet of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) can deliver, including: • Saving drivers and employers Tax and NI – with Benefit in Kind brackets starting at just 2% from April 2020, drivers and employers could make substantial savings • Reducing fuel costs* with savings of up to £1,000 per year for drivers, and with company car mileage at just 4p/mile for electric vehicles, it’s another saving for employers too • They’re environmentally-friendly – it helps reduce the company’s carbon footprint (though Tusker cars are all carbonneutral, this is definitely another positive) • ULEVs are cheaper to service, cost less in road tax and don’t attract ULEZ or Congestion Charges With one of the UK’s 22,000 charging points every 3.8 miles** and electric cars now able to do over 250 miles on a single charge, electric vehicles are now more accessible than ever before. Tusker have over 150 ULEVs available. Get in touch today to find out how we could help save you money while you help save the environment. www.tuskerdirect.com 0333 400 1010
Is your driver policy fit for purpose? We recommend including sections on eligibility and fuel reimbursement to minimise risk to your company. Guides informing drivers of charging responsibilities, workplace charging and how to achieve maximum efficiency will also help to ease the transition by making these decisions before an electric vehicle (EV) is added on to the fleet. Eligibility is also important. Whilst employees may complete a lot of annual miles, when considering electric, daily travel is the key factor. Do you know which populations may suit electric now? It may be more than you think. Moving to a whole life cost policy and trapping all fuel costs is crucial to show how fuel and NI savings can overcome the higher funding cost of an EV. Finally, consider broader policy in scheme design, such as allowing employees to trade up to an EV. The lower BiK that an EV attracts plus the trade up payment may be lower than the BiK of their current diesel car whilst being cost neutral for you.
*dependent on the type of car chosen
Contact our friendly team today: 0344 848 9311 oneteam@zenith.co.uk www.zentih.co.uk
**on average. zapmap.co.uk
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LTT_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:04 Page 1
FLEET FIRST REPORT
MAZDA CX-5 Sport Nav+ 150PS 2WD
P11d/BiK: £29,635 (33%) MPG/CO2: 49.6mpg* / 128g/km** Test MPG: 43mpg
MAZDA’S mainstream SUV, the CX-5 was updated last year, with revisions to the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine and an increase in active safety equipment. There are 10 models on offer, with 165hp petrol or 150 and 184hp diesel engines, along with manual and automatic transmissions. All-wheel drive only comes with the 184hp diesel, so our 150hp model is front-driven and we’ve
opted for a manual gearbox. The trim choice is equally straightforward, with SE-L Nav+, the midgrade Sport Nav+ trim that we have here and a range-topping GT Sport Nav+ available. All three come with a generous specification and the only option box that we have ticked is pearlescent paint (£560). Standard safety kit now includes Traffic Sign Recognition, Radar Cruise
Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Cross alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. We’ll report back on the effectiveness of this comprehensive line-up in future issues. However, initial impressions make it easy to understand why this is Mazda UK’s best-selling car. Dan Gilkes
JAGUAR XF R-SPORT D180 AWD P11d/BiK: £40,925 (36%) MPG/CO2: 44.1-40.2mpg* / 144g/km** Test MPG: 41mpg
OF late, I’ve found myself behind the wheel of many different cars from low budget to upper premium, from saloons to SUVs and hatchbacks. However, each time I return to the Jaguar I’m genuinely impressed by the way it drives, which is something that can all too easily be overlooked if taking one out for a five-minute spin from the showroom. It’s comfortable, smooth, quiet and rapid in equal measure. Similarly easy to understate is its engine. In a powerobsessed world, the 180 horses might not strike you as all that much to push along the XF’s 1,696kg bulk, but it’s the 430Nm torque number that raises an eyebrow. Criticise diesel all you like, but there’s no denying the fuel’s turning force is second only to an electric motor and facilitates the XF’s flexible do-it-all-and-do-it-well approach. As such, the XF has become the go-to family car for all occasions. It’s at home whether going to the shops, the recycling centre or a red carpet – the latter enhanced by our car’s 19-inch gloss black alloys (£1,255 option). Meanwhile, the heated and cooled front seats have been
well worth the £540, ensuring bottoms have been kept at the right temperature no matter what the fickle weather has thrown at us. Jonathan Musk *WLTP
** NEDC correlated
fleetworld.co.uk • 047
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FLEET FIRST REPORT MERCEDES-BENZ A 200 AMG Line P11d/BiK: £28,705 (25%) MPG/CO2: 42.2-47.9*mpg/136g/km** Test MPG: 38.2mpg
DESPITE the almost ubiquity of SUVs of all sizes these days, the humble hatchback is still, as the kids say, a thing. Carmakers are producing new generations of faithful old models – especially in the profitable premium sector, where we’re due a new BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 this year. Mercedes-Benz has stolen a march on its German rivals, however, by launching its third-generation A-Class last year. The A-Class is one of Merc’s most important fleet cars, so it’s a prime candidate for a Fleet World long-term test, providing a useful benchmark of the segment as we await its rivals. When discussing the specification with Mercedes, it emerged that the first tranche of orders for the new A-Class resulted in petrol cars being the most popular among fleet buyers, so we’ve opted for an A 200 model, powered by a 1.4-litre, 163hp unit, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. First impressions are that it’s a bit revhungry, with a penchant for holding on to the gears for longer than you’d expect (or want). This is especially noticeable around town and, as a result, fuel economy isn’t great. However, we’ve managed to take the A-Class on a few longer motorways runs and been able to get 49mpg, which is better than the official (WLTP) fuel consumption figure. We’re interested to see how this develops. Indeed, there already seems to be a strong argument to see the A-Class as two cars, with the ride quality also having
a form of duality. On a motorway run, it's very comfortable, soaking up expansion joints, for example: in town, however, the low-slung chassis doesn’t like speed humps, requiring slowing down to just over 10mph if you want to avoid that tell-tale scaping sound. And there are lots of speed humps where I live in south-west London. The A-Class’s fleet tenure is already proving to be very interesting. Craig Thomas
FINAL REPORT SEAT ARONA 1.0TSI FR Sport 115PS P11d/BiK: £21,435 (23%) MPG/CO2: 48.7mpg* / 114g/km** Test MPG: 53.1mpg
SO our SEAT Arona has now dosed up on steroids and morphed into an all-new sevenseat Tarraco. The Arona’s big brother is the new kid on the block but it’s clear there’s a common DNA running through SEAT’s awardwinning model range these days. Apart from the obvious first-world problem of not being able to fit into such compact parking spaces despite the Tarraco’s rear camera upgrade over the Arona, the main thing will be to remember to grab the diesel pump each time. The Arona’s brilliant 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine gave faultless service, 50mpg+ economy and was perfectly suited to the car. I’m expecting similar fuel efficiency from the Tarraco, which arguably offers a little more comfort and certainly more useable space. The Arona – evidenced by a colleague ordering one as a personal car, and positive feedback from FW readers – is a very agreeable way to travel. Sure, there were times when more space was needed, but that’s where SEAT, with the Ateca and new Tarraco, has the bases covered. Luke Wikner
048 • fleetworld.co.uk
LTT_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 14:06 Page 3
AUDI A6 AVANT 40 TDI S line S tronic P11d/BiK: £43,210 (32%) MPG/CO2: 60.1mpg* / 129g/km** Test MPG: 43.2mpg
HONDA CIVIC 1.6 i-DTEC EX Manual hatchback P11d/BiK: £24,750 (23%) MPG/CO2: 61.4mpg* / 93g/km** Test MPG: 47.3mpg
LAST month we analysed the worth of the optional extras fitted to the exterior of our A6 Avant – now it’s time to look at the interior options. We were quite restrained in speccing our Audi, although the three interior extras added nearly £4,400 to the price. The biggest expense was the £1,895 ‘comfort and sound pack’, which offers 360° parking cameras, upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo, interior LED light pack and keyless entry and go. While the parking cameras are incredibly useful, they alone are not worth the price of this
option pack (plus you get keyless go and parking assistance as standard). Is the £1,495 technology pack (upgraded MMI navigation, virtual cockpit and wireless mobile phone charging) worth the outlay? Yes, simply because it makes a driver’s life easier – important if the car is being used as an office on wheels. Finally, the £1,000 leather seating upgrade? Probably not. The standard part-leather/ Alcantara seats are fine, although opting for the lighter grey colour scheme does lift the predominantly black cabin. Julian Kirk
ALPHACITY VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 CDTi SRi Nav Bookings: 12 Mileage: 20,858 Test MPG: 51.7mpg
THE team had another early start this week, heading off to Belgium for a day of visiting clients and more than a little sampling of the local chocolate shops. Luckily, our trusted AlphaCity steed was on hand to get us to the airport on time, with the comfortable interior and quiet engine making the 4am start a little more bearable. The sat nav guided us on time and without incident to Heathrow airport; the clear and concise audio directions and visual display helping to ease the early morning brain fog. On the return leg, and after a long day, the Astra’s nippiness got us home nice and quickly, but retained a safe and sturdy feel as we battered rain and wind down the M25. All round, the Astra is a pleasant, responsive car that will get
you from A to B, doing exactly what it says on the tin. Hayley Everett
IT may be a divisive subject but the Civic’s looks have struck a chord with me right from the start – and it’s been enhanced by having seen a number of other ones in car parks of late. One area where I blow hot and cold though is the infotainment system; there’s so much functionality there but some things, such as changing the volume, are hard to do on the move, although the steering wheel controls help with this. I remain a fan of the sat nav system. It’s easy and quick to programme, the graphics are sublimely clear and there’s a wealth of extra functionality there, from a ‘Where am I?’ tool – which provides location details in case of emergency and includes hospitals, police stations and fuel – to detailed fuel information and spend once programmed with a few details, and even a mileage reporting function. I’ve also discovered the EcoChallenge feature that rates you on driving style through a number of parameters, including overall, current and braking scores and a chart of the last 30 minutes. And the Civic even shows me how much space is left on my USB stick. All in all, very fleet driver friendly. Natalie Middleton *WLTP
** NEDC correlated
fleetworld.co.uk • 049
LTT_FW_June19.qxp 07/06/2019 17:00 Page 4
FLEET ŠKODA KAROQ SE L 1.5-LITRE TSI 150PS P11d/BiK: £24,370 (30%) MPG/CO2: 39.2-35.8mpg* / 128g/km** Test MPG: 39.0mpg
I’M not normally one to get taken in by brand-building exercises or snappy slogans thought up by a marketing department, but Škoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ is one I can relate to. I’ve mentioned last month about the value of the common sense additions dotted around the car – the ‘mobile boot dividers’ specifically – but on a general level, the Karoq is a very capable, yet straightforward vehicle. For example, in a world seemingly intent on maximising efficiency, I’m delighted to report that this five-seater comfortably transported five people on a c.600-mile trip to Tenby and back in the Easter holidays. A deceptively huge boot ensured luggage for five was packed in with ease, while there were few complaints from the junior Challens (apart from being hungry – not much the Karoq could do about that) on the four/five-hour journeys to/from Wales. I’ve always said that a family doesn’t NEED a seven-seater and the Karoq proves the point. Something else that surprises a lot of people is the level of standard equipment – the clear and effective rear view camera being one such item. Many passengers are surprised to see it in this type of vehicle, but it’s just another feather in the Karoq’s cap. John Challen
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV 4hS P11d/BiK: £41,965 (16%) MPG/CO2: 139mpg* / 40.3g/km** Test MPG/MPkWh: 54.0mpg/2.8mpkWh
THE Outlander PHEV might just have the world’s best navigation system on board, but it’s not Mitsubishi’s own. There’s no expensive built-in option, so the touchscreen offers turn-by-turn directions from a range of Android or Apple-compatible smartphone apps. Waze is my current go-to. It’s a brave move on an expensive car,
but I've long wondered why manufacturers try to offer alternatives. Waze is free, the maps are updated daily by other users (instead of manually via an SD card) and I get live warnings about hazards and traffic for more accurate route-planning too. I suspect this is the start of a trend. Alex Grant
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY electric vehicle charging Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com
ev cOntract hire, leaSing & Finance GKL Electric Leasing Greener Fleet Consultancy Tel: 01844 852252 www.evcarleasing.co.uk
Lex Autolease
Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk
Arnold Clark Vehicle Management
Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com/electric-vehicles
Driver licence checKing
Licence Bureau Tel: 01442 430980 www.licencebureau.co.uk
driver licence checking Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com
Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.licence2check.co.uk
*WLTP
** NEDC correlated
TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk
050 • fleetworld.co.uk
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_FW_June19.qxp_SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 06/06/2019 17:18 Page 2
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY cOnTracT Hire, leasing & finance ALD Automotive Tel: 0370 00 111 81 www.aldautomotive.co.uk
Venson Automotive Solutions Tel: 08444 991402 www.venson.com
sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com
Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk
dailY renTal
risk managemenT
fleeT managemenT sOfTware
Alphabet (GB) Limited Tel: 0370 50 50 100 www.alphabet.co.uk
Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550 www.thrifty.co.uk
DriveTech (UK) Ltd Tel: 01256 610907 www.drivetech.co.uk
Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com
Lex Autolease Tel: 0344 824 0115 www.lexautolease.co.uk
Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.
GKL Leasing Tailor Made Contracts Tel: 01246 572181 or 01844 852000 www.gkluk.com
Sofico NV Europcar Mobility Group UK Tel: 0871 384 0140 www.europcar.co.uk/business
Tel: +3292018040 Tel: 01905 887884 www.bespokedrivertraining.com help@bespokedrivertraining.com
Zenith Tel: 0344 848 9327 www.zenith.co.uk
Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com
Fourways Vehicle Solutions Tel: 0344 8000 385 www.fvsl.co.uk
daysfleet.com
www.soficoservices.com
Jaama Tel: 0844 8484 333 www.jaama.co.uk
Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Arnold Clark Vehicle Management
0845 2172 608
Tel: 01484 551060 www.edriving.com
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TH THE CE H ACNHGA EN G YE O UY RO B U S I N E S SS UR B U S I ND EDSEESREVREV E S NESS ESS DES ERVE BUSI OUR S GE Y CHAN THE
Chevin Fleet Solutions Tel: 01773 821 992 www.chevinfleet.com
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Nexus Vehicle Rental 0871 984 1947 www.nexusrental.co.uk
Fleet Operations Ltd Tel: 0844 567 8000 www.fleetoperations.co.uk
fleeT insurance fuel managemenT euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell
fuelGenie Tel: 0345 371 2490 www.fuelgenie.co.uk
insureFLEET Tel: 0333 202 3133 www.insurefleet.com
Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.
fleeT cOnsulTancY
claims managemenT
PVS Ltd Tel: 01278 550270 www.puddyvsolutions.co.uk
Opus claim solutions ltd 01905 641664
asseT prOTecTiOn and recOVerY
accidenT managemenT
CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com
Promote your company here and online for just £500/year.
www.opus.claims
Selsia Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk
TMC Tel: 01270 525 218
For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk EV FLEET WORLD Tel: 01727 739160 www.evfleetworld.co.uk
www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk
smr Autoserve Limited Tel: 0121 521 3500 www.autoserve.co.uk
TelemaTics & Tracking Telogis Tel: 0203 005 8805 www.telogis.co.uk
The Fuelcard Company Tel: 0845 073 0873 www.fuelcards.co.uk
TomTom Telematics Tel: 0208 822 3605 www.tomtom.com/telematics
www.quartix.net
VeHicle ccTV & safeTY
Tel: 0870 013 6663 BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk
Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 0333 358 3488 www.airmaxremote.com
Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk
Teletrac Navman Tel: 0345 604 8813 www.teletracnavman.co.uk www.navmanwireless.co.uk
Parksafe Automotive Tel: 01773 746591 www.parksafeautomotive.com fleetworld.co.uk • 051
WE ARE ALL MADE OF WILD.
NEW JEEP® COMPASS
FROM UP TO 23,185 MPG 47.9 BIK 30%FROM P11D £FROM CO2 128g/km
NEW JEEP® RENEGADE
FROM UP TO 23,240 MPG 48.7 BIK 30%FROM P11D £FROM CO2 129g/km
NEW JEEP® COMPASS AND RENEGADE. BORN TO BE WILD. For more information contact our business centre on 0808 168 5840 or visit Jeep.co.uk/fleet OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE JEEP® RANGE MPG (L/100KM) COMBINED: 48.7 (5.8) TO 25.0 (11.3). CO2 EMISSIONS: 213 TO 128 G/KM. Fuel consumption figures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO 2 figures, based on the outgoing test cycle, will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not refl ect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fi tted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
16008_JEEP_Compass_MADE_TO_BE_WILD_297x210_COMBO_BIK_FleetWorld_1.0.indd 1
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