Fleet World March 2017

THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES SALOON.

BMW Fleet & Business Sales

35240_p009 G30 Coverwrap_Fleet World_v11.indd 1

The Ultimate Driving Machine

22/02/2017 16:55

AMBITION RAISED.

The result of the ambition to push the limits of what’s possible, the game-changing new BMW 5 Series delivers impressive efficiency and a wealth of pioneering features.

THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES PLUG-IN HYBRID SALOON. The new BMW 5 Series range now includes an innovative plug-in hybrid model, which runs up to 29 miles purely in electric mode, yet offering CO2 emissions as low as 46g/km*. Intelligently blending the power delivered by the petrol engine and the electric motor, the new BMW 530e iPerformance Saloon achieves impressive performance and efficiency while retaining the luxury you would expect from the iconic BMW 5 Series.

Standard equipment BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation 10.25" touchscreen sensitive display Park Distance Control, front and rear Multi-functional leather instrument panel Real Time Traffic Information

mpg

CO2 46g/km*

29 miles (electric range)

141.2* (combined)

BMW Emergency Call BMW Online Services BMW Teleservices

bmw.co.uk/5SeriesiPerformance

35240_p009 G30 Coverwrap_Fleet World_v11.indd 2

22/02/2017 16:57

FRONT COVER_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 16:03 Page 1

March 2017

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Reality check Will the new testing regime reflect real-world fuel economy?

Tested Volkswagen Golf Honda Civic

LUXURY REDEFINED How the cutting-edge new BMW 5 Series and Tesla Model X will change your fleet forever

2017 HONOURS Recognising the best in the world of fleet

AWARDS ISSUE fleetworld.co.uk

CONTENTS_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 19:37 Page 1

contents 12

A look at the possible PSA / GM deal.

03/03/2017 16:03 Page 1

March 2017

16

Mike Potter of FleetDrive Electric on the future for EVs.

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

Reality check Will the new testing regime reflect real-world fuel economy?

Tested Volkswagen Golf Honda Civic

LUXURY REDEFINED How the cutting-edge new BMW 5 Series and Tesla Model X will change your fleet forever

2017 HONOURS Recognising the best in the world of fleet

AWARDS ISSUE fleetworld.co.uk

35

Behind the wheel of the latest Golf.

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

43 Celebrating the very best in the world of fleet.

Sales Executives Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Dan Desta daniel@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

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

VAN FLEETW RLD

73

55

Don’t forget to register online for this year’s Fleet Show 2017.

LCV News, plus...

DRIVEN: Citroën Relay.

INTERVIEW: Nick Axtell of Volkswagen.

LCV Telematics.

STAG Publications

®

To subscribe to Fleet World visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2015 18,052

fleetworld.co.uk / 03

ALEX_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:47 Page 1

fleetreview Editor Alex Grant fights the corner of diesel, underlines what great products and services the fleet industry has to offer and asks if you’ve signed up for Fleet Show 2017...

Defending diesel Another month, another slew of bad news about diesel engines. Scrappage schemes and reduced urban access might be targeted at older vehicles, but badlyreported quotes suggesting the government thinks we should avoid diesel altogether is an effective way to hurt consumer confidence and shake residual values for a technology fleets rely on.

Of course businesses and consumers should shop carefully, and of course diesel shouldn’t be viewed as a one-size-fits-all-solution. There are some fantastic alternatives – hybrids, plug-ins and even conventional petrol models – on the market. But equally it’s not always possible to avoid it, and some corners of the media would be well-advised not to stir up unnecessary hysteria about it.

After all, the fleet sector is continuing to lead the way on CO2. SMMT data showed a 120.1g/km CO2 average for new cars in 2016, but the BVRLA’s new registrations averaged 110.8g/km. Businesses have responded to the call to cut carbon, and made long-term commitments to do so. Diesel isn’t a silver bullet, it never has been, but it also shouldn’t be dismissed as a component of that downward trend.

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

In your honours We had a fantastic response to this year’s Fleet World Honours, with a large volume of entries for the innovation categories and a calibre high enough to make the final decisions very tough in many cases.

It’s always interesting to find out what forward-thinking companies are up to, and it’s a reminder of how quickly our industry is evolving. Not just on the car manufacturer side but among suppliers too – utilising new technology and creating synergies to give better data and make life easier for fleets. You can find out more in our Honours coverage, which starts on pg.43.

Fleet Show 2017: have you registered?

Have you registered for this year’s Fleet Show at Silverstone? Our new registration system went live at the start of March, and it’s already looking like a record-breaking event with over 500 attendees signing up in the first 24 hours of the website being open. It’s shaping up to be bigger than ever.

The show takes place on 10 May, at the iconic Silverstone Wing, and it’s free to attend. It’s become a key date in the fleet calendar, with scores of suppliers, seminars and networking opportunities to make it worth the trip, not to mention the opportunity to experience this year’s most important vehicles for the first time. Check out thefleetshow.co.uk to sign up.

What will be your memorable moment at Silverstone this year?

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

Register online now at

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

thefleetshow.co.uk

10TH MAY 2017

FORD NEWS_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 16:00 Page 1

Ford NEWS

inbrief Ford to star at the NEC

Ford to showcase most comprehensive commercial vehicle range ever at CV Show FORD is showcasing its most comprehensive-ever commercial vehicle range at the CV Show next month, including Transit and Transit Custom vans with new six-speed automatic transmission.

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

It is the first time an automatic transmission option has been offered on current generation Transit (including Double Cab in Van and single chassis cab models) and Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom.

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

The enhanced convenience and comfort it offers customers in predominantly urban drive cycles will appeal particularly to multi-drop delivery – including parcel and supermarket groceries - and courier fleets.

The transmission is optimised for maximum fuel efficiency, with CO2 emissions from 174g/km on Transit Custom, and is electronically-controlled for smooth and quick gear changes, with typical shift times of less than half a second.

Auto-Start-Stop and 16-inch wheels are standard; the transmission is tuned for commercial vehicle usage, with an on-demand electric pump to maintain transmission pressure so that the driver can pull away quickly as soon as the engine has restarted.

The automatic transaxle, which has a torque capacity of over 415Nm, has already been proven on powerful front-wheel drive vehicles in North America.

Ford’s CV team will also be on hand to talk to fleets about the fourth generation All Wheel Drive in Transit models powered by the EcoBlue engine.

Ford One Stop Shop Luton Van and Box Van NEW Ford One Stop Shop front-wheel drive Luton Van and Box Van models with 4.1m and 3.5m internal body lengths are now available on Transit L3 and L4 chassis cabs and offer up to 19.8 cu m of load space.

They are additional to existing rear-wheel drive and double rear-wheel drive models, and provide the benefits of greater payload of up to 224kg, together with improved fuel efficiency and CO2 by virtue of lower kerbweights.

The front-wheel drive powertrain also means customers can specify automatic transmission on the all-new 2.0-litre TDCi EcoBlue 130PS engine.

Both the Luton Van and Box Van are built using polyester/foam-core panels, meaning they are durable and robust enough to cope with the harsh use meted out in multi-drop distribution, while still being capable of carrying an outstanding payload.

They have a choice of 130PS TDCi engines with manual or automatic transmission and 170PS TDCi diesel with manual transmission.

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

Ford News Feature // 05

FORD’s imposing stand in Hall 5 at the NEC will display a dozen vehicles on each of the three days of the CV Show, which runs from 2527 April, and there will be many more on convertor and bodybuilder stands around the show.

The Transits scheduled for display are a van, a Double Cab in Van, 11-seat bus, an AWD double cab dropside and a fully-kitted mobile service van - in a combination of L2, L3 and L4 wheelbases.

The three Transit Customs on the stand will be a van, a Double Cab in Van and a Custom Tourneo with six-speed automatic transmission.

Passenger-carrying variants of Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models with the EcoBlue diesel engine can now be specified with factory-fitted rear air suspension. It is ideal for shuttle and executive travel applications where passenger and luggage loading can vary by as much as one tonne.

One of the two Transit Connect vans on the stand will feature Ford’s new slimline bulkhead, which allows easier side access.

Both L1 and L2 models will be displayed, one with manual transmission and the other automatic.

Also on the stand will be a Ford Courier van and a Ford Ranger pickup.

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:49 Page 1

inbusiness New cars Range Rover Velar ositioned between the Evoque and Sport, the Range Rover Velar will rival sportier SUVs such as the Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan. It’s longer and narrower than the Jaguar, with which it shares a platform, and includes four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox across the range. Pricing starts at £44,830 OTR for the 142g/km, 180bhp diesel.

P

in brief 1.1mpg The reduction in fuel economy for every extra 100kg of weight on board, according to Emissions Analytics.

E-Class named UK Car of the Year

DS 7 Crossback S Automobiles will launch its first SUV in Spring 2019, aimed at taking sales from the premium crossover segment. The DS 7 Crossback is around the same size as a Mazda CX-5, and will aim to lure drivers out of other premium brands. Engines include 130bhp and 180bhp diesels, and a petrol plug-in hybrid offering a 37-mile electric range.

D

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon has claimed the top honour at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017.

Already named as the Best Executive Car, the E-Class has now triumphed over other sector winners to take the overall title, with the Volvo V90 and Jaguar F-Pace finishing in joint second place, while Hyundai’s Ioniq and the Ford Focus RS came joint third.

ALD Automotive to get stock market floatation French financial services group Société Générale is planning to float its ALD Automotive vehicle leasing subsidiary on the stock market this year.

Announced in its latest quarterly financial information, the group would dispose of a limited stake in what has been a wholly-owned subsidiary, but still retain overall control.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross itsubishi is also filling niches; the Eclipse Cross puts the carmaker up against the Nissan Qashqai class, while filling a gap between the ASX and Outlander. At launch, there will be a choice of 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, and 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines, the latter fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

M

06 / fleetworld.co.uk

SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

CONNECTING & TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY INTRODUCING THE NEW ONLINE FINE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION THAT PROCESSES YOUR FLEET FINES IN A FLASH

CURRENT PROCESS STEP 1 Fine issued via post

STEP 2 Open the post

NEW PROCESS STEP 1 Sign up to Fleet Fine Online

STEP 2 Find something else to do.

STEP 5 And repeat.

fines and creates a streamlined communication between issuing authorities and fleets; delivering faster processing, saving time and money.

T: 0800 122 3008

Process the fine

Send response to Issuing Authority

system that eliminates the onerous paper trail of

CONTACT US

STEP 3 STEP 4

Fleet Fine Online is a digital fines management

NO MORE DATA INPUTTING.

E: info@fleetfineonline.com www.fleetfineonline.com

NO MORE PAPER. NO MORE POST. NO MORE ESCALATED FINES.

Brought to you by All Fleet Services, the UK’s leading outsourced contact centre and administration solutions provider for the fleet and automotive industry.

BUSINESS_NEWS_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:51 Page 2

inbusiness Lack of driver eco awareness costing fleets millions

in brief

leets are missing out on millions of pounds in fuel savings every day by not ensuring their drivers know how to get the best mileage out of their car, according to TMC. The firm’s analysis of mileage returns and fuel purchases relating to 2,300 cars, covering popular fleet models, found some drivers get over 40mpg more than others from identical cars.

Models featuring ‘eco’ technologies such as auto stop/start are particularly sensitive to the way they are driven, leading to a potential £5,000 difference in fuel cost over three years between drivers in identical cars.

Mobile phone penalties double

F

UK bill to address autonomous car insurance

Drivers using their mobile phones now face tougher penalties as the Government looks to crack down on an ‘epidemic’ of handheld phone use. The fixed penalty for being caught using a handheld phone is now six penalty points and a £200 fine while first-time offenders will no longer be able to go on a remedial course.

New flexible mini-lease scheme Activa Contracts has developed a new Rental Plus solution to provide a flexible mini-lease solution. The programme enables firms to hire cars and vans for 84 days or more and return them at any time without penalty charges.

TrakM8 aims to curb driver smartphone use he Government has set out new insurance proposals for self-driving cars as part of the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill.

It proposes a single insurance product covering autonomous vehicles for both the motorist when they are driving and the car when it is in automated mode.

However, if the vehicle’s owner has made unauthorised changes to the car’s software or not installed a required policy update, then they become liable. Under the plans, the DfT would determine which cars are classed as self-driving.

T

TrakM8 has launched a solution which can block drivers from using smartphones while the vehicle is moving. CellControl uses an in-cab device, paired with an app, to restrict access to calls, texts, social media and music, and logs attempts to use them while driving.

Emergency calls are unaffected.

trading places

out

in

in

Peter Lambert retires from Kwik Fit Fleet Kwik Fit GB fleet director Peter Lambert is to retire after almost seven years in the role, and more than 30 years working in the UK motor industry.

His retirement sees the recruitment of Andy Fern as fleet sales director and the promotion of Simon Lucas to the newly created position of customer support director.

New additions to Vauxhall senior fleet team Vauxhall has made two new appointments to its senior fleet team, with Tim White named national fleet sales manager while Steve Beattie becomes national contract hire and leasing manager.

Both bring extensive experiencewith Vauxhall and join the brand as it ramps up for five major product launches in 2017.

Vincent St Claire becomes Fleet Assist MD Fleet Assist has promoted Vincent St Claire to the post of managing director.

The move will see St Claire share responsibility for the long-term strategic development of the business with fellow board members and co-founders Mike Smith and Simon English as they take a step back from their day-to-day roles.

08 / fleetworld.co.uk

BUSINESS_News Analysis_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:48 Page 1

inbusiness

An arranged marriage The French PSA Group is currently negotiating to buy GM’s European business, including Vauxhall. Julian Kirk looks at what the deal may bring to both parties.

A Franco-German power struggle, an awkward British arm and a pushy American… no, not the newspaper headlines but rather the strange situation currently being played out as PSA Group looks to buy the European arm of GM. In what many analysts agree is a strange decision, PSA (Peugeot, Citroën and DS) wants to buy GM Europe (Opel and Vauxhall) as it aims to close the gap on Volkswagen - the biggest car manufacturer in Europe.

Why strange? Because both groups inhabit that same lower-margin, mass volume market and - aside from DS - neither can be argued to have aspirational brand appeal or a USP in one particular area. However, PSA chief executive Carlos Tavares has cash to spend after taking drastic costcutting measures since he took the helm of the French giant three years ago. With investment from the French state and China’s Dongfeng Motor, Tavares has closed factories in France, slashed costs and, in the most recent company accounts, returned an 18% jump in profits.

If the deal were to go through, it would result in a combined group operating 28 production sites across nine European markets. It would target annual sales of five million vehicles (the two groups delivered 4.3 million vehicles between them in 2016) and would make significant cost savings due to synergies between them.

that was unwound in 2013 with the sale of GM's stake in PSA. The fruits of this collaboration include platform sharing between the Peugeot 3008 and the Vauxhall/Opel Grandland X, while the alliance also produces the Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall/Opel Combo small vans.

Vauxhall’s future…

As the awkward off-shoot to the main European action, Vauxhall remains a key GM employer with two manufacturing bases in Ellesmere Port (Astra) and Luton (Vivaro), plus its central functions, amounting to around 5,000 people between them. Vauxhall also supports 23,000 jobs in its dealer network and 7,000 in its supply chain.

While Tavares has pledged to honour GM Europe production plans (including Astra at Ellesmere Port until the end of the decade) the longer term plan is unclear.

Following a meeting with Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, a statement released on behalf of Tavares said: “He (Tavares) explained that performance is paramount for the longevity of a company in a very challenging environment”, and went on to state that discussions were about “the possibility for a new direction that could transform its current difficult situation and bring long-term success for Vauxhall.”

And on a wider scale, the impact upon industry as the Brexit negotiations rumble on remains unclear.

Challenges Much like the process of Brexit, the path to a potential merger is littered with interested parties - chief among these are the unions in France and Germany, anxious to protect jobs as the countries prepare for general elections in April and September respectively.

One key issue is the supposed ‘black hole’ in the GM Europe pension scheme – a potential shortfall of up to $8 billion. This could significantly affect the value GM puts on its European business, or even scupper the sale completely.

Indeed, such is the concern over this figure that some analysts are suggesting the merger will not happen; instead the two groups will increase their co-operation on developing small cars and engines.

GM and PSA already share production of SUVs and small vans, a hangover from a previous attempt to forge an alliance

12 / fleetworld.co.uk

GM Europe’s losses General Motors is keen to exit Europe, having failed to make a profit since 1999, and has racked up more than $8 billion in losses since 2010 alone.

Often referred to as the ‘thorn in the side’ of GM, the European arm has fallen victim to currency fluctuations and reduced demand across its product line-up thanks to attacks from both sides – vastly improved offerings from marques such as Kia and Hyundai as well as premium brands muscling in on its volume patch, helped by their superior wholelife cost propositions.

The sale would all but end GM’s involvement in Europe – it has already drastically reined in its Chevrolet operation, which is now focused on selling Camaro and Corvette muscle cars in limited numbers.

BUSINESS_Q&A_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:54 Page 1

inbusiness

Q &A Appointed in January, Suzuki’s new head of fleet, Graeme Jenkins, is tasked with doubling the size of the brand’s corporate sales in the UK. And it’s all about playing to its strengths, he tells Alex Grant.

How did Suzuki perform during 2016, and what contribution did fleet make? Where do you want to be by the end of 2017?

Last year we did just over 38,000 cars, so a record year for Suzuki. Of those around 5,000 were some form of fleet or business, including around 2,000 in Motability.

The business requirement is for sales in fleet to go up to 7,500 units this year. Ultimately we need to get to 10,000 cars [in fleet], which will assist Suzuki getting to its goal of 50,000 cars [total in the UK] over the next couple of years.

Which products do you see being the big growth areas in fleet?

Suzuki is known for being the maker of some fantastic small cars that appeal heavily to the retail market. For the first time in our history we’ve got four or five vehicles suitable for fleet; whether that’s the new Ignis, which will have appeal in the public sector, the new Swift which arrives in May, S-Cross and Vitara, or Baleno. All of those cars, in their own right, give us a lot of opportunity in segments Suzuki perhaps hasn’t tackled previously.

We have gone through a long process of deciding the right way to go to market to increase volumes, and we are investing heavily in getting the infrastructure right for the fleet team to go to market and help them reach the goals we want to achieve.

Whilst everyone knows the name Suzuki, what we need is for people to understand what it stands for.

What is it about our products that differentiate us from the competition. We believe there will be natural traction once people are aware of these cars, not just the upfront cost but the total cost of ownership that we can demonstrate as well.

Suzuki Ignis Appeal to both fleet and public sector

14 / fleetworld.co.uk

What are your priorities?

The first thing we’ll be doing is recruiting a contract hire and leasing manager. The projected growth [in fleet] will come from interacting with the major contract hire and leasing companies. That’s something that Suzuki hasn’t done historically, but the business has given significant resource to us being able to recruit that person. The process is under way so I would suggest ideally by the first of April or May. We will have a total team size of around eight people when we’ve got everyone on board. Myself as head of fleet, a cost of ownership manager, a contract hire and leasing manager to work with the top 10 or so leasing companies, and a marketing specialist in Michelle who works on the fleet side. Part of entering the fleet market is to raise the awareness of the brand, attending events and letting the market know that Suzuki is serious about fleet. We’re then backed up in the office with two fleet coordinators and two fleet administrators, so we have the resources, tools and products to make an impact in the fleet marketplace.

How big is your dealer network, and are you planning any fleet-specialist sites?

It’s about 150 [sites]. Natural evolution would suggest that we will have within our network a number of our partners who are keen to transact fleet business, and we will support them in those endeavours. So it is natural that we will progress to having some form of fleet dealerships.

Again, it’s not something you put together overnight.

It’s something we have to look at very carefully, taking into account profitability of our dealer partners, then put in place a programme to help them transact fleet business profitably.

What we need to understand is how much interest there is. A number of dealers are very keen to meet up, we’ve already got meetings arranged with group of dealers who represent the entire network to discuss these things. We’ll then be having a fleet launch to coincide with new Swift, to let the industry know what we’re doing.

ADVERTS_FWFS_2017_v2_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:20 Page 3

Jose Gonzalez becomes the first ever Grand Prix winner for Ferrari, in 1951 Ayrton Senna gets a taxi ride from victor Nigel Mansell in 1991 Emma Blaine finds a telematics solution that will transform her logistics business, at Fleet Show 2017 What will be your memorable moment at Silverstone this year?

et champion at fle a Be . ng ki or w et N overing.

Fleet Show 2017

Driving. Disc

Register online now at

thefleetshow.co.uk

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

10TH MAY 2017

EVNEWS_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:22 Page 1

Q &A

Mike Potter, managing director of FleetDrive Electric, discusses the changing role of EVs on fleets, and how to support the UK’s growing market for plug-ins.

How many vehicles do you have on the road?

What sort of businesses tend to be early adopters?

Fleetdrive Electric have been supporting and nurturing the adoption of ULEVs within the fleet sector since 2011. Our approach has developed over the last six years to enable us to train and educate a wide range of users and make the transition work – we now have almost 1,000 plug-in vehicles on the road and we are the only Go Ultra Low lease company based on our leasing fleet. There is no real pattern as to the type of businesses adopting EVs, although universities and green tech companies are more likely.

What concerns do fleets usually have?

And how do you alleviate these?

Our experience with clients has highlighted that a different approach is required to ICE vehicles. Businesses of all sizes, not just SMEs, are wary of the new technology. We developed a flexi-lease product to enable fleets to try for a few months, not just days, as this allows users to become comfortable with the change. Plug-in hybrids have been a useful tool for introducing the idea of electric motoring to fleet operators, but the significant benefits come from pure electric, not hybrids.

Adopting pure electric vehicles within a fleet is not a straightforward vehicle choice as refuelling takes place in a very different pattern. The most frequently asked questions we get from fleets are around charging equipment. For vehicles that go home this could not be simpler, with 95% of our existing users charging at home, overnight, in a similar way to a mobile phone – the user awakes to a full tank every morning. For workplaces, having electric vehicles means you have flexibility to fuel at work, or at convenient locations, whenever the vehicles are stationery for a period of time. With a network of over 900 rapid-chargers in the UK, charging is an issue that can, often quite easily, be overcome with an initial measure of forethought.

It’s quite understandable to be risk-averse when procuring for your company, but the evidence from fleets is that ULEVs

in the longer-term can lead to savings. This is what vehicle providers, such as ourselves, need to communicate to clients.

How has their role within fleets changed since 2011?

We are definitely moving more to a ‘business as usual’ approach for EVs, as opposed to early adopters who were using them for evaluation purposes. We have noticed a change in mood in the last 12 months with many more fleet managers looking to adopt where they can. Plug-in vehicles are increasingly becoming more ‘acceptable’ to fleets as a viable company car option, and less viewed as a novelty or eco statement. Interestingly, fleet users have been more reticent than personal leasing customers (which we serve though our DriveElectric consumer brand) where the uptake is moving far quicker.

And what steps would you like to see government take to help maintain and grow the ULEV market?

Support from OLEV is really good in the UK – the workplace charging grant is a very positive step forward as this can effectively double the range for a daily commute.

We do have a good network of public rapid-chargers but we still need more in towns and cities and fleet users need a more reliable option, with bookable charging slots and lower costs.

Petrol and diesel pumps are not subsidised, and the margin on fuel for retailers is very low, so the money is made from the retailing attached to the fuel station. This same model should be applied to EV charging in order for it to be sustainable.

The current grant mechanisms have resulted in assets that have no real business model to support them – perhaps a rebate per charge would be a more effective mechanism thus encouraging charger operators to drive traffic and charging sessions. Ideally retailers should be encouraged to provide charging as a way of attracting customers. An incentive scheme of this type from the government would provide a tremendous boost for ULEV uptake nationally.

We make EV charging smart business

Your people want electric vehicles But, how will you manage charging points, electricity, maintenance? How will you secure your investment?

We can help cut your costs We make reliable fleet hardware, like the dual Chago Wallbox. And our EV infrastructure solutions will drive down your costs.

For more on our products and services, contact Chago UK sales.

www.chago.com

Smart EV charging for fleet operators

EVNEWS_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 14:41 Page 2

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

Shell opens first hydrogen refuelling station in the UK S

hell has opened its first hydrogen refuelling station in the UK at its Cobham service station on the M25, the first of three planned by the end of the year.

The site will use an electrolyser, supplied by ITM Power, to produce the hydrogen on-site, separating the gas from water using electricity. Similar facilities are already live in California and Germany, where Shell is part of a joint venture targeting 400 hydrogen stations by 2023 – other sites across Continental Europe are under consideration.

Matthew Tipper, vice president, future fuels at Shell said: “Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and versatile transport fuel for the future, and the Cobham hydrogen site is one of the ways Shell is encouraging the use of alternative fuels to contribute to the energy transition. This will provide customers with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles the ability to refuel simply and quickly, at one of the largest petrol stations in the UK.”

Volkswagen predicts fleet growth for Golf GTE

in brief Morrisons deploys EV charging points Charge Your Car is commissioning charge points at 15 branches of Morrisons supermarkets across the UK onto the Charge Your Car network.

Carried out in partnership with Elektromotive, the installations are expected to be complete shortly, and will be accessible using the Charge Your Car RFID card and the network’s smartphone app.

Rolec EV enables easy payments Rolec EV has introduced a new electric vehicle charging pedestal which offers five different payment options. The AutoCharge EV solution caters for freeto-use, keyswitch, coins or tokens, RFID and smartphone apps, and is aimed at hosts looking to upgrade over time.

Streetlight charging points tested in London A trial of charging points integrated into street lighting has begun in the London boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea. The units are designed to cut infrastructure costs by utilising pre-installed electrical connections, and enable drivers without off-street parking to charge electric vehicles outside their homes. olkswagen is expecting increased take-up for the GTE plug-in hybrid version of the newly refreshed Golf, with price and CO2 changes luring drivers out of the GTD. The GTD is likely to remain the fleet best-seller, at around a fifth of volume, but the GTE’s £3,000 price cut, and CO2 emissions rising from 114g/km to 125g/km for the GTD are expected to make the former more interesting for businesses.

Joe Laurence, product manager for Golf at Volkswagen UK, said: “We have negotiated with the factory – we told them we will sell more GTEs if we can reduce the price. We want to get more fleets into the GTE and we think they will move because of the lower tax.” Laurence said that Volkswagen UK was looking at various ways of making the GTE more tempting to buyers, with one line of thinking being to offer a free home charging station.

in numbers

V

140 miles Range of the new Ford Focus Electric, 80% of which can be restored in 30 minutes.

Source: Ford

Peugeot launches electric MPV Peugeot is to launch an electric Partner Teepee MPV, offering a range of over 100 miles. The five-seater features two battery packs with a combined 22.5kWh capacity, and a removable rear bench offering up to 3,000 litres of luggage capacity.

£29,195

Start price for the Toyota Prius Plug-in – more than £2,000 less than its predecessor

Source: Toyota

fleetworld.co.uk / 17

GEEK_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:13 Page 1

g fleet e k

Flight 001 Go Clean The Go Clean range offers extensive packing solutions, with products designed to separate everything from high heels to wetsuits for easy organisation. The best-selling Gym Gear bag is made from heavyweight nylon material treated to trap odours, and expands to include a separate interior product to hold trainers or a damp swimming costume. Great for active business travellers.

Price: from £20 from www.selfridges.com

Anker Qi 10 Wireless Charging Pad Battery charge that barely lasts a working day is a recurring problem for most smartphone users. The Qi 10 provides a clever solution for desk-based workers with Android phones. When a handset is placed on the pad the battery is fast-charged using wireless technology, and the breathing LEDs indicate the level of charge, meaning messy cables can be left at home.

Price: £12 from www.anker.com

Fixeta ISOFIX case Fixeta is the first suitcase with ISOFIX anchoring, freeing up boot space and holding the case in a fixed position without the need for additional tethering – ideal for transporting fragile items. Dimensions are cabin luggage compliant, and features include a durable hardshell cover, three safety locks and foldable wheels and handle. A crowd funding campaign is imminent.

Price: See www.fixeta.com for details.

www.volkswagen.co.uk

The new Golf.

With intelligent driver assists.

The futuristic new Golf is packed with intelligent driver assist technology, such as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.

This helps you stay in control of the busy road ahead, before you contend with the busy day ahead.

We make the future real.

The new Golf from £17,625 RRP. Model shown £25,805 RRP with optional extras. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Official fuel consumption figures for the new model range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 29.4 (9.6) – 68.9 (4.1); extra urban 44.8 (6.3) – 74.3 (3.8); combined 37.6 (7.5) – 72.4 (3.9). Combined CO2 emissions 102 – 180/km.

THE NEW INSIGNIA BiK from 21% | CO2 FROM 105G/KM | UP TO 70.6MPG

YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL New Insignia Grand Sport puts your drivers’ safety first with protective features including Forward Collision Alert and Lane Assist. Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Recovery are also there to safeguard, delivering help and assistance when it’s needed.** Guiding technology means you can be confident that your fleet is in the safest possible hands.

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

New Insignia Grand Sport range fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 24.6 (11.5)-61.4 (4.6), Extra-urban: 40.4 (7.0)-78.5 (3.6), Combined: 32.8 (8.6)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 197-105g/km.

VFL8869.001–New Insignia Fleet World DPS AW.indd 1

23/02/2017 16:53

Pre-book your New Insignia 3 Day Test Drive.

Visit vauxhallfleet.co.uk/newinsigniatestdrive Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 2016/17 tax year. General Motors UK Limited, trading as Vauxhall Motors, does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. * = Terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability.

Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. ** = Includes 12 months of OnStar services from date of first registration and a 3 month/3 GB Wi-Fi free trial period (whichever comes first) effective from the date the customer accepts the nominated network operator Wi-Fi Ts&Cs. OnStar services and 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot require activation and are subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Wi-Fi Hotspot service requires account with nominated mobile network operator. Charges apply after free trial period. The OnStar subscription packages could be different from the services included in the free trial package. Terms and conditions apply. Check vauxhall.co.uk/OnStar for details of availability, coverage and charges. Vehicles purchased without OnStar cannot have the required technology retro-fitted. Destination download only available on vehicles with factory installed navigation systems. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (February 2017).

VFL8869.001–New Insignia Fleet World DPS AW.indd 2

23/02/2017 16:53

BUSINESS_Insider_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:35 Page 1

inbusiness

New Management New vehicle technology is adding convenience for drivers and fleets, but with fresh considerations for both, says The Insider. ast month I wrote about a clash of interests as cars become controlled more by electronics and apps than mechanical processes. The availability of mass data, pertaining to both car and driver, who owns it, and what to do with it, raises a host of questions.

Now that cars can receive automatic updates, and interface with smart phones, the potential for malicious interference grows. Car owners already face theft risks from code-zzgrabbing devices that help thieves clone electronic keys, or from alarm and immobiliser systems being disabled remotely by hackers using mobile phones. But vehicle access points also represent a potential security and safety threat to autonomous connected vehicle systems. And so cyber security has become a key concern for automotive manufacturers, eager to prevent hackers hijacking control of an expensive and potentially lethal asset.

Theft of company and personal data is another concern. If private or company diaries and address books are uploaded to vehicles from paired mobile phones, procedures should be in place to ensure the data is deleted once the car is sold. If a company car is connected to the corporate computer system, there is also a risk that hackers can use it as a proxy server to enter that corporate system. So it will be paramount to have policies ensuring passwords and other sensitive information is deleted when a vehicle is moved on. Fleets will need to view their vehicles in much the same way as they would any other piece of IT equipment. And it will become crucial to check the security and credentials of any linked third-party devices. For those running grey fleet, the rules will need to cover them as well. When it comes to cyber security, people tend to be the weakest link.

Information revealed via app use will also gives insights about the driver, counted as personal data.

That may not be collected without a specified reason, and without an individual’s consent. The information must be accurate, and kept securely. Given the details that people keep in their mobile phones, often automatically uploaded to their cars’ infotainment systems, an organisation could find that it is gathering sensitive information inadvertently.

L

22 / fleetworld.co.uk

And what do you do with data which reveals unlawful behaviour, such as speeding or reckless driving? The company still has a duty of care which legally compels them to intervene.

We will need to clarify exactly what information is available, how it can be accessed and where it can be used. As asset managers, fleet managers need to be confident that someone in the organisation has its data protection adequately covered.

But of course it’s not just the information we can get via the vehicle, but how the vehicle can take control away from the driver. The emergence of ADAS (Advanced Drive Assistance System), the collective name for features such as lane departure and autonomous emergency braking, with an array of sensors, radar, mirrors, and cameras, will have a significant impact on repair and maintenance costs, not just in terms of parts replacement but also in recalibrating windscreens, bumpers and mirrors following damage. It’s almost a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’. Windscreens can show displays and defrost themselves, but they don’t chip any less easily and replacement costs can be the thick end of a thousand pounds. Fleets will need to budget for these higher costs and the industry, especially the fast-fit industry, is already working hard to upskill their workforces.

For all the initial potential pitfalls, I can see that properly managed, there are real opportunities available from the new technologies in terms of reducing accidents, and cost efficiencies, so it’s an exciting time.

Finally, I leave you with this thought. When I was reading about the five principles proposed by VDA (see last month’s issue) for an all party solution to data management, I came across an additional comment.

It stated that information specified as being useful for the improvement of road traffic safety would be made available to [initially German] public authorities specifically for that purpose. So, does that mean that in time you could get speeding tickets sent through automatically if data released to a third party showed your vehicle had exceeded the speed limit, without a speed camera or police officer ever being involved?

Just think about the implications of that.

A HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET Created from the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio – the pinnacle in Alfa Romeo engineering – the Alfa Romeo Giulia Tecnica version offers unparalleled comfort and outstanding specification for the Business user. The stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia Tecnica can be yours from just £31,840 (P11D) and thanks to its all-aluminium 2.2 Litre Diesel turbo engine, ownership is equally attractive.

For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 7146 or email alfaromeo.fleet@alfaromeo.com

Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulia range: Urban 33.6 – 53.3 mpg (8.4 – 5.3 L/100km); Extra Urban 61.4 – 80.7mpg (4.6 – 3.5 L/100km); Combined 47.9 – 67.3 mpg (5.9 – 4.2 L/100km). CO2 emissions 138 – 109 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations

Q1_Alfa Giulia Technica_Fleet World_297x420 DPS.indd 2

15/02/2017 11:10

and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Model shown is the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 Turbo Diesel 150hp Tecnica at ÂŁ32,590 OTR including metallic paint at ÂŁ695.

Q1_Alfa Giulia Technica_Fleet World_297x420 DPS.indd 3

15/02/2017 11:10

BUSINESS_CURTIS_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:28 Page 1

inbusiness

Taxing times A new VED regime will quietly be ushered in on 1 April 2017 and will have a significant impact on some user-choosers.

Curtis Hutchinson, editor of Motor Trader, reports. n April the way Vehicle Excise Duty is charged will undergo a radical change but the level of awareness is low even though it will affect company car drivers as well as private owners.

The rules were first announced by George Osborne, back in the days when he was Chancellor, in the 2015 Budget. Surprisingly though the advance publicity of its introduction on 1 April 2017 has been fairy muted.

The new rules are politically driven as a means to generate more tax revenue for the Treasury. Consequently just about everyone will end up paying more in VED for petrol, diesel or hybrid-engined vehicles.

Thankfully the rules are not retrospective and will only be applied to vehicles supplied on or after 1 April.

The new system has two stages. In the first year, tax will be paid solely on the amount of CO2 emitted. After that a flat fee will be applied in subsequent years.

The old system pegged annual VED to emissions calculated across several bands and rewarded drivers opting for cars emitting less than 100g/km with VED exemption. Now drivers of these cars will pay according to their emissions in the first year followed by £140 in subsequent years.

Whether this is a cynical move to target a popular part of the new car market which enjoyed a tax free benefit, or a move to introduce a more egalitarian regime is open to debate. Clearly the Treasury will generate more revenues under this system than before because more cars will qualify for payment.

Under the new rules only pure electric vehicles will be exempt but only if they are priced under £40,000.

That's because all cars above this price point have been singled out for an annual supplement of £310 payable for five years after the first year has been paid.

This means the entire range of Tesla EVs will attract the same road tax as a premium car powered by a high emission 3.0-litre V6 engine and priced over £40,000.

So how will the first year of ownership be charged?

The Government has devised 13 tax bands ranging from just £10 for emissions from 1-50 g/km to a whopping £2,000 for cars emitting over 255g/km.

In year two all vehicles costing under £40,000

I

26 / fleetworld.co.uk

attract a flat fee of £140, with alternative fuelled vehicles (hybrid, LPG, bioethanol) charged at £130; hardly an incentive for going green.

Since the turn of the year car dealers have raised concerns that customers either don't know about the rules or are unaware how they will be impacted.

According to research carried out by cap hpi the majority of car dealers said car buyers were unaware of the changes.

“Dealers are convinced the consumer is in the dark and that could lead to some very difficult conversations,” said Philip Nothard, retail and consumer editor at cap hpi.

Fortunately the changes are unlikely to impact residual values.

“Longer term residual value forecasts will remain unaffected due to the changes being a small increase in overall running costs of a vehicle. While we may see isolated variances, the changes will have minimal, or even zero influence on a vehicle's market value,” he said.

The findings are echoed by research carried out by NFDA Trusted Dealers which found over 50% of car buyers were unaware of the changes.

“There is not enough information available to consumers about the changes and how it will affect them in practical terms. The increase in VED will be significant for many drivers, especially those with low emissions vehicles who were previously exempt from the tax," said Neil Addley, managing director of NFDA Trusted Dealers.

“Buyers of smaller more economical cars will face the biggest tax hike, in some cases paying up to nine times more than they currently do.

“The Government is again asking motorists to dig deep and spend yet more money to get their vehicles on the road, while equally not raising enough awareness about the impending changes, what they will cost motorists, or offering an effective alternative.”

Awareness of the new VED regime remains low and will take some user-choosers by surprise, even those who chose, in good faith, a low emission car for environmental and BiK reasons, and are awaiting delivery from April onwards.

FW Barometer_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:11 Page 1

BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys We’ve pulled together the pertinent points from the myriad of research done in the fleet industry this month to give you a clearer view of what’s really going on...

Mileage claim fraud

Source: Allstar Business Solutions

More than a third of professionals overclaimed on mileage last year, according to a new report from Allstar Business Solutions.

The study of 1,000 working professionals also revealed that 17% deliberately overclaimed on all of their business expenses in 2016.

25% of respondents admitted to consistently claiming up to 20% extra, potentially costing the UK economy a total of £1.6bn a year.

When asked why they chose to overclaim, 40% said they don’t feel they get paid enough, while 36% said they do so to make up for money owed from lost receipts.

29% simply follow their colleagues lead, while 28% said they felt confident they would, “get away with” defrauding their employer.

Benefits of car clubs According to research conducted by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, mobility is the key factor for many fleets turning to car club schemes.

Paul Baker at Allstar Business Solutions, commented: “It appears overclaiming is a very big problem for British businesses. Not only is it costing individual companies, it is also having a much bigger impact on our wider economy and people don’t seem to care that it is both dishonest and illegal.”

In response to the findings, Allstar has created a dedicated white paper looking at pay and reclaim, specifically in relation to fuel.

Source: Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Of the 268 managers surveyed, 29% put immediate vehicle accessibility with no notice required as the main benefit of such schemes.

Other key benefits included around-the-clock vehicle availability (24%) and improved employee mobility (22%).

17% cited the sustainability and environmental benefits, while just 13% of respondents put cost savings as the most important benefit.

18% said reduced administration time was a key consideration, while only 6% said corporate liability reduction was a significant factor in their decision-making.

Adrian Bewley at Enterprise Rent-A-Car said the results indicate a fundamental shift from a focus on operational efficiencies.

He added: “Businesses are increasingly looking for employees to travel to and from work without the use of a car.

The next question then becomes, how do employers mobilise their workforce when on campus in the most efficient manner? This is where corporate car clubs, in particular, are proving a great benefit in solving this conundrum. They’ve become the ideal solution for on-demand, easy and convenient employee mobility.”

28 / fleetworld.co.uk

FW Barometer_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:11 Page 2

BAROMETER Making sense of the surveys

Executive speeding convictions

Source: Gocompare.com Car Insurance

Research conducted by Gocompare.com reveals that high-level executives have the highest proportion of speeding convictions in the UK. The insurance firm found that 19% of sales directors surveyed have picked up a speeding conviction in the last five years - more than three times the national average (6%) of all occupations.

Sales directors are joined by other high level executive professionals including operational directors (18%), managing directors (17%) and chief executives (16%).

Other occupations exceeding the speed limit, at a higher proportion than average, include police officers (7%), journalists (8%) and ministers of religion (9%).

The occupations among the least likely to receive speeding convictions are packers (2%), car wash attendants (2%) and playgroup assistants (3%).

Increase in road casualties

Dr Craig Knight, who specialises in the psychology of working environments, commented: “Almost all professions with the highest proportion of speeding penalties are roles that involve longer journeys where speed will be involved. And of course, all the roles within the top 10 are very well paid, even in the context of this study; the job holder can afford higher performance, faster vehicles.”

Source: DfT

Latest reported road casualty figures show a rise in the number of killed or seriously injured (KSI casualties) on British roads.

The DfT quarterly provisional estimates for the year ending September 2016 show that a total of 25,160 people were killed or seriously injured, up 6% from the previous year.

There were 182,560 casualties of all severities in the year ending September 2016.

Motor traffic levels rose by 1% compared with the year ending September 2015.

However, the overall casualty rate per vehicle mile decreased by 5% over the same period.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams, said: “It is very concerning – even against a picture of a 1% rise in traffic levels – that the figures for all road casualties are showing an increase. Sadly, among the worst increases were 10% more car occupants being killed or seriously injured, along with 5% more motorcyclists and 2% more cyclists.

“If there is a silver lining, it is that that all severity casualties are down by 4% and the overall casualty rate per vehicle mile is down, however some of the recent quarterly spikes require some serious attention.”

for the latest daily news from the fleet industry, visit fleetworld.co.uk 30 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_Tesla_ModelX_Mar17 03/03/2017 17:45 Page 1

Tesla Model X Insurgent luxury brand Tesla can only widen its appeal with an electric SUV, reckons Alex Grant.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £80,400-£129,200* FUEL 259-351 miles CO2 0g/km

he rapid rise of Tesla across Europe might have sounded unlikely when the Model S first arrived here back in 2014. But by understanding the technology and breaking new ground, it’s gone from unlikely insurgent to established luxury brand. The Model X – an all-electric SUV – looks likely to shift things up a gear.

Positioned above the Model S, it’s a bit of a diversion from Elon Musk’s masterplan, a strategy based on launching progressively higher-volume, lower-price vehicles. But, with a footprint similar to a Range Rover, the Model X takes Tesla into the more popular SUV segment with the potential to outsell its sibling in the UK. The X is to the S what the BMW X5 is to the 5 Series, albeit with considerably more shared architecture underneath. Tesla’s underlying platform is skateboard-like, with a battery pack as the deck and – on four-wheel drive versions – an electric motor at each axle. That this looks like a chubbier Model S is no coincidence.

For now, there’s nothing like it. Which almost seems remise of other manufacturers. It’s fully electric, not a But that’s sort of missing the point. On a cold February plug-in hybrid, and available with 75kWh, 90kWh and afternoon, the 90D was showing an indicated range of well 100kWh batteries, the largest of which can travel 350 over 200 miles to a near-full battery, without hypermiling miles between charges. No small achievement or deactivating the cabin heaters to save on a car which tips the scales at two and a half energy. That’s enough to travel useful FLEET FACT tonnes. All include dual-motor four-wheel distances between charging stops and, using drive and the option to add a towing pack.

Tesla’s ultra-fast Supercharger network, it The bulk of UK orders are likely to be the doesn’t take long to get that range back.

All versions 90D, as tested here, which offers a 303-mile It’s not just about electric driving; the qualify for 7% BiK range under NEDC conditions and can outModel X is a great people-mover. Options and 100% firstdrag even the most powerful Range Rover. include third-row seating – forward-facing, year allowance.

Brochure figures hint at a 4.8-second sprint to unlike in the Model S – and with enough 62mph from rest but, with explosive off-theroom for adults in the back. Air suspension mark acceleration, almost no noise and no gear changes to is standard across the range, which means the biggest 22break that linear sprint up to motorway speeds, it feels inch wheels won’t loosen fillings, and the cabin feels quicker still. It’s unnaturally fast for something so large. bright thanks to the huge panoramic windscreen. Both rear rows also fold flat, turning it into a generously-sized van when needed.

Utilising that flexibility reveals its party piece. The rear doors open electrically, hinging at the edge of the roofline and lifting upwards and outwards so passengers can get in without stooping. Hinging in two places also means they need less room to open than a sliding door – a useful feature in a car which fills most UK parking spaces. Sensors in the doors stop them battering low ceilings or neighbouring cars as they open, and they close automatically when the driver presses the brake pedal to drive away.

But threats are on the way. Audi, Jaguar and MercedesBenz all have long-range, high-power electric SUVs in the pipeline, with the advantage of a broader model range to offer fleets. The Model X works brilliantly, and can only broaden Tesla’s appeal in the UK, but taking electric luxury cars into the mainstream has laid some solid foundations for its closest rivals to follow suit.

T

*after £4,500 Plug-in Car Grant

32 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_Tesla_ModelX_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:51 Page 2

what we think A clever, versatile and tax-efficient SUV for those who can pick a company car costing over £80,000, but Tesla isn’t the only manufacturer with its sights set on this corner of the market.

highlights Four-wheel drive and air suspension as standard Eight-year, infinite-mileage battery and drivetrain warranty Five, six or seven-seat versions, all with ‘Falcon Wing’ rear doors

key fleet model Tesla Model X 90D fleetworld.co.uk / 33

ROAD_FW_Honda_Civic_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:48 Page 1

Honda Civic The tenth-generation Civic offers plenty for fleets, but there’s a catch, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £18,335-£23,870 FUEL 46.3-60.1mpg CO2 106-139g/km

hough ‘Civic’ is a global nameplate, it’s never been a feels remarkably sure-footed and much more direct than the truly global car. Honda has spent the last 45 years old car and, sat lower with the dashboard wrapped around engineering specific versions to suit European, Asian you, even the smaller engine offers a sporty drive, yet it’s and North American markets - cars often sharing little more also quiet and composed at motorway speeds. Honda’s visually than the badge on the boot. hardest selling point will be the CVT – it’s an acquired taste, Not any more. For the tenth generation, global R&D and not overly well suited to three cylinders. talents were channelled into building a Civic for all markets, But it’s not without compromises. The repositioned fuel but based on European expectations for ride, handling, tank means there’s no upwardly-folding rear bench and Sport steering and refinement, reasoning that a car designed in trim levels lose the under-floor storage to make room for a Europe can work everywhere. So the new hatch shares a large centre-exit exhaust. The others get a similar load volume platform and styling with the coupe and sedan sold in other to the outgoing Civic, despite being 130mm longer, and all markets, and cars built in Swindon will feature a clever load cover which retracts be exported globally, including to North sideways so it doesn’t have to be removed America for the first time. if you’re folding the rear bench.

This isn’t the only break with tradiSome things haven’t changed. There’s tion. Honda’s high-revving, naturally still a spoiler and rear wiper partially aspirated petrol engines have made way obscuring the rear view, though the for downsizing and turbocharging; window itself offers a better view of low 127bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder and objects than most other hatchbacks. The 180bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, cabin is unmistakeably Honda, too; it’s both with a six-speed manual or continsolid and futuristic, with a new internetuously variable transmission, the latter connected infotainment system featuring programmed with seven stepped ‘gears’ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the for Europe. option of Garmin navigation. A package They’re both components of a sportier of assistance systems is standard across drive. The Civic is wider, lower and longer the range.

Competitive petrol than its predecessor, built around a This means Honda has potential, or it engines and a sharper lighter, more rigid frame and with a will once the line-up is complete. The 1.6drive are good foundaquicker, more direct steering setup litre diesel won’t be available until later derived from the old Type R. Relocating this year and there are no plans to replace tions for the Civic, but, the fuel tank from underneath the front the Tourer - drivers seeking either will be for fleets, that excellent seats offers a sportier driving position, offered the old car, which is still being 1.6-litre diesel can’t and there’s a more sophisticated multimanufactured as a stop gap. Honda’s come soon enough. link rear suspension setup at the back. global Civic is a good product, but dieselIt adds up to a big change. The Civic favouring fleets won’t find out yet.

T

what we think

34 / fleetworld.co.uk

ALL-NEW

PEUGEOT 3008 SUV

NEVER HAS AN SUV GONE SO FAR

UP TO 70.6 MPG*

CO2 FROM 103 g/km*

BIK FROM £72+

FIND OUT MORE AT BUSINESS.PEUGEOT.CO.UK/NEW-3008-SUV OR CALL THE PEUGEOT FLEET LINE ON 0800 975 7849**

ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 3008 SUV

EXPERIENCE

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km) for the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV Range are: Urban 37.2 - 67.3 (7.6-4.2), Extra Urban 55.4 - 80.7 (5.1-3.5), Combined 47.1 - 70.6 (6.0-4.0) and CO 2 136-103 (g/km). *MPG and

CO 2 figures quoted are for all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV 1.6L BlueHDi 100 S&S 5-speed manual. +BIK figure quoted is for all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV Active 1.2L PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual for 2016-17 tax year at 20% tax rate. Information correct at time of going to print. **Calls to 0800 numbers are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones. If you are calling from a business phone, you should check with your provider whether there will be a charge for calling.

PEF1119_3000_SUV_Gatefold_v4.indd 1

09/02/2017 15:01

ALL-NEW

PEUGEOT 3008 SUV

WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT’S INSIDE

Meet the award-winning all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV – our vision of tomorrow’s driving environment.

Featuring the next generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, it showcases our new interior design direction with advanced ergonomics, head-up digital instrument displays and interactive touchscreen technology.

While further innovations have enabled improved comfort and safety, with advanced sensory engagement for both drivers and passengers.

But don’t just take our word for it – open up the page and take a look inside for yourself…

PEF1119_3000_SUV_Gatefold_v4.indd 2

09/02/2017 15:01

INTRODUCING

THE NEXT GENERATION PEUGEOT i-COCKPIT®

Never before have drivers had such a beautiful space for all their adventures. The next generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® invites you to discover a 100% digital universe that enhances your driving experience with cutting-edge technology.

8.0” multi-function touchscreen houses several key features, including 3D Connected Navigation* and Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink® technology that seamlessly connects your smartphone.

i-Cockpit® AmplIfy^ allows you to change the cabin ambience to suit your mood, using the lights, speakers and a fragrance diffuser.

Electric impulse automatic gearbox control is ergonomically designed for ultra smooth, intuitive operation.

*Available on Allure versions and above. Additional terms and conditions apply to connected services, including customer acceptance of location sharing prior to activation. ^Available on GT Line and GT versions only.

PEF1119_3000_SUV_Gatefold_v4.indd 3

09/02/2017 15:01

12.3� configurable head-up digital instrument panel ensures essential info is always in your eye line, making driving safer and more convenient.

Compact sports steering wheel with integrated controls provides heightened responses and improved agility for an enriched driving experience.

PEF1119_3000_SUV_Gatefold_v4.indd 4

09/02/2017 15:01

ROAD_FW_VW_Golf_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:52 Page 1

Volkswagen Golf The Golf aims to lure buyers back to the brand after recent controversies. By Julian Kirk.

SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £17,625-£33,395 FUEL 37.7-72.4mpg* CO2 102-180g/km*

n the face of it, new LED headlights and upgraded Golf was a GTD hatchback – the biggest fleet seller in the in-car technology for the Golf may not seem such a line-up in the UK. While it is surprising that the most big deal. But in the context of post-Dieselgate Volkpopular Golf among fleet buyers is a £27,000-plus swagen, it’s a pretty important step towards rehabilitation. performance version, a few miles spent in one reveals that And it’s apposite that the Golf is spearheading the new it is money well spent.

VW – a steadfast in the range for four decades and with This has the frugal hot hatch thing down to a tee – more than 33 million sales across the globe.

60mpg-plus real-world fuel economy, more torque than a So what does the Golf Mark 7.5 bring us? Firstly, some GTI and, when fitted with a DSG ‘box, simply effortless very subtle exterior tweaks, though you’d have to be an real-world driving performance. The fact that it also aficionado to notice. Some also gain a larger navigation blends sharp handling with long distance comfort only system with gesture control, while online services have adds to its talents. But there’s a downside; under the new been enhanced and clever technology testing regime at Volkswagen, stated such as Traffic Jam Assist and Emerconsumption and emissions are more gency Assist are sector firsts. There’s real-world, so CO2 has climbed from also the option to replace the traditional 114g/km to 125g/km with a four-band dials with a digital display.

Benefit-in-Kind tax hike. Company car And now to the oily bits… there’s a drivers can opt for the GTD Blueline at new family of 1.5 TSI ‘Evo’ petrol no extra cost, which features slightly engines making their debut in the Golf. smaller wheels and CO2 from 116g/km.

These replace the 1.4-litre units, offer However, a motorway drive in a reguactive cylinder technology and, in the lar 2.0 TDI with DSG showed that, even case of the forthcoming BlueMotion away from the performance rangemodel, complete engine shut-down toppers, there is strength in depth in the similar to the system from the hybrid Golf range. While lacking in excitement, GTE, which will disengage the engine for the ubiquitous Golf TDI simply gets on coasting. At the opposite end of the with the job of getting you around in a The Golf’s blend of spectrum is the Golf GTI with up to safe, fuss-free and relaxed manner. talents is broad. Extra 242bhp if you specify the optional The majority of the new Golf range is equipment and convenPerformance pack, while a new sevenavailable to order now, with a second speed dual clutch DSG gearbox is offered tranche opening for order in March (1.0 ience, with realigned on TDI engines (from 148bhp) and the TSI 85PS, GTE, e-Golf ) and the tailpricing, should help top-spec TSI petrols. enders in May (1.5 TSI Evo and GTI build a few bridges in Only a handful of models were availPerformance). A four-wheel drive R the wake of Dieselgate. able to drive on the international launch, super-hatch, plus Alltrack models, will but fittingly my first taste of the new arrive later.

O

what we think

*excludes GTE and e-Golf

fleetworld.co.uk / 35

ROAD_FW_BMW_5Series_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:47 Page 1

BMW 5 Series The 5 Series isn’t short of rivals, but it’s still setting the standard, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Executive PRICE £36,025-£46,645 FUEL 72.4-134.5mpg* CO2 102-164g/km*

ith 45 years, six generations and 7.9 million global sales, the 5 Series has always succeeded by sticking to a very specific, very appealing design brief. It’s the brand-defining driver’s car, the saloon that’ll make light work of long motorway trips but still reward you for taking the scenic route home.

Which means, if you’re driving the outgoing version, its replacement ticks the right boxes. It’s a little larger in all directions, but also stiffer and lighter thanks to wider use of exotic materials and optimised construction. With a lower centre of gravity and perfect front-rear weight balance, it drives more like a coupe than an executive saloon; sure-footed and responsive in ways some smaller cars wish they could match.

Cutting weight means the engines perform better too. It adds up to more power per tonne, and more miles per gallon without actually increasing their output. This might once have been defined by six-cylinder petrol engines, but the UK fleet-favourite four-cylinder 520d doesn’t feel like a compromise; 68.8mpg with the standard-fit eight-speed n’t thump over rough road surfaces, and there’s barely any automatic gearbox, yet effortlessly quick with it. engine, wind or road noise at high speeds. However, the Even the 530d, a six-cylinder, 265bhp Autobahn-storm520d can be a little coarse when worked hard. ing Continent-crosser, returns 60.1mpg. That’s BMW hasn’t simply moved the old car’s best the sort of economy which, until recently, was points forward a generation. Adopting techFLEET FACT a selling point for the outgoing car’s 520d Effinology from the 7 Series, there are options to cientDynamics. Add in xDrive for the diesels, a equip it with a gesture-controlled dashboard, a plug-in hybrid and the new 520d EfficientDysmartphone-like key with a colour touchThe 520d autonamics and there’s a strong line-up of engines screen for remote status checks, and the abilmatic is 70kg to suit any business need. ity to drive itself in and out of tight spaces with lighter than An exhilarating drive is only the tip of the nobody on board. Integration with the Amazon the old car. iceberg. It’s bigger than the 7 Series of the late Echo system means it can remotely control 1990s, so there’s room to stretch out both domestic appliances and central heating, if rows, with sculpted seats to suit most shapes and sizes of drivers have internet-connected devices at home. driver and an exceptionally well-finished cabin. Even the More relevant to fleets, BMW’s advanced cruise control most popular M Sport version, on its 19-inch wheels, doescan now adjust itself based on speed limits, maintain a distance from the car in front and its position in a lane at speeds between a crawling traffic jam and 133mph. It also collaborates with the optional Professional Navigation system, pre-planning braking for corners and built-up areas to improve comfort, and using forward-facing radar and camera systems to detect when it’s not worth turning the engine off while stopped.

The latest version of iDrive is impressive, too. It’s the first with a touchscreen as well as the rotary commander, making for an intuitive, lag-free system with plenty of business-relevant features. Drivers can rearrange ‘tiles’ across the homescreen to access useful features quickly, and it connects to Microsoft Office 365 for remote access to emails, calendars and contacts.

Of course, it has to push the boundaries, because it’s never had so many rivals – the equally cutting-edge new EClass among them. That tight design brief that defined the original 5 Series has never been more relevant, but it’s also never been harder to live up to.

W

*excluding 530e

38 / fleetworld.co.uk

ROAD_FW_BMW_5Series_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:47 Page 2

what we think The 5 Series impresses not only for its cutting-edge technology, but because the car that’s underneath does everything so brilliantly.

Aside from the excellent new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, nothing in this segment comes close.

highlights 520d EfficientDynamics achieves 72.4mpg and emits 102g/km 44g/km plug-in hybrid 530e also launching early this year Microsoft Office and Amazon Echo integration

key fleet model BMW 520d M Sport fleetworld.co.uk / 39

SWOT_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 17:45 Page 1

SWOTTeam This month the SWOT Team analyses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the new Peugeot 3008 against its closest rivals. Here is what they have to say...

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

GA A fresh addition to this sector. It looks and drives great and appeals to the family user due to its versatility. Build quality is good too.

GA The Peugeot brand and the 3008 name aren’t at the top of the list for many drivers who are looking for a vehicle in this sector. It’s also slightly more expensive than its peers.

GA It’s a great product and, marketed correctly, could command a larger market share of this popular sector.

There are lots of opportunities, but as always driving the users to see and drive it is key.

GA Other manufacturers have launched some fantastic products, some of which are very well established. This could be a tough nut to crack but still achievable.

AC The brand perception has improved over the past couple of years, mainly due to the improved products such as 208 and 308 etc. However, the French manufacturer is not universally strong with everyone and still has some work to do.

AC With crossovers still on the increase, the SUV-like 3008 makes far more sense than the old one, which was a bit of an odd-looking cross with an MPV. It certainly opens doors for the brand.

AC A much-improved offering with plenty of style, and a great interior and high practicality, with a bigger boot than the Qashqai. It’s decent to drive, but lacks some of the feedback of the Ateca, and the ride can be a little firm. The 1.6 diesel pulls smoothly, and the Peugeot does well on BiK costs.

MJ Peugeot now defines new 3008 as an SUV and it’s bold styling certainly fits. Good performance even when fully loaded, high quality interior and good equipment levels.

MJ Peugeot continues to rebuild its brand equity in the UK, but may not be instantly on people's shortlist. Looks may divide opinion.

MJ A huge sector, there are plenty of users weaned on Qashqai to go after. With operating costs comparable with many C sector hatchbacks, the flexibility of mid-size SUVs will continue to build volume.

MW The newest here, Peugeot has got everything right with this car; quality, spec and styling.

MW Following on from a fairly dull predecessor, which may taint buyers' opinions.

MW There are plenty of opportunities for the crossover, at the expense of the C-sector hatch.

40 / fleetworld.co.uk

AC The threats come from every direction, it is crowded and getting even more so. Peugeot is going to have to work very hard, but it certainly has the attributes to give it every opportunity.

MJ The growth in smaller Bsector SUVs will steal some volume, and the established players present challenges.

Peugeot will need to promote this car to lift awareness.

MW The growing uncertainty about diesel could be a problem. And will used demand match the volumes these cars sold in when they were new?

SWOT_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:59 Page 2

Martin Ward (MW) Manufacturer Relationship Manager, CAP

Peugeot 3008

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

Mark Jowsey (MJ) Director, KeeResources KWIKcarcost

Strengths GA Drives well, high quality.

AC Stylish, great to drive, low BiK. MJ Now an SUV. Well-equipped, CO2 at 104g/km.

MW The newcomer does everything right.

GA Not established in this sector, yet.

AC Brand perception improving, but not universally strong.

MJ Not on everyone’s shortlist.

MW Dull predecessor may taint opinions.

Strengths

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav

GA Well priced, high economy, low CO2.

Marketing campaigns are driving volume.

AC Big and spacious, good value.

MJ Big loadspace. Impressive MPG and CO2.

MW Best fuel consumption, lowest CO2.

GA Not every user’s first choice.

AC Far softer and engine lacks a bit of pull.

MJ Hard plastics, harsh engine.

MW Visually too similar to Captur, could blunt awareness.

Strengths

SEAT Ateca 1.6 TDI Ecomotive SE Tech

GA Value, practicality and styling.

AC Great to drive.

MJ Competitive, a good drive. Attracting new clients to SEAT. MW A Tiguan in SEAT clothing, great pedigree.

Standard equipment: • DAB/Bluetooth/USB/aux • Satellite navigation • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual-Zone climate control • Front/rear electric windows • Front/rear parking sensors • Auto lights/wipers • 19-inch alloy wheels • Keyless entry and start Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525

GA Not the cleanest or most fuel efficient.

AC Less interesting to look at.

MJ Awareness still needs to improve.

MW Could be seen as a cheap version of the Tiguan

OTR: £24,170 P11D: £24,115 Fuel: 64.2mpg CO2: 144g/km RV*: £11,150 (46%) BiK: 22% SMR: £2,378 Fuel costs: £5,195 Insurance: £2,100 Finance: £3,256 NI: £2,396 VED: £60 Cost per month: £789

Strengths

Tucson SE Nav 1.7 CRDi 116PS Diesel Blue Drive

Weaknesses

Hyundai Tucson

Standard equipment: • DAB/Bluetooth/USB • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual-zone climate control • Front/rear electric windows • Rear parking sensors • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto lights, wiper, dimmer • Apple CarPlay/Mirrorlink Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £525 • Satellite navigation £950

OTR: £23,645 P11D: £23,590 Fuel: 72.4mpg CO2: 103g/km RV*: £9,750 (41%) BiK: 22% SMR: £2,164 Fuel costs: £4,607 Insurance: £2,430 Finance: £3,185 NI: £2,149 VED: £40 Cost per month: £791

Weaknesses

SEAT Ateca 1.6 TDI

Peugeot 3008 SUV 1.6 HDi 120PS Active OTR: £23,645 P11D: £23,590 Fuel: 70.6mpg CO2: 104g/km RV*: £9,750 (41%) BiK: 20% SMR: £2,070 Fuel costs: £4,724 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £3,185 NI: £2,149 VED: £40 Cost per month: £798

Weaknesses

Renault Kadjar

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

GA Appealing quality and reliability.

AC Decent all-rounder, spacious and stylish.

MJ Classy, well-equipped. Five year warranty.

MW Good value, largest interior.

Weaknesses GA Not the cleanest.

AC Interior isn’t as good.

MJ 23% BIK band. Performance unexciting.

MW Could be a bit too big for some.

OTR: £23,495 P11D: £23,440 Fuel: 61.4mpg CO2: 119g/km RV*: £10,475 (45%) BiK: 23% SMR: £1,739 Fuel costs: £5,406 Insurance: £2,655 Finance: £3,164 NI: £2,426 VED: £60 Cost per month: £791

Standard equipment: • DAB/Bluetooth/USB/Aux/SD • Satellite navigation • Cruise control • Dual-zone climate control • Front/rear electric windows • Rear parking sensors • 18-inch alloy wheels • LED headlights Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £575 • Keyless entry and start £505

Standard equipment: • DAB/Bluetooth/USB/aux • Satellite navigation • Cruise control with speed limiter • Dual-zone climate control • Front/rear electric windows • Rear parking sensors • 17-inch alloy wheels • Auto headlights • Heated seats Optional equipment: • Metallic paint £665

* 3yr/60k

fleetworld.co.uk / 41

HONOURS_LeadIn_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:30 Page 1

Business Class Returning to the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, The 2017 Fleet World Honours recognised the best products and services available to the industry.

fleetworld.co.uk / 43

HONOURS_FW_CARS_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:30 Page 1

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Car Awards

Rob East picks up the award for Mercedes-Benz

Best New Car Mercedes-Benz E-Class

best new car this year was “ The a relatively easy one for the

”

judges to agree on. It is the definitive car in its sector, a massive leap into the future and sets a standard other will have to match. It might well be the best car in the world: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Guy Pigounakis collects the award for Hyundai

Best City Car Hyundai i10

cars are a tough product “ City to get right, and the i10 delivers

2017 HONOURS

”

head-turning “ Beneath design, the Megane feels

staple part of the UK fleet “ Asector, popular enough to

44 / fleetworld.co.uk

2017 HONOURS

Best Lower Medium Car Renault Megane

Best Supermini Vauxhall Corsa

”

effortlessly. A subtle refresh last year bolstered an already strong offer with the latest connectivity and safety technology, improved comfort and a sharper drive too.

It means this continues to be the product to beat.

Mark Dickens picks up the award for Renault

Richard Roberts collects the award for Vauxhall

outsell entire model ranges single-handedly. Driving the latest version, that’s no surprise.

It’s fun to drive, great value and feature-rich, with low-CO2 engines and trim levels to suit all business needs.

Presented by Alex Grant, editor, Fleet World

2017 HONOURS

”

a class above most rivals.

It’s quiet, comfortable and effortlessly efficient, with clearly laid-out displays showing all the information drivers need at a glance.

2017 HONOURS

HONOURS_FW_CARS_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:31 Page 2

Laura Ayers picks up the award for Audi

Best Premium Lower Medium Car Audi A3

last year, the A3 “ Refreshed now features the latest

”

connectivity and safety features, as well as two compelling petrol alternatives to the default diesel engines.

Peerless cabin quality, and trims to suit all needs, mean it’s still leading the way.

Henry Williams collects the award for Skoda

Best Upper Medium Car Skoda Superb

its upmarket styling, “ With cavernous interior space and

2017 HONOURS

”

than ever to drive, with “ Better more space and an interior

”

good enough to suit cars costing twice as much. Factor in a line-up of fleet-friendly diesel, and now petrol, engines a versatile estate and rugged Allroad versions, and it’s a great offer for fleets.

2017 HONOURS

Rob Morris picks up the award for Mercedes-Benz

Laura Ayers collects the award for Audi

Best Compact Executive Car Audi A4

incredible value for money, the Superb punches well above its weight in this segment. It’s increasingly taking customers from premium brands and with sales weighted towards higher trim levels.

Best Executive Car Mercedes-Benz E-Class

technological showcase, “ Afeaturing new diesel

2017 HONOURS

”

engines and the latest connectivity and driver assistance features. With comfort and refinement to live up to its downsized SClass styling, it’s made its rivals look dated.

2017 HONOURS

fleetworld.co.uk / 45

HONOURS_FW_CARS_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:31 Page 3

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Car Awards

Danny Marinovic picks up the award for BMW

Best Luxury Car BMW 7 Series

”

Mark Dickens collects the award for Renault

Best MPV Renault Grand Scenic

7 Series is a technological “ The tour de force in a part of the market which tends to push the boundaries. But it’s also brilliant for businesses, with a plug-in hybrid version and finance package offering likefor-like replacement, tailored to chauffeur use.

practical mover “ Aofgenuinely people and things, despite 2017 HONOURS

”

Best Premium Crossover BMW X1

smallest member of “ The BMW’s SUV line-up offers

”

46 / fleetworld.co.uk

its concept car styling. But it’s also competitively priced, well-equipped and offered with a mild-hybrid diesel with CO2 emissions of 92g/km. The pioneer has never been in better shape.

2017 HONOURS

Martin Gurney collects the award for Peugeot

Danny Marinovic picks up the award for BMW

MPV-like flexibility and space, and there’s a strong line-up of engines with CO2 from 109g/km for fleets. As you’d expect from a BMW, it’s also beautifully built and great to drive.

Presented by Alex Grant, editor, Fleet World

Best Crossover Peugeot 3008

3008 is a class act. “ The Upmarket materials and

2017 HONOURS

”

Peugeot’s intuitive i-Cockpit, which groups controls around the driver, make it feel a cut above the rest. But it’s also great value, with CO2 emissions from 99g/km bolstering its corporate appeal.

2017 HONOURS

TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?

Our exceptional choice of world-leading hybrids helps you reduce emissions and save money. For a test drive or more information call 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cleanup

TOYOTA Emissions Powder Explosion FleetWorld Full Page with voting slip ARTWORK.indd 1

08/11/2016 10:27

HONOURS_FW_CARS_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:32 Page 4

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Car Awards

Jon Wackett picks up the award for Jaguar

Best SUV Jaguar F-Pace

”

Mark Dickens collects the award for Renault

Best ULEV Renault ZOE

long-awaited F-Pace “ The somehow manages to be both an engaging driver’s car and a genuinely practical SUV. There’s plenty of room and useful tech inside, and two and four-wheel drive versions to suit drivers’ needs.

Presented by Alex Grant, editor, Fleet World

has always had a very “ Renault complete EV offering with the 2017 HONOURS

”

ZOE, and the high-capacity battery option broadens its appeal. With apps to help plan routes to include charging stops, not only is this a great EV, but it needn’t be more challenging than any other supermini.

2017 HONOURS

Selwyn Cooper collects the award for Volvo

One to watch Volvo

Technology Award Tesla

products suggest a “ New promising future for Volvo.

isn’t only pushing the “ Tesla boundaries with electric

”

vehicles, it’s also cracked the wider ownership experience.

New features are added via over-the-air updates, including the AutoPilot system, and advanced route planning with range and charging stop

2017 HONOURS

”

And they’re not just striking to look at, featuring cuttingedge technology, and brilliant new petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains. All are foundations for a much stronger fleet presence.

2017 HONOURS

48 / fleetworld.co.uk

5

HONOURS_FW_CARS_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:32 Page 5

Francis Bleasdale picks up the award for FCA

Danny Marinovic collects the award for BMW

Most Improved Manufacturer FCA Group

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year BMW

cross-selling between its “ By different brands, FCA Group

”

has a unique and compelling offer for fleets. This complementary line-up is also well supported, with a central fleet and business organisation and a growing network of specialist dealers.

has an intimate “ BMW understanding of fleet

2017 HONOURS

”

needs that’s unmatched in the market. So not only do drivers get a broad range of desirable, low-CO2, hightech vehicles to choose from, but the support for operators is first rate.

2017 HONOURS

Unrivalled performance, total reliability and super efficient…

It’s the same with our fl eet insurance If you haven’t seen the fleet insurance package Bluedrop Services can deliver for your business, maybe now is the time to take a look?

As a leading independent insurance broker, Bluedrop Services offers a unique level of service to managers of fleets of all sizes and vehicle types, suited to the people who drive, manage and finance your vehicle fleet, whether it’s 5 trucks or 500 cars.

S E R V I C E S

Expertise, knowledge and dedication to providing unrivalled personal service makes us truly unique in our industry, passionate about delivering lower costs together with better tailored products.

Benefits include:

So why not call now, tell us your requirements and we can reveal all.

Outstanding policies, high service standards and a long list of extras, all of which comes as standard.

Flexible payment terms

Call now on 01706 540 494 for a quotation comparison

Access to the best policies and deals Pro-active service and advice from motor fl eet specialists

No broker fees for mid-term policy adjustments Fast and accurate quotations and document processing

Call 01706 540 494 Visit www.bluedropservices.co.uk Email info@bluedropservices.co.uk

Bluedrop Services (NW) Limited Company No: 7287668 Registered Office: Unit 4 Flanders Road, 1st Floor West Wing, Royal London Park, Hedge End SO30 2LG. Bluedrop Services (NW) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 530244.

5717 half-pg-fleetworld.indd 1

22/02/2017 11:37

HONOURS_FW_INNOV_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 20:08 Page 1

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Innovation Awards

Leo Taylor picks up the award for Alphabet

Contract hire & Leasing Alphabet Flexible Mobility

s Flexible Mobility “ Alphabet’ solution, featuring EV car

”

sharing and renting, has proved that you can turn nice-to-have concepts into genuinely useful everyday realities. Customers have saved thousands in travel costs as a result, proving the future really is here.

Paul Gilshan collects the award for Tusker

“

2017 HONOURS

”

”

businesses to understand where their vehicles are, even if they are hundreds of miles away, speeding up servicing, avoiding disagreement on cost and time and scheduling SMR when it suits the fleet.

50 / fleetworld.co.uk

An Academy to improve knowledge, a complete restructure of the way it interacts with customers,--and a huge investment in CRM infrastructure, illustrates that Tusker is pushing what’s possible when it comes to customer service.

2017 HONOURS

Telematics Crystal Ball SmartCam

Service, Maintenance & Repair telemetry and “ Marrying geofencing, this allows

Customer Service Tusker

Raj Singh picks up the award for Crystal Ball

Keith Allen collects the award for ARI

ARI Vehicle-Downtime-View

Presented by Natalie Middleton, business editor, Fleet World

incredibly useful device “ An combining everything you

2017 HONOURS

”

need in one telematics solution. It monitors driver speeds, exceptional events, offers Bluetooth and dashcam ability as well as sat nav. It is a mightily effective one-stop solution for fleets.

2017 HONOURS

CrystalBall

®

AWARD-WINNING SMARTCAM

FREE TRIAL Begin your SmartCam trial today, Crystal Ball’s AWARD-WINNING fleet tracking and 3G HD video solution

GPS Fleet Tracking

3G HD Video Camera

Paperless Vehicle Checks

Fixed Speed Camera Alerts

Driver Behaviour

Driver ID

Manage & improve driver behaviour

Provide invaluable video evidence for insurance claims

Increase fuel savings & reduce vehicle wear and tear

First Notice of Loss (FNOL) for rapid insurance claim management

Visit info.crystalball.tv/free-trial Email smartcam@crystalball.tv Call 08450 501 501 Offer ends 30.04.2017

HONOURS_FW_INNOV_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:34 Page 2

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Innovation Awards

Tim Hudson picks up the award for Manheim

Ashley Sowerby collects the award for Chevin

Remarketing Manheim Upstream Remarketing

offering vehicles as “ Cleverly soon as they are defleeted

”

through its online channels allows fleets to sell quicker than ever, saving time and cost. With more and more vehicles being funding through PCPs, avoiding the physical auction is going to be an important development.

Risk Management Chevin FleetWave

overhaul and upgrade “ Aofmajor the already excellent

2017 HONOURS

”

end-to-end vehicle “ An management system that

only does TomTom’s PRO “ Not 2020 system offer all the

52 / fleetworld.co.uk

2017 HONOURS

Rental Hertz

Driver Management TomTom PRO 2020

”

FleetWave system means Chevin now offers one of the most complete risk management packages in the industry. The result is unparalleled levels of insight and analysis into behaviour.

Mark Wileman picks up the award for Hertz

Beverley Wise collects the award for TomTom

usual remote systems for drivers, it also offers predictive driving advice for the first time at this level, meaning that employees can be remotely moulded into better, safer, more efficient drivers.

Presented by Natalie Middleton, business editor, Fleet World

2017 HONOURS

”

brings greater clarity to the damage capture process, ensuring that a visual and descriptive record of a Hertz vehicle’s condition can be accessed at any given point.

2017 HONOURS

HONOURS_FW_INNOV_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 19:49 Page 3

Paul Hollick picks up the award for TMC

Cost Reduction TMC

Accident Management FMG Ingenium II

with telematics “ Integration providers, automating

”

otherwise time consuming processes and a huge investment in data provision means TMC can offer even greater levels of granular analysis than ever before, with cost reductions for fleets.

John Keeton collects the award for FMG

has added a whole new “ FMG level of customer interactivity to 2017 HONOURS

”

its already impressive Ingenium system, with the excellent Self Serve capability, allowing fleets even greater control and bespoke management systems, meaning they only pay for what they don’t have internally, but need.

2017 HONOURS

Damon Hill beating Schumacher in 1994 The home crowd roaring Hunt home in 1977 Claire Rees discovering her perfect multi-marque leasing supplier at Fleet Show 2017

Martin Kadhim (left) collects the award for Lightfoot Jonathon Gray (right) picks up the award for Allianz

What will be your memorable moment at Silverstone this year?

Fuels Saving & Management Ashwoods Lightfoot & Allianz

businesses coming “ Two together and solving an issue

”

using technology and forward thinking, Allianz used the Lightfoot technology to mitigate risk, but also found that by driving more carefully, not only did crashes go down, but the fuel savings were significant too.

2017 HONOURS

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

Register online now at

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

thefleetshow.co.uk

10TH MAY 2017

HONOURS_VFW_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:38 Page 1

VAN FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Van Awards

Presented by Ian Martin, strategy, transformation and marketing director, BT Fleet

sponsored by

BT Fleet: We’ll look after your fleet, you look after your customers BT Fleet, the leading provider of outsourced fleet management services focused on technology and innovation, has established itself as a trusted partner to an unrivalled number of the UK’s mission-critical fleets.

With an award winning reputation for quality, resilience, customer service excellence and technical authority, delivered through a nationwide network of 64 owned garages and 42 mobile engineers, it manages more than 120,000 vehicles on behalf of its customers.

Drawing on a unique combination of fleet operator status, technology leadership, and a deep understanding of customer needs, BT Fleet constantly evolves and refines its approach to fleet management best practice. Customers hail from a broad spectrum of sectors and include G4S, Post Office, National Grid, EDF, St John Ambulance, E.ON, the AA and Environment Agency.

This requires a relentless focus on reducing transport costs, optimising utilisation and keeping vehicles fully operational around the clock.

www.btfleet.com

Nicola James accepts the award for Ford

Best Car-derived Van Ford Fiesta Van

Van has been a “ Fiesta leader in the sector for

”

”

54 / fleetworld.co.uk

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Best Small Van Ford Transit Connect

Best Light Van Ford Transit Courier

its smaller Fiesta cousin with the enhanced carrying capacity of its larger Transit brothers.

A strong choice of diesel and petrol engines deliver economy of up to 76mpg.

VAN

Nicola James picks up the award for Ford

Owen Gregory collects the award for Ford

s smallest Transit “ Ford’ model mixes the best from

many years and the current model is no exception. A pleasure to drive, the van offers up to 88mpg 82g/km, yet can still haul almost half a tonne in its 1m3 load area.

VAN

is always in “ Connect contention at the top of its

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

”

class. But the addition in the last year of new 1.5litre diesel engines and an automatic transmission, have lifted the Transit Connect back to the top of the sector.

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

ADVERTS_FWFS_2017_v2_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:19 Page 2

Crowds go wild as Johnny Herbert wins in 1995 in a Benetton A first lap crash in the 1973 British Grand Prix sees 11 cars retire Henry Leach finds a ULEV for his employee mobility solution, at Fleet Show 2017 What will be your memorable moment at Silverstone this year?

et champion at fle a Be . ng ki or w et N overing.

Fleet Show 2017

Driving. Disc

Register online now at

thefleetshow.co.uk

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

10TH MAY 2017

HONOURS_VFW_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:55 Page 2

VAN FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Van Awards

(left to right) Martin Gurney collects the award for Peugeot, Gareth Matthews collects for Toyota and Jeremy Smith collects for Citroën

Chris Black accepts the award for Volkswagen

Best Medium Van Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace

on the busy mid-weight “ Taking van market with a clean-sheet

”

design is not for the faint-hearted, but Citroën, Peugeot and Toyota have cracked it. The new Dispatch, Expert and Proace are simply great vans, that have taken a huge step forwards from their predecessors.

VAN

Best Large Van Volkswagen Crafter

just a new range of “ Not vans, but a totally new

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

”

”

56 / fleetworld.co.uk

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Best Light Truck Iveco Daily

Best Pick-Up Nissan Navara

technology-laden cab and on double-cabs, smooth-riding independent rear suspension.

Nissan has not forgotten working customers though, with Navara boasting a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a 1-tonne payload.

factory to build them in.

Having split with Mercedes in the heavy van sector, Volkswagen had one chance to get it right and new Crafter has really hit the spot.

Lisa Fuller picks up the award for Iveco

Jon Davies collects the award for Nissan

has a strong engine “ Navara and transmission line-up, a

Presented by Ian Martin, strategy, transformation and marketing director, BT Fleet

VAN

gross weights up to “ With 7.2-tonnes,-- Iveco’s Daily is

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

”

both large van and light truck. Available with a huge choice of diesel engines, natural gas power and as an electric van, Daily has a model to suit every application.

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

HONOURS_VFW_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:39 Page 3

Innovation Awards Presented by Dan Gilkes, editor, VAN Fleet World

Nick Hale picks up the award for BT Fleet

Chris Black picks up the award for Volkswagen

Best New Van Volkswagen Crafter

Crafter will be available “ New with front, rear or all-wheel

”

drive, with every model being offered with a manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Add in a full electric version and the new Volkswagen takes the heavy van market crown with ease.

Fleet Management BT Fleet

VAN

Fleet’s multi-dimensional “ BT improvement programme takes

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

”

Chris Black collects the award for Volkswagen

has worked hard to “ VWCV develop a leading network of

”

specialist Van Centres across the UK. Now a strong number two in the UK LCV market, the company achieved record levels of customer satisfaction last year and is a worthy winner of this award.

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Simon Simmons collects the award for Alphabet

Innovation Alphabet Virtual Handover

Van Manufacturer of the Year Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

commercial vehicle management to a new level, with increased capacity across its network. The innovative Tech Tool is speeding up jobs and mobile SMR and streamlined booking help to keep vehicles on the road.

has used technology “ Alphabet to help customers get to grips

”

with new vehicle specifications and conversions prior to delivery. By using QR code technology for conversions from Tevo, Alphabet customers can access video guides up to two weeks before delivery.

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

fleetworld.co.uk / 57

HONOURS_VFW_March17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:59 Page 4

VAN FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

Innovation Awards Presented by Dan Gilkes, editor, VAN Fleet World

Martin Lister picks up the award for VWS

Safety VWS Van Overload Protection System 2

Weighing Services has “ Vehicle developed an enclosed load

”

measurement system that can help drivers to prevent overloading of vans at 3.5-tonnes and above. Using axle load sensors the in-cab monitor displays weight data for both axles, helping the driver to remain safe and legal.

VAN

James Davis accepts the award for Manheim

Technology Manheim 360-degree imagery

adoption of 360-degree “ The imaging by Manheim, using an

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

”

automated turntable, has allowed the company to provide potential customers with high definition images from around the van.

This makes it easier to assess the condition of vehicles prior to auction, online or in person.

VAN

FLEETW RLD 2017 HONOURS

HON_WINNERS LIST_March17 03/03/2017 16:21 Page 1

2017 HONOURS at a glance

CAR AWARDS

FLEET WORLD INNOVATION

Best New Car

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best City Car

Hyundai i10

Best Supermini

Vauxhall Corsa

Best Lower Medium

Renault Megane

Best Premium Lower Medium Car Best Upper Medium Car

Audi A3 Skoda Superb

Best Compact Executive Car Best Executive Car

Audi A4

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best Luxury Car

BMW 7 Series

Best MPV

Contract Hire & Leasing Customer Service

Tusker

Service, Maintenance & Repair

BMW X1

Risk Management

Chevin FleetWave

Driver Management

TomTom PRO 2020

Rental

Hertz

Fuels Saving & Management

TMC

Peugeot 3008

Accident Management

Best SUV

Jaguar F-Pace

Telematics

Tesla

One to watch

Volvo

Most Improved Manufacturer

FCA

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

BMW

Innovation in Technology

Crystal Ball SmartCam sponsored by

Best New Van Best Car-Derived Van

Volkswagen Crafter Ford Fiesta Van

Best Light Van

Ford Transit Courier

Best Small Van

Ford Transit Connect CitroĂŤn Dispatch/Peugeot Expert/Toyota Proace

BT Fleet

Alphabet Virtual Handover

Innovation in Safety

VAN AWARDS

Best Medium Van

VAN FLEET WORLD INNOVATION

Innovation Award

FMG Ingenium II

Renault ZOE

Technology Award

Innovation in Fleet Management

Ashwoods Lightfoot & Allianz

Cost Reduction

Best Crossover

Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

ARI VehicleDowntime-View

Remarketing Manheim Upstream Remarketing

Renault Grand Scenic

Best Premium Crossover

Alphabet Flexible Mobility

VWS Van Overload Protection System 2 Manheim 360-degree imagery

Best Large Van Best Pick-Up Best Light Truck

Volkswagen Crafter Nissan Navara Iveco Daily

Van Manufacturer of the Year Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

fleetworld.co.uk / 59

FEATURE_FuelMgt_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:58 Page 1

FEATURE Fuel Management

The RDE test will utilise a Portable Emissions Measuring System (PEMS) similar to the equipment used by independent company Emissions Analytics (pictured), which has carried out on-road testing since 2011.

REALITY

CHECK A new testing regime is being introduced later this year aimed at providing a more accurate reflection of a car’s fuel economy and emission. Julian Kirk finds out what’s in store. ithin the next two months the European Parliament will vote to finalise the structure of a new way of assessing and monitoring fuel economy claims and emissions from new cars – ushering in two new acronyms which will soon become common among fleet operators.

The first is WLTP, or Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, and the second is RDE – Real Driving Emissions. Both will result in what is claimed will be far more representative figures for a car’s average fuel economy performance, and exhaust emissions.

W

60 / fleetworld.co.uk

WLTP replaces the Europe-wide NEDC test which is currently applied to all vehicles. Now widely discredited independent on-road testing by Emissions Analytics has shown fuel consumption is underestimated by around 30% – NEDC will morph into WLTP from September. It will run alongside the RDE test which will complement laboratory tests by measuring pollutant emissions in real conditions on the road.

The WLTP test aims to offer a more representative fuel economy figure thanks to differences in the testing

regime. Firstly, it will take into account optional equipment fitted to cars, such as bigger alloy wheels, lower suspension, etc. Although the tests are still conducted in a laboratory, they include higher speeds which are more representative of real-world driving, and it will also feature more aggressive braking and acceleration.

However, the EU warns that “even though WLTP will be more accurate, it will not cover all the variations globally – and certainly not each individual driving style. There will, therefore, still be a difference between emissions meas-

FEATURE_FuelMgt_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:59 Page 2

ured in lab conditions and the real world, as driving behaviour, traffic and weather conditions will continue to differ from one country to another”.

So while the new fuel economy tests will be representative for now, the RDE test could have the bigger impact on the fleet market. Its more accurate emissions data, could form the basis of more stringent motoring-based taxes in the future – potentially tying in with the Euro VII regulations pencilled in to launch alongside the new Benefit-inKind mechanism post-2020.

The eventual transition to WLTP could cause confusion, too, according to Phil Stones, chief engineer, powertrain at Millbrook: “There’s going to be a time where you’ll have two identical vehicles that are a model year apart, that could have completely different CO2 and fuel consumption figures just because they’ve been approved over different drive cycles,” he says.

“In terms of fuel consumption and what the end-user gets, it will make no difference, but if a vehicle is tested over a different cycle and gets a different CO2, that’s what it’ll be declared with. The exact same vehicle could, by default, fall into a higher tax band.”

This, coupled with issues of generating ever more data on vehicles, is causing concern among the fleet industry. The BVRLA points to the extra work which will be generated for its leasing company members, who will have to expand their systems in order to accept the additional data that is being provided by their suppliers – for example, an NEDC figure and a WLTP figure as well as additional entries for cars fitted with optional equipment such as larger alloy wheels.

A BVRLA spokesman said: “The process of quoting prices to customers may become more complicated as it will need to take into account the impact upon emissions of optional extras, such as roof racks.”

Matt Freeman, managing consultant at cap hpi, agrees: “The new testing regime has wide-ranging impacts across the supply chain. We have been engaging with manufacturers to understand their current position about generating the new WLTP data. The majority are working through the

requirements with their head offices in Europe, and this information will then be shared with the UK.” The RDE test also has the potential to disrupt the new car market because in a bid to reduce pollutants such as NOx, most diesel vehicles will be required to have selective catalytic reduction systems installed – essentially AdBlue tanks to filter exhaust emissions. This will lead to increased costs and the potential to see smaller diesel models disappear because of cost and packaging issues (AdBlue tanks typically being around 10 litres). Indeed, both Volkswagen and Renault have intimated that small-capacity diesels will not be financially viable within the next few years.

The new WLTP test may also result in reduced economy claims for vehicles such as plug-in hybrids, by potentially factoring in mileage completed on the electric motor.

“The new testing regime has wide-ranging impacts across the supply chain.”

Matt Freeman, managing consultant, cap hpi

WLTP vs NEDC: KEY DIFFERENCES • • • • •

WLTP test is 30 minutes – 10 minutes longer.

Proportion of time at a standstill is reduced from 25% to 13%.

The length of the test cycle increases from 11km to 23.5km.

Average speed is now 46.6km/h – up from 34km/h.

Additional EU test involves running the test at a lower temperature (14ºC).

• WLTP takes into account the effect of weight, aerodynamics and rolling resistance of optional equipment fitted, such as bigger tyres.

→ fleetworld.co.uk / 61

FEATURE_FuelMgt_FW_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 15:59 Page 3

FEATURE Fuel Management

→ RESULTS Vauxhall and Volkswagen are among the earliest manufacturers to release indicative data of fuel economy under WLTP conditions.

e’re yet to see any official results from the WLTP testing programme, but some manufacturers have already issued some advance data based on simulations running the new testing protocols.

Tests by Vauxhall comparing NEDC and WLTP results show some marked differences. An Astra 1.4 100PS petrol manual recorded figures ranging from 37.7mpg to 67.3mpg on the NEDC test, falling to 31.4 to 52.3mpg on the WLTP cycle. On the diesel side, an Astra 1.6 CDTi 110PS manual returned 67.3-85.6mpg on the NEDC and 44.2-65.7mpg on the WLTP. Elsewhere, and indicative of the trend, data for the new Volkswagen Golf shows increased emissions and lower fuel economy for some versions – the new GTD hatchback, for instance, has seen claimed average fuel economy fall from 64.2mpg to 60.1 – this is down to Volkswagen taking a decision in the wake of Dieselgate to not ‘push the limits’ in terms of economy testing.

In the course of the development of WLTP, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has tested 21 petrol and diesel vehicles, on both the current European type approval test procedure (NEDC) and the progressive versions of the WLTP. The results (which should viewed as an initial indication) showed minimal average differences between CO2 emissions over the NEDC and WLTP tests.

However, CO2 emissions measured on the WLTP were on average 9% higher than the respective type approval values, therefore suggesting that for the tested

W

62 / fleetworld.co.uk

vehicles, CO2 emissions over WLTP were almost 10% higher than the respective NEDC type approval values. That difference is likely to increase with application of the full test procedure.

This ties in with the thinking at Arval – its fleet consultant David Nicholas (pictured left) said: “We expect to see official MPG figures reduce while CO2 ratings will increase.

However, until we see any real comparison data from manufacturers, we do not know for definite the extent of this. It’s also likely that the difference between the two testing programmes will impact individual models in different ways.

“From an operator’s perspective, assuming the new figures reflect real life more accurately, they will provide greater insight into the potential wholelife cost of a vehicle prior to purchase and will make fuel management a much more refined and accurate process in terms of individual driver and vehicle performance.”

2017 and 2020, new vehicles will have correlated NEDC and WLTP type approval values to allow a comparison.

“The WLTP is expected to provide CO2 emission and fuel consumption values that are more representative of real driving conditions than figures from the NEDC test, and as such, estimates suggest that CO2 emissions could be anywhere from 10 to 20% higher than those generated by the NEDC test.

“Our priority now is working with HM Treasury and HMRC as they look to agree a suitable moment to move the tax system to WLTP. We are urging policymakers to understand the need for any changes to be well-signalled and for there to be a smooth transition.”

TAXING TIMES The WLTP figures will be generated for newly type-approved vehicles from September 2017, but HM Treasury has confirmed to the BVRLA that it will not be using CO2 values from WLTP for tax purposes (both VED and company car tax) from this September.

A BVRLA spokesman said: “During a transitional period between September

September 2018: WLTP to be applied to all new cars registered.

TIME FRAME April 2017: European Parliament to vote on type approval reform.

Mid-2017: EU to finalise legislation on RDE test.

September 2017: WLTP and RDE to be applied to all new types of car being launched.

September 2019: RDE to be applied to all new cars registered.

2020: Current benefit-in-kind tax system expires. Potential introduction of Euro VII emissions regulations.

ADVERTS_FWFS_2017_v2_Layout 1 03/03/2017 18:19 Page 1

Damon Hill beating Schumacher in 1994 The home crowd roaring Hunt home in 1977 Claire Rees discovering her perfect multi-marque leasing supplier at Fleet Show 2017 What will be your memorable moment at Silverstone this year?

et champion at fle a Be . ng ki or w et N overing.

Fleet Show 2017

Driving. Disc

Register online now at

thefleetshow.co.uk

THE GREATEST SHOW IN FLEET

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

10TH MAY 2017

TAXATION_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 17:12 Page 1

FEATURE Taxation & Funding

The final countdown Professor Colin Tourick explains why now is the time for a closer look at VED and BiK to avoid steep hikes.

ax isn’t the most fascinating of subjects for most people. However, as a fleet manager, a knowledge of tax is unavoidable because every decision you make – including whether you offer company cars or a cash allowance, which cars to put on your fleet, how to finance them, how to pay for maintenance costs, etc – has a tax consequence.

In this article we will look at two taxes that are about to increase sharply and discuss ways you might reduce these.

The first tax is vehicle excise duty (VED). The system is due to change from 1 April and there is still time (just) for you to take steps to make some savings.

T

There is an additional £310 payable for five years after the first 12 months for cars costing over £40,000 that were first registered on or after 1 April 2017.

Fuel

Standard annual rate

Additional rate

Total annual payment

Electric

£0

£310

£310

Alternative

£130

£310

£440

Petrol or diesel

£140

£310

£450

THIS CHART SHOWS THE OLD AND THE NEW VED RATES: Cars registered before 1 April 2017 CO2 emissions (g/km)

Up to 100

First year rate

£0

Standard rate

£0

Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017 CO2 emissions (g/km)

First year rate

Petrol and diesel

Alternative fuel cars**

Standard rate for petrol or diesel*

0

£0

£0

£0

1-50

£10

£0

£140

51-75

£25

£15

£140

76-90

£100

£90

£140

91-100

£120

£110

£140

101-110

£140

£130

£140

110 -130

£160

£150

£140

131-150

£200

£190

£140

151-170

£500

£490

£140

171-190

£800

£790

£140

101-110

£0

£20

111-120

£0

£30

121-130

£0

£110

131-140

£130

£130

141-150

£145

£145

151-165

£185

£185

166-175

£300

£210

176-185

£355

£230

186-200

£500

£270

201-225

£650

£295

191-225

£1,200

£1,190

£140

226-255

£885

£500

226-255

£1,700

£1,690

£140

Over 255

£1,120

£515

Over 255

£2,000

£1,990

£140

*£10 discount for non-electric cars emitting any CO2 **Alternative fuel includes hybrids, bio-ethanol and LPG

64 / fleetworld.co.uk

After five years, the standard annual rate is payable, depending on which fuel the vehicle uses.

We now have a system that is more complicated than before. The first thing to notice is that VED is now going to be payable for the first time on cars emitting less than 101g/km of CO2. Quite a lot of VED, in fact: £680 over four years for a diesel car emitting 91-100g/km (first year rate plus standard rate). You can add another £930 to that if the list price exceeds £40,000. This will annoy fleet managers who made a conscious effort to move their employees into low emission cars.

According to the Department of Transport, the national average emission level for all new cars is 120.8g/km.

The latest BVRLA figures show that new cars added to their members’ fleets in Q4 2016 emitted an average of 110.9g/km.

This falls by about 2g/km each year, so we can deduce that the average fleet car will probably be emitting just below 110g/km very soon. VED is currently £20 per pa for those cars or £80 over a four year life, but for cars registered from 1 April that £80 will become a whopping £700 (£1,630 if they

TAXATION_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 17:13 Page 2

cost over £40,000). That’s a hefty increase that won’t have been accounted for in most fleet managers’ budgets.

There is a very small window of opportunity left for you to save that extra amount – order new cars now and have them registered before 1 April. In fact, if you can get any new sub-120g/km car on the road before 1 April you’ll save hundreds of pounds in VED. The other way you can save VED for a short while after 1 April is by buying (or leasing) a nearly new car, because it’s the vehicle registration date that determines the VED treatment rather than the date you take it onto your fleet. There are always lots of preregistered cars in the market. Now might be the time to ask your dealer or leasing company if they can get hold of one for you.

The lease rental will be quite a bit lower too.

The other tax to be aware of at the moment is Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax on company cars.

The general rule is that BiK tax is calculated by multiplying the list price of the car by the employee’s marginal tax rate and the ‘appropriate percentage’ shown in this chart (see below).

The appropriate percentages will rise substantially over the next few years, particularly for drivers of lower-emission cars.

Whilst the actual tax paid by these employees will still be relatively low, the annual percentage increases will be high. So, for example, an employee currently driving a car emitting 99g/km will see their appropriate percentage rise from 16% to 23% in just over three years’ time, a whopping 43.75% more than they are paying today.

So what can you do when these employees start grumbling about this steep increase?

One option would be to see whether there are cars that emit lower levels of CO2 that might be suitable to put onto your fleet list.

Another interesting option would be to check to see whether there are savings to be made from encouraging employees to lease their own vehicles direct from your leasing company using a personal contract hire agreement. You would pay them a cash allowance and they could claim for business mileage at the HMRC approved rates. It is important – really important – that you don’t let this become a free-for-all with employees going off and doing their APPROPRIATE PERCENTAGES FOR CAR BENEFIT CALCULATIONS own thing, because very soon you’d find 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 yourself doing more work to ensure that CO2 CO2 CO2 CO2 these cars are being taxed, insured and emissions emissions emissions emissions serviced on time. (g/km) (g/km) (g/km) (g/km) Yet another option would be to look at 0-50 7% 0-50 9% 0-50 13% 0-50 16% setting up an Employee Car Ownership 51-75 11% 51-75 13% 51-75 16% 51-75 19% Scheme (ECOS). These have fallen out of 76-94 15% 76-94 17% 76-94 19% 76-94 22% fashion but it seems there may be a resur95-99 16% 95-99 18% 95-99 20% 95-99 23% gence afoot, and at least one leasing 100-104 17% 100-104 19% 100-104 21% 100-104 24% company has just started offering these to 105-109 18% 105-109 20% 105-109 22% 105-109 25% relatively small fleets.

110-114 19% 110-114 21% 110-114 23% 110-114 26% If you want the best possible solution – 115-119 20% 115-119 22% 115-119 24% 115-119 27% total control, lowest cost – you could opt for 120-124 21% 120-124 23% 120-124 25% 120-124 28% a hybrid ECOS/contract hire scheme. These 125-129 22% 125-129 24% 125-129 26% 125-129 29% represent the gold standard in cost-opti130-134 23% 130-134 25% 130-134 27% 130-134 30% misation. They aren’t for the faint hearted 135-139 24% 135-139 26% 135-139 28% 135-139 31% but they really do tick a lot of boxes.

140-144 25% 140-144 27% 140-144 29% 140-144 32% Every ECO scheme gets HMRC approval 145-149 26% 145-149 28% 145-149 30% 145-149 33% but there was some ambiguity around the 150-154 27% 150-154 29% 150-154 31% 150-154 34% treatment of AMAPs in the wording of the 155-159 28% 155-159 30% 155-159 32% 155-159 35% draft finance bill relating to salary sacrifice and cash allowances. This should be 160-164 29% 160-164 31% 160-164 33% 160-164 36% resolved within the next few weeks so we 165-169 30% 165-169 32% 165-169 34% 165 and above 37% won’t go into details here. However, if you 170-174 31% 170-174 33% 170-174 35% decide to explore changes in your funding 175-179 32% 175-179 34% 175-179 36% method, make sure you get professional 180-184 33% 180-184 35% 180 and above 37% tax advice.

185-189 34% 185-189 36% 190-194

35%

195-199

36%

200 and above

37%

190 and above

37%

Add 3% for diesel cars, up to a maximum of 37% in total.

Professor Colin Tourick MSc FCA FCCA MICFM University of Buckingham

fleetworld.co.uk / 65

MKT_Contract Hire_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:39 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Contract Hire, Finance & Leasing

ALD Automotive

ALD Automotive is the second largest vehicle leasing operation in Europe and manages over 1.3 million vehicles across more than 40 countries worldwide. Within the UK, ALD finances and manages over 125,000 vehicles, providing customers with total fleet management flexibility from pure financing of cars and vans to comprehensive outsourcing operations.

Established in 1958, ALD UK has almost 60 years’ experience in vehicle funding and ancillary support services within both corporate and consumer markets. ALD is widely recognised as one of the industry’s leading service providers, with a proven portfolio of innovative, award-winning products for major PLCs, small businesses and individual drivers alike. ALD hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations.

Contact: Ian Turner ian.turner@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.co.uk

Tel: 0370 001 1181

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is a family-owned vehicle leasing company. We provide professional vehicle fleet management services to both the public and private sectors. We’re car people, and part of the Arnold Clark Group, which is the largest privately owned automotive company in Europe.

Our aim is to give you expert, impartial advice to help reduce your costs and keep your fleet running smoothly. With a comprehensive range of products and services, and a friendly approach to fleets, you’ll find we’re easy to do business with.

We’d love to talk to you about a total vehicle solution for your fleet.

Contact: Calum Ewart calum.ewart@arnoldclark.com www.acvm.com

Tel: 0141 332 2626

Fleet Alliance Limited Days Fleet

Since 1998, Days Fleet has been providing fleet solutions to organisations in the private and public sector all across the UK and has grown to become one of the country’s leading independent vehicle funding, leasing and fleet management companies.

We have the flexibility and the desire to deliver an outstanding service to fleets of all sizes. With no affiliation to a bank or vehicle manufacturer, we are well placed to offer impartial advice and to recommend the optimum fleet solution tailored to you.

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

Contact: Tim Johnson timjohnson@daysfleet.com www.daysfleet.com

Tel: 0845 815 0019

Fleet Alliance Group is an award winning fleet management provider, offering contract hire, leasing and a complete range of fleet solutions. Following the acquisition of Neva Consultants in January, we manage around 25,000 vehicles on behalf of corporate clients, which would put us at No 14 by fleet size in a league table of leading contract hire and leasing companies.

Our market-leading Fleet 360 model provides the best combination of products and advice, delivered through our cloud-based fleet management system, e-Fleet, and our awardwinning smartphone app, e-Fleet Mobile. From fleet audit to grade list and vehicle manufacturer choice, we provide the appropriate funding products necessary to build a well priced and optimised fleet.

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

Lex Autolease

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

Inchcape Fleet Solutions (IFS) has been providing flexible fleet management solutions to Corporate, Government and Nonprofit sector clients throughout the UK for more than 50 years and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading fleet management companies.

Inchcape Fleet Solutions is a subsidiary of Inchcape plc, a leading global premium automotive group that operates in 29 markets with a portfolio of the world’s leading car brands in the fast growing luxury and premium segments.

The voice of our customers is the driving force behind our innovation and we are committed to creating an incredible fleet customer experience for all of our clients.

Contact: Jennifer Davis sales@ifs.inchcape.co.uk www.inchcapefleetsolutions.co.uk

66 / fleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 0333 222 0966

As the UK’s leading vehicle management and leasing specialist, Lex Autolease has the scale and strength to keep British business moving. We currently manage more than 350,000 cars and commercial vehicles across the country and can tailor our range of leasing and funding options to suit your fleet requirements.

Our in-life support covers a full range of services – from end-toend fleet management to customised plans that improve fleet safety and reliability.

Harnessing our expertise on transport data systems and deep insights into mobility trends, we work closely with fleet operators to deliver flexible, tailored solutions for organisations of all sizes and complexities.

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

marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Tel: 0800 389 3690

MKT_Contract Hire_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:40 Page 2

Do you offer a recovery service for electric vehicles?

Do you offer EV drivers access to petrol or diesel models for longer trips?

Do you offer a consultancy service for fleets looking to use plug-in vehicles?

Do you offer a fleet management option for non-funded vehicles?

Do you offer pooled mileage as standard?

Do you offer a salary sacrifice sheme?

Do you offer an on-line solution for managing a grey fleet?

Do you have a dedicated phone-based facility for small fleets?

Service unavailable

Do you offer an ECOS / COP scheme?

-

Do you offer integrated telematics solutions?

Service provided

Do you offer an open discloure/profit sharing option?

✔

Approximately how many vehicles does your company operate?

Key to services

Will you provide a bespoke Internet/Intranet site for major clients?

FLEETW RLD

ALD Automotive

125k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Alphabet

147k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Arnold Clark

49k

✔

-

-

-

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

-

✔

Days Fleet

9.2k

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Fleet Alliance Limited

25k

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Inchcape Fleet Solutions

49k

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Lex Autolease

350k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Pendragon Vehicle Management

15.3k

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Venson Automotive Solutions

10k

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Pendragon Vehicle Management

Venson Automotive Solutions

Contact: Jon Hilton Tel: 0133 226 7321 jon.hilton@pendragon.uk.com www.pendragonvehiclemanagement.co.uk

Contact: Danielle Tilley sales@venson.com

Get a responsive and personable service along with the benefits that comes from being part of Europe’s Biggest Motor Group. We supply all brands of cars and vans, providing expert and impartial vehicle and funding advice that’s tailored to fit your business needs, complimented with best-in-class technology and industry leading fleet management.

With over 30 years in the industry, we operate across a wide variety of business sectors, with services including Contract Hire and Daily and Flexi-rental. Talk to us for a free consultation.

Venson is a hands-on fleet management specialist with a proven track record in reducing costs and increasing vehicle availability. It’s our level of experience, knowledge and service that allows us to give you the kind of impartial advice that has real financial returns whether your business is in the private, public, not-for-profit or emergency services sector.

From sourcing the right commercial vehicles to funding, maintaining and delivering vehicle fit-outs, we handle every aspect and we don’t let our clients down. Get in touch and reserve a free fleet audit and drive your business in a new direction.

Tel: 0800 328 0370 www.venson.com

fleetworld.co.uk / 67

LTT_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:18 Page 1

our fleet Audi Q2 S line 1.4 TFSI CoD S-tronic

“IT’S really nice in here,” my Dad commented from the passenger seat of our Q2. “How much does one of these cost?” For all the changes that have affected the way we choose a new car, there’s never been a substitute for the old ‘bums-on-seats’ test. And the Q2 scores well.

Great cabins are an Audi forte. Most of the Q2’s is shared with the A3, though without the intricate rocket booster air vents, and there’s a feeling of precision engineering throughout. None of this would feel out of place in a car costing twice as much.

The £1,600 ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, an option fitted to our car, is high on the wow factor too. While it’s not an essential, I’ve got used to having the navigation just below my line of sight, or having a route overview to glance at on the journey home. It’s a much more logical place to show this sort of information than the middle of the dashboard - sadly the often-redundant central infotainment display doesn’t fold away when it’s not needed.

Less logical is the volume control knob, which is in front of the gearstick. I assume it’s so it’s within easy reach of the driver, but I’ve lost track of the number of times people have given the passenger-side climate control knob a twist instead.

Not that such details put my parents off. A 200-mile round trip in the Q2 had them in an Audi dealer looking into getting their own, and discovering that the A3 feels every bit as pleasant when you’re behind the wheel. They’ll have a Sportback in the same spec by the time you read this, sold almost entirely on being impressed by the cabin of its sibling. But it really is very nice inside the Q2.

Alex Grant

MINI Clubman One D LAST month, we touched upon the intuitive entertainment system and the last 30 days have done nothing to dminish my admiration for for its user-friendly controls. Everything from the way you can easily find phone contacts without faffing and pressing lots of buttons, to a sat nav system that’s similarly easy to use, makes driving the Clubman to an unfamiliar destination on unfamiliar roads as relaxing as possible.

If we were nitpicking, the controls for quickly flicking through the menu mean the uninitiated have to take their eyes off the road, but it’s a minor gripe in an otherwise very well thought out package.

Also, on the – admittedly minor, but slightly annoying nonetheless – issue of the sticking rear door last month, it’s got stuck again. Perhaps my WD-40 plan was not as permanent as I initially thought, and it probably wouldn’t be such an issue if the Clubman’s boot aperture wasn’t so shallow, for loading and unloading.

It says something about a car though if these are the most negative things to note, and it seems to attract compliments wherever it goes.

Luke Wikner

Mazda CX-3 1.5d SE-L Nav OUR CX-3 celebrated its first birthday with a trip to local dealer Brayley Mazda in Harpenden this month. Not that we really had a chance to notice it had gone.

Scheduled in during a day of back-to-back meetings, they collected the car, carried out the service and inspection for us, cleaned it and delivered it back to the Fleet World office in St Albans ready for me to drive home. Seamless, convenient and affordable, it’s the sort of going-the-extra-mile customer service you’d expect from a premium brand, and perfect for those weeks where you just can’t spare the time out.

Anne Dopson

68 / fleetworld.co.uk

LTT_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:18 Page 2

AlphaCity BMW 116d

HAVING gone through the rigmarole of hiking over to the local rental office to hire a car for business trips, it has been far more convenient to have the AlphaCity BMW on hand at our business HQ, as you’d expect.

Booking a trip through the online portal is mercifully simple, with only a few steps required. There are pros and cons to having a formal booking system – you can’t vaguely book the car for a trip after lunch with your office manager – but at least your colleague can’t claim to have booked it out first.

And the system does work best if you are clear on exactly when you are going to need the car and you book the right time slot.

Using the car itself has largely been relatively straightforward.

Once, a colleague did manage to lock three staff members in the AlphaCity car, but in the main it’s not been difficult. Once, while out on a trip, I have had trouble locking the car using the card, which wasn’t ideal as I’d stowed a laptop and camera in it. The call centre was quick to reset the card and car, however, and solved the problem. Had I been pushed for time that would have felt like a faff when I could have just used a standard set of car keys.

The AlphaCity livery is not subtle, so if that kind of thing bothers you that could be a drawback. But if you’re looking to set up a company car alternative with a straightforward booking and admin system then AlphaCity is well worth a try.

Jonathon Harker

SEAT Ateca SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive I’LL admit that I am sucker for a Sport mode. The Ateca has a rotary controller beside the handbrake that offers Normal, Eco and Sport settings, along with a personal setting that lets you mix and match.

This controller effects the engine response, steering and air conditioning output. However while my natural tendency would be to go straight for Sport, that’s not been the case with the SEAT. Yes it makes a slight difference to the engine response, but we’re talking about a 115hp diesel here, so it’s all relative. What is more noticeable is the artificial weight that it adds to the steering, though there is no more feel on offer.

Having tried it on a variety of roads, when cruising or pushing on, I’ve settled on the Sport setting for the engine, but have reverted to Normal for the steering, as it is plenty heavy enough and actually nicer to use.

In other news I continue to be amazed by the volume of the boot, which manages to be much bigger than some in the class without having a detrimental effect on rear seat occupants.

Indeed with 9,000 miles under its wheels, the Ateca is proving a

comfortable long distance car for those in the front and the rear.

Now well run-in, we’re achieving around 50mpg most of the time. The only slight concern is a fairly small fuel tank that has me looking for a filling station after little more than 400 miles.

Dan Gilkes

fleetworld.co.uk / 69

LTT_FW_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:19 Page 3

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

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

WE’VE had over a month now behind the wheel of our 2017 model year Discovery Sport and although the upgrades it brings are mainly focused on in-car technology, they do radically enhance the day-to-day driving experience.

In particular, it’s the updates to the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system that impress.

With the old system having seemed a touch

out of date, the new system, which brings a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen and intuitive menus including the pinch and swipe gestures from tablets and smartphones, is streets ahead. As someone who frequently mislays my keys, phone etc, the addition of the Tile Bluetooth tracking device to help locate missing items could prove a godsend too.

Natalie Middleton

accident management

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav dCi 110 THE great Kadjar key debate continues. After last month’s missive I had an email from a chap who works for Renault who had experienced similar problems and had then found out that by keeping the key in his pockets and pressing the small button on the door handle he could lock and unlock the car without needing to go near the key.

I have since adopted this practice and things are working far more smoothly. So the moral of this tale is (and no doubt something you say on a daily basis to your drivers): read the handbook.

Sorry about that. Probably should have done that in the first place.

Then editor Alex Grant showed me where you can put a key ring on. If you take the key apart, a tiny loop inside will allow you to connect a bit of string to it, and then a key ring to that. This I am less impressed by, as it is annoyingly dangly.

Other than the key (and me), the Kadjar is

running very smoothly and it is getting close to its first service at 12,000 miles, which should be complete before the next report. In terms of driving, I don’t think you would ever accuse the Kadjar of being a ball of fire or especially exciting, but much of my commute involves dual carriageway and roundabouts and it is refined and comfortable at high speed while for a high-ish car the body control is decent around roundabouts.

It’s not nimble or quick as such, but you don’t notice it not being nimble or not being quick, and that is a crucial distinction because it is extremely competent in every way. I don’t expect a family crossover to be fun but the fact occupants aren’t hanging on for dear life at every corner, and are perfectly happy at motorway speeds illustrates the Kadjar is a very good all-rounder.

Steve Moody

Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd

Tel: 0845 468 6800 www.selsia-vac.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

70 / fleetworld.co.uk

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Mar17_SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 03/03/2017 16:56 Page 2

FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY contract hire, leasing & finance

daily rental

risk management

fleet management software

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

sgfleet Tel: 0845 154 0721 www.sgfleet.com

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

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

Maxxia 020 7520 9450 www.maxxia.co.uk

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

Cardinus Risk Management Tel: 01733 426015

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

www.cardinus.com

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

Tel: 01484 551060

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

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

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

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

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

0845 2172 608 daysfleet.com

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

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

Total Leasing Solutions for your business

Telephone 0113 250 0060

www.virtualriskmanager.net

www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk

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

Lex Autolease

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

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk F _

_

_

_

3/11/14

14:14

Thrifty Car & Van Rental Tel: 01494 751 550 www.thrifty.co.uk

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

www.drivesoftwaresolutions.com

misfuelling

Tel:+3292018040

Drive Software Solutions Tel: 01438 317731

Sofico NV www.soficoservices.com AFF Tel: 0844 879 4770 www.autofuelfix.com

Page 1

November 2014

fuel management

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

FLEETW RLD All that matters in the world of fleet

interview Michael O’Shea of Volkswagen

stopping power Why fleets should check their brakes

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

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

Europcar Tel: 0871 384 0201 www.europcar.co.uk MODELPUPIL Behind the wheel of Tesla’s remarkable Model S

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

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

fleetworld.co.uk

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk

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

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

www.quartix.net

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

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

Tel: 0870 013 6663

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

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

Airmax Remote Limited Tel: 0333 358 3488 www.airmaxremote.com

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk CanTrack Global Ltd Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

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

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

BOX Telematics Tel: 0330 333 4118 www.boxtelematics.com

www.navmanwireless.co.uk

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

fleetworld.co.uk / 71

ADVTL_ALD_Mar17 03/03/2017 15:25 Page 1

Fuel management

13 tips to slash your fuel bill Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, advises fleets on 13 simple, yet significant ways they can cut fuel costs. lthough fuel prices are a perennial thorn in fleet managers’ sides, their significance has grown in recent weeks as pump prices for both petrol and diesel have reached a two-year high.

The good news is that, with the help of 13 key actions, you can help reduce the impact on your business from forecourt price rises and even slash your fuel bill.

1. Fuel cards A key way to ensure your drivers can fill up simply yet cheaply is by introducing a fuel card. This provides a hasslefree solution for drivers while for fleets, the comprehensive reporting reduces administration, aids with HMRC compliance and ensures a far-reaching view of your business fuel costs. It can also stamp out fuel fraud.

2. Telematics Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business, telematics solutions provide the ultimate insight into your fuel costs and how to save on them. ALD Automotive’s award-winning ProFleet telematics system delivers in-depth information to help fleets reduce fuel consumption.

3. Driver training Having used telematics data to pinpoint wasted fuel, implementing eco-driver training can lead to average fuel savings of 5-10%. Such training also brings safety benefits and can cut down on vehicle wear and tear, increasing the savings.

4. Go green Alongside economical driving styles, it’s also vital to make sure you’re running the latest, most fuel-efficient vehicles, utilising the newest petrol and diesel technology, including downsized engines, but also deploying ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) technologies where possible.

5. Downsize vehicles In some cases it may not be possible to deploy ULEVs, for example for commercial vehicles travelling nationwide.

However, it can pay dividends to also review your vehicle requirements and see if you can deploy smaller vehicles that are still fit for purpose, facilitated by the latest manufacturer developments.

6. Speed limiters Another keen topic for commercial vehicle fleets, speed limiters are not only a valuable safety benefit but can also drive down fuel costs. Some fleets have reported fuel savings of between 5% and 10%.

7. Lighten the load This is not only a key consideration for commercial vehicles but also for cars. By encouraging drivers to remove extraneous items, you can help improve fuel economy. Latest

A

Contact ALD Automotive: 72 / advertisement feature

t 037000 111 81

research from Emissions Analytics finds that for every extra 100kg of weight on board, fuel economy on petrol models drops by 1.1mpg.

8. Tyres and maintenance Ensuring that tyres and vehicles are correctly maintained can help improve fuel economy too. Driving with soft tyres can add up to 2% to your fuel bills, the RAC says, not to mention the road risks incurred too. Figures also suggest that underserviced engines can reduce fuel economy by 10% or more.

9. Efficient routing Making sure drivers are using the most direct routes can also cut fuel costs, in particular through the use of telematics technology to avoid heavy congestion and, for service firms, helping to identify the nearest driver when it comes to allocating new assignments. This can significantly enhance customer service too.

10. Improve accuracy levels through FuelEx For fleets looking for a simple and effective means of managing business mileage data that could help you significantly improve the administrative processes and accuracy levels, ALD’s FuelEx and FuelEx Premium solutions are worth exploring.

Both solutions enable drivers and fleet administrators to access business mileage data via a dedicated online portal, creating a fully HMRC-compliant automated expense report.

FuelEx Premium builds on this by integrating an automated mileage data-feed provided from ProFleet2 telematics units fitted within the fleet.

11. Make use of supermarkets Although supermarkets may have been in the headlines of late as the gap between fuel prices at the 'big four' and nonsupermarket forecourts narrows, they still generally have the lowest fuel prices. Teach drivers to keep their fuel tanks full where possible, shop around for the cheapest prices and avoid motorway service stations like the plague.

12. Remove free fuel Still considered by many drivers as a ‘perk’, employer-provided fuel is, in the main, far more expensive for both drivers and employers. So do the maths and ditch it.

13. Consider alternatives to travel Implementing a fleet policy that asks drivers if their journey is really necessary and inviting them to look at alternatives such as video conferencing will slash your fuel bill, not to mention helping to cut road risk and emissions too.

For more information on how ALD Automotive could help you examine your fuel costs and identify fuel saving measures please call 037000 111 81.

e ukinfo@aldautomotive.com

w www.aldautomotive.co.uk

VFW_LEAD_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:18 Page 1

VAN

March 2017

FLEETW RLD

p78

at a glance

Interview with Volkswagen's Nick Axtell, who talks conversions ahead of new Crafter

driven...

CitroĂŤn's Euro 6 Relay gets a smaller engine, but no loss of power

plus...

Isuzu D-Max breaks cover and PSA announce additional electric vans

vanfleetworld.co.uk

VFW_NEWS_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:22 Page 1

inbusiness

D-Max downsize gets more power suzu will launch its Euro 6 D-Max pickup at the CV Show at the end of April.

The new truck, which retains the brand’s Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade lineup, features an all-new 1.9-litre turbo diesel that, though smaller than the previous engine, produces an increased 164hp with 360Nm of torque.

Isuzu has managed to meet the Euro 6 emission standard without resorting to SCR and AdBlue, cutting maintenance and running costs for owners. Despite the engine downsizing, the company has retained the pick-up’s 3.5-tonne towing ability, with over 1-tonne carrying capacity to allow customers to reclaim VAT. As with previous D-Max, the new truck

I

has a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 transmission, allowing drivers to change between two and four-wheel drive on the move. The new D-Max comes with 12,000 mile/24 month service intervals and retains Isuzu’s five year/125,000 mile warranty with five years of recovery and European cover.

Prices for the Utility model, which includes LED daytime lights, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Bluetooth, electric windows and air conditioning, start at £15,740 (CVOTR). The specification packed, range-topping Blade model, which gets DAB, auto air-con, a 9” multiscreen, sat nav and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roll cover starts at £26,999.

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

Strong used demand

Vehicle auction company Manheim recorded a 24% increase in vans offered for sale in January, when compared to the same month last year. However despite the increased availability of vehicles, Manheim also reported its strongest sales figures for eight years, indicating strong demand for good used vans.

“We sold more vans in January than we have for six years, with sold volumes up 18% on the same month in 2016,” said Matthew Davock, head of LCV. “Going into February this is showing no signs of slowing down.”

LCV site for BCA

PSA duo offer second electric vans eugeot and Citroën are making the Partner and Berlingo Electric models available in the longer L2 body, alongside the existing L1. Internal load volume goes up to 3.7m3, or 4.1m3 with the Extenso folding passenger seat, while payload is set at 552kg.

The driveline is unchanged, with a 49kW (67hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor providing 200Nm of torque for rapid acceleration and easy urban cruising. In response to customer request the vans now come with a 16A Type 2 charging cable as standard, making the van compatible with the majority of public recharging points.

A 22.5kWh Lithium-ion battery provides up to 106 miles of range and the vans can be 80% recharged in just

p

74 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

30 minutes from a rapid charger. The two vans are eligible for the Government’s Plug-in Van Grant, worth up to £5,323 in the case of Partner and Berlingo. That brings the on the road price down to £21,956. The vans are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge and from VED, offering further savings for customers.

Auction business BCA is to open its first purpose-built LCV remarketing centre in Manchester by the third quarter of the year.

The 2.4ha site will feature open plan auction lanes with undercover viewing for up to 400 vehicles.

There will also be a fully online vendor suite, Live Online hotdesks for buyers and a cafeteria.

Dodd chooses Vauxhall Mechanical and electrical contractor Dodd Group has taken delivery of 96 Vauxhall Vivaro vans and 51 Combos as it continues to expand its fleet. The vans feature deadlocks, roof racks, pipe racks, van vaults and signage specific to individual contracts.

The Telford firm also uses Vauxhall cars in its 550-strong fleet.

VFW_ROAD_Citroen_Relay_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 17:29 Page 1

Citroën Relay Citroën has downsized the engines in Relay but there’s no loss of pulling power, says Dan Gilkes.

ith manufacturers investing heavily to meet Euro 6 engine requirements, it is hardly surprising that some chose a wholesale reengineering of their heavy van models. In many cases this led to the use of smaller engines, though that hasn’t necessarily meant a drop in power or torque as the newer motors are more efficient.

For many years Citroën and PSA partner Peugeot have used a 2.2-litre diesel engine to power the majority of their Relay and Boxer vans. Sevel partner Fiat has always opted for its own motors and continues to fit a range of 2.3-litre engines in Ducato.

For the Euro 6 Relay Citroën has chosen to go with a new 2.0-litre engine, available in three power ratings. The base model is a BlueHDi 110, with 110hp and 304Nm of torque, while the big seller is expected to be this BlueHDi 130, boasting 130hp and a healthy 350Nm of torque.

A range-topping BlueHDi 160 is also available, replacing the previous 150hp offering, but this is reserved for those buyers operating at heavier weights, plus it will probably be extensively used for motorhome conversions.

The 130hp engine offers a claimed 47.1mpg in this L2H2 van, while emissions of 163g/km represent a big drop from the 195g/km of the previous 130hp 2.2-litre motor. The smaller, lighter engine also makes up for the addition of an AdBlue tank and dosing system, maintaining this 3.5-tonne van’s respectable 1,525kg payload.

With no drop in power over the previous 2.2-litre engine, it will come as little surprise that the new 2.0-litre BlueHDi drives equally well. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard

W

76 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

what we think Fleets will welcome the fact that Citroën has managed to maintain power while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

specification MODEL

Citroën Relay L2H2 BlueHDi 130 Enterprise BASIC PRICE £26,560 ENGINE 4-cyl/1,997 cc FUEL INJECTION Common-rail POWER 130hp @ 3,750rpm TORQUE 350Nm @ 1,750rpm Weights (kg) GVW 3,500 KERB WEIGHT 1,925 PAYLOAD 1,525 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,500 Dimensions (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,120 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,870 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,932 LOAD VOLUME 11.5m3 Cost considerations COMBINED CO2/MPG 163g/km/47.1 mpg OIL CHANGE 2-year/30,000 miles WARRANTY 3-year/100,000 miles

on all models and though slightly notchy, the dash-mounted lever makes it easy to change ratios while offering plenty of space in the cab.

While there are benefits in fuel consumption and emissions, the new 2.0-litre is not noticeably quieter than its predecessor, and it is still necessary to tweak the radio volume as speeds rise. That’s despite a considerable amount of sound deadening material being draped across the top of the engine. Thankfully a full steel bulkhead is a standard fit.

Engine aside, Relay remains much the same, apart from an update to the styling around the front grille and lights. Similarly inside the cab, the dash is familiar, though there is now a 5” colour touchscreen in the centre that in Enterprise trim includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and an MP3 CD player with USB socket. Tick the optional reversing camera box and the screen provides a monitor for the rear-view feed.

While Citroën’s smaller Dispatch now makes use of that centre screen for optional sat nav feed as well, Citroën is still using the Teletrac Navman system with its own screen mounted to the right of the dash on Relay. It seems like one screen too many, but that’s the way it is at present.

The increasingly popular Enterprise trim level also brings with it air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limiter, rear parking sensors and a perimetric alarm. At £800, Enterprise specification looks like money well spent.

Indeed Relay remains an attractive proposition, particularly for those looking to maximise payload. The 2.0-litre engine simply adds economic and environmental reasons to opt for Citroën’s largest van.

TO EXPERIENCE THE ABSOLUTE DRIVING PLEASURE

CALL 0800 915 0040 www.iveco-dealership.co.uk

CLASS EXCLUSIVE 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX For best comfort and safety

OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY With a choice of ECO PRO or POWER modes

UP TO 10% LOWER REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COSTS* With record reliability and durability *

UNRIVALLED PERFORMANCE 2.3-litre and 3.0-litre engines, Up to 205 hp and 470 Nm

Vs manual transmission

NEW DAILY HI-MATIC. THE ABSOLUTE DRIVING PLEASURE. The New Daily HI-MATIC E6 is the right choice to develop your business. With its new Euro 6 engines coupled with the first 8-speed automatic gearbox in the industry, providing more power, lower fuel consumption and best in class cost of ownership, and its increased comfort and advanced connectivity, New Daily is your perfect business partner.

IVIEW_VWConversions_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 16:33 Page 1

INTERVIEW Nick Axtell, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Crafter drives van conversion focus Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is planning growth in van conversions, specialist sales manager Nick Axtell tells Dan Gilkes.

here are very few light commercial vehicles that don’t undergo some form of conversion, from simple racking or additional lighting, to full body engineering. This is particularly true as vehicles get larger and heavier, with chassis cabs allowing converters to provide a wide variety of bodies, to complement the panel vans available from the manufacturer.

The majority of those van builders also offer a range of offthe-shelf conversions themselves, usually tippers, dropsides and Luton vans, to satisfy customers that want to buy a ready-bodied vehicle from a single source, under one warranty. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is no different in this respect, offering an Engineered-To-Go range that includes those three core models.

With the introduction of new Crafter this year though, VW is looking to build upon this base, with the creation of a business unit within the new Crafter plant in Wresznia, Poland, dedicated to conversion work. The company already has a similar operation at the Caddy plant in Poznan, where vehicles like those supplied to British Gas are liveried, have racking installed and are fully prepared for the customer before being shipped to the UK. The new Crafter unit will initially build dropsides, in medium and long wheelbase and with single and double cabs.

A tipper may also be offered, though as with the dropsides it will only be sold in the UK if the conversion suits UK customer demand, particularly with regard to weight.

“If it doesn’t work for the UK, we won’t take it,” said specialist sales manager Nick Axtell.

“Lutons we are definitely going to source locally. This doesn’t mean that we are not going to continue to help local converters, the customer needs choice and variety.”

The Luton conversion is currently being put out to tender among UK converters, who have also been asked to put forward other vehicle options that they might be able to provide, such as minibuses, refrigerated vehicles and welfare buses. These would be supplied under Volkswagen’s Engineered-For-You programme, rather than Engineered-To-Go. Whichever programme you opt for, Volkswagen has been working hard behind the scenes to make the process easier for the customer, both at vehicle selection and purchase time,

T

78 / fleetworld.co.uk

and in the event of repair or warranty work. All sales staff in VW’s Van Centres are now armed with an iPad loaded with sales information both for the VW product and for possible conversions. With this data to hand, salespeople can ask customers more informed questions, to build the perfect vehicle to meet their needs.

This is particularly important when specifying conversions.

For instance, the device will suggest a range of factory options to suit a particular conversion, such as strengthened suspension packs, mirror arms that are long enough to see past a converted body, engine power take-off options and modified door hinges for fridge conversions.

“The Van Centre needs to be able to ask the customer the right questions,” said Axtell.

Any quote that is generated will automatically be sent to the converter, for up to date pricing and potential build times, allowing the sales person to provide the customer with a single source for their finished vehicle.

There are additional advantages to this new approach, some of which plug gaps in the VW system of the past. For instance a tail lift for a Luton van could not be put through VW’s system on the old Crafter, despite the fact that around 60% of Lutons were equipped with one. It would have had to be specified by the dealer, directly with the converter. That sort of addition is now covered within the VW ordering process.

There will also be a benefit to

IVIEW_VWConversions_Mar17_Layout 1 03/03/2017 16:36 Page 2

customers in terms of used values for some models. In the past if a chassis cab or panel van was imported and then converted in the UK separately, into a dropside or a minibus say, it would only be given a Cap code for the base vehicle, not for the conversion, so would not show the full residual value on the used market. “We want to maximise the residual value for the customer,” said Axtell.

This approach extends to repair and warranty work too, with Volkswagen’s Van Centres now able to sign off repairs in their workshops to get the customer back on the road as quickly as possible, even if the job is conversion-related.

“The customer shouldn’t have to do the chasing, we should do the chasing,” said Axtell. “There needs to be ownership in our network.”

This new focus on conversions comes at an important time for Volkswagen, with new Crafter being phased in to replace the previous model throughout this year. As the new van is not a like-for-like replacement, but will be offered with a much broader range of drivelines and chassis possibilities, the company is hoping to greatly improve its share of this lucrative business.

With more than 50% of heavy vans undergoing some form

of conversion work, aside from racking, Axtell admits that Volkswagen has only been capturing around 4% of the market with the previous model.

“For me, that needs to grow threefold at least,” he said. “It needs to justify the effort and deliver the returns. There has been a change within the company and within the Van Centres and it is core to our business.”

“It’s not an overnight thing, but something that has changed over the last two years. And our programme is not just for new Crafter, but for the whole range.”

Nick Axtell, specialist sales manager.

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 79

MKT_VFW_Telematics_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:44 Page 1

MARKET OVERVIEW Telematics & Tracking

Airmax Remote Limited

Market leader in the supply of innovative solutions as Telematics Service Provider to the Public and Private sectors; helping customers to remotely manage their fleet to maximise cost reductions and secure an ROI. Airmax Remote Limited specialises Driver Profiling and Remote Vehicle Diagnostics. Our expertise provide tailored Software as a Service (SaaS), including location based services and vehicle CANbus data.

With a proven track record, installing 250,000 systems since 1986, our robust system is tailored for simple deployment enabling a companywide ethos for continuous improvement. The solution we provide for our clients address Operational Improvements, Driver Profiling, Duty of Care Compliance and Vehicle Diagnostics.

Corporate Sales Team sales@airmaxgroup.com

Tel: 03333 583488 www.airmaxremote.com

CanTrack’s philosophy holds that ‘Big Data’ doesn’t need to mean big complexity.

CanTrack uses powered and non-powered telematics to collect data from client’s people and assets and turn it into immediately accessible information, helping them save time and money and increase efficiency, safety and security.

CanTrack provides innovative products, excellent customer service, an ethical approach to selling and an easy-to-use interface which integrates all information streams seamlessly.

CanTrack’s extensive client base includes, the vehicle and equipment rental sector, end-user fleets of vans, trucks and equipment, and contractors.

The CanTrack ‘Bespokes’ service delivers complete custom solutions providing bespoke reporting dashboards meeting discerning client’s total needs.

CanTrack Global Ltd

Contact: Tina Stone tina@cantrack.com

Tel: 01908 330385 www.cantrack.com

Fleetmatics, a Verizon company, is a leading global provider of mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Our fleet management solutions enable businesses to meet the challenges associated with managing local fleets, and improve the productivity of their mobile workforces, by extracting actionable business intelligence from realtime and historical vehicle and driver behavioural data.

Fleetmatics Group's intuitive, cost-effective Web-based fleet management solutions provide fleet operators with visibility into vehicle location, fuel usage, speed and mileage, and other insights into their mobile workforce, enabling them to reduce operating and capital costs, as well as increase revenue. An integrated, full-featured mobile workforce management product provides additional efficiencies related to job management by empowering the field worker and speeding the job completion process quote through payment.

Fleetmatics

Contact: Kirstey Pittman kirstey.pittman@fleetmatics.com

Tel: 01189 232111 www.fleetmatics.co.uk

Amber Connect is ideal for small business fleets needing low cost vehicle management solutions.

Amber Connect Devices are available in a wired format that actually allows you to shut down the engine in instances of unauthorized use.

For demonstration or grey fleet vehicles the Amber Connect wireless device is invaluable - devices can be discreetly secured and moved from one vehicle to another with appropriate controls for data accuracy.

For private vehicle owners claiming business miles; Amber Connect eliminates the administration element and with exportable reports distinguishing business and personal miles; the accuracy of trip logs makes this one less task to think about. This feature has improves the veracity of mileage claims saving you on the cost of incorrect claims.

Amber Connect

Contact: Linda Busby sales@amberconnect.co.uk

Tel: 01789 774444 ww.amberconnect.co.uk

Ctrack, an Inseego company, is one of the leading providers of vehicle tracking and telematics systems with more than one million units deployed with fleet customers worldwide. The company has become partner of choice for a wide range of private and public sector customers, helping overcome some of the most common and difficult challenges facing the fleet sector.

Ctrack delivers real advantage by enabling fleets of all sizes to address business critical performance issues as a result of greater operational visibility, control and efficiency. Some of the many benefits of Ctrack include: Improve fuel efficiency; validate overtime claims, eliminate unauthorised vehicle use; better driver behaviour, increase jobs per day; enhance service levels; reduce environmental impact; and achieve Duty of Care and legislative compliance.

Ctrack

Contact: Steve Thomas steve.thomas@ctrack.co.uk

Tel: 03450 558555 www.ctrack.co.uk

In-car Cleverness is an innovative telematics solution from the AIS Group, offering an established and robust service for all vehicle types, which draws on over a decade of realworld application in keeping fleets running efficiently, economically and safely.

The fully interchangeable In-car Cleverness device, paired with customisable software, generates digestible insights on tailored metrics from driver behaviour analysis, fuel consumption and mileage and everything in between.

To keep downtime and maintenance costs in check, In-car Cleverness also gives the mechanic’s view on condition with regular data-based alerts, with the added reassurances of a full digital accident reconstruction facility, 24/7 support and apps for iPhone and Android.

In-car Cleverness

Contact: Paul O’Dowd Tel: 01675 435169 / 07824 143561 paul.o'dowd@incarcleverness.co.uk www.onboard.co.uk

Winning many awards, Quartix tracking has received high acclaim and is now installed on over 300 000 vehicles for 9 000 fleets and 12 major insurance customers. With 200 installers across the UK, Quartix can provide rapid service, backed up by its UK operational centre. Quartix offers InfoPoint, InfoPlus and Corporate packages with flexible contract lengths and rental or purchase options to suit customer requirements. The features range from simple tracking tools to the more complex demands of full fleet management. From single vehicle owners to large fleets, Quartix can help reduce your operational costs.

Telogis, a Verizon company, develops and markets a cloud-based Mobile Enterprise Management (MEM) software platform for companies that require dynamic routing, commercial navigation, advanced telematics and mobile apps to keep drivers safer, manage compliance and more.

Once connected, the Telogis MEM platform optimises and automates your business to drive safety, productivity and efficiency. Telogis also builds its technologies into vehicles and equipment from leading manufacturers including Ford and Nissan, eliminating the need for hardware installations. Telogis also has strategic partnerships to improve every aspect of your technology deployment and implementation.

Contact: Dan Catterall dan.catterall@quartix.net

Contact: Sergio Barata sergio.barata@telogis.com

Quartix

80 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

Tel: 01686 624575 www.quartix.net

Telogis

Tel: 02030 058805 www.telogis.co.uk

MKT_VFW_Telematics_Mar17 03/03/2017 16:44 Page 2

VAN Do you offer a management app/web tool for smartphones or tablets?

Do you provide web services for third party integration?

Does your system take live & real time information direct from the vehicle’s onboard management system such as idle time & RPM?

Does your management software offer dashboard reporting?

Does your management software offer real-time accurate arrival times?

Does your system offer driver behaviour analysis?

Service unavailable

Does your system offer two-way communication/job dispatch facility?

-

Can the Police locate the stolen vehicle using your system?

Service provided

Does your system alert the controller if vehicles stray from their pre-set route?

✔

Does your system allow the geographical “ring fencing” of particular locations?

Key to services

Does your system have the facility to send alerts by text message in the event of a security alert?

Is it possible to fit sensors to load area doors to detect unauthorised cargo area access?

FLEETW RLD

Airmax Remote Limited

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Amber Connect

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

CanTrack Global Ltd

✔

-

-

✔

-

-

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

Ctrack

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Fleetmatics

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

In-Car Cleverness

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Quartix

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

-

✔

✔

Telogis

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Tracker

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Trakm8 Ltd

✔

-

-

-

✔

-

✔

-

✔

✔

✔

✔

TRACKER is the UK’s number one supplier of stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) tracking services. With over a million market leading security and award winning telematics systems fitted to vehicles including passenger cars, motorcycles, HGVs, LCVs and plant and construction equipment, TRACKER is still leading the way. It is the only SVR company that has a direct relationsip with the UK police force and has to date recovered over £500 million worth of stolen vehicles and continues to recover on average £1 million worth of stolen vehicles each month. TRACKER is part of the Tantalum Corporation, one of Europe’s top ‘connected vehicle’ companies, ranked 14th in the 2015 and 2016 Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100.

Trakm8 Ltd

Tel: 08456 046004 business@tracker.co.uk

Contact: Yvette Coolican yvette.coolican@trakm8.com

Tracker

www.tracker.co.uk

Through the combination of innovative telematics and big data analytics, Trakm8 maintains itself as an industry leading provider to the fleet management, insurance and logistics sectors. As a trusted manufacturer of telematics products and services, the company own the complete end-to-end solution, from the design and development to the production of their hardware and software products.

Trakm8’s telematic offerings are dramatically enhanced by market leading dash cam technology and revolutionary route optimisation and scheduling algorithms are integrated into Trakm8’s solutions to automate and streamline a customer’s processes, to further increase efficiencies.

Tel: 03303 115157 www.trakm8.com

vanfleetworld.co.uk / 81

VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Mar17_VFW SUPPLIER DIRECTORY_Aug'07 03/03/2017 17:14 Page 1

VAN SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FLEETW RLD

contract hire, leasing & finance

racking systems

tail lifts

fleet management software

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

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

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

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

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

Sortimo Tel: 01925 831636 www.sortimo.co.uk

Penny Hydraulics Tel: 01246 811475 www.pennyhydraulics.com

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

www.arnoldclarkrental.com

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

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

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

Bynx Tel: 01789 471600 www.bynx.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

daily rental

Tel: 01792 222133 www.daysrental.co.uk Nexus Vehicle Rental 0808 256 7223 www.nexusrental.co.uk

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Tel: 01786 468 700

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

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

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

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

telematics & tracking

Tel: 0345 055 8555 Ctrack www.ctrack.co.uk AMBER CONNECT Tel: 01789 774413 www.amberconnect.co.uk

vehicle CCTV www.quartix.net Tel: 0870 013 6663

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

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

Tel: 0141 332 2626 www.acvm.com

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

Trakm8 Tel: 0330 333 4120 www.trakm8.com

risk management

Full listings online at fleetworld.co.uk fuel management

STEPS AVS Steps Ltd

Tel: 01939 235900 www.avssteps.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Roadmarque Tel: 01792 824438 www.roadmarque.com

driver licence checking TMC

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

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

VAN FLEETW RLD SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

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

82 / vanfleetworld.co.uk

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

BMW CONNECTED DRIVE. Offering intelligence and assistance like no other, you can drive, park and navigate safely thanks to Active Cruise Control, Park Assist and a full colour Head-Up Display among many other ConnectedDrive features.

BMW GESTURE CONTROL. Make life on the road easier with a wave of your hand. With the use of defined hand movements such as ‘swiping’ or ‘pointing’, you can operate functions including accepting or rejecting an incoming call, or move your index finger in a circular motion to adjust volume.

PARKING ASSISTANT PLUS. Parking has never been so easy thanks to the holistic visibility offered in the new BMW 5 Series, which includes a top view, remote 3D view and panorama view, while Parking Distance Control and Park Assist with linear guidance enables entirely automated parallel or perpendicular parking.

bmw.co.uk/5SeriesSaloon

35240_p009 G30 Coverwrap_Fleet World_v11.indd 3

22/02/2017 16:58

THE MOST INNOVATIVE CAR IN ITS CLASS. THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES.

OfďŹ cial fuel economy ďŹ gures for the new BMW 5 Series Saloon: Urban 64.2-29.7mpg (4.4-9.5l/100km). Extra Urban 78.4-47.8mpg (3.6-5.9l/100km). Combined 141.2-39.2mpg (2-7.2l/100km). CO2 emissions 46-164 g/km. *Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle using a combination of battery power and petrol fuel after the battery had been fully charged. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. The BMW 530e iPerformance Saloon is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that requires mains electricity for charging.

BMW Fleet & Business Sales 35240_p009 G30 Coverwrap_Fleet World_v11.indd 4

The Ultimate Driving Machine

22/02/2017 17:00