download 09-01-08 front cover
TRANSCRIPT
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Y DANIEL ATTWOOD
s many as one-third of grey fleet drivers
ho lease cars without maintenance cover
e failing to have vital safety work carried
ut.
The findings follow on-site inspections of
most 6,000 cars both company and private
being used for business.
If non-essential service and repair costs
e not covered by the allowance, ouridence shows that cars are neglected,
id Simon Hill, of fleet consultants Total
otion. We estimate that around a third of
ivers surveyed were in this position.
The problem stems from drivers being
mpted to take non-maintenance contracts
ovided by brokers when they are not enti-
d to a company car or have chosen to opt
ut and take cash.
The difference between a contract with
ll maintenance cover and one without is
pically around 60 to 80 per month. By
ting for a non-maintenance contract, an
mployee can easily upgrade from a Ford
ondeo to a BMW 3 Series.
A fully-maintained Mondeo 2.0-litre dieseltate from one internet broker costs 491 a
onth on a 36-month/60,000-mile contract.
he same company offers a BMW 320d
ouring for 474 a month on a non-main-
ned contract.
But when a driver discovers that new
res on a prestige car cost 250 each and
ake discs can add another few hundred
unds, they find they cant afford the work,
id Mr Hill. It is the brokers that are creat-
ing this problem. If a driver has 300 a
month, he should be sold a fully maintained
contract, but then he is told he can afford a
prestige brand, but what he is not told is the
additional maintenance costs he faces.
Mark Sherry, of internet broker Car
Partner Fleet Solutions, which advertises allits vehicles with non-maintained contracts,
said the industry was becoming aware of the
issue. This is definitely a problem, he said
We find that employees of small companies
generally take non-maintained contracts.
They are more price sensitive.
Mr Sherry says he now advises anyone
driving more than 20,000 miles a year to take
a contract with maintenance cover included.
However, the decision lies with the employee.
And they often dont think about the main-
tenance costs, he said.
ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said more
stringent checks or a move back to company
cars were the only answers.
ACFO has always recommended that
fleet operators ensure that service recordsand MoT certificates, where required, are
provided to the company and on a regular
basis, she said.
In reality, though, I am not sure that this
happens as it can be an administration
burden where companies have a large
number of opt-outs. Of course, this problem
doesnt arise when company cars are
taken.
RoadworksrageReader questionsHighways Agencypolicy p25
GreenerPorscheCayenne getsless thirstyp15
EWS P5 DAILY RENTAL P17 CAREERS P19
Police trials of
electric one-person
transporters like the
Segway (pictured left)
as an environmen-
tally-friendly replace-
ment for patrol cars,
are receiving mixed
reactions.
Low-carbon
cars like the
diesel-power-
ed Volks-
wagen Polo
BlueMotion
(pictured) are gradually being introduced
by rental companies but there are
economic reasons why progress is slow.
Getting drivers to
complete paperwork
is a constant battle
for Katy Warren,
fleet administrator
for Cancer Research
UK. Find out more
about her in our
Fleet CV column.
Win a sat-navsystem worth500 p27
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Fleet alert over
neglected cars
Phone useincreasesroad delays
The argument for banning employ-
ees from using hands-free phones
while driving is gathering momen-
tum after new research proved that
motorists on mobile phones
contribute to traffic congestion
because they drive more slowly.
The research found that motorists
talking on mobile phones while
driving on dual carriageways and
motorways were slower and less
likely to overtake.
The average persons commute
is longer because of that person
who is on the phone in front of
them, said University of Utah
psychology professor Dave Strayer.
If you talk on the phone whiledriving, its going to take you longer
to get from A to B, and slows down
everybody else on the road,
explained researcher Joel Cooper, a
doctoral student in psychology.
The findings back previous
research that using a hands-free
phone is as dangerous while driving
as using a hand-held phone
because it is the conversation itself
that is the major distraction.
Earlier studies also found that
mobile phone users followed at
greater distances, were slower to
brake and to regain speed after
braking.Strayer said it was important to
show how mobile phone use affects
traffic. When people have tried to
do cost-benefit analyses on whether
we should regulate phones, they
dont factor in the cost associated
with increased commuting times,
excess fuel used by stop-and-go
traffic and increased air pollution.
Drivers tempted by non-maintained lease contracts to get prestige cars
Drivers opting for non-maintained lease contracts are causing fleets a headache
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EVENTS ROUND-UP
Finishing touches being put to Europe conference
Smart moveCoventry City Council has
taken delivery of a fully
electric Smart car as part of
a 100-car market trial prior
to the introduction of the
two-seater vehicle. The car
will be made available on a
lease arrangement to
selected UK corporate
customers.
Master strokeCliniserve has taken
delivery of 27 new
Renault Master 120.35
vans through Renault
Trucks distributor MV
Trucks. The vans will
replace the companys
remaining Iveco vehicles.
By the end of the year,
Cliniserve will have an
all-Renault fleet of 70
vehicles.
Porsche hybridPorsches forthcoming four-
door Panamera will come
with a hybrid option. The
technology seen in theCayenne Hybrid prototype
will enter the market at the
end of the decade, after the
launch of the regular
Panamera.
Engine changes
Peugeot and Citron
have added a new engine
to their MPV offerings.Both the Peugeot 807
and the Citron C8 now
offer a 2.2-litre HDi
diesel engine with
173bhp and 295lb-ft of
torque. It returns
42.8mpg with CO2
emissions of 191g/km.
NEWS
IN BRIEF
2 10.01.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Final preparations are being
made for the seventh annual
Fleet News Europe Conference
in Brussels next month.
The event chairman will be
Christopher Macgowan, a
former chief executive of the
Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders in the UK and now
vice-chairman of the Motorists
Forum.
There is a record speaker
line-up for this years event,
sponsored by Hyundai and BCA,
which has already attracted a
number of top-level directors as
delegates.
Issues covered at the event
include green fleet in Europe,
market expansion, the future of
residual values, fleet safety,
technology, the manufacturer
viewpoint and an international
perspective.
Among the speakers will be
Vincent Rupied, international
director of the Corporate Vehicle
Observatory, Steffen Schick,
chief operating officer, Fleet
Logistics, and Pascal Serres,
vice-president, ALD Interna-
tional.
This years event takes place
at the Marriott Hotel, Brussels,
on February 7.
For information, ticket sales
and sponsorship enquiries,
contact Luke Clements on 01733
468325 or email luke.
Full details of the conference
are available on the dedicated
Fleet News Europe website at
www.fneuropeconference.com
ppl/ppg
DIESEL..............................108.4/492
SUPER UNLEADED........109.4/497UNLEADED......................103.4/468
FOUR STAR......................105.2/478
LPG......................................52.2/237
UK FUELPRICES
Fleet News and its sister company
CAP, the vehicle data specialist,
would like to hear from fleet oper-
ators.
We are preparing a feature and
report on fleet operators experi-
ences, and CAP is offering a
TomTom satellite navigation unit
as an incentive to take part. One
lucky respondent will be drawn at
random to win the sat-nav system.
All responses will be treated in
strictest confidence and your
name/company will not be
published, but we do need your
details for you to be eligible to win
the prize draw. We have three
questions for you:
Have you changed your fleet
car supplier in the past three
years on the grounds of unsatis-
factory ordering processes or
customer care in general during
the configuration and ordering
stage? (Yes or no)
Have you experienced prob-
lems configuring cars with the
exact combination features and
options that you require? (Yes or
no)
What percentage of your time
as a fleet manager is spent solving
vehicle specification and configu-
ration issues? (Answer as a
percentage)
Please email your answers to:
[email protected] and put
FN/CAP response in the subject
line.
Responses must be received
before January 25, 2008, and the
name of the lucky TomTom
winner (but not their responses!)
will appear on the Fleet News
website www.fleetnews.co.uk
One in 10 employees who drive
for work admitted they fell asleep while at the wheel during the
past 12 months. During the same
period, 2% fell asleep three times
or more while driving.
The consequences of nodding
off while at the wheel can be
devastating. An estimated six
people die each week in crashes
caused by tired drivers.
The figures, from research by
road safety charity Brake and
breakdown recovery firm Green
Flag, are from a survey of 4,640
drivers including 2,510 who drive
for work. The poll was conducted
at random and included a range
of motorists, including company
car, LCV and HGV drivers.
Its crucial that companies
introduce thorough procedures
to ensure employees are not
endangering themselves and
others when driving for work,
said Cathy Keeler, head of
campaigns for Brake. But
drivers themselves must also
take responsibility. Getting
behind the wheel when youve
not had enough sleep is deadly.
The research found that people
who drive for work are more
likely to drive after insufficient
sleep. Half of employees whodrive for work say they some-
times drive after less than five
hours sleep.
According to the Department
for Transport, drivers who get
behind the wheel after less than
five hours sleep have only a one
in 10 chance of staying fully
awake on a lengthy journey.
David Richards, marketing
director for driver training
company DriveTech, said:
Driving tired is a very serious
issue and journey planning is the
key to being safe.
Decline in fleet
market predictedBY DANIEL ATTWOOD The fleet market will decline in
the coming years as managers
enforce stricter policies to reduce
annual mileages and ultimately
acquire fewer cars, according to
the operations manager of Lloyds
TSB Autolease.
David Kershaw toldFleet News
that the European Commissions
decision, which will ultimately
force carmakers to cut average
CO2 emissions to 130g/km within
four years, will result in at least
another 5% being added to the
cost of a new car. As always, it
will be the customer who will pick
up the bill, he said.
This additional cost, coupled to
rising fuel bills and growing pres-
sure to reduce carbon emissions,
will force fleet managers to reas-
sess downwards the size of their
vehicle fleets.
There will be a decline in the
fleet sector, he said. Companies
are now taking seriously the need
to adopt technologies such as
teleconferencing and cut unnec-
essary car journeys. Companies
will reduce business mileages and
therefore will need fewer cars.
In addition, it is going to be
increasingly difficult to confi-
dently predict residual values of
models as they adopt different
solutions to reduce emissions.
This means fleets could be caught
out if they favour one technology,
such as biofuels, over another
before they have proven them-
selves in the market.
We are not convinced about
biofuels, said Mr Kershaw,
whose company has more than
130,000 vehicles under its
management. Biofuel is like LPG
it is not a long-term solution.
The new rules will also have an
impact on fleets that opt for diesel-
only vehicles. Most carmakers
agree that diesel engine technol-
ogy has been developed as far as
is practical, with any further
developments being too costly.
Therefore, fleets should expect
the popularity of newer, cleaner
petrol engines to take hold.
Win a sat-system withFleet News
David Kershaw, operations
manager, Lloyds TSB Autolease
Tired driverdangers arehighlighted
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Green IrelandSmith Electric Vehicles has
secured an order for 100
zero-emission vans and
trucks for the Republic of
Ireland. The vehicles will
be supplied through an
Irish importer to both
commercial and private
fleet operators.
People investorsAi Claims Solutions has
received recognition
from the Investors in
People scheme for the
third consecutive term.
Ai Claims Solutions is a
provider of services for
the motor insurance
claims market.
Best routeTele Atlas will integrate
Ordnance Surveys digital
road routing information
into its digital map database
to help identify the most
appropriate road routes forHGVs. It says the system
will enable HGV drivers to
calculate the most suitable
routes based on road
height, width and weight
restrictions.
Venson contractVenson Automotive
Solutions has supplied
112 company cars to
Headcount Worldwide
Field Marketing. The
solus Ford diesel fleet is
largely composed of
Fiestas with some Focusand Mondeo models all
on two-year contract hire
leases. Venson is also
providing fleet manage-
ment and accident
management.
Reflex dealReflex Vehicle Solutions has
appointed Kwik-Fit Fleet to
its network of suppliers of a
range of fast-fit services,
including tyre and brake
repair and replacement.
Customers will have access
to Kwik-Fit Fleets 200-
strong mobile repair fleet,
as well as a network of 670
centres.
IN BRIEF
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 3
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
The Government is considering
scrapping the P11D form.
It has been criticised by the
Institute of Payroll Professionals
and the Administrative Burdens
Advisory Board as being one of
the most costly administrativeburdens for employers a finding
borne out by the KPMG Adminis-
trative Burdens HM Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) Measurements
Project.
The P11D is a detailed benefit-
in-kind (BIK) form that highlights
all benefits, such as a company
car or fuel, made available to an
employee. Currently, many
companies operate under an infor-
mal arrangement with HMRC
enabling them to deduct and
account for the tax due on BIK as
well as expenses in the payroll.
However, these arrangements
have no statutory basis.
Now HMRC is proposing
changes to the current reporting
structure that includes scrapping
the P11D form.
The proposal is to include all
benefits and expenses in the
payroll. Collecting the tax due on
all benefits and expenses through
the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE)
scheme provides scope to simplify
the current reporting require-
ments for benefits and expenses,
said an HMRC spokesperson.
The overall amount of informa-
tion that an employer needs to
provide to HMRC about benefits
and expenses could be reduced
significantly and the entire P11Dprocess, which is currently sepa-
rate from the PAYE process, could
be abolished.
However, while HMRCs move
will be welcomed, concerns
remain over the training of payroll
staff and what powers they will
have. There are also other issues
that need HMRCs attention, as
Julie Jenner, ACFO chairman,
explained: Unless everyone gets
their new/replacement vehicle on
April 6 (start of new tax year), the
BIK will need to be pro-rata, which
will cause further issues. There
will be a fine balance in the saving
of costs, time and administration
in removing the once-a-year
reporting compared to the addi-
tional workload, training and
resources potentially required by
payroll teams to cope with the
change.Such concerns should be raised
during the current consultation
process, which is also looking at
the removal of the 8,500 earn-
ings threshold for BIK below
which tax is not paid on benefits.
The consultation ends on
March 14. HMRC does not expect
implementation of payrolling of
expenses and BIK until at least
April 2011, although it said the
8,500 threshold change could be
implemented sooner.
P11D form could bescrapped in review
January is the quietest month
on the roads, with traffic
volumes 10% below average
levels for the year.
Despite this, motorists are
warned that traffic levels are at
an all-time high on Fridays,
with the afternoon scrum
starting to develop from
noon. This makes Friday the
most dangerous day to be
driving, with casualties hitting a
peak of 3,766 at 5pm, compared
to an average of 3,426 on other
weekdays.
According to new analysis by
the RAC Foundation, drivers
should also be on their guard
on Saturdays, when traffic
volumes peak at noon also
the peak hour for casualties, at
2,799. Failed breath tests are
also most common on a
Saturday, with 1,599 drivers
and riders caught over the limit
on Saturdays in 2006. Drink-
driving is at its highest in the
small hours and early evening.
Sundays are the safest days
to drive, with some 12,000
fewer casualties than Fridays
total.
Norwich City Council is to force
residents who require on-street
parking to pay depending on the
length of their car.
While cities across Europe
introduce charges based on emis-
sions, the Norfolk city took the
step of getting out its tape
measure to penalise residents
who drive long vehicles.
The charges, due to be intro-
duced in March, are aimed at
reducing pollution as well as
creating more parking spaces.
However, short cars (less than
3.92m) such as the MINI Cooper
S, which produces 149g/km of
CO2, will be charged at the lowest
level of 16. But longer cars, such
as the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi,
which produces just 127g/km of
CO2, will receive a 22 annual bill.
Cars longer than 4.45m, such as
the Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi, which
produces just 3g/km of CO2 more
than the MINI, will be charged at
the maximum 30 per year.
The council said: As well as
taking up less space, smaller cars
also produce, on average, less
greenhouse gas emissions and
air pollution than larger cars. So
small cars are also better for the
environment.
Bosch has developed a new safety
system that provides increased
protection for pedestrians and
cyclists.
The electronic system Elec-
tronic Pedestrian Protection
(EPP) detects an impact with a
human and activates systems to
cushion the victim.
The new technology consists of
acceleration sensors fitted to the
front of the vehicle and a control
unit used to trigger actuators that
raise the vehicles bonnet within a
fraction of a second.
This offers the impacting body
a more efficient deformation zone
and reduces the risk of injury to
pedestrians.
Bernd Hergert, head of the
occupant safety business unit at
Bosch, revealed that the system is
about to feature in two new cars.
He said: Two vehicles with the
Bosch EPP system are now in
series production and additional
applications will follow soon.
Further developments, includ-
ing the use of airbags, are also
being considered as added
measures for use in impact
protection.
Vehicle manufacturers can
provide active impact protection
with an independent control unit,
or it can be integrated into the
airbag control unit already present
in the vehicle.
New safety system increases pedestrian protection
Te long and the short of it Traffic peaks on Fridays
Boschs Electronic Pedestrian Protection reduces the risk of injury
e entire P11D process couldbe abolished by the Government
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NEWS
Views soughtA new enquiry into road
safety has been estab-
lished by the Commons
Transport Committee.The committee is calling
on interested parties,
such as fleets and road
risk training firms, to
submit written evidence
before February 18 on
areas of road safety they
feel need targeting.
Green appealTwo thirds of UK motorists
would now buy a car with
better green credentials to
avoid paying higher road
tax, says Motorpoint.
Operations director Paul
Winfield said: Feedbackfrom customers suggests
that they are increasingly
putting a cars green
credentials higher up their
lists of important features
and benefits.
Nobilas contractNational Mobile Wind-
screens has signed a
deal worth more than
400,000 per year with
Nobilas, which provides
accident management
services for insurers,
leasing and rentalcompanies and corporate
car fleet owners. The
deal follows the compa-
nys recent appointment
as sole supplier to Total
Accident Management in
a contract worth more
than 100,000.
Deal clincherA-Plant has taken delivery
of 38 Mitsubishi L200 pick-
ups. Operating nearly 1,600
vehicles in the UK, A-Plant
has an ongoing programme
of renewal and decided thata mixture of single and
double-cab L200s will
replace its existing pick-up
fleet. It chose the L200s as
they were one of only two
pick-ups that could be fitted
with a digital tachograph.
IN BRIEF
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 5
BY STEVE MOODY
Police fleet managers are refus-
ing to trial electric one-person
transporters as an environmen-
tally-friendly replacement for
patrol cars, despite calls by a
group of MPs and the Police
Federation to do so.
However, several police forces
have already trialled the vehicles,
such as the Segway, or plan to in
the near future despite their fleet
managers stand. At least one London police
borough Sutton has already
tested the vehicles and another is
about to start. In addition, officers
in Scotland have used the vehicles
to patrol a shopping centre in
Glenrothes, Fife.
The trials have the support of a
dozen MPs who signed a House
of Commons early day motion.
They claim it could lead to a
notable drop in emissions as part
of the Governments commitment
to cutting transports impact on
the environment.
The Police Federation, thebody that represents the core of
the UK force, has also recently
called for the Segway to be
assessed.
But the National Association of
Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM)
said the Governments own rules
on personal transporters mean
such tests are not possible.
NAPFM said the vehicles do
not comply with construction and
use rules for electric vehicles, andare currently illegal to use on
roads and pavements.
According to Martin Davis,
fleet manager at Devon and Corn-
wall Constabulary, who has been
looking at their viability, the lack
of lights, tested braking system
and the fact they cannot be
insured or registered for on-road
use means there is little chance of
them taking over from the tradi-
tional panda car on police fleetsfor local patrols.
As company car drivers hit the
roads again after the Christmasbreak, their fuel cards will take a
beating with petrol now almost
15 pence per litre more than this
time last year. Diesel costs 14.2
pence per litre more.
For an average fleet of 100
diesel-powered cars, each of
which covers 20,000 miles a year,
the additional cost over 2008 at
present pump prices compared
to just 12 months ago is 32,400,
or an extra 324 per car.
The rises have been attributed
to the price of crude oil, which
peaked briefly at $100 a barrel at
the start of year, prompting fears
of further rises at the pumps.High-priced oil is here to stay,
and companies need to ensure
that their fleet and travel strate-
gies are able to cope, said Mark
Sinclair, head of Alphabet.
Even though oil prices will
almost certainly fall back into
double digits for a while, the
trend for 2008 will be for much
more costly oil.
Although this will drive up
business costs across the board,
fleet will be the key area where
firms can directly mitigate the
impact on the bottom line.
As the new year arrived, theaverage price of unleaded petrol
hit 103.3 pence per litre a record
that is predicted to be shattered
in the coming days, according to
the AA. Diesel prices fared a little
better at 107.95 pence per litre,
which remains marginally below
the record of 108.00 pence per
litre, set on December 6, 2007.
Vehicle acquisition policy will
be critical, because todays
purchasing decisions lock in fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions
for typically three years ahead,
said Mr Sinclair.
Maximising the fuel effi-ciency of all vehicles used on
business will be a vital element of
management.
Additional bad news to the
expected rises in the coming
days will be a two pence per litre
fuel duty increase that will come
into effect in April.
Thousands of business drivers
ignored advance warnings to
prepare their cars for the first day
back at work, and were forced to
call for help.
The past few days have been
AA Business Services busiest
period of the last 12 months for
attending breakdowns.
Almost 15,000 drivers had prob-lems starting their cars on
January 2, which was 58% more
than on a typical Wednesday.
Of that figure, 40% were busi-
ness drivers facing their first day
back at work.
One of the main reasons for
call-outs was flat batteries.
Now the AA is urging business
drivers and fleet managers to take
a number of straightforward steps
to avoid facing a battery or
electrical problem in the coming
weeks.
Fuel pricesexpected toremain high
Police split over
trials of Segway
Police officers trialling the Segway in the London borough of Sutton
Drivers struggle after ignoring advice
Avoid running car electrics any longer than necessary turn the heater fan
down and switch the heated rear window off once it is clear.
If the car stands idle for most of the weekend, a regular overnight trickle
charge is a good idea to give the battery a chance to revive.
When starting up the car, ensure that non-essentials like lights, the heated
rear window and wipers are turned off.
Use the starter in short five-second bursts if the engine doesnt start quickly,
leaving 30 seconds between attempts to allow the battery to recover.
Batteries rarely last longer than five years, so replacing them near the end of
their life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road when
they finally fizzle out.
BATTERYADVICE
Photo:Sutton
Gua
rdian
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EUROPEAN NEWS
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 7
Fleet News Europe is sponsored by
www.bca-europe.com
www.fleetnewseurope.com
FleetNewsEurope
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
Managers operating pan-
European fleets must ensure that
all their vehicles have new emis-
sion stickers displayed before
driving into German cities.
Three of the countrys main
conurbations Berlin, Cologne
and Hanover have introduced
new laws stipulating that the stick-
ers must be displayed. They
reveal what levels of nitrogen
dioxide (NO2 ) and particulate
matter (PM) a vehicle emits. Red
stickers indicate the highest
levels and green the lowest.
The stickers will be introduced
in other urban centres across
Germany later this year.
Diesel powered vehicles
produced more NO2 and PM than
vehicles powered by petrol. As a
result, there are three stickers for
diesel vehicles red, orange and
green but only two for petrol
vehicles red and green.
Vehicles displaying any of the
three stickers can currently drive
into all areas, but from the start of
2010, only the cleanest ie those
displaying the green sticker will
be allowed into the new zones.
Drivers of vehicles without a
valid sticker displayed in the
windscreen risk a fine.
Foreign vehicles must also
display the stickers, which are
available from Germanys vehicle
registration offices, exhaust emis-
sion testing centres and autho-
rised garages in the cities. They
cost 3.60 (5).
Green rule for
German cities
Cars must display emission stickers in Berlin
Fleets operating in Italy must now pay congestion charges in Milan
after it followed Londons lead by introducing financial penalties
rather than banning the most polluting vehicles, as Germany will do.
Cars entering the new three-square-mile zone on working days
between 7.30am and 7.30pm will be charged between 1.50 and 7.50
(2.2 to 10) depending on engine type. Electric and hybrid vehicles
can enter for free.
However, some Italian drivers have already discovered novel ways
of evading charges applied in other urban centres. One report said
motorists were reversing into congestion zones so that on camera
they appeared to be leaving.
Congestion charging in Milan
Masterlease reaches 17 countriesMasterlease has launched in Norway and Denmark, giving thecompany a presence in 17 countries. It will operate in the two
countries via a partnership with DnB Nor Finans, which operates
under the brand Autolease.
This is another step towards of fering Masterlease customers full
pan-European leasing, said Nick Brownrigg, CEO of Masterlease.
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12 10.01.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
This weeks vehicle market news and informationEdited by Julian Kirk
WEDNESDAY
Down to Toyotas plant in
Burniston, near Derby, to drive
the all-new Land Cruiser V8
diesel, which replaces the
Amazon. This monster is huge,
has seven seats and is powered
by a 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbodiesel engine that produces
286bhp 40% more than the
Amazon.
The V8 has new suspension
and ride height control, and a
new chassis frame for increased
strength and reduced noise and
vibration. The new Land Cruiser
has lots more standard kit over
the Amazon, including 20-inch
alloys, adaptive suspension,
traction control, four-zone-
climate control and downhill
assist control, but costs 56,000
7,000 more than the Amazon.
There will only be 500 in the UK
this year and Toyota says thatdespite the price, they will all be
sold before they get here.
While we were at the factor y,
Toyota showed us the Auris
SR180 which replaces the T180,
and looks as it should have done
when it was launched. It now
has lowered suspension, privacy
glass, everything is colour-
coded, an imitation rear-diffuser
and an exterior styling make-
over it is a whole lot better,
and makes you wonder why it
wasnt done in the first place.
The SR180 is powered by a
2.2-litre diesel engine which has
loads of torque, is quiet and has
more than enough power. This
Auris is now, at last, a real
competitor to the Volkswagen
Golf GT TDI, Megane Renault-
SportdCi 175 and the Peugeot
308 GT HDi.
FRIDAY
A few figures from the
industry were invited toBMWs headquarters in
Bracknell to have a look at
the new X6. I had seen the
official photographs and
really thought it was either a
publicity stunt or a concept
car that would never see the
light of day.
But when we saw it in the
flesh, my first reaction was
What on Earth?. It is
slightly larger than the X5,
so a big thing 4,877mm
long, and costs around
2,000 more. BMW
describes it as a Sports
Activity Coup as it has a
sloping rear roof-line,
which has a dramatic effect
on the styling, but reduces
luggage space.
It is a strict four-seater, as
the centre rear does not have
a seatbelt, but all four seats
are very comfortable and
luxurious. The X6 has a
more technically advanced
4x4 system over the X5
called Dynamic Performance
Control which was
explained to us but I was lost
halfway through.
Apparently, it ensures
unsurpassed levels of agility
and stability, while the driver
can keep an eye on proceed-
ings via a schematic readout,
allowing you to visualise just
how your X6 delivers such a
satisfying drive. So there
you go, although Im sure it
will work perfectly.
After the initial shock,
some could see the potentialand the reason why BMW
has created the X6, but
others were not so sure. It is
different and will attract
loads of attention. If you
want to be bold, stand out
from the crowd and make a
motoring statement, then
form an orderly queue, as
there will only be 2,500
coming to the UK per year.
The X6 goes on sale on
May 31, with prices from
41,955. It did grow on me
as the day went on and I can
now see the attraction.
THINKING CAP
Hardworking Martin Ward scours the globe for the weeks insider fleet intelligence
Martin Ward isCAPs manufacturerrelationships manager
Awhole lotbetter thenewToyotaAuris SR180
GMs blue light fleetpxp p12
Standingout the newBMWX6
BY JULIAN KIRK
Mazda is aiming to target public
sector fleets with its new
supermini challenger.
The manufacturer is hoping to
attract local authority and NHS
Trust fleets, as well as driving
schools, with its new Mazda2
offering.
Mazdas national contract hire
and rental manager, Steve Tom-
linson, said: Contract hire compa-
nies and outright purchase fleets
have been attracted to the Mazda
range in recent years by strong
residuals and low wholelife costs
and sporty models packed with
standard equipment.
We are bringing these same
credentials to the supermini
segment and we believe that will
make the Mazda2 attractive to
fleet operators. We believe it will
become the car of choice in the
sector.
Initially available with a
choice of three petrol engines, a
1.4-litre diesel will join the range
in the next few months, offering
68bhp and claimed average fuel
economy of 65mpg.
As well as gaining more expo-
sure among fleets, the Mazda2 is
also proving popular in show-
rooms, helping the Japanese
manufacturer to a record run of
sales in the UK.
To the end of November Mazda
had sold 4,820 units, helping it to
record its largest ever sales
volumes in the UK.
Jeremy Thomson, sales direc-
tor at Mazda UK, said: Even
before Christmas we had already
exceeded our biggest ever sales
year of 50,166 units set in 2006.
Our growth has come through
retail sales which were 10% higher
than the same point in 2006.
Mazda2 retail sales exceeded the
Nissan Micra in November and
we have very strong orders for it
this year.
Mr Thomson predicts 2008 will
be another record-breaking year
for Mazda in the UK, with sales
likely to exceed 55,000 units.
He said: With the old Mazda2
we were selling about 4,000 a year
but in 2008 we are looking at sales
of between 12,000 and 15,000
units.
The firm will also be buoyed by
the arrival of the new Mazda6
upper-medium model.
Most models went on sale on
December 26 last year, but the
volume models such as the diesels
and estates are not due to arrive
until next month.
Mazda eyes public sector
Te Mazda2 is being targeted at local authority and NHS fleets, as well as driving schools
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www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 13
Gearbox debutThe latest version of
Volkswagens DSG twin-
clutch gearbox will make its
debut in the Golf
1.4 TSI and 1.9 TDI.
Sporting seven gears, the
new box reduces CO2 by
10g/km and improves fuel
economy by 3mpg in the 1.4.
Prices start at 15,982.
Five-star ratings
Renaults new Laguna
and the latest C-Class
from Mercedes-Benz
(pictured) have both
scored the maximum five
stars in their EuroNCAP
crash tests.
Greener IbizaSEAT has unveiled a new,
greener version of its Ibiza.
Called the Ecomotive, it
emits just 99g/km of CO2
and returns 74mpg from its1.4 TDI engine. The Ibiza
Ecomotive is on sale now,
priced from 10,995.
Sportier Civic
Honda has added a new
spec level to the Civic.
The SE+ features 16-inch
alloys, side skirts and a
spoiler for a sportierlook. Designed to appeal
to younger drivers and
powered by a 1.4-litre
i-DSi engine, the SE+ is
limited to 1,000 exam-
ples. It costs 14,900.
Match addedVolkswagens Polo range
has been broadened by the
introduction of the Match. It
replaces the S trim in the
line-up, and features 15-inch
alloys and front foglamps, as
well as leather steering
wheel and either a six-CD
changer or an iPod
connection. Prices start at
9,315.
IN BRIEF
After all the attention surround-
ing the launch of the XF, Jaguar
is now turning its thoughts to
the XJ range, spotted here intest mule form.
Carrying on the look seen in
the XF, the production XJ is
due in late 2009 with an edgier
design. XF designer Ian Callum
cites the Mercedes-Benz CLS as
an inspiration to modern large
saloons, so expect a similar
low-slung look but with Jaguars
new squarer grille and jazzy
LED lights.
Under the surface, things
arent likely to change much.
That means the existing chassis
and the acclaimed 2.7-litre
TDVi V6 diesel engine will stay.
Powered by...XJ gets an edgier look
For a full road
test archive, visit
fleetnews.co.uk
Long-term update p14 Porsche Cayenne V6 driven p15
Spyshot
Peugeot and Citron have
announced that they will launch
new small vans this year, both
based on the same platform.
The Peugeot Partner and the
Citron Berlingo update both
firms successful small van
offerings, and will also be
featured in MPV form for
passengers.
Both vans promise versatility,
value for money and a new best
load capacity in the small panel
van segment. They have a load
volume of 3,300 litres and a
maximum payload of 850kg.
The load area length is
extendable from 1.8 to 3m
thanks to a modular cabin
arrangement (called MultiFlex
by Peugeot and Extenso by
Citron), which allows three
people to sit in the front a
sector first.
Peugeot has said the Partner
will be powered by the 308s
HDi diesel engines. Citron has
not released engine details, but
has said that ESP and hill start
assist will be available.
Both vans will have MPV
siblings. The Peugeot Partner
Tepee includes three individu-
ally folding rear seats and a
multi-purpose roof designed to
let more light into the passenger
compartment.
Citrons Berlingo Multispace
features an independ-ently
opening tailgate window and
promises lots of storage inside.
Both brands will launch the
vehicles in the second half of
this year.
2008 debut for Peugeot/Citron twins
Toyota gives flagship Auris a sportier edgeToyota has welcomed the New
Year with a revised flagship model
Auris the SR180.
Designed to add a sportingedge to the hitherto demure
hatchback and replace the under-
stated T180 model, the new SR
version features a lowered suspen-
sion set-up from Toyota
Motorsport and a rear spoiler.
A set of 17-inch five-spoke
alloys are also included, as is
tinted rear glass.
The main difference, however,
is the 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine.
It will make 175bhp and 295 lb-ft
of torque, which can propel the
car to 62mph from standing in 8.1
seconds, while it can still come up
with impressive returns of
45.6mpg.Vehicle stability control (VSC)
with traction control is provided
as standard, as is dual-zone air
conditioning, automatic head-
lights and wipers and cruise
control.
The SR180 is available now in
both three and five-door form,
priced from 17,995.
Peugeots new Partner van promises versatility Citroens Berlingo Multispace mini-MPV
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Making up for lost timeDespite giving some rivals a four-year head start, Volkswagens small MPV is proving to be a big hit
14 10.01.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
BY JOHN MASLEN
If you search Google for the
Volkswagen Touran, it returns 2.3
million potential web pages, which
is pretty impressive considering it
was so late to the MPV party.
Arch-rival Vauxhall gets nearly
four million hits for the Zafira,
which had a four-year head start
after it launched in 1999.
Its a pretty basic test, but it
shows the clear in-roads made by
Volkswagen into this key terri-
tory. And with 4,000 miles fast
approaching on our long-termer,it is simple to see why the Touran
is such a strong contender.
It easily looks smart enough for
the company car park, although
its hardly a babe magnet. In fact,
it is more of a baby magnet thanks
to its third row of seats.
Over the holiday period, the
Touran was filled to the gunwales
with relations and their
squawking offspring.
Some of the seatbelts are quite
a fiddle when it comes to using
child seats. Most seats are OK but
the centre seat in the middle rowand one of the third row seats
have a twin buckle arrangement
that creates a three-point seatbelt
from a single overhead reel.
I found the best way to get
passengers in the back comfort-
able was to open the boot and lean
in to reach the buckles properly,
which provided bags of amuse-
ment for passengers.
With children in the rear two
rows there is plenty of room, but if
you throw in an adult who will
want to slide one of the middle
seats back on its runners to make
room, then space is at a
premium.
And as with all medium-sized
MPVs, the result is barely any
space in whats left of the boot for
all the stuff the passengers bring.
Still, I had no complaints once we
were underway.
This is partly down to the bril-
liant ride and handling, which
offers a perfect balance of compli-
ance and body control. The
Touran takes whatever the road
throws at it and even the impactsof potholes are filtered away
before they reach driver and
passengers.
It is also very quiet at speed,
despite the small 1.4-litre petrol
engine working hard in the back-
ground.
The 140bhp unit, which packs a
punch thanks to its supercharger
and turbocharger, coped well with
all seven seats filled, although you
can predictably feel a drop in
performance when carrying five
adults. That may also be why fuel
economy has fallen to 34mpg.
I spoke to another Touran
driver in the company car park to
get her thoughts on the car. She,
too, loved the back seats in her
TDI model, although she wasnt
sure how long it would be before
the children outgrew the rear-
most ones.
She liked the high seating posi-
tion because she said it managed
to avoid a mums minibus feel. I
also helped her with the on-board
computer, which offers an over-
speed warning that can be set to
sound an alert when the car
reaches a specified speed to avoid
accidental speeding. Unfortu-
nately, hers was set at 20mph and
she thought it was a serious
problem with the car, which meant
she drove into work at 19mph.
A couple of clicks later and it
was sorted, but its useful seeing
how modern safety devices can
actually have the opposite effect
for some company car drivers.
FACT FILEPrice: 18,262
(20,147 as tested)
Mileage: 3,750CO2 emissions 176Company car tax bill (2008)22% tax-payer: 73 per monthInsurance group: 9Combined mpg: 38.2Test mpg: 34.0CAP Monitor RV: 6,800/37%Contract hire rate 366Expenditure to date: NilFigures based on three years/60,000 miles
LONG-TERMER:VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 1.4 TSI SE
Business talk: here to helpA regular series that oers help, advice and assistance to feet decision makers on a variety o current industry issues
Im thinkingabout expanding our
company car choice list. Whatis the
bestway to proceed?
If youre thinkingof including more
vehiclesin yourchoice list, thereare a
couple of things to bearin mind.
Firstly,if youaremovingfroma
restricted listto onewith a larger number
o makes and models, you could fnd it will
leadto an increasein the administrationyou willneed to provide: newsuppliers
anddealers andtheir associated
relationships, may haveto be set up.
Also, it is crucial to pick theright
models to keep control o your eet costs.
I your previous eet arrangement was
a single branddeal, you may well have
been ableto obtain better volume-related
discounts. Conversely, the more makes
andmodelsyou offer themore evenly
spread willbe yourresidual value risk.
Some model sectors,for examplethe
MPVand SUVclasses, generally enjoy
improvedRVs compared withestablished
eet models giving you the opportunity to
maximisereturns at disposal.
A wider choice of models also islikelyto makeemployeeshappier,especially as
moredrivers wantniche vehiclesthat suit
their particularlifestyles, or maypreferto
downsize.
Creating a choice list tosuit every requirement
For and against thedownsizing debate
Produced in association
with Honda CorporateSales
Should I diversiy feet policy to allow MPVs and 4x4s on our choice list?
Should I be encouraging the
trend among company car
drivers to downsize?
Drivers do seem to be moving
out of traditional family
saloons and hatchbacks and
into smaller cars. One of the reasons
is that over the years smaller cars
have got bigger, meaning a lower-
medium hatchback often has morethan enough interior space for many
drivers needs.
In almost all cases, drivers
choosing to downsize and pick
a smaller model with higher
specifcation and, perhaps, lower
BIK tax liability should not present
problems. But you need to ensure
their choice is still ft or purpose
and they are not selecting it simply
to save money at the expense of
practicality or the viability of their role.
Allowing drivers to downsize
should also reduce costs and
improve your eets carbon ootprint
as smaller cars generally are cleaner
and more economical, especially ifthey are diesel.
Increasingly, drivers ask me
whether they canhaveSUVs
andMPVsbut Imreluctant to
add themto the choicelistforcost
reasons. ShouldI allow these cars?
T
heres no reason to think that
giving drivers the option of sport
utility vehicles (SUVs) or MPVsshould be more expensive in running
cost terms.
For a start, the residual values of
many SUVs are often stronger than
those of upper or lower-medium cars
which means competitive leasing rates.
Other costs should not be markedly
higher as many modern SUVs use
advanced technology derived from
similar traditional vehicles anyway.
Take the Honda CR-V as an
example. It is a hugely popular choice
as a company car thanks to its generousinterior space, including boot capacity of
955 litres, making it as practical as the
biggest estate cars.
And in BIK tax terms it is highly
competitive, too. The CR-V 2.2 i-CDTi
manages 43.5mpg on the combined
cycle with CO2 emissions of 173g/km
comparable with many large estate
cars meaning costs or driver and eet
manager need not be prohibitive.
In the MPV sector, models such
as the Honda FR-V, with its six seats
and car-like driving experience, offerdrivers the best of both worlds. With
CAP Monitor currently predicting RVs of
around 40% after 3yrs/60,000 miles, it
will perform well on running costs too.
With RVs of around 40% over three
years/60,000 miles, the Honda FR-V
EX diesel offers low whole-life costs
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ROAD TEST: PORSCHE CAYENNE V6 TIPTRONIC S
Cayenne takes its
first green stepsImprovements to SUV make it more efficient than before
BY JULIAN KIRK
For a relative minnow in the auto-
motive world, Porsche is a
company punching well above its
weight.
It may only be a small
sportscar manufacturer, but suchis the level of desirability of its
cars and the efficiency of its
systems that it is the most profit-
able car company in the world,
and it owns a fair chunk of
Volkswagen to boot.
And pushing much of this is the
success of its biggest-selling, and
most controversial, model the
Cayenne.
Launched four years ago, the
Cayenne was criticised from the
outset for a) being ugly, and b)
not being a proper Porsche
because it is an SUV (and a
Volkswagen one in disguise, noless) weighing more than two
tonnes.
But like it or not, the Cayenne
has done a job for Porsche
high sales in the US have allowed
the company to fund development
of its core 911 sportscar range.
And Porsche has recently
revised the Cayenne family in an
attempt to make it less ugly and
also more viable in this
environment-focused world.
While a two-tonne-plus petrol-
engined SUV will never be seen
as remotely green, Porsche has
made it more aerodynamic and
more fuel efficient. The new head-
lights and revised air intakes
make the Cayenne more slippery
through the air than before, while
in the V6 model on test a new
3.6-litre direct fuel injectionengine has been used. This offers
290bhp 40bhp more than the old
3.2-litre unit yet is up to 15%
more fuel efficient.
OK, so it still only returns an
average of 21.9mpg in Tiptronic
automatic mode, but at least
things are heading in the right
direction. And when Porsche
unveils its hybrid Cayenne next
year, things will be better still.
But for the moment the V6 is
the most affordable and viableCayenne to run, priced on a par
with entry-level models such as
the Audi Q7 3.6 FSI and Mercedes-
Benz ML350.
Where the Porsche scores
above them is in driving dynam-
ics. Although it is still a tall SUV,
the Cayenne does well to hide its
bulk and provide strong perform-
ance. Although it isnt in the same
league as the awesome Turbo
version, the 290bhp V6 Cayenne
teamed with the Tiptronic trans-
mission makes for a strong combi-
nation for real-world driving.
With the Porsche badge on thefront, a strong RV forecast and a
decent level of equipment, it
makes a strong case for itself if
one of your drivers desperately
wants a petrol-engined SUV.
Audi Q7 3.6 FSI
quattro Tiptronic
VW Touareg
3.6 V6 Tiptronic
Unsurprisingly, the Porsche is the
most expensive and the Volkswagen
is the cheapest, reflecting the level
of prestige behind the badges.
Interestingly, both models are based
on the same chassis. The Mercedes-
Benz and Audi look good value with
plenty of kit and a prestige badge.
Touareg 36,182ML350 37,867Q7 37,975Cayenne 38,860
THREE RIVALS TO CONSIDER
P11D PRICE
SMRCOSTThe Volkswagen, Audi and
Mercedes-Benz are closely matched
on service, maintenance and repair
costs, costing between 3,000 and
3,500 over 60,000 miles. The
Porsche is well off the pace, despite
being mechanically very similar to
the Touareg due to much higher
labour rates at Porsche dealerships.
EMISSIONS AND TAX RATESAll four are taxed at the highest
level thanks to their emissions. Most
people choose a diesel-engined SUV,
preferring the extra economy and
better driveability. Company car tax
bills range from 422 a month for a
40% taxpayer in the Volkswagen to
453 a month in the Porsche.
VERDICT
In the real world no-one is going to choose any of these cars instead they
will opt for the diesel versions. But if petrol is a must, the Audi makes a
strong case for itself. It is the cheapest to run and is competitive with the
others on tax bills. The Porsche drives very well for a car of this type and is
worth considering for its badge appeal and strong RV.
WINNER:Audi Q7 3.6 FSI quattro Tiptronic
FUEL COST
DEPRECIATION COST
With claimed combined fuel
economy of 24.1mpg, the ML350
leads this sector, and will cost justunder 11,000 in petrol over 60,000
miles. The Audi is second on
22.2mpg, while the Volkswagen
trails, returning 20.5mpg. The
Porsche returns a claimed 21.9mpg.
ML350 18.22/10,932Q7 19.78/11,868
Cayenne 20.05/12,030Touareg 21.41/12,846
The Audi and Porsche have a
significant advantage here, with CAP
estimating both will retain 44% of
their cost new after three years/
60,000 miles. The Mercedes-Benz
and Volkswagen will both retain
40%. The Audis low front-end price
sees it lose the least cash.
Q7 34.95/20,970Cayenne 35.85/21,510Touareg 36.05/21,630ML350 37.82/22,692
WHOLELIFE COST
The Audi enjoys an almost twopence-per-mile advantage over the
second-placed Mercedes-Benz. The
Q7s main advantage comes in
depreciation, where its high RV and
low front-end price see it lose the
least cash. The Porsches high RV
sees it outperform the Touareg.
Q7 59.96/35,976ML350 61.91/37,146Cayenne 62.22/37,332Touareg 62.64/37,584
ppm/60k total
Touareg 5.18/3,108Q7 5.23/3,138ML350 5.87/3,522Cayenne 6.32/3,792
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 15
ML350 279g/km/35%Q7 304g/km/35%Cayenne 310g/km/35%Touareg 324g/km/35%
Mercedes-Benz
ML350 Tiptronic
FACT FILEP11D value 38,860CO2 emissions (g/km) 310BIK % of P11D in 2008 35%Graduated VED rate 300Insurance group 19
Combined mpg 21.9CAP RV (3yr/60k) 17,150/44%Monthly lease (3yr/60k) 598
Porsche badge Strong RV Equipment level
Thirsty Conspicuous Still no looker
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DAILY RENTAL: GREEN ISSUES
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 17
Cost puts brakes on
green rental growthFleets are not willing to pay extra fees involved in renting hybrids and low-carbon cars
BY PHILL TROMANS
Y
ou may have
picked up on the
message that
green is good.
Across the fleet
industry the environment is
more of a concern than ever, and
much is being done to reduce
the impact that business opera-
tions have on the planet.
Within the fleet world, there
have been many high-profile
developments to reduce emis-
sions, from improved journey
planning to more restricted,
greener company car lists.
But the world of daily rental
a significant part of business
road travel in the UK is finding
the going tough.
If you look hard enough there
are green options to be found,
but there are economic reasonswhy there arent more.
e way things areHistorically, most rental cars
have been petrol-powered, but
thats changing, according to
Tim Anderson, fleet advice
manager at the Energy Saving
Trust.
There are a lot more diesel
vehicles than ever before, which
is certainly positive.
Car club StreetCar has 25
diesel-powered Volkswagen Polo
BlueMotions available to hire
around London.Low-carbon cars have an
obvious benefit in the capital, as
hybrid and alternative-fuel cars
are exempt from the congestion
charge.
StreetCar co-founder Andrew
Valentine says: There has
always been a desire for green,
fuel-efficient cars but there is no
doubt that this desire is strength-
ening over time as the problems
associated with global warming
become more apparent.
It was a natural evolution to
move towards a fuel efficient
fleet when it became practical.
Some alternatively-powered
cars are also available, as Tim
Bailey, fleet director of National
and Europcar UK, explains.
We have a number of Toyota
Prius on our fleet. They are
predominantly in the London
area although there are a fewaround the country, he says.
Roger Grainger, sales director
at Avis, says: Between 40% and
50% of Aviss fleet in the UK has
CO2 emissions below 140g/km.
We aim to increase that percent-
age by bringing in more small,
low carbon-emitting diesel cars.
Alternative technology is also
being trialled. Avis UK has had
20 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles
on its fleet for six months.
Why arent more greencars available?
The simple answer is cost.Its great to have the hybrids
and people are constantly asking
for them, but theyre not prepared
to pay, Tim Bailey says. They
cost significantly more to buy
and operate.
National also runs Volkswagen
Polo BlueMotions, but not many
because of the extra expense.
People expect it as part of the
offering but in reality you have to
pay for it, Mr Bailey says.
Tim Anderson adds: Daily
rental is usually where vehicles
which manufacturers need to
move quickly end up. As a result,
they are quite highly discounted.
With emerging technology,
you dont get the same level of
discounts so those vehicles look
less attractive to daily rental
companies. Hybrids in particular
have that challenge. A lot of
money has been spent on devel-oping technologies and manufac-
turers are not going to be overly
keen on offering big discounts.
As for alternative fuels, there
are already some challenges with
misfuelling and communicating
with customers. People dont
want to spend ages being told
what fuel to use they just want
to pick up the keys and go.
What can be done?Investing in some of the tech-
nology may be more bother than
its worth, economically, for daily
rental companies, says MrAnderson.
The opportunities in providing
alternative-fuelled vehicles and
advanced technologies are
limited.
It is right that they have them
in small numbers for customers
that particularly request them.
There is more opportunity to
provide them but it will be
demand led. It has to be fleet led
the daily rental industry is very
responsive to what customers
want. Pressure from fleet opera-
tors looking to reduce their
emissions and costs will drive
demand.
Rental firms also have a role
to play.
The bigger the car hired, the
more profit daily rental compa-
nies make, so staff are incentiv-
ised to upgrade customers, he
says. We would generallyrecommend downsizing where
possible, which is diametrically
opposite. There is opportunity
for a cultural change on both
sides to act responsibly.
The daily rental industry has
a lot of work to do in a number
of areas, mainly in vehicles, their
culture towards vehicle size and
their own operation. Delivering
and picking up cars from loca-
tions away from the branch is
very fuel intensive and Im sure
that could be improved.
National is looking at group-
ing its cars by CO2 emissions,but there is no getting around
the cost to rental companies of
newer technology.
These vehicles are at the
cutting edge of technology and
the cost of research and devel-
opment is part of the cost of the
car. There are also not as many
of them, says Mr Bailey.
Corporate entities renting
cars need to prepared to pay
more. When that happens,
volume production can step up.
Its not going to be done byGovernment or taxes forcing
people one way or the other.
It needs to be a conscious
decision from fleets and their
companies. It will mean a short-
term rise in costs, but for the
benefit of the long term.
There are signs that the
demand is already growing in
certain areas.
Oz Choudhri, UK sales
manager at Enterprise-Rent-A-
Car, says: Over the last 18
months we have seen a signifi-
cant rise in the demand for
greener fleets among ourcustomers.
This growth is expected to
continue.
Volkswagen PoloBlueMotion Toyota Prius
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Letters p23Duty of care issues mean
company car drivers are
starting to be mollycoddled
like children, says Graham
Hurdle.
Helplines p25
Is it reasonable to ask
every driver to fill in a
risk assessment form
before each business
journey?
First car p27
Symon Moore, of Computer
Bookshops, on his first
company car.
Competition p27
BY EMMA COOPER
Fleet managers are struggling to
hit targets and productivity is
slowing as workplaces are becom-
ing more bureaucratic.
A poll of nearly 1,000 managers
has revealed that the most
common management styles
exhibited in the transport and
logistics sector, including fleet,
were bureaucratic, reactive
and authoritarian.
The findings were released in
the Quality of Working Life report,
from business consortium Simply-
health and the Chartered Manage-
ment Institute (CMI).
Managers also perceived a link
between the company culture and
absenteeism, with 45% of respon-
dents saying sickness rates have
risen in companies with suspi-
cious and unapproachable senior
managers.
Jo Causon, director of market-
ing and corporate affairs at the
CMI, said: The effect of manage-
ment styles on performance can
be marked and have a direct
bearing on the levels of health,
motivation and commitment
linking employers and staff.
Improving the sense of well-
being, determination and produc-
tivity is no easy task but one that
cannot be ignored.
Left alone, it will only serve to
reduce morale and lower the
quality of working life.
Workplace red tapehitting productivity
Fiona Hall has replaced Liam
Donnelly as sales director at
Arval UK and will be responsible
for retaining business and
forging new sales relationships.
Ms Hall previously worked as
northern sales director for Lex.
Robin Shaw has taken over as divisional director at Robert Boschs
aftermarket division, based at Denham, Buckinghamshire. He has
previously held a number of senior roles with aftermarket companies.
Mr Shaw joins Robert Bosch from Federal-Mogul, where he was
managing director of aftermarket.
Arvals newsales director
Shaw heads Robert Bosch division
Karppinen joins Renault SloughElina Karppinen has been made the new general manager at Renault
Slough. After working in car sales in Finland, Ms Karppinen took on
the role of business manager at Renault London West when she
moved to the UK five years ago.
SETTLING INYouve recently returned to
the UK from China how do
working practices differ?
There is less openness and
sharing in Shanghai. Key
decisions are made by a small
number of managers. Power
naps are popular in China not
many people in Milton Keynes
grab 40 winks at their desk.
What is the biggest change
you have seen in the UKs
industry since you returned?
When I left, people were talking
about green issues. Now theyre
doing something about it.
What is the greatest challenge
facing the fleet industry at
the moment?
Keeping pace with legislation
whether its corporate responsi-
bility, congestion charging,
environmental issues or duty of
care.
How do you plan to develop
fleet sales at Volkswagen?
Im working with a great team,
and Im confident Volkswagen
can continue to build strong
relationships with customers.
What piece of technology
could you not live without?
My car.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy playing hockey and
squash.
MatthewBowden
National fleetsales manager
Volkswagen UK
Describe your fleet.
Our fleet consists of 218
cars, 54 light commercial
vehicles and two fork-lift
trucks. It mostly consists of
Vauxhall Astras and
Movanos.
What is your career
history?
I previously worked in
customer services for
NatWest before going
travelling. I then took the
job as senior fleet adminis-
trator at Cancer Research
UK.
What do you enjoy most
about working in fleet?
Solving the daily challenges
that crop up, providing good
customer service and,importantly, keeping the
drivers happy.
What is your greatest
challenge at work?
Getting drivers to submit
paperwork on time it is a
constant battle.
What would make your
life easier at work?
Encouraging drivers to
submit mileage forms more
regularly. In the long run
we hope there wont be the
need for constant chasing offorms.
Do you have any hobbies?
I play the violin and enjoy
travelling to far-flung places
around the world.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 19
Katy WarrenFleet
administratorCancer
Research UK
Job ofthe weekTOYOTA FINANCIALSERVICES Fleet developmentmanager, Midlands/Central, p20
email: [email protected]
Your views, your queries, your chance to get involved
APPOINTMENTS
Findyourfavourites
Edited by Adele Barry
FLEET CV
Wilde joins Zenith boardZenith Vehicle Contracts has appointed James Wilde as non-executive
chairman. Mr Wilde will advise the board on business development
and strategic planning. He was previously chief executive at Rentokil
Initial.
Red tape gets in the way of fleet
managers achieving targets
Your chance to win a
500 Road Angel
Navigator 9000 satellite-
navigation system.
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20 10.01.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Recruitment Call Daniel Bragg: 01733 468271email: [email protected]
01235 536440www.steele-dixon.co.uk
Brighter futureSales Executive Niche Surrey 40K
Sales Executive Volume Bath 40K
Corporate Sales Manager Group South 80K
Account Manager Fleet South 50K
Service Mgr Niche S London 32K
Service Mgr Plant N London 32KBusiness Development Mgr Auction House Scotland 50K OTE
Quarry Fleet Administrator Construction Middle East Tax Free
straight talking : smart thinking : fast act ing
www.dwc.co.uk
NORTH SOUTHManchester High WycombeMarc Bridges/Claire Anderson Will Gardner/Gregg Dampier0161 601 7766/7760 01494 538866/[email protected] [email protected]
daniel williams consultancySales and Marketing Recruitment Specialists
COMMERCIAL FINANCE MANAGERMotor Manufacturer - East Midlands35K Basic 48-50K OTE Company Car Pension Scheme Private HealthcareSince its inception, our client's name has been synonymous with innovation, design and
flair. They are now looking to complement their existing Corporate Sales Team and in
return offer a progressive and rewarding career. You will be required to develop key
internal relationships with 15 franchised dealerships across the East Midlands. Working in
conjunction with each dealership's Corporate Sales teams, you will ensure that each site
achieves the agreed finance penetration targets. Ref. CA4944
NATIONAL SECTOR MANAGERLeasing Data - UK51K OTE uncapped Company Car Excellent Flexible Benefits
Your experience of working within, or selling into, the leasing industry will give you the
required experience for this exciting career opportunity. As a major player within the
automotive data market, the various solutions and software they develop allows some of the
UK's largest leasing companies to make business critical decisions. Strategically, you will
personally drive profitable customer relationships with approximately 10 Key FN50 clients.
Secondly, you will manage a field based Key Account Manager and hold responsibility for
the overall sales strategy within your sector. Ref. CA4633
REGIONAL SALES MANAGERContract Hire & Leasing - North West35K Basic 65K OTE Company Car Pension SchemeThis privately owned leasing operation is fast moving up the FN50. This success has been
achieved in part by an ethos which encourages a flexible approach to business and a
product range that provides an enviable edge over the competition. They now seek an
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business forward in 2008. In return you can expect an excellent basic salary and a lucrative
open-ended commission package. Ref. CA5001
Specialist Search and SelectionTo view a variety of current positions visit our website www.alastairames.co.uk or ring for details.
Tel 0207 917 1855 Fax 0207 917 1856 [email protected] 211 PICCADILLY,LONDON W1V 9LD
always
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A L A S T A I RA M E S
Please Mention FleetNewswhen calling
Area Sales Manager Truck Rental30-35k Basic, 45k OTE Essex
A superb role with a market leading commercial vehicle rental business. A
combination of account management and new business in this successful region.
An understanding of the rental market would be ideal. Ref-11741
Account Manager LCV Rental20-23k Basic, + c. 10k OTE South West
A national rental company with a superb reputation in LCV rental services.With national depots they are looking for successful B2B sales people,ideally
within the eet industry - but this is not essential. Ref-11515
Corporate Sales Manager Contract Hire30-38k Basic, 50k uncapped Midlands
One o the UKs leading contract hire and eet management service providers.
Targeting eet sizes o 75-500 you will be responsible or winning and managing
all business you bring on board. Ref-11234
Key Account Manager Fleet Management35-40k Basic, c.55k OTE MidlandsA reputable eet management company who are currently looking to expand
their account management team. A senior feld sales role working closely with a
handfulof theirmost committedcustomers. Ref-11748
Regional Sales Manager Public Sector32-37k Basic, c.50k OTE South East
A market leading eet management company who specialise in selling contract
hiretothepublicsector. Ideallyyouwillhaveanunderstandingof thepublicsector
but solid contract hire backgrounds will be considered. Ref-11973
Corporate Account Manager Contract Hire30-38k Basic, 50-60k OTE Midlands
One of the largest and most successful companies in the world. Selling a full
range o eet management services this is a new business role where you will
be looking to get in ront o the 50-500 eet sector. Ref-11877
Please contact Chris OConnor or Rob Pestridge to discuss these and many more exciting nationwide opportunities on
01372 746253/50. Alternatively, email your CV to [email protected]
FLEET SPECIALISTS - EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES!
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www.fleetnews.co.uk 10.01.08 21
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By writing to Fleet News you agreeto have your details passed on toJaama and may receive offers from orin association with Emap ConsumerMedia unless you state otherwise.
Childish drivers
causing concern The article Fleets advised to
select the right vehicle for the
job ( Fleet News, November
29) has highlighted a point
that should be stressed to all
fleet managers.
Too many fleets buy a
particular van because it is the
cheapest, or has the best sales-
person, or is the one theyve
always bought. This is particu-
larly prevalent if the fleet has
cars and vans, where often the
latter are an afterthought.
Fleet managers should look
at what they need their vans to
do. Driver input is vital. They
often know better than the
fleet manager what role
commercial vehicles play.
Ensuring your vehicles can
cope with everything you need
them to do is central, espe-
cially if your requirements are
likely to change. Using daily
rental to supplement your core
fleet can also often help with
flexibility, especially if you
have seasonal requirements.
Seemingly insignificant
details, from the height of the
van loading facilities to the
shelving and specialist equip-ment required inside the
vehicle, need to be understood
and taken into account.
Choosing the wrong van will
result in higher costs at best
and safety and legal issues at
worst. The key is to under-
stand that vans are not like
cars. They are not perks, but
are there solely to do a job.
Making a job easier and
more cost-effective is surely
common sense.
STEVE CRAWSHAW
LCV manager,LeasePlan UK
Care neededin fleet vanpurchases
Interface Email: [email protected]. Please include name, job title, company and addressLETTERS
The letter Hidden danger of
mobile calls ( Fleet News,
December 20) from Len Benson
is nonsense.
Does he seriously think that
anyone taking a call in a tight
situation on a mobile hands-free
kit would allow a caller to
continue yelling hello, hello,
are you still there, can you hear
me? without telling the caller
to shut up, Im in a tight spot
and need to concentrate, or
disconnecting the caller by
switching off his/her phone?
Wouldnt you just ignore the
phone?
Does he use satellite naviga-
tion? I dont, but I assume that
since these devices have a
screen they are programmed to
display a map which the driver
would look at. Is this not more
dangerous than talking to
someone on the phone?
Should they, too, be banned?
Last week I had a call from
someone who challenged me to
spend two hours of my time in
which he would convince me
that I am wrong about the ability
of drivers who use hands-free
mobile phone kits.
He was an advanced driving
instructor and said consider-
able research has proved thatusing any sort of mobile phone,
hands-free or not, in the car is
dangerous.
I agree hand-held phones
are dangerous and I am as
annoyed as most people about
the idiots who ignore the
current law.
I may or may not go through
with the challenge since it is
obvious to me that the real
reason for accidents is due to
driver inexperience or
incompetence.
FRED MACDONALDFleet manager, WilsonElectrical Distributors
Do you think
electric people
trundlers are a good
idea? Should we be
able to hop aboard
motorised pogo
sticks to get around
town? If you think
so, vote yes in the
poll at theFleet
News website: www.
fleetnews.co.uk
100
80
60
40
20
0YES NO
LAST WEEKS POLL
44% 56%
Should the police be doing moreto get unroadworthy vehicles(grey fleet or not) off the road?
Do we want to see police
officers trundling about on
electric people transporters? It
seems one or two police fleet
managers are not that keen.
When it comes to replacing a
patrol car, its not just the
questions around lighting,
brakes, insurance and
registration that holds
trundlers back. The fact that
they look a bit silly wont help.
If theyre not in patrol cars or
on motorcycles, police officers
should be on foot or using
bicycles like the rest of us. A bit
of exercise never hurt anybody.
Before long, everybody
would want an electric people
transporter. Imagine the
shopping centre carnage that
would follow uninsured
trundlers hurtling out of
control everywhere.
ONLINE POLL FleetNews COMMENT
The onus placed on companies is
now so great that company car
drivers are taking less personal
responsibility for their own safety
and their vehicles.
We have reached the stage
where company car drivers are
starting to be mollycoddled like
children.
So much is done for them and
so much responsibility is seen as
being the companys, that many
do very little to ensure they are
creating a safe environment while
on the road.
We see high numbers of drivers
who have not had eyesight tests,
know how many alcoholic drinks
would mean they are over the
limit the morning after, a number
that do not conduct regular
vehicle safety checks and many
who sit back and wait to be sent
their tax disc by their fleet
manager without giving a second
thought as to whether the car is
taxed or not until it arrives.
Companies need to adopt a
duty of care towards their
employees.However, there should be a
responsibility for employees to
also show a duty of care towards
their employers, rather than it
being one-way traffic from the
company to its staff. We are
moving towards a situation which
is grossly unfair on the employer,
and will lead to drivers becoming
increasingly nonchalant about
their own responsibilities. For
company directors to potentially
face prison when the driver of the
car could be back on the road
with what is effectively just a verystrong ticking off seems to be
shifting responsibility far too far
away from the true culprit.
The continuous squeeze being
put on companies will reach a
point where it no longer has the
desired impact on achieving safer
conditions for their drivers and
other road users, but instead
creates a lazy culture that causes
drivers to become an even greater
danger than before, and compa-
nies writing tighter and tighter
policies and handbooks to protect
themselves from prosecution.
GRAHAM HURDLEManaging director,E-Training World
Company directors face being jailed for their drivers shortcomings
He cannotbe serious
With reference to the article
Little protection against big
bills ( Fleet News, December
20), why are cars not fitted with
chrome or metal bumpers as
they were up to the 1970s?
I started work in a garage in
1959 and can rememberdamaged bumpers being banged
into shape again. Surely this
would be better than the plastic
bumper which damages easily?
Repairing cars is costing a
fortune by always fitting new
parts. A metal bumper would
save damage to the engine and
the chassis.In this day and age when we
are trying to save the planet, any
sort of machinery should be
repaired where possible.
Fitting new parts all the time
is not always the answer.
S A COTTER
Purchasing department,Fine-tubes
Modern policy increases cost of repairs
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24 10.01.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Fleet services Call Dee Kennedy: 01733 468275 email: [email protected]
Driver training
Contract hireSoftware
Soar to a safer future
Call:0121 2482023 Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.rospa.com/drivertraining
RoSPA Driver and Fleet Solutions
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