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Fleet News BY DANIEL ATTWOOD Green transport expert Professor Julia King has highlighted the need for fleets – and public sector fleets in particular – to adopt less polluting vehicles in her second report on decarbonising road transport. The report’s impact on future Govern- ment transport policy is likely to be substan- tial and, through a carrot and stick approach, will force company car drivers into less polluting vehicles. Government respect for Prof King’s recommendations is such that the publication of her report was timed to coincide with the 2008 Budget statement, which contained policies directly related to some of her 40 recommendations. Several of those are aimed at influencing fleet managers and user-choosers over which cars they should select, as well as encouraging public sector fleets into cleaner vehicles. “The recommendations included in the King Review are wide ranging and, of all the Budget news, the chancellor’s confirmation that he has decided to act on the recommen- dations made is likely to have the most profound and long lasting impact on fleets,” Mike Waters, head of market insight at Arval, said. Gary Killeen, commercial leader at GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services, added: “Taking the Budget and the King Review together, it looks as though we have the beginnings of a cohesive environmental strategy for cars that covers both fleet and private vehicles.” One of Prof King’s recommendations is that all public bodies should set the average emissions of new vehicles procured for administrative purposes to 130g/km of CO2 within three years at the latest. Her report also recommends that public sector organisations should have a work- place travel plan in place within the next two years, and that local authorities should promote car clubs. In an attempt to influence user-choosers over their car choice, Prof King recommends that clear information on the running costs and emissions of different vehicles must be provided. This must be backed up by “strong and consistent price signals” from Government to encourage drivers into the lowest suitable CO2 emission cars. She recommends that any price incentives be based on carbon emissions rather than technology. Zero emission electric vehicles are high- lighted, with Prof King saying that options that facilitate the efficient use of electric vehicles, such as smart-metering, time-of- day pricing, and fast charging points, should be introduced. However, Edmund King, AA president, offered a note of caution. He said steps must be taken to ensure that the proposals in the King Review are not just a “green smoke- screen” to allow the Treasury to take in more cash. NEWS P2 BUDGET SPECIAL P7 COMPETITION P55 Fleets are again coming under pressure to adopt cars with emission- reducing technology after transport minister Rosie Winterton addressed a confer- ence of national transport operators. Chancellor Alistair Darling’s first Budget sent out a strong environmental message to fleets by making it more financially attractive to choose low- emission cars. Find out how it will affect you. This week’s news quiz gives you the chance to win a Navman S30 satellite navigation device, worth £130. It has a 3.5-inch colour touch-screen display and a simple navigation menu. HELPING YOU RUN A CHEAPER CLEANER SAFER FLEET Business motoring strategy and finance 20.03.08 £2.25 fleetnews.co.uk TOP STORIES ONLINE 600 Fleet News Awards pictures, plus videos of the night and winners Comprehensive Budget coverage All the glamour of the Geneva Motor Show Fleets targeted in King Review In his first Budget, chancellor Alastair Darling raised more than a few eyebrows when he announced that national road pricing is still a real possibility. His announcement, which came amid a string of incentives to get company car drivers into greener cars, appears to contradict an earlier statement by transport minister Ruth Kelly. Ms Kelly said that questions over privacy, fairness and operability remained in relation to national road pricing. “We have been trapped in this sterile debate about road pricing,” she said recently. “There are real, practical things we can do today to tackle congestion.” Rather than spending more time debating national road pricing, she said opening around 500 miles of motor way hard shoulders to vehicles, along with local congestion charging, are preferred options for managing road capacity now. She said funding was being dedicated to towns and cities to allow them to develop and imple- ment local congestion charging, with the £200 million a year Transport Innovation Fund extended for an extra four years. But now the chancellor has reopened the debate about a national road pricing scheme. “The Government reaffirms its commit- ment to exploring national road pricing,” he said. As a result, the private sector has been invited to tender to run projects that monitor and charge motorists based on what time of day they travel, the distance travelled and the route chosen. Carrot and stick approach may be used to force drivers into less polluting cars Public sector bodies should choose cars like the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, which emit no more than 130g/km of CO2, recommends Government adviser Professor Julia King Road pricing is still on agenda Oh, what a night! 26-page Fleet News Awards special p16-41 London calling We test the Corsa SRi p15 Packing a punch Boris out to woo fleets p9 [email protected]

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London callingBoris out to woo eets p9

Packing a punchWe test the Corsa SRi p15

Oh, what a night!26-page Fleet News Awards special p16-41

20.03.08 2.25 eetnews.co.uk

Fleets targeted in King ReviewCarrot and stick approach may be used to force drivers into less polluting carsBY DANIEL ATTWOODGreen transport expert Professor Julia King has highlighted the need for eets and public sector eets in particular to adopt less polluting vehicles in her second report on decarbonising road transport. The reports impact on future Government transport policy is likely to be substantial and, through a carrot and stick approach, will force company car drivers into less polluting vehicles. Government respect for Prof Kings recommendations is such that the publication of her report was timed to coincide with the 2008 Budget statement, which contained policies directly related to some of her 40 recommendations. Several of those are aimed at inuencing eet managers and user-choosers over which cars they should select, as well as encouraging public sector eets into cleaner vehicles. The recommendations included in the King Review are wide ranging and, of all the Budget news, the chancellors conrmation that he has decided to act on the recommendations made is likely to have the most profound and long lasting impact on eets, Mike Waters, head of market insight at Arval, said. Gary Killeen, commercial leader at GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services, added: Taking the Budget and the King Review together, it looks as though we have the beginnings of a cohesive environmental strategy for cars that covers both eet and private vehicles.

ING HELP UN A R YOUEAPER CHEANER CL AFER S EET FL

FleetNewsRoad pricing is still on agendaIn his rst Budget, chancellor Alastair Darling raised more than a few eyebrows when he announced that national road pricing is still a real possibility. His announcement, which came amid a string of incentives to get company car drivers into greener cars, appears to contradict an earlier statement by transport minister Ruth Kelly. Ms Kelly said that questions over privacy, fairness and operability remained in relation to national road pricing. We have been trapped in this sterile debate about road pricing, she said recently. There are real, practical things we can do today to tackle congestion. Rather than spending more time debating national road pricing, she said opening around 500 miles of motorway hard shoulders to vehicles, along with local congestion charging, are preferred options for managing road capacity now. She said funding was being dedicated to towns and cities to allow them to develop and implement local congestion charging, with the 200 million a year Transport Innovation Fund extended for an extra four years. But now the chancellor has reopened the debate about a national road pricing scheme. The Government reafrms its commitment to exploring national road pricing, he said. As a result, the private sector has been invited to tender to run projects that monitor and charge motorists based on what time of day they travel, the distance travelled and the route chosen.

Business motoring strategy and nance

Public sector bodies should choose cars like the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, which emit no more than 130g/km of CO2, recommends Government adviser Professor Julia King

One of Prof Kings recommendations is that all public bodies should set the average emissions of new vehicles procured for administrative purposes to 130g/km of CO2 within three years at the latest. Her report also recommends that public sector organisations should have a workplace travel plan in place within the next two years, and that local authorities should promote car clubs. In an attempt to inuence user-choosers over their car choice, Prof King recommends that clear information on the running costs and emissions of different vehicles must be provided. This must be backed up by strong and consistent price signals from Government

to encourage drivers into the lowest suitable CO2 emission cars. She recommends that any price incentives be based on carbon emissions rather than technology. Zero emission electric vehicles are highlighted, with Prof King saying that options that facilitate the efcient use of electric vehicles, such as smart-metering, time-ofday pricing, and fast charging points, should be introduced. However, Edmund King, AA president, offered a note of caution. He said steps must be taken to ensure that the proposals in the King Review are not just a green smokescreen to allow the Treasury to take in more cash. [email protected]

NEWS

P2

BUDGET SPECIAL

P7

COMPETITION

P55

TOP STORIES ONLINE 600 Fleet News Awards pictures, plus videos of the night and winners Comprehensive Budget coverage All the glamour of the Geneva Motor Show

Fleets are again coming under pressure to adopt cars with emissionreducing technology after transport minister Rosie Winterton addressed a conference of national transport operators.

Chancellor Alistair Darlings rst Budget sent out a strong environmental message to eets by making it more nancially attractive to choose lowemission cars. Find out how it will affect you.

This weeks news quiz gives you the chance to win a Navman S30 satellite navigation device, worth 130. It has a 3.5-inch colour touch-screen display and a simple navigation menu.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Minister calls for green technology CarmakersFleets are coming under increasing pressure to adopt cars with emission-reducing technology. Transit minister Rosie Winterton made the call for such technology to be adopted at a conference of national transport operators in Shefeld. She promised that the Government will help eets to adopt it. In a keynote speech at the Yorkshire Green Fleet event, the minister said the Government wants to encourage the development of cutting-edge technology Tackling carbon emissions from transport remains a challenging issue. For the sake of play by supporting the development of new, cleaner technologies and we are already making progress in a number of ways. In her speech, the minister highlighted the fact that a number of local authorities across Yorkshire are already looking at how they can use biomethane in their eets. Ms Winterton said support for the development of greener vehicle technologies is expanding. This includes at least 30 million for a new Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform to support research and development projects within the UK.

put faith in sales teams

Kier Building Maintenance has ordered 22 Ford Transit vans running on liqueed petroleum gas (LPG) to deliver ser vices in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The vans are being supplied by Kier Fleet Ser vices.

Kier runs on LPG

Rosie Winterton

generations to come we need to research, develop and rapidly adopt low carbon transport technologies, she said. The Government has an important role to

Deeet answer

Wilsons Auctions has signed up to use the 1link Disposal Network e-commerce platform. Michael Tomalin, Wilsons group sales director, said: The platform will allow our customers such as large eets and manufacturers to control the movement, inspection and preparation of the vehicles they deeet through us online.

ICFM calling for formal standardsBY JOHN MASLENBusinesses have been urged to insist that their eet managers have formal qualications to carry out the role. In addition to training becoming a formal requirement for eet managers, suppliers should also ensure staff have formal qualications to show they can effectively deal with their customers requirements, according to Roddy Graham, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM). He made the call during the organisations 15th annual conference last week, telling delegates: If you cannot get a job these days in vehicle procurement without holding relevant qualications, why should you be able to get one charge of one of the largest assets within an organisation. My vision is to ensure that all individuals with eet responsibility have been trained by the ICFM and gained an ICFM qualication. Hand in hand with this objective, we need to reach a position where all job advertisements involving a eet remit, either managing a eet or working within a eet supplier, specify the individual should hold an ICFM qualication. Fleet management is a profession. What we should be looking for is a properly trained and qualied eet industry. The ICFM is an independent not-for-prot organisation that furthers education of car eet managers. [email protected]

Provecta has developed a three-tier green eet consultancy ser vice. Provecta Footprint utilises software to measure, manage and reduce a eets carbon footprint and improve running costs. Provecta will provide CO2 information to its online mileage reconciliation software system, MyMiles.

Green consultant

Roddy Graham, ICFM chairman

Days downtime

Days Contract Hire is extending its service booking and driver direction contract to include downtime management with All Fleet Services. This three-year contract follows the effectiveness of All Fleet Services call centre in responding to drivers service booking requests.

in eet management without relevant qualications? It does not make sense, especially when the person with overall responsibility is usually in

Tough economic conditions mean that staff reductions at motor manufacturers look set to continue in 2008 although certain eet departments are boosting their numbers to win new business. Colin Bruder, managing director at motor industry consultancy Network Automotive, says that staff numbers fell at most manufacturers during 2007 as a continuation of a long-term trend. He said that this momentum was likely to continue. Market conditions are not going to improve this year and will probably be worse than the last, he said. Manufacturers need to do everything to maintain protability. During the last few years, most carmakers have reduced headcount at their UK ofces and started using third party help where appropriate. The signs are that this will continue. Bruder said that decisions taken to reduce headcount often affected departments that were under the greatest pressure to maximise sales, such as the eet department. However, this is at odds with certain manufacturers who have expanded their eet sales teams to exploit new business avenues, particularly among companies which operate eets of 25 vehicles or less. Renault, GM UK, Mazda, Citron and non-traditional eet manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia, among others, are all redoubling their efforts in eet as the sector takes an ever-increasing share of the UKs new car market. Last year the number of new cars registered to businesses hit almost 1.3 million.

EVENTS ROUND-UP

Experts to give detailed Budget debriengA detailed brieng on some of the biggest Budget changes to affect the eet industry in a decade will be provided at the Risk in Fleet conference. Following chancellor Alistair Darlings sweeping changes to key parts of the company car tax regime, Gary Hull, director of employment solutions, PricewaterhouseCoopers, will offer an expert analysis of the key areas affecting eets. Among the issues affecting eet operators are major changes to capital allowances, new company car tax rates for the next three years, a massive hike in the taxable benet of free fuel for private mileage and a new VED system. This year, a new 10% benet-in-kind tax level will be launched which provides the opportunity for major savings for eet drivers and operators. In addition to spelling out the changes and their impact, Mr Hull will also provide advice on the action eet operators need to take to make the most of the opportunities the changes have presented. To purchase tickets for the conference on April 22, call Madaline Collins on 01733 468171 or email madaline. [email protected] Alternatively, visit the dedicated website, where you can book tickets online. Visit www.riskineet.co.uk

UK FUEL PRICES

ppl/ppg DIESEL..............................113.4/516 SUPER UNLEADED........112.7/512 UNLEADED......................106.4/484 FOUR STAR......................108.3/492 LPG......................................50.5/230

2 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

Government opts not to change AMAP ratesBY DANIEL ATTWOODDespite predictions that the controversial Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rates would be amended, the Government has left them unchanged. AMAP rates are used to calculate the tax-free rate at which employees who use their own vehicles for business are reimbursed. They have been xed at 40p for the rst 10,000 miles and 25p for every mile thereafter for the past six years. Disquiet over the rates reached a climax late last year when the UKs largest union Unison said it would consider strike action if the rates were not increased. Ignoring this threat, and following almost 12 months of negotiations on how AMAPs should be amended, chancellor Alistair Darling has decided to leave the rates unchanged. However, Mr Darling has left some uncertainty about any future reforms after he said: The Government will take decisions on whether to align the tax/ National Insurance contribution treatment of AMAPs in light of the outcome of the HM Revenue & Customs consultation on collecting tax on benet-in-kind and expense payments. A spokesman for HMRC added: Budget 2008 said that tax-free mileage allowances (AMAP) rates and thresholds would be maintained at current levels. The chancellor keeps all taxes and reliefs under review. Such comments have left many in the industry unsure about future plans for the rates. Although we are surprised that there has been no change to AMAP rates, we welcome that the Governments review has now been concluded and can appreciate the challenges and complexities that were involved, said Gary Killeen, commercial leader at GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services. We would, however, welcome a long-term statement. David Brennan, managing director of LeasePlan, added: This provides a level of condence for drivers in employee car ownership schemes, who might have wondered if they were still going to be cost-effective. Others have interpreted the chancellors statement as an attempt to reassure employees who have opted into employee car ownership schemes. However, the underlying issue with AMAP rates remains employees are increasingly complaining they are out of pocket because of increases in fuel costs, which have not been counteracted with a rise in AMAP rates. Rising motoring costs had put the Government under pressure to increase the AMAP rates, said Nick Sutton, chairman of Provecta. Motoring organisations and trades unions had claimed that the two current thresholds failed to cover the cost of using all but the smallest-engined vehicles on the road. [email protected]

IN BRIEF

Roads not rail

Britains road network has grown 15 times faster than rail under Labour. The gures, contained in a parliamentary answer and a letter from Network Rail, show that 405 miles of new motorway and trunk road have been constructed since 1997. Over the same period, 27 miles of new railway have been built.

Vauxhall solution

Funding approved for congestion-busting projectsThree major research projects aimed at improving congestion and journey times have been awarded more than 8 million. The projects, which will see rms working with academic institutions and network operators, have been awarded the funding through the Governments Future Intelligent Transport Systems initiative. Congestion and pollution are problems that both affect the economy and are frustrating for road users. With the number of vehicles on the UKs roads set to rise, we need to nd solutions and new technology will play a key role, said science and innovation minister Ian Pearson. The rst project is Freeow, which will provide drivers will meaningful trafc information. Rather than simply being told there is a queue ahead, drivers will be told how to avoid it. The project, which will be trialled in York and London, will develop the system using military situation awareness technology. The second project FootLite is designed to encourage safer and more environmentallyfriendly driving styles through the development of driver/ vehicle interface systems. The project aims to give drivers information for example via an in-vehicle display system that will help them to drive in a way that is safer, cuts congestion and reduces emissions. Finally, the user innovation project will investigate how transport users are already

A multi-million pound deal between Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles and Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions will see the rental company take 2,370 new Vauxhalls into its eet this year. The deal is part of the 65 million the Burnt Tree Group will spend this year on increasing its eet.

Pollution falls

The Government has published the latest air pollution gures. They reveal that the trend of a reduction in air pollutant emissions is continuing. However, particulates, emitted by diesel vehicles in particular, rose slightly.

Supermarket eet

Congestion aects the economy and is frustrating for road users

using existing forms of information communication technology to enhance transport systems such as workers using email to organise

and manage car-sharing clubs. It then hopes to identify and develop new ways for existing technologies to help address transport challenges.

VAT recovery for parking CD-ROM tutoring launchedNational Car Parks (NCP) has launched Gateway, a national car parking payment card. This follows a two-year investment programme to develop and deliver the initiative, which is a business account facility available to all companies, including local authorities and public bodies. Gateway is a deferred payment card that enables users to pay a month in arrears. No coins are needed by the user and the cards are accepted at more than 330 NCP car parks across the UK. NCP says that with the potential for full VAT recovery, an automatic saving of 17.5% becomes available to companies using the card. The Institute of Car Fleet Management has launched a CD-ROM version of its introductor y and certicate level programmes to help boost training levels throughout the industr y. The CD-ROMbased programmes are designed to offer eet managers greater exibility and convenience for completing study sessions. As with the traditional hardcopy versions, the new modules include full user guidance together with hints and tips on effective selfstudy. The ve certicate level modules cost 96 each. The introductor y certicate level module costs 61.

Supermarket giant Sainsbur ys has taken deliver y of the largest eet of hybrid vehicles in the UK after choosing 400 Toyota Prius models. The supermarket chain wants to cut CO2 emissions by 25% by 2012.

Change at BEN

BEN, the automotive industry charity, has announced that after almost ve years service, Gerard Barclay will be standing down as chief executive. Christopher Macgowan takes over as chief executive from April 1.

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 3

NEWS

Free scheme to FleetNews Europe target grey risk New Euro memberswww.eetnewseurope.com

BY JOHN MASLENA ground-breaking free risk management service designed to help manage grey eet drivers more effectively is targeting companies throughout the UK. The web-based initiative has been launched after claims that the majority of grey eet vehicles are not safe, with one survey revealing that two-thirds of grey eet cars are not t for the road. The new Cash Allowance Duty of Care Service is available online to all eets as a free service provided through All-in-One Leasing. It is free of charge because of the business model behind the service, which is similar to the one adopted by internet giants Google, Yahoo and MSN, where free services such as email and

software are provided and in return the suppliers can advertise other products to customers. In this case, employers signing up to the service through the Allin-One company car opt-out purchase scheme get an online driver risk management programme. In return, drivers are shown new and used car offers available through the leasing rms parent company, UK Car Group. Drivers using private cars on business are given a unique user name so they can log on and update their records, undertake document checks and provide details of vehicle servicing and maintenance to help the employer with its duty-of-care requirements. A small fee is charged for driving licence checks. A website will be created for

each company and will automatically include the employers grey eet policy. It can automatically block vehicles over a certain age and will limit the vehicle offers shown to staff to match company policy. Drivers who fail to provide all details will receive reminders and their designated manager will also receive updates. The move follows All-in-Ones purchase of ProAfnity, the privately-owned company that developed the risk management software. All-in-One Leasing managing director Tony Williams, said: Our conversations with eets show huge concern about opt-out drivers. We now have the ability to manage this unsatisfactory situation. [email protected]

slow car sales declineBY PHILL TROMANS

Januarys European car sales fell slightly year-on-year, dropping 0.3%, according to gures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. A total of 1,308,761 cars were registered in the rst month of 2008, compared to 1,312,131 in 2007. The market dropped in the established western European countries, although in new EU member states sales were up 20.1%. Of the ve major markets, only Germany registered more cars than last year, up 10.5%. Registrations in Britain dropped by 2.1%, France by 5.6%, Italy by 7.3% and Spain by 12.7%. The fall is attributed to the global credit crunch.

SALES TRENDSJanuary 08 European 21,884 Austria 56,846 Belgium 13,211 Denmark 21,519 Finland 162,116 France 220,742 Germany 33,583 Greece 47,609 Ireland 232,207 Italy 3,981 Luxembourg 15,818 Portugal 101,630 Spain 17,033 Sweden 66,379 The Netherlands 162,097 United Kingdom 1,176,655 Total European Free Trade Agreement 1,432 Iceland 9,901 Norway 19,322 Switzerland 30,655 Total EU new members 3,326 Bulgaria 10,082 Czech Republic 2,464 Estonia 12,343 Hungary 2,191 Latvia 2,273 Lithuania 28,367 Poland 29,495 Romania 4,783 Slovakia 6,128 Slovenia 101,452 Total Europe total (EU+EFTA) 1,308,761 January 07 22,430 55,832 11,697 16,893 171,651 199,686 31,694 45,819 250,385 3,908 14,463 116,423 20,599 68,663 165,603 1,195,746 968 12,685 18,292 31,945 3,067 9,147 2,617 12,339 2,662 1,465 22,770 21,931 3,501 4,941 84,440 1,312,131 Variance -2.4% +1.8% +12.9% +27.4% -5.6% +10.5% +6.0% +3.9% -7.3% +1.9% +9.4% -12.7% -17.3% -3.3% -2.1% -1.6% +47.9% -21.9% +5.6% -4.0% +8.4% +10.2% -5.8% +0.0% -17.7% +55.2% +24.6% +24.5% +36.6% +24.0% +20.1% -0.3%

Livingstone stands rm on chargesPorsche has now made a formal application for judicial review to try to force the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to amend his new congestion charges for high polluting vehicles. However, the mayor has refused to amend the charge, which will see cars that emit more 225g/km of CO2 charged 25 to enter London. Porsche has a clear vested interest in attempting to block this ground-breaking scheme, said Mr Livingstone. Michele Dix, managing director of planning at Transport for London, pointed out that the principal aim of the scheme remains tackling congestion. The aim of the CO2 charge element and discount of the scheme is to cut CO2 emissions by reducing the number of very high emitting cars driving in central London, she said. In response, Porsche led its judicial review request, giving the mayor 21 days to respond. Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche GB, said: The new 25 charge will have no meaningful impact on congestion. The Campaign for Better Transport has come out in support of Transport for London over a necessary and progreesive transport measure. Boris Johnson woos eets page 9

Ken Livingstone: standing rm

Fleets concerned by vehicle crime will learn about new developments to it at the National Vehicle Crime Conference in Warwickshire in May. Delegates at the two-day conference will be given an insight into the latest developments to target vehicle crime, with additional sessions on

Conference focuses on vehicle crimeroadside technology. International smuggling routes will highlight the gateways that other countries provide to organised crime groups in the UK. Keynote speakers at the conference, which takes place on May 7-8, include representatives from the Association of Chief Police Ofcers and the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. UK branch president Dr Kenneth German believes the conference offers an essential opportunity to share expertise and discuss current trends in tackling vehicle crime. Further details can be found on the IAATI website at www. iaati.org.uk

Italian tax boost for biofuelThe European Commission has authorised an Italian tax reduction to stimulate the production and use of biodiesel. The measure modies and prolongs a previously approved scheme and introduces a supply obligation for biofuels.

Fleet News Europe is sponsored by

www.bca-europe.comwww.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 5

BUDGET ANALYSIS

Budget shifts eet focus on to lower-emission vehiclesBY DANIEL ATTWOODCompanies that provide cars for their employees were sent a clear environmental message from the chancellor after his rst Budget made it nancially more attractive to choose low-emission cars. While the front pages lambasted Alastair Darling for his hangover Budget, which penalised drinkers and drivers, the reaction from the eet and leasing industry has been more mixed. Alphabet referred to it as disappointing, Masterlease said it lacked substance or clarity while Bourne Business Consulting said it was a watershed for company cars. What all commentators agreed on was that eets and company car drivers need to focus on lowerpolluting vehicles or pay the price. If youre a company car driver or business with a eet of executive saloons with higher emissions more than 160g/km CO2 this is last-chance saloon time, said Mark Chessman, deputy managing director, Lloyds TSB Autolease. Now is the time to review the number of higher-emitting cars you have in your eet or face signicant increases in cost. Two areas are of most importance for eets the changes to the capital allowances system and to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Next April, the capital allowance scheme will be replaced by an all-new system. The changes will affect companies who buy vehicles outright and eets that lease company cars. From next year, company cars emitting more than 160g/km of CO2 will attract a 10% writing down allowance (WDA), while sub-160g/km cars will attract a 20% WDA. However, there are questions. We are not clear if capital allowance pools linked to CO2 will have a balancing charge/allowance, or whether tax relief will have to be claimed into perpetuity, explained Peter Tatlock, Masterlease managing director. Paul Roberts, director at Lex, added: Funding decisions for

Mixed reaction from eet industry as cars emitting more than 160g/km CO2 are hit the hardest

Higher-polluting vehicles were hit the hardest in chancellor Alistair Darlings rst Budget

Chancellor Alistair Darling

expensive cars with low CO2 emissions may need to be reviewed, and could result in contract hire becoming more attractive for expensive cars with low emissions. From April next year, leased cars emitting more than 160g/km CO2 will have 15% of the relevant payments disallowed. The Government is also considering the option of applying the disallowance only to the nal business user in a chain of leases. The changes to the VED bands (see panel below) have also got the

industry talking. The eet and business sector will bear the brunt of a 1.2 billion increase to VED in the 2009 and 2010 tax years, said Alphabet. However, there is a silver lining said Masterlease. We have a years breathing space. This gives the industry time to adapt computer systems and processes to meet the new CO2 requirements, added Mr Tatlock. But there remains uncertainty over what effect the changes to the VED rates will have. The increases will have an ongoing

BUDGET 2008 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW April 6, 2008, sees the introduction of a 10% band (13% for diesel cars) for benet-in-kind tax (BIK) on company cars with CO2 emissions of 120g/km or less. From April 6, 2010, the 15% company car tax band will be lowered from 135g/km to 130g/km CO2 emissions. Company cars capable of running on E85 biofuel will receive a 2% BIK tax discount from April, 2008. The Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAP) rates remain unchanged. The xed gure on which the fuel benet charge paid by employees who drive company cars and receive free fuel for private use is based will rise from 14,400 to 16,900 in April. From April 6, 2009, the fuel benet charge multiplier will increase at least in line with ination. There will be changes to the existing van fuel benet legislation so that it mirrors that for company cars. From April next year, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates will be reformed into 13 bands. Band A the cleanest cars will not be liable for VED. However, cars that produce more than 255g/km of CO2 (bands G to M) will pay up to 950 for their rst years road tax and then up to 455 every year after. From next year, a VED incentive to encourage the take-up of Euro V diesel vans will be introduced. The rate has not yet been announced. The planned two pence a litre fuel duty increase has been postponed until October 1. Fuel duty will rise again by 1.84

A two pence per litre rise in fuel duty has been postponed

pence a litre on April 1, 2009. There will be a further 0.5 pence a litre fuel duty rise on April 1, 2010. From April 2009, capital allowance of company cars will be reformed. Expenditure on cars with CO2 emissions above 160g/km will attract a 10% writing down allowance (WDA) and expenditure on cars with CO2 emissions of 160g/km or below will attract a 20% WDA.

From April 1, 2009, leased cars emitting more than 160g/km CO2 will have 15% of the relevant payments disallowed. The 100% rst year allowance for the cleanest cars will be extended to March 31, 2013, and the qualifying CO2 emissions threshold will be reduced to 110g/km from 120g/km. A new fund to explore national road pricing is to be established.

small but noticeable effect in encouraging eet adoption of greener vehicles, said Gary Killeen, commercial leader at GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services. But as Alastair Kendrick, from Bourne Business Consulting, warned: The penalties at the higher end may mean executives opt out of car schemes. There could also be other issues for eets to manage. Increased eet administration is a possibility due to a potential rush to register higher emitting cars prior to April 2010, warned Lex director, Paul Roberts. Fleet managers will welcome the delay in introducing the fuel duty increase, but as LeasePlan managing director David Brennan explained, the relief will be shortlived. The delay in the two pence a litre duty rise is welcome, although its just delaying the inevitable. Businesses would be happier if it had been discarded completely, he said. Fleets should also take note that more increases are on the way. The Budget proposes to link increases in fuel duty to ination after 2009. This will have a multiplier effect, with index-linked tax increases magnifying the impact of the huge rises in fuel costs that are affecting not only road users but all areas of business and commerce, warned Mark Sinclair, director of Alphabet. [email protected]

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 7

NEWS INSIGHT

Boris woos eets in race to be new London mayorBY DANIEL ATTWOODFleets planning to acquire vehicles in tax bands A and B in order to avoid paying the London congestion charge have been advised to delay any such moves until after the mayoral election in May. In an exclusive interview, the Conservative candidate for the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who is neck and neck in the running with incumbent, Ken Livingstone, told Fleet News that if he his elected on May 1, he will not allow vehicles that produce less than 120g/km of CO2 into the zone for free. He also conrmed that he will scrap Mr Livingstones plans to charge high emitting vehicles those that produce more than 225g/km 25 to get into central London. From his ofce in County Hall, which during the 1980s was a Labour bastion of anti-Conservative thinking led by Ken Livingstone, Mr Johnson couldnt resist taking a side swipe at his rival. Livingstone has moved the goalposts, he says, referring to the mayors move from a congestion to an emission charge that targets cars that emit more than 225g/km of CO2. It is to prove he still has the spirit of Che Guevara running in his blood. He wants to stick two ngers up at the fat cats. When Mr Johnson launched his transport manifesto, Mr Livingstone called his rival remarkably dim, so there is no love lost between the pair. However, Mr Johnson has a point. Even Transport for London (TfL) admits that the new 25 charge will reduce emissions by a minimal amount 2% at best and, by allowing band A and B vehicles in for free, congestion may actually get worse. To have such a true-blue Conservative campaigning from the building that was once controlled by the capitals leftist council, the GLC, and which often had anti-Government slogans hanging from the window through which Mr Johnson now admires the view of parliament, must leave a bitter taste in Mr Livingstones mouth. Boris Johnson knows his transport policy will make or break his election campaign. He says he has no plans to extend the congestion charge, but neither will he scrap it. However, he will hold a consultation on the western extension to the congestion zone, which was introduced despite widespread opposition. He promises that if the majority of residents affected by the extension want it removed, he will abolish it with the zone reverting back to its original size. I want to stop clobbering motorists, assures Mr Johnson. I want to make travel by car into London slightly less hellish. However, this comes from the mouth of a committed cyclist who wants to see Londoners get back on their bikes. But the pro-motorist rhetoric continues. He promises to reverse the current TfL strategy of synchronising trafc lights against motorists. If trafc is moving it is

Tory candidate says he would scrap planned 25 congestion charge for high-polluting vehiclesBoris Johnson: no plans to extend the congestion charge

producing fewer emissions, he points out in a lucid moment which is a far cry from the bumbling character most would recognise from the television. Therefore I will re-phase trafc lights to get trafc owing more smoothly Basically I am against cars coming into London, but if they are going to and are willing to pay the charge, then they should have the right to have a smooth journey. During the interview, however, one cant get away from the feeling that Mr Johnson is trying too hard to please, in this case, Fleet News readers. He is on a mission to get elected and, while the transport policies in his manifesto have been well thought out, his off-the-cuff, buffoonish style perfected on Have I Got News For You, may not serve him as well as he hopes. One cant help wondering whether he considers being mayor of London with the same lax attitude he had when he was appointed shadow arts minister. When asked why he had been appointed he said: Look, the

point is ... err, what is the point? It is a tough job but somebody has got to do it. With Ken Livingstone, eet managers know where they stand if you have to drive into London then come in a low emission vehicle, and be prepared to have an expensive, slow, disjointed journey. With Mr Johnson, it is a unmapped road ahead, although there are a lot of encouraging answers for those who must drive into the capital on businesses. Mr Johnson has committed to making it easier to pay the congestion charge. Last year almost 95 million was raised in penalty charge notices from those who failed to pay the congestion charge before entering the capital. I will move to an accountbased system, he promises. This means eets can register with TfL and receive a monthly bill in arrears. Mr Johnson also wants the mayor to have powers to penalise utility companies that are responsible for poorly-run roadworks. But just a month ago transport

minister Rosie Winterton said she will give local authorities new powers to penalise utility companies that fail to ensure road works are properly managed and coordinated. Now Mr Johnson says he should have the same powers. But, still, it wouldnt be the rst time teams at opposing ends of the political spectrum have lifted each others ideas. While it is up to those living in the capital to choose their next mayor, their decision will have a dramatic effect on every eet that needs to enter the capital or even circumvent it. And Londoners decision will not be easy. They must chose from a committed anti-car socialist who wants vehicles out of London or a true-blue Conservative who seems, at present, too eager to please all travellers. There is another choice the Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick who wants to solve Londons chronic transport problems by bringing back trams. [email protected]

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 9

New Accord prices rise by up to 2,500Honda has announced pricing for its new Accord saloon, with certain models rising by up to 2,500 as the Japanese carmaker targets Audi and BMW. The new Accord, which goes on sale on June 1, will be priced from 19,250 for the 2.0-litre petrol ES a rise of 2,000 over the current entry-level version. The new Euro V-compliant i-DTEC diesel will be from 21,050 a 2,450 premium over the old i-CTDi model. Honda claims the pricing sends a powerful statement of intent to the established premium carmakers, and adds that the Accord offers exceptional value for money. The manufacturer expects the majority of sales to be of the mid-level ES GT spec, which comes with 17-inch alloys, halfleather seats, cruise control, body kit, sports suspension and climate control as standard. The diesel will cost 21,900. The Tourer estate version will go on sale in September.

This weeks vehicle market news and information Edited by Julian Kirk

Chaueur packageBY JULIAN KIRKJaguar is aiming to boost sales of its XJ saloon with the launch of its new package aimed at the burgeoning chauffeur market. Available to any customer who buys a long wheelbase XJ, the Jaguar Chauffeur Programme is designed to ensure buying, owning and maintaining a model is an effortless experience. It includes: Replacement vehicle (and a Public Carriage Ofce-licensed model for chauffeurs in London). Priority servicing and repairs, with models jumping the queue at the service centre to ensure minimum downtime. Free membership to Quintessentially Jaguar Global Concierge Service, a package which gives a chauffeurs clients access to exclusive restaurants, hotel reservations and other services. Tailored nance options with contract hire packages of 18, 24 or 36 months, with or without maintenance, and with a range of exible mileage limits from 10,000 to 50,000 miles a year.

This week

Peugeot Expert Tepee

Mini-test p13

Jaguar is targeting the chaueur market to boost XJ sales

David Spencer, head of Jaguar Corporate Sales, said: The XJ long wheelbase is already a strong competitor in the rapidly expanding chauffeur market. It costs 7,000 less than its nearest competitor and is best in class when comparing wholelife costs and benet-in-kind tax bills. With the lowest company car tax bill and strong residuals, accompanied by support from the Jaguar Chauffeur Programme, chauffeurs can enjoy hassle-free

ownership and real-world economy. The programme is available on all long wheelbase XJs, although the key focus will be on the 47,292 twin-turbo V6 diesel Executive version. A higher spec Sovereign is also available at 53,292. The 4.2-litre V8-engined petrol Sovereign costs 59,892. Jaguar is also offering a 48-hour demonstration loan (PCOlicensed for London) for those considering a long wheelbase XJ.

Citron Relay

Long-term p13

Vauxhall Corsa SRi

Road test p15

THINKING CAP Hardworking Martin Ward scours the globe for the weeks insider eet intelligenceWent to the LDV Maxus factory on the outskirts of Birmingham with our forecast manager for commercial vehicles, Ken Brown, who worked there up until two years ago. Its a good number of years since I last visited the plant, too. The exterior of the building has not changed it is still very Victorian schoolhouse and the factory is steeped in history. Originally a World War One ordnance factory belonging to Vickers, it was then taken over by William Morris in the late 1920s and then built military vehicles, mines and the Horsa glider. The interior and new processes were, in Kens words, a shock to him, and to me. Things have changed beyond

MONDAY

recognition, and it is all thanks to Russian owner GAZ, which bought the company last year. The paint shop is state-of-the-art, too. It builds 78 vehicles per day, with many more sent in kit-form to other countries in crates. We went into the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department where a number of vehicles were being nished by hand in a variety of guises, including mobile post ofces, police vans, ambulances, drop-sides and tippers. The line also now produces vehicles that previously had to go its SVO department, which improves quality and decreases build time. An interesting day, where we saw at pieces of steel at one end and a variety of nished vehicles at the other.

Down to Watford to see the Peugeot Bipper a new concept from the manufacturer, and using shared parts and design with Citron and Fiat. The Bipper measures 3.86 metres long shorter than a Peugeot 207 but has a 610kg payload with a 2.5 cubic metre loadspace. It can carr y goods that are 1.5 metres long but this increases to 2.5 metres with the passenger seat folded at. There will be two models available when it goes on sale on June 1: Urban and Urban Plus, with a choice of two engines: 1.4 HDi 70bhp with CO2 emissions of 119g/km, and a 1.4-litre 75bhp petrol. Prices are expected to start from around 8,000.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

With the 1 Series Convertible

Down to Jerez in Spain to drive the new BMW 1 Series Convertible, the fourth variant in the family following on from the ve and three-door hatchbacks, and the Coup. The Convertible is BMWs rst compact soft-top for more than 30 years. But it has certainly been worth the wait. It oozes quality, has a good choice of engines and a fantastic roof system which goes up or down in 22

seconds while travelling at up to 31mph. We drove a 125i on a variety of roads and there was no body roll or shake and, more importantly, not one single squeak or rattle. I spoke to Kevin Rice, head of design for the 1 Series project, and he told me that it was always going to be a cloth-top there was no intention of having a tintop. BMW expects to sell around 3,800 per year, with the 118i being the best seller, taking 35% of sales. The BMW will soon be joined by another premium compact soft-top, the Audi A3 like buses, you wait for ages, then two come along at the same time.Martin Ward is CAPs manufacturer relationships manager

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 11

LCVs: PEUGEOT EXPERT TEPEE TEST/CITRON RELAY LONG-TERMER

Peugeots faithful servantBY TREVOR GELKENVan-based MPVs have been around for years but the problem with these vehicles is two-fold rstly, a lot of people dont want to be seen driving a commercial vehicle and, secondly, some drivers are wary of their size. You can see their point. Driving a van isnt like driving a car. Its a lot more demanding, especially when trying to park in the tight spaces at Tesco. But Peugeot is aiming to banish at least some of these problems with the launch of the new Tepee people carrier. The Tepee may be an MPV version of the new Expert van but the whole package is based on the Peugeot 807. The rm will be hoping to attract chauffeur and eet shuttle business. The Tepee is offered in two guises long and short wheelbase and with a 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesel engine offering 90bhp or a 2.0 HDi with 120bhp. Five/ six seats are the norm, with a third row up for grabs as a paidfor option. There are two trim levels Comfort and Leisure. Our test model was the longwheelbase Leisure with eight

The roomy Expert Tepee aims to banish van-based MPV prejudices as it targets shuttle business

BEHIND THE WHEELForget your usual MPVs this vehicle is BIG. Sit in the drivers seat and look behind you and it seems as though you are staring into a long tunnel. This Tepee seats eight people and thats eight fully grown adults, not very short people and three contortionists. The front two seats are captains variety with fold-down armrests. The drivers seat offers adjustable lumbar support, which is a great plus for oldies like me. Theres acres of legroom for those second and third-row passengers and even with all the seats in place, there is still plenty of space for a pile of suitcases in the back. The second and third row of seats come out, if you fancy having a 20-minute wrestling match with them, and the cavernous interior is revealed in its full glory no fewer than six cubic metres of space. In the front, the dash is straight from the Expert van a chunky yet reasonably stylish affair while the oor features proper carpeting in place of the Experts wipe-clean plastic variety. The HDi engine is the well-known and respected unit that graces many of Peugeots cars and vans and res up with a muted thrum which doesnt intrude in the cabin. On the road, the enormous length of the vehicle can soon be forgotten as the power steering is nicely-weighted (just on the heavy side) and the Tepees road manners are impeccable. However, its a different matter while trying to manoeuvre in tight spaces. As editor of Fleet Van magazine, I didnt nd it a problem but those new to the world of commercial vehicles could well nd themselves in a spot of bother in some car park situations.

seats and the higher-powered engine. The basic on-the-road price is 22,557.

FACT FILEModel: 2.0 HDi Max power (bhp/rpm): 120/4,000 Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 225/2,000 Max speed (mph): 99 14.5 0-62mph (secs): Fuel consumption (mpg): 37.7 CO2 emissions (g/km): 198 Prices (OTR): 22,557 On sale: Now

VERDICTThe Tepee offers an awful lot of metal for the money. It eschews the pedestrian looks of some of its brethren and will provide faithful service both as a eet car and as a lifestyle companion.

Dealer sets a shining exampleCitron garage comes up trumps with crash repairs and our Relay got an unexpected wash, tooBY TREVOR GELKENRegular readers may remember that our Relay was about to go into the bodyshop to have its rear doors straightened out. The damage happened when a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter full of pre-packed sandwiches slammed into the back of it. This is always a time when we relish the chance to appraise the efforts of dealers as they dont always appreciate that we are journalists and will be writing about the service they offer. Well, my local dealer, Kent Elms Citron, of Southend-onSea, deserves a big slap on the back for making the repair process as painless as possible. After taking the van to the garage for an assessment, which was carried out using a digital camera, it was booked in a few weeks later and a courtesy vehicle was waiting for me when I arrived (although it didnt have a drop of fuel in it). After a few days in the workshop, the Relay was restored to its original pristine condition and as I handed back the keys to the replacement vehicle I noticed with joy that my van had also been given a thorough wash, which was an added bonus. Manufacturers rely on dealers tremendously to foster good relations like this with eet customers, which will mean that when its time to change vans, the buyer is likely to stick with that dealer. Certainly if I was a eet operator, Id want to know that if something went wrong my local garage would help sort out the problem promptly. Im also quite chuffed with myself for solving another problem. Vans of this size are a nightmare when it comes to transporting small loads. For example, put a few bags of shopping in the back and by the time you get home, your items will be strewn across the load area, eggs smashed in one corner and milk sloshed about. The solution is simple I bought a stout plastic crate from a DIY store (25) and lashed it into the front of the load area

FACT FILEPrice: 15,150 Mileage: 20,556 Company car tax bill (2008) 22% tax-payer: 55 per month 5 Insurance group: Combined mpg: n/a Test mpg: 37.5 CAP Monitor RV: 4,325/28% Expenditure to date: NilFigures based on three years/60,000 miles

Storage problem solved by a trip to the DIY store

with a ratcheted load-restraining strap (5). And, of course, when the van is returned to Citron I can take my device out and use it in my next test vehicle. Overall, the Relay is continuing to be a cracking van to drive and, as stated in earlier tests, we still cant get over the fact that it is returning around 37mpg.

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 13

ROAD TEST: VAUXHALL CORSA SRi

Sensible brother can pack a punchVauxhall oers a less in-your-face alternative to the VXR

THREE RIVALS TO CONSIDER

Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST

Peugeot 207 1.6 GT THP 150

Renault Clio 2.0 Dynamique S

P11D PRICEThe Renault is the cheapest to buy, but is also the least powerful with around 10bhp less than its evenlymatched rivals which offer around the 150bhp mark. It only has 16inch alloys to the others 17-inch Clio Fiesta Corsa 207 12,880 13,580 13,570 14,460

rims. The 207 is most expensive, but does include a part-leather interior.

EMISSIONS AND TAX RATESAlthough the Clio is the least powerful its not the cleanest that honour goes to the Peugeot, which will cost a 22% company car taxpayer 55 a month in benet-inkind tax. The Clio is second at 52 207 Clio Fiesta Corsa 166g/km/21% 173g/km/22% 177g/km/23% 189g/km/25%

and the Fiesta third at 57. The Corsa will cost 62.

SMR COSTFor cheapness to service, maintain and repair the Clio is out in front. Smaller tyres and 18,000-mile service intervals mean it costs hundreds less than its rivals over a three-year/60,000-mile eet life. Vauxhall and Peugeot offer 20,000Clio Corsa 207 Fiesta 2.72/1,632 3.33/1,998 3.46/2,076 4.04/2,424ppm/60k total

BY PHILL TROMANSThe Corsa VXR is the horsepower pinnacle of Vauxhalls small car offering. It offers tyre-screeching power in a compact package. But with its central exhaust and extravagant bodykit, its not exactly subtle. In fact, its positively lairy. And for the more rened, it might not appeal. Which is where the Corsa SRi comes in. It is the sensible brother to the loutish VXR, with a more demure character and sensible clothes but still able to pack a considerable punch. A 148bhp punch, to be precise 41bhp less than the VXR, but enough to put it on an even playing eld with Fords Fiesta ST. The power comes from the same turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine found in the VXR, which will re the Corsa SRi to 62mph in 7.6 seconds. For your money 13,570 for the three-door version or 14,245 for the ve-door you get 17-inch alloys, a spoiler, deepened front and rear bumpers and side skirts, as well as uprated sports suspension over the standard Corsa. Although it doesnt go to the visual excesses of the VXR, the SRi is still rmly on the performance side of the line, so fuel economy is hardly outstanding at 35.8mpg, while CO2 emissions are 189g/km. If thats a little too ungreen, a diesel SRi is also available with a 123bhp engine that returns 58.9mpg.

FACT FILEP11D value 13,570 CO2 emissions (g/km) 189 BIK % of P11D in 2008 25% Graduated VED rate 205 Insurance group 13 Combined mpg 35.8 CAP RV (3yr/60k) 4,300/32% Monthly lease (3yr/60k) 317

Subtle with it Quality interior Highest emissions Fuel economy Highest running costs

Quick

The SRi is not entirely without amboyance, most obviously the bright red touches on the steering wheel and seats, and matching seatbelts. This makes for an interesting visual tone a restrained exterior with a hint of whats to come when you get up close. When you get the SRi out on the road, however, its clear that this businessman is far from the ofce joker. Hes the quiet, hard-

working chap that blends in at the ofce but then runs triathlons at weekends. Make no mistake, the SRi has some serious grunt for a little car. Acceleration is just the right side of hairy, with plenty of excitement when the turbo kicks in but not enough to make you fear youll be spat off the road. The sports suspension makes for a rmer ride than the standard Corsa, but unless you have back problems it shouldnt make for an uncomfortable ride. It does make for sharp handling, however. The chassis is very impressive, and only a back-toback drive could denitively settle whether it has the edge over the excellent Fiesta ST. One area where the Corsa beats the Fiesta is interior quality. Where the Fiesta feels on the scratchy, cheap side, the Corsa is full of soft-touch materials and some solid-feeling switchgear. So, for the boy-racer thats grown up and got a sensible job, the Corsa SRi offers a less in-yourface alternative that can still provide bags of fun.

mile intervals, while the Fiesta needs attention every 12,500 miles.

FUEL COSTThe French know how to do economy, and with claimed combined economy of 40.3mpg the 207 is the most frugal car here, followed by the Clio at 38.7mpg. The Fiesta will return 38.2mpg but 207 Clio Fiesta Corsa 11.76/7,056 12.25/7,350 12.41/7,446 13.24/7,994

the Corsa can only manage a slightly disappointing 35.8mpg.

DEPRECIATION COSTAs the cheapest to buy, the Renault will lose the least cash over a threeyear/60,000-mile eet life, despite a CAP residual value of 30%. The Fiesta has an RV of 33% and the Corsa 32%. The 207 has a 33% RV, Clio Fiesta Corsa 207 15.05/9,030 15.25/9,150 15.70/9,420 16.14/9,684

but comes last because of its higher front-end price.

WHOLELIFE COSTThanks to its lower purchase price and relatively frugal engine, the Clio is cheapest to run over three years/ 60,000 miles. The 207 in second place costs more than 800 extra to keep on the road, with the Fiesta Clio 207 Fiesta Corsa 30.02/18,012 31.36/18,816 31.70/19,020 32.27/19,362

close behind. The Corsa falls at the nancial fences and is last.

VERDICTThe Renault Clio is the cheapest to run, but is the most tepid of the warm hatches on offer here with just 138bhp. Thats great news for eet managers, but not so good for drivers looking for a thrilling drive. With that in mind, the 148bhp Peugeot offers great value for money and power comparable to the Ford and Vauxhall, as well as the lure of luxuries such as part-leather seats. At only 800 more to run than the Clio over a three-year/60,000-mile eet life, we think its worth the extra outlay to keep drivers happy, and therefore its the one wed go for.

WINNER: Peugeot 207 1.6 GT THP 150 www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 15

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

WELCOME T FLEET NEW1Number of awards trophies broken. Come on, own up

1,321

Number of guests at the Fleet News Awards

20Members of the Band of the Scots Guards

16 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

TO THE WS AWARDS14,560Cash raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care in draw made by TV presenter and racing driver Amanda Stretton

63,000 4

Value of lighting and sound equipment used

5,200Pieces of crockery used during dinner

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 17

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

FLEET MANAGER (SUB-100 VEHICLES)(North Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust )

Jug Johal

JUGS POLICIES HAVE BEEN WELL THOUGHT OUT

FLEET MANAGER (101-400 VEHICLES)

Marie Jarrold (British Car Auctions)

MARIE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CUT OPERATING COSTS ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN DELIVERED

Award presented by Graham Avent, manager corporate operations, Honda UK (left)

Award presented by Chris Brownridge, corporate operations manager, BMW UK

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

FLEET MANAGER (401+ VEHICLES)

Gary Black(Inspired Gaming)

KEY MEASURES FOCUS ON IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

FLEET OF THE YEAR

Whitbread Group

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 19

Award presented by David Brennan, managing director, LeasePlan (left)

Award presented to Nigel Trotman (right), Whitbread Group business relationship manager, by Dave Crinson, Michelin Tyre sales manager car eet UK and RoI

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

BEST SMALL CAR/SMALL PREMIUM CAR/LARGE PREMIUM CAR/ EXECUTIVE CAR/SUV/FLEET NEWS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

MINI BMW 1 Series BMW 3 Series BMW 5 Series BMW X5 BMW

1 Series and 5 Series awards presented to Tim Abbott (right), sales director, BMW UK, by Nick Harwood, Europcar UK sales and marketing director

3 Series award presented to Chris Brownridge (left), corporate operations manager, BMW UK, by Nick Harwood, Europcar UK sales and marketing director

Fleet News Environmental Award presented to Alex Key, corporate marketing manager, BMW UK, by Jean-Marc Torre, chief executive ocer, Arval

X5 award presented to Chris Brownridge (right), corporate operations manager, BMW UK, by Fleet News editor Martyn Moore

THE JUDGES WERE IMPRESSED BY BMWS CARS THAT SHOW LARGE REDUCTIONS IN CO2 OUTPUT WITHOUT COMPROMISING PERFORMANCE, QUALITY OR DRIVER APPEAL

MINI award presented to Tim Abbott (right), sales director, BMW UK, by Parkers editor Kieren Puett

Small Premium/Large Premium/Executive Car sponsored by Best Small Car sponsored by

Environmental Award sponsored by

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 21

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

FLEET MANUFACTURER/COMPANY CAR/BEST PEOPLE CARRIER/ BEST LARGE FAMILY CAR/BEST MEDIUM VAN

Ford Ford Mondeo Ford S-MAX Ford Mondeo Ford Transit

ALTHOUGH THE MONDEO GRABBED MOST OF THE HEADLINES, FORD WAS BUSY ELSEWHERE THE MONDEO IS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE FOR BUSINESS DRIVERS WITH STRONG RESIDUALS AND THE RIGHT IMAGE, THE S-MAX IS THE SUV TO BEAT IF YOU NEED TO HAVE A LARGE FAMILY CAR, THE MONDEO IS THE ONE TO HAVE IN THE MEDIUM VAN SECTOR, THE TRANSIT IS A FLEET PACKAGE THAT CANT BE BEATENAwards presented to Kevin Grin, director eet operations, Ford, by (from left) BT Fleet managing director Janet Entwistle (Transit), Fleet News editor Martyn Moore (Fleet Manufacturer), Parkers editor Kieren Puett (Mondeo), and HiQ managing director Neil Burrows (Company Car)

Fleet Manufacturer sponsored by Best Medium Van sponsored by

Company Car sponsored by Best Large Family Car sponsored by

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 23

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

BEST SMALL FAMILY CAR/BEST WORKING VEHICLE

Awards presented to James Douglas, eet sales director, Nissan, by Fleet News editor Martyn Moore (left) and Parkers editor Kieren Puett

Nissan Qashqai Nissan Navara

Best Small Family Car sponsored by

NISSAN HAS STRUCK GOLD WITH THE QASHQAI

PLATINUM AWARD

Stewart Whyte

NOBODY CAN DOUBT HIS ENERGY AND DEDICATION TO THE FLEET INDUSTRY

BEST LUXURY CAR

Bruce Robertson (left), sales director, Land Rover UK, receives his award from Nick Harwood, Europcar UK sales and marketing director

Range RoverPresented by Volkswagen Fleet Services head of eet sales Vincent Kinner (left)

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

NO OTHER CAR HAS THE ROAD PRESENCE OF THE RANGE ROVER, AND NONE CAN OFFER SUCH A BROAD RANGE OF TALENTS

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

BEST SHORT-TERM RENTAL INITIATIVE

Lorraine Farnon, UK sales director, National Car Rental, is presented with the award by Fleet News editor Martyn Moore

National Car Rental

A RANGE OF TACTICS HAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED VEHICLE AVAILABILITY WITHOUT INCREASING THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE CAR FLEET

BEST LEASING INITIATIVE

David Brennan, managing director of LeasePlan UK (right), receives the award from Don Moore, vice-president for sales and marketing, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

LeasePlanSponsored by

LEASEPLAN HAS SCOURED THE BUSINESS WORLD FOR THE BEST EXAMPLES OF SERVICE DELIVERY

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

BEST SMALL VAN

Volkswagen Caddy

THE CADDYS SUPERB BUILD QUALITY, PROVEN RELIABILITY AND FANTASTIC VALUES WON THROUGH

Chris Blue, eet sales manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, receives the award from Janet Entwistle, managing director of BT Fleet

Best Small Van sponsored by

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Best Luxury Car

Range RoverWHAT THE JUDGES SAID...With a host of revisions in 2007, including the arrival of an excellent V8 diesel engine, the Range Rover moves to the top of the luxury car tree. No other car matches the Range Rovers road presence, and none can offer such a broad array of talents, both on and off-road. Other cars may be faster or more fuel-efcient, but none can match the image that a Range Rover offers. And with the new V8 diesel it offers the performance a car of this class requires, but still manages reasonable fuel returns.

For more information on the award-winning Range Rover please call 0845 601 5387 or visit www.landrover.co.uk 32 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

BEST SAFETY INITIATIVE

BEST LARGE VAN

Thatcham

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Jason Moseley (right), chief operating ocer, Thatcham, receives the award from Mike Wise, head of Kwik-Fit Fleet

Sponsored by

THATCHAMS REPAIR STANDARD GETS RIGHT TO THE HEART OF WORKSHOP ACTIVITY

Stephan Hanifan, corporate sales manager London, Mercedes-Benz Retail Group Corporate Sales, collects the award from BT Fleet managing director Janet Entwistle

THE SPRINTER IS A FINE LOOKER AND IS LOVED BY THE PEOPLE WHO DRIVE IT

Sponsored by

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 33

FLEET NEWS AWARDS

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICES INITIATIVE

BEST INNOVATION

Abbey Associates Car Leasing

AA Fuel Assist

Derek Lewis (right), director, Abbey Associates Car Leasing, is presented with the award by Fleet News editor Martyn Moore

ABBEY IS USING MODERN METHODS TO DELIVER GOOD OLD-FASHIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE

FLEET SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Donald MacSporran (right), roadside technical performance manager, AA Business Services, receives the award from Fleet News editor Martyn Moore

A BRILLIANT, PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO A REAL FLEET PROBLEM

James Sutherland (right), managing director, Peak Performance Management, receives the award from John Wallace, corporate sales and leasing manager, Volvo UK

Peak Performance ManagementSponsored by

FORMER WINNERS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

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FLEET NEWS AWARDS

Awards gallery: were

38 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

you in our spotlight?

For videos and more pictures from the night, log on to:

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 39

1989-2008: FLEET NEWS AWARDS DOWN THE YEARS

Good times! 20 years ofPhotos from the Fleet News archives bring back memories. Who do you recognise?THE CABARETThe Fleet News Awards have attracted many stars in their ascendency and one or two on the wane. Rod Hull and Emu quickly established a pecking order over little Ronnie Corbett in 1995 (right). Bobby Davro was the only entertainer to receive a standing ovation and was forced to return to the stage for an encore. He also returned for this years event. Other entertainers who have appeared over the years include Jim Davidson, Des OConnor, Rory Bremner, Carol Smilie, the legend that is Jimmy Tarby Tarbuck, plus the late, great Bob Monkhouse. However, the one guest that caused most mayhem was Mr Blobby, along with his sidekick Noel Edmonds.

THE WINNERSBlack tie and posh frocks have been the staple wardrobe of the awards over the years, but these pictures all have clues which put them in a certain era. This picture (right) is straight from the late 1980s, with a moustachioed Fleet News publisher Rob Barrowman and a young lady who looks like shes escaped from Bucks Fizz providing some glamour (the girl, that is, not Rob). And congratulations to the man receiving his trophy for stepping out with the white tuxedo look very James Bond! Cast your eyes over the photographs below and see if you can either spot yourself or someone your know, then let us know (see below right).

40 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

the Fleet News Awards

JOIN IN ONLINEAll of these photos can be viewed online and most will be bigger, and therefore easier to see. Who do you recognise and do you have any particularly good (or bad!) memories of the events? Each of the photographs will have its own Have your say text box that allows you to post your own comments on the website page. Use this to identify people in the pictures: who they are, what they did, where they are now. Maybe you can start on this game pair on the left! Dont forget to tell us about the events, too. Were you a winner or was you robbed? How bad was the hangover and did you pull? Log on to:

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 41

INTERNATIONAL FLEETS: DAMAGE APPRAISAL

Spreading the benets of accurate damage appraisalMonitoring vehicle damage on eets across Europe is a massive task heres how LeasePlan did itBY PHILL TROMANSave cars, have damage its an inescapable fact of eet management. A eet manager who says his or her cars never suffer any kind of bumps or scrapes is either a god in his profession, or telling porkies. So, accepting that the occasional prang is inevitable, eets must then work out what constitutes fair wear and tear and where the line is that signies damage that will harm a vehicles residual value. Not accurately appraising and repairing damage can have a

H

serious nancial impact come remarketing time an impact that grows in line with the size of the eet. Such concerns require serious thought when managing eets in the UK, so just imagine the intricacies and potential ramications of ensuring accurate damage appraisal for eets spread across Europe. Such a challenge faced vehicle management and leasing company LeasePlan, which operates more than one million vehicles worldwide. In 2004, the rm made the decision to standardise eet vehicle terminations in all of its European markets. Central to this strategic move would be the companys fair wear

and rear programme, which would see common processes and standards adopted to identify damage and produce repair cost estimates for vehicles at the end of their eet lives. Prior to this decision, there was a whole host of different estimating processes used by local suppliers to LeasePlan in each of its markets, making consistency and transparency of standards difcult to achieve something the rm hoped to rectify. LeasePlan outsourced its appraisal management process to SGS, one of the worlds leading inspection, verication, testing and certication companies with 1,000 ofces worldwide.

SGS immediately decided to set up a partnership with a rm that could provide data on costs, parts, paint and labour across Europe and in a common format. It chose EurotaxGlasss, using its data alongside its EurotaxRepairEstimate (ERE) system, known as Glassmatix in the UK. Two months later, ERE and SGSs own disposal management programme were integrated. By the end of 2005, the system was available to SGS personnel in 13 of LeasePlans markets Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium and the Netherlands.

SGS inspectors now carry out appraisals and if damage is present ERE is used to generate a repair cost estimate, which is then used as the basis for an invoice from LeasePlan to the customer. The key to the system is exibility, according to SGS Automotive Sectors executive vice-president, Fred Herren. When we looked at various estimating data providers, EurotaxGlasss stood out for its panEuropean data coverage, experience in the repair estimating marketplace and competitive pricing, Mr Herren says. The company was also able to provide information in a format

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compatible with our management systems in the USA. This was necessary for data reconciliation purposes, even though the fair wear and tear programme itself is conned to Europe. Delivery schedules would also prove critical. We knew we would be looking at an incremental rollout of ERE given the geographical scope of the fair wear and tear programme, explains Mr Herren. However, EurotaxGlasss has proved equal to the task of delivering the required data to the appropriate standard very rapidly, allowing us to meet some exacting implementation deadlines. The ERE system is now used to support the appraisal and disposal of more than 150,000 LeasePlan vehicles each year. ERE has proved very exible, allowing us to establish common data formats while adapting to the particular requirements of our

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personnel in different markets, Mr Herren says. Starting in late 2005, a second phase of the fair wear and tear programme saw EurotaxGlasss begin the integration of its used car valuation data within the SGS disposal platform. This now allows SGS to rely on an additional source of data, providing LeasePlan with a fair market value that also takes into account the cost of correcting any damage. Ours is the rst major eet leasing organisation to standardise appraisals in this way, creating uniformity of processes and quality, says Wolfgang E. Reinhold, group service senior vice-president at LeasePlan. This sets a new benchmark for the sector and will present a particularly compelling proposition for those pan-European organisations looking for greater transparency and commonality in how they run their eet contracts.

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RecruitmentAccount Manager Sales Executive Van & Small Truck LBU Contract Hire LCV Fleet Sales

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To apply for the above vacancies or to have a confidential conversation regarding your recruitment needs email your current CV to [email protected] or call 01235 536440.

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FLEET SPECIALISTS - EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES!Corporate Development Manager Re-marketingNationally 30-40k Basic, + 50% OTE Showcase your sales expertise selling vehicle disposal and vehicle re-marketing services into the corporate market place. A great opportunity for someone with corporate new business sales acumen. Ref-12350

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30-35k Basic, 45k OTE South East An independent specialist in employee car ownership schemes is now recruiting. The focus of the role is new business, with all business won being kept and developed. A fantastic opportunity with an industry leader. Ref-12280 c.30-35k Basic, + OTE & Bonus South East A market leading commercial rental and contract hire service provider is looking for a Regional Account Manager.With an already committed customer base you will be expected to manage and add to the current portfolio of accounts. Ref-11741 30-34k Basic, 45k OTE Scotland A superb opportunity has arisen with a successful leasing company. Predominantly an account management role selling contract hire for both cars and commercial vehicles within the public sector. Ref-12242

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48 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

Your views, your queries, your chance to get involvedFLEET CVCraig Watson Fleet manager Integral UK

Businesses failing to protect assetsBY EMMA COOPERBritish businesses are failing to protect their assets and devise continuity strategies, a study has found. More than half (53%) of rms do not have a business continuity plan (BCP) in place to safeguard against possible downturns, according to a joint survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Cabinet Ofce. And many organisations that do adopt BCPs do so haphazardly. Only 29% of companies plan in the event of a staff shortage and only 39% focus on the loss of systems. Jo Causon, director of marketOrganisations need to do more to devise contingency plans

Find your favourite sLetters p51

One eet manager welcomes the debate on mobile phone use by drivers, but says his hands are tied.

Describe your eet We have 1,308 vehicles(60% cars, 40% vans). It is split into operative and managers eets. The operatives have a mixture of cars and LCVs. Managers have a userchooser arrangement. What aspect of the job do you enjoy most? I enjoy the challenge of getting our eet to run smoothly in line with our operating model, allowing drivers to respond to emergencies quickly. What advice would you give to someone joining the industr y? Dont panic. The majority of suppliers want to help you so use them to your advantage. What do you feel is your biggest achievement at work? Changing our fuel purchase culture, issuing drivers with fuel cards and making them more price aware, as well as sending them text messages telling them where the cheapest fuel is. How is the eet industr y changing? Information technology has transformed the way we manage eets. What is your favourite restaurant? Wagamamas.

Helplines p53

Drivers whose cars break down a long way from home often feel vulnerable. What advice should they be given?

ing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: Some hard questions need to be asked about why the mismatch between planning and protection is allowed to exist.

Failing to provide safeguards for business operations does not make sense. Unless it is taken seriously businesses and jobs will remain at risk.

First car p55

APPOINTMENTS

email: [email protected]

Peel heads up Europcar UKs new sales director has been sales director at Robins & Day David McNeillHe will be appointed corporateongoing development of Europcar UK. responsible for theproducts and services for the companys UK division. Mr McNeill joins from National Car Rental, where he headed up international corporate sales.

Jane Edgworth-Lane recalls her brown Austin Maxi which, despite the colour, was quite brilliant.

Peugeot has named David Peel (below) as managing director of the companys dealership group Robins & Day. Replacing Rick Crawley, he will be responsible for overseeing the management of more than 30 franchised dealers. Mr Crawley will now head Peugeots global dealership network.

Competition p55

Lawrence signs up for JaamaFleet software and risk management company Jaama has appointed Nik Lawrence as product analyst. He will be responsible for analysing the online requirements of eet software customers and writing bespoke functional specications. He joins from Kalamazoo-Reynolds where he worked as a product analyst.Win a 130 Navman satellite navigation unit.

Bricknell named general managerAutomotive retailer Vertu Motors has named Paul Bricknell as general manager of its Lincoln Honda dealership. He will oversee the day-to-day running of the dealership. He has previously worked for Quicks, BMW and Dixons.

Job of the weekHUMBERSIDE POLICE Assistant eet manager, Humberside area p48

SETTLING INNigel Hire Team operations manager Toomey Opticar

How was your rst day? It was challenging and enlightening for everyone, including me. How does the job differ from your previous post? It is more focused on day-to-day issues, along with managing business development.

How is eet management changing? We are starting to focus more on managing the driver their behaviour and their safety and not just the car itself. What has been your greatest achievement in the role? Successfully overseeing the

integration of a large eet of vehicles into an existing clients eet. And your greatest challenge? Keeping abreast of changing legislation and understanding the implications of potential issues such as corporate manslaughter at an operational

level and what needs to be done by the business to manage these issues. Where is your favourite holiday destination? I always love going to North Wales especially as my mobile phone doesnt get reception where we stay.

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 49

Fleet servicesLeasing

Call Dee Kennedy: 01733 468275 email: [email protected]

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Risk Managementwww.fleetnews.co.uk www.fleetnews.co.uk www.fleetnews.co.uk

0800 977 [email protected] chevinfleet.com50 20.03.08 www.eetnews.co.uk

CHEVINFLEET SOLUTIONS

Mention FleetNews when calling or e-mailing

w LETTERS

Email: [email protected]. Please include name, job title, company and address

InterfaceGive us the concessions we deserveAs a van eet operator, Ive been reading with mounting concern about all the plans to ease congestion. I have a problem with the local road tolls plans for more and charging extra for vehi cles with one occupant to use a faster outside lane. Not once have I heard mention of special deals for it is unreavans. I dont think sonable to suggest that vans should be exempt from local road charging and exempt from extra charges to use fast lanes. Take away vans from the I think you UKs roads and would nd UK plc rapidly grinding to a halt. So come on, give us van operators the respect and the concessions we deserve.

Web chatHeres what visitors to our website have been commenting on this week (we use screen names): So, chancellor Alistair Darling abolishes the fuel duty differential for biofuels in the Budget and, at a stroke, ensures there is no ability to report the progress towards the 5% biofuel content target as no separate biofuels reporting is needed (despite three warnings that this would happen). The industry needs specic B30 and E85 duty rates to help the Government meet the 2020 target of 10% (by energy) biofuels inclusion. Lets stop the nonsense and help the motor industry deliver vehicles that help the environmental cause, rather than changing the rules each time new technology comes to market.

Crummy, March 14

Good to see the Ford Focus getting ESP as standard. Its only a matter of time before it becomes like airbags, where we wouldnt dream of getting a new car that didnt have the feature as standard.

I read with interest your article Driver texting still a problem (March 6). The comments from chief constable Steve Green, the Asso ciation of Chief Police Ofcers head of road policing, cause some that any action concern. I agree which distracts a driver from keeping their concentration on the road is to be avoided. However, I dont think that eet managers should be the ones to enforce this rule. reviewed Recently we our company car policy and decided drivers we couldnt force rules on that were over those and above set out by law. This left us no choice but to allow drivers to use a mobile phone where it is legal to do so by tting a hands-free kit, or more commonly where vehicles have such systems built in. Surely it is the role of the trafc police to monitor whether the law

We cant operate outside the law

is broken and act accordbeing I think his comments open a driver. ingly against the very useful debate regarding the I believe that, if Mr Green feels use of hands-free kits and I would hands-free kits strongly that even be willing to discuss with him in shouldnt be used driving, more detail and support any while Government he should lobby the campaign to get the law changed, to law is changed I feel introduce such legislation and but until the ban the practice. he has no right to ask companies I assume that he would believe implement to his private views, have to the emergency services however valid they are. be exempt from such legislation, but that leaves him open to accu sations that over- practicalities rule safety in their case. cally it easier to target targeted to change the design. making

ROSS HARRIS Fleet manager, By email

IAN BAILEY Newmarket By email

Saul Jeavons, March 8

The new Renault Laguna may be up on quality compared to the model it replaces, but regretfully it is a really uninspiring car to look at. The competition have moved the game forward as far as visual appeal is concerned, whereas the Renault appears to have been designed by a committee in which most of its members have lost their air.

Design change could cut fuel theftsI have Rising (March 13). Surely the answer is very simple manufacturers simply revert to tting cars with a fuel gauge that returns to zero once the engine is switched off. Too many currently show cars the level of fuel in car a even when the engine is off, automati-

just read your article fuel costs leads to thefts

LemonHop, February 27

ONLINE POLLDo you think that publicly-funded eets will set a good example to the rest of the industry? If so, vote yes in the online vote at the bottom left of the homepage at Fleetnews.co.uk. Add your comments to stories online too.100 80 60 40 20 0

LAST WEEKS POLL

Budget on the Fleet News website?

Did you follow the

With the increase in fuel cars with a full fuel tank. Perhaps the police should prices, it is no wonder that theft investigate the type of cars that is at its peak. But without conrhave been targeted as a result of mation of the amount of fuel in a the theft to see whether a thief may be less inclined the cars car, are of a similar make, and to risk getting caught for a whether their fuel gauge shows meagre amount of fuel. this information while it is turned off. BEVERLEY HOGG Then the carmakers could be By email

FleetNews

Theres a rumour that a co-ordinated approach to climate change they will blossom and bear fruit. transport is emerging. It hasnt been ofcially recommendations was that Central to her

COMMENT

89%YES

11%NO

spotted, but there are some early tell-tale signs, like buds hinting at the arrival of spring, that the economy, taxation and the environmental agenda are starting to work together. Professor Julia Kings second report on the environmental effects of road transport was timed to coincide with the Budget and the chancellor referenced it when introducing a number of green incentives. Like those spring buds, with the right kind of

publicly-funded and Government-run eets should set an example by being the rst to adopt low-fuel consumption and low-emission cars. Sound advice. But two years ago, many Government-run eets didnt have the rst idea what their CO2 emissions were and seemed resigned to the fact that they would miss the green targets set by their own masters. It will be interesting to see how this latest advice is adopted.

FREE GIFT

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Email: [email protected] or write to: The Editor, Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA. Please include name, job title, company and address. By writing to Fleet News you agree to have your details passed on to Jaama and may receive offers from or in association with Bauer Consumer Media unless you state otherwise.

www.eetnews.co.uk 20.03.08 51

Fleet servicesFleet Management

Call Dee Kennedy: 01733 468275 email: [email protected]

. . . making fleet managementWe know how tough managing a eet of vehicles can beWhen the team at Road Angel, the UKs No.1 supplier of GPS based safety camera and satellite navigation solutions, looked at the eet and vehicle market it saw a confusing range of over complicated, expensive telematics solutions - so Road Angel Fleet was born. Road Angel Fleet offers a range of low cost, easy to use vehicle tracking solutions designed to let you get on with the serious business of doing your job.... Three products with three levels of reporting at low xed costs. Fleet Monitor, Fleet Locator and Live Track all easy to t, easy to use, accurate and reliable - easy-peasy. With over 120 companies using Road Angel Fleet solutions you can be assured of award winning Road Angel customer service and the full