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Reducingthe riskTechnologys
key rolep20-21
Hottopics
Fleet expertsgive their views
p2223
EWS P2 NEW LAUNCH P13 COMPETITION P31
Porsche is
threatening
London mayor
Ken Livingstone
with action over
anned congestion charge changes.
nd the carmaker is not alone in
posing plans to raise the charge for
25g/km-plus emission cars.
Mercedes-Benz has
launched a
rejuvenated version
of the SLK roadster.
This model is being
marketed as the ideal transport for high-
flying professional business drivers. But
will the new version appeal to male
motorists more?
Three lucky readers can win a Halfords
Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator. The bright
LED display
makes it easy to
use, day or night,
and it can inflate
a flat tyre in
under four
minutes.
FleetNewsBusiness motoring strategy and finance8.02.082.25
fleetnews.co.uk
HELPING
YOURUNA
CHEAPER
CLEANER
SAFER
FLEET
TOP STORIES ONLINE
Road tests: Check out video
footage of the latest cars
Join our forums
Fleet Van: Scare-
mongering hides the
truth about duty of care,
says Jelf Group boss
Best Citronever?C5 borrowsfrom Germansp10-11
Y DANIEL ATTWOOD
ost companies environmental policies are
sed on trying to improve their corporate
age rather than on reducing their fleets
rbon footprint.
Around two-thirds (60%) of companies
estioned in a recent survey conducted by
asterlease said company image was theain reason for adopting environmental
et policies.
Almost half said cost savings were also a
ajor motivating factor.
But Nigel Underdown, head of transport
vice at the Energy Saving Trust, said the
dings proved there were corporate as well
environmental benefits to green fleets.
He said: The good news is that this shows
ere is a very strong business case both in
rms of cost and image for adopting an
vironmental fleet policy.
Nigel Trotman, business relationship
anager at Whitbread, who received the
tstanding achievement award from the
nergy Saving Trust at its 2007 Green Fleetero Awards, said cost and image were high
the agenda when the company adopted a
een fleet policy in 1998.
Fuel-efficient cars save money for the
siness and, of course, there is an environ-
ental spin-off, he said. But the financial
nefits were number one, followed by the
vironment and then company image.
The survey also found that while busi-
sses were writing green initiatives into
their fleet policies, many were finding it diffi-
cult to turn those initiatives into reality.
This is despite the UKs leasing associa-
tion, the BVRLA, revealing that fleet manag-
ers are demanding greener cars and that
their drivers cover fewer annual business
miles. In fact, British fleets have cut theirCO2 emissions by three million tonnes over
the past three years.
But Robert Kingdom, head of marketing
and business development at Masterlease,
said that while it was encouraging to see the
adoption of greener cars, managers also
need to focus on other areas.
The survey found that while more than
50% of the respondents felt their companies
had made positive steps in terms of choosing
cleaner vehicles, few were considering the
impact of driver behaviour.
It found that almost 40% of fleet operators
did not monitor driver mileage effectively,
despite new research showing the signifi-
cant savings that eco-driving can produce.
According to the new RAC research, 60%of drivers were not aware that changing up a
gear when revs are high can reduce fuel
consumption. A further one in 10 check their
tyre pressures less than once a year, and
three-quarters are unaware that under-
inflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
The RAC said that by adopting green
driving techniques, fleets could see savings
of at least 100 per driver per annum.
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart the former
chairman of oil giant Shell who
called for cars that do less than
35mpg to be banned has admitted
that he owns two cars that do not
even achieve 20mpg.
When he is not
flying to meetings
I am not sure of
my annual air miles
but they are
substantial, he
said recently Sir
Mark(pictured)is
chauffeured around New York in a
Lincoln Towncar, which can only
return 15-17mpg in town.
Sir Mark has also revealed in a
series of emails to the Daily Mails
transport editor that he owns anAston Martin a marque he named
as one that should be banned.
In fact, he owns two cars that
cannot manage more than 19mpg
a 1949 Jaguar XK120 and a 1959
Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII.
I drive them occasionally for fun
with the grandchildren. They should
know what they will miss, he said.
As a tip of his cap to the environ-
mental lobby, he also owns a hybrid
Toyota Prius.
I think as a society we need to
develop policies which allow people
to have the convenience of personal
transport, including large androomy vehicles, but at higher levels
of fuel efficiency, he said after the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and
Traders accused him of hypocrisy.
The article (Fleet News, February
14) containing Sir Marks
comments prompted a flood of
readers letters, some of which are
featured on page 27.
Sir Mark inthe firing line
Green image put
above substanceAlmost two-thirds of firms adopt environmental policies to boost profileEXCLUSIVE
Most companies environmental policies are aimed primarily at improving their image
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BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
Porsche has said it will take the
mayor of London to court unless
he amends his planned changes
to the congestion charge.
Mayor Ken Livingstone
announced recently that cars that
emit more than 225g/km of CO2
will be charged 25 to enter
London. Previously the cost was
8.
All but one of Porsches current
range of sports cars and SUVs
emit more than 225g/km.
Now the carmaker has said it
will make an application for a judi-
cial review of the proposed
changes, which it called unfair
and disproportionate.
Andy Goss, managing director
of Porsche Cars GB, said: A
massive congestion charge
increase is quite simply unjust.
Thousands of car owners driving
a huge range of cars will be hit by
a disproportionate tax, which is
clear will have a very limited
effect on CO2 emissions.
The proposed increase will bebad for London and will send out
the signal that it is not serious
about establishing itself as the
best place in the world to do busi-
ness.
Land Rover and Masterlease
have also condemned the
changes.
But Porsche may not have to
go to court. Mr Livingstone is
fighting for re-election on May 1.
Conservative candidate Boris
Johnson has yet to announce his
congestion charge plans but said:
Londoners use cars because ofthe appalling state of the trans-
port system.
And the Liberal Democrat
mayoral candidate Brian Paddick
said: Porsche has a point.
A spokesman for the mayor
said: Porsche is trying to deprive
Londoners of their democratic
right to decide whether they want
gas guzzling and polluting cars to
drive in London.
Porsches threat comes on top
of news that three out of four
Londoners oppose the congestion
charge increases, according to anew ICM opinion poll.
EVENTS ROUND-UP
Risk in Fleet conference website launched
Rent-backNorthgate has launched a
sale and rent-back product.
Companies using the new
product will get a cash
injection and see the removalof depreciating vehicle
assets from their balance
sheet. Companies will either
rent the same vehicles back
at a fixed rate or, if they are
older than 27 months, take
delivery of new vehicles.
Plant Corsa order
Bill Plant Driving School
is to order a further 100
Vauxhall Corsas in
addition to the 64 it has
already taken delivery of
over the past six months.
The company has a
nationwide fleet of 300
Corsas. Jake Plant, fleet
manager at Bill Plant, is
pictured above with GM
fleet sales manager Ann
Taylor.
Funding boostThe Department for
Transports spending budget
has been increased subjectto parliamentary approval
by a staggering 584 million.
This takes the departments
budget for this year to
13.689 billion. Its adminis-
tration budget is being
increased by 5 million to
294.5 million.
Answers onlineA growing number of fleet
managers are turning to
the internet first for
advice, help and fleet
management tools, says
Chevin Fleet Solutions.Chevins website
chevinfleet.com has
seen an increase in traffic
since the creation of a
toolbox graphic that links
to information about how
its software can increase
efficiency.
NEWS
IN BRIEF
2 28.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
A dedicated website has been
launched providing full details of
this years Risk in Fleet
Conference, including detailed
information on the 13 speakers
taking part.
The website can be found at
www.riskinfleet.co.uk
The conference, which will
take place on April 22 at the
National Motorcycle Museum,
Birmingham, will focus on
financial risk and corporate risk,
including the impact of the
Corporate Manslaughter Act,
which comes into force in April.
The website also includes
information on what each
session will cover.
Speakers include Chuck Ives,
head of fleet for Network Rail;
Freddie Watts, fleet manager for
Office Depot; Nigel Trotman,
fleet manager for Whitbread; Jon
York, fleet manager for British
Gas; and Paul Gallemore, head of
health, safety, environment and
supply chain HR for Wolseley UK.
Senior executives from a
number of organisations will also
be presenting, including
PricewaterhouseCoopers,
Lincolnshire Road Safety
Partnership, Norwich Union,
Zurich Risk Engineering, Arval
and EurotaxGlasss, FMG
Support and Lyons Davison.
Details are available on www.
riskinfleet.co.uk or call Maddie
Collins on 01733 468171, email
ppl/ppg
DIESEL..............................110.1/500
SUPER UNLEADED........110.5/502UNLEADED......................104.5/475
FOUR STAR......................106.0/482
LPG......................................53.6/244
UK FUELPRICES
Porsche threatens
mayor with courtThe recent cold snap has thrown
into focus the varying quality
standards of biodiesel and theissues of running fleets on high
levels of the eco fuel.
The use of biodiesel is growing
as fleets look for cheaper and
greener alternatives to traditional
fuels. But not all is going as
expected: for example, a bus
company in Norfolk had to apolo-
gise to customers for unprece-
dented disruption to its services
after the biodiesel in all of it 11
buses froze, leaving the vehicles
unusable.
First Eastern Counties manag-
ing director Peter Iddon said
until the problems of using the
biodiesel in cold weather are
overcome, the bus company will
go back to using low-sulphur
diesel.
Generally, biodiesel has a
slightly higher freezing point
than standard diesel. But, accord-
ing to the quality of the biodiesel,
that freezing point changes.
According to experts at Glouces-
tershire-based biodiesel producer
Green Fuels, biodiesel made
from vegetable oil behaves very
similarly to standard diesel,
freezing at around -12C.
However, the spokesman said
those blends made from tropicaloils such as palm oil, or fuel
made from animal fat, struggle in
the northern European climate
with a freezing point much nearer
to zero degrees.
But due to the number of
different production methods,
there are very few standards for
production of biodiesel. Only
expensive high-end rapeseed oil-
based biodiesel has a set Euro-
pean standard EN 14214.
Fleets running their cars or
vans on blends of up to 5% biodie-
sel mixed with normal diesel
have nothing to worry about.
Public sector fleets in e-commerce movePublic sector fleets are increas-
ingly moving towards e-commerce
links with major suppliers.
The trend is part of a wider
move towards using e-commerce
to minimise costs and improve
service, says cfc Solutions.
Cfcs Andy Leech said: A
couple of years ago, most public
sector fleets lagged behind their
private sector counterparts in the
use of e-commerce. Now, some
have caught up and even over-
taken them.
He said that the most advanced
public sector fleet software instal-
lations now have more than a
dozen e-commerce links.
Mr Leech explained: In fleet
software, as in many other areas
across IT, the use of Extensible
Markup Language (XML) has
made the adoption of e-commerce
much more practical and effec-
tive. It means that we can struc-
ture our fleet software to take data
from a supplier over the internet
with ease, allowing our systems
to talk to others without the need
for special interfaces.
Cold snaphits biofuelvehicles
Porsche drivers would be hard hit by the congestion charge changes
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Defleet dealBCA and BT Fleet have
announced a national
vehicle remarketing
programme. BCA willhandle around 3,000 cars
and vans this year for the
fleet management company.
BCA has sold vans for BT
Fleet for years, but the
addition of cars to the
remarketing programme is
a new development.
Towing DVDThe Highways Agency
has launched a new DVD
Fit to Tow to raise
awareness of the safety
risks involved when
towing a trailer. The DVD
features demonstrations
on how to correctly
attach trailers, how to
maintain them and what
to check for to ensure it
is safe to tow.
AA routingTele Atlas has won the
contract to provide the UK
and pan-European mapping
and routing data used by
the AAs online routing
resource, AA Route
Planner. The data enables
route planning via virtually
every road, village, townand city as well as nearly
40,000 places or points of
interest.
Pothole damageDamage caused by
potholes increased
significantly last month.
Warranty Direct said the
number of suspension or
axle damage claims leapt
by 46% between
December 2007 and
January 2008.
Green guideA green best practice guidehas been developed to help
fleet managers who want to
make their fleets more
environmentally friendly.
The Lloyds TSB Autolease
guide can be found at www.
lloydstsbautolease.co.uk
Saab schemeCars Direct has intro-
duced an online
programme for Saab
dealers. It allows them to
purchase Saab vehicles
from the Masterlease
Groups contract hire
stock without visiting
auctions.
IN BRIEF
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 3
BY KEITH NUTHALL
Fleets could benefit from cheaper
cars after the World Trade Organ-
isations (WTO) seven-year-old
Doha Development Round
entered the final phase of negotia-
tions.
High on the agenda is the elimi-
nation of import duties on cars
and vans.
This could substantially reduce
car manufacturers costs and,
depending upon the negotiating
skills of end users such as lease
companies, these savings should
be passed down the line to fleets.
The price cuts could also help
offset anticipated increases in the
cost of new cars brought about by
the imposition of fines in 2012 for
manufacturers who fail to meet
emission targets ( Fleet News,
February 21).
The deal affects cars imported
in and out of the EU, which is
classed as one country by the
WTO. However, there is no guar-
antee that sufficient critical mass
will be secured importing and
exporting countries signing up
must account for 99% of world
trade in automobiles.
Even if this is not achieved, the
final draft deal issued this month
includes a formula for signifi-
cantly reducing import duties
covering all industrial goods,
including cars, car parts and fuel.
Assuming the talks finish as
planned this year, these import
tax reductions are almost certain
to come into force by 2010.
Although the final reduction
figure has not yet been agreed,
the range of cuts being debated is
dramatic. For example, cases
where import duty is charged at
100% could see that rate reduced
to 7.4%. The weakest cut so far
under discussion for developed
countries would be 10% down to
5% which is still a 50% reduc-
tion.
Special automobile sectoral
negotiation chairman Don
Stephenson said: A lot of the
architecture for the various
modalities are agreed or close
enough that I would risk propos-
ing them. Thats real progress.
Import duty change
could cut car prices
A major new event designed torecognise excellence and best
practice in the van fleet industry
will take place on December 2.
The inauguralFleet Van Awards
is being launched to reflect the
growing size and importance of
the light commercial vehicle
sector and the critical role it plays
in keeping British business
moving.
Fleet Van, the industry-leadingmonthly title for commercial
vehicle fleet operators, is a sister
title toFleet News.
The awards will cover three
categories fleet managers,
suppliers and vehicle manufactur-
ers. Headline awards include van
fleet of the year, van of the year
and an editors award.
The winners in each category
will be announced during anevening ceremony on December
2 at the National Motorcycle
Museum, Birmingham. It will
follow the annual Fleet Van
Conference, which takes place at
the same venue during the day.
For further details contact
events manager Sandra Evitt on
01733 468123 or email sandra.
Strathclyde Police has introducedthe first electric scooter to be
used for active duty by a British
police force.
The emission-free Vectrix elec-
tric scooter will be used to help
police Glasgow airport.
The scooter, which has a top
speed of 62mph, will be used
mainly for patrol and parking
duties at the airport.
Following a two-week trial to
test for performance and usabil-
ity, we quickly established that
the Vectrix was capable of meeting
our requirements, said Inspector
Colin Pearson, of Glasgow airport
road policing.
The bike will enhance our
ability to enforce parking legisla-
tion and also to assist the regula-
tion of traffic within the busy
airport road system.
Alan Tait, assistant fleet
manager of the transport and
logistics department at Strath-
clyde Police, added: The Vectrix
has proved itself as a real practi-
cal alternative to petrol-powered
machines.
It offers the same performance
but without the harmful emis-
sions.
The Corporate Manslaughter
Act, which comes into force
on April 6, is topping fleet
managers concerns.
When asked what factors
were likely to impact on their
policy decisions over the next
12 months, 90% of managers
cited the new act, compared
to 71.7% in the same period
last year.
Fleet News will be
publishing a definitive guide
to the new legislation, which
will cover everything fleetmanagers and decision-
makers need to know to
ensure they are compliant
with the new law.
The GE Capital Solutions
fleet services quarterly
company car trends report
also found that concerns over
duty of care for employees
driving company vehicles
also posted an increase up
from 92.8% to 95.5%.
Fleet Risk Consultants has
produced a checklist for
managers worried about
their compliance status. This
can be viewed on theFleet
News website at www.
fleetnews.co.uk
Fleet fears
over new act
Strathclyde Police are using electric scooters at Glasgow airport
Cheaper cars could be on their way if import duties are eliminated
FirstFleet VanAwards launched
Blue lights go green with electric scooter
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NEWS
Keep in touchCommunication between
fleet managers and their
drivers should get easier
with the launch of a new in-
vehicle fixed data terminal
(FDT) by Minorplanet
Systems. The FDT allows
two-way communication
with drivers via email,
internet/intranet access,
sat/nav and telephone.
Hazard alertsDrivers on the M42 will
become the first on the
motorway network to see
digital pictograms on
overhead electronic
signs. The pictograms
will be used on 36
existing signs over the
motorways 11-mile
Active Traffic Manage-
ment stretch to warn of
any hazards ahead such
as congestion.
Toll exemptionThe Freight Transport
Association has called for
the exemption enjoyed by
Dartford residents, which
allows them to use the
tolled Thames crossing for
free, to be extended to local
businesses.
Drivers let downNearly two-thirds (60%)
of motorists are unable
to check their tyre
pressures because
airline facilities on petrol
forecourts are out of
order. TyreSafe, which
carried out the survey, is
calling on forecourt
owners to check the
condition of their airline
equipment.
IN BRIEF
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 5
Compulsory tyre
checks increaseBY JOHN MASLENCompanies are introducingcompulsory tyre safety checks to
their fleets in record numbers
amid concerns at the level of
unsafe work vehicles on the
roads.
Industry estimates suggest that
up to 800,000 fleet vehicles are
running on at least one unsafe
tyre. Research by Kwik-Fit Fleet
shows that 25% of inspected vehi-
cles require immediate attention,
usually because tyre tread depths
are illegal.
The current fine for driving on
illegal tyres is 2,500 per tyre and
three points per tyre on the driv-
ers licence.
Kwik-Fit has seen demand for
independent tyre checks soar and
is expecting to carry out 250,000
this year, up from 220,000 in 2007.
As a result, it is adding 30 vehicles
to its 200-vehicle van fleet to cope
with demand. One key reason for
the increase is the Corporate
Manslaughter Act, which comes
into force in April.
Companies want to prove they
are meeting their duty of care to
employees by keeping them safe
on the road.
Among companies signing up
for the regular tyre safety checks
is Crewe-based mobile phone
company, the 20:20 Mobile Group,
which operates 147 vehicles.
Andrea Shipman, the compa-
nys assistant manager (fleet and
benefits), said: Not only is it vital
from a duty of care perspective,
but there is no lost time with staff
having to go to centres to have
the checks carried out.
Cheadle-based Trinity-Chiesi
Pharmaceuticals ensures tyre
safety checks are undertaken on
approximately 40 head office-
based company cars every two
months.
In addition, Kwik-Fit Fleet
mobile technicians undertake
checks on up to 250 vehicles
driven by staff and other people
working on behalf of the company
when they all attend twice-a-year
UK conferences.
Trinity-Chiesis Angela Hart,
said: From my perspective as
fleet manager, the audit trail these
checks create is of huge signifi-
cance in terms of demonstrating
our compliance with our duty of
care responsibilities towards our
drivers.
Fleets wanting to offset carbon
emissions have been told they will
be able to rely on a new code of
practice that will ensure all offset
companies actually provide the
services they advertise.
The carbon offsetting industry
has already been told to create a
common standard for their prod-
ucts in advance of the new code of
best practice.
Its important that consumers
who want to buy carbon offsets
with confidence can do just that,
said environment secretary Hilary
Benn.
When a consumer buys a
tonne of carbon with the Govern-
ments quality mark, theyll know
theyre buying a full tonne of
carbon.
However, environmental
campaign group Friends of the
Earth has urged caution, arguing
that the code will be of limited
benefit.
This code will still allow offsets
to be sold for our increasingly
polluting lifestyles, said the
groups spokesperson, Mary
Taylor.
She urged companies to
produce less CO2 in the first place
rather than looking for ways to
offset it.
The Government rejected
claims that the offsetting project
would encourage more polluting
practices.
It has appointed AEA to become
the accreditation body for the
code. The code will initially only
cover offsetting products using
Kyoto-compliant credits.
Carbon offsetting standard set to be introduced
The Government has introduced
new measures to force contrac-
tors to carry out roadworks more
efficiently, safely and to higher
standards.
Currently, sub-standard road-
works cost 14 million a year in
repairs and associated costs,
such as congestion.
The new rules, announced by
transport minister Rosie Winter-
ton, will see qualified road
workers re-tested every five
years to check they are aware of
the latest requirements and best
practices. At the moment,
workers simply have to complete
a re-registration form and pay a
fee to stay on the Street Work
Qualifications Register.
In addition, councils have been
given new powers to limit delays
and congestion caused by road-
works. From April 1, they will be
able to insist that utility compa-
nies give longer notice periods
before starting roadworks.
Councils will also be able to
impose conditions, such as a
banning rush-hour working.
They will also be able to intro-
duce a permit scheme mean-
ing contractors will have to apply
for a permit before starting
work.
Compulsory tyre checks can
save staff and companies time
New rules forroadworks
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BY KEITH NUTHALL
Cross-border delivery of new
vehicles by drivers could be
banned in a bid to stamp out
fraud.
Dealers may be forced to use
car transporters as the European
Commission tries to stop tax
evasion and registration fraud.
The commission is proposing
that the delivery-by-driving
method of moving new cars
should be excluded from the TIR
(Transports Internationaux
Routiers) system for the Euro-
pean Union, which provides
simplified customs procedures.
The move follows concerns
that the system whereby new
vehicles are driven from manufac-
turers to dealers and on to custom-
ers across European borders is
leading to tax evasion and fraud.
At present, cars that are being
driven across several inter-
national borders attract customs
duties and inspections only at
their destination country.
The commission says that
while moving cars by transporter
is relatively easy to control, cars
being driven to customers risk
being diverted on to the black
market.
There is a much higher risk of
fraud, said the commission, which
has led to it proposing banning
the movement of unregistered
cars by any other means than
transporters.
The commissions proposal
follows a similar amendment
made last September to the UN
Customs Convention on the Inter-
national Transport of Goods
under cover of TIR carnets.
EUROPEAN NEWS
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 7
Fleet News Europe is sponsored by
www.bca-europe.com
www.fleetnewseurope.com
FleetNewsEurope
Fraud concern
over new cars Governments from eastern Europe and central Asia were hauled overthe coals this week at a United Nations Economic Commissionmeeting. The European ministerial meeting in Geneva criticised the
governments for causing transport bottlenecks through infrastructure
under-investment. The meeting of transport ministers was held to
discuss how poor roads and under-equipped border crossings are
hampering economic growth.
The European Commission has tried to sweep away reluctance by
transport companies to take part in public-private partnerships. Many
companies are confused about their ability to secure public contracts.
Brussels has now issued practical legal guidance on how such
partnerships should be treated under European Union public
procurement laws and procedures. More details can be found at
www.ec.europa.eu
The European Investment Bank has shown how it intends to pump
money into boosting European Union biofuel production: its planning
a41.5 million loan to Hungarian manufacturer Tempora Bioenergia
Zrt.
It proposes using the funds to build two oil mills and an attached
bio-diesel refinery with a 100,000-tonne per annum production
capacity.
A new comprehensive air pollution data service is being created by a
European consortium.
It will marry up information from satellites with ground-based
readings. Headed by the European Environment Agency and the
European Space Agency, the system will utilise the new European
Union GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security)
satellite system.
Cross-border delivery may be restricted to car transporters
Research intodrowsy driversSwedish and Israeli researchers
working within the European Eureka
research network are developing a
steering wheel sensor able to detect
whether a driver is becoming
dangerously fatigued or drowsy.
Existing systems have tended to
focus on signs of tiredness in eyes,
but this 1.76 million project system
will analyse steering wheel handling.
Eastern Europe bottlenecks
Procurement confusion
Banks bio-diesel cash boost
Satellite pollution project
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8 28.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
This weeks vehicle market news and informationEdited by Julian Kirk
TUESDAY
Down to Kettering to have a
drive in the new Mercedes-Benz
C-Class Estate, which is 55mm
longer than the saloon and due
in showrooms next week. Since
the current C-Class Estate waslaunched in 2001 it has ranged
in sales volumes from 2,700 per
annum to its highest in 2003 of
4,815. Mercedes Benz expects
similar figures for this all-new
model.
The current C-Class is heavily
weighted towards the automatic,
which accounts for 93% of sales.
But Mercedes-Benz is expecting
manual sales to rise as Hill Start
Assist is now standard on all
manual cars.
The tailgate is power operated
on all models, which is a nice
touch and very useful. Theestate costs 1,200 more than
the saloon, but hangs on to
around 700 of this after three
years and 60,000 miles. The one
to have, like the saloon, will be
the Sport version.
WEDNESDAY
Drove 490 miles from
Huddersfield to Hasselt, on
the Belgium/Holland border,
in a Ford S-MAX 2.0 TDCi
Zetec. What a pleasure it was
to drive that distance in such
a short time. There was not a
squeak or rattle from
anywhere in the car, it was
extremely comfortable and it
achieved 43.1mpg, which is
a good result considering
most of the journey was on
motorways. The interior fit
and finish is particularly
good, with quality to a high
standard.
The S-MAX has been onthe market since June 2006,
but this was the first
opportunity to drive one
since the original press
launch, and it was every bit
as good as I remembered.
It is a full seven-seater,
but there is limited space in
the luggage compartment
when the third row of seats
is being used. But with seats
folded down, the boot is
huge. One annoying feature
is reflection in the wind-
screen from the top of the
dashboard, especially when
driving into the sun.
The S-MAX is to get
improvements from March 3
production the LX is being
replaced with the Edge, all
models will get Bluetooth as
standard, the Titanium will
get a solar reflecting wind-
screen, ambient interior
lighting and chrome door
handles and lower grille.
THURSDAY
Drove the S-MAX the short
distance from Hasselt to Fords
proving ground at Lomell to
have a look at the all-new Kuga.
This is Fords first serious
attempt at the 4x4 crossover
SUV market, and it sees its main
competition as the Toyota RAV4,
Honda CR-V and Volkswagens
new Tiguan.
The Kuga will be launched
with a very simple line-up one
engine, a 2.0 TDCi, and two trimlevels, Zetec and Titanium. Ford
has been brave with the design,
both externally and inter nally,
and by starting with a clean
sheet of paper it has managed to
create a stunning-looking 4x4
that should appeal to non-Ford
drivers.
The cars we saw were pre-
production, but as close to the
finished product as you can get.
The quality appeared to be very
high and probably the best Ford
has produced to date.
The Kuga goes on sale in
June with prices from 20,495.
THINKING CAP
Hardworking Martin Ward scours the globe for the weeks insider fleet intelligence
Martin Ward isCAPs manufacturerrelationships manager
enewMercedes-Benz C-ClassEstate, due outnextweek
GMs blue light fleetpxp p12
Ford S-MAXTDCi impressed
BY PHILL TROMANS
Chevrolet is hoping a facelifted
version of the Aveo hatchback
will continue to boost its rapidly
expanding European sales.
The American marque has
been instrumental in record sales
for General Motors Europe last
year. GME has seen its influence
rise by 22% over the last five years
and its market share has grown
by 9.5% to its highest point since
1999.
Chevrolet has sold 440,000
vehicles in Europe since 2002.
Sales growth has been rapid, with
33.6% growth from 2006 to 2007
across the whole of Europe and
10% in western Europe.
It is now the third largest
carmaker in the world and plans
to keep the momentum movingthrough dealer network expan-
sion and a growing product
range.
Despite the success across
Europe, the UK does not feature
in the top five countries buying
Chevrolets. But there are never-theless hopes that the new Aveo
which is Chevrolets biggest
European seller will appeal to
fleets. The new five-door version
of the car goes on sale in May,
with a three-door incarnation due
to be unveiled at the GenevaMotor Show. A quarter of all sales
of the Aveo in the UK are expected
to be to fleet customers, most of
which will be under the Motability
banner.
Chevrolet does quite well with
Motability, but there will also be a
daily rental element, a spokes-
man for the company said.
However, a lack of diesel engine
could be responsible for relatively
low sales in the UK compared
with the rest of Europe. A UK
spokesman said no diesel version
was planned until the all-new next
generation of Aveo.
In this generation of car, there
is no point in developing a diesel
engine, said the spokesman.
In the next generation, in
three or four years time, there
will be a whole new generation of
engines and that will include a
diesel.
Chevrolet pins saleshopes on Aveo facelift
Renault has announced details of
its new range-topping Laguna
models which feature high output
engines and four-wheel steering.
The GT models, which make
their debut at next months
Geneva Motor Show before
going on sale in April, feature
sports styling including 18-inch
alloy wheels and a new front-end
treatment to set them apart from
less powerful Lagunas.
Available with a 205bhp turbo-
charged 2.0-litre petrol engine or
a 180bhp 2.0 dCi turbodiesel,
both models come with Renaults
active drive chassis which uses
the rear wheels to steer either
in line with the fronts for higher
speed stability or turning in the
opposite direction to aid slow-
speed manoeuvrability.
Prices will be announcedcloser to launch.
Laguna GTsset for launch
A quarter of Aveo sales are expected to be to fleet customers
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s blue light fleetpxp p12
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 9
Citron C5 launch p10-11 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi p12 Mercedes-Benz SLK p13 Long-term update p14-15
Splashing outSuzuki has revealed pricing
for its new Splash city car
which goes on sale next
week. The 1.2-litre GLS
model will cost 8,999 while
the GLS+ version, which
adds 15-inch alloys, front
foglamps and privacy glass,
is priced at 9,499. Power
comes from an 86bhp
1.2-litre petrol engine,
although a 1.3-litre 75bhp
diesel is available at 10,499.
Engine optionsSaabs new 1.9-litre TTiD
twin-turbo diesel engine
can now be ordered in
Vector Sport trim on the
9-3 with prices starting at
25,315. It was previ-
ously available only on
the Aero models.
Kuga pricing
Ford has announced detailsof its new Kuga SUV model.
On sale from June, it will be
available with one engine
choice the familiar 2.0-litre
TDCi turbodiesel and two
trim levels. Prices range
from 20,495 to 22,495.
Yaris upgradeToyota has upgraded its
Yaris SR models, adding
a combined satellite
navigation and stereo
system as standard. The
unit, which can be
detached and used as aportable device, offers a
touch-screen, Bluetooth
telephony and a USB
connection. Prices start
at 10,995.
Macho machine
This macho-looking
machine is the hot version
of Fiats 500. Power for the
Abarth 500 comes from a
1.4-litre turbocharged petrol
engine delivering 135bhp.
IN BRIEF
Mercedes-Benz has a new
method of going green in the
works. After its emissions-
reducing Bluetec diesel technol-ogy, its next big idea revolves
around hybrids.
This S400 Hybrid features a
275bhp petrol V6 mated to an
electric motor that will boost
power to 295bhp. It has CO2
emissions of 190g/km, but
improves on the current
equivalent, the S350, which
does just 28mpg and emits
242g/km of carbon. Two diesel
hybrids are also being developed
the S300 Bluetec in 2010,
boasting 52.3mpg and 142g/
km, and the S400 Bluetec, with
261bhp, 48.7mpg and CO2
emissions of 154g/km.
Powered by...Mercedes-Benz turns to hybrids
Spyshot
Peugeot is adding to its 308 lineup with the announcement of two
new models the SW estate and a
GT hot hatchback.
The performance 308 GT THP
175 will be the first to arrive in
April, powered by a turbocharged
1.6-litre petrol engine which also
finds a home in the smaller 207
GT model.
This engine produces 175bhp,
which gives the GT a 0-62mph
time of 8.3 seconds and a top
speed of 140mph.
Claimed combined fuel
economy is 37.1mpg and CO2
emissions are 180g/km.
The other new arrival is the 308
SW estate which goes on sale inJune.
Billed as a more practical
member of the 308 range, the SW
offers up to 2,149 litres of load
space with the seats folded down,
and 674 litres when they are in
place.
There is also a panoramic glass
roof and the option of two extra
seats which can be folded down
into the boot space.
308 range adds performance and practicality
New cars registered between
March and August will retain
300 more over three years
than those bought at any other
time of the year.
Research by EurotaxGlasss
of more than 100,000 trade
values shows that the owner of
a three-year-old car registered
during that period would be
offered 300 more in part-
exchange than someone
trading-in a similar car
registered between September
and February.
Adrian Rushmore, managing
editor at EurotaxGlasss, said:Used car buyers remain
willing to pay more for the
most up-to-date registration
plate available within their
budget, but dealers consis-
tently report a price premium
for the March to August plate
(ie 02, 03, 04, etc) series
because people find it much
easier to identify the age of the
car.In the typical year, sales
during the period September
to February usually account
for around 45% of total annual
registrations, so these weaker
residual values are affecting a
very significant number of
used cars.
Buyers show plate prejudiceA dramatic new concept car
featuring suicide rear
doors is pointing the way to
future Vauxhall people
carriers.
Due to be unveiled at next
months Geneva Motor
Show, the Meriva Concept
uses rear-hinged doors,
dubbed FlexDoors, to make
access to the rear seats
easier.
Although just a concept,
expect the door system to
make it into production on
the next Meriva mini-MPV
model due next year. And
dont bet against the next
Zafira gaining FlexDoors,
either.
Unlike other cars with
these type of doors, the rear
ones can be opened
independently of the fronts,
and Vauxhall has also
developed an electronic lock
system so children cannot
open the doors.
Vauxhall hints at future
Adrian Rushmore
Peugeot has added the GT THP 175 (left) and SW to its 308 range
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Break open the champagneCitron borrows German thinking as the impressive new C5 prepares to win back its fleet share
NEW LAUNCH: CITRON C5
BY STEVE MOODY
According to Andr Citron in
some recent adverts from the
manufacturer Different is every-
thing.
Well, not any more it seems,
because the firm that has revelled
in its legacy of French inventive-
ness and eccentric individuality
has decided that German is
everything with its new C5.
Citrons new upper-medium
model is being touted in its
marketing as a new German
saloon, replete with German
quality, made in France. Inferior-
ity complex? Looks that way.
Its no surprise that Citron
should cast envious eyes at its
neighbours. In the fleet market,
Citrons influence has waned in
direct contrast to the rise of the
German premium brands.
And to be honest, it was all
Citrons fault. Once it was selling
40,000 Xantias a year to fleets, but
then came the wilderness years
and the first C5 its uninspiring
appeal matched only by its
tendency to unreliability, espe-
cially of the electrical sort, which
saw sales drop into the low
thousands.
So talking endlessly about how
much better this new one is, and
how it has been built with all the
attention and exactitude of the
keenest Klaus is a brave move
that goes one of two ways: the C5
backs up that claim and every-
body raises a glass of champagne,
or the industry sniggers at
another French manufacturer
claiming to have built a precision
instrument, when in fact weve
ended up with a kazoo.
First impressions, though,
suggest it is going to go the first
way, because this new C5 is a very
lovely car indeed.
Starting on the outside, the C5
looks the part, taking some of the
bold design of the C6 such as the
concave rear window and wide
double chevron-peaked nose
alongside some solid-looking
flanks while the boot area hasclearly been nicked from Audi. It
works really well though: French
dressing garnishing German
starch.
Inside, the C5 is just as good
with very high quality materials
indeed. Some of the soft plastics
are so yielding you can almost
leave a thumbprint while the flam-
boyant sweeps of the door handles
show real thought.
The improvement in quality,
even over the much-improved last
Picasso, is marked. Apparently
this is down to a new approach in
the development process. Previ-
ously the designers would design,
then hand the plans over in their
entirety to the engineers. Now the
designers work with the engi-
neers, meshing together to solve
production issues. Seems logical,
and it seems to have worked.
The engines are what you
would expect from a PSA group
car, with the diesels to the fore:
1.6 HDi 110, 2.0 HDi 138, 2.2 HDi
10 28.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
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www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 11
The focus on all things Allemagne is
laudable in other areas. Its good to
see that Citron hasnt given the C5 a
brittle ride while trying to make it
sporty, but has stuck to its guns on
how a Citron should drive. Driving
for business is a stressful businessand this C5 might well be the perfect
antidote.
We started off in the 1.6 HDi 110
with Hydractive suspension. It is not
especially fast, but it is quiet and
there is more than adequate
performance for the type of laid-back
drive this car lulls you into. The
Hydractive suspension floats you
across all manner of road surfaces.
My only complaint is the controls.
The centred steering wheel boss is
littered with little symbols and
switches, while the centre console has
that PSA system that requires
binoculars to identify the buttons.
Then we moved on to a 2.0 HDi
with metal suspension. Suddenly I
noticed there was a road under the
rubber, and it felt a little more lively
through bends.
BEHIND THE WHEEL173 and 208bhp 2.7 HDi diesel, all
with particulate filters. On the
petrol front, theres the requisite
lame duck 3.0 V6 as well as 1.8
and 2.0 versions, both of which
have high-ish emissions.
They wont see much action:
fleet is going to take up the largest
share of sales, with up to 70%
heading to the company car park,of which most will be diesel.
Quite what that number will be
exactly is shrouded in secrecy.
For some unfathomable reason,
Citron prefers not to talk about
volume.
This has to be a mistake: the
firm has had a legacy of cash-
backs undermining residuals and
dodgy build quality. It now has a
top drawer product. Its the time
to be open and frank about every-
thing and start building some
trust. At a guess, 10,000 units a
year seems a reasonable volume.
With the range starting at
15,600 and rising to around
24,000, the residual values
quoted at the launch were surpris-
ingly high the 36% predicted by
CAP after three years and 60,000
miles would be a superb achieve-
ment seeing as the old car ended
in the mid-20s.
So what is going to make the
C5 achieve these heady heights?
Well, as mentioned before the
cabin is well-built and trimmed, is
spacious front and back, and it
comes with all the gadgets
expected of a Citron such as
Lane Departure Warning System,
the fixed centre steering wheel
and the latest generation Hydr-
VERDICTThe C5 looks really good and it
drives nicely, seems very well
put together and is very
comfortable, too. Despite all the
waffle about the German
influence, the C5 feels like a
French car should without being
built like French cars have been.
In my book, that makes for a
winning combination. Citron is
well and truly back in fleet.
FACT FILE
Model: 1.8 2.0 3.0 V6 1.6 HDi 2.0 HDi 2.2 HDi 2.7 HDi V6
Max power (bhp/rpm): 127/6,000 143/6,000 215/6,000 110/4,000 138/4,000 173/4,000 208/4,000
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 125/3,750 148/4,000 214/3,750 177/1,750 236/2,000 273/1,500 325/1,900
Max speed (mph): 124 130 133 119 127 136 139
0-62mph (secs): 11.0 9.7 11.7 9.2 12.2 10.6 9.2
Fuel consumption (mpg): 35.8 33.6 26.9 50.4 47.1 43.5 33.6
CO2 emissions (g/km): 188 198 248 149 157 172 223
On sale: April (saloon), June (Tourer)
Prices (OTR): 15,600-24,000
active III + suspension which has
setting for sport and normal.
On this version, though, there
is a metal sprung suspension
version available for those that
prefer their cars on more tradi-
tional seating.
But can you really be 100% confident?
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So, if youre not 100% confident youve got Duty of Care covered, visit the confidence machine
at www.ltsba.co.uk/confidence and see how the experts can give you a boost.
For further information, get in touch
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BY MAURICE GLOVER
A new compact van range is
expected to drive Volkswagen to
another year of record sales.
But a passenger-carrying
version of the Caddy Maxi also
promises to allow the firms van
division to take a dramatic fresh
turn in Britain, believes director
Robert Hazelwood.
Being 47mm longer than the
Caddy provides the Maxi with a
longer load deck, a 4.2 square
metre volume and 800kg payload
potential.
Five hundred examples of theLife, a luxury version of the Maxi
with seven seats and generous
luggage capacity, will reach Van
Centre showrooms this year as
the division attempts to boost the
sales it achieves with the Trans-
porter range in the burgeoning
taxi and hotel shuttle sector.
Mr Hazelwood said: The stan-
dard Caddy helped us break the
30,000 sales barrier last year and
were confident the Maxi range
will add another 2,000 units
during 2008. But were really
excited by the Life version its a
natural business-to-business
vehicle and I think it will also
prove an attractive proposition to
certain fleet users.
The Maxi Life has twin sliding
side doors for easy access to the
centre and rear seats.
In seven-up form, it has a
380-litre boot under the rear
parcel shelf but with the back
bench seat removed, luggage
capacity reaches 1,350 litres.
With two occupants on board, a
massive load volume of 3,700
litres is available.
Volkswagen Groups familiar
1.9-litre TDI engine in 105bhp
form is used in two of the three
models on offer with a manual
five-speed gearbox or a six-ratio
DSG automatic transmission.
A 2.0-litre turbodiesel with a
manual six-speed gearbox drives
the top version.
A single trim level provides
anti-lock braking with engine
braking control, electronic brake-
force distribution, traction control
and driver, front passenger and
side airbags.
NEW LAUNCH:VOLKSWAGEN CADDY MAXI LIFE
12 28.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
VERDICT
Size matters in this sector, and
theres no doubt the Maxi Life
is a practical proposition. But
the rearmost seat takes up a
lot of space when its not
needed and is difficult to
remove.
Breathing new Life into sectorVolkswagen hopes passenger-carrying Caddy Maxi will appeal to the hotel shuttle industry
Despite its bulk, the Life feels much
like a large saloon from behind the
wheel. It cruises in an easy, relaxed
manner and seems suited to long-
distance work.
Performance is spirited from the
1.9-litre TDI unit and is better still
with the 2.0-litre, which is highly-
geared to cruise in a particularly
subdued manner. The bigger engine
comes at a premium but matches
the economy of the 1.9-litre despite
being nimbler and considerably
faster.
BEHINDTHE WHEEL
FACT FILEModel: 1.9 TDI 1.9 TDI auto 2.0 TDIMax power (bhp/rpm): 105/4,000 105/4,000 140/4,000Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 250/1,900 250/1,900 320/4,000Max speed (mph): 102 103 1160-62mph (secs): 14.3 13.5 11.1Fuel consumption (mpg): 44.8 40.4 44.1CO2 emissions (g/km): 166 185 169Prices (OTR): 15,99517,995On sale: Now
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BY MAURICE GLOVER
A rejuvenated version of the
Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster is
to be pitched as ideal transport
for high-flying professional busi-
ness drivers.
Extra performance coupled
with more dynamic looks, greater
fuel efficiency and leading safety
and security features should help
the facelifted two-seater win wider
appeal in the user-chooser sector,
believes Mercedes-Benz UK
managing director Dermot Kelly.
Due on sale in April, the revised
range will spearhead the German
firms drive for an increased share
of the company car market.
Our performance in the corpo-
rate sector may appear to be
modest compared with our
premium sector rivals, but our
policy has never been to force
sales and we never will. Despite
that, our volume of 21,500 last
year was more than 4% up on what
we achieved in 2006.
Im expecting a similar level of
growth this year as we put a total
of eight new and revised model
ranges in the showrooms and
were off to a great start with thelatest SLK.
Mr Kelly added: Back in 1996,
this car introduced the folding
metal roof and the concept has
since inspired lots of imitators in
the sectors below and above. Now
were offering it with greatly
improved driving dynamics, plus
the styling edge to match its new
personality Im confident it will
attract a lot more buyers to the
brand.
At the media launch of the
range in Monaco, Mr Kelly told
Fleet News: The SLK was unique
at launch and has alwayscommanded a strong share of the
roadster market.
It has maintained its strength
and is still the one to beat.
Restyled four years ago, the
cars front end has been revised
with a grille featuring a bolder
three-pointed star emblem and
more pronounced V-theme
styling.
At the rear, a new bumper
arrangement includes two shaped
exhaust pipes.
According to Mercedes-Benz,
the folding roof remains the best
in the market, taking only 22
seconds to open or close at theflick of a switch.
Airscarf, a patented heating
system delivering a warm flow of
air through vents in the seat head-
rests to make top-down travel
viable during cold weather, is also
unsurpassed in the sector but it
remains a 350 option.
Interior upgrades include a new
instrument cluster, Bluetooth
hands-free technology, fresh trim
materials, a three-spoke steering
wheel with multi-function buttons,
enhanced telematics and full iPod
and MP3 connectivity.
But the biggest changes lie
under the bonnet with a revisedengine line up that delivers
greater power with up to 10%
improved operating economy
across the range along with
substantially reduced exhaust
emissions.
Significantly, the 2.0-litre 200
Kompressor model the lead-in
car that accounts for 58% of SLK
registrations in the UK boasts
the greatest gains. With an extra
21bhp and greater torque, it
provides improved acceleration, a
higher top speed and 4.2mpg
better economy.
Output of the top 55 AMG V8
and mid-range 280 versions
remain unchanged but both have
improved economy and emissions
while a new sport engine allows
the 350 V6 to offer an extra 33bhp
with 30.7mpg average economy
and cleaner emissions.
Mr Kelly said: We see the SLK
as a product that has considerable
potential as part of the incentive
packages offered by some busi-
nesses. It is also appeals to high-
ranking professionals.
This is an iconic product that
doesnt have direct rivals but is
now decidedly more competitive
against products like the Audi TTRoadster, BMW Z4 and the
Porsche Boxster and represents a
significant step in our moves for
steady growth.
Business users like it because
of safety features such as adaptive
airbags and the high level of secu-
rity provided by its roof system.
With the new dynamic styling,
we think the car certainly has
more of an edge. It comes from a
premium brand with premium
prices, but weve made significant
investments in the last three years
to move from 23 to two in customer
satisfaction surveys and are now
delivering premium service along
with the residual values that
promise a profitable proposition
for our customers.
SLK aims at perk driversTe revised roadster offers greener engines and improved performance to target corporate buyers
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 13
NEW LAUNCH: MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
VERDICTWomen own six out of every 10
SLKs in Britain, but with extra
power and SL styling cues, the
latest car is likely to be more
appealing to men, too.
A lot has happened on the roadster
scene since the original SLK broke
cover 12 years ago and Mercedes-
Benz has had to respond to
increasing competition.
Theres nothing radically different
about the facelifted model, but a
series of small changes reinforce the
premium feel from behind the
wheel.
Pride of place in the line-up goes
to the 55 AMG, which makes a
glorious noise and has enough
muscle to make blistering
performance feel almost casual
although with 305bhp under its
more rakish bonnet, the 350 isnt
that far behind it.
But for most SLK customers,
tweaks to the 200 Kompressor
version are more significant and are
set to underpin much of the growth
Mercedes-Benz wants.
After detailed attention to the
pistons, supercharger and engine
management system, the four-
cylinder car has the agility to go
with its more macho stance. Clever
new direct-steer gadgetry thatprovides slicker response over twisty
routes as well as making parking
manoeuvres easier is a 220 option,
which is a pity but even without
it, the lead-in model still feels
appreciably better. And a longer top
gear ratio improves cruising
refinement into the bargain.
BEHINDTHE WHEEL
Model: 200K 280 350 55 AMG
Max power (bhp/rpm): 184/5,500 231/6,100 305/6,500 360/5,750
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 184/2,800 221/2,500 265/4,900 376/4,900
Max speed (mph): 146 155* 155* 155*
0-62mph (secs): 7.6 6.3 5.4 4.9
Fuel consumption (mpg): 36.7 30.4 30.7 23.0
CO2 emissions (g/km): 182 220 219 288On sale: April
Prices (OTR): 29,705 51,875 *Electronically limited
FACT FILE
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Spin doctor gives all clearPremium feel, solid body and sporty chassis make Mondeo a pleasure for driver and passengers
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
Time behind the Mondeos wheel
has been limited recently.
One of the reasons was that the
cars traction control system was
being checked by the local Ford
dealer. The master technician
found the safety system in order.
The explanation I have since
been given, although not by Ford,
is that the ESP settings on the
Mondeo allow a degree of front
wheel spin more than some
drivers would expect. My experi-
ence of the system when corner-
ing on slippery roads says Ford
has got it wrong and has set the
system to permit too much spin
and eventual understeer.
Other drivers will disagree,
arguing that the greater degree of
freedom that Fords system
permits for the driver to correct
his own mistakes is a plus.
Regardless of individual driver
preferences, the ESP settings do
not detract from the fact that the
car already benefits from excel-
lent inherent stability. Ford has
got this aspect right. Indeed, it
often requires deliberate provoca-
tion to force the car into under-
steer situations, which is
something most drivers would
not be practising in what is, after
all, a family estate.
Economy has not improved,
despite driving with the dual-zone
automatic climate system deacti-
vated, which should have knocked
the mpg up. Taking rural, urban
and motorway driving together,
the Mondeo still only returns
36.6mpg, which is far below the
47.9mpg claimed by Ford.
Another reason the Ford has
sat in the drive was to allow time
in a rival car the new Mazda6
which was driven for a few days to
compare it to the Mondeo. While
it was a saloon, so practicality was
not in the equation, the Mazda was a sportier, more responsive
car. The 2.0-litre diesel engine
was punchier and the chassis
more agile. Surprisingly, the trac-
tion control on the Mazda cut in
far quicker than the Mondeos.
But the family was still happy to
see the far more comfortable and
premium-feeling Mondeo back in
the drive. The Mazda might be
more fun to drive, but its packag-
ing, especially the interior plas-
tics, means it falls short of the
standard set by the Ford.
The overall sensation when
travelling in the Ford is that it is a
quality car. The use of premium
interior materials, the excellent
seats, the solidity of the body and
the sporty set-up of the chassis all
add up to a car that is a pleasure to
drive and be driven in.
Of course, the masses of
optional extras fitted into this
range-topping Titanium X model
help, but even the base model
offers that premium feel.
FACT FILEPrice: 23,095
(27,870 as tested)
Mileage: 3,270
CO2 emissions (g/km) : 156Company car tax bill (2008)40% tax-payer: 168 per monthInsurance group: 9Combined mpg: 47.9Test mpg: 36.6CAP Monitor RV: 6,975/30%Contract hire rate 504Expenditure to date: NilFigures based on three years/60,000 miles
LONG-TERMERS: FORD MONDEO 2.0 TDCi TITANIUM X ESTATE
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BY MARTYN MOORE
Theres an iPod adapter in our
long-term C220 CDI Sport and a
three-hour drive to Brighton
presented an ideal opportunity to
try it out. The connector lead is
in the glovebox and feeds the
AUX input on the hi-fi. Once
connected and selected the iPod
goes into random track playing
mode and I quite liked the bizarre
juxtaposition of Haydn and
Mozart with The Killers and Max
Powers Hot n Sticky (the
maximum bass sex mix).
But Ive also got a BBC Learn
To Speak French collection on
my iPod and halfway down the
M11 I found myself conjugating
the verb tre: je suis, tu es, il est,
elle est
The C-Class is a great car for
eating up the miles. The satellite
navigation told me it would take
three hours from Peterborough
to The Grand Hotel in Brighton
and it was dead right. I was
blessed with a clear run down
the A1, A14, M11, M25, M23 and
A23 and arrived feeling fresh.
My friend Quentin Willson
once told me that part of his defi-
nition of a classic car is one that
makes you feel better after
driving it than you did before you
drove it. By Quentins criteria the
C-Class Sport is a classic. It looks
handsome, it oozes quality and
the driving experience is just
engaging enough any more
and it would be demanding, any
less and it would be dull. Would I
swap it for my beloved 1972
Jaguar XJ6? Of course I would.
Twenty-seven hours later I
had survived theFleet News Busi-
ness Forums and was telling a
fellow diner that I was planning
to drive back to Peterborough
that night. Guests at The Grand
have their cars taken away and
parked by valet and I actually
heard these words come out of
my mouth: Yes, Im having the
Mercedes brought round now,
actually. The smile on my
companions face said: Tosser.
But the Mercedes-Benz
doesnt always bring out the
worst in me. Since my three-point
licence encounter before Christ-
mas, I drive legally all the time.
The cruise control is perfect for
fast, clear runs like the one to
Brighton and I have seen fuel
economy rise considerably as a
result.
The night-time drive north
from Brighton was blighted by
fog, especially around Dartford.
The switch for the front and rear
fog lights is part of the main light
switch. You can have just the
front lights on or the front and
rear one, but not the rear fog
light on its own. And because Im
awkward, this didnt suit me.
If thats the level youve got to
go to find a criticism, there cant
be a lot wrong with this car.
Driven to perfection in a classicHandsome and oozing quality, the C220 CDIs fuel economy rises as cruise control takes over
Price: 28,002(36,762 as tested)
Mileage: 9,065
CO2 emissions (g/km) : 160
Company car tax bill (2008)40% tax-payer: 204 per month
Insurance group: 14
Combined mpg: 47.9
Test mpg: 43.8
CAP Monitor RV: 11,275/41%
Contract hire rate: 550
Expenditure to date: Nil
Figures based on three years/60,000 miles
FACT FILE
MERCEDES-BENZ C220 CDI SPORT
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ROAD TEST: RENAULT LAGUNA SPORT TOURER 1.5 dCi DYNAMIQUE
Laguna on road
to redemptionTis improved new model has made a giant leap forward
BY STEVE MOODY
I suppose wed better get the
quality issue out of the way first.
In the week I had the Laguna
Sport Tourer, nothing went
wrong. No lights flashed warn-ings at me, no pieces of trim came
loose and the keycard unlocked it
every time.
What this means for the future
of the car is difficult to say, as
seven days and about 500 miles is
not exactly a vehicular lifetime,
but I am not exaggerating when I
say this is an unusual, and
welcome, occurrence in my
history of driving Lagunas and
Meganes. I reckon Ive had more
than my fair share of limp-home
incidents over the years.
This legacy haunts Renault and
the Laguna brand, to the pointthat this model will keep paying
for the misdeeds of the last gener-
ation. A senior leasing industry
executive I spoke to the other
week said he thought the new
Laguna was much, much better
than the last one, and seemed
well screwed together. But for the
time being, he would be keeping
a watching brief, with conserva-
tive residual value and contin-
gency-laden SMR estimations,
and not getting too excited. Yet.
So this time next year, after
many thousands of miles in many
thousands of Lagunas, we will
have our answer. Will Renault
have made that big leap? As my
old gran would say, you can only
speak as you find and the new
Laguna Sport Tourer impresses
on a number of counts.
First off, the 1.5-litre dCi engine
handles with the assured medioc-
rity of any saloon or estate in thissector excepting the Ford
Mondeo and Mazda6. The inte-
rior feels solid enough, though it
has not exactly set my heart aflut-
ter. But my brain is not wired to
use that keycard, which I kept
losing in pockets. Also, I found
the seating position odd. Its a
really personal thing, and one
persons armchair is anothers
torture rack, but the seat squab
felt as though it was tipping
forward and I ended up having to
sit with my limbs stretched out to
be anywhere near comfortable. As for the estate part of the
Laguna, you cant fault it. Its
design works better than the less
inspiring hatchback and I can
report that 18 square metres of
oak flooring can be swallowed
with disdainful ease in boxes,
not laid out flat, I should add.
The rear seats flip down flat
with a quick and easy flick of two
levers allowing nearly 1,600 litres
of boot space. Its not the sector
leader, being more than 100 litres
shy of the voluminous Honda
Accord, but with a perfectly flat
floor and sides with no intrusions,every last inch can be used.
Up front, its a decent enough
car without being brilliant, while
in the back, company car drivers
who need usable space should
certainly give it a look. For fleet
managers, it seems the Laguna is
finally on the path to redemption.
Ford Mondeo estate
1.8 TDCi 100 Edge
Volkswagen Passat
estate 1.9 TDI S
All four estates are at the lower end
of their ranges. In terms of luggage
capacity, the Mondeo has the largest
volume with a maximum of 1,733
litres, followed by the Passat at
1,641 litres. The Sport Tourer and
SW are more lifestyle estates with
lower volume carrying ability.
407 17,053Passat 17,277Laguna 17,335Mondeo 17,730
THREE RIVALS TO CONSIDER
P11D PRICE
SMRCOSTAll four cars are extremely close in
terms of service, maintenance and
repair. The 407s 1.6-litre 110bhp
engine needs servicing every 12,000
miles while the Laguna needs a visit
every 18,000. The fact that SMR
costs for the Laguna are predicted to
match the Passat and Mondeo
bodes well for it.
EMISSIONS AND TAX RATESRenaults dCi diesel engines are
always impressively low when it
comes to emissions and frugal in
terms of fuel economy, and the
Laguna continues that legacy.
However, the tax brackets being
shaped the way they are from April
negates its advantage slightly.
VERDICT
The new Laguna is a big step up for Renault, and any driver
looking for a new estate car will have to put a visit to a Renault
dealer in their schedule because, on all fronts, this car competes
with the best in the class. But in this test, it is hard to ignore just
how far ahead the Passat is. It may not have the equipment
levels of the others, and the engine is a little older and slightlyless refined, but it has the interior space and is cheap to run.
WINNER:Volkswagen Passat estate 1.9 TDI S
FUEL COST
DEPRECIATION COST
Because of its excellent engine, the
Laguna has a clear advantage, witha fuel bill nearly 300 less over
60,000 miles than the next best
thanks to official combined economy
of 56.5mpg. Its rivals are closely
matched with the Passat, with its
old 1.9 TDI engine, the least frugal.
Laguna 8.27/4,962
407 8.75/5,250Mondeo 9.05/5,430Passat 9.20/5,520
The Passat is a clear leader in terms
of residual value. Its combination of
superb image and decent load-
carrying ability certainly give it an
edge. The Mondeo fares disappoint-
ingly, while the Laguna is much
healthier than the old one. The
ageing 407 is just holding on too.
Passat 17.76/10,656Mondeo 20.21/12,126Laguna 20.26/12,156407 20.76/12,456
WHOLELIFE COSTIn wholelife cost terms, the Laguna
is very much back in the hunt for
fleet business with strong
performances across the board. But
the Passat is a long way ahead of
the competition, thanks mainly to its
residual values. The new Mondeo
does averagely and no more.
Passat 30.26/18,156Laguna 31.71/19,026Mondeo 32.47/19,482407 32.97/19,782
ppm/60k total
Laguna 3.18/1,908Mondeo 3.21/1,926Passat 3.30/1,980407 3.46/2,076
www.fleetnews.co.uk 28.02.08 17
Laguna 133g/km/18%407 148g/km/20%Mondeo 154g/km/21%Passat 154g/km/21%
Peugeot 407 SW
1.6 HDi 110 S
FACT FILEP11D value 17,335CO2 emissions (g/km) 133BIK % of P11D in 2008 18%Graduated VED rate 115Insurance group 7Combined mpg 56.5CAP RV (3yr/60k) 5,600/31%Monthly lease (3yr/60k) 392
Low running costs Good build quality Practical load bay
Seating position That infernal keycard Legacy of last Laguna
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Black box helps firm cutT-Mobiles driver safety campaign leads to fall in insurance claims and reduced expenditure
The perfectly behaved, inci-
dent-free driver is the stuff of
dreams for most fleet manag-
ers. However, one company
has been leading the way in
changing the behaviour of its drivers for
the better and has started to see significant
results.
Global telecommunications provider
T-Mobile currently has 7,100 employees
working in the UK. Its domestic fleet of
more than 800 vehicles is made up of 343
FLEET SAFETY: REDUCING RISKS
benefit cars, 259 sales and business use
cars and 205 operational vehicles.
All the companys drivers, including its
engineers, have personal use of their work
vehicles, adding an extra layer of risk to the
companys fleet management.
Various safety initiatives have been
implemented by T-Mobile since 2004 and
have seen fleet vehicle collision rates fall
steadily. However, the firm believed even
more could be done to reduce accident
numbers.
Towards the end of 2006 the company
set out to further reduce driver risk and
improve safety, fulfilling its duty-of-care
responsibilities along the way. T-Mobile
wanted to implement a new scheme that
would accurately identify risky drivers and
then promote a sustainable change in their
performance.
For the past 15 months every one of
T-Mobiles operational drivers has travelled
with a black box in their vehicle, monitor-
ing their every gear shift, harsh braking
actions and hard cornering.
The devices, provided by risk manage-
ment specialists Green Road Technologies,
record all aspects of a cars movement,
from accelerating and braking to cornering
and adherence to speed limits. Data is then
uploaded to each drivers personal profile,
which can be viewed online or via text.
When drivers view their journey
summary they get details of their speeds
and manoeuvres and are given a safety
level for each journey. Trips with 0-20 harsh
manoeuvres are labelled as green for
safe, 20-50 amber for adequate and 50+
as red for cause for concern.
Drivers can also view their overall safety
level and driving trends over the past weeks
and months and see whether or not their
performance is improving.
The system is live and non-stop, so driver
performance is assessed, and checked,
round the clock. It also means that drivers
can rack up safety stars, awarded when
they execute manoeuvres competently,
complete journeys in the green etc, along
with red branded trips, in their leisure
time.
Since the implementation of the scheme
T-Mobiles drivers have been monitored in
groups, based around their normal regional
BY EMMA COOPER
For more information and details of our 3 Day Test Drive Programme call 0870 010 0651*
Official Government Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). BLS Saloon - Urban 34.9 (8.1), Extra Urbanmetallic paint at extra cost (500). Prices are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. *3 Day Test Drive vehiclesBank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.
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river risksteam structures, and are able to see the
overall results for their group. Driver
profiles remain anonymous, both fromteam-mates and managers.
This means that drivers with a frequent
red score do not face any harsh rebukes
from colleagues or bosses. The decision to
drive more sensibly is down to the
individual.
Frank Arthur, human resources supply
manager at T-Mobile, said the monitoring
was initially met with resistance from
drivers. However, this was overcome once
drivers learned they would not be punished
for bad driving and managers raised the
prospect of rewards for good driving.
We grouped drivers into teams and
talked about possible rewards and driver
thoughts on the project. We have now
begun to see positive competition within
and between teams.
There are no punitive measures taken
against drivers. Instead we have a system
of reward and recognition that works, he
says.
Avoiding punishment for bad driving,
employees are encouraged to improve
their performance behind the wheel with
tempting incentives. Drivers are rewarded
with shopping vouchers worth between
10 and 100 when they accumulate a
certain quota of safety stars. There is no
limit to the number of vouchers anemployee can accrue.
The vouchers have been a real incen-
tive and drivers have really engaged in the
safer driving scheme, says Mr Arthur.
Along with rolling incentives, T-Mobile
has tried to cement good driving habits in
the minds of its drivers by running speed
awareness events and driver training work-
shops. Just six weeks after monitoring
began in September 2006 dangerous driver
behaviour had been reduced by 50%.
Since the scheme started T-Mobiles
insurance claims have dropped by 18%,
which equates to a 23% reduction in costs.
Comparing the fuel consumption between
red and green drivers the company has
seen a further 7% drop in expenses.
The system has made a real difference
to our costs, says Mr Arthur.
Were not telling people what they
should be doing. Instead were respecting
our drivers and providing them with a tool
to help them decide to change their driving
habits.
The behavioural changes weve seen
are all the result of opening up the process
to the drivers and getting them involved.
JUST SIX WEEKS AFTERMONITORING BEGAN,
DANGEROUS DRIVERBEHAVIOUR HAD BEEN
REDUCED BY 50%
CADILLAC. THE STUFF OF LEGEND.
Driven by kings, presidents and rock stars.
57.6 (4.9), Combined 46.3 (6.1) CO2 164g/km BLS Wagon - Urban 34 (8.3), Extra Urban 55.4 (5.1), Combined 44.8 (6.3) CO 2 167g/km. Models illustrated includere subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the 3 Day Test Drive voucher for details. Programme is for 25+ fleets and is available for Mainland UK only. Phone lines are open from 8.00am-6.00pm Monday-Friday excluding
(And a spec thats legendary too.)To celebrate the introduction of the Cadillac BLS
Wagon, were offering it for the same price as the
Saloon. For just 21,495, both are fully loaded,
including Satellite Navigation, full leather interior,
climate control, integrated Bluetooth, heated seats,
alloy wheels and Bose
stereo. Who says fame costs?
BLS Elegance Wagon or Saloon. 1.9 Diesel. 150 PS.
Both 21,495 OTR
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MARK SINCLAIRHead of AlphabetRising fuel
prices, the
effects of
scaled CO2
taxation and
growing aware-
ness of a
potential
severe squeeze
on energy costs in the next few
years all these are feeding
through into fleets and drivers
actions. More than half the cars
registered by Alphabet in 2007
were in the under-150g/km CO2
bracket, with a 350% leap in cars
with emissions below 120g/km.
I also expect to see growing
interest in green travel plans in
2008, with tele-conferencing,
working from home and car
sharing as key areas. This will
help to reduce emissions but
the primary business objective of
the move will be to benefit the
bottom line by cutting mileage
costs.
PETER TATLOCKManaging director,MasterleaseThe environ-
ment is an
area of mixed
messages
and the
industry is
currently
waiting in
limbo on
potential changes to Approved
Mileage Allowance Payments,
capital allowances and
benefit-in-kind tax, which we
hope will be clarified in thisyears Budget.
These factors could make
company cars much more
appealing to businesses that
have decided to
take the
cash route. At the moment
there are many potential
environmental and taxation
changes being bandied
around that fleet
managers need clarification
on before making important
fleet decisions.
PHIL MAIRSHead of operations,RAC ServicesDrivers using a
hand-held
mobile phone
is one of the
things that
were too used
to seeing you
probably saw
at least one
person talking away while you
were on your way in to work this
morning. What about your
drivers are they doing it too?
Our motoring compliance unit
has identified that half of the
drivers with a conviction for
using a hand-held mobile phone
also had more than three points
on their licence. Licence
checking is a very effective way
of helping to enforce your
company car policy regarding the
use of a mobile phone while
driving, particularly with the
recent increase in points on
company car driver licences for
this reason.
In one case, we were asked to
confirm a time and date of the
offence which we obtained from
the court. The employer cross-
referenced their records and as
the driver was driving a company
vehicle on company time, the
drivers employment was
terminated.
JULIE JENNERChairman, ACFOFuel cost is a
major issue at
the moment.
People are
asking how to
keep track of
the costs.
There are
some people
out there who werent truly
aware of the real cost to them
and because of the price hike
its a big thing to try and
control it and figure out the
best way forward.
People are also trying to
anticipate what will come out
in the Budget.
Will we finally get an
answer on the state of play
regarding potential changes to
Approved Mileage Allowance
Payments (AMAP