Spotlight: MAN Truck & Bus UK Commercial Fleet Awards 2018 – enter now Insight: vans and O-licences ‘We lost the script’, says Previous winners explain the What do proposed EU Thomas Hemmerich but benefits to their business. Go rule changes mean for MAN is now back on track to p14 for your chance to win UK fleet operators? Official Media Partner

CommercialHELPING FLEETS RUN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE VAN & TRUCK OPERATIONS FleetAugust 2018 £5 where sold

John Lewis Partnership ‘A TIME OF MASSIVE Justin Laney reveals CHANGE’ how he is responding with innovative ideas

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Iveco Daily Renault Trafic Daf XF and CF SsangYong Musso

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InsideInside thisthis iissuessue Welcome Fleet Spotlight: The mobility revolution 16 will affect van and tuck John Lewis Partnership operators more than any other as urban transport policy forces companies to seek alternatives to the traditional diesel vehicle distribution of goods and services (see page 4). All cities are keen to reduce emissions, improve safety and cut congestion; they want to attract businesses and people by offering an inviting environment for employment. Fleets need to start assessing what this means to them. Can you switch diesel vans for electric? Can you

NSING O replace vans altogether with e-cargo ICE F OP (L ER ES A L TO IC R H S E bikes? What other options are ) V A S C GOODS T D

O 1 O 9 9 available, either today or undergoing G VEHICLE 5 26 IDENTITY trials for tomorrow? DISC Insight: What does it mean for city centres if VEHICLE KP18 ZNP hundreds of vans, with large load EXPIRES 31/05/19 Vans and capacity, are replaced by thousands of O-licences bikes, with low load capacity? It may not solve congestion, perhaps, although emissions will First drive: plummet. 36 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Ironically, it may not improve safety, particularly in places like London where the average speed of traffic is around 7mph in the centre – much Spotlight: slower than bikes which can average MAN Truck & Bus 22 10-15mph. But deliveries will be made more quickly. Are robots (being trialled by 4 I What are barriers to 12 I Rules & regulations/Q&A 33 I Insight: Remarketing Hermes) an option? Probably not as FTA Member Advice Centre looks Interest rates, WLTP testing regime, sustainable goods delivery? you’d need thousands of them DfT to ask fleet operators what at fuel spills and the dangers of clean air zones and taxes are causing incentives are needed to encourage wearing earphones while driving confusion among LCV buyers cluttering the streets to replace vans. shift away from diesel vans And what about businesses using 16 I Fleet spotlight: 36 I Mercedes-Benz vans to transport tools and equipment 6 I Major fleets urged to John Lewis Partnership eVito and eSprinter around – e.g. maintenance, utilities or make clean vans pledge ‘We make our fleet last longer than Mercedes tests two models with an construction firms? How can they adapt to urban transport policy? Introducing the New Transit Connect and New Transit Courier. As hard working, In terms of healthcare provision, each most,’ says JLP general manager, eye on desire for larger electric vans diesel van could cost the NHS up to fleet Justin Laney Lots of questions, and we’ll be versatile and reliable as the rest of the Transit Range. £25,000 in inner city areas 38 I Iveco Daily looking for answers over the coming Both are now available with great new optional features including 6� colour 22 I Spotlight: MAN Truck issues. 8 I Royal Mail is facing & Bus UK 39 I Renault Trafic touchscreen, voice control, DAB and Sat Nav. On the Transit Connect, you can get major green challenges ‘We lost the script,’ admits Thomas pre-collision assist and a modem providing live traffic updates and a wi-fi hotspot, Making UK’s largest commercial fleet Hemmerich, MD of MAN Truck & Bus 40 I DAF XF/CF 450 so you and your business can stay connected wherever you are. more eco-friendly is no simple task UK, but future is looking bright XF 450 cab design is great example of ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ When business demands. We deliver at ford.co.uk 11 I Cartel members face 26 I Insight: Vans and huge compensation bill O-licences 42 I SsangYong Musso Stephen Briers, Figures for the UK alone could top £5bn, Rule change may mean van operators Musso pick-up proves that cheap editor-in-chief, rising to £30bn-plus in Europe overall will have to apply for O-licences does not have to equate to nasty Commercial Fleet

Complaints: Bauer Consumer Media Limited is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso.co.uk) and endeavours to respond to and resolve your concerns quickly. Our Editorial Complaints Policy (including full details of how to contact us about editorial complaints and IPSO’s contact details) can be found at www.bauermediacomplaints.co.uk. Our email address for editorial complaints covered by the Editorial Complaints Policy is [email protected]. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the current Ford Transit range: urban 27.7-61.4 (10.2-4.6), extra urban 36.2-68.9 (7.8-4.1), combined 32.5-65.7 (7.8-4.3). Official CO2 emissions 226-112g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. commercialfleet.org August 2018 3

FP_COMFLEET_3772041id3574367.pdf 06.08.2018 14:34 News insight: Last-mile deliveries Ministers deliberate barriers to delivering goods more sustainably DfT consults commercial fleet operators to identify appropriate incentives

By Gareth Roberts for the UK, with autonomous vehicles sales set to be worth ongestion could be reduced and air quality in up to £52 billion by 2035.” towns and cities improved if cargo bikes and The call for evidence, says the Government, fires the electric vans were used for last-mile deliveries, starting gun on the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge, according to the Government. which aims to make the UK the world leader in the move- The Department for Transport (DfT) has taken ment of goods, services and people. steps towards encouraging sustainable last-mile It is one of four ‘grand challenges’ revealed in the Govern- deliveries through its Road to Zero strategy, ment’s industrial strategy – Building a Britain Fit for the Cwhich was launched in June. Future – published last November. Now it wants commercial fleet operators the outline what It aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make the barriers are to delivering goods more sustainably and travel safer and improve accessibility. what incentives might be needed for firms to replace diesel The Government has supported the use of e-cargo bikes delivery vans. through the 2015 Shared Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle UPS is testing Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “Last mile deliv- (EAPC) Programme and the 2017 Innovation Challenge Fund. Source: trailers towed by eries have been transformed in recent years by the growth In May, e-Cargobikes.com, with backing from the Innova- Low Impact City Logistics cyclists for deliveries of home deliveries driven by the boom in internet shopping. tion Challenge Fund, worked in tandem with the super- This has led to a marked rise in van traffic.” market chain Sainsbury’s to trial the use of electric cargo According to the latest road traffic estimates, van traffic bikes to deliver groceries. grant, as opposed to 38 eligible vehicles for the plug-in car large electric vans in 2019 and Ford has announced plans to increased by 4.7% to 49.5 billion vehicle miles in 2016. It is an A fleet of five cargo bikes, each with a capacity of up to 480 grant. There are also very few plug-in hybrid vans on the launch a plug-in hybrid transit van in 2019. “Revolution unwelcome upward trend when towns and cities across the litres and a payload of 125kg, were located in London, deliv- £52bn market. Nigel Base, commercial vehicle manager at trade body the UK are charged with improving air quality and tackling ering up to 100 orders a day to local customers who shopped predicted figure for autonomous However, product availability is not the only thing that is Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), in the way congestion. via the retailer’s groceries online website. vehicle sales by 2035 holding back businesses from adopting electric vans. There believes the industry is at the start of one of the most signif- Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham The findings from the trials exceeded expectations, with is a range of other factors, including charging infrastructure icant changes in the way people, goods and services are people and are required to introduce clean air zones by the end of 2019, 96.7% of orders fulfilled in a single e-cargo bike drop. It also and load capacity. moved around the country. with several other local authorities expected to follow suit. demonstrated shorter delivery routes and journey times, Phil Eaves, director of supply chain at Farmdrop, says load “While road transport will remain at the core of how this is London will introduce an ultra-low emission zone from due to the ability of cargo bikes to make use of cycle and bus capacity has been his biggest problem. Running 16 Nissan done, the type of vehicles, the technology in and around them, goods move April next year, while Oxford is considering introducing a zero lanes and road speeds greater than delivery vans. e-NV200s and eight Renault Kangoo Maxi ZEs, the electric and the business models all look set to change,” he said. emission zone in 2020, banning diesel and petrol vehicles Furthermore, it provided evidence of shorter ‘doorstep’ vehicles reflect the firm’s sustainable ethos. “Governments, local authorities, vehicle manufacturers around will altogether starting with six roads in the city centre. times, due to their ability to park at or closer to delivery However, he said: “It’s now highly likely we’re going to have and technology providers are all making large investments locations. to take on non-electric vehicles to accommodate an increase in a whole range of technological innovations; alternative see more LEZ by year-end Courier CitySprint recently doubled the number of cargo in deliveries. fuels, autonomy, ride hailing, vehicle sharing and Mobility as Elsewhere in the UK, Wales and Scotland are heading in a bikes on its London fleet to 22, while UPS has been trialling “We’re still fully committed to electric vehicles and when a Service are challenging our existing assumptions. changes in similar direction, with Glasgow set to bring in a low emission trailers towed by cyclists for deliveries in London. The bigger, more suitable vans become available, assuming the “Much of the focus has been on carbon reduction and air zone by the end of this year. parcels are delivered from a UPS depot to a local hub and financials work, we will adopt them.” quality, but most of these new mobility technologies will also the next 10 Norman argues that new transport modes could provide loaded on to the trailers for their final journey. Manufacturers have announced plans to launch new vehi- make our roads safer, increase efficiency and improve the answer for delivery firms, with new electrical methods One study has suggested that e-cargo bikes could form Below: Sainsbury’s is trialling cles that offer a longer range and larger payloads. For service levels for both people and freight. of delivery, including cargo bikes and electric vans, playing 25% of city centre commercial traffic, while another cargo bikes for London deliveries example, Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch medium and “This is a challenge for industry and one of the key targets years than a key role in the last-mile delivery of goods. suggested that 51% of all motorised trips in European cities will be to ensure that the benefits offered by new technolo- He said: “We are on the cusp of an exciting and profound that involve transport of goods could be moved to bikes or gies are accessible to all, but these are challenges we’re the previous change in how people, goods and services move around the cargo bikes. ready to embrace.” country which is set to be driven by extraordinary innovation. However, while they are particularly good in high-density At the same time as launching the last-mile consultation, hundred” This could bring significant benefits to people right across urban areas as well as narrow streets in historical city the Government launched a wider call for evidence on the the country and presents enormous economic opportunities centres, the Government accepts bikes might not be the future of mobility, which also addresses changing trends in appropriate delivery mode for every location. urban transport. Ian Robertson, BMW UK Ian Robertson, BMW UK chief executive, has been Option of electric vans appointed as a ‘business champion’ to help advise, shape “We are on the Electric vans are another option favoured by the Government and develop the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge. and potentially offer a huge opportunity to reduce emissions He will be supported by an advisory council made up of cusp of an from last-mile deliveries. Arup global transport leader Isobel Dedring, technology Operators have access to an Office of Low Emission Vehicle expert and non-executive director at the DfT Tracy Westall Online exciting and (OLEV) grant which will pay for 20% of the purchase price and tech entrepreneur Stan Boland. for an eligible van, up to a maximum of £8,000. Robertson said: “A transport revolution in the way people However, take-up of these vehicles has been relatively and goods move around will see more changes in the next The last-mile profound change” slow, with the market for electric vans well behind that for 10 years than the previous hundred. consultation closes on cars. In 2017, 0.3% of new van sales were electric compared “As the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge business September 10. Jesse Norman, DfT to 1.8% of new car sales. champion, I’m looking forward to working with the Govern- For further information, In part, this may reflect a lack of available products. There ment to help the UK build on its existing strengths and visit www.gov.uk. are currently just nine vans available for the plug-in van capitalise on that opportunity.”

4 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 5 adRocket

News Major fleets urged to make clean vans pledge In terms of healthcare each diesel van could cost the NHS up to £25,000 in inner city areas

By John Maslen he leaders of the UK’s major fleets are being London is plotting a course to be a zero- urged to make a Clean Van Commitment following carbon city by 2050 research that warned pollution from each diesel van in its lifetime could cost the NHS up to £25,000. The organisation behind national Clean Air Day, Global Action Plan, is calling on the UK’s biggest fleets to lead by example when they sign up to a Tcommitment to replace a proportion of their vans with models that are capable of zero emissions. It argues that replacing diesel vans with zero-emission- capable vehicles, ideally pure battery-electric vans, could save lives and millions of pounds in NHS spending on health issues caused by vehicle emissions in urban areas. Research from the University of Oxford and the Univer- sity of Bath revealed that overall health damage from car and van emissions costs the NHS and society £6 billion per year, with nearly 90% thought to be a result of diesel emissions. The UK’s 3.7 million vans are estimated to be responsible for £2.2bn of this cost. Inner city areas are the worst affected, where a diesel van incurs health costs of £24,555 over a nine-year lifecycle. Across the UK, the average is £5,107. By contrast, the life- time cost for a battery-electric van would be £1,443, with the health costs relating to ancillary emissions, such as brake and tyre wear. “Electrification of our fleet is The total health cost per vehicle figure is also likely to be affected by the age of the van, mileage and driving style, but a shift to zero emissions reduces health costs in all cases. absolutely critical. We need to Global Action Plan’s aim is to initially secure the backing of 100 of the biggest van fleets in the country, because they can clean up London’s dangerous make the most impact as they account for hundreds of thou- sands of commercial vehicles. The signatories will be revealed at the Global Zero Emis- air and we need to act now” sion Vehicle Summit being held on September 11/12 in Birmingham. Shirley Rodrigues, London deputy mayor for Environment and Energy Roundtable discussions are already underway between Clean Van Commitment organisers, fleet leaders and their company chief executive officers. Global Action Plan says it has already heard from 60% of insight into key issues fleets need to consider when moving the target fleets to say they are considering joining the group, to large-scale EV adoption. representing a total fleet size of more than 100,000 vans. £6bn At the event, Shirley Rodrigues, London deputy mayor for It says a clear commitment will kick-start the green van a year is the figure emissions Environment and Energy, said: “As part of our targets for a market, as manufacturers will have clarity about expected cost the NHS, say researchers zero-carbon city by 2050, electrification of our fleet is abso- demand and it will help energy suppliers to plan ahead. lutely critical. Chris Large, partner at Global Action Plan, said: “We high- “We need to clean up London’s dangerous air and we need light this not to bash diesel, but to impress the need for to act now. Our partners and businesses have a role to play urgent action. in improving air quality.” “I believe there are some huge opportunities for those London’s action on air quality has included the introduction organisations that decide to lead on adopting clean tech- of plug-in hybrid taxis and a commitment to all new buses nologies in their fleet. being zero-emission or hybrid from this year. “This is an open invitation for large fleet operators to join She added that infrastructure updates were critical, with this Clean Van Commitment, to be part of the leading van Online one in 10 electricity sub-stations nearing capacity, adding: fleet operators who are showing that we do want to solve “We need to make sure the infrastructure businesses this problem.” require is there and we are looking at how smart technology For details on the Clean He was speaking at an event organised by delivery giant Van Commitment, contact and data can help.” UPS at its Camden depot, where it showcased progress Bex Bolland, head of air Bex Bolland, head of air quality for Global Action Plan, towards converting its 200-strong delivery fleet to zero- quality at Global Action concluded: “We are prioritising where the health impact is emission vehicles by the end of 2019, with 80 EVs already Plan at bex.bolland@ the greatest and it is an opportunity for fleets to differentiate operating from the logistics hub. globalactionplan.org.uk themselves. We want to get fleets representing each sector The delivery giant’s experience has provided valuable of industry to join up.”

6 August 2018 commercialfleet.org

FP_COMFLEET_7432662NISid3570139.pdf 08.01.2018 14:30 adRocket

News Royal Mail is facing major green challenges Making the UK’s largest commercial fleet more environmentally friendly is no simple task

By Jonathan Manning he real world implications of operating low and zero emission vehicles are challenging, says the lead engineer at the UK’s largest commercial vehicle fleet. As head of fleet engineering at Royal Mail, Grahame Bennett is responsible for 48,000 vehi- cles. He says the postal delivery organisation is Tfaced with making long-term investments in technology that is still being developed, at a time when business demands are changing rapidly. The number of letters sent, for example, is in decline, while parcel deliveries are increasing significantly. These are developments that require different volumetric require- ments from vehicles which have to meet ever-stricter emis- sions regulations. Royal Mail keeps its vans for seven years and its heavy commercial vehicles for a decade, meaning decisions made today have consequences far beyond the scope of current regulations. How long, for example, will the clean air zones proposed for cities such as London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Leeds allow Euro 6 diesels to enter without charge? And when will Euro 6-plus or Euro 7 come into force? “Nobody has said the period of time that Euro 6 will be the standard that we need to meet,” Bennett toldCommercial Fleet. “We are seeing a huge number of initiatives coming to Royal Mail has had 100 Peugeot in order to identify those with a daily route that could be met major cities, and, as a company that delivers across the Partner L2 electric vans on test by electric vehicle range. And in a further step towards a whole of the UK, we have got to consider all of those.” green future, Royal Mail has held discussions about vehicle- These initiatives include unintended consequences. In to-grid (V2G) technology, which could see a fleet of electric Leeds, a Royal Mail workshop initially found itself inside the vans supply power back to the national grid at peak times. boundaries of the proposed clean air zone. This would have “We will look at how many of our delivery routes could meant that vehicles which make no deliveries within the £55m actually be done by an electric vehicle, and what capacity zone would still have faced a charge every time they went annual spend on the would be left to return to the grid,” said Bennett. “At 6pm, into the workshop for maintenance. Fortunately, conversa- Royal Mail fleet when all those vehicles are back in the depot, we could tions with the city authorities brokered during a roundtable return [electricity] to the grid at peak times and draw that held by BVLRA, Energy Saving Trust, ACFO andFleet News, back later in the night.” resulted in the proposed boundaries being redrawn to While there are a handful of competing zero-emission ensure the busy workshop is now outside the clean air zone. options in the small- and car-derived van sector, finding a But with a fleet that is steadily ageing – its average vehicle viable alternative to a diesel-powered large panel van is is five years old – Royal Mail needs to identify how best to proving much tougher. deploy the £55 million it spends on its fleet annually, a budget “When you talk to some providers about converting vehi- that “just about allows us to stand still”, said Bennett. cles to electric, you walk away very quickly from the conver- A large-scale trial of electric vehicles has seen it test 100 sation when the price comes out. At the moment there isn’t Peugeot Partner L2 electric vans across 17 delivery offices. that market range in that area to provide those vehicles,” The fleet is also exploring opportunities to track its vehicles said Bennett. Both the Royal Mail and UPS are working with the tech- nology firm Arrival on the development of an all-new electric 3.5-tonne van, which has the potential to make serious Help David Out. “We will look at how waves in the delivery market. Last August, Royal Mail deployed an Arrival electric six- many of our delivery tonne truck in London and analysis of on-board data has Leverage all the benefits finance lease helped to identify where its performance could be improved. “We have seen some huge changes in the software that has to offer to your advantage. routes could be done has changed how that vehicle works,” said Bennett. “From August to January, we saw a 15% increase in battery effi- ReduceFleetCost.co.uk by an electric vehicle” ciency, just from the software controls.” For the heaviest commercial vehicles, weighing in at 44 tonnes, he sees a bright future for gas as a replacement for Grahame Bennett, Royal Mail diesel, and has already placed orders. “From a fleet engineering and operating costs perspective it’s a no-brainer,” said Bennett.

8 August 2018 commercialfleet.org

FP_COMFLEET_ARICommercid3396735.pdf 02.03.2018 21:33 adRocket

News Cartel members face huge compensation bill Total claims, including European operators, could top £30bn, says RHA chief executive

By Gareth Roberts ommercial fleet operators who overpaid for trucks from firms that colluded in a price-fixing cartel could receive a combined total of £5 billion in compensation. In July 2016, DAF, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Iveco, MAN and Volvo/Renault all admitted to having participated in a 14-year illegal price- Cfixing cartel, between 1997 and 2011. Scania initially denied any wrongdoing but, following an investigation by the European Commission, was also found to have participated in the cartel. Collectively, the truck manufacturers were fined more than €3.8 billion (£3.4bn) – the largest ever penalty imposed by the European Commission in this type of case. In its next step towards getting compensation for thou- sands of UK truck operators who paid over the odds for trucks, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has now submitted its application to the Competition Appeal Tribunal to pursue its claim against the manufacturers. If successful, the RHA says that UK operators could be reimbursed more than £6,000 for every vehicle of six tonnes Confidence is an and above they bought or leased between 1997 and 2011. Operators are entitled to claim for the difference between what they paid for their trucks (new, second-hand or leased) update on your and what they would have paid had the cartel not existed. The truck producers coordinated both on the pricing for RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “We estimate the new technologies that were needed to meet the stricter the truck cartel will have impacted upon the buyers of £3.4bn standards and on when to introduce new technologies. 600,000 trucks that were bought in the UK between 1997 the collective fine meted out MAN revealed the cartel, and so received immunity from workforce while and 2011, amounting to a potential compensation claim of to members of the cartel fines. Volvo/Renault, Daimler and Iveco also cooperated by more than £5bn. providing evidence and so had their fines reduced. “On the same basis, we estimate operators in the rest of Scania, the sixth and final manufacturer implicated in the Europe bought 3.4 million trucks and could also be due price-fixing scandal, was fined more than €880 million your coffee’s still hot. compensation in excess of £25bn.” (£790m) for its participation in the truck cartel. The discussions between the companies in the cartel Volvo/Renault, Daimler (Mercedes), Iveco and DAF – were focused on two main topics. collectively fined €2.93bn (£2.63bn) after admitting wrong- Firstly, the truck producers discussed the “gross price list” doing. Daimler was fined €1.08bn (£1bn), DAF €752m (£674m), increases they were planning for medium and heavy trucks Iveco €494m (£443m), and Volvo/Renault €670m (£600m). When you need to see what’s going on in the field at and coordinated these with each other. These figures are the The RHA announced its intention to bring collective basis for pricing in the truck industry. The final price paid by Online proceedings in August 2016, a month after the European any moment in the day, you need Verizon Connect. buyers was then based on further adjustments, done at Commission issued its first decision in the case. The RHA national and local level, to these gross list prices. Operators interested in subsequently set up a website on which operators can Our solutions give you total visibility in real time, Secondly, they also discussed their response to increas- finding out more about the register their interest and sign up. ingly strict European emissions standards, which have been RHA’s claim can do so at Since mid-July this year, when the website went live, more so you don’t have to be somewhere to know what’s progressively tightened over the years, reducing the accept- truckcartellegalaction.com than 3,600 operators have signed up, representing more going on there. able limits for exhaust emissions from trucks. than 160,000 trucks sold or leased during the cartel period. A further 700 operators, says the RHA, have registered their interest and are in the process of signing up. Burnett said: “The UK haulage sector works tirelessly to “We estimate the truck cartel deliver 98% of everything consumed in the UK and is the Discover how you can see clearly, act intelligently and go backbone of our economy. Every penny counts, and I would with confidence at verizonconnect.com/uk. expect these costs to have been absorbed by the haulage will have impacted upon the industry, unable to pass them on.” However, Burnett is hopeful that these operators will now buyers of 600,000 trucks in UK” be compensated after paying over the odds for vehicles. He said: “If the RHA competition claim is successful, there is a strong potential the majority of the industry’s operators Richard Burnett, RHA will benefit. This won’t happen overnight – it’s a long process. But we will continue to push for a result that will help the thousands of operators who have been dealt a poor deal.”

commercialfleet.org August 2018 11

FP_COMFLEET_3710122id3552081.pdf 13.07.2018 13:50 Compliance

Wearing earphones while driving: Rules& are you really in control? Have you ever seen a person wearing serious offences. In France, a earphones while driving a vehicle and regulation came into force in 2015 that thought, is that legal? forbids all drivers from wearing any regulations Well, it is not illegal per se, but just device capable of emitting sound that imagine: a driver who is reversing and is in direct contact with the ears, for a small child walks behind their example, an ear bud, earpiece or vehicle. Another driver sounds their headphone. and rear; it is not tested to the side. There is no horn to warn them of the impending So, spread the message around your strength required to the sides of a fuel tank. danger, but the driver does not hear employees that wearing earphones is The FTA looks at the latest AvoidingAvoiding iincidentsncidents Operators should not labour under the illusion that the sound. potentially dangerous. The safety of on the highway side guards are there to protect the fuel tank; they It could be assumed that a driver is the driver, other road users and issues to affect vans and are there to protect vulnerable road users. not in full and complete control of the pedestrians is paramount and should trucks. Here, it provides Fuel spills rose by 55% between 2013 and 2015, but Some fuel spill incidents are avoidable, particularly vehicle as they could easily be not be compromised by the driver’s fuel tank ruptures in accidents are often unforeseen those caused as a result of using temporary and distracted by music or a telephone actions. And when it comes to cyclists guidance on fuel spills and and unavoidable. non-approved tank caps. conversation fed through their wearing headphones, think safety-first Fuel tanks are ‘type approved’. Type approval Fuel tank caps must be: earphones. And being unable to hear – give them plenty of space as you the dangers of wearing includes pressure testing, collision tests and strict ■ Automatic opening/closing non-removable; or a warning could result in a financial pass them, as you might just prevent requirements on sealing and venting. ■ Tethered/chained; or penalty or prosecution for more a tragic incident. earphones while driving During impact testing, the vehicle is tested front ■ Lockable with ignition key

One of our van We have an employee who may be disqualified from drivers subject to EU A couple of our drivers are troubled by hay fever driving due to the totting up of penalty points on their Q drivers’ hours rules and are worried about the potential impact on Q licence for a recent spate of offences. We have sought wants to work in a Q driver licencing due to the possible side effects further advice and been told that there could be bar over the weekend. Are when taking over-the-counter medicines. As best ‘mitigating circumstances’ which a court may consider before there any legal implications practice, should I be asking my drivers to fill in a driver a driver is disqualified. Is this true? that we need to consider? declaration every time we perform a licence check and is & the use of over-the-counter medicines that can cause Yes, ‘mitigating circumstances’ are facts the court may If your driver drives adverse effects reportable to the DVLA? Q consider when deciding whether to disqualify or vehicles under EU A whether disqualification should exceed the obligatory A drivers’ hours rules, The use of over-the-counter medicines does not A period. then any additional normally class as a notifiable condition with regard The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 defines circumstances that work undertaken would be A to the medical group for DVLA. But there are safety should not be taken into account as grounds for mitigating classed as an interruption to issues when using medicines that may have a side disqualification. These are: daily/weekly rest and must be effect – for example, drowsiness. Certain medicines for hay ■ Circumstances alleged to make the offence not a serious one. accounted for in the driver’s fever may cause drowsiness and this would have implications ■ Hardship, other than exceptional hardship. tachograph records. not only for the driver’s safety but also the safety of others. ■ Circumstances that, within the three years immediately before While it is not classed as If a driver goes to a doctor or a pharmacist they should note the conviction, have been taken into account in ordering the working time and does not the side effects of any medicines prescribed and either offender to be disqualified for a shorter period or not ordering form part of the 48 hours request another form of treatment that doesn’t have side This month, the FTA’s Member Advice Centre them to be disqualified. maximum average for working effects or, if that’s not possible, consider not driving for the Generally, loss of employment as a result of disqualification time, it must be taken into period they are taking the medicine for. has been inundated with questions – here could constitute exceptional hardship. A court might take into account when calculating the account the effect on ‘innocent’ parties, family or the public at start and end of weekly rest are a few highlights answered by FTA large – for example the effect of a doctor in a rural area losing periods to ensure that no Do you have an issue that needs resolving? their licence where there would be a loss to the community. infringement of the rules has Get the solution by emailing us at: commercialfl[email protected] manager of van information Eamonn Brennan occurred.

12 August 2018 commercialfleet.org Commercial Fleet Event

By Stephen Briers uplift in their profile, according to studies by tewart Lightbody says he would awards consultancy Boost. “recommend anyone who has The first stage of the awards process has now 2018 AWARD genuinely made a difference in the closed, but fleets, manufacturers and suppliers fleet operation to submit an entry”, still have time to complete an entry into the van Paul Gatti said it meant “a lot to Royal and truck fleet sector’s most coveted honours. CATEGORIES Mail and the people who work for us” The closing date is September 30. and Dale Eynon said it was “absolutely Following her win, Martine Smith, fleet Sfantastic to win”. development manager at AAH Pharmaceuticals, FLEET AWARDS They are talking about the Commercial Fleet told us: “The key to our success is recognising the Safety Initiative of the Year Awards and the importance to their businesses hard work and commitment that goes into running Public Sector Fleet of the Year of winning. an industry-leading fleet and the Commercial Fleet Private Sector Fleet of the Year They aren’t the only ones. Talk to any of our Awards gives us the opportunity to do just that. As Best Use of Technology awards winners and they’ll tell you about the winners of Commercial Fleet of the Year – Business Cost-saving Hero positive affect it has had on their standing within Services and Best Fleet Customer Service, our Clean Air Champion their organisation, how it boosted their business customers know they will be provided with a performance and how it gave added credibility trusted service they can rely on.” Transport Manager of the Year when tendering for business. Stewart Lightbody, head of fleet services at Best Last Mile Solution NOVEMBER 29, 2018, HILTON BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE Even those who are shortlisted benefit from an Anglian Water, added: “Having the opportunity to Most Improved Commercial Fleet of the Year have my work reviewed and judged by a panel of Apprentice of the Year industry experts and come out as the winner of Workshop Manager of the Year ‘Commercial Fleet Manager of the Year’ has to be Commercial Fleet Manager of the Year the best end to 12 months of hard work there can be. It is most rewarding in the fact it has been SUPPLIER AWARDS acknowledged by the wider fleet industry and not Fleet Customer Partnership Award just by my employer. I’d thoroughly recommend Van Leasing Company of the Year anyone who has genuinely made a difference in the fleet operation to submit an entry.” Truck Leasing Company of the Year Meanwhile, Dale Eynon, director at Defra Group Rental Company of the Year Fleet Services said it was “absolutely fantastic to Converter of the Year win an award and I was hugely pleased for Best New Product of the Year everyone in the team”. Paul Gatti, director at Royal Mail Fleet, described the feeling as “fantastic – it MANUFACTURER AWARDS means a lot to Royal Mail and the people who Small Van of the Year work for us”. Medium Van of the Year ■ To enter, go to the awards website: awards. Large Panel Van of the Year commercialfleet.org Pick-up of the Year Van Manufacturer of the Year Truck Safety Innovation of the Year Truck Manufacturer of the Year BENEFITS Van of the Year OF ENTERING Truck of the Year AWARDS AWARDS JUDGES 1. Improved financial performance AUDITOR – Brian Cooper, Ernst & Young 6 CHAIRMAN – Christopher Macgowan OBE 2. Personal recognition; career-enhancing FLEET CATEGORIES 3. Greater increase in sales compared Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet Mark Cartwright, Freight Transport Association with competitors Phil Clifford, Fleet News Hall of Fame Members of the BT Fleet Solutions team happily display the awards 4. A rise in employee engagement MANUFACTURER CATEGORIES they picked up last year. BT Fleet was voted Van/Truck Fleet Management Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet company of the year and was Highly Commended for Supplier of the Year 5. Positive press coverage Simon Harris, automotive journalist 6. Increased customer awareness Andy Picton, Glass’s Ken Brown, Cap HPI Lorna McAtear, Royal Mail Steve Winter, Centrica SEPTEMBER 30: OCTOBER 17, 23-24: NOVEMBER 29: Mark Lovett, LeasePlan Mark Karkeek, South West Water Entry deadline for all categories Commercial Fleet Awards judging daysys Commercial Fleet Awards ceremony SUPPLIER CATEGORIES Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet Dale Eynon, Environment Agency Sponsors Simon Gray, SSE Rory Morgan, Iron Mountain Steve Duffy, Network Rail To enter the awards, go to: awards.commercialfleet.org Cliff Lewis, Interserve For more information: email [email protected] or call 01733 395133 Ellie Barnes, E.On

14 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 15 Fleet spotlight: John Lewis Partnership ‘We make our fleet last longer than most’ Rather than hire vehicles to cover delivery peaks, the John Lewis Partnership calls up its ‘mothballed’ fleet to keep costs down and maximise productivity

By Stephen Briers tactics employed by general manager, fleet Justin n innovative approach to fleet Laney to manage his fleet operation of close to management which prioritises 5,000 vehicles. prod uctivity and cost savings during “We purchase all our fleet, from cars to trucks periods of peak demand over abso- and trailers, and we make them last longer than lute utilisation of all assets has seen most,” Laney tells Fleet News. the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) “Our fleet model is to buy equipment that is develop a dual fleet strategy with designed for our purposes. But, because it is Atwo operations effectively running in tandem. specialised and the vehicles are on a long life The company, which owns John Lewis and cycle, it is less attractive to leasing companies Waitrose, has a primary fleet of vans and trucks, because the residual value is low. managed over a 7.5-year cycle, and a ‘mothballed’ “So we fund the fleet and we maintain it in-house fleet of ex-primary vehicles which are kept for up to keep standards high and the costs down. It also to two more years to address peak demand for gives us the flexibility to de-fleet early if that is services, such as Christmas when the fleet swells appropriate.” Factfile by 30%. In-sourcing is a theme for the 150-strong central General manager, fleet Justin Laney At a time when fleets talk about maximum utili- transport team, which includes 100 workshop Time in role eight years sation and minimising the number of vehicles they employees, plus fleet management staff, the car Fleet size c5,000 vehicles: cars 1,500; operate, it might appear a luxury to have 250 team, compliance, a driver risk manager and a call 3.5t vans 1,000; car-derived vans 300; vehicles sitting around not turning a wheel for centre which handles externally-maintained vehi- rigid trucks 400; tractors 550; trailers 1,000 large parts of the year. cles spread across more than 300 sites. Funding method cars – ECO scheme; vans However, there is a robust business justification and trucks – outright purchase for the policy. Home counties headquarters Operating cycle cars – 3-4 years; vans Justin Laney liaises with The mothballed fleet means the company does Central transport provides support to both John and trucks – 7.5 years (then kept for up to academics to help identify technologies with potential not endure the expense of rental at these busy Lewis and Waitrose and is headquartered in two years on the mothballed fleet) for the JLP fleet times – reducing costs by around 30% – and also Bracknell, Berkshire, on a Waitrose mini- ensures it has vehicles in the precise specification metropolis, a 75-acre site comprising seven office it needs, which boosts productivity. blocks. Key is John Lewis’s seven workshops which It acts as an internal leasing company, buying tions. Our role is to provide guidance about what empower people to have a say in how the work- fleet responsibility. Exceptions include tacho- urban areas, autonomy, connected vehicles and ensure these older vehicles are kept in prime the vehicles and leasing them to each cost centre is best policy,” Laney says. shop is run.” graph analysis and accident management/claims electrification – it’s important we make the right condition, ready to go at a moment’s notice. with an aim of breaking even. The head office site includes the company’s Unlike most operators with a sizeable van and handling for anything large, including third party decisions.” The mothballed fleet is just one of the novel “The business looks to us to come up with solu- largest workshop and a body repair shop with a truck fleet, the JLP team also manages the car claims. Pretty much everything else stays within Laney works closely with academics, including full-size oven that can accommodate 44-tonne fleet in-house. Responsibility rests with three staff. the fleet team. the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, to iden- trailers. It operates 24 hours a day, 6.5 days a week. By Laney’s own admission, it is a more “hands- “We ask ourselves whether it is better and tify technologies with potential and how quickly “The workshops are mainly for the bigger vehi- off” relationship, largely because the majority of cheaper to do it in-house,” says Laney. “And we they might come to market. “Alternative fuels, air quality, operating trucks in urban cles, but we will suck in smaller ones in each the 1,500 cars are perk vehicles on an employee find that it is.” When he wanted to trial low carbon fuels, he locality,” says Laney. car ownership (ECO) scheme. Staff choose to approached Imperial College London to collabo- areas, autonomy, connected vehicles and electrification “We are also looking at pulling in vehicles from have the cars for either three or four years. Time of massive change rate on a biofuels programme, assessing various further afield for MOT and cosmetic repairs. We “ECO is tax-efficient for both our partners and the Having such a breadth of knowledge within his sources of waste to fuel the biomethane trucks. – it’s important we make the right decisions” have to control the look of the fleet because we partnership,” he says. “It works for us, and could fleet team helps Laney grapple with the rapidly For electric vehicles, he worked with Cambridge keep it for longer, as well as the mechanical work even better with the new WLTP – it will be evolving fleet sector, everything from alternative University, concluding that “we will electrify our safety. interesting to see how changes in BIK will affect fuels to mobility services technology. small vehicles over time, but for trucks it will be Justin Laney, John Lewis Partnership “Our workshops combine the best of the dealer the balance of ECO versus conventional funding.” “It’s a time of massive change in commercial 20-25 years before there is a solution world, such as productivity, with the best of fleet, Laney, who has been in fleet for 35 years, the vehicles and it’s being speeded up,” he says. that can be rolled out widescale”. including vehicle standards and safety, and we past eight at John Lewis, outsources very little “Alternative fuels, air quality, operating trucks in Until then, he will continue to pursue

16 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 17 Fleet spotlight: John Lewis Partnership

a strategy of replacing diesel trucks again than a diesel, it reduces congestion – that with biomethane as they come up for could be a game-changer.” disposal. John Lewis operates 53 now He is in talks with EV newcomer Arrival, which with 68 due on fleet within four months and a is “very promising”, but he has some concerns. further 100 next year. “The problem with steel vans is their life is “It works because it reduces CO2 by around determined by corrosion – the body rots. That’s 83% on a well-to-wheel life cycle,” Laney says. fine on diesel, but on an EV, we don’t want to bin “Drivers prefer them because the noise is about it after seven years,” he says. “If they build it from half that of a diesel truck and that also has bene- aluminium and composites, it will have a longer fits in urban areas where noise is important for life. EVs are expensive, so they have to last.” night-time deliveries. Laney has a structured approach to the intro- “The business case works – the payback on duction of new technology. “First filter out the investment is broadly two years.” chaff by engaging the academics,” he says. “Then The cost of gas depends on the price of setting we trial a vehicle; then we buy 10 to 20 of them. If up a fuelling station. Laney works with CNG Fuels that works, we go for 30, 40, 50. It’s a three-to- which builds fuelling sites at locations where JLP four-year lead time.” commits to investing in the trucks. Ultimately, it One of his, and JLP’s, principal priorities is will probably have to build its own infrastructure. driver safety. The company operates a toolkit While elctric is not ready for trucks, one area which is applied in different ways dependent on where it could have a significant and more imme- the type of vehicle. Car drivers have a scaled-back diate impact on emissions is on refrigerated version, but Laney is working on typically trucks where the fridge units are powered by old resourceful plans to overhaul the entire driver technology diesel which is “barely Euro 1”. risk management process. “So our bio trucks have electric-powered Currently, driver risk is measured in conven- fridges, which make them perfect for night-time tional ways, such as accident records and points deliveries,” Laney says. on licence, with interventions including training Biomethane trucks will continue “Because the LLCS (London Lorry Control and assessments designed to transform high risk to replace diesels until a viable Scheme) is about noise, a vehicle like this should drivers into low risk. electric solution presents itself be exempt and able to take the route of most Laney is seeking a “more nuanced system” that efficiency, whereas the scheme promotes longer prevents accidents before they happen. distances at the wrong time. We are talking with He has introduced a series of daily “nudges or awards, recognising the best by depot, area, where the drivers fit lights or plumb in. Our staff Transport for London about this and there is a lot messages” which update the driver on good or within business unit and also by the type of vehicle “Previously we (in fleet) were get driver training, and training to be customer- of interest.” poor behaviour. Sent to their handheld device, they are driving. facing and for the installation of goods.” these will inform the driver if they have, for “It’s a two-way path; we hope people will take seen as a necessary cost; Connectivity is also helping John Lewis to mini- Sensible choice example, been braking heavily that day which will the one to make them a better driver,” he says. mise ‘empty legs’ journeys, where its vans and Electric is also the most viable solution for vans. affect their risk score. Jerry Ward, John Lewis manager legal opera- now we are a differentiator trucks return empty. It has been operating a ‘back John Lewis has some biofuel LCVs but believes If they transgress again, the next message will tions (transport), adds: “We are a high profile haul’ service for suppliers for a number of years, the likelihood of zero emission zones being intro- advise them to undergo training and if that does brand – our drivers can be measured by the collecting products from manufacturers or duced in many city centre makes electric the not resolve the issue, a meeting will be scheduled public.” and a key part of the smaller companies for whom the cost of trans- sensible choice to pursue. with their line manager. Laney is already thinking about further develop- port would be too great. It has already trialled some, but payload was an The initiative, expected to launch within the next ments. “There could be a role for artificial intel- customer experience ” “We can consolidate into our warehouse and issue, so there was no business case. Now, with 12 months, isn’t intended to only communicate the ligence looking at the environment, road condi- use our trucks,” Laney says. “We also do forward the Government derogation on O-licences to 4.25- ‘bad news’. It will also congratulate drivers on tions, load, demographics, and then we could Justin Laney, John Lewis Partnership haul, where we take their goods out and bring tonnes to take battery weight into consideration, good performance in an attempt to inspire them tailor messages to that area – for example, ours back. This is a growing area and it is a profit it has gone from “cost-negative to cost-positive”. to be the best. informing the driver it will be icy on their route centre in its own right.” Laney adds: “If you can take half the payload Laney is considering supporting this with driver that morning,” he says. Laney continues to investigate all the latest “These are all things that help the driver and technologies, assessing which ones have a poten- reduce stress. Ultimately, we could reduce or stop body which increased load capacity by 50% and It’s working, according to Laney: “We’ve never tial role to play on the fleet. journeys if we feel the risk is too high.” used lighter materials to improve fuel efficiency, withdrawn a licence from a branch,” he says. “We need solutions for air quality, carbon Autonomous trucks are ‘potential game-changer’ The need for more robust driver risk enabling the vans to accommodate longer routes. Home deliveries have also raised the central reduction, the urban environment and we have to programmes accelerated with the explosion in The home delivery service also prompted a transport team’s profile within the business not plot a path through new technologies while main- Justin Laney believes autonomous technology is “a adoption, but they will have to be demonstrably home delivery. change to risk management policy. least as connected technology makes it easier for taining our focus on manager risk and developing potential game-changer, especially with heavy safer than the average driver before they can It has accounted for JLP’s van fleet growing “They are our highest risk drivers because they product manufacturers to link directly to end drivers to be safer and safer,” Laney says. trucks where there is a driver shortage”. proliferate.” from almost zero a decade ago to 1,000 today. are in urban areas, doing more reversing and they customers. “There is no longer a one-size fits all for fleet.” It could have a large impact on operational costs Laney is actually more concerned about mid- More than half of goods sold are bought online are not vocational drivers,” Laney says. “Plus they “It’s an interesting conundrum; we have to add n By sales, the John Lewis Partnership is the if trucks can run without drivers, although he is level autonomy, so-called Level 3 and 4, than he is and a large proportion are delivered to the home. are spread around 200 sites with non-specialist value and be a destination,” Laney says. “Previ- third largest non-traded company in theSunday quick to reassure his drivers that this is a long- full autonomy. This will continue to proliferate. managers. So we started a new team to monitor ously we were seen as a necessary cost; now we Times Top Track 100. It has more than 85,000 term view of the market. “It’s easy to get over-relaxed when the car is The company initially had a tie up with Ocado for risk with a permit to drive and a permit to operate are a differentiator and a key part of the customer partners in the business. In two years’ time it will “We can’t jump in too early. The challenge is doing its thing, but then, if it has to hand back Waitrose but started to set up its own operation so each – driver and transport operation – had to experience.” celebrate its centenary. knowing about which technology to back and how control, research shows it takes six seconds for in the late 2000s as home delivery became an jump through hoops to be qualified.” One way John Lewis is adding value is by quickly to jump in,” Laney says. “But autonomous, the driver to regain control – you can travel a long increasingly important part of both businesses. The permits cover a number of areas, including extended the services offered by its home delivery as in driverless, is probably 15 years into the way in that time,” he says. Initial issues of cost per drop are fading as audit scores, action plans, compliance to the drivers to customers. More commercial fleet profiles at: future.” “It’s tempting to jump straight in at Level 5 density rises, making the operation more produc- driver management process such as daily checks “We have built in more time per delivery so they Online commercialfleet.org/fleet-profiles He adds: “The economics of autonomy will drive rather than go through Levels 3 and 4.” tive and efficient. This was further boosted by and licence checks, reaction to accidents and can, for example, take goods into the kitchen,” switching from a box body van to a custom-built vehicle cleanliness. Laney says. “We also offer home installations

18 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 19 adRocket adRocket

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The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an electric vehicle & so much more. Delivering a remarkable 159mpg5, an electric range of up to 33 miles and a combined Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, depleted Battery Charge: 50.4mpg (5.6), Weighted Average: 159.5mpg 6 electric and petrol range of up to 532 miles , the Outlander PHEV comes with a unique set of benefits that you wouldn’t expect. Featuring a petrol engine and (1.8), CO2 emissions: 40.3 g/km. 2 1. On The Road prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%) and First Registration Fee. Model shown is a 19MY Outlander PHEV 4h with pearlescent paint at £37,550 including the Government Plug-in Car twin electric motors, it also qualifies for a Government Plug-in Car Grant of £2,500 . And with ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 40g/km (NEDC) or 46g/km (WLTP) there are substantial reductions in Benefit in Kind taxation7, it’s the UK’s best selling plug-in hybrid and so much more. Grant. On The Road prices for an Outlander PHEV range from £34,255 to £39,100 and include VED, First Registration Fee and the Government Plug-in Car Grant. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. Prices correct at time of going to print. 2. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. The Government Plug-in Car Grant is subject to change at any time, without prior notice. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 3. Outlander PHEV qualifies as low CO emissions vehicle for the purpose of Capital Allowances. 8% write down allowance used for Test the best | Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer 2 comparison. 4. Cost of the car shown in this row include the Government Plug-in Car Grant (where applicable) and VAT (at 20%) but do not include First Registration Fee. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. 5. This figure is NEDC equivalent and based on the official EU test (WLTP). To be used as a guide for comparative purposes only with other WLTP tested vehicles. Based on the vehicle being charged from mains electricity. This may not reflect real driving results. 6. Up to 33 mile EV range achieved with full battery charge. 532 miles achieved with combined full battery and petrol tank. Actual range will vary depending on driving style and road conditions. 7. 13% BIK compared to the average rate of 30% for the other vehicles shown. 13% BIK rate for the 2018/19 tax year.

M45388 Q3 2018 19MY Outlander Commercial Fleet Ad DPS.indd 1 06/08/2018 10:56 M45388 Q3 2018 19MY Outlander Commercial Fleet Ad DPS.indd 2 06/08/2018 10:55 FP_COMFLEET_M45388Q319id3574099.pdf 08.06.2018 12:02 FP_COMFLEET_M45388Q319id3574098.pdf 08.06.2018 12:02 Manufacturer spotlight: MAN Truck & Bus

A three-tonner is as ‘WE LOST THE low as MAN will go

MAN introduced the TGE 3.5-tonne panel van, based on the SCRIPT’ BUT MAN Volkswagen Crafter, a year ago but it has been “a harder start than we thought”, according to head of van Stuart Beeton. That was partly to do with getting the message out into IS BACK ON SONG the market, partly to do with volumes limited to front-wheel drive models. “Our target market, customers running our trucks who are MD Thomas Hemmerich says his business ‘forgot about running Sprinters etc., is rear-wheel drive,” Beeton says. “We thought 65% of our volume would be RWD.” our strengths’ but, after a substantial reorganisation, the With supply now available, 2018 is looking more positive. Beeton expects to sell 1,000 TGEs this year – 60% panel company is again happy to talk positively about the future vans; 40% chassis cab (Luton, tipper or dropside). Customers are those who “run vans like they run their HGVs” and consider aftersales to be a key part of the relationship; those looking for a box on wheels will go By Stephen Briers and John Lewis elsewhere. fter 18 months in the job, during which he One surprise has been the proportion of non-MAN implemented a business reorganisation, MAN 8.2% customers (around 50% of orders); Beeton had expected the Truck & Bus UK managing director Thomas MAN’s share of the truck majority to be existing truck customers. Hemmerich is now ready to start talking about market in the first quarter “What they have in common is they want a business his goals for the future. solution,” Beeton says. Hemmerich spent much of those early “Of course, it also gives us an opportunity to sell them months getting the team structure to his satis- some trucks, so it is broadening our customer base.” Afaction and re-emphasising the need to focus on the basics. Thomas Hemmerich By 2021, he anticipates selling 3,500 TGEs a year, with It coincided with a sharp fall in registrations (down year- 400,000 is seeking the right mix weights ranging from three to 5.5 tonnes. on-year by 17.6%) and market share (down almost two connected trucks in the as he takes MAN Truck But, he adds: “We have no plans for anything lower than percentage points at 7.4%). market when sister brand & Bus UK forward three tonnes.” “We planted the seeds and from 2018 onwards we will Scania’s figures are added reap the rewards,” he tellsCommercial Fleet. to those of MAN That means a boost to truck market share of “at least” one bums on seats – we have to get drivers and fleets behind Nine eTrucks with a range of around 200km (124 miles) will The key question, according to Hemmerich, is “when can percentage point this year from 2017’s 7.4%. To date (quarter the wheel.” soon be going on trial in Austria, with talks ongoing with the Factfile we do similar trials in the UK?”. For him, technology is not one – publication of truck figures is painfully slow), MAN sits It gives the Volkswagen-owned company a reason to start “Lidls and Aldis of this world”, says Hemmerich. Company MAN Truck & Bus UK the problem; it’s the legal situation, such as what happens Managing director Thomas at 8.2%. pushing harder into the market, but Hemmerich sounds a He adds: “They can be powered up during the 45 minutes Hemmerich in a fatality – who is liable. But, that’s just the start. note of caution about relying too heavily on one product. they are being loaded and unloaded, so they can run 24/7. ➡ No country has yet provided this clarity. 2017 sales 3,355 ( 17.6%) “We deserve to be a double-digit player in the UK,” “We can easily grow the market by changing residual This is our test fleet, but we want to start production in early 2017 market share 7.4% “This is frustrating because from a technology point of Hemmerich says. “We lost the script, but we are now values (RVs) but then you suffer in three years’ time,” he says. 2021.” 2018 Q1 sales 806 view, manufacturers are faster than the legislators,” he says. increasing customer confidence and getting back onto their “We have to get the mix right of the sub 16-tonne segment Payload and capacity is no different to the diesel truck, 2018 Q1 market share 8.2% In the meantime, MAN continues to pioneer innovative new shopping lists.” and of bigger trucks. We can’t go too heavily into one sector while the drivetrain means the eTruck could go down to 18 Key models TGX, TGS, TGM, TGL, TGE safety initiatives, such as its safety truck now in operation in He doesn’t shy away from the fact that MAN’s image took – we have to protect RVs.” tonnes. Hessen that autonomously follows machinery used in a knock during EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) problems He is keen to broaden MAN’s customer base, balancing At the lighter end of the scale, MAN will offer a TGE-badged mobile road works. with its Euro V engines, which resulted in reliability issues. retail business with big fleets, with 18-tonners, tractors and variant of VW’s electric Crafter, initially in left-hand drive with Forming part of a project funded by Germany’s Federal Reliability, he knows, is crucial to a truck fleet. eight-wheelers. Crucial to future success is aftersales right-hand coming in 2020 or 2021. Ministry for Economics and Technology, it acts as a shield to “We forgot about our strengths, but we are focused on support. “Having a van opens up new customers to us. In the past, protect the workers. If somebody smashes into the back of those now,” he says. “The TGX [revisions unveiled at this “You can build the world’s best truck but customer support if they wanted a van, we had to send them to the competition,” the truck, it should absorb the impact so the people working year’s CV Show; an all-new truck is due within three years] is the most important thing,”Hemmerich says. Hemmerich says. “From us, vans are a totally different ahead of it will remain unscathed. is one of the best portfolios we have regarding quality and MAN is piloting a new preventative maintenance project by offering because our workshops are open 24/7, we have our Digitisation and connectivity are becoming vitally important total cost of ownership. installing a Microlise box in every truck to check its health Mobile 24 service, our R&M contracts and financing. LCV to truck manufacturers, says Drees, and MAN is no excep- “What we need now is to convey the message and to get 24 hours a day. Should it identify that the truck is low on oil, customers appreciate the fact we give them instant support.” tion. for example, it will contact the customer and book it into the MAN is also investigating the potential of platooning and “We are moving away from being purely a vehicle manu- nearest centre. will soon start trials in Germany with logistics group DB facturer to being a provider of sustainable and intelligent “We are moving away from being “This will have a huge impact on downtime from unex- Schenker. transport solutions,” he says. pected breakdown. We want to be like a control centre where Platooning can cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption Hence Rio, MAN’s cloud-based platform which can we can detect issues before they happen,” Hemmerich says. by up to 10%, according to MAN global chief executive officer accommodate trucks from rival manufacturers and features purely a vehicle manufacturer to MAN’s new range of SCR (selective catalytic reduction) Joachim Drees. a variety of apps. They can, for example, assign additional engines for TGL and TGM will help as they are less complex, He does not appear to be quite so convinced of the virtues cargo to trucks that are running only partly laden or may be being a provider of sustainable more efficient and easier to maintain, as well as being quieter. of driverless vehicles and believes that it will be many years completely empty. But while diesel remains the dominant fuel for now, elec- before trucks become completely autonomous. Cutting empty running is essential if transport fleets are and intelligent transport solutions” tric trucks designed for local delivery work will play an “It might happen on the motorway, but when it comes to Online to improve their efficiency. increasing role amid growing pressure on operators to cut urban distribution it’s going to be a lot more difficult to get “On average trucks are operating empty for around 33% Joachim Drees, MAN pollution. rid of the driver,” Drees says. For more case studies, visit: of the time,” says Drees. “All MAN’s Euro VI trucks have the MAN is addressing the zero-emission challenge with a “That said, there are certain confined areas where driver- commercialfleet.org/vans/ necessary Rio connection box and it can be retrofitted to battery-powered version of the 26-tonne TGM, dubbed the less trucks can be introduced right now, and here I’m thinking case-studies older models. Together with our sister brand Scania, we eTruck. about mines and port terminals among other locations.” have close to 400,000 connected trucks in various markets.”

22 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 23 THE UK’S BIGGEST FLEET EVENT Supported by

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ising fuel expenditure will be leaving under pressure from their finance teams,” said many fleet managers hotter under the Paul Hollick, chair of ICFM and managing director collar than even this scorching of TMC (The Miles Consultancy), who will be TO FLEET Rsummer has achieved. speaking at Fleet Live. DECISION External factors have introduced He added that initial responses to fuel over- MAKERS significant inflation to fuel prices, threatening to spend frequently focus on reducing the number FREE DRIVE DOWN undermine fleet budgets and with little sign of a of miles travelled, but argued that better, smarter reprieve on the horizon. policies can bring expenditure back into line Crude oil prices have risen from $62 (£47) per without impacting on a company’s business. cheaper filling stations, more accurate reim- barrel at the start of the year to touch $80 (£61) in Overall savings of 15.2% can typically be through bursement of business miles and combatting YOUR FUEL May, while the value of sterling has fallen against a combination of encouraging drivers to refuel at fraud. the US dollar (the currency in which oil is traded) Eliminating refuelling at motorway services, for from an exchange rate of £1 to $1.42 in January example, can save an average of 10p/litre, while to $1.31 at the time of writing. reliable recording of business miles can signifi- SPEND Both trends have increased key components in cantly reduce reimbursement payments. the cost of petrol and diesel, and the evidence is “We have seen one prospect that had a private clear to see at the pumps. According to the latest mileage reimbursement rate of only 6%. So they The tools and techniques for fuel price report from The AA, unleaded prices were effectively saying that 94% of all fuel used controlling fuel expenditure will soared to 128.8p/litre in June, from 121.7 p/litre in was for business trips. If they are company cars January, while diesel prices raced ahead in the that is not possible. The norm you would expect be at the heart of discussions at first half of the year to 131.7p/litre from 124.4p/ is 50:50,” said Hollick. litre in January. “And there will be people claiming 45ppm when Fleet Live, the unmissable More worrying still are the mounting rumours they have a car allowance and are only entitled to that the Government is considering the removal 11 or 12ppm. All of these things are prevalent in event for fleet decision-makers of its freeze on fuel duty, which has stood for the a lot of businesses.” past eight years. Currently, every litre sold at the Cases of mis-use and fraud can start inno- pumps incurs duty of 57.95p per litre plus 20% “MOST BUSINESSES cently, but develop into costly, endemic abuse VAT, but as the Government seeks income to pay through issues such as ghosting, where an for its pledged increase in NHS funding, fuel duty BUDGET FOR FUEL employee claims for a trip even though a meeting has been identified as a potential source of extra was cancelled; two employees claiming for the revenue. BASED ON LAST YEAR’S same trip when they’ve travelled in the same car; With no reprieve to escalating fuel prices in sight, or simply rounding up mileage claims. the strategies and techniques to control and mini- SPEND PLUS 2% OR 3%, “Employees often don’t think they are doing mise fuel spend will be a key focus at Fleet Live. anything wrong, but actually it can have serious “Most businesses budget for fuel based on last SO AS SOON AS THE consequences for fleets,” said Hollick. year’s spend plus 2% or 3%, so as soon as the Only robust systems for monitoring fuel spend, pump prices rise, a lot of fleet managers will be PUMP PRICES RISE, which have the capacity to mine and analyse the over their fuel budgets, which means they will be data and highlight inconsistencies, will enable A LOT OF FLEET fleet managers to take genuine control of expend- iture, he added. MANAGERS WILL BE The tools and tactics to address these problems and the incentives that companies are using to OVER THEIR FUEL encourage drivers to purchase fuel as if it were their own money they were spending, will be BUDGETS” addressed in the Fleet Operations Theatre at PAUL HOLLICK, ICFM Fleet Live.

02 TELEFONICA Abax Agility AID Fuels Group Alphabet Anglian water Aquarius IT Arval Ashwoods Lightfoot AssetWorksks AAutoGlass Autoserve Avon tyres Axle Weight Technology BMW/Mini Bott BP Oil UK Cap HPI CanTrack Chevin Fleet Solutions Chevronshop EXHIBITORS Crystal Ball DAC Beachcroft DriveTech, part of The AA Engie Engenie Enigma Telematics EMS/FP&S Experian FleetCheckck FlFleetcor Fleet Operations Fleetondemand Ford Free2Move Lease FuelGenie Gefco Greenroad Halfords Haynespro Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions BOOKED Honda Intellidrive Intellitec Interactive Fleet Management Irdeto Jaama Jaguar Land Rover JustPark Joyce Designgn KeKeySafe LeasePlan Lex AutoLease Licence Bureau Licence Check Marshall Leasing Masternaut Matrix Telematics Mercedes-Benz Financial SO FAR Services UK Mileage Count Minieye Momenta National Accident Repair Group National Salvage Nexus Vehicle Rentaltal NFNFE Group Pertemps RED Fleet Driving Training Reflex Responseable Solutions Ltd RingGo Corporate Royal Mail Fleet Scorpion Automotive Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Shell UK Oil Products Telogis TCH Leasing Tevo Tom Tom Telematics Sales Toyota & Lexuss TTC GGroup Venson Automotive Solutions Vision Track VMS Fleet Management Volkswagen Financial Services Volvo Zenith Insight: Vans and O-licences PROPOSED EU RULE CHANGEGES MAY MEAN VAN OPERATORS WILL NEEDNEED 0-LICENCES0 Despite Brexit, vans of 2.5 tonnes-plus may still have to comply with EU rules, especially “All road users benefit from when deliveries take them across the border improved standards of van driving and maintenance” By Steve Banner Mark Cartwright, FTA ans could come within the scope of operators’ licensing (O-licensing) thanks to legislative changes under discussion in Europe; but only certain types of operation would be affected. It stems from a European Commission effective,” Firth says. “Companies must know that if they do proposal to amend two sets of regulations – EC not meet the standards laid down then something will 1071/2009 and EC 1072/2009 – as part of what happen to them.” Vit refers to as the Mobility Package. Vans can be stopped at the roadside, anyway, if they are Assuming the proposal goes through, this means that clearly overloaded or in an un-roadworthy state and the FTA businesses operating vans grossing at 2.5 tonnes and above would prefer to see tougher action in this area before any on international hire and reward work will have to hold an extension of the O-licence is contemplated. O-licence and comply with its requirements. That would, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) among other things, include the installation of a tachograph says that out of the almost 11,000 vans stopped at the roadside and obeying the Drivers Hours rules. annually, more than 60% have serious mechanical defects On the face of it, the number of UK-based light commer- and almost 90% are overloaded. cials likely to be affected is comparatively small. Where it The number stopped is a fraction of a percentage of the four could have an impact, though, is on cross-border traffic million-plus light commercials on UK highways. between Northern Ireland and the Republic. “It’s come about as the consequence of hauliers in Western Van Excellence scheme Europe becoming increasingly annoyed by operators from A more-sensible approach than expanding O-licensing’s Eastern Europe trying to compete with them with vehicles remit, Firth suggests, would be to encourage light commer- that, in theory, are 3.5 tonners but, in practice, may be cial fleets to raise their own standards through initiatives running at a rather higher weight,” says James Firth, head such as Van Excellence and FORS. of road freight regulation policy at the Freight Transport “Every Van Excellence member has made a commitment Association (FTA). to the van’s owner or are being transported on behalf of a third Anyone with a car licence can drive the former. Drive the to aspire to be the very best in the industry,” says FTA head If the regulatory change does come into force then it may party,” Firth says. “While they are sifting through the paper- latter and you have to take and pass a separate test unless of vans, Mark Cartwright. not be until after the UK’s planned departure from the Euro- work, they will not be doing what they should really be doing, you can claim so-called ‘grandfather’ rights. 45.4% “And with an increasing number of vans on the UK’s pean Union next March. British operators could still be which is checking the vehicle’s roadworthiness and weighing You have to hold a driver Certificate of Professional streets, all road users benefit from improved standards of initial fail rate for all affected after that date, however, because, should they cross it to ensure that it is not over-loaded.” Competence too and 7.5-tonners are subject to O-licensing. 3.0-to-3.5-tonners van driving and maintenance.” into EU territory, European enforcement officials may require Regardless of the EC’s proposal, there is an argument in Firth doubts that subjecting Class 7 vehicles and their presented for MOT Firth’s view is shared by Alison Bell, marketing director at them to show evidence that they are O-licence holders. favour of extending the O-licence regime within the UK operators to the rigours of the O-licence would solve the test test in 2016/17 fleet management company Venson Automotive Solutions, “Those officials may, of course, then find themselves having down to three tonnes in order to encompass light commer- failure problem even though annual pass rates for HGVs are who says: “Self-regulation is the best way to go.” to determine whether the goods in the back of a van belong cials grossing at from three to 3.5 tonnes and subject to around 80%, with final fail rates below 10%. In her view it would deliver many of the benefits that could Class 7 MOT tests. “It is something we would be opposed to,” Firth says. flow from an extension of O-licensing, but without resulting Extending the remit of O-licensing to light commercials in additional bureaucracy. MOT failure rates and ensuring that the undertakings operators have to give 35.9% Responsible for some 5,500 light commercials, Venson has “While they (officials) are sifting through the According to the most recent figures from the Driver and in respect of maintenance and the Drivers Hours rules are been helping FTA to deliver a series of short courses for van Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 45.4% of all 3.0-to enforced would be a mammoth task for the DVSA given the final fail rate for all fleet managers under the Certificate of Excellence banner. paperwork they will not be doing what they 3.0-to-3.5-tonners 3.5-tonners presented for their MOT test in 2016/17 failed, number of vehicles that would be involved, he points out. presented for MOT Held at a variety of locations around the country, including with a final fail rate of 35.9%. Both figures are significantly Enforcement could end up being so inadequate that less- test in 2016/17 operators’ premises, and delivered by an FTA trainer, they really should be doing – checking the vehicles” higher than those for any other category of vehicle. scrupulous businesses running vans might be tempted to address topics such as safe and legal loading, maintenance, There has been a significant expansion of the 3.5-tonne ignore the rules entirely because they know they would be speed limits and driver licensing. James Firth, FTA parc in the wake of the rise of online shopping and home unlikely to be caught. They are free and attendees receive a certificate valid for delivery along with anecdotal evidence that 3.5t vans are “Always remember that there are people who will do what three years once the course is completed, says increasingly being used to handle work hitherto undertaken the law says and those who will see what they can get away Bell. As well as raising standards, a key aim of the by 7.5t trucks. with and that, for enforcement to be credible, it must be courses is to prompt greater interest in Van Excel-

26 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 27 adRocket

Insight: Vans and O-licences

lence among fleets that have yet to engage with it. “Typically, each course has from six-to-16 dele- gates and many of them are from local govern- ment, housing associations and public utilities,” she says. “So SING OF πΞ❖¹¹✄ɫ far as the private sector is concerned we tend to see quite a ICEN OP (L E few people from facilities management companies.” S RA LE TO C R In other words, they are organisations who require vans I S H ) but – unlike parcels companies – do not view running them E A V C S T as one of their core activities. GOODS ✄Ξ¹Ο✌✄✌¹➮ πΞℑ←¹←ɫ✄➮ D 1 As a business that provides fleet management services, O 9 O 9 5 Venson believes there are a number of areas light commer- G VEHICLE Same vehicles, same deliveries, same destinations. cial fleets need to home in on to up their game – if they are Oℑ✤ŠÓ←ℑ←¹❖¹¹✄ÓŠΞ¹✣¹♠ℑ¹➯~✌✄¹ξ¹♠Ó✄ŠΠ✣¹✪ℑ✌ not already doing so. Among them is the need to ensure IDENTITY drivers carry out heavy-truck-style daily walk-around ←ΠΞ✄➩ℑ✪ℑ✌ŠÓ←♠Óυ¹✄Ξ¹♠ℑ✄ℑΟ✤ΞÓ✄✪ℑ✌ΞÓ✣¹➮ checks on their vans before they venture out onto the public highway, ensuring, for example, that there are no suspicious DISC Seize your unseen advantage at masternaut.com bulges in tyre sidewalls or broken exterior rear view mirrors. “Wall-around-check apps are now available for smart- phones,” Bell says. A procedure must be in place to ensure VEHICLE KP18 ZNP any defects are rectified. EXPIRES 31/05/19 Occupational road risk also has to be addressed. “If an accident happens then you have to ask why it occurred and whether the driver concerned has been involved in similar incidents in the past,” she says. “It’s about managing individuals as much as it is about managing vehi- cles.” While BT Fleet supports any and all safety initiatives, the only thing that widening the O-licence net would achieve in practice would be to increase fleet overheads. So says Dave to be installed. “Remember that we’ve got 20,000 vans at BT Edwards, its head of transport compliance and chair of the Fleet,” he remarks. Van Excellence governance group. “Legislation does not necessarily improve things,” he says, More transport managers needed agreeing with Firth that it is questionable whether the DVSA Major fleets would need to recruit more transport managers has the resources to cope with van O-licensing. to handle the entire exercise, Edwards says, pushing up An expanded O-licence regime would presumably mean salary bills. that large numbers of light commercials would suddenly be Like Firth and Bell, he believes that allowing the industry subjected to regular statutory safety inspections, says to regulate itself makes more sense, alongside stricter Edwards, resulting in increased downtime and costs. enforcement of existing regulations to catch light commer- Presumably they would also have to be based at nomi- cial owners who behave irresponsibly. nated operating centres. “A lot of our vans are out-based and Nor is it necessarily the builder with the old ex-council these days we simply wouldn’t have the space to park them tipper who is at fault, he stresses. He is concerned that some at our depots,” Edwards says. of the independent couriers who act as sub-contractors to Furthermore, drivers would be faced with having to travel the big parcels companies may be clocking up extremely to depots to pick up their vehicles rather than go to work high mileages without having their two-to-three-year-old straight from home. The cost of running the business would ex-fleet vans serviced or ensuring regular safety checks are increase as a consequence, he points out; and it is the carried out. consumer who would, ultimately, foot the bill. “They may be the worst offenders,” he says. Then there would be the cost and complication of training Edwards agrees with Bell about the importance of daily van drivers to use a tachograph and comply with the Drivers walk-around checks. Hours rules as well as ensuring that they all had the neces- “But they should not be treated as a box-ticking exercise,” sary digital tachograph card; and tachographs would have he insists. “They need to be written into a fleet’s DNA.” They should be backed up by spot checks on vehicles when they leave the company’s premises to ensure worn tyres and cracked windscreens have not been ignored and that there “They (walk-around checks) is no overloading. Managers should ensure that out-based vans are checked, too. should not be treated With almost 400 light and heavy commercial vehicles, leading LPG supplier Flogas is already an O-licence holder. as a box-ticking exercise. “Any lowering of the threshold probably wouldn’t have a huge impact on us – we would be able to comply – but it would They need to be written mean increased administrative complexities,” says fleet manager Stephen Moir. into a fleet’s DNA” “It would, for example, make it more complicated to relocate vehicles from one site to another. “It would also mean retrofitting tachographs to our light Dave Edwards, BT Fleet commercials, some of which may not be able to accept them. On a wider scale, lowering the threshold would potentially put a lot of people out

commercialfleet.org August 2018 29

FP_COMFLEET_372153id3577198.pdf 08.08.2018 15:40 Insight: Vans and O-licences Do you receive “For non-O-licence our free weekly holders, though, it email newsletter? (the introduction Direct to your inbox every of the licences for week, subscribing to the vans) would be Commercial Fleet newsletter ensures you’ll a whole new ball game” always be up-to-date with the fleet industry. Ian Hill, Activa Contracts With industry news, the latest van and truck reviews, Ian Hill, managing director of contract hire and leasing specialist Activa Contracts, agrees with Moir that bringing and the pick of our fleet Class 7 vehicles under the O-licence umbrella would be less management features, of a problem for an existing O-licence holder who is used to make sure you don’t miss the regime than for those who have no experience of the system. Activa has some 1,500 light commercials on its out and register today. books. “For non-O-licence holders, though, it would be a whole To sign up to the free Commercial Fleet newsletters, visit: new ball game,” he says. of business,” he continues. “I’m thinking about Contract hire and fleet management companies would be commercialfleet.org/newsletter-signup local plumbers, gardeners and so on.” on hand to provide support however, he points out. Often self-employed, they would find it difficult if “From their viewpoint it would be no different to what they not impossible to get to grips with all the unexpected rami- have been doing for truck operators for many years in terms fications of O-licensing; not to mention the extra costs they of ensuring that regular services and statutory inspections would have to shoulder. are carried out,” Hill says. Their vehicles would be subject to statutory inspections, he “It wouldn’t spook our industry at all.” says, and that would increase their workshop bills; a point In one respect, O-licence thresholds are rising rather than already made by Edwards. falling. Unlike their diesel counterparts, electric- and gas- “It’s a change that would have a massive, negative impact powered vans are being allowed to operate at up to and should be avoided,” Moir states. “Furthermore, it would 4.25 tonnes gross without an O-licence being required. otel, London The idea is to reward businesses that have opted to run rk Plaza H be horrendously expensive for the Government to police it, ter Bridge Pa given the number of vehicles that would be involved.” environmentally-friendly vehicles despite the fact that the Westmins additional weight of the battery packs or gas tanks that are 018 Sufficient funding required cuts their payload. It will be interesting to see ber 2 On the question of cost, an O-licence imposes a financial whether this concession continues as the number of light vem SHARE o CONVERSE standing requirement on the holder. Traffic commissioners commercials powered by alternative fuels grows and the h N 6t CELEBRATE need to be sure the business concerned has sufficient weight of the technology they use falls. NETWORK funding available to maintain its vehicles. The situation could change if the Mobility Package referred MEET Standard national and international licence holders have to to earlier is implemented and written into UK law. At present show that they have £7,950 available for their first vehicle and there are no plans to reduce the O-licence threshold, says £4,400 for each of their other vehicles – figures set by the DVSA head of enforcement policy, Gordon McDonald. The European Union. “Any initiative to change this would need to involve lengthy The figures for restricted licence holders are £3,100 and consultation,” he says. “The impact on operators in terms of £1,700 respectively and are set by the UK’s Office of the cost, burden and proportionality would all be important Traffic Commissioner, which had just started a consultation factors which would need to be considered.” networking at the time of writing to determine whether or not they should That is not to say that irresponsible light commercial be lifted. owners can look forward to an easy ride, he stresses. They have not been increased since 2004. “The DVSA’s priority is to protect the public from unsafe of the year It seems unlikely that financial standing requirements of a drivers and vehicles,” he says. “One of the ways in which it dinner similar size would be required for vans; but even if they were addresses compliance issues in the light goods vehicle Headline sponsor Associate sponsors set at no more than, say, £1,000 a vehicle, the burden on sector is to include these vehicles as part of its enforcement fleets would be substantial. regime, which includes checking vehicles at the roadside and While it is difficult to establish a correlation between the issuing prohibitions for roadworthiness issues where two, the roll-out of Van Excellence and similar initiatives has appropriate.” coincided with a gradual improvement in Class 7 pass rates. O-licensing remains a weapon that a future government In 2013/14 the initial fail rate was 50.3% with a final fail rate could wield if it is not satisfied that businesses that run light of 40.9%. In 2014/15 the figures fell to 48.9% and 39.2% commercials are adhering to the standards expected of respectively, and to 46.8% and 37.2% in 2015/16. them. It’s a good argument for embracing Van Excellence, www.fn50event.co.uk The 2016/17 figures referred to earlier reveal a further FORS or other programmes with the aim of ensuring the Book your table now – visit decline. weapon is never unsheathed. For bookings contact Emma Bunceon 01733 395133or email [email protected]. Limited premium tables and tables of 12 also available.

30 August 2018 commercialfleet.org Advertisement feature Insight: Remarketing Strong demand keeps LCV INTEREST RATES, WLTP, CAZs AND values at near record levels TAXES CAUSING LCV CONFUSION

verage LCV values in With so many imponderables June saw a slight facing fleet decision-makers Areduction from May with values slipping by just £39 (0.5%) it’s hardly surprising sales to £7,463. Despite this, the June figure is of new vans are softening still the fourth highest on record at BCA and year-on-year values and interest in the used remain ahead by more than £1,000 (15.5%). Both mileage and market is on the increase age reduced compared to a year ago.

Fleet and lease By Dean Bowkett Fleet/lease and nearly-new fter two good months for the second quarter, June values reduced, month-on- saw new LCV sales drop 5.8% to 35,182. month, but dealer part- The uncertainty around Brexit, concerns about exchange values improved by investing in new vehicles while councils remain inconsistent with their clean air zone plans (CAZ) 3.5% to reach the second highest Aand speculation about a 0.25% rise in the Bank of England’s point on record. Figures remain among the highest on record although small drops were experienced base rate (which was confirmed early last month) have Fleet and lease LCV values helped push down investment in new vans resulting in fell by £198 (2.3%) to £8,180 in latter factors will have Nearly-new sales for the first half of 2018 of 180,696, a 2.3% fall June, still the fourth highest contributed to the significant Following four consecutive Fleet/leasing compared with 2017. value on record and price evolution in the past year. monthly rises, nearly-new LCV June 2018 The Bank of England increased the base rate to 0.75%, compliance as businesses significantly ahead of the same values fell back to £16,414 in citing low unemployment, the inflationary impact of rising continue to look for ways to meet June 2017 period last year. Retained value Part-exchange June, down by £634 (3.7%) 38.76 wages and attributing the slowdown in the first quarter to the impending CAZs across the against MRP (manufacturer Average part-exchange LCV compared to May. 39.44 the Beast from the East bad weather. The base rate had country. recommended price) fell by half values improved by £154 (3.5%) Year-on-year, average been upped from 0.25% to 5% last November. According to Spencer, franchised dealers 58,557 Domestic demand is a key driver of growth for the UK seem to be following the lead of the inde- a point to 40.25%. to £4,545 in June 2018, the nearly-new values are close to 59,686 and according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the pendents and “increasing their focus on Compared to June 2017, the second highest point on record. £3,000 ahead although this has average British household spent £900 more than they stocking and selling more used vans” which year-on-year differential for fleet Values were up by £483 (11.8%) to be taken in the context of the £8,180 received in income in 2017. should be music to the ears of the daily rental & lease vans is a substantial compared to June 2017, despite very low volumes reaching the £7,174 This is the first time average domestic finances were in industry. £1,006 (14.0%), with average age comparative age and mileage market, the model mix factor deficit since the 1980s. BCA is also reporting strong performance in and mileage falling. Both these rising over the period. and availability of stock. It is also worth noting that wage growth may be rising, the nearly new sector. According to BCA, the £16,414 Part-exchange but it is still below pre-crisis levels. average age of vans dropped by a couple of We also have unsecured household debt climbing to a weeks to 867 months and average mileage fell average value of vans reported June 2018 record high of more than £205 billion, of which £69bn is 13% to 10,203 but the average value by BCA 80.32 June 2017 debt being hidden from one partner by the other, according shot up by 21.8% to £16,414. All LCVs 2017-2018 to a recent survey. In addition to CAZs, a further compli- 79.61 £8,000 That hidden debt equates to an average of £8,293 per cation for LCV trade sellers is the utter 89,282 person according to the survey carried out by poll company confusion around WLTP (the Worldwide £7,500 Opinium for Direct Line Life Insurance. harmonised Light vehicle Test Proce- 85,285 With rising costs to borrow and concerns about domestic dure), which may explain the move from 19% £7,000 £4,545 demand falling it is little wonder companies are becoming new to used among trade buyers. staggering increase in prices more reluctant to invest in new equipment. The September deadline for new model reported by Manheim £6,500 £4,062 compared to the same New LCV sales loses continue to be used van sales gains, introductions is all but upon us (September month last year as the used commercial vehicle market remains strong 2019 for all LCV registrations) and yet £6,000 compared to this time last year. there is a real lack of clarity around the Shoreham Vehicle Auction (SVA) commercial vehicle implications for fuel consumption and £5,500 Average age (months) sales manager Tim Spencer seems to agree, citing that CO2 emissions. Average mileage “some end user customers are prepared to pay £15,000- Cap HPI also points out that the drop £5,000 Average value 25,000 for a nearly new van rather than buying a new one.” in new LCV sales could actually result Jun Jan Oct Apr Feb Sep Dec July Nov Mar Aug May May June His reference relates to nearly-new ex-rental stock from in a dearth of stock to meet six-to-18 months old and this seems to be due to the demand as we approach the demand in the market for used vans meeting Euro 6 end of 2018 and into 2019. The UK and Europe’s largest used vehicle marketplace

Log on to bca.co.uk or call 0844 875 3480 commercialfleet.org August 2018 33 CFA18_FPAD(Entries)2.qxp_Layout 1 08/08/2018 14:15 Page 1

Insight: Remarketing ENTRY DEADLINE Want to give your team their time in Andy Picton, Glass’s chief commercial vehicle 28 editor, reported average prices falling by 1.7% in the spotlight? June compared to the previous month. While he also noted the average age increased by 1.1 months to 63.1 SEPT months and mileage rising by 1,500 miles that is not enough to cover all of the drop in prices. 2018 But before panic sets in about a potential collapse in used ENTER NOW! van prices, the rest of the gap noted by Picton is little more than the softening of values we often see as we head into Picton noted: “Anything the holiday season and prices remain the best part of a requiring more than a minimum of £1,000 higher than June 2017. preparation has found prices and Entries now open for fleets, suppliers and manufacturers to receive BCA also saw June LCV values easing back over the interest fall away.” previous month with BCA COO UK Remarketing Stuart The increase in interest rates will add to the pres- the recognition you deserve within the fleet sector and beyond. Pearson reporting: “Fleet and lease LCV values fell by £198 sure to avoid LCVs having to be funded while they are tied (2.3%) to £8,180 in June.” But, he added that this is still “the up being refurbished. fourth highest value on record and significantly ahead of If you are due to offload your current stock of vans it the same period last year”. may be worth keeping this in mind. With a shortage of According to data from BCA, the 14% year-on-year quality stock in the large van sector, in particular, it may increase in fleet and lease van sales prices to £8,180 was be worth considering getting your vans refurbished partly due to the average age falling by around three weeks before entering them into the auction halls and capital- to 38.76 months and average mileage dropping by 1.9% to ising on this gap. 58,557 but market demand remains the key driver to price Maybe the different reports we are seeing from the increases. auction houses and the trade guides may explain why, Cap HPI is not perfectly aligned with Glass’s as it reported in Spencer’s words, we should “throw the used the average age as falling by a month to 60 months although value guides out of the window as buyers will it also saw mileage rising from 75,631 to 76,993. pay whatever it takes to secure the right Manheim seems to be seeing a much stronger market stock”. than others with June prices up 3% from the £6,125 in May That said, 4x4 pick-ups still do not seem to be and a staggering 19% over June 2017, with age and mileage the right stock for most buyers with demand holding steady. remaining low as Picton noted “too many in the Picton also noted conversion rates tailing off, down to marketplace and with indifferent demand”. 80% in June from 83.3% the previous month, but still The one thing the guides and auction houses seem outperforming June 2017. to agree on is that the holiday season should see Once again, the auction houses are not fully aligned to the little more than a slight calming of the waters before trade guides with Matthew Davock, head of LCV at Manheim demand picks up again in September. But with reporting conversion rates improving by 9% compared with interest rates, CAZs, WLTP and taxation rules I 2017 to 84.4%. Spencer said SVA was also still hitting 90%+ think many will need a rather stiff drink. conversion rates. Maybe the heatwave is making some reluctant to buy in For the latest news on the stock needing to go into overly warm workshops but Online remarketing sector, visit demand continues to focus on ready-to-retail LCVs with commercialfleet.org/remarketing plenty of equipment.

What the experts say “Fleet and lease LCV “Anything requiring “Throw the used values fell to £8,180 – more than a value guides out of still the fourth highest minimum of the window as buyers value on record and preparation has found will pay whatever it Thursday 29th November 2018 | Hilton Birmingham Metropole significantly ahead of the prices and interest takes to secure the same period last year” fall away” right stock” Book your table now at www.commercialfleetawards.co.uk Stuart Pearson, BCA Andy Picton, Glass’s Tim Spencer, SVA or contact Emma Bunce on 01733 395133or [email protected]

Current 2018 sponsors 34 August 2018 commercialfleet.org First drives

MODEL: PROTOTYPE MERCEDES-BENZ eVITO AND eSPRINTER Mercedes tests two models with an eye on the desire for larger electric vans with acceptable cargo volumes

By Simon Harris lectric vans may be coming of age. The bulk of the Basic price (est) volume in the fledgling electric van market in the £55,000 UK to date has been in small vehicles, but a number of manufacturers have plans to roll out electric versions of larger vans. Payload Many potential users say that to work effectively, kg they need the cargo volume of larger vans. Those 900 Eusing them as multi-drop delivery vehicles around towns or cities would run out of cargo before they run out of charge Range in a Nissan e-NV200 or a Renault Kangoo ZE. Renault plans to launch the Master ZE at the end of the year, 93 miles Volkswagen is trialling the eCrafter and Mercedes-Benz has electric versions of the Vito and Sprinter in the pipeline. C02 emissions The eVito is expected to make its debut in production form No firm date has been set for at the IAA in Hannover in September, with UK sales begin- 0g/km the start of eSprinter sales ning early in 2019. The eSprinter is expected at a later date. SPEC Mercedes-Benz will also launch an electric version of the Mercedes-Benz eVito 2019 Citan after both the larger vans have gone on sale. On sale: Mercedes-Benz claims that, even fully laden in winter, a via a DC charging infrastructure will also be possible. SPEC €150 million (£135m) in the electrification of its commercial We had the chance to get behind the wheel of prototype Range: 93 miles range of 62 miles is still possible. With a 7.2 kW AC charging The eSprinter is available with four battery packs to offer product range. versions of the Vito and Sprinter ahead of the UK pricing and Wall-box charge time: 6 hours system the battery can be fully charged in around six hours. similar performance to the eVito but, for customers who Mercedes-Benz eSprinter The investments will go into the adaptation of existing tech- specification being agreed. 2019 nologies and into its own development activities. Power (PS/rpm): 114 The eVito and eSprinter have a peak output of 114PS and don’t need the maximum 93-mile potential range, it’s On sale: Both vans have battery cells mounted low in the chassis so up to 300Nm of torque. The continuous output is 95PS. This possible to specify the van with three batteries and offer a 93 miles* For example, there was a Sprinter F Cell hydrogen fuel cell Torque (Nm/rpm): 221 Range: as not to encroach on the cargo capacities. This positioning means performance is comparable with that of a 111 CDI payload of more than a tonne (1,040kg instead of 900kg). 8 hours vehicle concept underpinning a motorhome body on display Max speed: 74mph Wall-box charge time: also helps ensure a low centre of gravity when loaded. with diesel engine. The eSprinter, therefore, can be compared In line with Mercedes-Benz’s strategy of becoming what it 114 alongside the battery electric vans, although no date has yet Load volume (cu m): 6.6 Power (PS/rpm): Three batteries are used in the eVito. These provide a total to the Sprinter 311 CDI. describes as a holistic provider of mobility products, there 221 been suggested for that powertrain going into production. installed battery capacity of 41.4 kWh and a range of up to Payload (kg): 1,000kg-plus The eVito can be charged at a public charging station or at are offers that can optimise fleet management processes. Torque (Nm/rpm): Rather that Mercedes-Benz is keen to demonstrate the 74mph 93 miles. Price: TBC £50,000 estimated home, or from a depot wallbox. In the future, rapid charging As well as the Mercedes Pro Connect services, Mercedes- Max speed: potential of various electrified platforms. Benz Vans is planning to offer a further connectivity package Load volume (cu m): 10.5 Although the interior designs of the eVito and eSprinter specifically for electric commercial vehicles. Payload (kg): 900kg* were not finalised, we had a decent feel for how they would Sales of the eVito are This includes a fleet management system specific to elec- Price: TBC £55,000 estimated perform in urban areas. expected to start next year tric vehicles that, for example, takes account of the charge * 1,040kg payload version available Both vehicles were lively in low-speed traffic, and have the level of the vehicles as well as range and temperature condi- with 70-mile range capacity to vary the level of energy recuperation when decel- tions when planning routes. erating. On top of this there are intelligent load compartment provi- With the maximum setting selected, drivers would need to sions and mobility services such as leasing offers and use the brake pedal less and businesses might find brake options for short-term rental. pad replacement is a less frequent occurrence. By 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans will have invested around KEY RIVAL There are four drive modes, with an ‘eco’ mode restricting power and able to make the charge stretch a little further. Renault Master ZE L2 H2 Preliminary range data has been collated in the default drive On sale: Late 2018 mode, meaning selecting ‘eco’ could see the range increased Basic price (est) Range: TBC beyond the predicted 93 miles maximum. £50,000 Wallbox charge time: 6 hours Mercedes-Benz wasn’t able to offer firm guidance on price Power (PS/rpm): 80 so far ahead of the market launch, but both vans show much Torque (Nm/rpm): 200 promise for those operators who can take advantage of Payload Max speed: 62mph electric power. 1,000kg Load volume (cu m): 10.8 Payload (kg): 1,056 VERDICT Price: TBC £50,000 estimated Range Electric vans are improving with each generation as powertrains become more efficient. Engineers are 93 miles targeting that crucial range window where short- range delivery vehicles and professional technicians could make the best use of them. We look forward to C02 emissions A simple dash in the seeing this early promise of the prototypes carried 0g/km Mercedes-Benz eVito through to production versions when we drive them.

36 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 37 Driven Long-term test

MODEL: BLUE POWER RANGE MODEL: LL29 DCI 145 FORMULA EDITION IVECO DAILY Latest Daily trio aim to put operators in the good books of clean air authorities RENAULT TRAFIC Trapped spectacles means Trafic slips slightly in our estimation – but only slightly

Basic price £26,000

Payload 1,356kg

Fuel economy 35.1mpg

The new Daily is easy to convert C02 emissions and is capable of handling heavier loads than its competitors 213g/km

Price as tested Fuel economy By Matt de Prez Up to 1,300kg can be carried in 3.5-tonne versions, veco’s new trio of Blue Power Daily models are aimed SPEC although Iveco says a 4.25-tonne version is available with a £32,210 46.3mpg at tackling the latest demands from legislators to lower Daily Euro 6 RDE-Ready 35S16 greater payload to suit licencing changes, which allow Reversing camera tailpipe emissions. Power (PS/rpm): 136 drivers with a car licence to drive electric vehicles with a helped avert injury Payload C02 emissions The range includes diesel-, gas- and electric-powered Torque (Nm/rpm): 350 gross weight of 4.25 tonnes instead of 3.5 tonnes. to a girl who wasn’t versions of the existing Daily. Load volume (cu m): 18 Iveco doesn’t have an official price list as its dealers nego- 1,280kg 160g/km paying attention The Daily RDE-ready uses a revised version of the Payload (kg): 1,356 tiate with individual buyers on a case-by-case basis, but a existing 2.3-litre diesel engine. In real world testing it two battery model costs around £84,000. A 20% Govern- Comb fuel economy (mpg): 35.1 meets the 2020 RDE-2 emissions regulations. The result is ment grant reduces this to £64,000. By Trevor Gehlcken I 2 211 (NEDC) achieved by fitting an AdBlue system in conjunction with CO emissions (g/km): The manufacturer claims that an electric model operated o sooner had I typed the words “this van ticks SPEC Basic price (ex-VAT): £26,000 (est) Iveco’s Euro 6 SCR technology. in London becomes cost-neutral against a diesel within six every box for me” and opined that the Trafic had Gross vehicle weight (kg): 2,960 Operators should expect a fuel saving of 7% compared years due to savings in congestion charge and fuel. zero minus points about it than I was cussing Power (PS/rpm): 145/3,500 with the standard diesel model, although it is expected to All Daily models benefit from a robust and logical interior and swearing over our poor hard-pressed long- Torque (Nm/rpm): 340/1,500 cost £800-£1,000 more. Daily Natural Power 35S14 layout, which clearly draws from Iveco’s truck experience. termer. couldn’t see anything in the rear view mirrors but a glance Load volume (cu m): 6.0 The 3.5-tonne van comes with payloads ranging from Power (PS/rpm): 136 The body-on-chassis construction means the Daily is easy This ‘fault’ is not exclusive to the Trafic – indeed at the reversing camera screen on the dash revealed a girl Payload (kg): 1,280 1,099kg to 1,356kg – around 40kg less than non RDE-ready Torque (Nm/rpm): 350 to convert and more capable at dealing with heavier loads most vans are guilty of it – but why, oh why, can’t aged about 14 chatting to her mate on her mobile, oblivious Comb fuel economy (mpg): 46.3 diesel versions. Load volume (cu m): 18 that its competitors. Nthe various manufacturers do something to alleviate it? of the fact that my reversing lights were on and I had almost Actual fuel economy (mpg): 42.8 For operators working in an urban environment, the Daily Payload (kg): 1,062 As a truck manufacturer, Iveco offers the same high-level This particular niggle involves my reading glasses and the backed into her. She was hidden from my line of sight. Natural Power (NP) Hi-Matic combines a natural gas engine aftersales support and 24-hour dealership service to its van CO2 emissions (g/km): 160 Comb fuel economy (mpg): 22.4 van’s seat. I rather stupidly placed my specs on the passenger I got out of the van and tried as politely as I could to explain with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. customers as it does to truck ones. seat and, as soon as I went round a bend, they whizzed off Price as tested (ex-VAT): £32,210 the folly of her ways, but, sad to say, instead of a red-faced CO2 emissions (g/km): 251 (NEDC) When running on compressed natural gas (CNG), the Daily Of the three variants the diesel still demonstrates the best and located themselves somewhere in the murky depths of Current mileage: 2,937 apology to yours truly, I was treated to a mouthful of abuse. Basic price (ex-VAT): £30,000 (est) NP emits 251g/km of CO2 (NEDC). Iveco says it actually emits all-round package. the cab where I had never even looked before. The girl may not have learned a lesson here, but I surely did. 5% less CO2 than a regular diesel in real-world conditions RDE-ready models will suit fleets with longer lifecycles Try as I might I couldn’t even see them until I had pushed Always trust your onboard technology. and this will be reflected in upcoming WLTP testing, which that are concerned about future emissions restrictions. They the driver’s seat as far forward as it would go and there they Of course, the problem with rearward cameras and comes into effect next September. Daily Electric also offer the best driving experience with strong torque and were, nestled in a hollow wedged between two bits of metal. “Instead of a sensors is that the fleet manager can struggle to assess During independent testing by LowCVP, a Daily NP emitted Power (PS/rpm): 80 refinement. My wife managed to move them after about 10 minutes of their true value. A driver is hardly likely to go to the boss at less than 200g/km during real-world motorway testing. Torque (Nm/rpm): 200 While the gas-powered Daily is a sound alternative to diesel trying, just enough for me to hook them up with a knife. red-faced the end of the day’s work and admit he almost backed into Using bio-gas can further reduce emissions, by up to 95%. Load volume (cu m): 18 in terms of usability, the fuelling infrastructure restricts it to I’m sure I’m not alone when I relate this tale of woe, so my a lady with a pram or, indeed, a concrete post. Combined with the automatic gearbox, driver fatigue should Payload (kg): 1,306 shorter routes or smaller areas. question to all van manufacturers is this – why do there have apology, I was If these sensors are not a standard fitting, then they should be reduced. The driving experience is similar to the diesel. It Range: 80 to be so many unreachable little nooks and crannies under be the first thing to be added on the list of extras. They will is also quieter, so better suited to night-time deliveries. a van’s seats? pay for themselves time and time again, believe me. CO2 emissions (g/km): 0 The 3.5-tonne versions offer payloads spanning 795 -1,062kg. VERDICT A more serious incident of note occurred the other day – treated to a I made it a crusade during my time as editor of our previous Basic price (ex-VAT): £60,000 (est) Gas tanks fitted to the chassis provide storage for 190-250 Our test of the Daily Electric took it out of its comfort and one which left me realising just how important the incarnation Fleet Van to call for reversing sensors to be made litres of gas, which give a range of more than 250 miles. zone and onto country lanes where it struggled with modern technology we get on vans nowadays really is. mouthful of a legal fitment on all commercial vehicles. The Daily Electric offers a zero-emission solution for inner- hills and provided disappointing performance. After buying some goods at a local supermarket, I climbed It would be an easy law to enact but sadly, as of today, no city use. It has a range of around 80 miles, although addi- However, in a city these issues would be less relevant into the van, switched the engine on, put the gear lever in abuse” such legislation seems to be on the horizon. As I am now tional batteries can be specified – at the expense of payload – especially for multi-drop deliveries. reverse and immediately the reversing bleepers told me past retiring age, maybe my younger colleagues could take – increasing the range to 125 miles. something was amiss. I had been about to back up as I up the cudgels where I left off.

38 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 39 Driven

MODEL: FT SILENT MODEL: FAQ EIGHT-WHEELER DAF CF 450 Engineers have done a good job with the latest CF cab facelift

By Tim Blakemore the strong impression that this growth is set to accelerate. he total UK truck market (at 6.0 tonnes gvw This eight-wheeler’s maximum plated gross weight in the and above) shrank a little last year, down Netherlands is 36 tonnes, with a nine tonne limit on the steel- 2.6% to just more than 45,000 registrations sprung front axle, eight tonnes on the leading tridem axle, 11.5 from 46,200 in 2016, a report shows. on the drive axle, and 7.5 on the trailing axle, all air-suspended. It lists the four top-selling truck manufac- With a Hiab crane mounted behind the cab and concrete blocks turers, in descending order, as Daf (down on its dropside body this test truck grosses around 30 tonnes. 4.4% year-on-year), Mercedes (up 9.0%), The CF cab is definitely starting to show its age (it dates TScania (down 6.4%) and Volvo Trucks (up 1.5%). back to just before the crash of the old Daf Trucks in 1993, That is about the limit of what is revealed by the latest three years before the Paccar takeover) by comparison with skimpy truck registration information, published frus- the latest offerings from the likes of Scania, Mercedes-Benz, tratingly late as always, from the Society of Motor Manu- Renault Trucks and Volvo. facturers and Traders (SMMT). But Daf engineers have done a good job with the latest CF Dig a little deeper into 2017 truck sales figures from cab facelift. Rumours abound about a wholly new Daf cab non-SMMT sources and you will find bigger and more under development. Everyone at the Paccar company, natu- intriguing variations from one sector to another. rally, remains tight-lipped on the subject. One of the most volatile recently has been the multi- The most impressive aspect of this truck from a driver’s axle rigid sector where Scania continues to rule the point of view is surely its ZF TraXon 12-speed, automated The XF’s cab gets a thumbs roost in eight-wheeler sales but with Volvo snapping at manual gearbox (AMT). up from drivers for its space its heels more fiercely than for a long time, closely Daf was slow by comparison with rivals in moving from followed by Daf Trucks. manual to automated manual gearboxes. Yet it has been So, when I was faced with a line-up of five of the latest among the front-runners in adopting the latest TraXon, a in continental Europe than in the UK, where three- Engaging Silent mode is said to cut exterior models from Daf’s CF range at the company’s test track replacement for the AS Tronic. axle tractors and 44-tonnes gcw predominate. noise from the truck to below a whispering 71 VERDICT in the Netherlands last month, the one I reckoned would The performance of this eight-wheeler makes Daf’s enthu- DAF XF 450 This XF bristles with equipment that will bring dB(A). My experience with this XF 450 FT Silent be of particular interest to many UK operators is an siasm for the TraXon easy to understand. All shifts, up and smiles to the faces of many UK transport leaves me confident in the veracity of that claim. The cab design is eight-wheeler – the CF 450 FAQ. down, are silky smooth and perfectly timed. Ratios and shift Owner-drivers who sleep in the managers, finance directors and drivers alike. The XF cab may be the oldest on the market but a great example of The three letter suffix in Daf’s model identification points match the characteristics of the CF’s 10.8-litre MX-11 cab might put Night Lock option There is nothing old-fashioned about the XF’s the Night Lock option surely can make it one of “if it isn’t broken, system tells you that this is an 8x2, with a tridem (three- engine flawlessly. 10.8-litre, MX-11 engine. It went into production five the most secure. don’t fix it”. axle) bogie with two axles, one ahead of the drive axle at top of their shopping list years ago and has earned a reputation as a highly It was developed in response to a spate of truck The Daf XF 450 FT and one behind it, that are both liftable and steered. fuel-efficient, flexible and reliable power unit. robberies in which villains forced open cab doors Silent offers a Tridem eight-wheelers attracted little interest in the UK VERDICT Last year the engine was tweaked as part of the while the driver was asleep inside. relaxed drive while until a few years ago when Volvo began to push the idea, By Tim Blakemore latest CF and XF rejig which is claimed to deliver Daf’s well-thought-out answer is a stout addi- quietly going about mainly to operators looking to combine the manoeuvra- The CF 450’s manoeuvrability, steering precision sk the average driver of a Daf XF an overall fuel economy gain of up to 7%. tional mechanical lock mounted on the cab’s its business. As a bility of a six-wheeler with the payload-carrying ability and all-round agility for a rigid truck of this weight, about the age of its cab design and Engine speed has been cut slightly and power sidewall. A hardened steel pin slides into the door cure for driver of an eight-wheeler. length and axle configuration are mightily chances are that he or she will be and torque boosted to compensate. armrest when the lock is activated. nightmares its Night Daf soon jumped on the eight-wheeler tridem band- impressive. What Daf has done with the ZF Traxon blissfully unaware that it dates back In the XF I drove the maximum power rating is Ease of use was a crucial consideration so a Lock option takes wagon and after a slow start sales began to climb in the CF raises the bar for automated manual more than 30 years. 330kW at only 1,600rpm, with generous peak driver can escape quickly in an emergency. One some beating. healthily. A closer look at the latest FAQ and a short drive gearboxes higher still. The 95-series Daf range was torque of 2,300Nm at 900-1,125rpm. The engine press of a red button disengages the lock. on the test track and surrounding roads left me with unveiled in 1987, with an all-new cab drives through the excellent 12-speed ZF TraXon Ato replace that of the successful 2800/3600 series. automated manual gearbox to the latest Daf Daf had formed a joint venture called Cabtec single-reduction drive axle with a tall ratio of Push of a button activates Daf’s CF 450 FAQ should be of the Silent Mode particular interest to UK operators with Enasa, a Spanish state-owned truck-making 2.38:1. The net result, with a loaded tri-axle boxvan group, long-since defunct, of which Seddon semi-trailer taking gross combination weight to Atkinson was a subsidiary, to design and build its around 36 tonnes, is a relaxed drive, with excep- new and much-needed long-haul truck cab. tionally low interior cab noise levels at cruising It is surely a powerful testament to the skill and speeds, even by today’s high standards. foresight of the Cabtec engineers, all retired long But the three stand-out features of this particular ago, that their design lives on in the XF. The struc- truck are its superb Jacobs engine brake – highly ture of today’s XF cab is fundamentally the same effective at low engine speeds and backed up here as that of a 1987 95-series. in a belt and braces move with a ZF Intarder Remarkably, the XF cab at least holds its own in hydraulic retarder – plus the options of Silent most driver opinion polls by comparison with far Mode and a Night Lock. more modern rivals. The Silent option is available throughout the Daf The reason can be summed up in one word: space. range (LF, CF and XF) and is designed to lower The boxy XF cab has bags of it. But Daf’s current exterior truck noise levels enough to meet limits engineers also deserve credit for having repeat- for deliveries in urban areas at night. edly updated the XF with features that have strong Just a push of a button activates the system. The appeal for drivers and operators alike. engine’s electronic control unit then lowers engine An XF 450 FT I drove on a short route close to speed and torque. More than this, the gearbox is the Daf Trucks’ test track near Eindhoven last encapsulated in additional noise-absorbing mate- month illustrates the point vividly. rial and its shift control software is adapted so that It is a two-axle tractor, designed for the five-axle, shifts are made at lower engine speeds, thus 40-tonnes-gcw artic operation that is more popular cutting noise emission further.

40 August 2018 commercialfleet.org commercialfleet.org August 2018 41 First drives Contact us Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood, Inside the Peterborough PE2 6EA. Email – fl[email protected] MODEL: E-XDI220 EX Editorial Editor-in-chief Stephen Briers 01733 468024 September issue [email protected] Deputy editor SSANGYONG MUSSO Sarah Tooze 01733 468901 [email protected] News editor Musso drives like a good pick-up should and proves that cheap does not have to be synonymous with nasty Gareth Roberts 01733 468314 [email protected] Features editor Andrew Ryan 01733 468308 Basic price [email protected] Head of digital £19,995 Fleet profile Jeremy Bennett 01733 468261 [email protected] Web producer SSE Elizabeth Howlett 01733 468655 Payload [email protected] Staff writer 3,205kg Spotlight Matt de Prez 01733 468277 [email protected] Contributors FORS Steve Banner, Dean Bowkett, Trevor Fuel economy Gehlcken, Simon Harris, John Lewis Photos 40.1mpg Spotlight Chris Lowndes Production Continental/autonomous trucks Head of publishing Luke Neal 01733 468262 C02 emissions Production editors Insight David Buckley 01733 468310 211g/km Finbarr O’Reilly 01733 468267 Designer Conversions – racking and fit-out innovations for your van and truck Erika Small 01733 468312 Advertising Commercial director Vehicles Sarah Crown 01733 366466 B2B commercial manager The Musso Rebel is capable Volkswagen eCrafter, Renault Trafic long-termer, Iveco X-Way eight-wheeler Sheryl Graham 01733 366467 of carrying a one-tonne payload Account directors Lisa Turner 01733 366471 Stuart Wakeling 01733 366470 Account managers Emma Rogers 01733 363219 By Matt de Prez The ride is much better than before, although heavy duty Karl Houghton 01733 366309 ith a starting price of £19,995 (OTR) the SPEC rear suspension – required for the Musso’s high payload – Head of project management Gross vehicle weight (kg): 3,205 Leanne Patterson 01733 468332 new SsangYong Musso is the cheapest means that it still jiggles about a bit too much when it is Project managers double-cab pick-up on the market, a Power (PS/rpm): 181/4,000 unladen. Niamh Walker-Booth 01733 468327 title its predecessor also held. 400/1,400-2,800 SsangYong intends to revise the suspension settings prior Kerry Unwin 01733 468578 Torque (Nm/rpm): Chelsie Tate 01733 468338 Unlike its predecessor, the new Musso 1,095 to the first customer deliveries later this month. Upcoming Telesales/recruitment Payload (kg): commercialfleet.org [email protected] doesn’t use its low price as a caveat for Comb fuel economy (mpg): 40.1 Nonetheless, it means the Musso is capable of carrying a poor quality. one-tonne payload and a 3.5-tonne trailer, at the same time. The only website that matters for van and truck fleet operators 01733 468275/01733 468328 CO2 emissions (g/km): 211 SsangYong has made a considerable effort to improve the As a double cab, the Musso’s load bed size is limited. It Events W 4.77 Event director SMR (ppm): Musso, using its new Rexton SUV as the base. measures 1,300mm x 1,570mm, with a depth of 570mm – events Chris Lester 38.79 Claims that it “drives like an SUV” are a little far-fetched, Running cost (ppm): less space than you get in a Toyota Hilux double cab. September 12-13 Event manager £19,995 LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS Sandra Evitt 01733 468123 unless you are comparing it to one from the 1980s, but the Basic price (ex-VAT): Passenger space is more than sufficient, though. The Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Event Senior event planner Musso certainly drives like a good pick-up should. Musso’s interior is as accommodating as that of a large SUV Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedford Kate Howard 01733 468146 The latest van and truck news from across the industry is Event administrator Refinement has been a key aspect of the new truck’s devel- and the fit and finish is vastly improved. Emma Bunce 01733 395133 posted each day – look out for our weekly Friday newsletter. September 20-27 opment. Its engine is uncannily quiet; to the point where you There are still a few hard plastics but no worse than you’ll Publishing have to question if it is actually a diesel. We pulled over to find in any of the market-leading pick-ups. IAA CV Managing director check. Sure enough, under the bonnet sits SsangYong’s own Base models (EX) feature digital radio and Bluetooth, plus Hannover Tim Lucas 01733 468340 Group marketing manager 2.2-litre diesel motor. It produces 181PS and 400Nm of torque. electric windows, remote locking and automatic wiper and Lauren Annis 01733 468295 It comes with switchable four-wheel drive and a choice of headlight activation. CASE STUDIES AND INSIGHT Office manager Jane Hill 01733 468319 a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Rebel, costing £22,495, comes with imitation leather Group managing director On the motorway there is little wind noise and, overall, KEY RIVAL upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-inch Discover how van and truck fleets have tackled cost, safety and Rob Munro-Hall Chief executive officer drivability is very positive. Isuzu D-Max Utility DoubleCab touchscreen infotainment system and a reversing camera. environmental issues with our archive of profiles and insight. Paul Keenan Range-topping Saracen models cost £24,995 and feature Gross vehicle weight (kg): 3,050 Commercial Fleet is published 12 times a year by Bauer nappa leather seats with electric adjustment, a 9.2-inch Consumer Media Ltd. Registered address: Media House, Power (PS/rpm): 164/3,600 Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, infotainment screen with sat-nav and cruise control. Peterborough, PE2 6EA. Registered number 01176085. Torque (Nm/rpm): 360/2,000-2,500 No part of the magazine may be reproduced in any form Fleets should expect up to 40mpg from the Musso, with VAN RUNNING COST CALCULATORS in whole or in part, without prior permission of the Payload (kg): 1,106 CO2 emissions rated at 211g/km. publisher. All material published remains the copyright 40.4 of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Comb fuel economy (mpg): SsangYong has increased its warranty proposition, so We reserve the right to edit letters, copy or images Our interactive calculators let you compare vans on price, without further consent. CO2 emissions (g/km): 183 customers now get seven years or 150,000 miles of cover. The submission of material to Bauer Media whether CO2 and running cost (fuel, SMR and residual values). unsolicited or requested, is taken as permission to SMR (ppm): 5.80 publish in the magazine. Any fees paid in the UK include remuneration for any use in any other licensed editions. Running cost (ppm): 37.93 October 9-10 Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure Fleet Live accuracy, the publisher is not responsible for any errors Basic price (ex-VAT): £20,409 VERDICT or omissions nor do we accept any liability for any loss The new Musso is proof that cheap doesn’t have to NEC, Birmingham or damage, howsoever caused, resulting from the use of equal nasty. While the drivability changes are more DIESEL COST CALCULATOR the magazine. ISSN 2398-1989. relevant to the retail market, with competitive November 29 Printing: Precision Colour Printing running costs and a class-leading warranty, fleet Work out the difference an increase in economy could make to Commercial Fleet Awards The Saracen comes with a operators should feel more confident than ever that your fleet’s fuel cost – by individual vehicle or your entire fleet. Hilton Metropole, Birmingham 9.2-inch infotainment screen the Musso could add value to their operation.

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