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Helping companies run efficient and compliant fleets since 1978 march 22 - april 4 2018 £4.00 FULL COVERAGE INSIDE➲
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40 YEARS OF HELPING COMPANIES RUN EFFICIENT AND COMPLIANT FLEETS March 22 - April 4 2018 £4.00 WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME!
With more than 75 years’ fleet experience between them, Phil Clifford and Maurice Elford are the proud 2018 inductees
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THE NEW SMALL ON BiK. BIG ON SUV.
NEW GRANDLAND X TECH LINE NAV BiK FROM 22% | P11D FROM £22,295
CO2 FROM 104G/KM | UP TO 70.6MPG
With its low running costs, New Grandland X is ideal for company car drivers.
CO2 and BiK are on the small side. Safety features and infotainment options definitely aren’t. From premium design to spacious interior, every journey is Book your Grandland X 3 Day Test Drive today. just a little more… grand. Visit threedaytestdrive.co.uk
Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Grandland X range fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 44.1 (6.4) – 60.1 (4.7), Extra-urban: 57.6 (4.9) – 80.7 (3.5), Combined: 51.4 (5.5) – 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 128 – 104g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 2017/18 tax year. Vauxhall Motors Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position. Grandland X Elite Nav 1.2 (130PS) Turbo Start/Stop model illustrated (P11D of £26,645) features Topaz Blue two-coat metallic paint (£565), silver-effect roof rails (£150), Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack (£1,100) and black roof and door mirrors (£320), optional at extra cost. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (March 2018).
FP_FLEETNEW_GMF1091302id3408184.pdf 13.03.2018 16:31 FP_FLEETNEW_GMF1091302id3408194.pdf 13.03.2018 16:34 adRocket
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NEWS 35 6 New tool may distort CO2 results 9 MPs criticise air quality plans 10 What’s fair about wear and tear? 13 Setback to easing pothole problem 14 Impact of ‘Beast from the East’ 17 ‘Stalling’ on road-user charging 19 Law review over automation
REGULARS 22 Letters and editor’s Big Picture 25 Opinion: Electric/self-drive cars 106 Last word: James Waller
CAR/VAN REVIEWS 92 GenevaGeneva MMotorotor SShowhow Cover feature 100 Volvo V60 Fleet News Awards 102 RangeRange RRoverover VVelarelar A 50-page special to celebrate the best people, services, manufacturers and vehicles in fleet 104 Long-term reports
In the spotlight: Maserati 30 Why not get the car you have always promised yourselves now? That’s the question being asked by Maserati as it balances fleet and retail
Insight: 87 Telematics Telematics can transform a fleet’s operations, but adding a camera to the mix can add another dimension
Fleet in Focus: 26 British Gas During his 26 years as head of British Gas fleet Colin Marriott never had a single driver fatality. It’s something the Hall of Fame inductee is especially proud of
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 5
FP_FLEETNEW_12624Fleetid3357898.pdf 01.02.2018 10:15 NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news
Fears that CO2MPAS FLEET FACTS AND FIGURES OPINION POLL figures will adversely If not fitted as standard, would you choose to have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as an impact BIK and NIC optional extra on your next car?
‘Real-world’ emissions conversion tool increases CO2 values by 10% or between 10-15g/km on average
By Gareth Roberts models tested under the former New European he accuracy of a tool aimed at Drive Cycle (NEDC). Yes 63.2% No 36.8% converting the CO2 value of a vehicle The new WLTP test was introduced alongside for tax purposes is being called into the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test to give question by carmakers. fleets and consumers emissions and fuel FleetNews view: Figures suggest the programme, economy data which is much more reflective of Our poll suggests the majority of Tknown as ‘CO2MPAS’, is increasing CO2 values by real-world driving. company car drivers and fleet 10% or between 10-15g/km, on average, leaving All recently launched and facelifted models decision-makers recognise, and fleet operators and company car drivers facing a have been tested under the WLTP regime since would pay extra for, AEB. Our potential tax increase. last September, while it will be used for all new view is the technology should be It could also force some cars off choice lists, cars from this September. mandated, if possible, by fleet with new converted CO2 values potentially For its part, the UK Government has announced “The CO2 figures are decision-makers as it has been resulting in vehicles falling outside existing emis- that it plans to start using WLTP figures for all shown to reduce low-speed sion thresholds. vehicle taxation from April 2020. Until then, fleet higher and the fuel crashes by up to 40% by CO2MPAS was developed by the European operators and company car drivers choosing automatically braking to avoid Commission as a temporary measure to give WLTP-tested vehicles will have to rely on a CO2 consumption is worse” a collision with another car or cars tested under the new drive-cycle – the value determined by CO2MPAS for tax purposes, a pedestrian. Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Proce- which will be published alongside the WLTP value. Martin Ward, Cap HPI dure (WLTP) – a comparable CO2 value to existing Employers pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and This week’s poll: Will you upgrade vehicles to comply with clean air zones or continue to operate more Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NIC) The new Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 Puretech 110 manufacturer, the type approval authority will polluting vehicles and pay the fines? NEW TEST PROVING A CHALLENGE TO MANUFACTURERS on company cars. Both are based on the CO2 Flair has CO2 emissions of 104g/km, compared recognise the manufacturer’s figure as the official fleetnews.co.uk/polls emission figure of a vehicle. Company car drivers to the 2017 version, which had an NEDC-tested CO2 emissions value for the vehicle. Manufacturers are facing an uphill task to Martin Ward, manufacturer relationship are also reliant on the CO2 value of the vehicle to value of 100g/km. And, it’s the same story for the If this is not the case, namely the CO2MPAS get all new cars approved under the new manager at Cap HPI, said: “Manufacturers determine how much benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax 2018 version of the Mazda 2 SE-L+ 1.5, which has result is more than 4% higher than the value MOST COMMENTED WLTP test ahead of September, when it will are struggling to get their cars they pay. seen an increase of 6g/km to 111g/km, compared declared by the vehicle manufacturer, the manu- ONLINE apply to all new cars. re-homologated with WLTP; I know some Martin Ward, manufacturer relationship to its NEDC-tested predecessor. facturer has the possibility to ask for a physical The new drive-cycle, which will replace manufacturers have had the dates for manager at Cap HPI, toldFleet News that the data The uplift was even greater for the updated NEDC test to be carried out. the NEDC test, is divided into four parts testing put back by a few weeks.” suggests there is an issue with the tool. BMW X1 16d, which now has a WLTP-derived Differences could be down to tweaks to the with different average speeds: low, The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership “Generally, the CO2 figures are higher, and the NEDC value of 118g/km, while the previous model NEDC test, such as the way road loads are now Fuel filters medium, high and extra high. Each part (LowCVP) says the challenge is not just the fuel consumption is worse, for cars when tested emitted 104g/km – 12% less. determined. However, Fleet News understands contains a variety of driving phases, stops, new vehicles people are certifying as under WLTP and then converted back to NEDC,” Research from Jato Dynamics also reveals a that the commission’s Joint Research Centre is blocked on diesel acceleration and braking. product updates, they also have to get he said. “This will potentially push cars into a number of cars that have been re-tested under working to ensure CO2MPAS delivers accurate cars due to Experts estimate the new test cycle takes every vehicle they are selling – even if it higher BIK tax band. WLTP are reporting increases in NEDC corre- results in line with the agreed procedure. And, as manufacturers twice as long to complete was certified a couple of years ago – “Furthermore, if a company has an upper limit lated values, versus those obtained under the prescribed by EU law, a new version of the tool is cold weather, compared to the NEDC test, plus they will re-tested to get WLTP figures. on CO2, cars currently on a choice list may have actual NEDC test regime. The uplift in emissions expected to be available every year on September says RAC have to test ‘worse’ and ‘best’ case scenario Andy Eastlake, managing director of the to be removed as their new NEDC value based on ranged from 6% for a Volvo XC60 to 18% for a 1, until 2020. vehicles in each trim before using a formula LowCVP, said: “They have a huge task to WLTP testing pushes them over the limit. Yet, BMW X6. In the meantime, the published figures for the to determine the impact of optional extras. meet universal WLTP data for September exactly the same car was ok before. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and latest models suggest an upward trend in emis- Furthermore, the WLTP test includes an this year and universal RDE data by “Manufacturers are not happy with the Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the new testing sions that will impact fleets in the short-term and, on-the-road element – the Real Driving September 2019.” CO2MPAS system.” regime, but admitted there are concerns around unless the company car tax system is overhauled fleetnews.co.uk/news Emissions (RDE) test – adding another level In terms of test centres across the EU, Fleet News understands that one manufacturer CO2MPAS. come April 2020 when CO2 will be based on of complexity. the WLTP footprint is broadly similar to the has even developed its own conversion system Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, toldFleet WLTP values, it will result in an even greater tax
£ £ U K Fleet News News: ££ An Audi spokesman told that NEDC one. and is trying to get it approved, because the “The [European] Commission has recog- increase in the future. ££ £ A V E R A G E the risk is “cars won’t be cleared in time”. Eastlake said: “I do know, however, that converted figures bear no resemblance to its own nised a need to update the tool and is working Shaun Sadlier, head of consultancy at Arval, F U E L “It won’t be whether we can make them all the UK facilities are fully utilised and NEDC figures. with industry to ensure this happens promptly.” said awareness among fleets of WLTP is patchy PRICES or not, it’s whether we can approve them or booked right through to September so it is A quick look at some models that have recently The commission would not comment when and some are being slow to recognise the impli- not,” he said. probably fair to say that there is a capacity been subjected to a facelift, meaning their new questioned about the accuracy of CO2MPAS, but cations of the new test. Diesel (ppl) 122.30 ➜ Other manufacturers, including issue. NEDC figure is derived from the WLTP test, Fleet News understands it does intervene if the He warned: “While this is more than two years Unleaded (ppl) 120.47 Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have also “Given where we are now, I think it is a shows the scale of change. CO2 converted value is more than 4% higher than away, it is well within the typical lifecycle of fleet ➜ acknowledged that the new testing regime genuine concern over whether products The 2016 Toyota Prius Business Edition had emis- the manufacturer-claimed NEDC value. vehicles that you are buying now. fleetnews.co.uk/costs/ is a challenge. can be certified in time.” sions of 70g/km, the 2018 version has increased to If the CO2 value calculated using CO2MPAS is “You need to be thinking about the potential fuel-cost-calculator 78g/km (fleetnews.co.uk, February 13). up to 4% higher than the value declared by the impact.”
6 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 7 adRocket
NEWS NERVOUS ABOUT Government challenged on claim YOUR FLEET it will electrify 25% of fleet by 2022
MPs also call for an earlier ban on conventional diesel and petrol vehicles
By Gareth Roberts major policy change for the department. They and the automotive sector which supports more RESIDUALS? Ps on four Parliamentary are now only ordering petrol, petrol-hybrid and than 800,000 jobs across the UK. committees have demanded to electric vehicles. “We have ditched diesel for Furthermore, the SMMT says the burden of know how the Government cars,” he said. improving air quality should not be put solely on intends to electrify 25% of its The four committees launched their joint the shoulders of the automotive industry. Chief departmental car fleet by 2022. inquiry amid concerns over the inadequacy of executive Mike Hawes told Fleet News: “Other MChancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond the Government’s plan to improve air quality. sectors must also play their part in improving air made the commitment in last November’s Their report calls on the Government to intro- quality.” budget. But, the MPs have questioned the Govern- duce a new Clean Air Act, a clean air fund The report also argues that clean air zones ment’s commitment to achieving that step change financed by the transport industry, a national air (CAZs) should be introduced where necessary in a joint report, published last week. quality support programme for councils, and to by local authorities, not as a last resort as It says: “The Government should set out a require manufacturers to end the sale of instructed by the Government. procurement route map to show how it will conventional petrol and diesel cars earlier than However, the report recognises the introduc- achieve this target in the budget, and extend this the current 2040 target (fleetnews.co.uk, tion of more CAZs could negatively impact fleet commitment to cover the fleets of all depart- March 15). operators, and calls on Defra and the Depart- ments, agencies and public bodies.” It said the 2040 target lacked sufficient ambi- ment for Transport to ensure their CAZ plans The report, from the environment, food and tion and the Government should instead “conduct include “robust economic impact assessments”. rural affairs, environmental audit, health and a feasibility assessment to determine the Both departments should also investigate the social care, and transport committees, high- earliest date by which this could be achieved, feasibility of providing small businesses with lighted the scale of the task faced by the Govern- balancing the health impacts of air pollution, more time or resources to upgrade their vehi- ment by singling out fleets operated by the with economic and practical considerations”. cles and ensure they are properly signposted to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Department for The Society of Motor Manufacturers and any funding supporting the switch, it said. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Traders (SMMT) says an outright ban risks Environment minister Therese Coffey told the The MoJ has just two electric vehicles (EVs) in undermining the current market for new cars joint inquiry that councils will be able to access its 1,482 vehicle fleet, it said, and Defra operated the £220 million Clean Air Fund to mitigate some just two pure electric cars out of 4,000. of the impacts of new air quality measures on “The Government’s latest plan does not affected businesses. present an effective response to the scale of the “We are But the report questions whether the funding, Falling residual values for conventional vehicles represents a growing risk. air quality catastrophe in the UK,” said Neil which will not solely be aimed at supporting Parish, chair of the environment food and rural concerned the businesses, will be adequate. Rebalance your fleet with petrol-electric hybrids. Our 17-model range offers affairs committee. Government It suggests that Defra should examine addi- no-compromise performance and specification levels for all drivers. “We are concerned that the Government is tional ways of raising funds for air quality treating air quality as a box-ticking exercise. Real is treating air improvements. This should involve establishing change will require bold, meaningful action.” a fund for clean air initiatives partially financed For a test drive or more information visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk or call 0344 701 6186. Defra fleet chief Dale Eynon made clear his quality as a by the auto industry and a national scrappage commitment to electrifying the department’s scheme, which was open to fleets. car fleet when he spoke toFleet News last year box-ticking exercise” The SMMT said manufacturers are already (fleetnews.co.uk, October 31, 2017). funding scrappage schemes themselves to get He outlined his strategy to ditching diesel and Neil Parish, environment food the older vehicles off the road. converting the entire fleet of 4,000 cars to petrol- and rural affairs committee The Government says it will publish its plan hybrid or pure electric, which had started with a later in the year.
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 9
TOYOTA Powder Explosion Leasing Ad Orange & Red - Combined - FleetNews TOYOTA.indd 1 02/10/2017 15:02 FP_FLEETNEW_TOYOTAPowdid3397490.pdf 05.03.2018 12:20 adRocket
NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news BVRLA guides to clarify what is fair about wear and tear charges
Guides must be easily understood and accessible to non-experts, says ACFO
By Tom Seymour mproving the communication of contentious fair wear and tear rules between leasing companies and fleet operators was top of the agenda at a recent meeting of industry trade bodies. IThe rules aim to provide an industry-wide, accepted standard that defines fair wear and tear when vehicles are returned by fleets to their leasing or rental company. It also provides advice for best practice in vehicle maintenance and upkeep that will prevent unacceptable wear and tear occurring. Produced by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), there are three guides covering cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) The BVRLA contacted members last August to indicate it was carrying out a review of fair wear and tear guidelines and to understand more about the nature and volume of complaints its members have received. Feedback from a series of roundtables, involving leasing and remarketing companies, Car fair wear and tear guide LCV fair wear and tear guide as well as fleet representative body ACFO, will help build a picture of what the issues are and what approach can be taken to improve She said: “We considered five typical has asked for more than £3,100 of damage all customer service. complaints and concluded that improved around the van. I did point out that the van only Information collected through the BVRLA’s communication was an important aspect of the books at around £1,500 and I wasn’t looking to conciliation service will also be taken into recommendations we were likely to issue.” buy it – twice over.” account. However, she added: “The process is ongoing Some leasing companies, like Ogilvie, have a John Pryor, ACFO chairman, said: “The BVRLA and there will be more consultation in the fixed-cost menu of charges set out at the start is engaging with all parties to ensure we receive coming weeks.” of the contract. a clear and concise document that takes into Some leasing companies have long been Other leasing companies do not repair vehicles account the issues fleets face when returning accused by fleet managers that their interpreta- before sending them out to auction, so do not vehicles.” tion of the BVRLA guide ends up with damage charge customers for the cost to repair the The BVRLA reviews the fair wear and tear charges being used as a ‘profit centre’. damage. guide every three years. The main change A fleet manager, who preferred not to be Instead, they charge for the loss of value following the last review was the introduction of named, said he had “many thousands of off- against residual value due to the damage. a new rule that leasing companies have to lease invoices on hold”, some going back more The fleet manager said: “End of contract inform customers of any end-of-contract than two years, for what he described as “unrea- damage charges are not an excuse to raise charges within four weeks of the car being sonable charges”. revenue for off-lease damage that is not repaired collected. He explained: “The BVRLA guide is suited to anyway. It should be recompense for loss of Following the latest roundtable, Nora Leggett, your typical three-year, 50,000-mile contract for value of the vehicle at sale due to damage. If director of member services at the BVRLA, told a car or lightly used van, not for many of the indus- some leasing companies can operate this way, Fleet News that the group agreed some princi- tries that work their vehicles hard for a living.” why can’t others?” ples including “the guide must be fair, easily For example, he said: “I have a 63-plate Nick Hardy, Ogilvie Fleet sales and marketing understood and accessible to a non-expert”. Kangoo going back to a leasing company who manager, said: “We are very clear with end of contract charges. We operate a standard fixed- cost matrix across all contracts and explain before the start of the contract what the charges “Some customers are being hit will be. hard at the end of the contract and “But it is a point of pain for companies that are using others in the market. Some customers are some companies are being very being hit hard at the end of the contract and some companies are being very aggressive with aggressive with charges” charges. I think the problem here is that it stems from it being a profit centre. Nick Hardy, Ogilvie Fleet “If you’re treating end of contract charges as a profit centre, you’re going to run into problems.”
10 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk
FP_FLEETNEW_FleetNewsTid3340210.pdf 18.01.2018 11:18 adRocket
NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news Battle to halt pothole proliferation setback as councils’ payouts rise
Industry body says it would take 14 years to return roads to reasonable state
By Gareth Roberts has fallen short for so many years that further ompensation paid out by councils for deterioration is inevitable.” pothole damaged vehicles in England Overall, the total highway maintenance budget increased by 26% in the past year, across England and Wales has actually increased according to new data. Local authori- by around 20% year-on-year to £3.46bn (£2.88bn ties in England, not including London, 2016/17). Ccollectively paid out £6.3 million in 2017/18, up Figures from a decade ago, however, reported from £5.3m the previous financial year. this annual figure as £2.7bn, highlighting that However, this is down significantly on 2014-15, budgets are barely keeping pace with inflation. when it hit £20 million. Furthermore, the percentage of the overall In addition, Wales and London both saw the budget spent on the carriageway itself (the amount they paid in compensation claims fall, carriageway maintenance budget) averages with London reporting a 11.6% decline to 56%, a reduction on 2016/17, as more funds are £565,000 and Wales a 18.1% drop to £35,200. “One in five of our local needed to repair other areas of highway infra- Taken together with the cost of processing the structure such as bridges and street lighting. claims, vehicle damage caused by poor road roads is now classed “Looking back over the past decade [highway maintenance in 2017/18 cost councils £28.3m maintenance budgets] have barely kept in line (England, £19.5m; London, £8.2m; and Wales, as structurally poor” with inflation,” said Green. £590,000). This year, local authorities in England and Despite the long-term downwards trend in Rick Green, AIA Wales report that the gap between the funds compensation claims, the Annual Local Authority they received and the amount they actually Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey, which is needed to keep the carriageway in reasonable published by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), and springs most commonly damaged. Other order was almost £556m – a shortfall of £3.3m paints a picture of a road network in decline. parts liable to suffer are steering and braking, for every authority. Rick Green, chairman of the AIA, toldFleet often affected by either sudden steering move- And, it would now take 14 years to get local News: “One in five of our local roads is now ments or hard braking to avoid potholes, cracks roads back into a reasonable state, if adequate classed as structurally poor – with less than five in the road, or a generally uneven surface. funding and resources were in place, an increase years’ life remaining – compared with one in six Analysis of Warranty Direct data has shown on the 12 years reported in 2016/17. reported last year.” that one in five (20%) of all claims were for axle Green admitted: “There is no magic wand to Cash-strapped local authorities report that and suspension issues (fleetnews.co.uk, wave, nor is there a bottomless pot of money to more than 24,400 miles of road are identified as September 25, 2017). tap into. needing essential maintenance in the next year. “Local roads are a vital asset, worth in the “There are difficult choices to be made at both If not addressed, that could prove costly to region of £400 billion, and they support all local and national level, but the Government fleets. Inadequate road surfaces can cause axle aspects of our work and home lives,” said Green. needs to provide adequate funding for a well and suspension issues, with shock absorbers “But funding for their adequate maintenance maintained and safe local road network if it wants to support communities and drive economic growth.” Over the past decade, 17.9 million potholes have AMOUNT PAID IN ROAD USER COMPENSATION CLAIMS (£s) been filled, at a cost of more than £1bn. However, Source: Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) since 2015, when the number of potholes filled 25,000,000 reached record levels (2.67 million), resulting in a big reduction in compensation claims, the number England filled each year has been steadily declining, hitting 20,000,000 London 1.5 million this year – equivalent to one pothole Wales being repaired every 21 seconds. After the UK was subjected to sub-zero temperatures, the RAC is fearful that roads will 15,000,000 have suffered further degradation. Its quarterly Pothole Index, which tracks vehicle breakdowns as a result of damaged 10,000,000 shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels, should give an early indication of overall road surface conditions for the first three months of 2018 when it is published in the 5,000,000 next few weeks. RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Although this is the season that is supposed to signal the start of better, warmer weather, this 0 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 year we think it’s likely to be the start of even worse road surfaces for motorists to drive on.”
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 13
FP_FLEETNEW_12794Fleetid3409167.pdf 14.03.2018 13:35 adRocket
NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news ‘Beast from the East’ not such an ill wind for insurance companies
Fleets took ‘safety first’ approach after leasing companies issued weather warning
By Tom Seymour he winter storms that hit the UK at The AA attended more than the start of March has left car 100,000 drivers who fell insurers facing a collective bill of foul of the weather £35 million, according to estimates from The AA. TThe AA attended more than 108,000 drivers who needed roadside assistance or digging out of snowdrifts during the big freeze. Despite the cost, a spokesperson for The AA said there would be no impact on premiums overall. “There are bigger influences on insurance premiums than a week of snow,” she said. While it was not possible for The AA to produce specific figures on how many company car drivers were affected, its roadside patrols helped more than 92,000 drivers in total over just six days – a third (33%) more than would be expected on snow-free days. This number jumped to 108,000 by day seven. Lesley Slater, LeasePlan UK business devel- opment and operations director, said: “The fact of the matter is the UK is never truly prepared for snow – despite the improving advance Slater added: “We also ensured that we ampli- Scotland, fewest calls for help and insurance weather warnings – which means that vehicle fied the risks to drivers via our social channels, claims came from north of the border – possibly fleets are inevitably affected when snow falls.” specifically around the dangers of driving during because the region is used to snow and drivers LeasePlan said any impact was limited by Storm Emma and the Beast from the East, and are better able to deal with the conditions. issuing winter driver advice to fleet customers, how drivers should prepare. Michael Lloyd, The AA insurance director, along with a winter checklist infographic to help “Businesses on the whole seemed to respond reassured businesses and drivers that their put fleets on the front foot before the worst of with a ‘safety first’ approach with drivers cancel- insurance claims should be met. He said: the weather hit. ling scheduled maintenance or tyre appoint- “Rumours that insurers would deny claims from ments until it was safer to drive. The focus the drivers caught in severe Met Office warning following week had therefore been on resched- zones was just one journalist’s fanciful line that uling this work to avoid additional downtime.” took off on social media – it just isn’t true.” This sentiment was echoed by Nick Hardy, By the end of March 4, there had been an esti- Ogilvie sales and marketing director, who said mated national 28,000 incidents (based on The the majority of his company’s customers advised AA’s market share, scaled up to the total number staff to stay off the road and work remotely if of private cars on Britain’s roads) that were possible. directly attributable to the snow and ice, with a He said: “People were very sensible. It was the potential cost of more than £35m. first significantly bad period of weather we’ve Over the six days of snow, more than half of all had for a while and there really were no signifi- claims were snow- and ice-related. That average cant problems in terms of what we have heard peaked at 78% on March 3, although the total from clients. number of claims was about average for a snow- “Anecdotally, would could see calls rates free February or March day. through to accident management going up, but The busiest day was February 28 – the second the feedback from clients is that most did what day of widespread snow - when the total number you would hope they would do – they worked of claims was about 50% higher than normal, remotely and kept off the roads. There was no with two-thirds (66%) of claims blamed on the major hit on fleet downtime.” weather. And on March 5, several drivers According to The AA, most calls for cars stuck claimed for damage caused to their cars after “The fact of the matter in snow as well as insurance claims came from having to abandon them. the south-east of England and East Anglia. Lloyd said: “As the week wore on with more is the UK is never truly For cars stuck in snow, the south-west and more snow falling across most parts of the followed, then the Midlands and the north-east UK, many drivers appeared to be staying off the prepared for snow” – reflecting the weather patterns. However, after roads. For those who did have to drive, it was the south-east, most collision claims came from more like fairground dodgems with the chances Lesley Slater, LeasePlan the Midlands, then the north-east. of being involved in a collision much greater than Despite heavy snow across the central belt of on a normal day.”
14 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk
FP_FLEETNEW_210297DS7Cid3393745.pdf 01.03.2018 11:20 adRocket
NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news
London’s ULEZ will be introduced in April of 2019 Renault KADJAR Crossover by Renault
Authorities ‘stalling’ on bringing in sophisticated road-user charging
London mayor and TfL also urged to do more to tackle vehicle idling in capital
By Gareth Roberts sophisticated road-user charging system) avail- you’re going to leave this up to your successor ophisticated road-user charging, able within the next few years and then we can and it’s going to become a political football.” which takes account of emissions consider how they might be applied.” Khan was facing questions from the London and miles driven, will not be intro- Khan says TfL will work to make London’s Assembly on his draft transport strategy, where duced in London any time soon. entire road transport system zero emission by he was also told he and TfL need to do more to That was the message from the 2050 at the latest. This will be delivered through discourage vehicle idling in the capital. Smayor of London Sadiq Khan and Mike Brown, a phased approach, building on the introduction Some London boroughs have started fining London’s traffic commissioner, who said tech- of the ULEZ and the T-charge. motorists if they leave their engines running nology for the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) Central London and individual borough town when they park up. ‘Air marshals’ patrolling was their number one priority. centre zero emission zones will be introduced Westminster have been able to issue motorists The mayor’s transport strategy, published last from 2025, leading to a zero emission zone in with an £80 penalty charge notice since June. A June, made a commitment for Transport for inner London by 2040 and a London-wide zone similar scheme in Camden started this month. London (TfL) to investigate proposals for the next by 2050. Meanwhile, Vehicle Idling Action, a London- generation of road-user charging systems. Considering the change in emissions restric- wide campaign involving TfL, was launched in However, Khan told the London Assembly: tions this would bring, London deputy mayor for October 2016, to educate motorists by talking to “Our current focus is getting the technology right transport Val Shawcross said any system would offenders rather than fining them. The campaign for the ULEZ.” need to be able to adapt to change. is funded by the mayor’s air quality fund. London’s ULEZ will come into force from April She explained: “One of the most important Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat AM, said: 8, 2019. It will replace the Toxicity Charge things that we’ve got to do with the next genera- “If every car, van, taxi and lorry driver stopped (T-charge), which was introduced last October. tion of technology is make sure it is future-proof.” idling it would not end air pollution in London, but The ULEZ will operate in the same area as the However, Green assembly member (AM) Sian it would certainly make a real difference and a * T-charge, alongside the congestion charge but Berry claimed the mayor and TfL were stalling difference that could be quickly and easily made. Panoramic sunroof (unlike the T-Charge and congestion charge, on its introduction. She told Khan: “I am worried “The mayor and TfL need to step up their which are only in place on weekdays) it will activities and ensure that idling of vehicles and ‡ operate 24 hours a days, seven days a week, 365 the unnecessary pollution they create becomes Leather upholstery with front heated seats days a year. a thing of the past.” Khan said: “We’ve got to think about making “Our current She proposed a motion, which was agreed sure we can set car usage in relation to time of unanimously by the London Assembly, to † day, the emissions you’re churning out from your focus is encourage action to tackle air pollution by reducing Hands free parking with rear parking camera car and the number of miles you’re travelling. the idling of all road vehicle engines – including We have to think about how we make people pay getting the private cars, taxis, private hire vehicles, public for what they use.” technology sector vehicles, buses, coaches, vans and lorries. To book your test drive, call the However, he said, with the ULEZ being Tom Copley AM, who seconded the motion launched next year, a more sophisticated road- right for the said: “I am calling upon the mayor to push TfL user charging system for the capital was not to deliver more ambitious and effective policies Renault Business Hub on 0800 731 7066 their number one priority. ULEZ” to reduce engine idling, alongside implementing Brown admitted the technology was already a more extensive public awareness campaign to The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Renault KADJAR Signature S Nav dCi 110 are: Urban available, but said: “What I would like to be in a Sadiq Khan, mayor of London dissuade road users from allowing their vehicle position to do is have those options (of a more to idle and exacerbate London’s poor air quality.” 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8); Combined 72.4 (3.9). The official CO 2 emissions are 103g/km. Figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EU Legislation and may not reflect real life driving results.
*Standard from Signature Nav. ‡Standard on Signature S Nav. Part leather, synthetic leather on the sides. †Standard on Signature S Nav. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 17
FP_FLEETNEW_13772RENCrid3184595.pdf 03.10.2017 13:02 adRocket
NEWS For the latest news, visit: www fleetnews.co.uk/news
Scenario of motorist and car ‘sharing’ the driving may soon be here. But who is in charge of the vehicle? Progress towards full automation prompts UK driving laws review
Three-year study may delay driver access to some self-driving features
By Gareth Roberts three-year review could potentially see company a global revolution in transport, transforming riminal responsibility in a crash car drivers in the UK unable to use the latest how we will travel in the future. involving a self-driving vehicle will be technology. “Connectivity, electrification, automation and among key questions law-makers Fleet News revealed last month how Audi has shared mobility are the four main themes driving will consider as part of a review into had to switch-off ‘level 3’ self-driving features in this innovation. UK driving laws. the A8 saloon in the UK due to current legislation “Regulation, safety standards and vehicle CThe three-year review, announced by the being unable to accommodate the technology insurance models all have a key part to play in Department for Transport (DfT) this month, will (Fleet News, February 8). enabling change, while giving society confidence be conducted by the Law Commission of The system, named Traffic Jam Pilot, is part of that these new products and services can be England and Wales and the Scottish Law the German manufacturer’s new range of artifi- introduced safely. Commission. cial intelligence (AI) driving assistance systems. “The Gateway project, led by TRL, is providing It aims to answer key questions, such as: who When active, it takes charge of driving in slow- vital scientific insight to help shape future regu- is the ‘driver’ or responsible person and how moving traffic, controlling all necessary driving latory standards and to better understand public should civil and criminal responsibility be allo- functions, up to a speed of 37mph. perceptions associated with these new mobility cated where there is some shared control However, the use of this technology is currently solutions.” between the driver and the car. It will also assess prohibited by Regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles The project is now entering its final phase whether there is a need for any new criminal (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which which will see the fleet of automated pods offences and how other road-users may need to states: “No person shall drive or cause or permit providing a shuttle service around the Green- be protected from risk (fleetnews.co.uk, March 6). any other person to drive, a motor vehicle on a wich Peninsula over the next few weeks. Scottish Law Commissioner Caroline Drum- road if he is in such a position that he cannot have The four driverless pods will be navigating the mond explained: “Automated vehicles could proper control of the vehicle or have a full view 2.1-mile route using advanced sensors and have a big impact on the way we live and work of the road and traffic ahead”. autonomy software to detect and avoid obsta- so it’s important that, UK-wide, we have a legal Roads minister Jesse Norman acknowledged: cles while carrying members of the public system which can accommodate them.” “With driving technology advancing at an participating in the research study. However, with manufacturers beginning to unprecedented rate, it is important that our laws Developed by British companies Westfield offer more advanced autonomous features, a and regulations keep pace so the UK can remain Sportscars and Heathrow Enterprises, the pods one of the world leaders in this field.” have no steering wheels or typical driver Norman announced the review during a visit controls. Instead, the software combines GPS to the Gateway project in Greenwich, London, with radar for long range and Lidar – light in the which is being led by Transport Research Labo- form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges – for “It is important ratory (TRL). close range to enable the pods to detect and that our laws The project, jointly funded by Government and safely negotiate objects in their path. This also industry, is using a fleet of autonomous pods to allows the pods to operate in adverse weather and regulations understand public acceptance of, and attitudes conditions and even in the dark – a global first towards, driverless vehicles. for this technology in the UK. keep pace” The trials have included automated urban Research findings from the project will guide deliveries with Ocado and an automated valet the wider roll out of autonomous vehicle tech- Jesse Norman, DfT parking trial. nologies in all forms of surface transport, Rob Wallis, CEO of TRL, said: “We are seeing including cars, vans and trucks.
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 19
FP_FLEETNEW_8018SEATFPid3343430.pdf 19.01.2018 12:06 adRocket adRocket
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14735_Fleet News_DPS Advert_V4_130318_DM.indd 1 13/03/2018 12:41 14735_Fleet News_DPS Advert_V4_130318_DM.indd 2 13/03/2018 12:38 FP_FLEETNEW_14735Fleetid3408149.pdf 13.03.2018 16:19 FP_FLEETNEW_14735Fleetid3408150.pdf 13.03.2018 16:20 COMMENT
Contact us Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood, YOUR LETTERS Peterborough, PE2 6EA. THE BIG Email – [email protected] Burning question: Where or what was the most PICTURE impressive place you’ve visited? Editorial Fleet News Editor-in-chief By Stephen Briers, editor, Stephen Briers 01733 468024 [email protected] PLUG-IN VEHICLES EMISSIONS TESTING Grand Canyon for the sheer scale formed over millions of years Congratulations to all our ROAD PRICING Deputy editor Fleet News Awards winners Sarah Tooze 01733 468901 [email protected] and highly commended EDITOR’S Fear of the unknown Should I abandon Ephesus in Turkey or the Don’t price people off PICK Colosseum in Rome companies (details start p35). News editor Commiserations to non-winning holding back adoption wholelife costs? Gareth Roberts 01733 468314 roads indiscriminately [email protected] finalists, but well done on Awaroa Bay in Abel Tasman National John4870 wrote: Sage and Onion wrote: Park, New Zealand making it to the shortlist. Many didn’t. Having read ‘Every diesel vehicle replaced with PHEV could Having read ‘Arval claims fleets are slow to Features editor Andrew Ryan 01733 468308 Judging the Fleet News Awards is always save £2,000, ALD trial reveals’ (fleetnews.co.uk, March 12), recognise the impact of WLTP’ (fleetnews. [email protected] rewarding as it gives us an insight into new and having used Toyota Prius hybrids and now a plug-in co.uk, March 7), I am currently reviewing our The Giant’s Causeway Head of digital initiatives, outstanding work and excellent Prius hybrid for 10 years, I wholeheartedly support this. car policy choice lists, because with all the Jeremy Bennett 01733 468261 Taking into account the benefit-in-kind and fuel savings changes to taxation and now WLTP, the level [email protected] practices, whether it’s a fleet, supplier or Taj Mahal or Spanish Palace in Seville compared with what I would have been driving, using playing field of a choice list based on wholelife Web producer manufacturer entry we are scrutinising. hybrids has been worth more than £35,000 in my pocket, costs appears to be no longer level. Elizabeth Howlett 01733 468655 Among the fleets, we saw great examples [email protected] plus, of course, the environmental benefits. Until WLTP is adopted universally I am I visited a Wimpy in my youth, it was of cost savings, risk management and I am convinced that if more folks understood hybrids they considering whether to abandon wholelife tops Staff writer compliance, and a growing appreciation for would almost all be using them – the greatest challenge is costs and base our car policy choice list Matt de Prez 01733 468277 fear of the unknown. purely on monthly rentals, with perhaps a cap [email protected] procurement practices focusing on value Out of office for money supplier partnerships. on P11D value for each grade. Photos Chris Lowndes Nigel Boyle added: Otherwise new models introduced by Production There will be very few fleet users who do as little as 7,000- manufacturers that use the new WLTP Head of publishing 15,000 miles a year. The trial does not show users with measurements probably won’t make it into Luke Neal 01733 468262 Lapland – I met the real Santa “The hot topic for discussion more usual mileages; our fleet averages 35,000 miles. drivers’ available choices, even though they Production editors Talking with others this is a more usual number. are potentially better equipped, safer, and David Buckley 01733 468310 War cemetery at Kanchanaburi on by finalists prior to the I suspect they have not done the test as moving from a more fuel efficient (in real world conditions). River Kwai – pristine and moving diesel will cost fleets a fortune on this mileage, essentially Finbarr O’Reilly 01733 468267 Machu Picchu awards was electric vehicles” Bob the Engineer wrote: transport is not an option or costs they are swapping to petrol as the electic part on the journey Designer Having read ‘Road pricing may be way too much. is insignificant. AUTONOMOUS FEATURES Erika Small 01733 468312 to ease congestion for city motorists’ Road pricing will damage the I do not want to be a party pooper but plug-in hybrid Angkor Wat However, the hot topic for discussion by (fleetnews.co.uk, March 2) surely first local and national economy and electric vehicles (PHEVs) are only for very low mileage Advertising Commercial director finalists when we brought them together we have to understand where people businesses. Let’s face the real reason drivers, no one else. The I-Pace, with a 300-mile range, is Make AEB Sarah Crown 01733 366466 prior to the awards was electric vehicles. are going and why. (especially in the south-east), there the first serious alternative (perhaps wrongly, I tend to B2B commercial manager Sheryl Graham 01733 366467 Demand is high, for both pure EVs and The assumption that simply making are too many people on too little disregard Tesla), but the charging infrastructure needs to be standard on Account directors plug-ins, with some manufacturers unable it more expensive to get there will cut tarmac. greatly improved – I regularly see queues at motorway Lisa Turner 01733 366471 the traffic is absurd. Perhaps people You need to fix one or the other or services for the chargers. all cars Stuart Wakeling 01733 366470 to fulfil the order books quickly enough. Account managers need to get where they are going and both, not price poor people to stay at Liam Sancaster 01733 363219 There was much debate around EV Karl Houghton 01733 366309 do not have a choice; perhaps public home and give up work or leisure. Winston wrote: Lucy Herbert 01733 363218 range, with suggestions that 500 miles is Having read ‘Manufacturers stall on Telesales/recruitment 01733 468275/01733 468328 less than two years away. Aligned was a n The editor’s pick in each issue wins a £20 John Lewis voucher. standard-fit AEB, Thatcham Research data suggests’ (fleetnews.co.uk, March 7), well Head of project management decrease in charging times, with 15-20 Leanne Patterson 01733 468332 minutes thought to be on the horizon. done Land Rover and Volvo for committing to Project managers autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Niamh Walker-Booth 01733 468327 P11D cost remains a hurdle for fleets and Kerry Unwin 01733 468578 All manufacturers should follow suit now Chelsie Tate 01733 468338 drivers, but EV prices will inevitably fall (as EXTREME WEATHER and make AEB standard on all new cars. will BIK in 2020/21). Events I-Pace is the ‘first Forego the fancy alloys or extra speakers if Event director The other issue is residual values. They serious alternative’ cost is a factor. Getting from A to B safely is Chris Lester No excuse for fuel waxing Event manager are struggling, especially for mainstream more likely with AEB. Sandra Evitt 01733 468123 Edward Handley wrote: Cross Climate added: Senior event planner manufacturers, due to a lack of used car Having read ‘Fuel filters blocked on I have just driven back from a ski trip to Kate Howard 01733 468146 demand. We hear that several leasing HAVE YOUR SAY Email: Comment online: diesel cars due to cold weather’ the Alps, where the much-hyped in the fl[email protected] fleetnews.co.uk Publishing companies have been hit hard. LinkedIn: UK fleet managers group Twitter: twitter.com/_FleetNews Managing director (fleetnews.co.uk, March 5) there is a lot UK “Beast from the East” was just seen Tim Lucas 01733 468340 This might worsen for the current crop of motorists can do to prevent fuel waxing as a “colder than usual for February”, Group marketing manager Bev Mason 01733 468295 EVs as longer range models come to – first and foremost, servicing. with -18 to -20 during the day and -27 Office manager market. Why would a second-hand buyer A dirty fuel filter is more vulnerable to overnight. Jane Hill 01733 468319 Fleet News is published 25 times a copy or images submitted to the to ensure accuracy, the publisher is Complaints: Bauer Consumer Media Group managing director invest in a 150-mile EV when they could waxing than a clean one. Second, there Needless to say everything worked year by Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, magazine without further consent. not responsible for any errors or Limited is a member of the Independent Rob Munro-Hall are plenty of diesel additives on the absolutely normally in trains and buses. registered address Media House, The submission of material to Bauer omissions nor do we accept any Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso. Chief executive officer have 500 miles within a couple of years? co.uk) and endeavours to respond to and market which will prevent waxing if Shops even had bread. Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Media whether unsolicited or requested, liability for any loss or damage, Paul Keenan One solution would be battery upgrades Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. is taken as permission to publish in howsoever caused, resulting from the resolve your concerns quickly. Our added to the fuel early. Despite metres of snow, roads, Registered number 01176085. the magazine, including any licensed use of the magazine. Editorial Complaints Policy (including full Subscribe to Fleet News No part of the magazine may be editions throughout the world. Any fees details of how to contact us about editorial 01635 588495 for existing models; swap out the old for The major problem with waxing diesel footpaths and lay-bys were clear. reproduced in any form in whole or in paid in the UK include remuneration for ISSN 0953-8526. complaints and IPSO’s contact details) can part, without prior permission of the any use in any other licensed editions. Printing: PCP, Telford be found at www.bauermediacomplaints. [email protected] the new. in the 1980s was due to reduced refining Ironic given that winter tyres are a legal publisher. All material published We cannot accept any responsibility co.uk. Our email address for editorial Subscription rates: standards which meant there was more requirement from November to April remains the copyright of Bauer for unsolicited manuscripts, images or complaints covered by the Editorial £85 UK (two years £145, three years Extended version online Consumer Media Ltd. materials lost or damaged in the post. Complaints Policy is complaints@ £195), £135 Europe and Eire (two water in the diesel. No excuse now. in most countries. We reserve the right to edit letters, Whilst every reasonable care is taken bauermedia.co.uk. years £230, three years £315)
22 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 23 adRocket
COMMENT
FLEET OPINION
ELECTRIC VEHICLES SELF-DRIVING CARS Year that electric Hacking fears may cars took over prove unfounded
By Erik Fairbairn By Craig Smith The raft of exciting electric vehicle (EV) previews Erik Fairbairn, CEO and This year you’re going to see a self-driving vehicle and new launches at the Geneva motor show has founder, Pod Point on the road – if you haven’t already. You may not led to industry pundits calling it the ‘year that elec- be able to take a ride in one yet, but they’ll start tric cars took over’. What an effective riposte for several being tested in a city near you. recent, high-profile reports focusing on perceived barriers As the visibility of, and desire for, autonomous cars grows, or challenges for EVs. so will concerns around malicious hackers. One such high profile report was the Electromobility Plat- Cybersecurity researchers have shown they can wire- form’s analysis on charging infrastructure, along with lessly access today’s cars, taking over system controls comments reported in The Guardian by co-author Greg including acceleration, braking and steering. Bluetooth, WiFi, Archer, who suggested the car industry was ‘deliberately tyre pressure sensors, infotainment units and navigation suppressing’ the market for EVs by limiting supply of new systems have all been identified as potential entry points. models, leading to long waiting lists. The automotive industry has improved its cyber-defence While there’s certainly some truth in the claim that EV capabilities in parallel – and the Government has released demand is outstripping supply – waiting lists are not guidelines designed to make cybersecurity a priority. uncommon – a quick run-through of new models seen at While this may seem counterintuitive, I’m confident auton- Geneva shows that many automotive manufacturers are Craig Smith, omous cars are actually less vulnerable to remote hacking investing hundreds of billions in the development of their EVs. research director than those driven by humans. There was, of course, the show-stopping Jaguar I-Pace, of transportation Today’s connected cars have a few sensors, which perform but also the Honda Urban EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric, security at Rapid7 actions we’re all familiar with: a car is parking, the sensor which, with battery ranges of up to 500kms (300 miles), all sends a signal when it nears an object and the car stops. commanded attention and heralded huge progress. Fully self-driving cars use many different sensors to navi- Coinciding with the Electromobility Platform’s analysis was gate roads and a range of conditions and objects. This makes the SMMT’s report on new car emissions, along with a state- them smarter – and also harder to manipulate, with one ment by CEO Mike Hawes which cited ‘disappointingly low sensor able to override another if it judges it wrong. This demand for electric vehicles’ and the ‘demonisation of diesel’ makes ‘taking over’ the systems of a car much more difficult. as contributing to the first increase in CO2 from new cars for That said, as with any great consumer innovation, periods two decades (Fleet News, March 8). of growth and development inevitably come with setbacks. While this temporary blip in emission levels is disap- It’s traditionally been expensive and time-consuming to pointing, EVs, hand in hand with the continued ‘greening’ of identify security flaws, which researchers do by taking apart the grid, are the only viable route to lowering these emis- and testing vehicles, but the tools are evolving. sions significantly for the long term. Popular hacking kits now have the capability to test hard- As lithium Ion battery prices plummet, it will soon be ware and today’s Internet of Things (IoT) devices, for example, cheaper to buy and maintain a 200-plus mile range EV than allowing penetration testing to be conducted more efficiently. an equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, which Most important of all, however, is collaboration within the means more fleets can make the transition. And, with industry on developing a standard level of security for all charging infrastructure being rapidly rolled out, and Geneva autonomous vehicles. The path to innovation will inevitably giving us a glimpse of what we can expect in terms have bumps in it, but if the industry works together of EV choice, the reasons for buying a petrol or we can all have confidence in the future of driver- diesel vehicle are steadily being eradicated. less cars.
“The reasons for buying a For more fleet “If the industry works together opinion from the petrol or diesel vehicle are industry, visit we can all have confidence in fleetnews.co.uk/ steadily being eradicated” opinion the future of driverless cars”
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 25
FP_FLEETNEW_7398101Newid3382402.pdf 20.02.2018 12:52 FLEET IN FOCUS: BRITISH GAS
‘WE NEVER HAD A SINGLE DRIVER
WINNER FATALITY’ FATA LIT Y’ HALL OF FAME
Head of the British Gas fleet for 26 years, Hall of Fame inductee Colin Marriott has many reasons to look back on his career with pride. Andrew Ryan reports
olin Marriott’s career a guy I had a lot of respect for and what really the DfT and the Transport and Road Research was one full of big left a lasting effect on me was that just falling Laboratory. The occupant crash safety cell numbers: 26 years three feet was enough to kill him. came out of it, front and rear seatbelt usage heading the fleet of “I’ll never forget it.” came out of it, as did airbag technologies. Centrica subsidiary, This was not his first experience of seeing “It was really interesting stuff and it meant C British Gas, a final the risks associated with operating vehicles. an everyday part of my life was looking at fleet size of 12,500 After beginning his career as an engineer what could happen if things go wrong in a vans and 2,200 cars, at the naval dockyards in Portsmouth, where motor vehicle. and business mile age during that time of up he was apprentice of the year for consecutive “That, coupled with when we lost that to 1.8 billion. years, Marriott worked at the then Vehicle driver at British Gas, meant safety became However, it is the smallest figure of all and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and an underlying passion of mine.” which is one of his proudest career achieve- vehicle inspectorate. His commitment to safety was adhered to ments: zero fatal injuries to an at-work driver. As part of a specialist team which inspected by both his employers and his team, and he This is a fitting reflection of his commitment cars involved in serious or fatal accidents, he says he was very fortunate to work for an to improving safety, a passion instilled in him did not investigate what caused an incident, organisation that “put safety at the heart of through early personal experiences. more what caused the injury. For example, everything it did” because it helped win “Well before I took charge of the fleet we how deeply was the steering wheel nut backing for a wide range of initiatives. had a much-loved driver who used to drive buried within the wheel? Was it positioned In 2006, British Gas became one of the first one of the big British Gas trucks delivering somewhere where it would cause an injury? organisations to roll-out speed limiters white goods,” says Marriott, who opted for “Through working with the Department for across its van fleet, it took the decision to fit early retirement last year at the age of 56. Transport (DfT), the inspectorate was able to winter tyres all year round for safety and “He was stood on the back of a flatbed in start changing legislation and encourage operational reasons and it also created a our yard in Southampton in really heavy rain motor manufacturers to pay more attention Young Driver Academy to when he tripped, fell off the trailer, hit his to the design of cars,” says Marriott. successfully improve driver Colin Marriott is enjoying new head on the ground and was fatally injured. “A lot of the safety features you see in a cars behaviour in the company’s challenges after taking early “I was one of the first on the scene. It was now came from the work that was done by highest risk drivers. All of these retirement from British Gas
26 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk FLEET IN FOCUS: BRITISH GAS
FACTFILE
Name Colin Marriott Last fleet role General manager fleet, British Gas Colin Marriott (right) was Time in role 26 years welcomed into the hall of British Gas fleet size (2017) fame by Stuart Thomas, 12,500 vans, 2,200 cars head of fleet services and SME at The AA
contributed to an excellent regions had their own workshops and made safety record. the bulk of their own procurement decisions. “One of the things I’m most “Often in British “We closed all the workshops, outsourced proud of in my time as fleet all the maintenance, and engineers became manager for British Gas is that the fleet Gas there wasn’t home-based with depots closing, so, over probably travelled 1.6bn-1.8bn miles and we that time, we gained a lot of experience with never had a single operational driver in a van something you outsourcing,” says Marriott. fatally injured,” says Marriott. “I had the privilege of meeting and working “I’m convinced that if we hadn’t speed could plug into that with some great people in the industry and limited our fleet, with the sheer number of someone else had that stems right from motor manufacturers, miles the fleet was driving, some of our to commissioning companies, to fit-out drivers would have been involved in high already done. You companies and racking makers, fleet speed incidents and we might have seen management and leasing companies – there some loss of life.” were often inventing” are some brilliant people in the UK. Marriott also pays tribute to the organisa- “It had been a priority of mine to have rela- tion’s willingness to invest in quality vehicles, Colin Marriott, ex-British Gas tionships with those people where it is not equipment, racking and safety gear. just a customer-supplier relationship. It is “We would physically go to look at every worth the effort to deepen the relationship vehicle that had been involved in a serious company if we were funding the vehicle with any of your suppliers, share with them incident to see if we were adopting the right through them, and then we had to get the your strategy, what your business is trying to strategies and, without doubt, some of that network to maintain them. achieve and get them on board with that. kit saved engineers’ lives,” he adds. “Whatever the requirement it was always “The response to working with suppliers in While improving safety was a core focus really exciting. that manner was phenomenal. They inno- for Marriott, this had to dovetail with the main “Another fresh challenge came when vated, they did things to help British Gas all aim for any fleet: to ensure that its vehicles Centrica bought The AA and we were involved the time and it was a privilege to work with were operationally fit for purpose. in running that fleet of recovery vehicles for people like that. “Giving the operation the right tools to do some time. That was exciting as well.” “Without those relationships I had in the the job has to be the number one priority of The appetite to innovate was present industry, the team of people I had around me any fleet manager, but engineering the safety throughout Marriott’s career. As an engi- at British Gas and the extended teams in and other aspects required of a vehicle neer, this clearly manifested itself in vehicles some of our suppliers, we would not have around that operational performance is and technology – for example, British Gas been able to achieve what we did.” critical and that appealed to me,” he says. introduced the UK’s largest electric van fleet Marriott lists his relationship with suppliers “I really used to enjoy that side of the job. in 2013 – but he was also key to developing as another of his proudest achievements, Often in British Gas there wasn’t something British Gas’s total cost of ownership model. and the respect was mutual as a surprise at you could plug into that someone else had Creating this ‘zero based budget’ – as it his British Gas leaving ‘do’ demonstrated. already done. You were often inventing. was called then – was one of his first chal- “I was in a little room with just my team “For example, British Gas decided it would lenges when he joined the company in 1986. and, all of a sudden, in poured people I have its own people doing loft insulation, He had to take the most popular models on worked with from the supply chain,” he says. cavity wall insulation and things like that. the fleet, look at potential repair, service “There must have been 30 or 40 people “The challenge was sent straight into our costs etc., to give British Gas insight into representing the companies I had worked realising or not being aware that something year and is enjoying life away from the stresses “I’m an absolute petrolhead, so I’ve started office to say ‘right, we need a vehicle that is vehicle operation and selection. with, from motor manufacturers, livery, was going to happen, but I was invited along of managing one of the country’s biggest fleets. going to auctions, I’ve got a classic motorcycle going to be able to do this’, and that was “That was the birth of total cost of owner- racking and fleet management companies, to under the pretence that I was retiring and “For some time, I’d decided that as much that I play with, and a few other things. really good fun. ship in British Gas, and, 26 years on, all the share a sandwich and a cup of tea. wouldn’t it be nice to come to such a big, as I loved my job and the industry, I would “I love the outdoor living, so my wife and I “It becomes an even greater challenge experience of me, my team in particular, and “That was a very proud moment that these prestigious event and meet everyone. retire early,” he says. have some electrically-assisted mountain when you’ve got a severe payload restriction the fleet management company, have all people would take time out from their busy “When Huw Edwards started reading out “There were some personal reasons that bikes which we take on holiday with us. and, therefore, anything you add to the vehicle gone into this TCO model which is the bible lives to come and wish me a warm farewell.” the hall of fame nomination he said ‘this guy encouraged my thinking along the way such When she retires, we will be doing more and impacts on its operational performance. now,” he says. His other, more public, send-off was also started his career in Portsmouth dockyard’ as losing family far too young, but we’ve all more of that. “Our loft insulation vans were operating “Any new product or any alternative fuel a particularly proud moment: his induction and I turned to the young lady sitting next to got to retire some time and you only get one “I seem to have adapted to retirement quite right on the maximum gross vehicle mass, vehicle you want to put on to the road, you into the Fleet News Hall of Fame at the Fleet me and said ‘oh, I might know him’, so it was chance to retire early. well!” so we engineered a vehicle with a purpose- bolt it into that model and what pops out at News Awards ceremony last year. a real surprise. “I think I’ve been a very motivated fleet built body on the back that was the lightest the end of it is the most cost-effective vehicle The honour was well deserved, but it came “I do get embarrassed about these sorts manager at work and I’m motivated out of as a complete surprise to Marriott. “I was vehicle in its class. in that type of application.” of things, but that was a really nice piece of work as well, so to the surprise of one or two For more fleet profiles, visit: “We had meetings with suppliers and British Gas also became one of the first there without any knowledge that I was going recognition in front of a lot of people I’ve who have often rung me up and made the fleetnews.co.uk/fleet profiles motor manufacturers, the racking compa- large fleets to go to a fully outsourced service into the hall of fame,” he says. worked with, so that was a nice send-off.” joke, I don’t sit in bed waiting for the Jeremy nies and the leasing or fleet management provision in 1995. Before that, the company’s “Some must think I was a bit of a mug not Marriott has now been retired for around a Kyle Show to start.
28 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 29 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MASERATI
He adds: “It was quite clear to me that we right sort of relationships with the people Dalziel says: “Diesel has been a significant could spend a lot of time going down various who drive our vehicles, no matter the funding part of our corporate sales. Ghibli, Levante ‘GET THE CAR YOU ALWAYS avenues that would ultimately lead nowhere. method,” Dalziel says and Quattroporte diesel are the most afford- “Maserati is not an obvious fit for a company “We need to make sure Maserati owner- able to buy and run but we aren’t beholden car policy. As soon as you talk about CO2 ship isn’t a one-off experience.” to those products to be successful. PROMISED YOURSELF NOW’ limits or typical BIK (benefit-in-kind) tax then A team of four look after the entire corpo- “While we have seen all the noise around Maserati is a not a fit for the conventional rate sales operation. diesel in the media, more people are going fleet audience.” Laura Heathcote-Smith takes care of the for petrol. Levante S has a new V6 petrol No matter who the brand chooses to Southern region, while Louise Kelly is engine and that has taken off extremely well. target, residual values will always be crucial responsible for the North. Alexandra Cooper, “With all the hysteria around diesel and Maserati realises its brand is unlikely to be an obvious fit for a company car to keep its vehicle’s hire rates competitive. based in the Midlands, helps to coordinate emissions and the suggestion there will be Matt de Prez That is why the fourth part of Dalziel’s plan the team and manage customer contact, no combustion engine vehicles by 2040, we policy but that doesn’t deter corporate sales ambitions. reports involves better engagement with residual while Dalziel spends his time liaising with are asking ‘why not get the car you always value setters, such as Cap HPI, KeeRe- leasing companies and looking for new busi- promised yourself now’?” sources and Glass’s. ness opportunities. Compared to 2016, Maserati sales were up “It is something we haven’t focused our Dalziel says: “It’s a question of uniting the by 18% and the growth is expected to hy not get the manager Howard Dalziel. His five-point plan British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Associa- efforts on over the past few years. They dealers with those opportunities. We have to continue this year. car you always has helped the brand boost fleet sales by tion (BVRLA) and Maserati supported its make sense of our vehicle data and get it out identify the right audience and invite them to A raft of updates for the model range were promised 10% and he expects to maintain a 50-50 split Leasing Broker Forum in October. into the industry. For me that is key to posi- the showrooms. If we can get those people announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in yourself? That against retail by focusing on key areas. Dalziel says: “We can get in front of people tion our vehicles on leasing company into the showroom, we can talk about the 2017, including a suite of new advanced is the question First and foremost on his agenda is the who can see the opportunity for Maserati websites. If the data providers don’t know the affordability of the brand and that has driver assistance systems (ADAS) for the W Maserati is contract hire market. within their customer base and can see that prices of the vehicles, we only have ourselves worked extremely well for us. Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante. posing as it “We’ve started engagement with the top 15 going back to one of their customers with a to blame if that data isn’t available in to the “The affordability angle surprises a lot of By switching to electric power steering, the reaches an even leasing companies. There is more than one different solution – rather than the stereo- industry.” people. It’s a nice problem to have; people brand now offers lane-keep assist and, split between corporate and retail sales. opportunity for us: not least to supply a new typical German or Japanese brands – would At the end of 2017, Dalziel arranged a trip think we are more expensive than we are. when combined with active cruise control, The Italian manufacturer has been through car in the first place, but also to engage with have value and would enable them to close to Maserati’s factory in Modena, giving him “When you talk through the figures, they the vehicles can provide level 2 autonomy. a significant change in the past decade. Its the maintenance and repair, then getting the a sale.” the opportunity to demonstrate the latest realise that owning a Maserati can be a real- Blind spot assist is also available. best-selling model is a diesel SUV (Levante) car back into our network and make a used The third area of focus is corporate entities. range of cars and their capabilities to repre- istic proposition.” “In terms of autonomy we are where we – a far cry from the historic racers and super- car sale,” says Dalziel. Dalziel specifies two types of business that sentatives from all the major value setters. Last year, Maserati registered 1,701 cars in want to be at the moment. We still believe cars for which the brand was once famed. “We are recognising the right opportunities he wants to target: limited liability partner- All corporate sales are handled, ultimately, the UK and 52% of those were to the corpo- that a Maserati is a car to drive and we don’t While Maserati has never been, and prob- as far as choice lists which is why the leasing ships, where there is no company car tax to by Maserati’s dealer partners, as the brand rate sector. want to detract from that,” Dalziel says. ably will never be, a core-fleet brand, it is company relationships are so important. pay, and larger businesses that have an doesn’t supply direct. There are 19 dealers Part of the shift has come from the intro- Further developments are expected to be looking to cash-in on its exclusivity and offer They are the gatekeepers for larger compa- employee base which “lends itself to the in the UK, although the company is planning duction of diesel engines, making the cars announced in May when the company outlines salvation to those who don’t wish to drive a nies, to get us on their lists.” prospect of Maserati ownership”. to expand its network. The target is to have more suitable for higher mileage business its next five-year model strategy, but FCA car with the same badge as everyone else. At the same time, he is chasing deals with “Our opportunities lie generally within SME a dealership within 50 miles of any point in drivers. The launch of the Levante SUV was boss Sergio Marchionne has said that hybrid Leading the corporate sales charge is vehicle funding brokers. There are currently businesses on personal contract hire rather the UK. another highlight that provided a significant models are expected by the end of 2019, with newly appointed national corporate sales around 300 brokers registered with the than conventional fleet policies,” says Dalziel. “It is really important for us to develop the boost in sales. the first electric Maserati coming a year later.
“Affordability angle FACTFILE surprises a lot of Company: Maserati people. It’s a nice UK headquarters: Slough National corporate sales manager: Howard Dalziel Key models: Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante problem to have” 2017 registrations: 1,701 Howard Dalziel, Maserati Corporate sales split: 52%
30 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 31 THE UK’S BIGGEST FLEET EVENT Supported by
“IF YOU ARE NEW PLAN YOUR FLEET LIVE VISIT TO FLEET, IT’S A WHEN? 9-10 October, 2018 NO-BRAINER – YOU HAVE TO GET WHERE? NEC, Birmingham ALONG. FOR THOSE MORE EXPERIENCED, THERE’S ENTRY? Free to fleet managers ALWAYS A NUGGET THAT YOU CAN TAKE AWAY” DETAILS? www.fleet-live.co.uk RORY MORGAN, IRON MOUNTAIN
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olutions to immediate fleet problems as well as strategies for long term fleet issues will be Fleet Operations Theatre Fleet Strategy Theatre available to decision-makers for fleets of all Pick up priceless practical advice on how to buy The daily demands of running a fleet can leave little sizes at Fleet Live. and run a more efficient fleet in the presentations, time for developing long-term strategies for the This showcase of best practice in fleet seminars and workshops for hands-on fleet mobility of staff and the transport of goods. Sessions Smanagement will have a radically new approach in 2018, managers. The sessions will be targeted at in this theatre will give progressive fleet managers a with its programme devised by executives at the sharp managers from purchasing, operations and headstart in planning for the future. end of fleet management. Members of the Fleet Live HR backgrounds, whether new to the role or ■ Travel in urban environments Visitor Advisory Board are responsible for running fleets experienced executives. Understanding the impact on your fleet strategy of of 100 to 10,000-plus vehicles, including household name Topics covered will be of immediate relevance to the city-based transport strategies on air quality, enterprises such as Royal Mail, Anglian Water, Red Bull people responsible for their company’s car, van and congestion and safety. How will you need to adapt and John Lewis. truck fleets, including: your policies? Together, they have devised a twin-track approach to ■ How to improve fleet safety and driver behaviour ■ Adopting a zero emission strategy Fleet Live, focusing on practical answers to immediate Discover initiatives to reduce accident frequency that How manufacturers are helping fleets to adopt challenges facing fleet operators, as well as strategic have worked for other fleets. electric vehicles and how fleets are responding to approaches to longer term concerns. ■ How to introduce ‘pre-flight’ checks the challenge. The result is two distinct programmes in two individual Find out which smartphone apps other fleet ■ The connected fleet theatres at the NEC. The Fleet Strategy Theatre will host managers are using, and with what degree of Understanding the impact connected cars will have a series of presentations and seminars that address success, to ensure drivers carry out a full, daily on fleets, and how vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to- broad, long-term issues. The Fleet Operations Theatre defect check of their van or truck before driving it. infrastructure connections will tackle congestion, will deliver ‘how to’ sessions offering practical advice and ■ How to cut end-of-contract charges smooth traffic flow and improve route planning. expert tips on how to tackle fleet issues of today. Don’t suffer a sting in the tail when your vehicles ■ New testing regime for fuel and CO2 Speakers at the seminars will be experts in their fields, return to leasing companies. Follow these useful What WLTP and RDE2 are and how they will affect either hands-on fleet managers or representatives of approaches to prevent damage in the first place, your car policies and your drivers. specialist industry bodies and organisations. There will and to minimise recharges when they do arise. ■ The low risk fleet be no sales pitches. ■ How to lower your fuel expenditure The long-term strategies required to underpin a In addition, a fleet advice centre will act as a drop-in Cut back on your fuel spend with these techniques genuine fleet safety strategy, and how fleets can clinic to guide and advise any decision-maker wrestling for improving the fuel economy of your vehicles and build a business case to introduce them. with how best to solve problems with their fleet. drivers, and for ensuring accurate, fraud-free ■ Become a mobility manager The two theatres and advice centre will be supported mileage reimbursement. How long before the business card says ‘mobility by exhibitors from all sectors of the fleet industry, ■ How to buy smartly manager’ rather than fleet manager? Prepare for a including major motor manufacturers, leading leasing Know which key performance indicators (KPIs) and brave new world as the mobility architect of your companies, specialist IT organisations and key after- service level agreements (SLAs) to introduce to business, unifying multiple modes of transport into a market suppliers. ensure the best value deal from your suppliers. coherent travel plan for your company’s staff, “If a business wants to cut its fleet costs, buy or lease ■ Earned Recognition and new safety rules services and goods. vehicles more effectively, better manage its drivers, Find out how fleets can embrace and benefit from ■ Autonomous vehicles: the zero harm solution reduce risk and improve its green credentials, Fleet Live the new DVSA programme and what safety features The roadmap for future technologies and how is the only place to find all the answers under one roof,” will be necessary to drive trucks in London and other ‘driverless’ vehicles will affect fleets, including the said Stephen Briers, Fleet News editor-in-chief. major cities. impacts for HR and operational policies.
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fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 35
NWF_Advert_A4_EN.indd 1 03/01/2018 12:51 FP_FLEETNEW_NWFAdvertAid3383997.pdf 21.02.2018 12:35 FLEET NEWS AWARDS
THE AWARDS 75 Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year WELCOME 77 43 Fleet News Hall of Fame Best executive car Almost 1,400 people attended the Fleet News My role is to provide an 77 45 Fleet manufacturer of the year Best people carrier Awards this year to celebrate the 157 finalists, independent view of the 79 47 Fleet manager of the year Best upper-medium car 29 winners and 24 highly commended process adhered to by the 79 companies, people and cars. judging panels as they 49 New company car of the year Best zero emission car 81 There are many fleet awards imitators, but we consider the sometimes 50 Fleet supplier of the year Best small car believe the Fleet News Awards remain the most lengthy list of entrants for 81 51 Fleet of the year 1,001-plus vehicles Best compact premium car prestigious and mean the most to you. each of the categories. 83 52 Fleet of the year up to 1,000 vehicles Best lower-medium car It’s unquestionably the most robust, with a I support the chairman, 83 judging panel drawn from experts from across Christopher Macgowan OBE, 53 Safe fleet award Best premium car 84 the fleet sector deliberating under the vigilant on points of procedure and to 55 Most improved fleet of the year Best compact SUV eye of our chairman, former SMMT chief ensure consensus around the 84 57 Outstanding cost control Best mid-size SUV executive Christopher Macgowan OBE. table with regard to the final 58 Eco fleet award The entire process is fully audited by Deloitte. conclusions. What I do not do, Transparency is important; we take it seriously because the results matter. however, is vote at any stage in the proceedings. 61 Best rental company of the year The awards evening is the greatest night of the year in the fleet sector, I ensure that the reasons for non-inclusion are given 63 Fleet dealer of the year CHAIRMAN bringing people together to make new acquaintances and meet old friends. the same level of importance as the winners and those 65 Leasing company of the year more It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the very best of our industry, but shortlisted. Christopher also for networking and socialising. And there was plenty of that! Deloitte has always ensured that its representative than 20,000 vehicles Macgowan OBE 67 This year’s awards were hosted by the incomparable Huw Edwards, works within its national automotive group which Leasing company of the year up to former chief anchor of the BBC’s News at 10, who did a fantastic job keeping some of the enables that representative (me this year) to raise 20,000 vehicles executive, SMMT rowdier sections of the audience in check. relevant questions during the consideration of the 69 Most innovative use of technology The judges were once again impressed with the finalists’ level of entrants and to assist in keeping the debates flowing. 71 Customer service award innovation and their very real focus on reducing cost, improving safety and When it comes to the final voting, it is Deloitte which 73 Green fleet manufacturer of the year the process of continuous improvement. records the voting and advises the panel of the outcome. Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief, Fleet News Martin Tooze, Deloitte THE JUDGES
Thank you to our feature sponsors:
Hall of fame sponsor Photo booth sponsor
Stephen Briers Caroline Sandall Jo Hammonds, Peter Eldridge, Sarah Tooze David Oliver John Pryor Debbie Floyde Graham Short Editor-in-chief, ACFO Mears Group ICFM Deputy editor, Procurement manager,er, Chairman, ACFO/ fleet Fleet manager, Zip Water (UK) Fleet News Fleet categories Fleet categories Fleet categories Fleet News Red Bull and travel manager, Bauer Media Supplier categories Fleet/manufacturer Supplier categories Supplier categories Arcadia Supplier/manufacturer categories Supplier categories categories Pre-dinner drinks and fleet Sponsored bar manager engagement sponsor
Product placement sponsor Casino sponsor
Stewart Lightbody Ryan Coles, Simon Harris Martin Ward Andy Cutler Mark Jowsey Steve Jones Shaun Sadlier, Peter Weston, Head of fleet services, Aviva Motoring journalist Relationships manager, UK car editor – forecast Director, manufacturerer General manager of Arval Arcus Table gift sponsor Anglian Water Supplier categories Manufacturer categories Cap HPI values, Glass’s liaison, KeeResourcess asset risk, LeasePlan Manufacturer categories Manufacturer categories Supplier categories Manufacturer categories Manufacturer categories Manufacturer categoriesries Manufacturer categories
36 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 37 FLEET NEWS AWARDS IN NUMBERS AND PICTURES
1,379 number of guests 104 photos taken in the Fleet Live photo booth 196,647 photo views the morning after the event on fleetnews.co.uk up 18% on last year
5.30am Time the last member of the Fleet News team went to bed. 1,000+ bottles of wine drunk during the evening
£12,500 money raised for awards charity Marie Curie – thanks to everyone who generously contributed 3.15 am the time the final events team stragglers called 366 it a night different companies in the room, networking, socialising and dancing
FOR MORE PICTURES VISIT FLEETNEWS.CO.UK/GALLERIES FORF VIDEOS VISIT FLEETNEWS.CO.UK/VIDEOS
38 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 39 FLEET NEWS AWARDS IN NUMBERS AND PICTURES
1 guest lost in the 70 lobby before 11pm moving light fixtures were used during the evening’s 2 entertainment throat lozenges used by Sean Lock to help him not lose his voice 2 Show LED 100s animation cloths totalling just under of minds blown 100,000 lumens of by magicians Trixta output were used to display content on the set (a typical home projector is around 5 2,500 lumens) laser projectors
The events team has to load in, rehearse, perform the show and derig in 24h 16 which from the Eclipse tons of technical Presentations team involved equipment, stage and set were brought in 59 to put on the show, all coming crew over three shifts, not to into the great mention the dedicated team hall in one lift. running the non-technical elements and organising the awards.
FOR MORE PICTURES VISIT FLEETNEWS.CO.UK/GALLERIES FORF VIDEOS VISIT FLEETNEWS.CO.UK/VIDEOS
40 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 41 adRocket
HEADLINE AWARDS
FLEET NEWS HALL OF FAME AWARD Winners: Phil Clifford/Maurice Elford
PICTURE CAPTION his year, Fleet News has chosen to recog- Winner of the fleet of the year up to 250 vehicles and Phil Clifford (centre) and nise two long-standing fleet managers most improved fleet categories at the awards last (QMR\WKHULGHZLWKRXUSRZHUIXOGHSHQGDEOHDQGIXQUDQJHRIFDUV Maurice Elford (left) receive who have recently retired. One comes year, Elford has enjoyed a 36-year career in fleet. their awards from presenter from the public sector, the other private. He began with The Royal Bank of Scotland as fleet Competitively priced, reliable and with an extensive Dealer support network, the Suzuki range Stuart Thomas, director of Phil Clifford is a prominent figure administrator and was appointed group fleet has to be driven to be believed. Plus each Suzuki comes with a dedicated business team who fleet and SME at The AA, Tamong local authority fleets, regularly giving up his manager in 2001, overseeing a fleet of 5,500 vehicles. will make sure your car and your business stay on track. which sponsored the Hall time to share his thoughts on efficient fleet manage- He held the position for 13 years, becoming a of Fame category ment at industry conferences. specialist in salary sacrifice and affinity schemes as He is an outspoken advocate of the professional well as offshore fleet insurance. CO MPG BIK P11D fleet manager, strongly believing organisations In 2014, he joined London & Quadrant Housing 7KHDOOQHZ 2 cannot operate large numbers of vehicles and Trust where he had to learn about van management 6X]XNL6ZLIW 114-97 (combined) 18%-21% £11,824-£16,634 g\km 65.7-56.5 complex assets without one. for the first time. He revolutionised the fleet, intro- Arguably his biggest achievement was setting up ducing new policies and making significant improve- and running the Public Authority Transport Network, ments, which lead to the award of those twoFleet which enables public sector fleet managers across News trophies. the UK to share best practice and ideas. Colleagues describe Maurice as polite, under- The CO2 MPG BIK P11D Having completed more than 40 years of public standing, supportive and highly competent. Always 6X]XNL9LWDUD 131-106 (combined) 23%-25% £15,784-£25,684 g\km 70.6-49.5 service in local authority fleet management, most generous with his time, he willingly offers support recently as fleet and technical manager at Forest and assists with the mentoring of other team Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough members. Council, he now plans to concentrate fully on this He demonstrates all the attributes that are ‘second career’ of working with public sector fleet required in a strong fleet manager. Fully aware of )RUHYHQPRUHUHDVRQVWRFKRRVH6X]XNLFRQWDFWXVWRGD\ professionals. the legislative provisions from both a fleet and HR His aim? “To raise the profile of both the industry perspective, while maintaining an eye on the detail cars.suzuki.co.uk/business 01908 336130 [email protected] Sponsored by and the hard working fleet managers and adminis- to maximise savings, he has the skill to balance the trators who deserve recognition,” he says. need for choice to maintain staff motivation with all And, with an eye firmly fixed on the future, Clifford the other pressures without ruffling feathers. Vitara range official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 42.1 (6.7) to 61.4 (4.6), Extra Urban from 55.4 (5.1) to 76.3 (3.7), Combined is determined to encourage youngsters to consider One colleague summed up his attributes: “A IURP WR 2IILFLDO&2˄HPLVVLRQVIURPJNPWRJNP6ZLIWUDQJHRIILFLDOIXHOFRQVXPSWLRQILJXUHVLQPSJ /NP 8UEDQIURP fleet management as a career. valued and remarkable talent who every day adds WR ([WUD8UEDQIURP WR &RPELQHGIURP WR 2IILFLDO&2˄HPLVVLRQVIURPJNPWR JNP Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Available from participating dealers. Information correct at the time Our second Hall of Famer is Maurice Elford. value and delivers solutions not problems.” of going to print. Terms and conditions apply, see: cars.suzuki.co.uk/business
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 43
FP_FLEETNEW_10054243Q1id3409482.pdf 14.03.2018 15:32 HEADLINE AWARDS
“Everyone deserves to be cared for at the end of their life. FLEET MANUFACTURER Your daffodil means OF THE YEAR Winner: Mercedes-Benz Cars UK I canPaula,Paula be MarieMar iethere.” CurieCurie NurseNurse PICTURE CAPTION ercedes-Benz has won the prestigious product they would expect if visiting one of its retail sites. Rob East (left), head of fleet accolade of Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for This significant investment in people and training dedicated at Mercedes-Benz Cars, the first time, voted for by fleet manager to only Mercedes-Benz deliveries has resulted in an increase received the trophy from readers of Fleet News. in end user satisfaction on handovers. Denis Keenan, chief The carmaker set a new strategy a few years The adoption of on-site loyalty specialists across the retail executive officer of awards Mago under the leadership of former head of fleet Nick network is intended to ensure customer satisfaction not only sponsor KeeResources Andrews, which saw fleet become integral to its plans to at the point of purchase, but at key times throughout the become the best-selling premium brand in the UK. ownership experience. This has been built on by current fleet boss Rob East, Toward the end of 2017, Mercedes-Benz introduced a resulting in continued growth in the true fleet channel, national test drive experience aimed at drivers who miss out supported by improved terms for corporate customers as on the chance to drive products due to remote working. The FINALISTS well as incremental improvements through the introduction focus on local customers saw the national programme ■ Audi UK of new models that appeal to user-choosers. invest only in fleet and business customers for the first time. ■ BMW (UK) Mercedes-Benz has managed its growth effectively, main- There will be further initiatives during 2018, aimed at ■ Ford Motor Company taining strong residual values through ensuring key option delivering further improvement in customer experience with ■ Mercedes-Benz Cars UK packs are CAP coded and realise their true worth at auction, vehicles and working with the brand. ■ Škoda as well as a new focus on the remarketing process. Mercedes-Benz has long been aware of how its products ■ Volkswagen UK Its demonstrator service for fleet and business users has connect with the driver and deliver on an emotional level. been completely transformed with renewed focus on the But now fleet customers are becoming more aware of the handover of the demonstrator. work Mercedes-Benz is putting into nurturing existing rela- With branded star drivers, Mercedes-Benz customers tionships, making customer satisfaction sustainable, and experience an in-depth handover and knowledge of the delivering greater loyalty to the brand. Donate and wear JUDGES’ COMMENTS your daffodil now Mercedes-Benz has completely reviewed the fleet customer journey, which has improved its services to Sponsored by the corporate and SME sector. It has engaged the retailer network in the process and introduced new initiatives that meet fleets’ needs and match the quality of its outstanding model line-up. Fleets are more Text DAFF to 70007 to donate £5* satisfied with the service, and the result has been growth in true fleet sales.
* You will be charged £5, plus one message at your standard network rate. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 45 98% of your donation will be received by Marie Curie. Registered charity, England and Wales (207994), Scotland (SC038731). Photo: Ben Gold/Marie Curie. C650_210x282
C650_Paula5_Programme_210x297.indd 1 07/03/2018 16:13 HEADLINE AWARDS ALL-NEW ALFA ROMEO STELVIO. MORE THAN AN SUV.
FLEET MANAGER OF THE YEAR Winner: Julie Madoui, Skanska UK
PICTURE CAPTION kanska has been a regular recipient of to share her company’s ideas, particularly on Julie Madoui, head of fleet Fleet News and Commercial Fleet safety, with other organisations. and transport at Skanska Awards trophies, primarily through its As she says, “there’s no competition when it UK, picked up the award outstanding work on safety and risk comes to improving road safety”. from Francis Bleasdale, fleet management. Skanska plays an active role on the FORS and and remarketing director of SNow its head of fleet and transport Julie Madoui FTA governance groups, as well as CLOCS and Fiat Chrysler Automotive has followed up her own success at the Commer- CILT, the Zurich best practice group and as a corpo- cial Fleet Awards, where she was named fleet rate sponsor of road safety charity Brake. Madoui manager of the year, by receiving the same acco- also set up and heads Skanska’s own fleet risk FINALISTS lade at the Fleet News Awards. steering group. ALL-NEW ALFA ROMEO STELVIO SPECIALE. ■ David Fisher, Rexel UK Madoui is an unassuming fleet manager who But Madoui has been named fleet manager of the ■ Gary McRae, Dundee City doesn’t self-promote. Indeed her entry into this year for more than simply being a safety evangelist. Whether you are a fl eet decision maker or a company car driver, Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers the complete fl eet and business Council category was put forward by her fleet risk and She has invested in a number of electric vans and package. Coupling the most exciting driving dynamics with elegant Italian design and offering exceptional fuel consumption, ■ Julie Madoui, Skanska UK compliance manager Alison Moriarty. She quietly will shortly take on its second hydrogen fuel cell ■ Paul Brown, Freedom CO2 emissions and specifi cation, Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the perfect Business choice. goes about her business with a thoroughness and van as part of a project to reduce Skanska’s impact Group of Companies level of knowledge few can match. on the environment. She has also rolled out tele- Madoui takes an inclusive approach to fleet matics across the commercial vehicle fleet and £41,275 (P11D) C02 127 g/km BIK 27% management. She involves all key stakeholders, provides line managers with monthly KPI reports. HIGHLY from senior managers to drivers to suppliers, Madoui’s policies don’t simply extend to the car, For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 7188 or email alfaromeo.fl [email protected] COMMENDED ensuring their ideas are heard and that they buy-in van and HGV fleet: she applies them equally to the ■ Gary McRae, Dundee City to and engage with new initiatives. employees who have taken a cash allowance and Council But she goes one step further by actively seeking use their own car for business.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS Julie shows outstanding control over her fleet, from safety to cost to the environment. She integrates all Sponsored by aspects of fleet management with equal importance and has implemented new systems to manage the fleet more effectively and efficiently. The fleet is fully embedded within Skanska’s business, supporting the bid process and its safety objectives. Julie has a calm and reassured approach to fleet management. RANGE OF OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA STELVIO RANGE: URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 31.7 (8.9) – 51.4 (5.5), EXTRA-URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 47.9 (5.9) – 65.7 (4.3), COMBINED CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 40.4 (7.0) – 60.1 (4.7). EMISSIONS 161 – 124 G/KM. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 VALUES ARE OBTAINED FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH EC DIRECTIVES/REGULATIONS AND MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF REAL LIFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. FACTORS SUCH AS DRIVING STYLE, WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS MAY ALSO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON FUEL CONSUMPTION. MODEL SHOWN ALFA ROMEO STELVIO 2.2 D 180 SPECIALE 5DR AUTO. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 47
18-11 [Alfa Fleet Q1 18 Deliverables] - Fleet News_Stelvio_297x210.indd 1 28/02/2018 17:17 HEADLINE AWARDS
Advertisement feature New Company Car: BMW 5 Series
WINNER
RANGE COSTS P11D price £35,620 - £51,640 Fleet News says: NEW COMPANY CAR CO2 emissions (g/km) 46 - 164 Carmaker’s comments Annual BIK tax 9% - 31% “The latest 5 Series is The BMW 5 Series stands in a class of its own. Running costs (ppm) 42.43 - 63.72 bigger, roomier, lighter, Combining elegance with exceptional driving OF THE YEAR dynamics, it makes every journey unforgettable. more efficient, more Delivering impressive efficiency alongside standard FLEET PICK SPEC technologically advanced features such as BMW Navigation with real-time Winner: BMW 5 Series 520d SE Efficient Dynamics and better to drive than traffic information, this award-winner makes travelling P11D price £38,700 for business and leisure a truly effortless experience. Running costs (ppm) 44.29 the previous model. It The BMW 5 Series Saloon range also includes a PICTURE CAPTION he new BMW 5 Series has proven its The 5 Series is roomier than before, while the plug-in hybrid model, which achieves CO2 emissions CO2 emissions (g/km) 102 Steve Oliver, general fleet credentials by winning the coveted Touring variant adds style with practicality. provides stiff competition from just 46g/km and boasts an electric range of up Mpg 72.4 manager, corporate sales, title of New Company Car of the Year. Both saloon and Touring are also available in a to 29 miles. Automatically balancing petrol and BMW Group UK (centre), Annual BIK £1,858 to its executive sector The award – voted for exclusively by number of all-wheel drive xDrive versions to electric power, this economic model achieves received the award from fleet decision-makers – shows BMW improve traction in poor road conditions. rivals” optimum fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. Fleet News editor-in-chief Running cost data supplied by Thas got all the ingredients of the new model right Standard equipment for the 5 Series includes a Stephen Briers (right) and KeeResources (4yr/80k) Fleet News First Drive, February 2017 awards host Huw Edwards for the corporate market in its first year on sale. collision warning system and pedestrian warning Customers can choose from a range of petrol with city braking function, as well as cruise control and diesel engines, with the new four-cylinder that can apply the brakes if necessary. 525d offering the same power output as the six- Optional adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go cylinder 530d of a few years ago, but with much function can be used at speeds from zero to better fuel economy and CO2 emissions. 130mph. It can brake the vehicle to a standstill and Improved aerodynamics, as well as greater effi- allow it to move off again automatically after a FINALISTS ciency in engines and gearboxes, have helped pause of up to 30 seconds. The result is much less ■ Audi A5 Sportback reduce fuel consumption over its predecessor, stressful driving, particularly on motorways. ■ BMW 5 Series while the popular 520d EfficientDynamics saloon The line-up is completed by systems that keep ■ Ford Fiesta offers a class-benchmark Cd figure of 0.22. the driver better informed when manoeuvring and ■ Jaguar XF Sportbrake For user choosers seeking to minimise their provide warning of hazardous driving situations. ■ Škoda Octavia (facelift) benefit-in-kind tax liability, BMW also offers a These include parking sensors, rear-view ■ Vauxhall Insignia plug-in hybrid 5 Series in the 530e, with a pure camera and ‘surround view’ that shows a 3D image ■ Volkswagen Golf (facelift) electric range of up to 29 miles, helping bring down of the vehicle and its surroundings from various ■ Volvo XC60 official CO2 emission figures to 46g/km. angles on the dashboard display.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS The new company car of the year offers the best driving experience money can buy at this level. Packed bmw.co.uk/business 01252 920800 with safety technology and innovative infotainment, it has a range of refined engines, which combine [email protected] power with efficiency. High residuals result in low cost of ownership.
fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 49 HEADLINE AWARDS FLEET AWARDS
FLEET SUPPLIER FLEET OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR 1,001-PLUS VEHICLES Winner: The AA Winner: Royal Mail
PICTURE CAPTION hrough a culture of exceptional to handle any electric vehicle breakdown. Soon, it PICTURE CAPTION he UK’s biggest fleet operator becomes the Partners and, via collaborative partner Arrival, three Stuart Thomas, director of service levels, constant innovation, will provide free electric charging for its B2B Paul Gatti, director of fleet, fleet of the year after developing a number 3.5-tonne vans, three six-tonne trucks and three fleet and SME services at technological expertise and an customers who run out of power on the road. Royal Mail, picked up the of initiatives to improve cost efficiencies, 7.5-tonne commercial vehicles. It is “just the start”. The AA (left), picks up the understanding of fleets’ needs, The It’s extended its connected car and diagnostics trophy from Caroline safety and its impact on the environment. It has also undertaken successful trials of CNG award from Michael Stewart, AA boasts it will “do whatever it offering, providing additional support to Sandall, awards judge and Royal Mail has a unique set of chal- trucks with Scania, which showed projected savings deputy chairman of ACFO director of fleet at sponsor Ttakes to keep fleets moving”. customers travelling abroad through a partner- Tlenges. As the UK’s primary provider of mail and of £60,000 in fuel over an eight-year operating cycle. Hyundai Motor UK Its B2B strategy in 2017 incorporated the ship with ARC Europe. It has also launched the parcel services, it visits 115,000 post boxes six days Royal Mail has taken steps to address the industry- focus on The AA not simply as a breakdown Patrol Tracker app for members allowing them a week and delivers to 29 million addresses. wide issue of empty running. It launched an ‘empty organisation, but as a mobility company, inter- to log a breakdown and track The AA response. Its fleet of 39,000 vans, 1,600 cars and 7,000 trucks legs’ pilot last year to sell unused capacity in its acting with fleets far more than at the roadside. Its Fleet Intelligence tool helps prevent break- is Europe’s largest which requires a progressive trucks to other companies. This has generated FINALISTS Services meeting this requirement include car downs, highlighting problems before they turn FINALISTS approach to maintenance and driver training. Royal revenue, maximised fleet efficiency and reduced ■ Aston Barclay hire, telematics, route mapping and interacting into incidents and vehicle/driver downtime. ■ Computacenter Mail’s pre-emptive maintenance programme is a carbon output for its partners. ■ BT Fleet Solutions with downtime management systems with As a result, The AA has 15 million customers, ■ Police Scotland previous winner of cost initiative of the year, and it The fleet has also replaced some single-deck ■ FleetEurope leasing companies, to become a holistic busi- of which 10 million are in the fleet sector. ■ Rexel UK has taken steps to deliver a change of culture and trailers with double-decks to increase load capacity ■ Licence Bureau ness for fleets. It works with most vehicle manufacturers ■ Royal Mail mindset among its 90,000-plus drivers via a trans- without increasing road footprint. It has saved fuel ■ The AA The AA also takes a campaigning stance. providing roadside assistance to 70% of the new ■ Scottish Water formation programme. and CO2 emissions as a result. Further savings will ■ TMC In 2017, it addressed the issue of more than a car market. ■ Siemens Another example of its proactive attitude is its come from reducing fleet movements through effi- fifth of UK companies lacking a road safety The AA has a customer retention record of recognition of its environmental responsibilities – it cient route planning and the use of larger vehicles. policy by launching an ad campaign highlighting 100% across its manufacturing, bank and simply can’t wait for others to plough the furrow. Royal Mail is constantly innovating with new ideas HIGHLY the dangers of texting while driving. leasing customers, while its SME retention HIGHLY Consequently, Royal Mail is embarking on one of the that tackle safety, environment concerns, efficiencies COMMENDED And with an eye on the future – and evidence of record is almost 84%, with the average contract COMMENDED largest trials of electric vehicles in the country. and cost, but it doesn’t forget that fundamental to a ■ BT Fleet Solutions constant innovation – The AA has trained its fleet lasting 10 years. ■ Police Scotland This year, its fleet will include 100 electric Peugeot successful fleet operation is doing the basics right.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS JUDGES’ COMMENTS The AA is “strong in all areas” and is much more than a breakdown provider. It is helping customers to Sponsored by Royal Mail faces a unique set of challenges and has developed a range of initiatives that tackle and improve transition to electric vehicles and is investing in technology. It has formed key industry partnerships and every area of its fleet. It recognises that, as a commercial operation, it now needs to take a commercial campaigns on important fleet issues. “You cannot get a better all-round fleet supplier,” the judges said. approach with its workshops and empty legs programmes, but this is within a wider future strategy that is focused on finding the best solutions to every challenge. An amazing fleet, said the judges.
50 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 51 FLEET AWARDS FLEET AWARDS
FLEET OF THE YEAR – SAFE FLEET AWARD UP TO 1,000 VEHICLES Winner: Freedom Group of Companies Winner: Skanska UK
PICTURE CAPTION ompany vehicles are taken seriously disengaged,” he says. “But we have changed the PICTURE CAPTION kanska leaves no stone unturned An automated report is also delivered to iden- Paul Brown, head of group and not treated as “tool boxes on way the fleet is run so that there is an emphasis Alison Moriarty, fleet risk when it comes to keeping its fleet, its tify drivers who are nearing a possible ban. All fleet at the Freedom Group wheels” at Freedom Group, placed on customer service and safety.” and compliance manager of drivers and other road-users safe commercial drivers have their licences checked of Companies, received the according to its head of group fleet Weekly driver league tables have generated Skanska UK, received the from harm. It is constantly striving to every three months and all company car drivers award from Caroline Sandall, Paul Brown. friendly rivalry between drivers and work units award from Davis Licence improve and innovate; employing a every six months (three if they have six points or judge and deputy chairman CThe company picked up Fleet of the Year and helped improve performance. Check MD Richard Brown Snumber of initiatives with the aim of taking it more). No mean feat for a fleet with more than of ACFO 251-1,000 vehicles at last year’s Fleet News Drivers are now driving more efficiently and beyond compliance into excellence, and an 700 vans and 2,000-plus company cars. Awards and has triumphed in this year’s new safely, generating financial savings for the busi- exemplar to others in the industry. Work-related road safety has been enhanced category, Fleet of the Year up to 1,000 vehicles, ness and a reduced carbon footprint. It has invested in a new risk assessment by extending CLOCS (Construction Logistics FINALISTS following continual improvements in cost, risk The data generated by telematics has enabled process, which enables every driver to receive Community Safety) LGV vulnerable road-user ■ Dundee City Council and environmental performance. the company to more accurately measure its some training, rather than simply addressing training to include all drivers on its van fleet. It ■ Eric Wright Group It is in the process of moving all of its van fleet fleet’s CO2 emissions, helping it towards its goal FINALISTS high risk drivers. is also being rolled out to all company car ■ Freedom Group of to flexi rental with Northgate, giving it the flexi- of exceeding a 7% reduction in real terms in ■ Addison Lee Group Driver behaviour and observation are meas- drivers in 2018. Companies bility to return vehicles early without penalty or gross operational carbon by 2020 from a 2015 ■ Gateshead Council ured via a new online driving simulation, which Meanwhile, every month risk dashboards are ■ Gateshead Council swap vehicle type. baseline. ■ Royal Mail helps identify potential root causes of poor delivered to managers and the health and safety ■ Lyreco But it is cultural change which Brown believes Telematics has also helped the company to ■ Scottish Water driving and gives targeted training before an team to highlight areas of risk on their particular ■ Momentum Instore is the biggest achievement in the past year. achieve Carbon Emission Measurement and ■ Skanska UK incident can occur. contract. This includes accident information, Telematics and a department review have Reduction Scheme (CEMARS) accreditation, Skanska’s drivers are assigned a risk rate driver’s risk ratings, fines and any outstanding transformed the way teams interact with the along with a number of environmental awards. based on data which is updated daily. Every risk assessments or training. HIGHLY fleet department and “the way our drivers drive There have been more widespread benefits HIGHLY morning an automated report is sent to identify It enables managers to see the data without COMMENDED for us”, he says. too, with drivers applying what they have learnt COMMENDED those drivers most at risk, enabling early inves- having to log into various systems and means ■ Dundee City Council “Prior to telematics some drivers were fairly in their vans to driving in their personal lives. ■ Scottish Water tigation to discover the cause. that issues are dealt with in a timely fashion. ■ Gateshead Council
JUDGES’ COMMENTS JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges were impressed by the way Freedom Group has taken a unique approach to its business Skanska is still setting the benchmark that others should aspire to – it is simply in Sponsored by solutions on vans. It has moved flexi-hire into a contract hire product and is reshaping the way fleets should a league of its own. The company has comprehensive policies and solutions with consider running their van operations. Freedom is also strong in all other areas of its fleet policy with a major focus on preventative measures and it is actively leading in the wider numerous initiatives to improve its operational efficiencies. commercial world by sharing its safety messages and ideas with other businesses.
52 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 53 adRocket
FLEET AWARDS
,V\RXU¿HHWGULYLQJ MOST IMPROVED FLEET OF THE YEAR EOLQG"*HWDFOHDUHU Winner: Rexel UK
PICTURE CAPTION exel has overhauled almost every He plans to renew the list annually to ensure David Fisher, fleet manager area of its fleet policy resulting in vehicles are more efficient and economical. YLHZZLWK5H¿H[ of Rexel UK (right), collected significant cost savings and efficiency Rexel is arranging for a staff deal for the the award from Reflex Vans improvements. purchase of charging points at their homes to head of sales Lisa Spong It has achieved a 35% year-on-year help promote the use of PHEVs and EVs for and awards host Rcost reduction through changing its short-term business and private cars. Huw Edwards hire providers, setting up new internal processes Fisher has also rewritten the company car Our range of products have helped to transform and challenging its maintenance and accident and commercial driver handbooks and grey management providers. fleet policy. Savings have also been achieved by Together with Rexel’s insurance provider, he PDQ\¿HHWVZLWKJURXQGEUHDNLQJWHFKQRORJ\ relaunching its mileage capture system, has introduced a new risk management validating data held on the Transport for London programme, including driving licence checks, DQGLQGXVWU\OHDGLQJVHUYLFHOHYHOV FP_FLNOSA4_3459461id3153321.pdf 11.09.2017 16:23 adRocket FLEET AWARDS EXTRA WE GO THE MILE ӯƃ�ǁɽȃlj��ljƃ�ɽljɨɽȃƃɽӝ And the one after that…) OUTSTANDING COST CONTROL Winner: Police Scotland Bikes and cars to vans, trucks and everything in between, Zenith delivers PICTURE CAPTION robust fleet policy has enabled Police their fifth year as they cover fewer miles. They are ƺ��ɥ�ljɽljːljljɽɰ��ʍɽȈ��ɰӝ Stewart Taylor, fleet Scotland to make significant savings kept for longer with some specialist vehicles manager, Police Scotland and improve vehicle utilisation, with retained for up to 10 years. From our expert consultants advising on (centre), picked up the current and future initiatives set to Fuel spend was reduced by £100,000 last year trophy from Zenith managing save up to 30% of its existing budget. following the introduction of chip and pin fuel cards the perfect mix of vehicles and funding, director Ian Hughes (right) APolice Scotland operates 2,400 cars, 800 vans which encourages the use of supermarket and and awards host to our experienced account managers Huw Edwards and 100 motorcycles, maintained through its nine discounted fuel sites. providing unrivalled customer service workshops. Further savings of £200,000 are expected this A project to identify under-used vegicles resulted year with the implementation of cards that only and our innovative technology delivering in the removal of 108, saving the fleet £1.5 million work at these sites. real time trends and insights – we’ll Previously, nine separate fleet departments The fleet selects cars based on their low emis- �ƃ�Ȉ�Ȉɰljʰ�ʍɨːljljɽ�ɰɥljɨ��ɨ�ƃ�ƺljӝ managed the fleet. Consolidating them into one sions and has a strategy to reduce vehicle and has saved more than £2.5m over three years. engine size further with a £6m investment in And because we’re independent, Fleet manager Stewart Taylor identified that vehicle replacement this year. vehicle age had a direct correlation with running An auditable approval system for hire car book- ʥlj�ʤljǼ�ɽɽȃljːlj�ȈƹȈ�Ȉɽʰɽ�ɽƃȈ��ɨ�ʍɨ costs and implemented a fixed time-based ings resulted in additional savings by restricting car ɰ��ʍɽȈ��ɰɽ�ʰ�ʍɨːljljɽ�ɰ�ljljǁɰӝ FINALISTS replacement schedule. choice to the cheapest grade and opting out of ■ Dundee City Council Marked vehicles are replaced every four years, delivery services. The policy halved the number of ■ Police Scotland as in-depth analysis of the fleet’s service, mainte- large vehicles rented. ■ Rexel UK nance and repair costs showed a significant To minimise grey fleet costs a car club trial was ■ Royal Mail increase in year five. started. It used two vehicles over a six-month ■ Siemens Unmarked cars showed little impact in costs in period, saving £6,000. Proud sponsor of the LET'S GET GOING JUDGES’ COMMENTS Outstanding Within the tight boundaries of public sector budgetary framework, Police Scotland is delivering Sponsored by Cost Control Call 0344 848 9327 excellent initiatives to ensure its costs are well managed. It is changing the face of its fleet with Award the miles driven, management of pool cars, reduction in workshops and standardisation of Emailːljljɽխ˃lj�Ȉɽȃӝƺ�ӝʍ� vehicles. It has introduced new dynamics and a fresh way of tackling cost issues. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 57 FP_FLEETNEW_FleetNewsFid3409874.pdf 15.03.2018 09:26 FLEET AWARDS Advertisement feature Customer Service Award: FMG WINNER FMG chief executive Mark Chessman holds the award flanked by senior members of his team ECO FLEET AWARD Winner: Farmdrop Supplier’s PICTURE CAPTION armdrop’s mantra is go green and go trical infrastructure once it had more than 10 comments Farmdrop head of growth efficient, with deliveries being made by vans so it was able to charge all simultaneously. Mike Pearson (centre) and a fleet of Nissan e-NV200s in London It also uses route-planning software, which FMG is delighted to be driver trainer Dino Taylor and Bristol. enables it to set maximum mileage and ensure judged the winner of the (right) collected the award It says its mission is to fix the food the vans do not go beyond their range. Fleet News Outstanding from Steve Oliver, general Fchain and protect the planet by employing a Farmdrop estimates that a traditional diesel Customer Service Award manager, corporate sales, BMW Group UK pure electric fleet. van would be burning 1.5 gallons of fuel per day, for 2018. This award is The deployment of vehicles powered purely by per van. Based on a fleet of 20 vans operating testament to the value we electricity is possible thanks to delivery routes, 363 days, it has therefore removed the need to place on long-lasting on average, being 60 miles, with each van use a little less than 11,000 gallons of fuel. customer relationships covering, on average, 1.42 routes per day. Collectively covering more than 60,000 miles and our enormous effort FINALISTS However, Farmdrop has had to overcome a year, the food delivery firm estimates that, in ensuring we deliver an ■ Dundee City Council multiple challenges running an electric fleet: the based on industry standard CO2 data, it will have unrivalled experience ■ Edinburgh College lack of a market-ready refrigerated electric van, stopped about 24,000 kgs of CO2 being emitted with every customer ■ Farmdrop the size and range of the e-NV200 and problems between 2016-17. transaction. Every aspect ■ University of Birmingham with the public charging infrastructure. More recently, the firm has expanded its fleet of our business strategy, ■ University of Cambridge It uses thermal packaging as a refrigerated of Nissan EVs from seven to 20, further from our significant ■ Z-Tech Control Systems electric vehicle would take up too much energy, bolstering its environmental credentials. investment in cutting- and therefore reduce the vehicle’s range, as All new drivers, who the firm calls Farmdrop- edge technology to our Customer testimonial: well as taking up precious space in the vehicle. pers, have a test run in a van during the recruit- “We’re delighted to be working with FMG. Part of our promise is to HIGHLY commitment to staff In addition, its pure electric vans are charged ment process so the company is confident they engagement and training, provide customers with a simple solution to an often complicated COMMENDED overnight. Farmdrop had to upgrade its elec- are happy driving an EV. is underpinned by the fact ■ University of Cambridge that we genuinely care challenge and FMG helps us to consistently deliver this promise. It’s about the difference we clear that our two businesses share the same passion for delighting make to our customers’ customers with an outstanding customer experience.” JUDGES’ COMMENTS businesses. Farmdrop took a brave approach at launch – to go for an electric vehicle-only strategy when it could Sponsored by Gavin Jones – Tusker head of account development have easily gone for diesel. The company has identified electric as being core to its business strategy. This total commitment sets a benchmark for larger fleets and proves that electric vehicles – including www.fmg.co.uk Twitter: @fmgintel Email: [email protected] Phone: 0344 243 8888 light commercial vehicles - are viable for delivery-type operations. 58 March 22 2018 58 fleetnews.co.uk adRocket SUPPLIER AWARDS BEST RENTAL A new level of driver and COMPANY OF THE YEAR ˊHHWPDQDJHUVXSSRUW Winner: Enterprise Rent-A-Car PICTURE CAPTION nterprise Rent-a-Car has held on to the businesses to help them move way from unman- Jo Vickers, head of sales title of Rental Company of the Year for the aged grey fleets with pool fleet utilisation improve- – fleet, leasing and accident second year running. It retained more ments of up to 40%. management at Enterprise than 90% of its customers last year while Its Joined Up Travel initiative, in partnership with Rent-A-Car, picked up the expanding its services even further. Virgin Trains East Coast, sees Car Club vehicles trophy from Andy Reed, 2SHUDWLQJ D YHKLFOHˊHHW KDV GHYHORSHG T: 01536 536 590 ECorporate customers made up almost half of its conveniently located at four major train stations – operations director of into an increasingly complex discipline. Interactive Fleet business in 2017 and a newly introduced account with more to come – making it easier for business HQTXLULHV#LQWHUDFWLYHˊHHWFRXN Management which support team allows the business to keep on top of travellers to continue their onward journey. That’s why it’s important to have a great team working sponsored the award day-to-day enquiries. Enterprise has also launched its own accident Enterprise aims to provide any type of vehicle over management service to assist companies with the with you. Proud sponsors of the any time period – through its fleet of more than efficient processing of claims and repairs. The tech- %HVW5HQWDO&RPSDQ\ in the 97,000 vehicles – and puts business mobility at the nology allows for information to be easily shared Whether you contract hire your vehicles, or buy them heart of its strategy. between insurers, repairers and vehicle providers. outright, Interactive Fleet Management can become your 2018 Fleet News Awards Enterprise operates 450 standalone branches, Further integrating its rental branch network with YHU\RZQRXWVRXUFHGˊHHWGHSDUWPHQW FINALISTS with locations in 18 of the UK’s largest airports. It its Car Club fleet means businesses have more ■ County Car and Van also has a further 50 rental desks at hotels, body- access to round-the-clock mobility. Car Club is now By letting our team manage your suppliers, vehicles and Rental shops and fleets across the UK. available in 25 major cities; more than 1,500 cars are GULYHUV\RX�OOHQMR\DOORIWKHSULFHEHQHˉWVRIPXOWLVXSSO\ ■ Enterprise Rent-A-Car Customers can access all of its services through ready to be booked for immediate use via web or app. ■ and the operational ease of a single point of contact; all Europcar one online booking platform, be it car, van or HGV. Due to its extensive network, Enterprise is able to ■ Hertz UK Intelligent decision systems assist employees in offer fixed price delivery and collection or a free pick managed on a common IT platform thanks to our unique, ■ Reflex Vans making the right travel choice for each journey. up service which helps reduce CO2 emissions and ZHEEDVHGˊHHWPDQDJHPHQWV\VWHP ■ Thrifty Car & Van Rental The company also works collaboratively with is often vital for last-minute rentals. Great service. Great support. And a team of high calibre ˊHHWVSHFLDOLVWVWRGULYHGRZQFRVWVDQGHQVXUH\RXUGULYHUV JUDGES’ COMMENTS stay mobile and productive. Last year’s winner, Enterprise Rent-A-Car continues to impress with its coverage, ability to help Sponsored by customers cut costs, and its simple and easy-to-use tool for assessing vehicle damage. It is LQWHUDFWLYHˊHHWFRXN supporting a joined-up approach to travel through a new partnership to provide car club vehicles at small city train stations. Interactive Fleet Management Ltd. Balmoral House, Kettering Venture Park, Kettering NN15 6XU fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 61 FP_FLEETNEW_362340id3412378.pdf 16.03.2018 11:39 adRocket SUPPLIER AWARDS FLEET DEALER OF THE YEAR Winner: TrustFord PICTURE CAPTION rust is crucial in the relationship between A core part of TrustFord’s focus is on achieving TrustFord chairman and an end-user fleet and supplier; for its bespoke customer service. It writes bespoke service chief executive Stuart Foulds growing number of customers, TrustFord is level agreements (SLAs) and contracts for its major (left) receives the award aptly named. fleet customers, covering each aspect of the business from Rob Gale, director of As one fleet manager put in a testimonial for them, from ordering to aftersales management – contract hire at Santander Tfor this winning business: “Trusting the dealer is vital, not and centralised billing. In one case, it offered one of its Consumer UK only trusting the vehicles will be delivered on time and new fleet customers free centralised national billing for to specification, but trusting a dealer to always be there the whole Ford network, not just TrustFord sites. no matter what the issue or location of the vehicle.” As part of its service charter, the aftersales develop- This confidence led TrustFord to win an additional ment manager maps a vehicle’s location, sending the FINALISTS 5,000 unit orders from new customers in 2017, taking its information to the most appropriate aftersales depart- ■ Johnsons Fleet Services total number of fleet contracts to around 500. Of these, ment to make ensure management is aware of the SLA. ■ Norton Way Corporate 80% are from direct relationships with end users, with TrustFord also has SLAs with all its leasing company ■ Pendragon National Fleet 20% coming from leasing company partners. clients. It means it has exacting measures to reach, but Solutions The dedicated fleet team sold more than 36,000 vehi- these ensure TrustFord keeps satisfaction levels at a ■ TrustFord cles last year and more than 7,000 new and used maximum. Its customer retention is 99% year-on-year, commercial vehicles to business customers. alongside the continued growth in its fleet portfolio. TrustFord operates 60 dealership sites in the UK, with All sites are scored monthly by a central hub on HIGHLY nine dedicated business centres and compound and quality of information provided, response times, COMMENDED preparation centres. It has the scale and volume, but, customer satisfaction on delivery and communication. ■ Johnsons Fleet Services while being a large business, it achieves levels of service The minimum acceptable performance is 94% – ■ Norton Way Corporate more akin to smaller, locally focused operations. TrustFord sites regularly score 98-100%. JUDGES’ COMMENTS TrustFord impressed the judges with its mobile and twilight servicing – many dealers could offer this but don’t. Sponsored by Its virtual handover is also “a big bonus for time poor managers and fleet drivers”. It has made significant investment in fleet, including expanding its central leasing hub and central logistics team and it offers bespoke SLAs and contracts, covering every aspect from ordering to aftersales management and centralised billing. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 63 FP_FLEETNEW_H110180P11id3410096.pdf 15.03.2018 11:01 SUPPLIER AWARDS Advertisement feature Fleet Dealer of the Year: TrustFord WINNER TrustFord chairman and chief executive Stuart Foulds (holding award), operations director John Leeman (next to Stuart’s upraised arm), and fleet & commercial director Mark Wilkie (back row, far right) celebrate with other members of the team LEASING COMPANY OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20,000 VEHICLES Supplier’s Winner: Alphabet (GB) comment To be awarded Best PICTURE CAPTION lphabet took a strategic decision to reduce year was an online tyre replacement booking service Fleet Dealer by industry Nick Brownrigg, Alphabet the size of its funded fleet last year, complemented by a new AlphaGuide app to make it experts is a fantastic (GB) chief executive (centre), contrary to the actions of many rivals, to easier for drivers to book services. result for TrustFord. collected the award from focus on the quality of its business and the Alphabet has also invested in customer experience “The award Jon Wackett, fleet and service delivered. training for staff – Perfecting the Alphabet Customer business general manager encompasses all AThe company says the intention is to “get match-fit Experience (PACE) – and introduced a new project to of Jaguar Land Rover (right) aspects of our fleet and awards host Huw Edwards for the future” and says the move has already resulted review business processes and improve customer and CV business. It is in increased customer satisfaction, a better risk profile communications. testament to the team’s and balanced portfolio, and stronger relationships with The initiatives sit alongside existing products, such as hard work to provide fleets, which has seen greater uptake of service, main- AlphaElectric, which encourages fleets to invest in great service to our tenance and repair and other ancillary services. electric and ultra-low emission vehicles, and AlphaCity, customers at all stages New customers have been secured in the corporate the connected car sharing technology. of the sales and and SME sectors. The former have been attracted by AlphaCity now sits within a reshaped rental services aftersales process. Customer testimonial: the integration of rental and car share services into solution, which brings the daily rental and extended “It also reflects our Alphabet’s central offering. The company has also rental offers into one simplified customer journey focus on investment in “Sky recently placed its first order for more than 1,000 Connect FINALISTS renewed its focus on service via a new service manage- intended to deliver both financial and time savings. the sector, having and Fiesta vans and we’ve been hugely impressed by the ■ Alphabet (GB) ment team which takes a customer-centric approach Under the leadership of chief executive Nick Brown- opened a new Fleet commitment and flexibility of the TrustFord Epsom team to meet ■ Arnold Clark Vehicle to process improvements and root cause analysis of rigg, who joined in July 2016, the company has put the Distribution Centre in Management service issues; the latter through Alphabet’s Partner emphasis on long-term relationships. Long Marston last year. our demanding delivery schedule. Helen and the team have ■ A r v a l broker channel and its business partnership “We’re not just here for the here and now. We work “We’ll continue to build worked closely with our fleet management team, funder and ■ LeasePlan UK programme with retailers. with customers to create mutually-beneficial, long- on this success to ■ Zenith Among new products and services launched last lasting, sustainable relationships,” it says. ensure we’re always convertor, ensuring a smooth conversion and delivery process driving the standard in and maintaining excellent communication with us throughout” customer care.” Jo Hillyer – Sky senior procurement manager JUDGES’ COMMENTS Alphabet has been “brutally honest” about the areas it needed to improve and taken action, resulting in high Sponsored by praise from customers, the judges said. It continues to push the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles and Contact: Mark Wilkie, Fleet & CV Director [email protected] take the lead on mobility services. An initiative to generate employee-led ideas also impressed. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 65 SUPPLIER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALIST: MOST INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY Happy Drivers app aiming to be motorists’ ultimate companion Winner of two awards and a finalist this year, the Happy Drivers app isn’t just for Ogilvie Fleet drivers, it’s for those of any vehicle. Our aim is to develop the ultimate companion that will help, guide and support drivers on the road. Happy Drivers is designed to be a truly free-for-all app that benefits all drivers and fleet managers. The app is a source of information and driving aid that is not available elsewhere without charge or advertising. We have developed the app with speed and innovation following feedback from the industry and will continue to do so. Many of the new features we have added are not available on any other apps. This comes from Ogilvie’s ethos of consistent investment in innovative technology. We want to help all drivers to be Happy Drivers, learn more at www.happy-drivers.co.uk Tel 0330 333 5678 email [email protected] LEASING COMPANY visit www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk OF THE YEAR UP TO Advertisement feature 20,000 VEHICLES FINALIST: LEASING COMPANY OF THE YEAR UP TO 20,000 VEHICLES Winner: Marshall Leasing PICTURE CAPTION echnology is becoming an increas- The telematics device links to an incident Peter Cakebread, managing ingly important part of a leasing camera which upon detecting a crash will lock Ogilvie Fleet client retention director Marshall Leasing company’s offering as more fleets away a 20-second clip of the incident. This is (centre) picked up the award look to data to drive efficiencies. uploaded to the portal and a link to the video is from Jon Wackett, fleet and Marshall Leasing recognised emailed to a distribution list of recipients. business general manager, Tshortfalls in its telematics offering and set about Marshall Leasing has also introduced a new is close to perfect at 99.6% Jaguar Land Rover (right) and awards host Huw Edwards overhauling it to better meet customers’ needs. fleet management customer portal which It recognised that for many of its customers fleet provides customers with live access to key Everything Ogilvie Fleet does is governed by our desire is an additional task to their role within HR or information about their fleet such as P11D to be the very best provider of customer service in our FINALISTS procurement and they may not require as much reporting, servicing/MOT, mileage profiles, industry. ■ Grosvenor Leasing functionality as transport/logistics managers. current orders and daily rental vehicles. Our commitment is underpinned by six customer ■ Marshall Leasing Its new implementation process is to under- Marshall Leasing says it generally wins service awards from the annual FleetEye CSI survey. ■ Ogilvie Fleet stand the customer’s exact requirements and business on service rather than price and last Ogilvie Fleet measures retention levels at both client ■ Pendragon Vehicle the reason for considering telematics and iden- year it achieved growth through both multi- and and contract level. By measuring these statistics, along Management tify which specific areas of functionality meet sole-supply relationships and through its new with monitoring company growth – both fleet size and ■ Tusker their needs. Marshall Leasing then assists the minibus leasing operation, which it launched in number of customers – the company can be sure that customer with communicating the introduction 2016. it derives business-based benefits from its customer of telematics to drivers. It believes its recent acquisition by the Bank of service commitment. In the last year, Ogilvie has HIGHLY It has enhanced its systems familiarisation Ireland (fleetnews.co.uk, September 21, 2017) maintained a client retention rate of 99.6%, COMMENDED training, offering customers remote training, will bolster its capabilities and strengthen its Clients of all companies seek customer service ■ Grosvenor Leasing one-to-one training or on-site group training business in areas where it has identified the excellence but it is only by delivering on promises time ■ Tusker sessions. need for investment. after time, day in and day out, that businesses earn a fantastic reputation. JUDGES’ COMMENTS Tel 0330 333 5678 email [email protected] visit www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk Last year’s runner-up, Marshall Leasing is consistently strong in a closely fought category. Sponsored by The judges praised its customer-focused approach and the improvements it has made to its technology. It has achieved growth through multi- and sole-supply relationships and by expanding its leasing offering, entering the minibus market. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 67 SUPPLIER AWARDS Advertisement feature Most Innovative use of Technology: VisionTrack WINNER It’s ‘V’ for victory! VisionTrack managing director Simon Marsh (seated, middle) MOST INNOVATIVE celebrates the win with members of his team USE OF TECHNOLOGY Supplier’s Winner: VisionTrack comments We’re a leading PICTURE CAPTION combined in-vehicle camera and tele- customised to a specific operator’s needs. supplier of in-vehicle VisionTrack managing matics system helped VisionTrack to An innovative data compression function means camera telematics director Simon Marsh secure this year’s product award for video clips can be sent almost instantly with very technology. (centre) and commercial Most Innovative Use of Technology. little data use, even from areas with poor network We aim to help fleets director Richard Lane (left) The company has a clear objective to coverage. picked up the award from prevent incidents, Ahelp fleets prevent incidents, reduce fraudulent Near real-time video transfer means fleet opera- Iker Lazzari, Nissan Motor reduce fraudulent GB fleet director claims, cut insurance premiums and, ultimately, tors can take immediate action following a collision, claims, cut insurance save money. which enables insurance claims and settlements premiums and save VisionTrack’s advanced system uses artificial intel- to generally happen much quicker with less risk of thousands in proven ligence and machine learning to provide a high level dispute. liability cases. Customer testimonial: of driver assistance and support behaviour training. It also supports a reduction in non-fault and Our innovative It can recognise and alert the driver to potential fraudulent claims. cameras run on our “At Elddis Transport we have had in-cab camera technology hazards such as impending collision plus identify The combined system costs operators less to Microsoft Azure cloud in our vehicles for almost six years now. We recently moved and record potentially dangerous behaviour such install and operate than existing separate camera ‘IoT’ platform which FINALISTS as mobile phone use, tailgating and late braking. and telematics systems and fleets also benefit was developed to VisionTrack on the basis of the improvement in technology, ■ FleetCheck In the event of an incident, the system will auto- from reduced insurance premiums, less vehicle alongside the world’s visibility and the support we get from the company. Before we ■ Innovation Financial matically record and send footage to the fleet wear and less fuel use. leading in-vehicle installed VisionTrack, there was a process in place whereby we Consultancy operator for review. Additionally, the driver can VisionTrack has already picked up a number of CCTV manufacturers. ■ JCT600 Vehicle Leasing activate a panic function which will open a live feed awards including the Connected Award for Best Keeping development had to reroute vehicles and drivers back to our depot to get Solutions to the operator if they are in danger. Telematics-based Project of the Year and the and product costs low, the camera footage downloaded within a specific timeframe. ■ Ogilvie Fleet By using the latest cloud-based technology, the Celent Model Insurer 2017 Innovation & Emerging we have built a device ■ VisionTrack user platform is easily upgraded and can be Technologies award for reducing fraud. agnostic bespoke There was a risk of losing footage if the driving time exceeded cloud-based Internet the recording time or the capacity of the camera card of Things ‘IoT’ platform and we’ve now eliminated that risk” that has become a JUDGES’ COMMENTS Richard Toner – commercial director, Elddis Transport Sponsored by hub for any connected VisionTrack is using artificial intelligence to develop its solution and incorporate cameras that recognise and technology. alert hazardous driving behaviour such as mobile phone use or falling asleep at the wheel. It has taken the Tel: 01246 225745 Website: www.visiontrack.com complexity and potential higher costs away from fleets by combining telematics with a vehicle camera. The judges were impressed by its customer testimonials which demonstrated big improvements to fleet safety. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 69 adRocket SUPPLIER AWARDS CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD Winner: FMG PICTURE CAPTION customer-centric, proactive approach and their counterparts within its customer’s Mark Chessman, FMG chief delivered by a dedicated team of business is vital to ensuring the success of this executive officer (left), employees helped FMG win this partnership approach. picked up the award from year’s Outstanding Customer Service Customer-centric teams operate as the voice of Škoda head of fleet Award. The incident management their customer within FMG, challenging processes, Henry Williams Aand roadside services company is constantly sharing feedback and viewing the service provided looking to enhance operational processes to through the eyes of the customer. deliver improvements in the quality and speed Meanwhile, continuous investment in employee of service to fleets. development ensures FMG people are able to It utilises the latest technology to support manage services to the highest standards. FINALISTS drivers and drive risk or cost reduction initia- They pride themselves on going the extra mile ■ Alphabet (GB) tives, while using the data at its disposal to to deliver excellence to drivers and customers. ■ Arval measure industry trends and benchmark They also have a detailed knowledge of their ■ FleetEurope customer performance. customers’ needs, are quality-checked weekly ■ FMG To FMG, outstanding customer service requires and supported by ISO-accredited processes. ■ Norton Way Corporate an open, honest and transparent approach at all Claims are followed-up by a courtesy call to ■ The AA times. It views customers as strategic partners drivers to ensure expectations have been met and works in collaboration to achieve the best for the service and the repairs to their vehicle. results and deliver the optimum service to their FMG then sends electronic satisfaction surveys HIGHLY fleet, their drivers and all stakeholders. to multiple contacts within the customer’s busi- COMMENDED Regular, open, constructive and structured ness, including the driver, fleet manager, ■ FleetEurope dialogue between key personnel within FMG procurement team and key decision-makers. JUDGES’ COMMENTS Sponsored by FMG’s strength is in delivering a great service when a customer is at their most vulnerable. It demonstrated a personalised approach, has excellent customer retention and a wide range of professional standards. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 71 FP_FLEETNEW_SkodaFleetid3411267.pdf 15.03.2018 14:47 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALIST: MOST INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY Recognition for app that puts ‘your vehicle in your pocket’ driveVLS is our functionality rich, driver-centric app which puts “Your Vehicle in Your Pocket” Available free on both IOS and Android to the drivers of our Vehicle Leasing and Fleet Management customers. This unique offering puts a wealth of information in the hands of your drivers and push notifications will advise them when key events such as service and MOT are due. Key features include: ■ Driver status including DVLA licence checks ■ Full contract & vehicle information ■ Live vehicle status ■ Full vehicle service history ■ Contract-specific driver guide ■ Push notification alerts ■ Service & MOT bookings ■ One touch access to support & suppliers GREEN FLEET ■ Dynamic vehicle BIK tax calculator www.jct600vehicleleasingsolutions.co.uk ■ GPS-enabled find my nearest functionality 0113 2500060 [email protected] MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR Winner: Toyota (GB) DRIVE: PICTURE CAPTION ith the drive toward lower emission the technologies used and switching to alternative More than 300 cars unaccompanied Neil Broad (left), general vehicles in recent years, it isn’t difficult power sources. CompanyCar manager, Toyota & Lexus for a mainstream car manufacturer The company is rationalising its manufacturing LEARN: Fleet Services, Toyota (GB), to claim it has reduced its impact on processes, making them shorter so less CO2 is About new technologies collected the award from the environment. produced. It is also making its facilities more energy- IN ACTION judges’ chairman WBut Toyota has been delivering on this commitment efficient and adopting renewable energy sources, such COMPARE: Christopher Macgowan OBE Latest models back-to-back for more than two decades, and it permeates through as solar, wind and low-carbon hydrogen energy. everything the company does. Toyota is beginning to collect rainwater at its manu- MILLBROOK MEET: It introduced its first hybrid vehicle in the UK 18 years facturing sites to reduce the amount its factories take JUNE 12-13 2018PROVING GROUND Key fleet manufacturer contacts ago, and now 43% of all vehicles sold are hybrids. It is from groundwater and their piped supplies. also one of the pioneers in delivering production It has developed purification processes so the water hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to customers in the UK. it uses can be used again, or returned safety into the Beyond that, Toyota has set further targets to cut CO2 local supply network. As the water environment differs emissions from its vehicles by 90% over the next 32 greatly across the regions in the world where Toyota years. operates, it also takes care to introduce measures that It is working on more environmentally-friendly are sensitive to local needs. FINALISTS designs that use lower carbon raw materials and fewer With diesel in headlines for the wrong reasons in ■ BMW (UK) parts, enable greater use of biomaterials from renew- recent times, Toyota also points to the fact that just 7% ■ Hyundai UK able sources and make vehicles easier to dismantle of its cars are diesel, while diesel engines are not ■ Mercedes-Benz Cars UK and recycle. offered in Lexus models, should fleets be sensitive to ■ Nissan Motor (GB) The same goes for its plants, with a strategy for the impact of even the low levels of NOx and particu- ■ Toyota (GB) achieving zero CO2 emissions focusing on improving lates from modern diesel vehicles. To find out more about CCIA and register to attend visit: companycarinaction.co.uk JUDGES’ COMMENTS Toyota’s commitment to environmental issues has been frequently dismissed over the years but the company was brave and stuck to its guns. It was the right thing to do. The environment is ingrained within the company – it’s part of its ethos. Toyota’s holistic approach covers every part of its business as it relentlessly seeks to drive down CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. True substance over style, said the judges. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 73 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year: SEAT WINNER MOST IMPROVED Manufacturer Peter McDonald (seated in middle of three award FLEET MANUFACTURER comment holders) celebrates with members of the SEAT team SEAT has emerged as one OF THE YEAR of the most successful fleet manufacturers, boasting an expanded catalogue of outstanding new vehicles. Winner: SEAT UK However, its delivery of new initiatives like the four- day test drive scheme, new PICTURE CAPTION any car manufacturers implement new including accurate vehicle forecasting and lead times, fleet website with TCO Peter McDonald, head of initiatives and activities to appear more transaction accuracy, and an excellent company car comparator and Fleet fleet, Seat (left), collected attractive to fleet customers, but it’s far handover experience. Excellence dealer the award from chairman less common in practice to see these The programme financially aids dealer’s investment programme means the of the judging panel deliver consistent and sustained growth. in the resources, systems and people necessary to Christopher Macgowan OBE brand is gaining recognition MFive consecutive years of growth in true fleet, provide better service to major fleet customers. for its pioneering attitude resulting in a doubling of volume in that channel since Seat’s Local Business Development Manager (LBDM) towards fleet service. 2013, shows that Seat is becoming a high achiever in programme has grown in the past year from 20 to 25 New additions to the the fleet sector and punching above its weight. dealers, increasing resources focused on managing range and an innovative FINALISTS Seat also points to a new four-day test drive sub-40 fleet customers. These dealers are carefully approach to the customer programme for corporate customers, delivering an selected to cover 85% of the UK business population ■ journey have propelled BMW (UK) additional 1,500 test drives for customers, that helped within a 30-minute drive time. ■ SEAT to the top of fleet Mercedes-Benz Cars UK generate new sales last year. Improvements in specification that make its cars ■ lists; so much so that true Honda UK The programme also led to two contract hire more attractive in the used market nd a reduction in ■ fleet sales grew by over Nissan Motor (GB) customers adding the facility to their systems so their short cycle business, as well as new, desirable prod- Judges’ comments: ■ 50% in 2017. Seat UK clients could book a four-day Seat test drive directly. ucts, such as the Ateca and Arona, has given the brand ■ The catalogue can only “SEAT’s engagement with fleets and leasing companies has Škoda UK Seat has launched a Fleet Excellence programme, a stronger proposition for running costs. be as successful as the greatly improved. It’s been helped by the launch of some increasing investment support to the major fleet deal- Testimonials from contract hire companies, end- infrastructure around it. excellent new models but it has also restructured its account erships that have significant relationships with fleets of user fleets and residual value forecasters talk of an Adding valuable HIGHLY 40 or more vehicles. organisation that’s eager to create the conditions for experience to the fleet management team and introduced new initiatives. SEAT wants COMMENDED Dealerships have to meet standards to ensure fleet smooth business relationships and ensures they have team, alongside initiatives to listen, learn and improve its service and it has worked hard ■ Škoda UK customers are receiving an agreed level of service, access to the information they need. including the four-day test drive scheme and the to ensure it offers the right terms to fleets.” Fleet Excellence programme, has ensured JUDGES’ COMMENTS SEAT is among the very Contact the SEAT Fleet Business Centre Seat’s engagement with fleets and leasing companies has greatly improved. It’s been helped by the best in the industry. launch of some excellent new models but it has also restructured its account management team Email: [email protected]. Tel: 0800 975 7844 and introduced new initiatives. Seat wants to listen, learn and improve its service and it has worked hard to ensure it offers the right terms to fleets. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 75 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALISTS Best Executive Car: BMW 5 Series ■ BMW 5 Series BEST EXECUTIVE CAR ■ Jaguar XF ■ Mercedes-Benz E-Class ■ Volvo S90/V90 Winner: BMW 5 Series new BMW 5 Series is always going to be a force in the executive car sector and the latest models, introduced in 2017, are supremely impressive. A technological tour de force, the new 5 Series offers a laudable combination of comfort, refine- Ament and driver appeal. The new range of turbocharged engines provide impressive performance gains, but also show major advances in reducing fuel consumption and emissions. A suite of driver-assistance technologies including lane PICTURE CAPTION keeping assistance and new Lane Change Assistant mean that not only does the new BMW 5 Series reduce the driver’s work- Steve Oliver, general load like never before, it also takes a step toward fully auton- WINNER manager, corporate sales, BMW Group UK (left), omous driving. collected the award from As standard on the BMW 5 Series, the latest generation chairman of the judging Professional Navigation system has a faster start-up, faster panel Christopher route calculation and more realistic 3D graphics in cities. Macgowan OBE Running costs are also impressively low. RANGE COSTS JUDGES’ COMMENTS P11D price £35,620 - £51,640 Fleet News says: This was a unanimous decision by the judges – the 5 Series is back to its best. Great styling and CO2 emissions (g/km) 46 - 164 Carmaker’s comments drive, comfortable, a strong range of engines and drivetrain, low CO2 emissions for the size of car and packed with technology, it’s as close to faultless as any car has come in this category. Annual BIK tax 9% - 31% “Its sporty driving Its mission statement: setting new standards. The Running costs (ppm) 42.43 - 63.72 BMW 5 Series is the embodiment of the modern experience doesn’t business saloon. Thanks to its dynamic and elegant come at the expense appearance, it convincingly meets the expectations FLEET PICK SPEC placed on a vehicle of its class: aesthetic athleticism FINALISTS 520d SE Efficient Dynamics of refinement. Ride and driving pleasure with state-of-the-art technology. BEST PEOPLE CARRIER ■ BMW 2 Series P11D price £38,700 comfort is excellent, A wealth of cutting-edge equipment, such as Gran Tourer Running costs (ppm) 44.29 remote control parking from the touchscreen display ■ Citroën Grand C4 Picasso key and intelligent driver assistance systems, set a ■ CO2 emissions (g/km) 102 while engine and Ford S-Max new benchmark for safety and comfort. Drivers can Winner: Ford S-Max ■ Mpg 72.4 Renault Grand Scenic wind noise are also sync their calendar, phone book and emails with ■ Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Annual BIK £1,858 almost absent” the car’s infotainment system, ensuring they stay in ■ Volkswagen Touran touch and in control while at the wheel. Running cost data supplied by previous winner of this category, the S-Max’s KeeResources (4yr/80k) Fleet News First Drive, February 2017 enduring appeal comes from its ability to offer the practicality of a good seven-seater with the driver HIGHLY appeal of a saloon. COMMENDED The S-Max is stylish and offers driving pleasure ■ BMW 2 Series Awith premium car features. Both petrol and diesel engines are Gran Tourer offered, with a range of power outputs, manual and automatic transmissions and an all-wheel drive option. The line-up has been boosted since its launch with the addition of sportier ST-Line and plusher Vignale variants, while its high-riding cabin gives excellent visibility and comfort over PICTURE CAPTION long journeys. Owen Gregory, director, Long service intervals help minimise SMR costs, while fleet operations, Ford Motor residual value projections are testament to the S-Max’s appeal Company Limited (left), as a used car. Adding automatic transmission or all-wheel picked up the award from drive doesn’t come with a big penalty on CO2 emissions or fuel Christopher Macgowan OBE, economy either. chairman of the judges JUDGES’ COMMENTS The S-Max combines driver appeal and practicality. It is car-like to drive and is just as comfortable as bmw.co.uk/business 01252 920800 an upper-medium hatch as it is ferrying seven people around. Spacious inside and with ample boot [email protected] capacity, it has strong residual values and competitive costs. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 77 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALISTS Best Zero Emission Car: BMW i3 ■ Ford Mondeo BEST UPPER MEDIUM CAR ■ Kia Optima ■ Mazda 6 ■ Škoda Superb ■ Vauxhall Insignia Winner: Škoda Superb ■ Volkswagen Passat ompetition might have strengthened, but the Škoda Superb takes the title of Best Upper Medium Car HIGHLY for the third consecutive year. With executive car COMMENDED levels of style, comfort and quality, the Superb also offers exceptional value in the family car sector with ■ Vauxhall Insignia Cmore car per pound than any other model. Its limousine-like interior space and perfect fit and finish make the Škoda feel like a car from a class or two above. Low-CO2 Greenline models minimise benefit-in-kind tax liability, while fleet-targeting equipment grades include all the kit a fleet operator would expect. The estate has a cavernous load area, making it a go-to WINNER PICTURE CAPTION model for any role that requires carrying work-related cargo. Henry Williams, Škoda head Residual values are impressive while servicing costs are of fleet (left), collected the modest, and fuel efficiency is competitive. award from Christopher Although it was run closer for the win in 2018 than in previous Macgowan OBE, chairman years, the Škoda Superb is still the best fleet choice in the of the judging panel upper medium sector. JUDGES’ COMMENTS RANGE COSTS Fleet News says: The Superb offers fantastic value for money and remains the car to beat. Spacious, well P11D price £34,015 - £38,925 Carmaker’s comments equipped and competitive on price and running costs, the Superb has plenty of driver and fleet CO2 emissions (g/km) 0 appeal and is the main reason behind the growing strength of the Škoda brand. A classy car. Annual BIK tax 9% “The i3 remains one With sustainability at the core of everything that Running costs (ppm) of the most desirable BMW i represents, the BMW i3 was designed 35.68 - 43.04 purely around electric power. Every element has electric vehicles on been carefully considered to achieve a combination FINALISTS FLEET PICK SPEC of lightweight engineering and premium quality, sale, and the extra from the modular LifeDrive architecture to the BEST ZERO EMISSION CAR ■ BMW i3 i3 eDrive Auto carbon fibre-reinforced bodywork. ■ Hyundai Ioniq £34,020 range of the latest P11D price With its high capacity battery, coupled with a ■ Kia Soul EV Running costs (ppm) 35.68 model will bring using small petrol-powered generator, the BMW i3 with ■ Nissan Leaf (2017 MY) CO2 emissions (g/km) 0g Range Extender can take you up to 206 miles on Winner: BMW i3 ■ Renault Zoe Mpg n/a an EV within reach of one charge. What’s more, it can repower to 80% ■ Volkswagen eGolf Annual BIK £612 capacity in as little as 40 minutes thanks to DC more people” Rapid Charge, which is offered as standard. Running cost data supplied by he BMW i3 can reach up to 195 miles on the official KeeResources (4yr/80k) Fleet News First Drive, November 2016 test cycle, and has played its part in the past few HIGHLY years in drawing greater attention to EVs and making COMMENDED them desirable and aspirational. But, with strong ■ Hyundai Ioniq residual values, the i3 is no more expensive to run Tthan similar priced rivals from mainstream brands. Still the most powerful compact EV on sale with 170PS, and using carbonfibre construction to minimise weight, the rear- wheel drive i3 has been very much the driving enthusiasts’ choice among plug-in cars. The combination of low weight – at 1,245kg, it’s more than PICTURE CAPTION 200kg lighter than a Renault Zoe – and powerful motor gives Steve Oliver, general it a surprising turn of speed, especially with maximum torque manager, corporate sales, of 250Nm available instantaneously. BMW Group UK (left), With good levels of equipment as standard and a range of received the award from options, the i3 still has enough to draw attention to itself, despite Christopher Macgowan OBE, the introduction of new EVs last year. chairman of the judges JUDGES’ COMMENTS The updated BMW i3 has excellent extended range, which has increased its appeal in the used bmw.co.uk/business 01252 920800 market, resulting in strong residual values. Fun to drive with standout looks, this electric car is [email protected] suitable for most types of company car driver. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 79 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALISTS Best compact premium car: Audi A3 ■ Citroën C3 BEST SMALL CAR ■ Ford Fiesta ■ Kia Rio ■ Nissan Micra ■ Seat Ibiza Winner: Ford Fiesta The Audi A3 ■ Volkswagen Polo ompletely revamped in 2017, the new Fiesta improved on a car that was still a competent fleet HIGHLY performer at the end of its model life. COMMENDED The new Fiesta gets classier styling, improved ■ Nissan Micra comfort, new technology, more advanced safety ■ Cfeatures, and it still offers the best combination of a smooth Seat Ibiza ride and sharp handling in its class. It was the first Ford to offer an enhanced version of pre- collision assist with pedestrian detection that can detect people who are in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path, using light from its headlights at night. PICTURE CAPTION The most popular Zetec, chosen by more than half of Fiesta customers, comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear WINNER Owen Gregory, director, fleet operations, Ford Motor heated windscreen and Ford’s Sync 3 DAB radio with a Company (left), collected the 6.5-inch touchscreen. Emergency assistance, Apple CarPlay award from Christopher and Android Auto are also standard. Macgowan OBE, chairman The Fiesta remains competitively priced, retains fuel-effi- of the judges cient engines and offers low operating costs. RANGE COSTS JUDGES’ COMMENTS £20,170 - £36,400 P11D Fleet News says: The Fiesta is a big step forward for an already excellent car. It has a broad range of models that CO2 emissions (g/km) 38 - 134 Carmaker’s comments are suitable for all fleet applications with value for money derivatives and equipment levels. Annual BIK tax 9% - 28% Wholelife costs are very competitive, CO2 levels are low and the car appeals to drivers. Running costs (4ppm) 27.87 “The A3 Sportback is The style and versatility of the Audi A3 make it ideal - 46.87 for business. Essentials like MMI Navigation and practical, stylish and Smartphone Interface are standard, and advanced FLEET PICK SPEC offers competitive technologies like Matrix LED headlights, the Virtual Cockpit and a host of intelligent driver assistance FINALISTS A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI SE Technik wholelife costs. Its features are also available. SE Technik, S line and Black BEST COMPACT PREMIUM CAR ■ Audi A3 P11D price £23,860 Edition models are business favourites particularly in ■ BMW 1 Series 32.47ppm strong residuals and Running cost (4yr/80k) conjuction with the three new tax-efficient engines ■ Lexus CT200h CO2 emissions (g/km) 106 excellent motorway added in 2017, which include a 1.5 TFSI variant offering ■ Mercedes-Benz A-Class Mpg (combined) 70.6 150PS, C02 emissions from 110g/km and fuel-efficient Winner: Audi A3 ■ Mini Clubman Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,098 manners make it an Cylinder-on-Demand technology. Combine all these ideal fleet choice.” advantages with the build quality and refinement of an he car that created the compact premium segment Audi and the A3 is the perfect addition to your fleet. HIGHLY Running cost data supplied by more than 20 years ago is still the class benchmark KeeResources (4yr/80k) Fleet News First Drive, July 2016 for corporate customers. COMMENDED The A3 combines style, practicality and breadth of ■ BMW 1 Series The A3 Sportback range with a premium feel that still isn’t quite matched S line has a higher Tby its rivals. level of standard spec Good standard equipment levels make it more appealing, while customers can choose a saloon as an alternative to a three-door hatchback or five-door Sportback. The A3 offers a range of petrol and diesel engine options, all with good fuel efficiency for their power outputs, and helping contribute to the car’s low running costs, while customers can also choose quattro four-wheel drive on some models. PICTURE CAPTION For businesses re-evaluating their fuel choices, there is Tom Brennan, head of fleet, depth to the A3’s range of petrol engines, with cylinder Audi UK (left), collected the deactivation technology on the 1.5 TSI, and it also offers the award from Christopher option of a plug-in hybrid version, with the capability of running Macgowan OBE, chairman on electric for up to 30 miles. of the judges The interior of the A3 JUDGES’ COMMENTS The A3 has a wide range of engines and derivative options, including the e-tron. It is competitive Audi Fleet Sales Team, Audi UK on costs, so makes sense for fleets, and is highly desirable for drivers. With high trim levels and 0870 241 5663 [email protected] www.audi.co.uk/business a simplified range, it becomes the perfect all-rounder. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 81 MANUFACTURER AWARDS Advertisement feature FINALISTS Best premium car: Audi A4 ■ Ford Focus BEST LOWER MEDIUM CAR ■ Hyundai Ioniq ■ Seat Leon ■ Škoda Octavia ■ Vauxhall Astra Winner: Volkswagen Golf Enhancements to the A4 ■ Volkswagen Golf have increased its popularity mid-life update in 2017 made the Volkswagen Golf with business drivers increasingly desirable, with subtle styling changes HIGHLY hiding a raft of improvements under the skin. COMMENDED Bigger touchscreens, improved functionality, ■ Hyundai Ioniq power boosts for some engines, and new tech- ■ Anology make the package more appealing, and some models Vauxhall Astra have seen significant reductions in P11D values, reducing the tax burden on drivers compared with the previous model. It has a range of assistance systems available, including Traffic Jam Assist, the new Pedestrian Monitoring for Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Trailer Assist, which is PICTURE CAPTION the first time ever that a trailer manoeuvring system has been available in its class, and Emergency Assist. WINNER Claire English, national contract hire and leasing With a range of three-door, five-door, estate and added off- manager, Volkswagen UK, road ability in Alltrack versions, as well as covering petrol, picked up the award from diesel and plug-in hybrid, the Golf is available in a version for chairman of the judges almost every company car role, with low running costs that Christopher Macgowan OBE remain the benchmark for many other car manufacturers. RANGE COSTS JUDGES’ COMMENTS £27,595 - £46,040 P11D Fleet News says: The Golf is a car for everyone – it has a huge range of models, engines and powertrains, CO2 emissions (g/km) 99 - 146 Carmaker’s comments including plug-in hybrid, that suit every fleet and company car driver need. It bridges the gap Annual BIK tax 21% - 30% between job-need and user-chooser and remains the benchmark in this category. Running costs (ppm) 39.41 - “Interior quality is the The Audi A4 saw many enhancements in 2017 that 60.35 new class benchmark, pushed it to the top of many business drivers’ wish lists. Rear parking sensors and cruise control FLEET PICK SPEC while refinement and became standard features across all models; twin- leather upholstery boosted the appeal of the Sport FINALISTS A4 2.0TDi ultra 150 SE noise suppression are variant and the distinctive new Black Edition BEST PREMIUM CAR ■ Alfa Romeo Giulia P11D price £30,845 excellent. The Audi A4 impressed with stand-out features like 19-inch matt ■ Audi A4 Running cost (4yr/80k) 41.19 is perhaps the most titanium alloys. Under the bonnet, the A4 continues ■ Audi A5 CO2 emissions (g/km) 99 to offer a broad line-up of fleet-friendly engines low ■ BMW 3 Series Mpg (combined) 74.3 competitive it has in C02 and high in mpg. From the frugal 2.0l TDI Winner: Audi A4 ■ Jaguar XE Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,295 ever been” ultra that offers 150PS and 99g/km, to the powerful ■ Mercedes-Benz C-Class 3.0 V6 TDI with 281PS and 119g/km, there’s an he A4 proves an appealing choice for both fleet Audi A4 that will appeal to every business driver. Running cost data supplied by Fleet News First Drive, operators and drivers, with a model to align with KeeResources (4yr/80k) September 2015 almost every business need. With saloon and estate bodystyles, as well as the The head-turning off-road capable Allroad, the A4’s balanced style, S line quattro Tdriver appeal, technology, quality and running costs were better than any other model range in this sector last year. With diesel versions offering CO2 emissions below 100g/km, or six-cylinder refinement and performance, the petrol models could be tempting for lower-mileage drivers, offering a number of fuel-saving technologies, whether choosing manual or auto- matic transmission. Audi has also taken steps to improve fuel economy on quattro PICTURE CAPTION models with the current A4. Tom Brennan, head of fleet, Standard equipment on the A4 range is impressive, while the Audi UK (left), collected the A4 also has strong performance in overall running costs. award from chairman Competition is fierce between the main premium brands in of the judges Christopher this category, and the A4 was strong enough to retain its title. Macgowan OBE The A4 offers many great interior features as standard JUDGES’ COMMENTS Excellent build quality, sector-leading ride and handling, low emissions and competition wholelife Audi Fleet Sales Team, Audi UK costs makes the A4 a winner. It appeals to fleets and drivers with its broad range and efficient petrol 0870 241 5663 [email protected] www.audi.co.uk/business and diesel engines. fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 83 adRocket MANUFACTURER AWARDS FINALISTS ■ Audi Q2 BEST COMPACT SUV ■ Citroën C3 Aircross ■ Ford Ecosport ■ Hyundai Kona ■ Kia Stonic Winner: Volkswagen T-Roc ■ Seat Arona ■ Volkswagen T-Roc olkswagen’s first attempt at a compact SUV won over the Fleet News Awards judges as the best in class for corporate customers. HIGHLY With technology and equipment in common with COMMENDED the latest Polo, the T-Roc is closer to the Golf in We can’t predict ■ Seat Arona Vsize. Standard-fit items include electronic climate control, ■ Citroën C3 Aircross Composition Media infotainment system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth telephone and audio connection, digital radio, USB connectivity and charging, six speakers, alloy what you’ll find in wheels and extensive passive and active safety equipment. PICTURE CAPTION Standard safety features include automatic post-collision braking, active lane keeping, ‘front assist’ area monitoring Claire English, national system with pedestrian monitoring and city emergency braking. contract hire and leasing the boot when your manager, Volkswagen UK, Best-in-class residual values combined with fuel-efficient collected the award from engine choices help minimise running costs, while the Design Christopher Macgowan equipment grade adds a dash of style to the interior. OBE, chairman of the Unlike some compact SUVs, the T-Roc is available with all- fleet is returned. judging panel wheel drive, as well as front-wheel drive. JUDGES’ COMMENTS The T-Roc is a good all-round car, offering high build quality, plenty of space and strong driver appeal. It has excellent petrol and diesel engines and is competitive on costs. Its stylish look But we can predict makes a real statement in this sector. its residual value. FINALISTS BEST MID-SIZE SUV ■ BMW X1 ■ Kia Niro ■ Kia Sportage ■ Peugeot 3008 Winner: Škoda Karoq ■ Seat Ateca What your drivers do with their cars is their business. ■ Škoda Karoq ■ Toyota CH-R What the vehicle will be worth at de-fleet is ours. koda’s new medium SUV, launched late in 2017, ■ Volkswagen Tiguan ditches some of the Yeti’s quirkiness for more main- stream appeal. The Karoq makes its presence felt in a crowded and talented sector that includes the Our award-winning forecast data links to our current Nissan Qashqai, which can lay claim to inventing it, Šand the popular Kia Sportage. It is also similar to Seat’s Ateca. values and uses a transparent methodology. And we But the Karoq is exceptionally well equipped with essentially a mid-grade model as the entry point. publish our accuracy figures every month. The long wheelbase for its size of 2,638mm ensures there’s plenty of room inside, and luggage capacity ranging from 521-to-1,630 litres is also good. And it’s practical, with Varioflex seating, standard on SE-L PICTURE CAPTION So our customers can have faith in the figures they and Edition variants, allowing three individual rear seats to be Henry Williams, Škoda head removed as an alternative to being folded, expanding the total of fleet (left), collected the rely on to make smarter business decisions every day. luggage volume to 1,810 litres. award from Christopher With competitive running costs too, the Karoq is not only a Macgowan OBE, chairman convincing SUV, it is also an appealing family car. of the judging panel JUDGES’ COMMENTS The Karoq is good value and highly equipped with strong petrol and diesel engines. Find out how we can help you. It is an excellent family car, stylish and competitive on costs. It does everything a mid-size SUV should do. Call 020 3897 2500 or visit www.glassbusiness.co.uk/forecast 84 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk FP_FLEETNEW_368618id3409505.pdf 16.03.2018 13:57 adRocket INSIGHT: TELEMATICS TRACKING FROM £1.99 PER MONTH ABAX develop and supply vehicle tracking and mileage claim systems to help businesses save time and money PICTURE 26,500 customers 220,000 active units PERFECT 5,625,000 miles driven daily Telematics can transform a fleet’s operations, but combining the technology with cameras adds another dimension. Catherine Chetwyndreports elematics technology has transformed the way on the road was a major reason why convenience foods many organisations manage their fleets. The company Greencore fitted 3G vehicle cameras to its fleet of ability to monitor driver behaviour has allowed temperature-controlled vans. companies to cut incident rates, slash fuel costs These vehicles are in its Direct to Store operation, which and plan more efficient delivery routes. handles more than 7,500 daily deliveries of chilled prepared THowever, while the data the technology produces has food to convenience stores nationwide. proved invaluable to many organisations, it doesn’t always Footage of near misses, collisions and harsh driving events explain why a driver may be driving the way they do. are shared across a network of 17 distribution sites, which are “Cameras complete the picture,” says Steve Thomas, used by each depot management team to engage directly with managing director (sales and marketing) at Ctrack. drivers during debriefs and performance reviews. “Telematics gives you all the information, when the vehicle “The system allows us to effectively target road safety is used, its speed etc, but not footage of an event. Putting improvements through enhanced driver engagement, cameras into a vehicle gives the last piece of the jigsaw.” education and training,” says Ben Martin, head of transport This is important because while a ‘black box’ telematics and network optimisation at Greencore. system can provide a fleet manager with details of incidents As part of its Fit for the Future programme, which is such as harsh acceleration, braking and speeding, it doesn’t designed to further improve health and safety, sustaina- provide the context. bility and duty of care, Greencore is setting up an in-house For this, a fleet decision-maker would usually have to training operation which will use the video and supporting debrief the driver to find out what caused the incidents: often data to support driver education initiatives and targeted a time-consuming process. coaching. However, video evidence provides accurate context. What Its system uses forward-facing cameras, which are might appear to be unnecessarily sharp braking may have usually either installed on the front windscreen or dashboard been in response to a child stepping out into the road. and see what the driver is seeing. “It gives a different aspect to the thinking,” says Andrew However, some systems also use cameras Call us on 01733 698 888, text TRIPLOG to 88440 Tillman, marketing director at Trakm8. which face the rear while others can look inter- or visit our website to find out more: www.abax.co.uk/savetimeandmoney Gaining this greater understanding of what was happening nally at what the driver is doing. ABAX UK Ltd, Allia Business Centre, ABAX Stadium, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AN, United Kingdom fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 87 1_Fleet_News_full page_Ad_UK.indd 1 22.02.2018 13:55 FP_FLEETNEW_1ABAXFleetid3386341.pdf 22.02.2018 13:24 INSIGHT: TELEMATICS CASE STUDY: DOWNWELL Downwell Group has reduced its insurance premiums Both devices use a front-facing camera mounted on All collisions, near miss and harsh driving events are contribute to reduced wear and tear on vehicles, lower GROUP by 20% and seen its incident rate fall after adopting a the windscreen, while the IT2000 uses a second camera automatically recorded and uploaded to a secure server fuel consumption and a positive brand perception. connected vehicle camera solution. to capture video from inside the vehicle. network, with serious incidents triggering a text or “The vehicle cameras are already impacting driver The provider of demolition, asbestos removal and “We now have access to footage within moments of email alert. behaviour and helping positively influence the mindset scaffolding services had used vehicle tracking for a any incident, so we know exactly what has occurred, Downwell Group is then able to view the footage of of our workforce when they are out on the road,” says number of years, primarily as an insurance provision. It how it has happened and can positively identify who is at before, during and after the accident. Padmore. installed the camera system after negotiating an addi- fault,” says Steven Padmore, operations director of This information is used to analyse driver behaviour “It is also providing added protection and support tional premium reduction by adopting the technology. Downwell Group. and encourage improved driving practices by supporting to drivers who now know that emergency services can It installed the Intelligent Telematics IT1000 and “We can quickly respond to any situation and pass the targeted training, better engaging with drivers and be contacted as soon as an incident has occurred and IT2000 single- and dual-camera devices across its necessary information straight to our insurance implementing an incentive scheme. that the video can be used to validate their version of mixed fleet of more than 50 cars and vans last year. company, potentially avoiding spurious claims.” The company hopes this will improve safety and the story.” These can be particularly useful as it can let the system to the Berendsen board, he said it would probably fleet manager see if their driver was on a make between a 5% and 6% improvement in fuel economy: mobile phone, eating, or distracted in some it is currently around 12%. other way while behind the wheel. Ctrack says that any savings in fuel that a company makes Showing drivers videos of their driving is a highly effective through improved driver behaviour can be used to further corrective. Iceland – a client of Trakm8 – educated their drivers incentivise improvements. by showing them footage from vehicles. Scores from telematics systems can be combined with “Over about six months, the number of accidents in the league tables to promote competition among drivers. business was reduced by well in excess of 30% because Ctrack has customers who provide cash bonuses to the drivers weren’t thinking ‘I’m being watched’, they were shown best drivers. “The schemes are self-funded, so if the poor driving behaviour and made to understand the conse- company saves £100,000 a year on fuel because of good quences,” says Tillman. driving technique, it might divert £50,000 into driver bonuses,” Iceland also saw a substantial reduction in tyre usage and says Thomas. maintenance. Proof of the success of telematics and cameras comes in “Watching and Textiles supplier Berendsen has gone a step further with the form of a driver working for a client of Ctrack. its telematics camera coverage: its fleet of 720 commercial He did not want the device telling him how to drive, but six analysing past vehicles are fitted with cameras which provide 360-degree months later, in the client company newsletter, he wrote that coverage. his wife and children had noticed he was a better driver and incidents often “There are no blind spots anywhere around the vehicle,” felt safer in a vehicle with him, and that he supported telem- says group transport compliance and optimisations manager atics. highlights these bad Peter Kelly. Telematics and cameras also protect drivers from the “We can either take the video away or dial into a camera, vagaries of other road users’ behaviour and from false accu- behaviours and how which gives an added benefit in the case of an accident, when sations because the cameras pick up the whole story. to avoid them, we need to understand what position the vehicle is in and They also validate who was driving at any given moment, what has happened – we have not had to do that yet.” superseding ID cards which can be given to someone else. thereby providing In addition, “the best fleet drivers are the ones that under- All of these things not only look after the driver, but protect stand the bad habits of other motorists and make allowances the reputation of the company. the best educational for them”, says Paul Singh, founder of SmartWitness. “The main benefit is instant notification, which leads nicely “Watching and analysing past incidents often highlights into first notification of loss (FNOL),” says Phil Powell, sales aids for all staff, these bad behaviours and how to avoid them, thereby director of Matrix Telematics. providing the best educational aids for all staff, not just the “In the event of a collision, we need to gather as much not just the driver driver involved.” relevant information as quickly as we can. involved.” When SmartWitness launched its live video telematics “We get a full report from the telematics box and that is service, it was trialled by three UK fleets, which saw reduc- fully backed up by camera footage. Paul Singh, SmartWitness tions in accidents of 68%, 78% and 100% over six months. “We expect to receive a 20-second clip of footage – 15 Persistent errant behaviour can lead to training. Although seconds before the event and five seconds afterwards – and some fleet managers may want to train all drivers regularly, that allows us to ascertain whether it is a serious collision “it’s the old adage, you don’t want to be worried about the 80% and whether further action is needed. that is doing everything right but to focus on the 20% that needs “That information can be passed on to the insurance driver training and spend financial resources in the right company and, if more information is required, the 20 seconds places”, says Beverley Wise, sales director at TomTom. can be supplemented by minute-by-minute chunks down- Singh adds: “The most important benefit is safety, but loaded via the same portal.” others are lower insurance premiums, speedy claims proce- It also reduces the number of 50:50 settlements, he says. dure, eradication of bogus third-party disputes and fuel Speed of FNOL is increasingly important. “The average efficiency benefits.” time in the UK for a claim to be processed is 29 days,” says A gentle right foot and avoiding harsh events can also Wise. “After an incident has been reported, the improve fuel consumption dramatically – often by as much insurance company has to complete around 34 as 30% with a corresponding reduction in emissions. questions for the claim and that depends on When Kelly put the proposals for the camera telematics how quickly they can get hold of the driver. 88 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 89 adRocket INSIGHT: TELEMATICS More than just vehicle tracking... • Driving style analysis • Unlimited geofencing • Management dashboards • Expected fuel usage “We are able to send footage and first notifica- ABOVE: cameras which can check the video evidence for the exact time and place tion of loss by email within one minute 45 face the driver can be they are claiming for, it is amazing how these allegations seconds, allowing the insurance company and particularly useful as it disappear.” broker to complete the questions with the can let the fleet manager The benefits of a combined telematics and camera system driver quickly, so the claim can start to be processed within see if their driver was on seem clear, but Wise warns that just fitting the technology three or four days.” a mobile phone, eating, or is not enough. Video footage also obviates false claims. They were costing distracted in some other “These technologies are great but they need managing, SmartWitness client CRH Transport Training £1,600 per way while behind the you can’t just put them in and expect everything to change,” week, but camera telematics cut this by 90%. wheel. she says. Special offer Using back-up from a live video telematics system, CRH “Companies that act on the data that is generated through Transport Training can check whether its driver was at fault the combined systems will ensure that employees become and provide court-admissible evidence. better drivers. 3 months free “In many cases they were small claims, mainly broken “Some of this is about how you communicate with your door mirrors, but on modern cars that would be £300-£400 drivers; if you convey the starting position and advances they each time and we had no defence against them,” says Chris have made, significant improvements should be seen Hetherington, managing director at CRH Transport Training. because they realise the benefits, then the organisation’s “It was cheaper to pay them ourselves than to go through insurance claims will potentially be reduced, giving the best with our insurance company but now, when we mention that we return on investment.” free installation WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS AVAILABLE? SD card cameras have a memory stick, linked to a monitor to act as a reversing aid requirements. Both integrate into the which has to be physically retrieved in the and provide additional data in the event of an company’s Webfleet software, allowing and hardware event of an accident or sent by the driver to accident. A four-camera system follows in users to retrieve data from its platform. the fleet manager. April, allowing a camera on all vehicle sides, In October 2017, Trakm8 launched the fully This is troublesome if a driver is involved in providing 360-degree coverage. integrated RH600 4G telematics camera, an incident hundreds of miles from base. Matrix Telematics recently upgraded the with single or dual cameras. 3G cameras use a sim card that allows 3G HD33 to the MTC33 IncidentCam, which It has since added advanced driver data to be relayed immediately to a fleet gives the option of a second internal camera. assistance systems (ADAS), which identify manager and insurance company in the “We have also set up a call centre, Driive risks such as using a mobile while driving, event of an incident. with Matrix, to look at camera footage and micro-sleeping or drifting between lanes, However, it is possible to integrate SD hold an intervention direct with the driver at and uses algorithms to recognise patterns QSRXLGSRXVEGXŝ`ŝ2SEYXSVIRI[EPŝ`ŝ*VSQe QXL cameras into a telematics device, so the data a pre-determined time when a collision has and sound an alarm to preclude the event. is forwarded by the unit. occurred,” says managing director Trakm8 will add this information to its Intelligent Telematics has a two-camera 3G Colin Hartley. driver behaviour scores. Intelligent :MWMXŝ[[[UYEVXM\RIXŝSVGEPPŝ system with a second piece of equipment TomTom works with two SD camera Telematics is also introducing a 4G either in the cab or at the rear of the vehicle, providers to cover the range of client compatible device later this year. XSWGLIHYPIEJVIIHIQS 8IVQWERHGSRHMXMSRWETTP] fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 91 FP_FLEETNEW_3610191id3411105.pdf 16.03.2018 11:24 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW MAZDA 3 (KAI CONCEPT) On sale: 2019. Price: From £18,000 (est) Air quality dominates show Key fleet engine: 2.0-litre SCCI petrol Mazda has described its Kai concept as a compact hatchback that Manufacturers are still keen to talk up diesel, but there is no doubt that more vehicles “showcases what’s to come” for the Mazda brand – a clear indication, Simon Harris Stephen Briers given Mazda’s track record of turning concept cars into production are being developed with clean air in mind. and report models, that this will be the next 3. It features Mazda’s new 2.0-litre spark-controlled compression mong the avalanche of Nissan alliance partners went a Geneva wasn’t all electric though Tony Whitehorn said it was “naïve to ignition (SCCI) petrol engine SkyActiv-X, which promises the efficiency new SUVs and cross step further with their future of – far from it. Manufacturers were say that diesel is bad” and suggested and torque benefits of diesel. Fuel economy is expected to be 20-30% overs at the 2018 mobility models showcasing both keen to talk up diesel in the face of the Government still didn’t under higher than the current SkyActiv engine. Geneva Motor Show electric and autonomous systems. media and Government backlash. stand the implications of air quality Mazda claims that the Kai, which means pioneer and forward was clear evidence that It’s still a little futuristic, but coming Jaguar Land Rover’s Jeremy versus global warming in the CO2 thinking, represents a “major leap forward in refinement and dynamic EUA air quality rules are taking effect. closer with trials planned this year in Hicks said petrol and diesel both and NOx debate. performance”. It’s certainly a leap forward in design with fewer There was an abundance of elec closed environments in France. have “a long way to go” and called Stars of the show? Toss up between creases and smoother body texture creating a dramatic look tric and alternative fuel cars that will Renault optimistically predicts a fleet for an independent body to give a Mazda’s Kai concept (design cues particularly to the rear. KIA CEED be of interest to fleet operators, of ‘robovehicles’ on ride hailing view on emissions, similar to NCAP for the next 3) and the Toyota Auris, At 4,420mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,375mm tall, the car is On sale: end of Q2 Price: from £16,000 (est) many of which feature over the next services will be operating in Euro on safety. with an outside shout for the Citroën slightly wider but shorter and lower than the current Mazda 3. Key fleet engine: 1.6 136PS diesel seven pages, while the Renault and pean cities by 2022. Meanwhile, Hyundai UK president Berlingo Multispace. However, its wheelbase is 50mm longer, giving the greater interior space demanded by customers in small family cars. Kia has dispensed with the grammatical foibles of the Ceed If it goes into production, the dimensions are likely to change, with (formerly cee’d) to mark an evolution in quality and performance MEDIUM CARS smaller wheels (the Kai is on 20-inch alloys) and greater height. of the C-segment car over the outgoing model. The concept is a four-seater, but would grow to five seats for the It has taken that car’s strengths and improved upon them, Mazda 3 hatchback, which is expected to go on sale in 2019. according to UK president and CEO Paul Philpott. MERCEDES-BENZ That means more space, improved interior quality and better A-CLASS powertrains. On sale: now, deliveries May “It’s an evolution which focuses on value, quality, design and the Price: £25,800 [seven-year] warranty,” he said. Key fleet engine: 1.5litre diesel Ceed is the first Kia to offer level two autonomy with lane following assist, which controls acceleration, braking and steering to keep a The allnew MercedesBenz safe distance from the car in front. It operates up to 80mph. AClass is now on sale, with prices New engines for the five-door hatch and Sportswagon estate (with starting from £25,800 for the boot capacity of 600 litres – more than a Ford Mondeo) include a A 180 d SE. 1.4-litre 140PS turbo petrol, which replaces the 1.6 GDI, and a 1.6-litre Available in three trims, SE, diesel (in 115PS and 136PS), which Kia claims goes beyond the Sport and AMG Line, and three stricter Euro 6d Temp emission standard. engines options, all with a seven It believes CO2 emissions for the diesel will be below 110g/km on speed automatic gearbox, every the WLTP when converted to NEDC. model comes packed with a high A Drive Mode Select system will enable owners to tailor their specification as standard. driving experience, with Normal and Sport modes varying throttle The entrylevel SE features twin response and steering weight. seveninch displays including a 68.9mpg, with a top speed of and adds active parking assist with Premium or Premium Plus) central touchscreen with MBUX 125mph. The A 200 is powered by Parktronic, heated front seats and introduces augmented reality into multimedia system with ‘Hey a 1.4litre petrol engine, which Mirror package. the satnav. TOYOTA AURIS Mercedes’ voice activation, lane offers up to 51.4mpg. The £2,395 Premium line adds a Using a camera located at the top keeping assist and speed limit There are a number of options 10.25inch cockpit display to create of the windscreen, the infotainment On sale: Early 2019 assist. available. They include the a widescreen effect, KeylessGo screen overlays the navigation Price: From £18,000 (est) The 180 d uses a 1.5litre 116PS Executive package (£1,395) which and upgraded sound system. display with the actual road ahead, Key fleet engine: 1.8-litre hybrid diesel engine, which produces 260 upgrades the standard seveninch The £495 Advanced Navigation making for clearer, more obvious Nm of torque. It delivers up to touchscreen to a 10.25inch unit, package (available with Executive, navigation. An early view of the 2019 Toyota Auris at Geneva heralds a future of cars without diesel engines. MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS Toyota will retain diesel power for its large 4x4s and Hilux On sale: August Price: n/a Key fleet engine: 20 diesel pick-ups, but the engines will disappear from its mainstream MercedesBenz intends to introduce its diesel plugin hybrid technology car range, with Avensis production to the revised CClass featuring fourcylinder diesel, 90kW electric ceasing in 2018, and diesel motor and 13.5kWh battery. The result is an efficient car which offers removed from others. an electriconly range of up to 50km (31 miles). The new Auris, which will be The newlook car has a redesigned front bumper with either a silver produced in the UK, will be offered or chrome trim strip dependent on model grade. Halogen headlamps with Toyota’s three-cylinder incorporate LED running lights as standard. Multibeam LED lights, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, as which comprise 84 individual LEDs for maximum visibility, are available well as two petrol-electric hybrid The new option should broaden revised Aygo city car, which has a Refinement should also be as an option and incorporate junction light, roundabout light, city light variants for the first time. the appeal of the Auris to user- new look, tweaked handling and a better than before with improved and badweather light. The 1.8 Hybrid will use the 120PS choosers, offering lower benefit- slightly more powerful 1.0-litre sound insulation features over the The new CClass is able to drive semiautonomously in certain powertrain from the latest Prius, in-kind tax liability than equivalent engine, although fuel economy outgoing model. Full specification situations. Improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to as well as a new 178PS unit using petrol and diesel rivals. and CO2 emissions are improved will be revealed closer to the car’s 500 metres ahead while its surroundings are scanned by radar. a new 2.0-litre hybrid system. The Auris appeared alongside a over the outgoing model. launch later this year. 92 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 93 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW ELECTRIC AND ALTERNATIVE CARS AUDI E-TRON On sale: Late 2018 HYUNDAI KONA Price: £60,000 (est) ELECTRIC Key fleet engine: e-tron On sale: June Price: £25,000 (est) Audi’s sense of theatre was in Key fleet engine: 64kWh battery overdrive at Geneva, with a new electric electric model that remained covered in its corner of the stand Hyundai has already received for most of the day. substantial interest from fleets in Few visitors to the press days the new Kona Electric, its fully would have been able to time their electric SUV. busy schedules with the brief Kona Electric, available from glimpses, and they even eluded the June, offers range of almost 300 official photographer for the UK miles (on the new WLTP; 339 on media’s automotive news release the old NEDC) with the 64kWh site. battery, making it suitable as the Audi’s faux coyness about the main household car. vehicle will come to an end in It will also come as a shorter- August when the production range 186-mile 39.2kWh version. version of the car will be revealed Quick off the line thanks to the at the Brussels motor show, 395 Nm of instant torque, Kona although perhaps an unusual Electric accelerates to 62 mph in decision to reveal it ahead of only 7.6 seconds (64kWh model). October’s much larger Paris show. Hyundai hopes to sell 1,000 The electric powertrain is this year, dependent on securing The compact crossover, which plus smart adaptive speed which detection with rear cross traffic thought to produce close to 500PS, sufficient volume, although seats five, also features some accelerates and brakes to keep the alert and driver attention warning. and is likely to be priced from president and CEO Tony Whitehorn autonomous technology, including car a safe distance from the Using a fast 50kW charger, the around £60,000, close to its rival believes he could “probably sell lane-keep assist and emergency vehicle in front. Other safety Kona Electric will get to 80% in Jaguar I-Pace. double that”. braking with pedestrian detection, features include blind spot just under an hour. MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV SSANGYONG E-SIV On sale: Summer Prices: From £36,000 (est, before plug-in grant) On sale: Production version in 2020 Price: £25,000-£30,000 (est) Key fleet engine: PHEV Key fleet engine: battery electric The car that irreversibly raised the profile of plug-in hybrids in the UK The SsangYong e-SIV signals the company’s intent to add electrified models when it was launched in 2014 will undergo a second facelift this year. to its range in future, and its plans to move further into the mainstream. A revised version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was revealed at As a styling concept, the e-SIV hints at the next generation Korando, its Geneva, with styling cues from the new Eclipse Sport and forthcoming C-segment SUV similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai, due for replacement Shogun Sport. The 2018 Outlander PHEV comes with a new 2.4-litre lean- in 2019. burn Atkinson cycle petrol engine (similar technology to Toyota, Hyundai However, the SUV specialist company has also confirmed there would be and Kia hybrids), replacing the previous 2.0-litre motor, and improving fuel an electric vehicle based on that car in 2020. efficiency when running on petrol. Connectivity features in the concept include charging the car’s battery Mitsubishi is also including improved battery technology and higher remotely by monitoring progress through a smartphone app based on output electric motors, which should mean a longer zero-emissions range wireless communication. than the current version. But for now, Mitsubishi is remaining tight-lipped In addition, it manages charging station information in real time, predicts about the powertrain’s capability in the Outlander, with no revised CO2 driving range based on the amount of charge in the battery, and selects emissions and range data yet available. the optimal driving route accordingly. Sport modes and snow modes for the drive system, in addition to the A telematics service enables a number of functions to be controlled default setting and the 4WD lock, offer greater control on- or off-road remotely, while an infotainment service tailors features to meet individual compared with the current version of the car. convenience through voice recognition. PEUGEOT RIFTER/CITROËN BERLINGO/VAUXHALL COMBO On sale: Summer Rifter, while the Berlingo Multispace Peugeot and Citroën were present at revealed in February at the same They will be available in two body automatic gearbox. Price: From £18,000 (est) name remains for the third- the Geneva motor show in 2018, but time as the Berlingo Multispace, lengths, with the longer variants Safety features available include Key fleet engine: 1.5 Blue HDi generation Citroën model (left). both the Rifter and the Bernlingo has a family resemblance with offering up to seven-seats. adaptive cruise control, lane The new Vauxhall Combo – with Multispace have styling that better other Vauxhalls. A number of petrol and diesel departure warning system, blind A new family of van-derived MPVs the company now part of the PSA differentiates them from each other All three models promise more choices will be available, including a spot monitoring system and a rear- spanning three brands will go on group – will be based on the same than the previous versions of the sophistication than their three-cylinder 110PS 1.2 PureTech view camera for reversing. sale this summer, launched by platform, and bring a passenger vehicle, both appearing related to predecessors, using a platform that petrol engine with six-speed manual There are two sliding rear Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall. version of the vehicle to the UK, other models in their respective car spans the latest Peugeot 308 and gearbox, as well as a four-cylinder passenger doors and the vehicle The replacement for the Peugeot called the Combo Life. ranges. Citroën C4 Picasso, as well as the 130PS 1.5 BlueHDi diesel, with a will have an overhead storage Partner Tepee will be called the Of the four PSA car brands, only The Combo Life, which was SUVs and large people carriers. six-speed manual or eight-speed compartment for smaller items. VAN-DERIVED MPVS 94 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 95 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW SUVs AND CROSSOVERS SMALL CARS BMW X4 (more rear legroom and 525-litre vehicle to a halt and setting off LEXUS UX On sale: now Price: From £42,900 boot) with a sleeker look that again automatically. FORD KA+ ACTIVE CONCEPT Key fleet engine: 2.0-litre diesel merges SUV with coupé. The Driving Assistant Plus The Ka+ Active features ride Lexus plans to introduce a Powered by a 192PS diesel safety package adds steering and height raised by 23mm and compact crossover based on The X4 is the latest ‘X’ revision to engine, it accelerates to 62mph in lane control at speeds up to unique styling changes and the UX revealed at the show. the BMW portfolio, slotting in 8.0 seconds and returns 52.3mpg 130mph, lane-keeping assist and roof rails for carrying bikes Likely to appear in 2019, the between the X3 and X5. with CO2 emissions of 142g/km. crossing traffic warning. and sports equipment. production version of the UX As with the outgoing X4, the car The X4 is equipped as standard Another new feature, parking Further exclusive will be offered with a choice will be based on the X3 and is set with cruise control with braking assistant plus, helps drivers specification includes unique of a 2.0-litre petrol engine or to go head-to-head with Jaguar’s function as well as collision and select and manoeuvre into 15-inch alloy wheels, while a new 2.0-litre hybrid, the F-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLC. pedestrian warning with city parallel and perpendicular the model will be offered latter with a power output of Slightly lower but wider and collision mitigation. The optional parking spaces, with a bird’s eye with a choice of petrol and around 178PS. longer than the old model, the X4 semi-autonomous active cruise 360-degree image of the vehicle diesel engines. combines greater interior space control is capable of braking the and the surrounding area. ŠKODA VISION X The concept car was shown with HoppyGo, TwoGo and CareDriver. On sale: Production version – 2019 a bi-fuel CNG/petrol-electric hybrid These technologies direct the Price: n/a Key fleet engine: TBC to deliver CO2 emissions of driver to available parking spaces, SSANGYONG 89g/km, although the production offer the car for rental when it is HONDA URBAN EV MUSSO Škoda will add to its growing version is expected to have a more not needed, offer car-sharing Honda has confirmed that a SsangYong’s next- line-up of SUVs with a production conventional line-up of small opportunities, or, for example, production version of its generation Musso pick-up car based on the Vision X concept. turbocharged petrol and diesel ensure children are picked up from Urban EV Concept will be will target business users Likely to be mechanically similar engine options. nursery if their parent or guardian available to order in 2019. and owner-drivers when it to models such as the Volkswagen The Vision X also showcased the is unable to get there in time. It is built on a new platform arrives this summer, with an T-Roc, Audi Q2 and, especially, the latest connectivity technology that The production car based on the and sets the direction for the offer that provides the key Seat Arona, the compact model is likely to make its way into Škoda Vision X is likely to be revealed technology and design that elements of capability with will join the larger Karoq and models in future, including digital later this year, with sales beginning will appear on a future unrivalled value. Kodiaq in the Škoda range. services such as Smart Parking, in 2019. electric Honda models. The new Musso will be Inside there is space for powered by a 2.2-litre 181PS four, across two bench diesel engine and will carry seats, and a panoramic more than a tonne. HONDA CR-V front and rear bumpers, and versions will also be available digital dashboard. under-engine and under-floor with seven seats. On sale: Petrol – autumn 2018; covers help make the new CR-V Honda is claiming best-in-class hybrid – early 2019 one of the most aerodynamically fuel efficiency for the 1.5-litre Price: £28,000 (est) efficient vehicles in its class, turbocharged petrol engine, while Key fleet engine: 2.0-litre hybrid according to Honda. It also the hybrid ought to be competitive incorporates Honda’s Active with diesel rivals, although The production version of the new Shutter Grille system, to further emissions figures will be revealed Honda CR-V was revealed for the improve fuel efficiency. closer to the launch. first time in public. The dashboard features two As well as an all-wheel drive FORD EDGE Both petrol and hybrid variants seven-inch displays, with a option, the new CR-V’s off-road ŠKODA FABIA A revised Ford Edge SUV will will have front-wheel drive as simpler layout for other controls. credentials have been boosted by An updated Škoda Fabia will arrive later this year, with standard, with four-wheel drive The longer wheelbase and increased ground clearance – up include new engine variants, new driver assistance available as an option. wider stance enable a significantly 38mm compared with its each with three cylinders technologies including Narrower A-pillars, sculpted roomier interior, while petrol predecessor, at 208mm. and a capacity of 1.0-litre. adaptive cruise control with The MPI engines feature a traffic jam assistant, which indirect injection and helps the vehicle maintain a produce outputs of 60PS and safe distance from vehicles 75PS respectively. The two ahead, and lane-keeping HYUNDAI SANTA FE new feature called Safety Exit space – Hyundai claims it will be TSI drivetrains generate assistance. Assist, which temporarily locks the class-leading in the seven-seat 95PS and 110PS. New The new 238PS bi-turbo On sale: June/July Price: n/a doors when it senses a vehicle SUV segment. technology offered includes 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel Key fleet engine: 2.0-litre diesel approaching from behind to External styling cues have been a blindspot alert, a warning engine is combined with a remove the chance of a passenger taken from the Kona, with large about traffic approaching new eight-speed automatic Fleets will account for 60% of the opening the door into the path of a grille and slim headlights. from the rear, and auto- transmission. 2,000 Santa Fe SUVs Hyundai passing car. “The car will be more expensive dipping main beam. hopes to sell this year. Meanwhile, Rear Occupant Alert but it has better technology and The new car uses better quality warns the driver that passengers more premium-ness,” said Tony materials and has more safety are still in the back before locking Whitehorn, Hyundai UK president equipment, including SmartSense and leaving the vehicle – ideal for and CEO. “We also expect a active safety and driving assistance forgetful families. residual value uplift so contract features. These include rear cross The new Santa Fe is slightly rates will be at least as good as, if traffic alert, forward collision longer, wider and taller, giving it a not better than, the outgoing warning, lane keep assist and a strong stance and greater interior model.” 96 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 97 Advertisement feature GENEVA MOTOR SHOW LARGE CARS MAZDA 6 TOURER AUDI A6 KEEPING VEHICLES On sale: summer Price: £19,000 (est) On sale: summer Price: From £42,000 (est) Key fleet engine: 2.2-litre diesel Key fleet engine: 3.0 V6 TDI AND DRIVERS ON THE ROAD Although only a mid-term update, the revised Mazda 6 Tourer has a Fleets will have to wait a little longer for four-cylinder versions of the number of enhancements, including improved powertrain, better new Audi A6 to arrive, as the model will launch with six-cylinder petrol FOR LONGER efficiency, less noise intrusion, more safety features and new seats. and diesel engines when it arrives in the UK in summer. Exterior tweaks are minimal, but include new mesh grille and air vent Inspired by the latest Audi A8, as well as being a hi-tech addition to design, LED lights at the rear and some chrome detailing around the the range the new A6 will also seek to lure driving enthusiasts away front headlamps. from the BMW 5 Series. Inside is a new dashboard design, switchgear and seats, with a new A choice of four suspension set-ups will be offered, while a new eight-inch touchscreen. progressive steering system, which becomes more direct as vehicle The chassis has been revised with a new suspension set-up for speed increases, will be standard on all models. improved comfort and agility. The brand’s i-Activesense safety tech All versions will be equipped exclusively with automatic includes a 360-degree top-down camera. transmissions and, while the 3.0 TDI will have CO2 emissions from The range of engines hasn’t changed beyond slight power boosts for 142g/km, it is expected that many customers in the corporate sector the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel, with Skyactiv-X compression will be awaiting the arrival of four-cylinder diesel versions before Leading the way in ignition technology due next year. ordering. Outsourced Fleet Solutions The i247 Group already a leading provider of outsourced, fully managed solutions for driver support, fleet administration and managed services are embracing the challenges ofthe Automotive industry by developing new intelligent solutions that digitise driver support and advance mobility services. services, the fleet market is faced with a number of exciting yet Based on the sunny south coast of Poole and operational complex challenges. 24/7 365 days a year, the i247 Group are a leading Fleet Service Provider that specialise in providing Outsourced To support, the i247 Group have invested significantly back into Fleet Solutions for call management, driver support, fleet their business, they have grown their team of IT developers, administration, managed services and connected car. improved their infrastructure and have expanded their focus to deliver “digital solutions to support a transforming industry”. PEUGEOT 508 interior, comprising a raised, fully BlueHDi, and a 180PS 2.0 Blue The i247 Group’s extensive portfolio of fully managed services, 2018 will see the group continue to digitise driver services and digital instrument panel and HDi. The range is also likely to products & online solutions are all focused on improving deliver solutions that advance mobility services. On sale: Late 2018 lowered, elliptical steering wheel. offer a 130PS 1.2-litre driver mobility, keeping their customers’ vehicles & drivers on Price: From £27,000 (est) Peugeot’s coupé redefinition is turbocharged three-cylinder petrol the road for longer. Ultimately this saves customers time and Steve Thornton, Head of Group Sales says: “We understand Key fleet engines: 1.5 BlueHDi; 2.0 emphasised by the frameless engine, as well as a range-topping at the heart of our solutions we represent customers at BlueHDi windows on the passenger doors, 225PS 1.6-litre turbo. money whilst providing them with total peace of mind. attempting to position the 508 The new model is equipped with key moments and they rely on us to deliver exceptional, The Peugeot 508 will undergo a closer to models such as the Audi class-leading levels of advanced But to the i247 Group it’s much more than just being a supplier, differentiating value. Being able to react quickly keeping up radical revamp for its second A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran driver assistance systems, it’s about being seen as an extension of their customers’ with customers and their clients ever changing needs requires generation later this year, with a Coupé and Volkswagen Arteon. including a night vision system, organisation. They achieve this by taking ownership, managing flexibility and the right partner to deliver. ” KIA OPTIMA low, coupé-like silhouette and a Power will come from a choice which is new to the segment and the activity as if it was their own and by delivering a flexible, five-door fastback body. of six petrol and diesel engines, uses an infrared camera with the easy to manage solution that consistently delivers the highest Revised Optima, on sale in Q3, will The new model will be the first with diesel options expected to be ability to detect pedestrians at night SLA’s, they exceed their customers’ expectations. feature two new powertrain 508 to adopt Peugeot’s i-Cockpit a 130PS 1.5 BlueHDi, a 150PS 2.0 and in cases of reduced visibility. “Here at the i247 Group we have options: Kia’s new 1.6-litre CRDi With over 30 years of Automotive experience partnering embraced technology and have diesel and the 1.6-litre turbo with some of the largest manufacturers, leasing and fleet leveraged vehicle, manufacturer petrol. Exterior tweaks include a management companies in the UK, the i247 Group have and third supplier data to devise revised front bumper, new LED successfully forged a reputation for innovation, delivery and new flexible, game changing online rear lights and a revised design thought leadership. Testament to this their services are now solutions that will enhance services for for the head and fog lamps. Inside utilised by some of the largest FN50 organisations and support our customers’ and their drivers.” is a redesigned steering wheel, more than 1 million vehicles across the UK. satin-chrome trim on the centre Steve Thornton, Head of Group Sales, i247 Group console and new ambient lighting. Improved safety features include Whilst contact centre services will always underpin their Driver Attention Warning, which service offering, the i247 Group recognise the industry is The i247 Groups strong foundations and commitment to combats distracted or drowsy transforming. With fleet managers & driver’s expectations remain at the forefront of intelligent services ensures they are driving by monitoring the vehicle growing, imminent GDPR legislation changes coupled with ready for the next chapter of fleet requirements. Why not get in and driver, and Lane Keeping developments in connected car, MaaS and the digitisation of touch to find out more? Assist. It is also available with new high-resolution Around View Monitor parking camera. For more information, visit www.i247group.com or email [email protected] or speak to a member of their friendly team on 01202 628 282. 98 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk Fleetnewsadvertorial MarchFINAL.indd 1 14/03/2018 10:00:29 FIRST LOOK FIRST DELIVERIES: SEPTEMBER THINKING CAP By Martin Ward, manufacturer VOLVO V60 relationships manager Swedish carmaker returns to old favourite and gives it up-to-date restyling By Christopher Smith Tuesday Over to Geneva for the day, for the olvo has become rather good at SUVs in 88th motor show. Those who have been to recent years, with the XC90, XC60 and XC40 CHASSIS SAFETY this small and compact show will know just all launching to good responses – but now the Much of the work on the V60 has been made possible Volvo’s City Safety system is installed as standard, and has been upgraded brand returns to the familiar territory of the by building the car on Volvo’s own Scalable Product to include Onward Collision Mitigation, engaging auto braking to help avoid how easy it is to get there. Fly into Geneva estate car. Architecture (SPA) platform, in line with the XC60 and 90 head-on collisions. airport and just a short 15-minute stroll to VThe Swedish manufacturer believes there is still a high series vehicles, building in the safety technology and A reversing mitigation system has also been added, to apply braking when the exhibition halls. demand for lower vehicles, despite the growth of SUVs, Volvo’s new engine line-up from the start. sensing a potential collision while leaving a parking space, new for the V60. This year, plenty of new cars, concepts and with ‘station wagons’ forming a key part of its range An S60 saloon version will be revealed in the summer, In addition, the Pilot Assist driving package has also been substantially for decades past, it looks to build on that tradition. while full pricing and specification for the V60 will come upgraded. The third-generation system has improving steering response and technology were on view. Volkswagen Continuing the range renewal prog ramme is the new nearer to the vehicle’s official launch. and makes steering support more natural. showed not one, but four concepts, that V60 mid-size estate, replacing the current model dating may, or may not, one day be in our from 2010. It extends the brand’s current design style, showrooms. Even if one makes it, it will adapted for the smaller vehicle. shake up the future design of cars. The V60 takes the vast majority of the functionality and design appeal of larger vehicles in Volvo’s range, and Škoda showed its Vision X, a mix between packages it in a smaller, more agile footprint, which the a small SUV and a hatch, but I guess the brand hopes will help it compete more closely in the finished car will be around 15-20% different segment against BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. to the show car, based on past concepts. Entry level pricing starts from £31,810, with the first customer deliveries expected in September. “The car that had me wondering about the future “The V60 takes the vast was the PAL-V flying car” majority of the functionality Star of the show seemed to be the Jaguar and design appeal of larger I-Pace, a great-looking SUV that’s electric- vehicles in Volvo’s range” powered with a range of around 300 miles. Hyundai showed the new Santa Fe, BMW had the new, re-styled X4, Toyota had the all-new much improved Auris. The all-new Kia Ceed hatch and wagon ENGINES AND EMISSIONS broke cover. When it goes on sale in late At launch, the V60 will be powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder D3 (150PS) and D4 (190PS) summer it will have new engines and a diesel engines, in front-wheel drive guise, much improved interior. with either manual or eight-speed automatic The new Audi A6 was there and, although transmissions. you instinctively know it is an A6, the lines The manual D3 records CO2 emissions from are crisp and bold and the new grille 114g/km under the NEDC cycle – achieving emissions from 136g/km on the new WLTP SPACE AND INTERIOR makes the car very distinctive. cycle as it is gradually introduced. The interior of the V60 is reminiscent of the XC60 and larger 90 series vehicles, Lexus showed us the UX. It was difficult to Automatic vehicles achieve from 117g/km with quality, well made materials and plenty of space. gauge its dimensions, as you couldn’t get on NEDC , but perform slightly better than The dash features a vertical nine-inch Sensus touchscreen with few buttons, near it on the turntable, but it did look good, their manual counterparts under WLTP – and a digital instrument binnacle. While much of the vehicle’s design language and very modern. emitting from 135g/km. has been seen before on the larger vehicles, the V60 brings this to the smaller T5 and T6 petrol variants, and a new, lower- segment. But the vehicle that had me wondering output 345PS T6 plug-in hybrid (branded Twin Inscription trims also offer Driftwood detailing, which looks particularly about the future was the PAL-V flying car, Engine) will be available later this year. tasteful with the blond leather option – lightening what could be quite a dark yes, a full production car that flies. The cost Volvo bosses said, in response to consumer interior if specified without the optional panoramic sunroof. is around €500,000 (£450,000), but I was demand for electrification, that new petrol Carplay and Android Auto integration is on offer, along with a wireless hotspot mild hybrids would be introduced as part of facility. Drivers can also opt to add Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio systems. told this will drop to €300,000 (£268,000) in the line-up before 2021, to reduce emissions The new car is 13cm longer than its predecessor, though marginally narrower. time. You need 40 hours’ tuition, it uses and improve economy. Maximum rear legroom has also been improved, up from 85 to 89cm. standard petrol and has a range of 800 “We aren’t disqualifying diesel, but our Boot space with the seats up is marginally larger than the Audi A4 Avant, miles on the road and 250 miles in the air. future lies in full electrification,” Henrik Well made materials and plenty BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, at 529 litres – up Could we be headed from congested roads Green, senior vice president for Volvo R&D of space in the V60’s interior from 430 litres on its predecessor. told Fleet News. The V60 offers a square, easily accessible load bay, with no load lip. to the congested skies? Probably not at that money. But a nice, if not scary, thought. 100 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 101 ADVERTISMENT FEATURE FIRST DRIVE Intervene and Improve Your Our overriding principle is that of saving lives and reduc- With its lowered roof and sleek styling the Velar is the most car- ing your overall Operational Road Risk profile, together with like SUV Land Rover has made Fleet Risk Profile the liability and culpability of supervisors, managers and The advancement of telematics and the boom in D240 HSE board directors. By ensuring your vehicles and their drivers the presence of vehicle CCTV has taken the industry are always fully compliant and that driving standards are by storm in recent years. Data is more insightful and RANGE ROVER VELAR raised and consistently maintained, there is a secondary displayed on ever more intuitive dashboards and apps, Sporty and comfortable Velar brings luxury to the crossover segment element which quickly becomes apparent – your fleet be- whilst HD camera footage is no longer stored on anti- comes more efficient and far more cost effective to operate. quated SD cards but delivered to fleet managers as By Matt de Prez This fresh approach begins with a detailed driver on- he dilemma of what to choose if you want a Range COSTS they sip their morning coffee. All this technology alone Rover but an Evoque is too small and a Sport is P11D price £57,105 boarding assessment along with driving licence checks to BIK tax band (2017/18) too expensive may be solved. 32% however, is no silver bullet. Land Rover launched the Velar to fill that exact Annual BIK tax (40%) £7,309 first of all assess suitability. Our advanced interpretation gap, and, while it is effectively based on a Jaguar Class 1A NIC Having analysed the industry for well over a TF-Pace, it manages to exude the same sense of opulence £2,522 and intervention methodology means that we act rapidly Annual VED £500 then £450 you get from a full-size Range Rover. RV (4yr/80K) decade, it is patently obvious to us that those charged Perhaps that is why prices start at £44,800, around £10,000 £22,275 where we identify behavioural issues that cause us concern. Fuel cost (ppm) more than an F-Pace. 11.46 with looking after commercial fleets simply do not With its lowered roof and sleek styling, the Velar is the AFR (ppm) 11 Using telemetry feeds from pre-existing onboard tech- most car-like SUV Land Rover has ever made. Its aluminium Running cost (4yr/80K) 61.11ppm Interior is clean have the time to interpret the endless streams of body and Jaguar XE and XF underpinnings help it become and uncluttered nology combined with our unique mobile app and a robust the most dynamic-driving product from the brand. SPEC reports and deliver meaningful feedback to drivers Inside there is a distinct lack of knobs and levers to prod driver and compliance package, we make the most out of and pull when the going gets tough, but the Velar does have Power (PS)/torque (Nm) 240/500 You need at least an S grade, at £50,420, to get leather needing the most attention. Without engaging every what you already have to improve fleet operations. all-wheel drive and Land Rover’s terrain response system. CO2 emissions (g/km) 154g/km trim, powered tailgate and reversing camera – although the Top speed (mph) single driver in meaningful and regular driving It does not feature air suspension as standard, yet the ride 135 majority of customers are expected to opt for top-spec HSE DRiiVE Managing Director Colin Hartley had this to say is still sublime and makes the Velar both sporty and comfort- 0-62mph (sec) 6.8 which comes packed with ventilated/massage seats, adap- able – even if it lacks the ability to increase its ride height for tive cruise control and a high-end Meridian audio system. appraisals, safety will not improve and achieving the Fuel efficiency (mpg) 48.7 “Our prime objective is to save lives. The affect that a off-road excursions. The engine line-up kicks off with a D180 2.0-litre diesel Real-world mpg 35.4 associated ROIs will be almost impossible. A commanding driving position gives good visibility, that emits 142g/km of CO2. It’s good for 0-62mph in 8.2 serious or fatal road collision could have on your business although the Velar belies its mid-size SUV label and feels seconds and, with 52mpg, it should be more than adequate DRiiVE offers a world first in providing a remote every bit as big as a Range Rover Sport to drive – probably KEY RIVAL for most company car drivers. and the people within business could be catastrophic. The because it’s only 40mm narrower. BMW X5 xDrive25 M Sport We tested the more potent D240. It pumps out 154g/km driver behaviour interpretation and intervention solu- The interior showcases a new suite of technology for Land P11D price: with the promise of 48mpg and gives much better perform- £55,285 affect that it has on the family lasts a lifetime. The question Rover; there’s a high-definition infotainment screen that ance with a 0-62 time of just 6.8 seconds. BIK tax band (2017/18) 31% tion, all underpinned by industry leading telematics features the familiar Incontrol Pro, plus a new second touch- Annual BIK tax (40%) There is also a V6 diesel (D300) with emissions of 167g/km should not be can we afford this solution - rather can we screen display in place of the climate control and other £6,855 and three higher-emitting petrols. Class 1A NIC and camera technology from Matrix Telematics. switchgear. £2,365 Our experience of the D240 was positive. We managed to afford not to have this solution.” Annual VED There are eight trims to choose from, with prices peaking £200 then £450 eke out 44mpg on a run, but would expect 35-38mpg as a The DRiiVE Triage Centre ensures that data is thor- RV (4yr/80k) at £83,350 for the fully-loaded First Edition. £20,125 realistic average. The engine is fairly quiet unless you need It’s time for action, it’s time to #ThinkOnYourFleet. R-Dynamic models (available in S, SE and HSE) feature Fuel cost (ppm) 11.07 to press on, at which point the eight-speed automatic oughly analysed and interpreted by an experienced more aggressive bumpers and larger alloy wheels. The AFR (ppm) 11 gearbox has a tendency to keep it revving high, detracting team of Fleet and Data Analysts before being base model is simply ‘Velar’ with S, SE and HSE, again, Running cost (4yr/80k) 62ppm from the refinement. adding more spec the higher you go. While the F-Pace and Discovery Sport are more cost- All models get LED headlights, heated seats and keyless Running cost data supplied by effective fleet models, the Velar does bring ‘proper’ Range delivered back to drivers on a one to one basis. entry with motorised flush-fitted door handles. KeeResources (4yr/80k) Rover luxury to the crossover segment. 102 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk For More Information please email at [email protected] or Visit www.driive.co.uk OUR FLEET VAUXHALL INSIGNIA Positively cavernous SEAT IBIZA FR 1.0 – the Octavia boot JAGUAR XF 2.0D 180 PORTFOLIO GRAND SPORT SRI helped in house TSI 115 DSG VX LINE NAV move Fuel efficiency measures up well against competitors Jaguar XF will not disappoint When Fleet News was given an early look at the fifth generation Ibiza in June, Seat was clear in its intention to be a match in the B-segment for new market There are so many new cars heavyweights, the Nissan Micra, launched each year that it’s Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and impossible, even for someone Kia Rio. whose job often involves There are signs things are going evaluating the latest vehicles, the Ibiza’s way. to try every one in timely fashion. Two months in and the Society of So I was happy to finally get ŠKODA OCTAVIA 1.0 TSI SE TECHNOLOGY Motor Manufacturer and Traders behind the wheel of the latest (SMMT) figures reveal the Ibiza’s Vauxhall Insignia this month, and segment share is up year-to-date put around 700 miles on it. Using the Octavia boot space was moving experience from 4.7% to 5.1%, sitting at seventh While the Grand Sport name above the Micra (12th) and Rio (15th). is a bit of a daft alternative to By Sarah Tooze features such as the ice scraper in By Andrew Ryan The Jaguar also sits between the Fiesta’s B-segment share, while hatchback, the car is, for the most COSTS ne of the Octavia’s the petrol cap as I’m used to COSTS he executive sector is a two German cars for employee still massive, is down from 30.5% to P11D price part, very impressive. P11D price £18,805 strengths is its generous carrying one in the door pocket. £37,295 fiercely competitive one, benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax. Its CO2 29.4% and Polo’s is down, too. I was surprised that our SRi boot space (590 litres with On the road, the average fuel BIK tax band with little to separate the emissions of 114g/km puts it in the BIK tax band 21% 24% model was priced at just under the rear seats up, 1,580 economy is still close to 50mpg Annual BIK tax (40%) main challengers. 24% BIK tax band which, coupled Annual BIK tax (20%) £790 £3,580 £23,000 (of course, most large Class 1A NIC with them folded) and it (currently 47.5mpg) based on short Class 1A NIC Over the 10,648 miles with its £37,295 P11D price, means a end-user fleets will pay much £545 Oproved particularly useful when I journeys. That’s 3mpg higher than £1,235 Twe’ve driven our long-term Jaguar 40% taxpayer faces an annual bill of Annual VED Annual VED “Ibiza stands tall less) and by the value of some £140 moved house recently. the 44.7 real-world driving figure £160 then £140 XF, it has proved to be an excellent £3,580. RV (4yr/80k) RV (4yr/80k) of the options fitted. £4,950 Although we used a removal provided by the Equa Index (see the £11,525 vehicle and has demonstrated why it The BMW (119g/km and £37,515) when judged by Fuel cost (ppm) For example, the head-up Fuel cost (ppm) 9.31 company we still had to spring clean tools section of the Fleet News 8.49 was named the best executive car in attracts a BIK bill of £3,752 and the AFR (ppm) fundamental display is priced at £290. These AFR (ppm) 11 our previous rental property and website). 11 the 2016 Fleet News Awards. Mercedes-Benz (102g/km and Running cost (ppm) displays can give cars a real Running cost (ppm) 29.37 needed to move a number of items Our car’s fuel economy did drop a 46.95 However, the strength of the £37,205), £3,283. measures” premium feel. This one shows afterwards. few mpg when fully loaded and after sector meant that the following year However, the Jaguar does trail its speed, traffic sign and navigation The Octavia had no trouble I had to leave the engine running the honour went to the Mercedes- rivals when overall running costs information so drivers can see the SPEC accommodating a step ladder, while stuck in heavy snow when the SPEC Benz E-Class, with the BMW 5 are considered. According to data Ibiza is well on the way to achieving figures without taking their eyes upright vacuum cleaner, mop and ‘Beast from the East’ hit. I eventually Engine (cc) Series last week taking the crown from KeeResources, the XF will cost the brand’s aspiration to be one of Engine (cc) 999 1,999 off the road. Compare this with a bucket, telescopic window cleaner got towed up a hill by a police car Power (PS) for 2018. 46.95ppm over a four-year/80,000- the best cars in its class. Power (PS) 115 180 premium alternative such as a and various other cleaning products. and count myself lucky – others on Torque (Nm) In our time with the XF, one of its mile cycle. The 520d will cost But how does it compare to Torque (Nm) 200 430 BMW 3 Series, which would set We could even fit in a large rug with the A1 were left set for the night. CO2 emissions (g/km) strengths has been its efficiency: it 44.34ppm and the E220 44.77ppm. competitors when considering key CO2 emissions (g/km) 110 114 you back £825. ease. Manufacturer mpg is currently averaging between Part of this is down to the issues such as CO2 emissions, VED Manufacturer mpg 58.9 65.7 The Insignia’s sophisticated, Our Octavia comes with handy Real-world mpg* 50mpg and 52mpg per tankful, difference in residual values and rate, mpg and monthly tax liability? Real-world mpg* 44.7 45.7 automatically adjustable LED features, such as a double-sided Test mpg which is significantly higher than the SMR costs. I used KeeResources’ Kwikview headlights at £1,010 are a bit Test mpg 47.5 boot floor (carpet on one side and a 50.2 Equa Index real-world figure of The XF will be worth £11,525 at the platform to crunch the data, Max speed (mph) steep, but priced in line with Max speed (mph) 126 washable rubber surface on the 136 45.7mpg. The official combined fuel end of the cycle, with SMR of choosing to look in depth at the 0-62mph (sec) rivals, although we’d probably 0-62mph (sec) 9.9 other) and a media holder, which are 8.0 economy is 65.7mpg. 6.25ppm. The 520d is valued at Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Auto Current mileage leave those well alone. Current mileage 3,317 both available as part of a ‘simply 10,648 This puts it between the BMW 520d £12,700 with SMR of 4.42ppm and and Polo 1.0TSI 115 DSG. It’s also disappointing to see car clever’ pack for £90. I’ve also found 190 SE (62.8mpg) and Mercedes- the E220 is £12,350 and 5.68ppm. Where the Ibiza wins: the monthly manufacturers making money out the ticket holder clip on the Running cost data supplied by Benz E220 194 SE (72.4mpg). Equa But the differences are small, and liability for a basic rate taxpayer is of flat paint finishes. It used to be windscreen useful, although I have KeeResources (4yr/80k) figures are not available for the BMW any driver picking any of these cars currently £3 lower than the Fiesta * Data supplied by Equa Index that metallic paint, or black paint yet to take advantage of Škoda’s Ice scraper or Mercedes-Benz. should not be disappointed. and £5 less than the Polo; its commanded a premium. other standard fit ‘simply clever’ combined mpg rate is 60.1, On the Insignia, only Aegean TEST TIMELINE compared to the Fiesta’s 54.3mpg blue is described as ‘solid’. Start End and Polo’s 58.9mpg. Its CO2 Non-metallic summit white, and emissions, at 108g/km, win over the lava red (as on our test car), are “I eventually got towed up a hill by a Polo (109) and Fiesta (118). The Ibiza listed in brochures as ‘brilliant’ AT A GLANCE – THE REST OF OUR FLEET (REVIEWS ONLINE) and Polo’s VED rates are £140 (no more brilliant than other solid police car and count myself lucky. Others compared to the Fiesta’s £160. paint), and command a premium Running cost data supplied by on the A1 were left set for the night” So, while in a narrow competitor of £285. KeeResources (4yr/80k) field, the Ibiza stands tall when Someone please put a stop to * Data supplied by Equa Index judged by these fundamental this. measures. Simon Harris TEST TIMELINE Jeremy Bennett Start End Mazda 6 Renault Koleos Volvo S90 104 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk March 22 2018 105 THE LAST WORD Advertisement feature Transit Connect’s JAMES WALLER powertrains provide enhanced fuel HEAD OF FLEET – SELECT PLANT HIRE efficiency First fleet role When I left school Waller loves the pace at which car technology is developing at 18, a friend’s father owned a Ford and his preferences suggest that he likes speedy vehicles. dealership and gave me a summer job. I worked there for a further But he becomes decidedly risk averse in relation to his family four years having worked through various roles. The main reason for My first memory associated with a car was sitting The advice I would you give to my staying within fleet is my love of car on a beanbag in the boot of my parents’ Volvo 240 18-year-old self would be to take a year technology as it moves so quickly estate looking out of the rear window – something out and travel as much as possible, before and fleet is always at the forefront. I would never let my children do now. deciding what you want to do with your life. Career goals at Select Plant Hire To provide a sustainable, safe, cost- The three vehicles I would like in my garage If I was Prime Minister for the day I would effective and fit-for-purpose vehicle are an Audi RS6 for every day, a Lotus Exige definitely create more public holidays and fleet to support our business. Cup for trackdays and if I could find one, a TVR spread them out through the year. Sagaris for the sheer scare factor. Biggest achievement in business Negotiating, procuring and operating The pivotal moment in my life was all areas of our 2,500-strong vehicle My favourite film is Star becoming a father, although it fleet through multiple suppliers, Wars: The Last Jedi. I’m has made me quite risk while keeping utilisation above 95% not a huge fan of Star Wars averse. My wife has to tell with a team of just five. but I always think “The me to “stop wrapping Force” is like the power them in cotton wool and Biggest career influence that leadership brings let them be kids!”. My then SMR costs ‘significantly within business. Some managing director who saw my use it for good and potential and called me into his some don’t. My hobbies and office out-of-the-blue to offer me interests involve the opportunity to become fleet lower’ than competition any form of manager. You could walk into his A book I recommend motorsport. office at any point and he would others read is Legacy by always make time for you and on he new Transit Custom, Transit diesel engine, available for the 300 L1 cant changes for further fuel-efficiency. James Kerr, because it the rare occasion that he was Connect and Transit Courier van, delivering up to 49.6mpg and 148 g/ Service intervals have been extended is a must read. I want to be wrong, he would make a point of bring enhanced fuel efficiency, km CO2 emissions. on both diesel and petrol variants, with remembered as admitting it. He taught me that you T new features and even greater The Transit Custom line-up includes two manual diesel vehicles offering variable a decent chap. grow the most through adversity. refinement to Ford’s commer- roof heights, two wheelbase options, a intervals of up to two years/25,000 My pet hate is cial vehicle (CV) range for 2018. GVM range from 2.6-3.4 tonnes for miles, contributing to scheduled mainte- discourteous and Biggest mistake in business They offer bold new front-end designs, payloads up to 1,450kg, and bodystyles nance and non-scheduled repair costs oblivious drivers Not trusting my gut instinct. If new interior features and technology including van, kombi and double-cab-in- significantly lower than primary competi- – among others. something doesn’t feel right, it including available SYNC 3 communica- van. tion, according to Ford analysis. usually isn’t. tions and entertainment system. Transit Transit Connect’s powertrains provide Short- and long-wheelbase options of Custom is the first CV to include Intelli- enhanced fuel efficiency, while achieving Transit Connect provide load volumes up Leadership style Relaxed, and gent Speed Assist, and is the first Ford Euro 6.2 emissions. Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre to 3.6 cu m (VDA), payloads of 579-865kg, when required – firm, but fair. I van in Europe to offer its Blind Spot Infor- EcoBlue diesel engine combines the and bodystyles including van and double- trust my team and like to give mation System with Cross Traffic Alert. latest fuel injection, turbocharging and cab-in-van. New Transit Courier offers people autonomy to carry out their Re-engineering of the Transit Custom emission-control technologies. payloads up to 600kg, load volumes up role effectively. includes a new ECOnetic variant of the An advanced new version of the 1.0-litre to 2.4 cu m (VDA), and a choice of van Dagenham-built Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine features signifi- and kombi bodystyles. If I wasn’t in fleetI would love to be an airline pilot. MAJOR PRESENCE AT APRIL’S COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW Childhood ambition From a very New Transit Custom, new Transit to the Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid early age I wanted to be a Connect and new Transit Courier will Electric Vehicle, (PHEV) and the mechanic. I’m pretty good at taking be among 15 vehicles exhibited by company’s latest innovations in the things apart, but not so good at Ford at the Commercial Vehicle Show world of smart mobility. putting them back together! at the NEC, Birmingham, on 24-26 Ford vehicles on other companies’ April, on stand 5G10/5G20 in Hall 5. stands will include a British Gas Most memorable driver moment A The line-up will include a special Transit Custom PHEV shown by few years ago I was lucky enough edition of the Ford Ranger, in addition Bri-Stor Systems. to drive an Audi R8 Spyder to Le Mans to watch the 24-hour race. Next issue: Lisa Spong, sales director, Reflex For further information on any Ford Fleet products or services call the Ford Business Centre on 03457 23 23 23, email [email protected], or visit ford.co.uk/fordfleet 106 March 22 2018 fleetnews.co.uk adRocket FP_FLEETNEW_7000200039id3385341.pdf 22.02.2018 11:12 COMFORT, SAFETY AND CONTROL POWER TO GO Choose from the engine and drivetrain combinations available with the All-New Jeep® Compass, with a selection of a 1.4-litre MultiAir II Turbo petrol and a 1.6 or 2.0 MultiJet diesel engine. Also available is the class-leading nine-speed automatic transmission designed to give both power and effi ciency when it’s needed most. YOUR WHOLE WORLD, HANDS-FREE The centre stack bezel puts everything at your control, whilst the leather-wrapped steering wheel controls position both Uconnect™ multimedia system and TFT driver display at your fi ngertips. The interactive system comes with an HD touch screen of up to 8.4.” It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,™ with full access via touch controls or Siri voice command. ALWAYS IN CONTROL Not every path is easy, but with a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, lane departure and forward collision warning, the new Jeep® Compass lets you navigate in safety and style. Strategically placed cameras and radars notify both audibly and visually. If the driver doesn’t react in time the system will automatically brake to avoid or mitigate the impact. 15077_JEEP_Compass_297x210_FleetNews_Wrap_1.5.indd 3 12/03/2018 10:32 ALL-NEW JEEP® COMPASS FROM FROM FROM UP TO CO2 117g/km BIK 25% P11D £ 22,780 MPG 70.6 MPG For more information contact our business centre on 0808 168 4670 or visit Jeep.co.uk/fleet MODEL SHOWN: ALL-NEW JEEP® COMPASS 1.4 LIMITED MULTIAIR II 140 HP 4X2 6 SPEED MANUAL INCLUDING VOCAL WHITE BICOLOUR PAINT AT £29,095 OTR. OFFICIAL FUEL COMSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 54.3 (5.2), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 117 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO2 values are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC. 15077_JEEP_Compass_297x210_FleetNews_Wrap_1.5.indd 4 12/03/2018 10:32