FleetNews december 12, 2019 n Fleet manager oF the year Stewart lightbody n Fca Fleet director andy waite n volkSwagen golF FirSt drive n mobility/ev SolutionS For FleetS n hyundai’S zero emiSSion Future n new volvo truckS md robert grozdanovSki FleetNewsDecember 12 2019 £6.00 CommercialINCORPORATING Fleet

Spotlight: FCA Group Andy Waite gets excited about his 2020 launch plans

Mobility/EV solutions Top fleets debate the merits of EVs and mobility

New Volkswagen Golf Fleet’s most popular car – now even better

WINNER

Stewart Lightbody, M Group Services ‘Ask questions; be inquisitive’ Fleet manager of the year Stewart Lightbody reflects on his first six months in charge of the M Group Services fleet and his plans for 2020 adRocket

CONTENTS NEWS AND OPINION 4 Biggest fleet concerns for 2020 9 ‘Make or break’ year for diesel 10 FORS plans two major changes 13 Fleets urged: act now on emissions 14 Ian Hill enters the Hall of Fame 15 The past month’s news headlines 16 Have your say: readers’ letters MEASURE DISTANCE IN EMOTIONS. 82 Last word with Mark Dickens NOT MILES. TOMORROW’S FLEET: MOBILITY 20 Mobility and electric solutions ‘Fighting in the car park’ 24 EV charging Active buildings can benefit EVs 26 Hyundai’s zero emission vision 16 electric vehicles by 2025 28 Guest opinion: Daniel Ruiz CAVs and expensive tech dilemma WHAT IT TAKES TO TODAY’S FLEET: BECOME FLEET DECISION-MAKING IN THE MANAGER OF THE 38 Fleet skills with ICFM SPOTLIGHT YEAR 2020 is time for change 30 Stewart Lightbody P30 Fleet manager of the year advises: ‘Ask questions; be inquisitive’ READER 34 FCA ‘Our product future plans look HYUNDAI’S VISION RECOMMENDED exciting,’ says Andy Waite FOR ZERO 36 Fleet News Awards EMISSIONS 2020 IGNITION ALFA ROMEO GIULIA ALFA ROMEO STELVIO Ogilvie’s high service standards P26 41 Best suppliers in readers’ view 64 Volkswagen Golf CO from 128g/km* | BIK from 33%* | P11D from £33,595* CO from 138g/km* | BIK from 35%* | P11D from £37,745* 2 2 Golf should stay top with fleets 66 Škoda Superb iV Created and crafted in Italy, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia are true masterpieces. They couple the most exciting driving Plug-in model for lower emissions dynamics with elegant Italian design. The technology behind Alfa Romeo is created to enhance performance and to give great driving 67 Mazda3 Skyactive-X sensations. Both models feature all the latest cutting-edge technology in safety and infotainment including Alfa™ D.N.A. driving mode Efficiency of diesel; selector, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and 8.8” Connect performance of petrol 3D Nav with DAB radio. For more information call 0808 168 4670 or email alfaromeo.fl [email protected] 68 DS7 & DS3 Crossback E-Tense Electric duo for user-choosers 69 Our test fleet Eight vehicles reviewed COMMERCIAL FLEET

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA ROMEO RANGE MPG (L/100KM) COMBINED: 53.3 (5.3) TO 24.5 (11.5). CO2 EMISSIONS: 227 – 123 G/KM. 75 Fleets gear up for peak period Fuel consumption fi gures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO2 fi gures are determined on the basis of the NEDC outgoing test cycle 78 Steady progress at Volvo Trucks and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on fi rst registration. Fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not refl ect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fi tted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures with 80 Compliance advice from FTA other cars tested to the same technical procedure. 81 Iveco Nuovo Stralis tested *Models shown are Alfa Romeo Giulia Diesel Saloon 2.2. JTDM-2 190hp Speciale 4dr Auto MY19 E6d (P11D price: £37,530. BIK: 33% CO2: 128) and Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 Petrol Turbo 280hp Speciale 5 dr Auto MY19 E6d (P11D price: £45,035. BIK: 37%. CO2: 175) fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 3

FP_FLEETNEW_3949812id4119123.pdf 26.11.2019 16:51 NEWS: REVIEW OF 2019 Nearly half of fleets say car tax uncertainty is biggest 2020 worry

End of the ICE (internal combustion engine) age is second largest concern for the new year

By Gareth Roberts Here we look back at the key events t’s been a year of of the year: upheaval for the fleet I industry. A new emis- NEDC VS WLTP sions testing regime, a The year started with fleets being lack of clarity over company car tax asked to respond to a series of ques- rates, air quality restrictions, the tions around whether vehicle tax still face a huge number of unan- and the steepest fall in the month of Other: 1.7% New company car demonisation of diesel and Brexit changes were required once the swered questions when it comes to May since 2012. On average, used tax rates: 48.3% have all played their part. Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle details of how CAZs will register values fell 3.1% in May at the three- Brexit: 6.9% The events of the past year look set Test Procedure (WLTP) is adopted for vehicles, administer charges and year, 60,000-mile point. It followed a to shape the industry for years to tax purposes from April 2020. obtain exemptions. 2.3% drop during April, which repre- Phasing out come, while a whole host of ques- Initial evidence provided by manu- Alphabet chief executive officer sented a significant realignment in of internal tions remain unanswered to enable facturers suggested that more than Nick Brownrigg told the BVRLA: used car values. combustion Which 2019 fleet operators to plan with complete half of cars would see an increase “The Government could take more Derren Martin, head of UK valua- engines: announcement will have the greatest confidence for the future. from NEDC-correlated CO2 figures of a stake in the clean air zones and tions at Cap HPI, told Fleet News: 25.9% impact on fleet Almost half (48.3%) of respondents to the new WLTP value of between ensure consistency and under- “The vast majority of cars were not operations? to a Fleet News poll said the publica- 10% and 20%. standing. Failure to do so would be immune to substantial reductions.” tion of new company car tax rates, In its response to the consultation, an abdication of responsibility.” rather than any other issue in 2019, which closed in February, fleet body RESPONSE ON CAR TAX Realignment London ULEZ and will have the greatest impact on fleet ACFO called for Government to DECLINES IN RV PERFORMANCE In July, the wait was finally over for of used car other clean air operations going forward. realign benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax (ULEZ) and a multitude of other cities prices in the event of a ‘no-deal’ The residual value (RV) performance the Government’s response to its values: 3.4% zones: 13.8% Air quality and the environment bands to smooth the transition to consulting on their own version of a Brexit. of former fleet cars is a long- consultation on company car tax, have also proved a challenge for WLTP or consider a ‘grandfathering’ clean air zone (CAZ). Nine months later and, despite ‘no standing conundrum for the fleet while previous tax hikes appeared to fleets during the past year. of cars registered prior to 2020 to There was also the ongoing threat deal’ avoided on two separate occa- industry, unlike the more recent have taken their toll on employees 890,000, but insisted the impact of tered before the same date, based Politicians continue to debate when account for the rise in CO2. of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, with the potential sions, fleets still don’t know how the challenge posed by air quality. receiving the benefit. voluntary payrolling could account on NEDC-correlated CO2 figures. the sale of new petrol and diesel HM Treasury refused to say to increase the costs of day-to-day UK’s future trading relationship with In June, Cap HPI tried to reassure New data published in the summer for a “significant proportion” of the The most eye-catching announce- vehicles should end, with one-in-four whether new rules would be included fleet operations. the EU will impact their bottom line. the market by saying it did not expect showed that the amount of tax the decline in reported numbers. ment was a new zero percentage fleets (25.9%) believing this will be in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement a repeat of the turmoil experienced Government takes, on average, from In an effort to avoid drivers being rate for pure electric vehicles (EVs) most impactful, while one-in-seven in March. Instead, officials would only IMPACT OF NO-DEAL BREXIT COST OF IMPROVED AIR QUALITY in the used car market in 2008, company cars had increased by 9% hit with further rises from WLTP, in 2020/21, meaning company car (13.8%) argue it is the introduction of say the Government would “respond Fleets were being warned they could Further clarity is also needed on how despite reporting the largest decline year-on-year. HM Treasury announced it was drivers would pay no BIK. clean air zones (CAZs) that will force (to the consultation) in due course”. face price increases and longer lead local authorities in different cities in used values for almost five years. Revenues from company car tax binning previously published BIK It will be up to the new Government the greatest change. It would be a further five months times for vehicles and spare parts if across the UK intend to improve air Twelve years ago, the UK was in and National Insurance Contribu- rates for 2020/21 in its long-awaited to adopt the new rates into law so Just one-in-14 (6.9%) said Brexit before fleet decision-makers, the UK left the EU without a deal. quality and how much this will cost. the grip of a recession sparked by tions (NICs) had increased by overhaul of company car tax. they can used from April 2020. will create the greatest upheaval, company car drivers and the wider MPs were hoping to delay Brexit Days before the launch of London’s the banking crisis, which saw used £70 million year-on-year, despite In their place, it revealed two new twice as many as the 3.4% who fleet industry would hear back from beyond March 29, if the Government ULEZ in April, the fleet industry car values and vehicle leasing there being 50,000 fewer company BIK tables for company car drivers: SURGE OF EV ORDERS believe the realignment of used car the Government. failed to win a majority for its deal, in called for more support to help busi- company profits plummet. car drivers. one for those driving a company car The publication of the new rates values, which saw a series of falls for In the meantime, they would have an attempt to take ‘no deal’ off the nesses comply with air quality During spring 2019, used car HMRC data showed the number of registered after April 6, 2020, based resulted in a surge in EV orders by ex-fleet stock, will change fleet to contend with the opening of table. restrictions. values experienced the heaviest employees paying BIK on a company on WLTP CO2 figures, and one for fleets to leasing companies, as operations the most. London’s ultra-low emission zone The Society of Motor Manufac- Fleet News revealed that more than monthly drop since December 2014 car had fallen from 940,000 to those driving a company car regis- reported by Fleet News. turers and Traders (SMMT) warned 60 towns and cities were considering World Trade Organisation (WTO) new measures to tackle pollution, rules would impose a 4.5% tariff on including the introduction of CAZs. parts and 10% on finished cars In a survey of industry experts for crossing into and out of the EU. This, its Industry Outlook 2020 report it said, could result in an average published this month, the British £1,500 uplift to sticker prices, if Vehicle Rental and Leasing Associa- brands and retailers were unable to tion (BVRLA) say respondents all absorb these additional costs. agreed that the Government must do Europe’s second largest car manu- more to harmonise CAZ operations, facturer, PSA Group, which owns the but they saw little evidence of this. Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vaux- It also warned if Bristol’s plans to hall brands, told Fleet News there ban diesel vehicles altogether were could be an impact on pricing. approved, this could open the flood- Meanwhile, in a memo to its fleet gates for other cities to follow suit. customers, seen by Fleet News, Parts of the UK will become far Zenith revealed Volkswagen Group more complex operational land- UK had advised the leasing company scapes for fleets, particularly national it would reserve the right to increase commercial fleets in 2020. Yet, they

4 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 5 adRocket

NEWS: REVIEW OF 2019 OPINION: YEAR OF PIVOTAL MOMENTS

Expect increased emphasis on data- driven decisions in the new year

From the 2040 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles to the introduction of clean air zones, WLTP and RDE, 2019 has been a year of pivotal moments for the automotive industry. The impact of WLTP-based emission testing has been widespread for both fleet managers and manufacturers. Lex Autolease said orders for when the sale of new diesel and We’ve seen manufacturers permanently pure electric cars had increased by petrol cars and vans should be BY ALFONSO withdraw several models this year, while 123% in the two months following phased out, or whether it should MARTINEZ, others have had to streamline their the announcement. Zenith reported happen at all. MANAGING DIRECTOR, existing vehicle ranges and remove an even bigger surge in pure electric Half (50.4%) of respondents to a LEASEPLAN UK additional option packages. vehicle (EV) orders, up 211%, while Fleet News poll said they were against For fleet managers and company car Alphabet and Total Motion both the Government introducing a ban on drivers, uncertainty around BIK tax and Brexit continue to reported double digit increases. fossil fuels. However, almost a third influence buying decisions. However, concerns were raised (31.2%) said they wanted a more More so than ever before, fleet management companies over product availability, which the ambitious target than the policy of are playing an increasingly important role in supporting BVRLA is now also reporting could making all cars and vans zero-emis- customers to manage these concerns, empowering them with hamper the transition to zero-emis- sion-capable by 2040. up-to-date information and helping them to make small sion vehicles. changes in their policies where they’re needed. It says almost every respondent to UNCERTAINTY REMAINS Another significant milestone this year was the introduction its survey predicts that getting hold The year ended much as it had of the UK Government’s new Clean Air Strategy, which has of sufficient pure electric vehicles begun, with uncertainty over future fast-tracked the nation’s journey towards more sustainable will be a major concern in 2020. company car tax rates. modes of transport. While some EVs are available in The new BIK tables were expected The effect this has had on the automotive industry is volume, the latest, highest-range to be rubber stamped in the Autumn undeniable and will likely underpin the move towards more models are in scant supply, it says. Budget, ahead of coming into force EV-based fleets in the near future. Brexit is cited as the main cause, from April 2020. Company employees are now pushing for greater choice and with manufacturers accused of However, continuing deadlock over flexibility when it comes to work and travel, with many opting diverting their prized new products Brexit put the new company car tax for alternative fuels and more agile ways of working to reduce to more profitable markets on the rates and the required legislation on costs and business mileage. continent. hold, after the Government decided to go to the polls. INCREASED UPTAKE OF FLEET SOFTWARE END OF ICE IN FOCUS Fleet decision-makers will hope At the same time, larger/commercial fleets are taking a fresh The switch to EVs has been brought that they receive clarity on this and a look at the way they operate, leading to an uptake in data- sharply into focus by the desire to range of other issues impacting fleet powered fleet software such as telematics. end the sale of conventional diesel operations in 2020. The move towards increased digitalisation within automotive is and petrol cars. n To read about this year’s ‘movers crucial; access to better data supports safety, sustainability and Fleet News reported how fleet and shakers’, go to www.fleetnews. compliance across a company’s fleet, and next year we expect decision-makers were split over co.uk/movers-and-shakers-2019. to see a significant increase in the number of companies integrating fleet software into their management processes. We’ve seen great progress in the journey of the EV this year. The number of vehicles on the road across the UK continues to grow, alongside an increase in confidence around the EV’s place in the future fleet. LeasePlan’s 2019 Mobility Monitor, published in October this year, showed that public understanding of the benefits of electric driving is growing, especially those related to the environment. Going forward, fleet providers need to focus on supporting fleet managers and drivers on how to choose the best option for them. This includes educating them about the wholelife costs of a vehicle – as many people still choose to focus on the headline sticker price, rather than looking at the many other costs involved such as taxes and vehicle depreciation. But with today’s (December 12) general election and Brexit looming, so much remains in the hypothetical, meaning that making predictions for the upcoming year is almost impossible.

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FP_FLEETNEW_8227SEATFLid4089349.pdf 11.04.2019 10:08 adRocket

neWs: diesel debate ‘Make or break’ year ahead for diesel amid Government policy ‘shambles’ The demonisation continues – new diesel car sales are down more than a fifth in past year

By Gareth Roberts taking place,” said Bailey. “In late nly one in 10 new car 2015, diesel accounted for more than sales could be diesel in 50% of the market, by March last as little as five years, year it was down to 32% and it has o says a leading academic. fallen further since then.” Currently, one-in-four of new cars The UK is not alone in turning its sold is powered by the fuel, a back on the fuel; its decline is being dramatic decline from the parity with seen across Europe. In the key petrol it enjoyed just a few years ago. market of Germany, diesel’s share Its popularity is also on the wane has fallen below 30% from having in the company car market, where it accounted for half the market and to has traditionally dominated thanks a similar level in France, where to its tax-friendly CO2 performance. three-quarters of new car sales New figures show that the propor- were once diesel. tion of diesel cars on the FN50 fleet Bailey said: “We are seeing this – the UK’s top 50 leasing companies continuing decline and, while I origi- by risk fleet size – fell from almost nally thought the market share for two-thirds (63.4%) to close to half diesel by 2025 would be down to (50.5%) over the past 12 months. 15%, I now think that’s quite opti- In terms of vehicles they had mistic – it may be as low as 10%.” ordered in the past year, the flight Despite its popularity in Europe, from diesel was still more diesel has not enjoyed similar pronounced. Almost half of market penetration in other the cars ordered in 2019 countries. “It’s negligible were petrol (47.6%), in North America, it’s while only two-fifths only 4% at best in (38.8%) were China and virtually diesel. insignificant else- David Bailey, 47.6% where,” he said. Professor of Busi- “If you go back Almost half of the cars ordered ness Eco nomics by fleets in 2019 were petrol to the turn of the THERE SEEMS TO BE NO END at the Birmingham century, diesel as a Business School, share of the market TO THE DEClINE IN DIESElS said: “There seems to in Europe was only be no end to the decline in 10-15%. We then gave diesels.” (the fuel) loads of tax breaks, PRofessoR DaviD Bailey, Overall, diesel new car sales are because we thought it was good for BiRMinGhaM Business school down by more than a fifth in the past the environment.” THE SMART CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. year. Some 515,000 units have been Dieselgate followed however, and Government has, however, intro- tions from January 1, 2021, before sold year-to-date, compared with concerns over the fuel’s impact on duced tax breaks for diesel company the margin for error – the conformity The New Puma doesn’t just look the part; it’s also packed full of our latest innovations to help your fleet. 650,000 during the previous 12 air quality has put its market share cars, which meet strict emissions factor – is removed by 2023. With the powerful and efficient EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology, this SUV helps maximise months, data from the UK automo- on a downward trajectory. limits defined by the RDE2 standard. Peter Golding, managing director tive trade body, the Society of Motor Bailey told delegates at a recent Company car drivers are exempt at FleetCheck, believes that 2020 fuel economy and minimise emissions, delivering low CO 2 emissions from 96g/km and a low BIK rate. Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vehicle Remarketing Association from the 4% benefit-in-kind (BIK) could turn out to be a make or break Drive smarter with optional driver assist features such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control shows. (VRA) seminar the trouble is “people diesel surcharge, while fleets benefit year for diesel, with the success of Forecasters say that, with the are completely freaked out over from not having to pay the higher Euro 6d cars key. However, he and the ingenious MegaBox, that provides an uncompromised rear-load capacity of 456 litres. sharp falls seen in the sale of new diesels”. first-year rate of VED on new diesel acknowledges the outlook is not Search Ford Puma to discover more or visit ford.co.uk diesel cars since 2017, it could lead He said: “They are concerned cars. promising when Bristol’s proposed to an undersupply of used vehicles in about falling resale values, they are The NOx limit for the RDE2 diesel city centre car ban will not 2020 and 2021, which would help worried about tighter regulations in standard, which is measured on the apply to older petrol vehicles, with sustain residual values. However, it’s cities, higher taxes and its impact on road, is up to 1.43 times the Euro 6 potentially worse emissions than the unclear whether the decline in new the environment.” lab limit of 80mg/km for diesel and latest RDE2 diesels. P11D BIK CO2 COMBINED MPG diesel car sales will be mirrored in He says Government policy has not 60mg/km for petrol. Cars achieving “RDE2, effectively, puts diesel on a £23,415 - £20,635 24%-23% 101- 96g/km 48.7- 50.4 the used car market. The most helped either, labelling it a “complete this limit are labelled Euro 6d. roughly equal footing with petrol recent figures from the SMMT show shambles”. Cars achieving RDE1, which allows from an emissions point of view,” he that demand for used diesels grew “One part of Government has been for a margin of error two times the said. “The question is whether by 1.4% in the third quarter, with saying ‘clean diesels are good’, while actual limit, are classified as Euro everyone from legislators to the Model shown is a New Puma ST-Line X 1.0 155PS Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Petrol 6 speed manual with optional LED some 858,442 changing hands. another part whacks a load of tax on 6d-temp. general public are willing or able to Headlights and Driver Assistance Pack. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km)(Combined): 49.6 (5.7). *CO2 emissions 101g/km. “A big shift away from diesel is still them.” RDE2 will apply to all new registra- make that distinction.” Figures shown are for comparability purposes only; they only compare fuel consumption and CO 2 fi gures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These fi gures may not refl ect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fi tted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 fi gures. The CO 2 fi gures shown, however, are based on the fleetnews.co.uk n December 12 2019 9 outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on fi rst registration.

FP_FLEETNEW_283224FOENid4089343.pdf 11.04.2019 10:06 adRocket

NEWS: FORS ANNUAL CONFERENCE FORS plans two major changes in response to stakeholder feedback Clear separation between governance, administration and audits is one of the main goals

By Gareth Roberts Governance and Standards Advisory new operating model Group (GSAG) and the content of the John Hix outlined FORS plans for the Fleet Operator FORS Standard. at its annual conference Recognition Scheme “It is also intended that the A (FORS) has been successful candidate would take unveiled. over approval and licensing of FORS There are currently three core training courses and FORS Profes- elements to the FORS programme sional,” he said. “Ultimately, they will – governance, administration and also have a hand in appointing the certification bodies. They are all audit providers.” delivered by the FORS Community The second key change concerns Partnership (AECOM, CILT and Fleet the certification body. “To encourage Source) and AECOM is the conces- more audit providers, it is intended sion holder, which is let under that audit bodies will be able to set contract from Transport for London their own fees for audits, rather (TfL). than them being set centrally,” John Hix, director of FORS, told said Hix. delegates at the organisation’s The changes will be part of a two- annual conference that, after TfL stage process. The first part – the asked stakeholders how they think separation – will be completed by what it asks for in relation to the new the scheme might be strengthened, mid-2020 and the full transition will AUDIT version and said those responsible two main changes will be introduced be done by January 2022. BODIES WILL would take into account feedback to create a new “FORS future Hix explained: “We’ve been looking from members. model”. for further audit partners for some BE ABLE TO “One thing the Governance group Firstly, to create a clear separation time and have appointed DriveTech SET THEIR will be looking at will be mixed between governance, administration to provide Bronze audits and they accreditation where some vehicles and audits, Hix explained that the have been doing so since October.” OWN FEES and drivers would be at Silver level scheme’s governance will be Addressing the upcoming Version and others at Bronze,” revealed Hix, procured by TfL through a separate 6 of the FORS Standard – due to adding that GSAG would be asked to services contract. The winner of the arrive in late 2020 – Hix also said that JOHN HIX, FORS set up a working group about vehicle contract will be responsible for the FORS needed to be careful about safety equipment.

BRAVERY AWARD FOR SAINSBURY’S DRIVER

A Sainsbury’s delivery driver, which administers the Van who fought back flames to save Excellence scheme, said: “Mr a trapped motorist, has been Marriott showed unbelievable named ‘Hero of the Year’ at the ingenuity, bravery and Van Excellence Awards. perseverance in the face of A car had ploughed into a adversity. lamp post in Fenay Bridge, West “While van drivers play a vital Yorkshire, bursting into flames role in our society, too often their and trapping the driver inside. contributions are undervalued; Quick-thinking Kevin Marriott Mr Marriot is a shining example used a fire extinguisher from his of how they can be some of the Kevin Marriott (left) cab to initially hold back the most hard-working, dedicated was presented with the flames, but when it ran out, he and selfless people in the UK.” award by FTA’s Kevin Green raced to a nearby pub, grabbed Marriot, who has been driving more extinguishers, and for Sainsbury’s for six months continued to fight the flames but been with the company for “The support and recognition Other Van Excellence Award until firefighters arrived. approximately four-and-a-half I have received from both the winners included: Rachel Bullen, The Hero of the Year Award years, was among a number of local community and my fleet operations manager at recognises and rewards the van van operators and drivers colleagues since the incident has Cadent Gas, who was named Van drivers who go above and recognised at FTA’s 2019 Van been very touching; this award Excellence Champion of the beyond the call of duty. Excellence Honours in truly is the icing on the cake. I Year; and Auto Electrical Kevin Green, from the Freight Birmingham, last month. am so pleased my actions helped Services (AES), which won the Transport Association (FTA), He told Commercial Fleet: to save a man’s life.” Putting Drivers First Award.

10 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk

FP_FLEETNEW_64680Q5Batid4071877.pdf 10.18.2019 10:18 adRocket

NEWS: CLEAN AIR

Vehicle tracking that works for you Don’t delay – fleets urged to act now to halve emissions by 2030 Fleet operators may need to cooperate to establish a practical charging infrastructure

By Gareth Roberts investment and jobs, and, ultimately, director for transport and planning the infrastructure.” For example, he leets have been urged to for fleet operators. Saving energy at C40 Cities, says “the time for suggested bus depots with charging work together and and reducing emissions is good for action is now”. facilities could be used during the Find out just consider cutting vehicle business.” C40 is a network of 94 cities day, when not in use, by last- F numbers to help the UK The Government acknowledged, in around the world, which mile delivery fleets. achieve ‘net zero’ emissions. response to a report from the CCC represents a twelfth “A community hub- The Government passed legisla- in the summer, that there is a need of the world’s popu- based approach is tion in June, committing the country to go “further and faster” to reduce lation, one quarter what we expect to how much you to ending its contribution to global transport emissions to hit its net of the global 2050 see in metro cities, warming. zero target by 2050. economy and not just London, to It requires greenhouse gas emis- It said that a ‘transport decarboni- 70% of global CO2 is the year greenhouse help that transi- sions to be net zero by 2050, sation plan’ would be published next emissions. gas emissions should tion,” he said. can save with compared with the previous target of year, setting out what Government, “Fleet opera- be net zero SSE had recently at least 80% reduction compared business and society must do to tions can have a secured £5.2 million with 1990 levels. deliver the emissions reductions huge impact, more so (£3.4m grant funded) The Committee on Climate Change needed from all modes of transport. than the average person,” for a scheme helping (CCC) has said it will take “robust Caroline Watson, programme Watson explained. “Work out homeowners, with no off-road Quartix action” for the target to be achieved. what your plan is to at least halve parking, to charge their EVs in It also says that informed decisions your emissions by 2030 and tell Oxfordshire. on fleet vehicle mix and driving manu facturers you want zero emis- The ‘Park and Charge’ project will behaviours are vital for the UK to sion vehicles. Let’s not focus on why see SSE install charging hubs, which achieve is emissions obligations we can’t do it.” will enable residents, visitors and (fleetnews.co.uk, July 10). Watson says fleets should also businesses to charge at up to 35 Fleets were again reminded of the consider options for cutting vehicle local authority-owned car parks vital role they have to play in the UK use. “We need to reduce the number across the area. achieving net zero at last month’s of vehicles on our roads,” she said. It is also part of a ‘Bus2Grid’ project Fleet Heroes conference, organised “We can’t keep making excuses why that will involve more than 30 elec- by Energy Saving Trust. THERE we can’t do this.” tric buses using smart technology to No auto-renewal | Free mobile app | 1st class customer service Tim Anderson, the trust’s new Kevin Welstead, sector director for provide bi-directional charging – head of transport, told delegates: IS A BIG EVs at SSE Enterprise, says that key so-called vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech- “Decarbonisation in transport has CHALLENGE barriers to the decarbonisation of nology – that enables the bus flatlined. We are travelling as much AHEAD, BUT fleets were typically centred round batteries to interact with the energy Visit or call to schedule a free demo as we ever did; we are emitting as the cost and lead times of vehicles, system. quartix.net 01686 807 607 much CO2 as we ever did. THE REWARDS the reliability and accessibility of the Welstead said: “We believe fleets “Even with all the sales of ULEVs charging infrastructure, and not are going to play a pivotal role to (ultra-low emission vehicles) and WILL BE enough focus on the needs of fleets achieving net zero and that helping EVs (electric vehicles), there isn’t a GREAT from policymakers. fleets overcome some of the chal- material change in our carbon emis- Issues around charging infrastruc- lenges to transition is key.” sions. ture could be solved in part, he said, Anderson concluded: “Action is “There is a big challenge ahead, TIM ANDERSON, by collaboration between fleets. needed and that action has to happen but the rewards will be great in ENERGY SAVING TRUST He told delegates: “Fleet operators not tomorrow, not next week, not in terms of climate change, air quality, may need to work together to provide 2030, but right now.”

fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 13

FP_FLEETNEW_4012342id3971307.pdf 15.07.2019 11:40 in detail NEWS: FN50 DINNER AWARDS news highlights To view the full story go to fleetnews.co.uk/news

County CounCil employees nov most Caught abusing pool Cars deC Respected leasing stalwart Ian Hill Commented Suffolk County Council has dismissed two employees for misuse of pool cars, according to 22 reports. The misconduct was discovered following an joins the Fleet News Hall of Fame investigation by the local authority. 2

new subaru Forester gets e-boxer used Car website CaZoo launChes Activa Contract boss is “professional, calm and caring”, says Arnold Clark CEO Eddie Hawthorne most 25 hybrid engine For pure eleCtriC driving read The site is the latest venture from Alex Subaru has launched a new Forester, which comes Chesterman, who previously founded Love- with an E-Boxer hybrid engine. The new model has Film and Zoopla. He aims to transform how eight By Stephen Briers contract hire operation and, after his undergone a thorough refresh and now features million used cars are bought each year by putting the an Hill, Activa Contracts success with van and truck rental, advanced driver assistance systems and enhanced entire process online and offering home delivery. managing director, was Hill was put in charge. off-road capability. inaugurated into the His success brought him to the I Fleet News Class aCtion against volkswagen Hall of Fame attention of Scottish retail giant at the FN50 dinner last month. Arnold Clark, who approached him renault ditChes battery lease on new group reaChes the high Court 3 The Hall of Fame recognises and and colleague Peter Smith to help 26 Zoe Following Class-leading residuals A class action representing more than 90,000 UK honours people that have made an expand his operations south of the Renault has decided to stop offering the new Zoe with Volkswagen owners will aim to determine whether outstanding contribution to the fleet border. a battery lease option after the car was awarded class- its emissions-reducing defeat device software was sector during their career. Hill became MD of Arnold Clark’s leading residual values by Cap HPI. Calculated over designed to defeat clean air laws. Hill has spent his working life in the new leasing business Activa three years and 30,000 miles, the car is expected to automotive industry. He started as Contracts, starting with five members retain 42% of its original purchase price. an apprentice at a local dealer group of staff and no premises. It now has updated vauxhall in 1961 and discovered a particular more than 50 people, a head office in insignia revealed 4 love of HGVs. As his role progressed, Milton Keynes and is a vital part of Car thieves using Vauxhall has revealed he started working on projects for Arnold Clark Finance, contributing 27 whatsapp to plan a mild facelift for the head office, including researching 7,000 vehicles to the risk fleet. and exeCute Crimes Insignia, with a new business ideas. Eddie Hawthorne, CEO and group Company car drivers and refreshed design and One idea was a truck and van managing director, Arnold Clark fleet managers are being improved driver rental operation that Hill built into a Automobiles, said: “Three words warned that criminals are assistance technology. However, changes to the CO2 strong and successful regional busi- sum up Ian: professional, calm and using WhatsApp groups to plan and execute car thefts, emissions, engine line-up or pricing will be revealed ness. He became MD and held that caring. It has been an honour to work according to vehicle protection specialists at AX. in January, when the car goes on sale. position for 15 years until the busi- with him and I, and my fellow direc- Ian Hill with his award According to the report, criminals create and share ness was sold in 2000. tors, truly value his professionalism, plus celebration bubbly ‘shopping lists’ of makes and models so vehicles can The dealer group also had a car ethics and, most of all, his friendship.” be stolen to order. Fleet news poll

hmrC publishes new advisory more than five within the past OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE REWARDED most shared Fuel rates (aFrs) From deCember 1 years ago: 9.9% year: 55% Fleet News presented three awards The winning customer service The new repayment rate for a diesel car with during the FN50 Dinner to the contract team was the AlphaRent team from an engine size of 1,600cc or less decreases by 1p per two-to-five hire and leasing staff who are offering Alphabet (GB). mile (ppm) to 9ppm. years ago: outstanding customer service. The John Leigh outstanding 6.1% David Marchlewski, senior account achievement award went to Avis manager at Arval UK, was named the Budget UK managing director and hedges Cut traFFiC pollution by 50% 2019 FN50 rising star. BVRLA chair Nina Bell in recognition 28 Roadside pollution can be cut in half by a hedge, a new when did you The winner of the FN50 Customer of her work in building consumer study from the University of Surrey suggests. It last have your Service Award for Individuals was and business trust in rental and for Nina Bell (right) collects the trophy from John Leigh’s wife Jenny reported reductions of more than 50% in particulate eyesight tested? Nicola Austin, senior fleet consultancy championing diversity, gender balance (centre) an daughter Sammy. matter in late April, when the hedge came into leaf. Source: fleetnews.co.uk analyst at Zenith. and inclusion in the industry. oxFord trials ‘pop- up’ ev Charge points Oxford is trialling six pop-up electric vehicle one to two years ago: 29% (EV) charge points for residents who have no off-street parking. The ‘UEone’ charge points are Fleet news view: app-operated and retract underground when not in Our poll shows the vast majority of respondents (84%) have had use in order to reduce street clutter. The trial will their eyes tested in the past two years, which is what the NHS finish in February 2020. recommends. However, a worrying 6.1% said they were last tested two-to-five years ago, and one-in-10 (9.9%) said their last visit to the opticians was more than five years ago.Fleet News says drivers two-thirds say hard shoulder should check they meet the minimum eyesight requirements for 29 removal Compromises saFety driving on a regular basis. David Marchlewski (left) picked up his award AlphaRent rental services manager James Duff-Green Nicola Austin from Zenith delivered work to the Removing the hard shoulder on all-lane running from Fleet News editor-in-chief Stephen Briers and rental first contact executive Georgina Smith highest standards according to her manager smart motorways compromises safety for those this issue’s poll: when will you be making the switch to a fully who break down in a live lane, according to 68% electric vehicle? of drivers in an RAC survey.

14 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk n December 12 2019 15 LINKEDIN UK fleet managers group CONTACT US THE BIG TWITTER twitter.com/_FleetNews HAVE Y Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. E YOUR SAY Email – fl[email protected] PICTURE EMAIL fl[email protected] COMMENT ONLINE fleetnews.co.uk Burning question: Who is your favourite pantomime character?

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Do your company car drivers know about the 0% Stephen Briers 01733 468024 BIK rate for electric vehicles from April? [email protected] DIESEL CARS AIR QUALITY CONNECTED CARS COMPANY CAR TAX Maleficent, mistress of all evil, in Sleeping Our experiences suggest a large proportion – if Beauty Deputy editor not the majority – aren’t aware. Companies don’t Mayor election Sarah Tooze appear to be sharing the information with Trust your eyes Commitment to new Buttons Diesel’s means private Deputy editor (interim) employees, despite the financial benefits and the not technology BIK tables was needed Andrew Baxter 01733 468901 opportunity to ensure staff stay with – or return motorists will [email protected] future Sage and Onion wrote: I hate pantomimes (oh, no he doesn’t – Ed)! to – the company scheme instead of opting out. Having read ‘Uncertainty over new company car tax News editor escape charges Gareth Roberts 01733 468314 There are reasons: electric cars have a higher EDITOR’S PICK looks bleak rates’ (fleetnews.co.uk, December 2), it would take a [email protected] P11D price and therefore their total cost of Nick Rose wrote: very brave new government to change what has The one I don’t have to watch Features editor ownership (TCO) tends to be higher, despite the Having read ‘Consistency already been announced to kick-start fleet orders for Andrew Ryan 01733 468308 lower fuel and servicing costs. There is still needed on clean air new cars. [email protected] Captain Hook some nervousness among leasing companies zones’ (fleetnews.co.uk, I’ve had drivers holding off ordering a replacement Head of digital about residual values (and lack of acceptance at September 19), we are a car in the first half of this year because of benefit-in- Jeremy Bennett 01733 468655 [email protected] lower SMR) and we’re hearing that insurance private hire association kind (BIK) uncertainties. Dick Whittington’s cat in Greater Manchester It would have been nice had ACFO been able to get Web producer premiums are higher due to repair cost uncertainty. Kenneth Brown 01733 468655 However, there is a way for companies to offset (GM) and have devoured Colin wrote: a statement of intent to commit to these new BIK [email protected] the information that has Having read ‘End of UK road signs by 2027, says tables from each party as part of their manifestos. Sleeping Beauty the higher cost. A 20% taxpayer will typically pay Staff writer £120-150 per month in BIK for a VW Golf-type been circulated to us by report’ (fleetnews.co.uk, November 11), I tell all my Broadly, it looked like all parties were committed Matt de Prez 01733 468277 the GM Combined drivers to drive by what they see through the to zero emissions, but how they intended to apply tax [email protected] car. If they switch to an electric Golf, they will pay Jafar from Aladdin nothing. Consequently, some fleets are now Authority and TfGM windscreen not what the sat-nav or electronic kit is a different matter. With all the spending pledges Photos Chris Lowndes (Transport for Greater tells them. Whoever came up with this idea is that were made in the run-up to today’s election, considering employee contributions. Rosco7 wrote: Manchester) and it is foolish and detached from the real world. where will the tax revenue come from to pay for it? PRODUCTION Even £75 a month would go some way to Head of publishing Having read ‘Is the future demonisation of diesel frightening. There is very making the EV TCO competitive with diesel; and Luke Neal inevitable?’ (fleetnews.co.uk, November 29), I believe little joined up thinking Widow Twanky the employee still benefits from an effective the death of diesel has already begun. and absolutely no one ADVISORY FUEL RATES Production editors annual wage rise of £540-£900. David Buckley There is no easy to articulate argument for the fully understands it. CHARGE POINTS Widow Twanky. When Christopher Biggins played Higher rate 40% earners would be even better her at Bromley New Theatre I was the butt of newer, cleaner diesel cars. And the legacy of The proposed CAZ is New AFRs leave his jokes off, potentially saving several thousand pounds a Dieselgate means that even RDE2-compliant a 500 square mile area, Finbarr O’Reilly year; they could be contributing £150 a month. Charge point unreliability me out of pocket The giant in Jack and the Beanstalk diesels will not necessarily be trusted. encompassing some of Senior designer Choose a car in a higher band, and the New diesel car registrations are now at 24% and the most scenic parts of could stall uptake Chris Stringer I have a certain amount of respect for anyone employee pays the additional cost on top of the falling, with the majority of those vehicles being the north-west, but the holed up in the back end of a pantomine horse basic contribution. bought by company car fleets. same rules will apply for Norman Harding wrote: Head of project management Leanne Patterson 01733 468332 Employees should be beating a path to your Ultimately, diesel is associated with being dirty areas with no emissions Having read ‘Charge point anxiety is new barrier to EV Project managers door with their EV orders – the only issue will be and part of the cheating by OEMs. At the moment issues. take-up, say fleets’ (fleetnews.co.uk, December 3), the Niamh Walker 01733 468327 residual values of ex-company car diesels are Who will be affected? charging network issues don’t just apply to public charge Kerry Unwin 01733 468578 whether their demand will be met by supply. Chelsie Tate 01733 468338 And that’s a major concern: we believe some surprisingly good, but this will change as good HGVs, buses, LGVs, Taxis points. ADVERTISING electric cars due for launch next year have quality hybrid and petrol cars go through the and Private Hire Vehicles I installed a private charging network for fleet use only system. are being targeted and, and now have ongoing problems with system reliability, KT wrote: Acting commercial director already sold their entire 2020 allocations to retail Sheryl Graham 01733 366467 Once the wholelife costs of diesel cars goes above as a result, it is the service support and back Having read ‘HMRC publishes new advisory Account directors buyers who are able to put down deposits those of alternative and petrol cars then that will be hardest hit who will get office data not being fuel rates (AFRs) from December 1 (fleetnews. Lisa Turner 01733 366471 (something most fleets are unable to do). Stuart Wakeling 01733 366470 the end of it (see also page 9). hit hardest again. suitable for fleet use. co.uk, November 27), how are new AFRs for Account managers We’d love to say 2020 will be the year of the The private motorist Being an EV advocate diesels less than 1.6 litres reasonable for Emma Rogers 01733 363219 EV; for fleet, we think we’ll be deferring such Lucy Herbert 01733 363218 will not be charged and my fleet now on our honest, careful company vehicle drivers? Telesales/recruitment proclamations until 2021. • THE EDITOR’S PICK IN EACH ISSUE because the mayor fourth generation of EVs, The new AFR for a diesel below 1.6-litre 01733 468275/01733 468328 WINS A £20 JOHN LEWIS VOUCHER needs a vote next year. which our drivers have equals 9p per mile as of December 1. A EVENTS A very Merry Christmas and prosperous (and really taken to, some are company vehicle with a diesel engine of the Event director green?) New Year to all our readers! Our next now asking to go back to employer’s choice (not driver), at best achieving Chris Lester Event manager issue will be out on January 23, 2020. Until diesel because of the 51mpg real-world careful driving and CHARGE POINTS Sandra Evitt 01733 468123 then, you can keep up-to-date with all the latest frustrations of trying to manufacturer checked/confirmed mpg, pays Senior event planner Kate Howard 01733 468146 news via our daily newsletter, our website, our Tesco scheme will help drivers make the switch charge their vehicles. the driver for business journeys £4.59 per Facebook page and on Twitter. Sign up to daily If the charging gallon used over each 51 miles covered, when PUBLISHING David Dunn wrote: infrastructure issues are paying £5.63 at the pump, £1.04 a gallon out of Managing director news at fleetnews.co.uk/register Tim Lucas 01733 468340 Having read ‘EV drivers can not rectified soon it could pocket. CRM & marketing manager charge for free at Tesco’ stall the advance of EVs. Joanna Smith 01733 468295 Office manager (fleetnews.co.uk, December Jane Hill 01733 468319 4), this scheme should help MD Automotive Group get people to switch over to Fleet News is published 15 times a year or images submitted to the magazine ensure accuracy, the publisher is not Complaints: Bauer Consumer Media Niall Clarkson by Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, without further consent. responsible for any errors or omissions Limited is a member of the Independent CEO of Bauer Publishing UK electric vehicles and it’s also registered address Media House, The submission of material to Bauer nor do we accept any liability for any loss Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso. Rob Munro-Hall great PR for Tesco. Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Media whether unsolicited or requested, is or damage, howsoever caused, resulting co.uk) and endeavours to respond to and Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. taken as permission to publish in the from the use of the magazine. resolve your concerns quickly. Our Editorial Subscribe to Fleet News: Registered number 01176085. magazine, including any licensed editions Stephen Briers, I just wonder how long it Complaints Policy (including full details of www.fleetnews.co.uk/subscribe No part of the magazine may be throughout the world. Any fees paid in the ISSN 0953-8526. +44 (0)1635 588495 editor-in-chief, Printing: how to contact us about editorial complaints will take to filter to other reproduced in any form in whole or in UK include remuneration for any use in PCP, Telford Subscriptions@email.fleetnews.co.uk Fleet News part, without prior permission of the any other licensed editions. and IPSO’s contact details) can be found at similar companies and how publisher. All material published We cannot accept any responsibility for www.bauermediacomplaints.co.uk. Our UK: annual £85 / two years £145 / three long it will take to become a remains the copyright of Bauer unsolicited manuscripts, images or email address for editorial complaints years £195. Issue price £6 Consumer Media Ltd. materials lost or damaged in the post. covered by the Editorial Complaints Policy is Europe and Eire: annual £135 / two years benefit of reward schemes. 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December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 17 adRocket adRocket

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‘There will be fighting in the car park’ Electric vehicles and new mobility solutions are touted to transform the fleet sector, but what will be their real-world impact? Four leading fleet decision-makers debated the issue at the Fleet News Mobility Conference.Andrew Ryan reports

NOW ABOUT 45% OF MY TRAVEL IS DEFINITELY HEADING COMPANY FLEET IN THE UK THAT WAY (TOWARDS MOBILITY AS A IS NON-PURE INTERNAL SERVICE). BUT WE ARE A LONG WAY COMBUSTION ENGINE FROM MAKING IT MAINSTREAM

RYAN COLES, AVIVA STEWART LIGHTBODY, M GROUP SERVICES

Fleet News: How applicable and viable could David Oliver, procurement manager, Red Bull: Aviva: If our employees are going out to see Ryan Coles: Two years ago, our company car something. It’s just a case of tailoring your for EVs. We are a fairly small (car) fleet and can Mobility as a Service (MaaS) be to your fleet? We’ve got a young workforce and they are asking customers, clients or suppliers, we need to give programme had two alternative fuel vehicles on messaging and getting as many of those messages look at the mileage data to find out what drivers’ Stewart Lightbody, fleet director at M Group more and more about mobility options. The them a range of solutions, but it is very much there, but now about 45% of my company fleet in across to as many people as you can. journey cycles are like which helps us identify the Services Plant and Fleet Solutions: I like the generation that comes into our business now is driven by what our millennials expect from what the UK is non-pure internal combustion engine David Oliver: We took a Volkswagen e-Golf to our ones who won’t have issues with home charging. concept of mobility packages where one app can quite used to tapping on a phone and then food they are experiencing in their personal life. They vehicles. That’s purely through drivers being given sales conference and let everyone sit in it and drive We do our best to take away some of the barriers be used to arrange and pay for different modes of turns up, or tapping on a phone and a car takes are our future. the choice but also being educated and being able it around the car park, not because we were to taking on an EV, as well as showing them the transport, but can I see it happening and is it viable them somewhere. to find information. In November, Aviva’s group worried about the range, but just because we were advantages of what’s coming down the line, for everybody? Not in the short- to medium-term. Our workforce is based in Covent Garden in FN: What steps are you taking to reduce emissions board issued its climate change targets and I was surprised by how many people wanted a go in it. including the new BIK rates in April. If it’s an app-based transaction, if it’s made easy central London, so no one ever drives to the office from your fleet? asked if I could commit that every single vehicle on That, I think, debunked a lot of myths and gave We are trying to personalise the process. It’s an and if there’s something in it for people such as it’s and two steps from our front door they have Justin Laney, partner and general manager at my fleet would be electric by 2040. And I said ‘no, them the chance to ask a few questions of the guys investment in time, but I think the drivers appreciate cheaper, then they will probably give it a go. probably got four or five bike options, a number of John Lewis Partnership Central Transport: We I can guarantee they will be there by 2025’. who were there with the vehicle. That kind of it because they can see the financial benefits of an It also depends on where you are going and what ride-sharing options and so forth. have around 500 vehicles, everything from cars up warmed them up to the idea and, as Stewart said, EV and that most of their trips will be fine. you are trying to do. If I am trying to get to London As Stewart said, it’s about the sweet spot around to maximum weight trucks. We have a strategy to FN: How can you encourage driver take-up of you might struggle to get people in an EV initially, We can give them 30 days of backfill of daily and move around, I think it is an absolute convenience and cost. If the operators can keep it convert all the heavy trucks to biomethane by electric vehicles (EVs)? but 10 minutes in and they are driving it and rental for those trips an EV won’t work for, cost that no-brainer. However, if I have to try to get an easy, then I think MaaS has a future, but we are 2028. We also have a strategy to achieve a zero Stewart Lightbody: Give people the chance to try enjoying the pleasant, quiet cabin. The more you in as well and maybe that goes right, maybe that engineer and a digger to Cromer, it’s going to be a playing wait and see for quite a lot of it. carbon fleet by 2045 and, certainly for the vans and the technology. Some won’t get it, some will fight tell them about the future benefits like the benefit- goes wrong, but we will do it and then see what bit of a challenge. We’re probably in the situation where our trucks, we expect to get there a long time before against it, some will probably adopt it far more in-kind (BIK) taxation and running costs, the that brings us. So where it fits, I think, is logical and travel is traditional field-based guys will have company 2045. There are challenges in doing that and one readily than you think they will. It’s a personal stronger the sell. A couple of our drivers have agreed to do a video definitely heading that way. But we are a long way cars for the next cycle at least. of the things is the vehicles are mostly easy, the choice, whether it’s financial, emotional or logical, Justin Laney: We’ve pre-qualified some drivers case study which will help because our drivers are from making it mainstream. Ryan Coles, group travel and fleet manager, infrastructure is a lot more difficult. everybody will have a different reason for doing who are due a vehicle replacement in the next year more likely to believe it from somebody who has

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ONE CHALLENGE WE CAN SEE WE’VE GOT A YOUNG WITH CHARGING POINTS AT WORK WORKFORCE AND THEY ARE IS THAT PEOPLE WANT TO PARK IN ASKING MORE AND MORE ONE PLACE AND STAY THERE ABOUT MOBILITY OPTIONS EXCELLENT YEAR-ROUND JUSTIN LANEY, JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP DAVID OLIVER, RED BULL PERFORMANCE. got the vehicle than me telling them they should night, where we are not tapping into an existing something that can unlock more use out of an an EV because it looks good on paper. bus network and we need to move people, then electric charge point. we will partner with zero emission taxi firms. Stewart Lightbody: We had exactly the same FN: What challenges are you encountering with This is great, but replacing a 25-seater minibus issue at Anglian Water when I worked there. As adding EVs to your fleet? with a fleet of zero emission taxis means you are part of the development programme of putting the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 Stewart Lightbody: We run just over 7,000 going to have five vehicles on the road instead of charge points in, we had to create a charter on how vehicles, pretty much split between cars and vans, one, which is more congestion, which means more people were going to behave in relation to who got r 5CHGV[CPFEQPVTQNKPCNNYGCVJGTEQPFKVKQPU but with the number of vans we run and the kind petrol or diesel vehicles sitting in traffic burning priority for parking. For example, if somebody of work that we do in the utility world it’s just not fossil fuel, and then you’ve got the extra particulate came in with a plug-in hybrid and someone r 3WKGVCPFEQOHQTVCDNGTKFG feasible to convert to electric now. I’m struggling matter from disc pads and tyres and so on. followed with a fully electric car, who gets priority? to see any time in the future when it will be. Justin Laney: One challenge we can see with This sort of process is deliverable in an office r 0QPGGFVQUYKVEJDGVYGGPUWOOGTCPFYKPVGTV[TGU Our core vehicle will be a 3.5-tonne panel van charging points at work is that people want to park infrastructure, but you don’t need too many EV with a mini digger on a trailer and that’s going to in one place and stay there all day. If they are on a drivers and a limited number of charging points take one hell of a battery pack and it won’t go very charging point you probably want them to move on and very quickly you will get to a point where there far. Perversely, we have already electrified the and let someone else charge their car up. will be fighting in the car park. digger on the back, but in order to get it to the site At our office in Bracknell there is a very active If I had a PHEV and a friend of mine had an EV, I’ve got to stick it behind a diesel and then tow it community which acts in a co-operative way and I’d go in in the morning and plug-in for a few hours, into a clean air zone where it’s not welcome. they make it work. and by the time he got into the office I would move Ryan Coles: Part of what we do in terms of moving But there is no doubt that as the fleet of electric and I would take his car parking space in the people around is looking at out-of-hours cars grows – as it will do – that is not going to work traditional car park, so neither of us lost out. emergency solutions for our out-of-town call any more and there needs to be something that is While that is easy to do between two people, if centres, so if it is a Saturday or Sunday or late at a bit more formalised, but that certainly is you try to do that with 2,000 it’s going to be chaotic.

fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 23

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here’s no doubt that the drive to move a cost-effective move in the long term. The poten- towards a net-zero carbon society by ABOUT THE AUTHOR tial fuel savings should be a major motivator. T 2050 is one of the biggest challenges For example, on our test site at Swansea Univer- Simon McWhirter is head of sity, centre founder Professor Dave Worsley has facing UK business, particularly those engagement at Active Building with vehicle fleets. covered 20,000 miles in his Nissan Leaf over the Centre, Swansea University, which To put it in perspective, we’ve got 30 years left to past 12 months, all powered by energy generated has a vision to transform the UK reach our agreed targets and, according to through PV panels – effectively, free fuel. construction and energy sectors research by utilities company E.On, 70% of It’s easy to imagine the potential on a large scale through the deployment of Active Buildings company fleets are still reliant on internal combus- and the substantial savings which could be made contributing to more efficient energy use and tion engine (ICE) vehicles compared with only 4% on a company’s fleet cost. The long-term benefits decarbonisation. It is funded by UKRI (United with fully electric fleets. will quickly outweigh the short-term impact. Kingdom Research and Innovation) as part of the It presents a considerable challenge as we are Equally, active buildings will contribute to a Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. already on the back foot in meeting our objectives. reduction in the running costs of a company’s built The silver lining is that there are a number of solu- assets as the energy can also be used to heat the tions currently being developed, or available. What I am referring to is an intuitive system by building and power appliances. These have the ability to rapidly turn the tides, which energy is directly generated through photo- Of course, there are a few hurdles which need encouraging a sea change in attitudes which will voltaic (PV) panels (or other renewable energy to be surmounted on a national scale. Chief among foster mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). systems) on a building’s roof and walls that can be these is the lack of EV charging points, particularly One method to engender this shift is through the stored in the structure of the building itself and in rural and remote areas. proliferation of ‘active buildings’. then released on demand through a smart The fact is, the more active buildings we have, The built environment is often overlooked when it management system. the more charge points there will be. comes to emissions, but it accounts for a sizeable The idea is that, as well as heating and powering We also need buy-in from policymakers and proportion, linked with transport and infrastructure. the building, it could power vehicles, whether a energy suppliers. Importantly, the next govern- The way we think about our buildings could be single car or a fleet of lorries. ment needs to create a holistic strategy which the key to unlocking the potential of EVs for As such, structures built according to this system allows for the establishment of charging points in company fleets and offsetting the initial replace- present an opportunity for businesses to start remoter, rural areas. This will pave the way for EV ment costs of phasing out ICE vehicles. switching their fleets away from fossil fuels and fleets to become the norm, not the exception. In brief, an active building is a systems approach toward sustainable, green energy solutions. The aim is to develop and increase an under- which supports the wider energy system by intel- Change will need to be gradual and many busi- standing among fleet managers and business ligently integrating renewable energy technologies nesses will need to be incentivised by policy- owners about how structures can work harder for heat, power and transport. makers to absorb the upfront costs associated towards a net zero carbon future. Significantly, they reduce demand on the National with rapid ICE scrappage and EV introduction. However, it must be cost-effective in the long Talk to us today about Business Breakdown Cover Grid, a crucial factor when considering mass The best place to start will be with future builds, term if we are going to induce UK PLC to make a adoption of EVs. whether that be warehouses, headquarters or significant change to their business models. It’s a relatively modest proposal but, equally, it’s offices, before focusing on the challenges of retro- Building with electric vehicles in mind is just one Call 0800 294 2994 not as banal as attaching a solar panel to the office fitting existing structures. way of doing it. Active buildings offer a readily avail- roof and an extra power outlet in the car park. Fundamentally, an active building will make this able answer. Or visit theAA.com/business

24 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk

OMG22048_B_AA_FLEET_press advert_A4_with Bleed v2.indd 1 21/02/2019 14:52 FP_FLEETNEW_OMG22048BAid3855020.pdf 03.19.2019 16:18 Sponsored by TOMORROW’S FLEET: HYUNDAI

FUEL CELL TRUCK PROGRAMME In Switzerland, Hyundai is about to launch the first of 1,600 hydrogen fuel cell-powered articulated trucks. Used by three major Swiss supermarkets for deliveries, the trucks will gradually be rolled out between now and 2025. The scale and scope of this countrywide project takes it a little beyond a trial and the manufacturer claims to be operating the programme others can’t. It’s given us huge growth, and those on a commercial basis. buyers are then looking again at the rest of the Switzerland operates the LSVA, a road range,” he adds. pricing scheme applicable to all goods The manufacturer plans to launch a new battery vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. The tax Hyundai’s vision electric platform 0before 2025, which will power is calculated using the gross vehicle the next generation of Hyundai EVs. WE CAN USE THE weight, distance travelled and emissions This is being created with the aim of backfilling data for the truck. its range to meet those 16 models, creating both DEMAND FROM The trucks are leased from Hyundai on smaller and larger EVs than the small family TRUCKS AND an all-inclusive contract – programme of the future models currently on offer. partners include hydrogen generation – It is introducing 800v technology to allow sub-20 HAULAGE TO HELP on a cost per km basis. Hyundai says the Manufacturer to have 16 electric vehicles by 2025 as it outlines minute charging up to 80%, when used with US BUILD OUT AN difference in total cost of ownership is infrastructure such as that on offer by Ionity, the more than offset by the savings from the its plans for a zero emission future. Christopher Smith reports shared ownership charging company in which INFRASTRUCTURE heavy road pricing tax. Hyundai Motor Group (which also includes Kia) FOR CAR DRIVERS The vehicles will have seven interlinked now has a stake. hydrogen tanks storing 350 bar of hile it has become pretty obvious that At the moment, the pure electric count sits at Keen not to put all its eggs in one basket, the Despite all the work to increase range and pressurised hydrogen – found to be a zero emission transport is the future around 60,000 – so it will be a steep growth curve. brand sees a place for both types of EV in its model reduce charging time on its battery electric line- good balance between range, cost, of fleet, how that’s to be achieved is far By that point, the brand will have 16 electric line-up. up, Hyundai sees fuel cells as an important part FLORIAN BÜNGENER, refuelling time and weight. W from clear. vehicles in its range – up from just three at present. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are well placed to of its mobility range. DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, The hydrogen for the project is to be Korean manufacturer Hyundai is taking Hyundai gave a glimpse of what might be in store cater for longer range drivers, including goods It has set out a plan – FCEV Vision 2030 – to HYUNDAI MOTOR EUROPE produced in the country at a hydropower alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) seriously – with when it unveiled its 45 electric vehicle concept vehicles, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are maximise the technology. plant, with hydrogen generation built ambitious launch targets over the next few years, (pictured) at the international motor show in likely to cater for urban and inter-urban journeys With $6.7 billion (£5bn) of planned investment, specifically for the truck rollout. alongside real-world trials for financial, not just Frankfurt in September. up to 300 miles. the company aims to have the capacity to build the legislation to push and encourage these Hyundai doesn’t currently operate its pure environmental, reasons. The company already sells the Ioniq, launched in Yukihiro Maeda, head of cross carline (product 700,000 cells a year by 2030. technologies, and make it as easy as possible for Truck and Bus division in Europe, beyond By 2025, the company is aiming to sell 560,000 2015 (recently been facelifted and given an extended strategy) at Hyundai Motor Europe, says: “We’re Its truck programme in Switzerland (see panel the end-user to adopt.” the fringes of former Soviet states such pure electric vehicles (EVs) globally per year, with range), the Kona and the hydrogen fuel cell Nexo – putting customer use cases at the centre of our right) is perhaps a sign of future plans. He hints at the potential of the wider Hyundai as the Ukraine, but this work leaves it another 1.1 million electrified adding to the figure. which replaced the experimental ix35 Fuel Cell SUV. planning. There is clear demand for each “We can use the demand from trucks and group, to make use of these investments across well placed to enter the market with a technology, and we can help shift buying decisions haulage to help us build out an infrastructure for sectors. point of difference. with our product.” car drivers,” explains Florian Büngener, deputy “We’re not just looking at electric cars, but home At launch, both the Ioniq and Kona models saw general manager at Hyundai Motor Europe. storage, maritime and other commercial uses,” he high demand, which led to lead times of up to a “It’s important to think holistically about green adds. year in some cases. mobility,” he says. The company has developed a product called Maeda says: “We’ve seen a great response to “Data from vehicles and connected car services ‘Generator’ – effectively a portable battery, to these vehicles and that strong customer demand allows us to build a true picture of usage and look charge electric vehicles. has helped us to solidify manufacturing capacity. in the longer term at different business cases for Designed to support the new electric touring car “We’ve massively increased production in line technology and vehicle lifespan.” championships launching next year, it is powered with that, and though we’ve still got back orders, With that information, the company can then by two hydrogen fuel cells, which can be topped these are a lot more manageable.” model possible scenarios to encourage uptake, but up quickly, and offer more power at a lower weight Slider anyone? Instead of opening The new models have also improved the governments need to do more, Büngener says. than a battery to battery transfer. outwards or upwards this concept company’s offer in the fleet sector. “People are starting to realise they need to emit Büngener says: “It’s significantly quieter than a car takes its cue from van doors “It’s no secret we were not strong in fleet, but we less, but are not quite ready to give up the car,” he diesel generator, better for the environment and can provide these electrified models that many adds. “While the credentials are great, we need could be used for vehicle recovery, too.”

26 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 27 adRocket

Sponsored by TOMORROW’S FLEET: GUEST OPINION PROTOTYPE CAVs ARE FINALLY HITTING OUR STREETS, BUT WHERE WILL THEY SLEEP? Vehicles will have too much expensive tech to be just parked at the roadside, says Daniel Ruiz

n recent weeks, a momentous event in Milbrook-Culham, have tracks which emulate the advance of self-driving vehicles in ABOUT THE AUTHOR realistic urban environments and these are being the UK occurred, allowing millions a used to thoroughly explore the full extent of a self- I glimpse into the future of autonomous Dr Daniel Ruiz joined Zenzic driving vehicle’s daily ‘life’. travel. The first round of self-driving passenger trips (formerly Meridian Mobility UK) as These tests will help identify pain points and happened in London as part of Oxbotica’s trials of CEO in January 2018, having led a bolster the already impressive rate at which CAV self-driving shared car journeys. 500-strong team at Dynniq UK. He technology is safely accelerating in the UK. The Oxford-based connected and automated now leads the UK’s connected and When it comes to questions of fleets of robo-taxis vehicles (CAVs) software development company is autonomous vehicle (CAV) programme. or even privately-owned self-driving vehicles, laying the groundwork for bigger trials, led by critics are more likely to see issues rather than Addison Lee, which will take steps towards solutions. One of the more common arguments providing commercially viable self-driving ‘robo- against them is that the large-scale roll-out of self- taxi’ journeys as soon as 2021. driving vehicles could lead to more congestion if These trials have shown that self-driving mobility IT IS CRITICAL THE CAVs travel passenger-less between destinations services are starting to cast off the futuristic and put more pressure on existing urban facilities, notions that surrounded them just a few years ago THOUGHT PROCESS such as parking spaces. and that more substantial progress is being made BEGINS AS SOON AS But this assumes a dramatic leap to wide scale through the exploration of usage scenarios, etc. roll-out of such vehicles with no corresponding However, as self-driving vehicles become more POSSIBLE SO WE ARE change in the demographic of the rest of the common on our roads and streets, we need to PREPARED FOR THE vehicle fleet. There will not be a sudden influx of think about the unique requirements they have these vehicles, with estimates of a few thousand when it comes to things like parking, refuelling, R OL L- OU T expected to hit UK streets over the next 10 years. maintenance and interacting with the urban, rural The introduction of self-driving vehicles is also and highway infrastructure. tied closely to offering more alternatives to private As Lacey Barnfather, CAV programme manager While it might seem like this planning is coming car ownership, giving people more flexible travel for Addison Lee, recently said at theDaily Telegraph at an early stage, it is critical the thought process options as they can instead rely on a mixture of Smart Mobility Summit 2019, self-driving vehicles begins as soon as possible so we are prepared for public transport, shared vehicle, active travel and are packed with expensive tech so they cannot just the eventual roll-out of self-driving vehicles on our self-driven mobility services. be left parked up on the side of the road. They need streets. This includes thinking about challenges In certain scenarios, automation is already to be securely stored and maintained. Quite simply, ranging from finding spaces for these vehicles to showing promise in pre-empting the challenges where will these CAVs live, and how will our towns, park overnight, to how they will interact with which CAVs could face when traversing built-up cities and regions have to change to accommodate everyday structures like taxi ranks and road signs. areas, such as manoeuvring between buildings. these new road users? Like most aspects of CAV technology, testing will For example, earlier this month Volvo Buses As outlined in the UK Connected and Automated play a key role in ensuring our cities will be CAM- debuted a self-driving electric bus which is able to Mobility Roadmap to 2030, by the end of 2021 British ready and able to cater for the number of self- drive between its parking bay and several work- towns and cities will need to have developed plan- driving vehicles forecast for the next decade. stations including cleaning, servicing and electric ning guidance and blueprints for how they will be Some of our (Zenzic) Testbed UK partners, such charging, without requiring a driver, at a depot near CAM-ready (Connected and Automated Mobility). as Horiba Mira-Coventry University CAV and Gothenburg, Sweden. Last year, UK transport operator Stagecoach partnered with bus manufacturer Alexander Oxbotica is paving the way for more extensive trials of autonomous travel Dennis (ADL) and technology company Fusion Processing to produce a single-deck autonomous bus which has been deployed successfully in Stagecoach’s Manchester depot. Buses being able to move about a depot without human input frees up driver time to operate multiple buses on their routes, while also allowing for better charging practices and better mainte- nance. As the self-driving ecosystem continues to gain traction across the UK, the next step is to ensure that not only will self-driving vehicles fit the envi- ronments they’re expected to operate in, but that plans are in place to ensure CAVs can become assets for all environments (including crowded urban spaces) rather than a hindrance.

28 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk

FP_FLEETNEW_7516594NISid4112544.pdf 11.20.2019 15:28 SPOTLIGHT: STEWART LIGHTBODY, FLEET MANAGER OF THE YEAR

WINNER ‘Ask questions; be inquisitive’ It’s important to continually search for new ways to improve fleet effectiveness by focusing on people, culture and strategy, Stewart Lightbody tells Stephen Briers

veryone thinks running a fleet is For him, the chance to take charge of one Expansion of the mind was also one of the the same wherever you go. It’s of the UK’s biggest fleets – 7,300 vehicles, reasons Lightbody took his team to Fleet Live ÒE absolutely not!” No 8 in the Fleet200 – with its diverse nature, this year. “They were amazed,” he says. That’s the view of Stewart and deliver a cultural and behavioural change “All they know is here (at M Group Services), Lightbody, fleet director at M Group Services programme “was a major attraction”. but taking them out of the business showed Plant and Fleet Solutions, ACFO deputy chair He adds: “This role is more of a business. them what fleet is all about and how big and and current Fleet News Awards fleet We are a bit of a hybrid in that we are a profit exciting it is.” manager of the year. centre where we take the risk of fleet utilisa- The initial team conversations gave Light- He should certainly know: his fleet career tion, but on other customers/contracts, we body the “building blocks”. His next step was began 19 years ago at Siemens and has just recover our costs.” to understand what the ‘customer’ (M Group) taken him to head of fleet positions at Kier His initial discussions with the fleet team wanted. He has been travelling across the and Anglian Water (AW), where he imple- unearthed several recurring themes, country meeting drivers, seeing where they mented transformative strategies. including a need to enhance the level of work and listening to their concerns. A lot of Lightbody met with Fleet News at the M service to M Group. the feedback focused on a lack of communi- Group dedicated fleet facility in Stevenage six “Many of the team were inexperienced and cations and consistency from the fleet team. months after his latest appointment. new to the business,” Lightbody says. “They “I take a three-step approach: first, work “I have a lot of experience of running fleets had been without a day-to-day leader for out the strength of the team and the fleet; of different types,” he says. “The challenge nine months, so it was no surprise that it second, identify where things can be when joining a new business is not the fleet wasn’t as cohesive as it could be. improved; third, understand the needs of the or the vehicle; it’s the people, the culture and “I started in fleet admin so I can do any task client,” Lightbody says. the strategy. This is what I focus on: what do if it needs doing – and I will. This job title “This shows where the gaps are and then I we want to achieve? Why are we not achieving doesn’t stop that.” can understand where I can add value.” it? What difference can I make to this busi- Such extensive knowledge enabled Light- ness? I ask questions, I’m inquisitive.” body to quickly identify the strengths of the No single fleet management system Low-hanging fruit is plucked first, with a team – including great attitude and behav- An obvious gap on the M Group fleet was the full assessment of team culture, carrying iour – and the areas requiring some “fine- lack of a single, dedicated fleet management out one-to-one meetings, asking staff about tuning”. system. It uses the plant hire division’s their roles and responsibilities. Some staff were focused on the wrong system for its vans and a separate system for “Show an interest in them, find out what tasks, including admin with finance back- cars. Throw into the mix the company’s two works and what doesn’t work and then try grounds and other core skills that could be main workshops, two satellite sites and 50 to find common themes,” Lightbody says. put to better use in other roles, “positive for mobile servicing vans, and the lack of seam- At M Group, there was plenty to discuss. them and the business”. less automation resulted in ambiguity and Lightbody joined in May, nine months after He adds: “It’s a big reward watching others considerable inefficiencies. the previous fleet director had left the busi- grow and it is important to empower the A tender process is underway with a new ness. The team had been successfully team to come up with ideas. All I know is fleet management system supplier due to be managing the day-to-day operations on a what I’ve done in the past – I want them to appointed next year. “It will be the catalyst for rapidly expanding fleet, but without a long- suggest better ways of running the fleet.” change and we need it to achieve our objec- term strategy. Two members of the admin team have tives,” Lightbody says. since been put on ICFM training – Lightbody A significant legacy of Lightbody’s time at Continuous improvement is a member and strong advocate of the AW was the implementation of an electric Lightbody came to the attention of the board institute after completing his own diploma vehicle strategy. When he left, the company of M Group Services after transforming the training in 2006. had acquired its first 10 electric vans and AW fleet – focusing on organisational, “They had aspirations, but they didn’t know signed up to Global Action Plan’s Clean Van cultural and behavioural change – which that training opportunities existed. That’s Commitment. The water company also showed his ability to identify opportunities for where I was when I started (in fleet),” he pledged to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Stewart Lightbody continuous improvement. Enriched by explains. “ICFM is an opportunity to show Much of the success came from looking took up his new role several Fleet News Awards wins, it helped them what’s available and expand their beyond internal silos and breaking down six months ago elevate his CV to the top of the pile. knowledge.” barriers.

30 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 31 SPOTLIGHT: STEWART LIGHTBODY

He explains: “I found out that we had solar There is, though, a disconnect with policy- “We will still do the wholelife cost analysis panels on some sites so I could link our FLEET DIRECTOR Stewart Lightbody makers about what’s possible, believes and have a framework of possibilities so that charge points for free charging. I wouldn’t TIME IN ROLE nine months Lightbody, putting on his ACFO hat. when the business is ready, we have a suite have known this had I not built strong rela- FLEET SIZE: 7,300 – 3,500 cars, 3,500 vans, 300 HGVs “Electric vehicles are not the objective; the of options,” he adds. tionships right across the business.” FUNDING METHODS: cars – contract hire with SMR; objective is clean air,” he says. “Where we Part of a future company car policy will be In time, he hopes to replicate the strategy vans – contract hire with/without SMR; trucks – asset finance can use them, such as in local communities, the introduction of new mileage thresholds at M Group Services, although speed of OPERATING CYCLES: cars – 3.5 years; vans – four years; we are 100% behind them, but elsewhere criteria. The fleet averages 25,000-30,000 change will be slower due to the different trucks – five-to-seven years the options don’t exist. The policy is ‘where miles a year, which is too high. Reducing nature of the business. AW’s fleet is regional- we can, we should’, but we also need help to annual mileage will save fuel, improve safety based and low mileage; M Group’s is national play our part in the clean air strategy.” and reduce the impact on the environment and high mileage, typically 25,000-30,000 a Board level buy-in is also crucial, particu- and on air quality. It also brings EVs more year with fully loaded vehicles. larly when it comes to overhauling the into scope. It will require, Lightbody says, help from diesel-only car policy. “It sets the culture “There is a cultural mind-set that if you others, including Government and the public. and this filters down,” Lightbody says. reduce your mileage, you lose your company “A move to electric vehicles will be a chal- M Group Services can handle home charge car,” Lightbody says. lenge and we need others to play their part point installations internally, giving it an ideal He addressed this at Anglian Water by in order for us to be able to change,” he says. opportunity to promote electric cars to its changing the qualification limit from 9,000 This ranges from vehicle availability to 3,500 company car drivers. business miles per year to 6,000 “important broader societal change: “We could change miles”. It helped to change the culture and to electric, but there will still be gridlock Personal contributions successfully reduced the annual mileage. because customers want everything There is a significant question mark over Lightbody’s role as deputy chair at ACFO delivered today which means there are too cost of ownership with such a high mileage and a member of the Fleet Live (now Fleet many vans on the road. It has to change.” fleet but, with drivers paying zero BIK next & Mobility Live) visitor advisory board has The company has four electric vehicles on year, Lightbody is considering whether they given him access to a broad range of views a Thames Water contract, a “no-brainer” in make small personal contributions to offset and perspectives about the future of fleet. London and a small scattering elsewhere. the higher price. He believes the sector is going through “a But the core fleet is a 3.5-tonne Transit with “When I started at AW, I had a lack of period of unprecedented change”, resulting a trailer and mini digger – electric is not an understanding about electric vehicles so I’ve in opportunities and challenges. option here. been on that journey,” he says. “Now I have There are, he says, some “blinkered views” M Group does have two electric JCB to bring others along and that might mean but he likes the fact that people are thinking excavators, a first for the UK, but this only hybrid first. We have to make it easy for big when it comes to the use of drones or serves to highlight further incongruity: they people to change from diesel. robots for deliveries. have to be loaded onto a trailer and towed by “Transitioning straight to electric is too far “The thinking is way over there, but the a diesel van! for most people – they can’t make that jump deliverables are three steps back. But I Nevertheless, there are 1,500 vans in its mentally.” choose to play my part because otherwise utilities division, the closest in profile to the Lightbody has the grandiose plans, but he we won’t get there, or the end result won’t AW fleet. The first step will be to assess how also recognises that some of the day-to-day be what we want.” work is scheduled and allocated, identifying business practices need sharpening. This also explains his involvement in ACFO, where mileage can be reduced, which will Take company car policies: M Group has which began a year ago. He’d been critical increase the viability of electric alternatives. multiple procedures amassed during its about the association’s role, but had never recent acquisitions (the fleet size has doubled been a member or attended its meetings. in the past four years). “It’s all very well complaining, but you have These need to be consolidated before any to take part to make a difference and I want Stewart Lightbody, collected the award from decision can be taken on manufacturer part- to play a role in helping to shape the direction Nickie Hunt-Mason, sales director, Trakm8 ners for hybrid and electric. it needs to go in,” Lightbody says (see below).

FLEET MANAGER LIGHTBODY ON... OF THE YEAR WINNER: STEWART LIGHTBODY …ACFO and more fight,” he says. “We have to represent JUDGES’ COMMENTS: the fleet in unprecedented times – our Stewart is embedded into the culture Stewart Lightbody joined fleet association ACFO membership is waiting for this.” and strategy of the company to to make a difference. Lobbying the Government on matters of keen understand how his fleet can work He was appointed deputy chair last summer interest to members is one area where ACFO with each operation to deliver wider after joining the board in late 2018. has enjoyed success in recent years, but benefits. Fleet managers need to be He explains: “The fleet industry should Lightbody is looking to strengthen its voice transformational not transactional and be amazing. There’s a lot of opportunity for in other areas too, including with vehicle Stewart has demonstrated how to collaboration and ACFO should be right there, manufacturers. transform his fleet through data and Stewart Lightbody in that space.” “We have to challenge them on issues such as sheer will to deliver best-in-class in one of M Group’s However, he recognises, it needs to change. electric vehicles,” he says. solutions. two main workshops. “We’ve been too quiet; we have to be the voice “We have to take charge – no one else is doing of the fleet operator; we have to have an opinion this.”

32 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 33 SPOTLIGHT: FCA

ORGANISATION: FCA Group ‘Our future product DIRECTOR – FLEET AND THE NEXT 24 REMARKETING: Andy Waite MONTHS WILL BE TIME IN ROLE: two years ONE OF THE BIGGEST plans look exciting’ FLEET SALES (TO END Q3): Fiat – 12,591 (-17.5%) AND MOST EXCITING Alfa Romeo – 1,785 (-16%) PERIODS OF CHANGE Abarth – 1,554 (-25%) FCA fleet and remarketing director Andy Waite is preparing Jeep – 3,134 (-5.5%) THE GROUP HAS for a roll-out of electric cars and vans, reports Stephen Briers Fiat Professional (to end SEEN October) – 3,600 (+8.6%)

s he nears his two-year anniversary company’s commitment to design and engineer all ANDY WAITE, FCA as FCA fleet and remarketing director, electric models in-house. Andy Waite is starting to plan for a “It isn’t a third party solution,” stresses Waite, A with evident pride. roll-out of electric product that will Waite believes Jeep and Alfa Romeo offer the put the organisation’s five brands at the heart of Despite the flurry of activity in electric technology, greatest potential for growth in fleet over the next the alternative fuel revolution. FCA staunchly believes petrol and diesel still have couple of years. Jeep’s product plan includes six Until now, FCA has taken a cautious approach to a role to play. The company is not letting up in its model launches or revisions by 2022. electric vehicles, quietly watching while some research and development of the traditional “As a challenger brand, we have to win people rivals hurry to market – not always with total internal combustion engine (ICE). over,” he says. “When they get into a Jeep or Alfa conviction or, indeed, availability of supply. But “We have no strategy to be ICE-free in the next Romeo, drivers are surprised how much they live Waite is confident the time is now right. few years; we will continue to improve our core up to the brand values. They deliver whether that’s “From the fleet driver to the fleet manager, combustion engine products,” Waite says. “And it style and driver appeal, or capability and momentum is building,” he says. is still worth looking at our CNG (compressed robustness.” Orders are already open for Fiat’s first electric natural gas) products where we are the market Also on high on the agenda is another reduction van, the Ducato Electric – deliveries start early leader in Europe. in short-term rental volumes. Fiat, accounting for 2020. The UK, says Waite, is “a prioritised market” “The evolution of alternative fuels has many the biggest proportion of FCA rental registrations for volume. directions and there is a place for the different by far, cut its volumes by 61% last year; Jeep was With full electric capability available across the powertrains with the choice dependent on the use down 40%. entire range and multiple configurations to match and needs of the individual fleet.” “We see a need to further improve our residual the diesel engine line-up, the Ducato tops out at FCA is stepping up its pursuit of fleets by values (RVs) by managing our shorter-cycle 4.25 tonnes with maximum payload of 1.9 tonnes. highlighting its broad spread of vehicles, from business. We reduced it last year and we are “There will be no compromise over diesel,” says small cars to sports cars and SUVs to large vans. further reducing it in 2019 – the thinking is by half Waite. “This is FCA product that is certified by FCA The brand portfolio has the potential to appeal to again,” Waite says. engineers and made in Sevel (Italy).” restricted badge fleets, large corporates, user- He’s currently bang on target – after Q3, Fiat Two range options will be offered, based on a choosers, job-need fleets and SMEs alike. rental registrations were down 50%. modular battery configuration. The shorter-range “From the practical to the emotional, we can do it FCA has kept the pricing guides informed about Ducato has the full 1.9-tonne payload; an extended all with one conversation. There aren’t many fleets its rental targets, which has resulted in consistent range model that uses more batteries will travel that don’t have a fond memory of at least one of our rises in RV forecasts for many models this year. further but the compromise is a lower load models,” Waite says. “It doesn’t win business, but it Waite is confident the residuals improvements will capacity. does allow us to start the conversation about how continue, helping to strengthen the total cost of The drive to electric ramps up considerably we can add value to their business and support ownership competitiveness of FCA cars. during the course of 2020, with the Jeep Renegade them with cost-effective solutions.” Waite has no doubt that FCA can boost its true plug-in hybrid SUV, Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in The conversations are beginning to bear fruit, fleet sales across the key fleet segments, with his hybrid and all-electric Fiat 500 on the launch list. although fleet and leasing registrations across all dealer network playing an important role. The latter, due in Q2, will be produced at FCA’s brands are down year-on-year, albeit in line with “We are starting from a low market share so newly refurbished Mirafiori plant in Italy, part of the the overall market performance. there are plenty of opportunities. We have developed our activity through our dealer network for SME and small fleet and we have restructured our programme,” he says. The public sector is another target market, with FCA riding the success of its light commercial vehicles in the ambulance sector. “Now, through CCS (the local authority procurement service), we are on the police framework. There are a number of areas of the public sector supply chain where we can make progress,” Waite says. Meanwhile, in corporate, FCA will continue to work closely with colleagues in mainland Europe to support negotiations with multi-national fleets. “As our product offering grows, we have the right opportunities to develop the right relationships and gain business in 2020,” Waite says. The Alfa Romeo Andy Waite says the group He adds: “Our future product plans look very Tonale plug-in will be has no plans to ditch ICE exciting. The next 24 months will be one of the launched next year “in the next few years” biggest and most exciting periods of change the group has seen since it was created.”

34 fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 35 FLEET NEWS AWARDS: LEASING COMPANY OF THE YEAR (UP TO 20,000 VEHICLES)

company car drivers and while BIK rates have – fully online and will help fleet managers and their wrongly, in our opinion – increased, a sensible drivers through the maze that is EV. Lastly, for choice of car and operation will still see the now, we are also working on the finishing touches WINNER:WINNER: company car as the best available option. to our SECO product, that will demystify much of We are seeing a huge uptake in EVs and PHEVs the complicated past of employee car ownership now, which offer real cost-saving opportunities for schemes. That will launch early in 2020 and will OOGILVIEGILVIE many company car drivers. For us, the important provide both client and their drivers a possible way element is that we can provide the solution for our to reduce their operating costs and benefit-in-kind. clients one way or another. That is why we have It isn’t for everyone, but if a driver is in the right FLEETLEET developed our PCH offering and are investing in an target zone with mileage, car preference and tax easy-to-operate SECO (simple employee car rate, it can be a substantial all round win. ownership) scheme. FLEET SIZE: 16,000 Increasingly, no one method of operation suits all gilvie reacted to WLTP by providing a MANAGINGMANAGING DIRECTOR:DIRECTOR: drivers in a fleet and our simple plan is to continue constant stream of digital information Gordon Stephen to take the headaches away from fleet managers, to customers, alongside client-facing HEADQUARTERS: while keeping drivers in the right vehicles for their O staff who have been fully trained on Stirling, Edinburgh role and lifestyle. That can easily be achieved new legislation and its effects. without losing company car drivers. “It is a minefield for us to navigate ourselves and we know what we are doing!” said Hardy. “We just FN: What do you predict the future of the leasing ensure we understand what is happening and JUDGES’ COMMENTS sector will look like? then, through communications and face-to-face Ogilvie Fleet is strong all NH: I think we are fast moving towards the need meetings, help clients with these changes and round and has achieved good to be mobility solutions providers rather than refine their policies to take account of them.” business growth in a traditional “contract hire companies”. The industry Ogilvie Fleet ran a series of workshops for its challenging market. The has been morphing this way for a few years now clients around this subject and linking it with an judges praised Ogilvie’s use of and we saw it coming a long time ago. Investing in introduction to EVs. It also introduced initiatives to technology, electric vehicle our online solutions and new products in recent help clients make informed decisions, such as proposition and support for years has allowed us to keep pace so far and we contract flexibility, short-term rental discounts and customers on key issues such intend to continue to develop our product range in client seminars with industry experts. as WLTP. Strong testimonials the future. Its reactive and positive approach to change also and satisfaction measures We have to become more agile and fluid in the led to a number of clients placing orders before demonstrate that Ogilvie is as way that we work; we will have to look at how we the plug-in grant deadline, thanks to a campaign passionate as ever about can provide easier-to-access short-term mobility outlining changes. customer service. and we will have to use data in a way we don’t currently do, to really offer the right, on-demand, Nick Hardy (holding trophy) joins mobility solutions. Exciting times ahead! members of the Ogilvie team at WE WILL HAVE TO USE DATA IN A WAY WE the awards presentation ceremony FN: Do you predict EV supply will continue to be DON’T CURRENTLY DO, TO REALLY OFFER THE an issue next year? NH: The demand for EV and PHEV vehicles is RIGHT, ON-DEMAND, MOBILITY SOLUTIONS Fleet News: How do you ensure you maintain a clearly only going to increase and we suspect that high level of customer service as your fleet and supply will still be challenging in the short term. customer base grows? Supply of almost all vehicles has been an issue in NICK HARDY, OGILVIE FLEET Ogilvie expands, but Nick Hardy: By working really hard at it, relent- recent months – even years now – and it’s rela- lessly. There is no easy way to deliver great tively normal to be waiting 12-16 weeks for a car customer service and keep ahead of the competi- of a particular spec. not at the expense tion. It takes hard work, dedication and flexibility. Next year will be pivotal in terms of our changing Staying number one in our industry for customer vehicle landscape. This is a huge learning curve service is totally inherent to all we do. for manufacturers, leasing companies, dealers, At our management and board meetings each clients, drivers, EV charge point fitters and, indeed, of service standards month, we spend time reviewing our customer everyone in the supply process. service and net promoter scores to ensure our Change of this magnitude doesn’t happen over- own high expectations are being met. I think if night and I am impressed with the way many of us ‘We don’t do boring or standing still,’ sales and further growth meant having to sacrifice on our have already handled the degree of change in the Matt de Prez principle of being the best service provider in the past few months. We thrive on challenges, they marketing director Nick Hardy tells industry, we would have to think long and hard help keep us on our toes and at the top of our about what we are really trying to achieve. game. Anything else would be boring and we gilvie Fleet is a leasing company that ongoing CSI and Best Company scores to ensure We believe we have the right mix of people, tech- certainly don’t do boring or standing still at Ogilvie. refuses to stand still. With a brace of our clients are happy with what we do and, nology and ownership to continue to grow and stay awards and recognition from across crucially, that our staff are happy and can therefore number one in our sector. FN: Following the launch of APPraisal, are there O the industry, the company’s dedica- provide the best customer service at all times. any other new initiatives you are working on or tion to its customers has enabled it to continue “Priority one is our amazing team. They are the FN: Have you seen a decline in the ‘traditional’ looking to introduce? growing – despite a turbulent market. people that deliver all the good things that we do company car? NH: We have been further developing our app, “So many times we’ve seen smaller lease and without them we would be nothing.” NH: The answer to that has to be “yes”, but at the which now has links to orders, taxation and companies grow into larger ones and then lose Continual investment in products, such as its same time we have had yet another year of delivery updates on it as well as full information touch with the ideals and principles that helped Happy Drivers app and APPraisal, has helped fleet substantial growth and thus, while there does on a driver’s current vehicle. We intend to enhance Nick Hardy, sales & marketing director, them grow in the first place,” said Nick Hardy, managers and drivers overcome end-of-contract seem to be a move away from company cars in that on an ongoing basis so it becomes a driver’s Ogilvie Fleet (centre), was handed the Ogilvie Fleet sales and marketing director. damage charges, in a bid to avoid having a pleasur- some zones, it hasn’t actually adversely affected first port of call for anything relating to their Ogilvie award by Christopher Macgowan OBE, “We never wanted that to be the case with us and able leasing experience “tainted”. us. The reality is that the company car still offers vehicle. We’ve also been working hard on devel- chairman of the judging panel (right) we have been keeping a very careful watch on our We spoke to Hardy about Ogilvie’s method: fantastic and relatively risk-free motoring for most oping our EV knowledge base, which is soon to go

36 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 37 TODAY’S FLEET: SKILLS & EDUCATION THE EXCUSES ARE OVER: 2020 IS THEHE TIME FOR ICFM director Peter Eldridgesayss ayChanges mmanyany ooff tthehe imimponderablesponderables tthathat hhaveave hhamstrungamstrung ddecision-makingecision-making hhaveave b beeneen r removed.emoved. It’s time to make progress ... but in manageable stages

he excuses are over. Many fleet sustainability was ‘a hot topic’, it was one that had control. It is evolving at an exponential rather than That situation cannot remain. It is imperative Liberal Democrats – all stated that it was the end managers need to evolve their operational managers have been sitting on the not translated into overall corporate travel a linear pace and that is impacting fleets and, in that those decision-makers do not sit back and of the road for internal combustion engine cars positions to follow suit. fence for the past couple of years programmes. particular, what managers are doing with ‘big wait for boards of directors to impose change and light vans. The only disagreement came on Companies must look to set a mobility budget T uncertain which direction they Technological solutions, whether they be data’. around them or they could find themselves out the timeline for ending the sale of new models. for each employee that will influence the mode of should take amid unprecedented change and plug-in vehicles, travel apps and booking “Massive momentum is being built so fleet of a job. Notwithstanding the drawbacks to fleet plug-in transport they take – company car, car club, car uncertainty across the industry. platforms or, as an ICFM Masterclass focusing managers need to think about their operational They need to start 2020 with a pro-active vehicle introduction, there are undoubtedly share, car hire, public transport – and this will be However, the list of issues that required on ‘big data’ heard more than two years ago, the model. Fleet managers will cease to exist unless mindset focused on how they are going to reduce individual situations where the switch from petrol based on a range of factors including fitness-for- resolving has been whittled away in the second Internet of Things (IoT) and the concept of they embrace ‘big data’ to make better informed their company’s emissions contribution amid the and diesel can begin. purpose, cost, convenience and safety. half of 2019 – although the elephant in the room, Business Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), must all decisions, enabling them to become less doing climate change crisis and empower employees That requires decision-makers to undertake Using a web portal or perhaps a mobility card the UK’s European Union membership, needs a be embraced by fleet and travel decision-makers. and more strategic in their roles.” to make sustainable choices in relation to their individual analysis on a vehicle-by-vehicle/ functionality, employees will be able to select the solution – and when New Year dawns, fleet I refer to ‘fleet and travel decision-makers’ on Those comments were made in 2017 and mode of travel and undertake analysis of how driver-by-driver basis of journeys made. Having most appropriate mode of travel for their planned managers should have a fair degree of clarity. purpose because the worlds of fleet management ‘mystic’ Paul has been proved absolutely correct and where within their fleet operations plug-in done that, it is almost certain that a ‘blended journey to meet both their business and personal Government-influenced issues surrounding and travel management are colliding at a rapid as we enter 2020 and the third decade of the vehicles can be embraced. solution’ of vehicle types across a company’s fleet requirements. benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation and legislation in rate driven by technology and ‘big data’. millennium. There does not need to be any ‘big bang’ will be the solution. In short, individual analysis of the type of vehicle respect of vehicle emissions, clean air zone At that masterclass, ICFM chairman Paul But, as mentioned, two years of uncertainty solution. Far better that fleet and travel decision- That will see a fleet profile emerging of and mode of transport – while also embracing locations and entry criteria and the impact on Hollick talked of what he called ‘the fourth have, in some cases, left fleet and travel decision- makers focus on where ‘quick wins’ could work something like: Diesel (Euro 6) for high-mileage tele- and video-conferencing – must be vehicle selection of the Worldwide harmonised industrial revolution’ taking place underpinned by makers bewildered and so the status quo has and tackle issues in ‘bite-size’ chunks. Doing motorway driving and where a large number of undertaken across the employee base. That Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) are the the internet and the smartphone. been maintained across the operations they are nothing until the time comes when everything journeys are made in non-urban environments; means all employees – those with a company car three key topics that would seem to be resolved. He said: “Technology is ballooning out of responsible for. requires tackling in ‘big’ chunks almost inevitably petrol where a mix of motorway and urban or cash allowance and ‘grey fleet’ drivers who Note that the BIK figures still require ratification leads to paralysis. driving is the norm; plug-in hybrids, pure electric reclaim their travel expenses as well as those by the new Government. Making a case for an electric vehicle fleet and range-extended electric vehicles where who make the very occasional business journey. To that list can be added the removal of UK WHO IS PETER ELDRIDGE? continues, as the ICFM has frequently said, to be driving is largely urban with hybrids a halfway A new year is a time for wishes and ICFM’s is governmental uncertainty following the result of Peter Eldridge joined ICFM in 1993, making him one of its longest-serving members. something of a conundrum for UK fleet operators. house. that fleet and travel decision-makers recognise the general election*. The ICFM was founded in 1992 and remains the UK’s only independent, not-for-profit There is no doubt that the majority of fleet Fleet operators are not averse to change, but that change is necessary and embrace it, but Now, what is abundantly clear, and the general organisation dedicated to furthering the education, recognising the achievements and operators want to embrace a zero emissions they will not expose themselves or their take a ‘small step’ approach underpinned by election manifestos of the major political parties advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management. future, but the road to getting there remains businesses to the potential fall-out of poor or robust analysis. did not mince their words on the issue, is that Eldridge joined the ICFM steering committee in 1996 and became a full council member fraught with challenges and continuing confusion uncertain policy decisions. However, by taking the If you would like to find out more, the best place tackling the ‘climate emergency’ and sustainability in 1997. regarding the cost of ownership, infrastructure, individual vehicle/driver/journey type analysis, to start is by taking a look at the ICFM training point to the future direction of corporate travel as He was appointed a director in April 1999 and is regarded as one of the institute’s journey planning, driver education etc. the road marked ‘environmental management’ and education programmes. More details are being ‘green’. strongest lead tutors. In 2011, he was inducted as an honorary fellow. But that does not mean that the transition from, is gradually being embraced. available on www.icfm.com or you can contact Yet, a recent survey by the Global Business Courses include introductory programme, intermediate training, advanced diploma and in most fleets, an exclusive reliance on petrol and But, it should also be remembered that the [email protected] for further information. Travel Association in partnership with SAP distance learning. Please mention Fleet News if booking. diesel vehicles should not begin. business model is shifting from being asset * Due to editorial deadlines this column was Concur, the travel, expense and invoice n For information about ICFM leadership and management training, go to www.icfm.com In the run-up to the general election the three focused (the vehicle) to being much more written prior to the general election result management company, suggested that while main political parties – Conservative, Labour and employee movements driven, so fleet and travel being known.

38 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk n December 12 2019 39 Advertisement feature

READERREADER SEAT UK has all the answers RECOMMENDEDRECOMMENDED on plug-ins for fleets 2020 EAT UK is gearing up for an ultra- as the new Mii electric and the forthcoming someone like me that has a 12-mile low emissions product offensive that el-Born will have zero emissions ranges of commute. will see four new plug-in vehicles up to 160 and 260 miles respectively and “If your business has charge points at Sadded to its range by early 2021. charging technology and infra structure is work, you may not even need to charge it at The next 12 months will see more fleet improving all the time. home or use public infrastructure at all.” managers consider the benefits of plug-in There are now more than now 10,300 SEAT will also be introducing plug-in vehicles and Aaron Cardoso, SEAT UK public charging points across the UK and hybrid versions of the Leon and Tarraco Fleet Business Development Manager, said rapid charging can top-up a Mii electric next year for those looking for lower- the fleet team is ready to help with any from 0-80% range in an hour. emission miles, but the flexibility of an even challenges on the road to electrification. Cardoso said: “The infrastructure in the longer range. UK is getting better all the time and the Cost charge point providers are working more Availability Some fleets might still be looking for the cost closely together to have a reliable and Supply of BEVs for some manufacturers of plug-in vehicles to come down further widespread network of points.” has been an issue, with certain models before considering a switch. There are already plans in place to attracting lead times of more than a year. However, Cardoso said many are already revamp SEAT UK’s unique four-day Cardoso is confident SEAT will have cheaper when the total cost of ownership company car test drive initiative next year access to the level of supply needed to meet Fleet News readers recommend their top suppliers (TCO) is compared, taking into account so drivers can live with battery electric demand. savings from fuel costs, servicing and vehicles (BEVs) and see how they fit in with He said: “Other manufacturers might be The greatest form of marketing is via word-of-mouth industry segment but also their worst. The top taxation. their commutes and daily lives at home. looking to allocate a large proportion of referrals and recommendations are priceless. performing companies are then granted Reader Cardoso said: “It can be difficult for some their BEV supply to retail sales, but fleet is a A business may have excellent products, but Recommended status. drivers or fleet managers to quantify the Range anxiety really important market for us. referrals and recommendations are ultimately given The sectors highlighted within this sponsored real world savings a plug-in vehicle can Cardoso said the range on the Mii electric “It’s why more than 50% of our allocation of provide. As we continue releasing our and el-Born will mean that, dependent on Mii electric will be for fleet customers. as a result of outstanding customer service. section cover: conversions, driver training, rentals, plug-in vehicles, we’ll also update our the length of commute, most drivers may “We want fleet managers to feel confident The Fleet News annual ‘Reader Recommended’ software, fleet management, fuel cards, leasing and TCO calculator (www.seat.co.uk/business/ only need to charge once a week. that if they choose a SEAT they’re not going programme allows readers to have their say about EV charging. Here, we invite the companies to tell us TCO) with the cost of charging so it will be He said: “If you’re doing longer trips to have to wait over a year to get their car.” the companies they believe offer the best service. what they do to earn the plaudits from others. easy for fleets to compare running costs outside of that total range your fleet We have gathered opinions via research A full list of Reader Recommended companies and find the most cost-effective vehicles for manager would advise you to take a break Fleet News Fleet News their needs.” anyway, so stopping for a coffee and a rest conducted among the audience. can be found on the website under the for 30 minutes will see you with plenty more Fleets nominated their best suppliers in each supplier tab. Charging range and ready to go. The latest electric vehicles from SEAT such “The Mii electric’s range is perfect for Visit www.seat.co.uk/business to find out more READER RECOMMENDED adRocket

Advertising feature Reader Recommended

In uncertain times, you can put your trust in Alphabet

lphabet has been serving business fleets and fleet decision-makers since 1997. A Over that time it has developed a reputation being a personal, progressive and outstanding business partner. It understands actions speak louder than words, or, as Henry Ford once said: “You cannot build a reputation on what you are going to do.” The Alphabet journey started with the belief that the only way to win a fleet’s custom and respect was to truly under- stand the fleet’s needs and deliver them every day to the highest standards. As such, Alphabet is delighted to be recognised by Fleet News readers with this ‘Reader Recommends’ award. The magazine’s readers understand the changing needs of professional fleet management, which makes this recogni- tion even more special. When industry experts appreciate the value a business partner can add and personally recom- Alphabet employees to serve customer In today’s changing world, the pace of mend it, their opinions carry significant needs. technological and societal change is ever weight and have real meaning. “Alphabet’s focus on service delivery increasing. Businesses are looking for For more than 20 years Alphabet has and its ethos of continual improvement has more efficient and effective ways of been constantly evolving its offering to resulted in industry-leading retention rates managing their human capital and fleet anticipate market changes and meet new and is undoubtedly a key reason why resources, whether that’s around You focus on your Fleet News requirements from customers. Over this readers have chosen us for this outsourcing of fleet functions, improving time the one constant has been the exper- prestigious accolade,” said a spokes- duty of care, enabling the move to electri- tise, dedication and commitment of person. fication or developing more agile and business needs. flexible usage of vehicle assets. Professionals in fleet, HR, finance or procurement find themselves juggling increasingly complex responsibilities and We’ll take care of your obligations around business mobility and fleet management in our uncertain modern world. In this labyrinth of change, Alphabet can assist in guiding fleets through the maze of fleet from start to finish. choices and options. With products like AlphaElectric helping fleets to electrify their vehicles towards Road to Zero, or our corporate car sharing platform, AlphaCity, providing new mobility options, Alphabet At Alphabet, our flexible and efficient business offer the most comprehensive array of mobility products will keep your drivers on the move. funding options, fleet management and From fleet management and leasing, electric vehicles and mobility solutions in the market. corporate car sharing, through to driver risk and accident “You have our promise that we’ll deliver this with the personal touch, progressive management support services, we have a solution that approach and commitment to outstanding will keep your drivers and vehicles on the road. service that ultimately makes the difference with Alphabet,” the spokesperson added.

Driving your business. Phone: 0370 50 50 100 Visit: www.alphabet.co.uk Call us on 0370 50 50 100 or visit www.alphabet.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature Tailored conversion solutions that support fleet efficiency and safety

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Chevin Fleet Solutions – 29 years of fleet management software innovation

stablished in 1990 in Belper, the small Derbyshire town in the heart of England, Chevin was founded E by Ashley Sowerby, the company’s managing director. After buying the rights to a simple fleet system that he was devel- oping for his then-employer, Sowerby embarked on his own business venture at the tender age of 21. Today, Chevin Fleet Solutions is the leading global provider of dedicated fleet management solutions and its multi-award- winning software – FleetWave – is used in more than 180 countries worldwide, to manage in excess of 1.2m vehicles and associated assets. From its humble UK beginnings, Chevin is now a global company with offices in North America, Belgium, France and Australia. Its products are also sold by distribution part- ners in Africa and the UAE. Chevin’s client base includes some of the world’s largest, most reputable organisa- tions across multiple industry sectors, from major vehicle manufacturers, construction and utilities companies to government, non-profit and emergency services.

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Advertisement Feature "FLEET IS OUR FORTE"

There's no doubt that Clarks Vehicle longevity, as a Clarks vehicle is a highly nothing leaves its conversion centre Conversions are Number 1 for Welfare sought after commodity that holds a until it's passed their stringent 191 quality Vehicles, yet they are fast approaching premium in the second hand arena, which control checks. adding another jewel to their crown and is testament to their rugged build quality. that's in the Crew Carrier sector. Doncaster is the 4th largest growing "We're a volume converter, fleet is what economy in UK and Clarks are proud to As well as their industry leading Welfare we're passionate about. Fleet is where be a part of that. They have seen growth vehicle, their all-new nine-seat Crew we stand out from the crowd. Fleet is our of over 300% in the last 3 years and it's Carrier has been a labour of love for forte " David Chilvers - Head of Sales no accident. Their continual investment in Clarks Vehicle Conversions who have new technology, techniques, and staffing successfully produced a vehicle with You may not expect it but fleet is without has seen them become a powerhouse of increased capacity and safety to transport doubt Clarks' "forte" yet their flexibility innovation and their impressive tally of workforces, while retaining a generous for such a large scale operation is recent awards backs that up. load area for materials and tools. almost unheard of. From 1.5 to 7.5 tonne vehicles, Clarks have converted them Although Clarks have been investing in The devil is most definitely in the detail all with aplomb and they've done it all the expansion of their teams' scale, more as Clarks astutely identified the need from their 4 acre Conversion Centre importantly it's the investment in their to develop an M1 approved nine-seat in Carcroft, Doncaster, which has the teams' development that really makes Crew Carrier, as demand for this type of capacity for up to 400 vehicle at any one the difference. Health and safety, first aid conversion was growing within the utility time. It's also home to their 150 strong and well-being courses are available to all and infrastructure sectors. workforce, which includes fully qualified team members. Clarks hold staff opinion carpenters, plumbers and electricians and expertise in high regard, which allows "Before we start any new project our and with their shift patterns allowing for everyone the opportunity to progress first thought is always compliance, 24 hour manufacturing, they ensure the company and their position within it, compliance, compliance. Clarks isn't a your conversions are on time and to the establishing them all as an essential part faceless company, my name is above the highest standard. of this family business and its success. door and buck stops with me. I would hate to think that my name was associated to With over 30 years experience in the " We're extremely proud of the work we do anything that wasn't safe " vehicle conversion industry, this second here at Clarks. We are routinely informed Paul Clark - Owner/Director generation family business offers a range by our clients that our product knowledge, of fleet conversions ideal for the utility and services and deep understanding of Type Compliance, safety and testing is at the contractor sectors. Approval is second to none " heart of every vehicle Clarks produce This unique, consultative company works Darren Lord - Managing Director and it's what drives their passion to closely with clients to determine the exact keep innovating. Their vehicles are requirements and invests time to create Clarks work with the majority of the UK's unapologetically functional and their a solution that is fit for purpose. Clarks top ten infrastructure service providers name precedes them when it comes to pride themselves on using highly robust across road, rail and utilities. Proving that materials and manufacturing techniques, Clarks is first in mind when it comes to ensuring that all conversions are fit for Welfare and Crew Carriers and that they purpose and easily able to withstand are well embedded into the fabric of the day-to-day wear and tear. Clients can UK's elite. HAND CRAFTED IN THE UK rest assured that all Clarks' conversions are crafted to the highest standards and Which leaves us with the question... Is there anything that this multi-disciplined 3 YEAR WARRANTY AS STANDARD organisation can not do?... Well, having seen what they have in the pipeline for release next year, shows that All our conversions are produced on site in the UK the future doesn't only hold innovation but more importantly diversification and by our highly skilled craftsmen and women, who we for one are incredible excited. are incredibly proud of the products they design, develop and maintain. Their experience, industry knowledge and attention to detail is second to none and they make Clarks the success it is today.

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CLARKS FLEET NEWS DEC 2019.indd 1 27/11/2019 11:18 FP_FLEETNEW_421899id4126191.pdf 02.12.2019 16:02 Advertising feature Reader Recommended

Your road to electrification withh HitachiH Capital Vehicle Solutions

here has never been a greater incentive to transition your perk “We have not forgotten fleet towards alternatively that the underlying T fuelled vehicles (AFVs). The tax problem our industry incentives from the proposed new BIK bandings for electric vehicles provide is trying to solve is drivers with the opportunity to choose a vehicle that is lower in cost and far supe- the reduction of rior from an environmental perspective. carbon emissions”

But how do you know if you could even electrify your fleet right now? increasing demand from fleet managers tailored solutions that not only answer While the incentive for EVs is key and now for leasing companies to enable them to fleet pain points but also uncertainty in present, adopting them holds a series of make this switch by assisting with their the market. challenges for both employer and electrification strategy. We carry out detailed, but easy to inter- employee. Due to the different price points We are optimising the future of fuel for pret fleet diagnostics, enabling us to give of EVs and different battery sizes (offering customers, ensuring they have the right our customers a segmented view – based different ranges), a viability assessment is vehicle, with the optimum fuel type, to on actual usage, fleet mix and driver BIK broader than that of internal combustion support day-to-day business operations, pressures – to recommend and, crucially, engine (ICE) vehicles. The same EV could driving costs and minimising environ- deploy different funding and manage- be offered to two different employees, and mental impact. ment solutions for different segments of have a different TCO, based on the The result can be a mix of drivetrains their fleet. journey profile of each driver; for one (from diesel to battery electric vehicle) and employee an EV could be viable, for funding solutions (from contract hire to What if you can’t electrify parts of your another, that may not be the case. employee ownership schemes) shaped to fleet today? Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions inno- meet the challenges facing fleet operators; Most assessments we’ve undertaken have vates to address and solve society’s chal- namely, the need to effectively and practi- shown that electric is a viable fuel type for lenges. We believe our expertise should cally blend different solutions within one large portions of fleet. However, for the be shared with our customers, in order to fleet policy during a time of uncertainty. portion where ICE vehicles are the most help them navigate the complexities of At HCVS, we have a unique ability to viable fuel type today, we are helping today’s fleet marketplace. We are helping develop and deploy products like these to customers to optimise the cost of running our customers to transition from the tradi- help meet customers’ short- and mid-term them through a blended funding scheme, tional ICE fleets of yesterday, to the challenges, making a real difference at a which reduces costs for both employer carbon-zero fleets of tomorrow. time when planning past three years will and employee, helping to stave-off Some fleets are more advanced than be difficult. increasing BIK. others on this journey. However, there is We have the agility and ability to blend In addition to a seamless harmonised scheme providing two funding options, we have not forgotten that the underlying problem our industry is trying to solve is the reduction of carbon emissions. We’re the only leasing company in the industry to partner in the world’s biggest Why we’re Leasing Company of the Year EV trial, Optimise Prime, a three-year innovation project designed to address and Truck Leasing Company of the Year 2019 how the UK can manage mass adoption of EVs between now and 2030. We are unique in our total capability to No other leasing company can provide As a result, HCVS is a key player in fund, build and manage any asset type the level of expertise and experience we providing insight and understanding of across all specialisms. This makes us an have in specialist vehicle compliance, fleets, drivers and engineers, helping award-winning choice for companies and apply that expertise for the benefit define practical ways of overcoming running varied and complex fleets, of all drivers and all types of vehicles, up-front costs currently holding back many where an off-the-shelf approach is not fit increasing safety and operational control. of the country’s biggest commercial vehicle for purpose. We pride ourselves on the trust we’ve operators from making the switch to EVs. We refuse to take a one-size-fits-all built with customers to manage their We have a unique position among our approach and treat each customers’ fleet complex, mission-critical fleets and competitors which means we are well as a unique, embedding ourselves in equipment and can proudly say our placed to share our learnings with our their strategy. legal compliance for all CVs is 100%. customers.

Whether you’re looking to improve costs, efficiency, safety or future-proof your fleet, we are here to help. Call 01225 569 450 or visit hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk/corporate-fleets adRocket

Advertising feature Reader Recommended

Industry-leading software stops you ‘playing roulette’

aama, the industry leading, fleet, leasing, and asset and driver soft- ware innovator continues to push the technological and functionality J boundaries to ensure companies operate at the cutting-edge of data management, operational best practice and compliance. Most fleet decision-makers recognise that today’s hi-tech fleet management systems, such as Jaama’s multi-award-winning Key2 asset and driver management tech- nology, can seamlessly interact with other internal and external software to dramati- cally improve operating effectiveness and efficiency. As a result, sophisticated web-based soft- ware developments mean fleet operators no longer need to manually input every item of fleet information. Also, the development of smartphone apps – for example, Jaama’s My Vehicle That is why Jaama, invests £2.6 million a enable that to happen business objectives App’ with auto-triggering – means infor- year to ensure its multi-award winning, of both organisations are shared to achieve mation uploaded by drivers automatically web-based Key2 system, ‘MyVehicle App’ the common goal. updates an employer’s Key2 system, and, most recently, Maintenance Exchange Therefore, a fleet’s chosen software ensuring the latest data is always avail- products remain at the cutting-edge. provider must be able to deliver a highly able. What’s more, unlike most other fleet sophisticated, modern, online system, and Meanwhile, the starting gun has been management software providers, Jaama be focused on continuous product develop- fired on the connected car revolution and ensures system updates are included ment and functionality improvements. the arrival of so-called ‘big data’ signalling within their annual fee, thereby negating The ‘right’ fleet management system transformational change that enables fleet the requirement for costly upgrades. capable of reflecting future strategic busi- decision-makers to predict the future in Additionally, acquiring an outdated ness change as well as taking account of terms of vehicle service, maintenance system that has no means of boosting future fleet industry transformation is crit- and repair and driver behaviour functionality to meet new require- ical if sector-leading levels of vehicle and via data analysis thus taking ments and working practices is driver performance alongside cost manage- away operation uncertainty. therefore a waste of money ment and compliance are to be realised. Today, best practice dictates long term. Driver ‘self-service’ is fast becoming vital a wholelife cost approach to Consequently, it is vital to to deliver reductions in fleet administration, vehicle decision-making, but analyse a software company’s while the paperless office is also more than new technology and the arrival innovation record and discuss a vision, but a reality. Therefore, businesses of big data will industrialise the with them their programme for must have good systems in place that will amount of information available to increasing the depth of function- digest vehicle, driver and journey informa- decision-makers resulting in a data ality that will see new modules intro- tion and make it meaningful not just today, lake. That means significantly more data duced and new solutions launched to but also tomorrow. will be fed into wholelife cost calculations further improve fleet management effi- In turn, that will enable fleet managers to and driver performance records, enabling ciency and, therefore, business effective- make informed decisions as they will have more accurate determination of optimal ness. a holistic picture resulting in operational business mobility solutions. Fleet decision-makers and colleagues efficiencies that will maximise compliance Against that background, fleet manage- must feel comfortable forming a long-term and deliver cost savings. ment software is exceptionally fast-moving. business partnership with their chosen Attempting to make decisions without It is essential providers have the long-term supplier to maximise operating efficiencies data, good systems and processes in place strategic approach to continually enhance and support. is, for fleet decision-makers, like playing their systems with new functionality to A good supplier wants to provide a roulette with their organisation’s money meet new ways of fleet operator working. solution rather than sell a system and to and legislative compliance!

Visit www.jaama.com, email: [email protected], call: 0844 8484 333

FP_FLEETNEW_418830id4132230.pdf 06.12.2019 10:02 adRocket

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FP_FLEETNEW_418682id4128390.pdf 04.12.2019 12:56 adRocket

Advertisement Feature

WHY CHOOSE SHELL FLEET SOLUTIONS? Data-driven fleet management with access to dedicated Shell account management and monitoring, combined with one of the UK’s largest service station networks. Shell has over 55 years of experience in tailoring and refining its fuel card solutions to deliver an exceptional service to customers. We are committed to being a trusted partner to businesses, answering the challenges of both today and tomorrow.

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www.shell.co.uk/shellfuelcard 1 Shell, Ultra-Efficiency or Digital Disruption: Planning For the Future of Fleets, 2018. 2 “Automotive Data Monetization to Reach $33 Billion in Opportunities for OEMs by 2025, Finds Frost & Sullivan”. 22 February 2018, Frost & Sullivan.

FP_FLEETNEW_FleetNewsDid4107850.pdf 11.18.2019 10:24 adRocket

Advertising feature THE EASY Reader Recommended ROAD TO FULL COMPLIANCE Observe The Four Cs to develop fleet safety mindset

n Britain’s roads in 2018, there were 5,590 serious injuries and 520 fatalities involving people Odriving or riding for work*. Driving is the single most dangerous activity undertaken by UK workers, with road collisions now accounting for almost 70% of work-related deaths. There is a clear need for employers to minimise the risks faced by those who Discover CHOICES drive on behalf of their business, but this can be a challenge and many are unsure Our flexible, low-cost risk management portal takes where to start. Understanding ‘The Four Cs’ will help care of your end-to-end fleet risk management process you and your business establish a mindset and is the easy way to ensure your fleet policies and that holds driver safety in clear focus. procedures are followed, by both company fleet and Compliance grey fleet drivers. CHOICES includes: The need to comply with health & safety legislation in relation to driving is a forgotten area for many businesses. Road collisions are reported separately from other workplace incidents and casual- show them! A robust driving policy will ties involving at-work drivers have rarely reassure them that you take their safety led to employers being held accountable. seriously. Times are changing. Widespread adop- Regular licence checks, vehicle safety tion of telematics, vehicle tracking and checks and training courses are more than Driver Audit dashcams is creating an environment in just procedural: they demonstrate your which driver behaviour is constantly under commitment to employee safety and help to surveillance and scrutiny, and the data ensure they are fully equipped to deal with generated by these technologies is creating the pressures of driving for work. a trail back to employers. Those that knowingly fail to address poor Culture driving will increasingly find themselves What is the culture like in your business? Licence Check vulnerable to prosecution. That may sound like a big question, but it’s Ask us for an online demo today often the ‘little things’ that have the greatest Care impact on drivers’ behaviour. Are they As the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, our Fleet safety isn’t just about vehicles – it’s under pressure to make that meeting, or to skyward. Failure to manage these risks not-for-profit status allows us to bring you CHOICES and about people. You care about your staff, so squeeze in that extra delivery? Do they feel could cost your business its reputation. our on-road training at highly competitive rates. obliged to answer the phone while driving? Worse still, the costs could be human. Risk Assessment Culture plays a major role in workplace In reality, a driver risk management safety, affecting workers’ stress levels, job programme costs far less than some might iamroadsmart.com/business satisfaction and productivity. Senior think, and can pay for itself within a short managers who understand this, and are time. prepared to lead by example, can bring [email protected] about significant, lasting benefits to safety. Find out more E-learning The need for every business to have a 0870 120 2910 Cost fully auditable driver risk management Cost is a factor in any initiative. Where programme has never been greater. driver safety is concerned, the real cost As the UK’s leading independent road comes from inaction: collision damage, safety charity, IAM RoadSmart can provide insurance, poor fuel economy and lost a comprehensive solution to suit your productivity due to staff and vehicle down- business at minimal cost, supported by its Industry-leading on-road training courses time, could be driving your financial costs not-for-profit status. CHOICES helps to identify high-risk drivers who would benefit from further training, beyond *Department for Transport ‘RAS30037: Reported casualties in accidents, by journey purpose and casualty type, Great Britain, 2013-2018’ E-learning. Address the development needs of these drivers with our range of on-road 0870 120 2910 [email protected] iamroadsmart.com/business business driver courses, as recommended by readers of Fleet News.

IOSH 15.11 - V3.pdf 1 15/11/2019 09:14:05 FP_FLEETNEW_IAMRoadSmaid4127503.pdf 12.03.2019 16:07 adRocket

Advertising feature Reader Recommended

Find the path to a sustainable fleet with Fleet Logistics

By Sue Branston hoice lists, policies, benefit-in- Sue Branston, kind (BIK) and electrification? If Country Head, company vehicles fall under UK & Ireland, your remit and your back- C Fleet Logistics ground is not in fleet, it can seem a little overwhelming. In recent times, there have been major market changes that make the fleet decision-making process all the more crucial – and there’s more change to come. In April 2020, the true impact of WLTP testing will become evident and the likely outcome is an across-the-board rise in new cars’ CO2 emissions levels, with a corres- ponding rise in company car tax and revised mpg figures. These factors impact massively on fleet costs. There have also been new BIK tax rates published which (if ratified after the general A sustainable fleet and mobility solution election) will reward zero carbon-emitting Optimise your fleet in line with the strategic requi- vehicles with zero rates of tax, potentially giving sales of electric vehicles a shot in the rements of your business. Our expert teams provide arm. The interest in electric vehicles and support in our three core fields of: PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) is growing. However, in many cases, demand Operational fleet management is outweighing supply. So, what are the best options for your Here at Fleet Logistics we help our clients n Outsourcing – the complete outsourced IT Tools and Innovation business and drivers? Reviewing current select the right path. As one of the world’s management of fleet administration. choice lists to see how they affect costs and largest providers of fleet management n Risk management – advice on reducing Consulting BIK is advisable, as a car is often a staff services, we have more than 20 years’ fleet the risk associated with running your retention tool. management experience. fleet. Our fleet services cover the whole life cycle of a vehicle. Meanwhile, clean air zones (CAZs) have Our specialist teams work with companies n Vehicle telematics – using telematics seen the banning of certain types of vehi- to optimise the efficiency and cost-effective technology to improve performance. Whether you need a Green Fleet solution or a complete cles, especially older diesels, from entering running of their vehicles, helping them make n Invoice control and processing – valid- fleet management solution – we are here for you, in some city centres. The Government’s ‘Road the right business decisions for a long-term, ation of all supply chain invoices. more than 39 countries. to Zero’ policy is driving a market swing sustainable fleet solution. We offer our clients n Driver helpdesk, portal and app – 24/7 towards cleaner, less polluting hybrids and an unrivalled level of expertise, consultancy support for all your drivers. Would you like to know more? electric cars in the coming years and and advice to provide a one-stop partnership n Fuel management – over-arching control businesses need to plan for this. for all their fleet requirements. of all your fuel costs. Contact us How can you steer through all this back- n Reallocation management – cost-effec- Tel.: 0121 717 1060 ground noise to find the right path for your TAILORED FLEET MANAGEMENT tive reassignment of company vehicles. E-Mail: [email protected] company fleet? AND CONSULTING SERVICES n Management information reporting – We offer a complete range of fleet manage- in-depth reporting suite of all aspects of ment services designed to help clients the fleet. “Our specialist teams manage and realise their fleet’s potential. n State-of-the-art IT tools – innovative and Among the services we provide are: market leading tools for effective fleet work with companies to n Vehicle sourcing – making sustainable management. optimise the efficiency choices for your fleet. We drive our industry n Multi-bidding – competitive tendering for Would you like to know more? For more and cost-effective each new vehicle. information, please get in touch. We’d love running of their vehicles, n Vehicle contract management – realign- to hear from you. ment of vehicle contracts to reduce costs. helping them make the n Vendor management – managing your right business decisions” third party suppliers.

Email: info.uk@fleetlogistics.com or call: +44 121 717 1060 www.fleetlogistics.com

FP_FLEETNEW_422438id4126260.pdf 02.12.2019 16:29 IGNITION: FIRST DRIVE

FLEET PICK ENTRY LEVEL RANGE TOPPER 1.5 TSI 130 Life 1.0 TSI Golf 2.0 TDI 150 Style SPECIFICATIONS P11D Price £25,000 £20,500 (est) £29,500 (est) CO2 emissions (g/km) TBC TBC TBC THINKING CAP Monthly BIK tax (20%) TBC TBC TBC By Martin Ward, Cap HPI Fuel efficiency (mpg) TBC TBC TBC manufacturer relationships manager Fuel cost (ppm) TBC TBC TBC This month I… Annual VED TBC TBC TBC have been looking at the list prices of Class 1A NIC TBC TBC TBC electric cars available in the UK market. RV TBC TBC TBC The cheapest starts at £21,140 and the AFR (ppm) 14 12 11 most expensive is £138,000. There is plenty of choice priced up to £41,000, Running cost (ppm) TBC TBC TBC then there is something of a gap as the next is £64,000. The Tesla 3 does feature, costing RIVALS mid-£50,000 but that’s about it and they are difficult to get hold of. Doubtless, this gap will be filled soon, but, for now, this sweet spot in pricing is wide open and this range is exactly the price point where many higher tax-rate RIVAL 1 RIVAL 2 RIVAL 3 company car buyers want to buy a car. Ford Focus 1.0T 125 Kia Ceed 1.4t-GDI Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo Titanium 138 ‘3’ Sri Nav VOLKSWAGEN GOLF Over to… SPECIFICATIONS Prague for the global premiere of the P11D Price £23,640 £21,995 £22,960 all-new Škoda Octavia. We were treated to music from the Czech Philharmonic More efficient powertrains and high spec levels should keep new Golf at top of fleet wish lists CO2 emissions (g/km) 101 131 99 Orchestra. Distinguished guests included 16%/£87 30%/£110 23%/£88 Monthly BIK tax (20%) the Czech Prime Minister and all the Fuel efficiency (mpg) 49.6 46.3 54.3 main board from Škoda. This new By Matt de Prez Inside, the biggest revelation is the fully digital adaptive suspension system that allows very Fuel cost (ppm) 11.5 12.3 10.5 Octavia has sharp lines, excellent quality ew Golfs don’t come along that often. and button-less cockpit. A digital instrument effective customisation of the ride and handling. throughout and a good range of engines Annual VED £150 then £145 £210 then £145 £130 then £145 This latest version is only the eighth cluster is fitted across the range, alongside a From the bone-crushing Sport to svelte Comfort, including a 1.0-litre with or without a mild in 45 years! But during that time, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. drivers can fine-tune their desired setting using a Class 1A NIC £783 £911 £729 hybrid and the brilliant 1.5 TSI EVO. Only N Volkswagen has never strayed from Touch-sensitive panels provide easy access to sliding scale. £6,900/29.2% £6,350/28.9% £4,800/21% one diesel will be offered, the 2.0 TDI. RV the car’s core value of providing safe, efficient and important features, such as the temperature There is no revolution in the powertrain area. In AFR (ppm) 12 12 12 Due in the UK in mid-2020, this MK5 reliable transport for the masses. controls, light switches and audio volume. fact, you could accuse VW of taking a backward Octavia will certainly turns heads. 36.1 35.4 36.5 As such, the Golf has earned its place as the A digital assistant also enables hands-free voice step as the much-loved (by us at least) e-Golf will Running cost (ppm) There was a 1959 Octavia on display most popular fleet car in the UK, keeping both control of the car’s functions. “Hello Volkswagen, be phased out to make way for the ID 3 that is due which got me thinking that the badging driver and fleet manager happy. I’m cold” is all that is needed to ramp up the to launch next year. expected in January, surprisingly close to the first departure from VW’s familiar S, SE and SE L. of Škoda Octavia has been going for 60 While still popular with retail buyers, around heating, for example. There will still be a plug-in hybrid GTE version, delivery in April/May. Instead, we get Golf, Life, Style and R Line. years. It must be the longest running two-thirds of Golfs sold in the UK go to fleets. Of course, those wishing to retain manual using much the same powertrain as the existing The most popular model is expected to be the Golf comes well-equipped with LED headlights, name in Europe, unless you can think of Early next year will see an all-new model control will find the new set-up simple, given the model, but the bulk of sales will be split between 130PS 1.5. A more powerful version utilises 48v keyless entry, climate control and the something else. offering class-leading levels of equipment, user interface is well laid out and easy to operate. a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, a 1.5-litre four- mild-hybrid technology and delivers 150PS. It is aforementioned 10-inch touchscreen. technology and connectivity. While it was never designed to be an all-out cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. known as the eTSI. Life is best suited to fleets, adding parking Down to… The new car’s dimensions and looks remain driver’s car, the Golf has always balanced handling VW says the new powertrains are up to 17% The lower-powered version is less vocal and sensors, lumbar support and wireless the Cotswolds to drive the new Renault closely aligned with those of its predecessor, and comfort in a way that suits the majority of more efficient than the outgoing ones, but is yet provides a more familiar driving experience to the smartphone charging. Clio at the UK press event. This latest albeit with a sleeker nose to aid aerodynamics. drivers. The new car is available with a re-designed to publish the fuel economy or emissions data. It’s eTSI. While it uses clever fuel-saving technology, Style adds a massage function for the driver’s version of the ever-popular five-door the engine doesn’t feel as smooth when pushed seat, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping hatch has a got a new platform, a much hard. It also lacks a sharpness to the brake pedal, system, a 32-colour ambient lighting system and improved and all-new interior, and much Dimensions of the new model are in due to the regeneration system that activates matrix LED headlights. better sound insulation. keeping with the previous version before the brakes to capture otherwise lost The R Line has a sportier persona with different But the exterior is not much different energy. bumpers, larger wheels and sports seats. on first inspection. Improvements to the diesel make it our pick of Features such as adaptive cruise control and Yes, it has new lights, different grille the bunch. With 150PS it feels potent and in most voice control can be added after purchase by and a few minor changes to the scenarios, barely audible. During our test route simply downloading them from an app store. bodywork. But as Renault said, why – and including some more spirited driving – the The car’s connectivity is also set up for Car2x change something that really cannot be car was still returning 50mpg. communication, which allows the Golf to receive improved on – if it ain’t broke why fix it? At present, the powertrains do not meet the messages about approaching emergency Fair point. coveted RDE2 requirements, but VW plans to services vehicles and upcoming obstructions. The interior is a revolution and the update them in due course, enabling those The system will also integrate with future smart exterior an evolution. choosing the diesel to benefit from cheaper city technology, when it becomes available. company car tax. Prices are yet to be announced but the new car, With the petrols promising lower emissions in five-door only, will start at around £20,500. It A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment than the current range, plus the GTE, there are might lack the sharpness of its biggest rival, the system is standard across the range plenty of options to suit all fleet requirements. Ford Focus, on-road, but the new Golf is still the The trim line up for the new Golf makes a king of its segment.

64 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 65 IGNITION: FIRST DRIVE IGNITION: FIRST DRIVE MAZDA3 SKYACTIVE-X New engine combines the efficiency of a diesel with the performance of a petrol

ŠKODA SUPERB iV Superbly placed to satisfy desire of fleets to lower emissions

By Matt de Prez By Andrew Ryan espite a dip in registrations this year, n paper, Mazda’s new Skyactiv-X plug-in hybrids appear to be high on petrol engine is an ideal solution for the agenda for VW Group. Many O both cost-conscious fleet decision- D brands are bringing new models to makers and those drivers who want market in a bid to combat rising CO2 emissions. performance without compromising costs. With the advantages of such vehicles so clearly The manufacturer’s use of clever technology has aimed at company car drivers, it is only natural that led to an engine that produces 180PS – not that long Škoda has joined the plug-in party with the new ago considered a decent amount of power for a hot Superb iV. hatch – but with CO2 emissions of less than 100g/ Its launch follows a recent facelift that introduced km and combined fuel economy of up to 52.3mpg. minor updates plus some new tech. Borrowing the That mix of diesel efficiency and the performance powertrain from the VW Passat GTE puts the The hybrid battery can be and refinement of petrol (as well as the lower Superb in fine form to boost its fleet sales. charged in 3.5 hours to give particulate matter emissions) is the Holy Grail for The Mazda3 hatchback’s excellent Škoda predicts more than 80% of the plug-in up to 35 miles of range many fleets and drivers, offering low running costs cabin is carried over to the saloon models will find their way into the hands of fleets and benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax bills. and we can see why. Wrapped up in three of Mazda’s excellent new CO2 emissions range from just 35g/km, putting equivalent 2.0-litre diesel Superb, but around half During our testing we achieved 95mpg over 55 models – the Mazda3 hatchback, the new Mazda3 of £23,370, gives drivers a monthly BIK bill of £90. identical wheelbases gives passengers the same the new car in the 16% benefit-in-kind (BIK) of that should be recovered in running cost savings. miles. Škoda claims a WLTP figure of 146mpg, saloon and CX-30 crossover – it should prove a Over a four-year/80,000-mile cycle, the model amount of interior space, the saloon’s boot (440 bracket. That will drop to 10% for cars registered Once you factor in an additional £350 per year only achievable if the car rarely travels more than winning combination. offers running costs of 34.93ppm, according to litres) is 86 litres larger. after April (and 12% for those that aren’t), thanks saving on national insurance contributions, the 40 miles without being plugged in. The engine is at its most efficient in the Mazda3 KeeResources. The hatchback’s excellent cabin is carried over, to the car’s 35-mile zero-emission range. new model looks even more attractive. On longer trips we’d expect around 60mpg, saloon, with CO2 emissions starting at 96g/km for Rivals with similar power outputs include the enhancing the car’s premium ambience, with the It carries a £4,500 price premium over the Drivers will be happy, too. The Superb iV packs which is on par with the most frugal diesels. the Sport trim which, combined with a P11D value Ford Focus 1.5 ST-Line X 182PS and Honda Civic standard seven-inch TFT instrument panel and 218PS versus the diesel’s 150, so it gets going with Performance in EV mode is good enough to keep 1.5 VTEC Turbo 182PS. Both emit far more CO2 8.8-inch infotainment screen particular highlights. FLEET PICK a lot more urgency. It also offers near-silent up with traffic. If the accelerator is fully depressed FLEET PICK (Focus: 120g/km; Civic: 128g/km), both have In the saloon, the Skyactiv-X engine is available SE TECHNOLOGY SE TECHNOLOGY running in EV mode and the added benefit of or the Sport mode is activated then the powertrain higher fuel consumption (Focus: 44.1mpg; Civic: in four trim levels: Sport, Sport Lux, GT Sport and SPECIFICATIONS remote heater and air-con activation via an app. serves up its full 218PS and 400Nm. It can sprint SPECIFICATIONS 46.3mpg), both have higher running costs (Focus: GT Sport Tech. All models feature LED headlights, P11D Price £31,915 But the tax advantages will be the biggest boon to 60mph in less than eight seconds although with P11D Price £24,670 39.14ppm; Civic 36.23ppm) and both give drivers rear parking sensors, a seven-inch TFT instrument Monthly BIK (20%) 16%/£85 with 20% taxpayers forking out just £85 per month all that power going to the front wheels drivers Monthly BIK (20%) £99 higher BIK monthly tax bills (Focus: £122; Civic: panel, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Apple this year and £53 if registered from April 2020. should expect plenty of wheelspin. £111). CarPlay and Android Auto, sat-nav, blindspot £705 £817 Class 1A NIC Adding a 13kWh battery to the Superb’s chassis Four levels of regeneration enable the battery to Class 1A NIC Financially, then, the Mazda3 saloon Skyactiv-X monitoring and lane-keep assist. Annual VED £0 then £135 has had an impact on boot space, dropping from recover waste energy when slowing, although the Annual VED £150 then £145 makes a strong case for itself, saving 20% We drove the Sport Lux model, which also RV (4yr/80k) £9,450 625 litres to 485 litres. In the Superb iV estate, boot car’s weight (250kg heavier) does become apparent RV (4yr/80k) £7,850/32% taxpayers £250-£380 a year over those two rivals. features a reversing camera, keyless entry and space drops from 680 litres to 510 litres. when you scrub speed. The brakes, while effective, How does the rest of the package measure up? heated front seats as standard. Fuel cost 0.03ppm Fuel cost 11.26ppm The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine works need a decent amount of pedal travel to slow the car. Its sleek silhouette gives it a more executive On the road, the saloon is just as engaging as the AFR 12ppm in happy harmony with the electric motor. Drivers Trim levels mirror those of the regular Superb, AFR 14ppm appearance than its hatchback sibling and, despite hatchback to drive, with excellent steering and Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.14 can choose EV mode and the car will operate up with prices starting at £31,915 for the fleet-friendly Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.86ppm the strong family resemblance between the two, body control. It’s not quite as good as the class- to motorway speeds on electric alone. Selecting SE Technology. just two body parts are shared: the bonnet and leading Focus, but it’s not far away and comfort CO2 35g/km CO2 102g/km hybrid will balance the use of both the engine and We’re big fans of the Superb and this model windscreen. and refinement remain excellent. Fuel efficiency 146mpg motor for optimum efficiency. makes it a more attractive company car choice. Fuel efficiency 50.4mpg The saloon is 200mm longer, and while their n New Mazda3 arrives on long-term test, page 69.

66 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 67 IGNITION: FIRST DRIVE IGNITION: OUR FLEET VIEW OUR FLEET IN DETAIL AT fleetnews.co.uk/long term reports

Its spacious interior is well-built with good quality materials and a number of sporty flourishes, while the dashboard and Sync 3 infotainment system are DS 7 CROSSBACK logical and simple to use. Other highlights have been its blindspot alerts and its FordPass Connect app. E-TENSE All in all, there’s a lot to like about the Focus, and very little not to. Perhaps my biggest complaint is that the excellent reversing camera is positioned above the rear numberplate and is prone to be being covered in road muck. The all-electric DS 3 So, is this the best car Ford has ever produced? has a range of 200 miles FAREWELL I haven’t driven all of them so it is impossible for me to say, but in my view, it is definitely the best FORD FOCUS lower medium car available at the moment. 1.0 ECOBOOST 125 ST-LINE X The new Volkswagen Golf may change this when DS 3 CROSSBACK it arrives in the UK in spring, but, until then, the E-TENSE Focus sits right at the top of its class. By Andrew Ryan In black, the ST-Line X looks great, with its sports By Tom Sharpe When the keys to our long-term Ford Focus bodykit, large spoiler, 18-inch wheels, red brake he DS 3 Crossback E-Tense feels arrived on my desk six months ago, they were callipers and polished twin tailpipes, hinting at The DS 7 4x4 has a pure every bit the smaller sibling of its accompanied by high expectations. sporty intent. electric range of 31 miles electrified DS 7 Crossback 4x4 I was switching into it from the manufacturer’s This is reflected in the way it drives. Its sports- T big brother. excellent Fiesta supermini and also had the words tuned suspension strikes a lovely balance between While trim level and the extended ownership of the-then Ford director of fleet operations in my dynamic handling and comfort, while its 1.0-litre DS 7 hybrid’s introduction leads the way in a bid to attract offering mirror the bigger vehicle, the same head: “This is the best car Ford has ever built.” petrol engine, which produces 125PS and CO2 focus on refinement and comfort remain very The Focus was also named best lower medium emissions of 114g/km, provides ample perform- interest from user-choosers ready to adopt electric vehicles much intact. car in this year’s Fleet News Awards. ance. It’s equally at home on motorways or country Prices start at £30,490 (including the Often a build-up like that is only a pre-cursor for roads. By Tom Sharpe turbocharged petrol engine and 109PS front and Government’s ULEV grant) and, sitting on the disappointment but, as our loan expires and having Fuel economy has averaged 47.4mpg, with the he Paris debut of the new electrified rear electric motors delivers a total of up to 300PS, same architecture as the new Peugeot e208, driven our Focus for 10,000 miles, this was not the model having official figures of 38.7mpg to DS Automobiles’ DS 7 4x4 and DS 3 enough for a 6.5-second acceleration to 62mph and the DS 3 Crossback has been WLTP-tested to case at all. 52.3mpg. Crossback E-Tense included the a 136mph top speed. CO2 emissions stand at 33g/ deliver a 200-mile all-electric range. T launch of the brand’s double km (WLTP) alongside a combined fuel consumption Its 50kWh battery pack powers a front- championship-winning Formula E Techeetah of 124mpg. mounted electric motor delivering 136PS to team’s 2019/20 season. E-Tense branding, which extends to a bonnet the front wheels, meaning typically keen-off- DS is joining a race to ride the electric vehicle (EV) badge and embossed gear selector, plus DS’s the-line EV performance results in a nine- adoption wave and to establish itself as the PSA desire for craftsmanship in its cabins, is second acceleration to 62mph claim and Group’s pioneering premium brand with the DS 7 communicated by distinctive, deeply-padded leather 93mph top speed. Crossback 4x4 plug-in hybrid and full-electric DS 3 seats, featuring a ‘watch strap’ design in the range- DS says that its 100kW charging capability Crossback E-Tense models. topping Ultra Prestige trim. means it can be charged to 80% from empty Priced from £47,725 (including the Government’s A trapezoidal design theme lends a distinctive in around 30 minutes, five hours via an 11kW ULEV grant), the new DS 7 may command an £8,500 style, while an arching gear selector giving access charge point and seven-and-a-half hours via premium over its internal combustion engine (ICE) to an eight-speed automatic gearbox is familiar to the more commonly available 7.5kW point. counterparts, but it puts the brand in the frame for Peugeot products, along with the switchgear lining Out on autumnal French roads, the available EV-ready fleets and user-choosers looking to take the centre console. power was enough to spin-up a front tyre at advantage of April 2020’s changing BIK tax legislation Both DS E-Tense models share trim levels B-road speeds, but, while the compact with a band of 12% 16% until then). familiar to their ICE counterparts, with Alcantara- crossover feels more agile than the larger It claims a 31-mile pure electric range and can trimmed Performance Line and leather-lined DS 7, its standout appeal remains its whisper rely on electric propulsion up to 84mph. Prestige and Ultra Prestige offerings. quiet progress. The DS 7’s combination of a 200PS 1.6-litre Owners will benefit from MyDS, a smartphone VAUXHALL app allowing access to battery levels, cabin DS 3 Crossback COMBO DS 7 Crossback pre-conditioning and the ability to pre-plan routes E-Tense Prestige according to charge point availability. LIHI 1.5 TURBO D E-Tense Prestige SPECIFICATIONS A DS Mobility offering, meanwhile, will allow a SPECIFICATIONS switch into another DS model for short periods. P11D Price £35,935 P11D Price £50,670 On the roads in and around Paris the effects of the Monthly BIK (20%) 16%/£96 By Trevor Gehlcken reverse dings made by cargo banging around in so any loads in the cab will be safely tucked inside Monthly BIK (20%) 16%/£135 DS 7’s camera-based suspension management Class 1A NIC £793 This month, we are going to take a peep into the the back and causing damage from the inside it and won’t interfere with driver (see picture). system, which scans the road ahead and adapts to business end of our long-term Vauxhall Combo out. That’s a new one on me and a neat answer to a Class 1A NIC £1,119 suite the prevalent conditions, could be felt. Annual VED £0 then £0 – after all, that’s the main reason for readers to This kind of damage is nigh on impossible to fix possible problem. Annual VED £0 then £455 The DS 7 only delivers its full 300PS power with RV (4yr/80k) £12,150/33.8% buy this van. cost-effectively and will see several hundred My only criticism of the rear end is that the load RV (4yr/80k) £13,775/27.1% battery charge on-board. It pulls hard in this case, Fuel cost (ppm) 3.32 There’s a total of 3.8 cubic metres of loadspace pounds knocked off the value of the vehicle when floor is bare metal – and, sad to say, I have but comfort and refinement are its key USPs. on offer and a payload of 658kg, which is about it comes to be sold. already accidentally added a few scrapes to the Fuel cost (ppm) 7.47 AFR (ppm) 4 Whether DS has the chance to lure customers par for the course with models in this sector. There’s also a clever hatch in the bulkhead of paintwork while sliding loads in and out. AFR (ppm) 14 away from the Audi Q3, BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.26 Also usual is the single sliding side door and the van which means longer loads such as pipes My advice would be for any fleet manager to add Running cost (4yr/80k) 58.05 C-Class may well depend on a prospective owners’ CO2 (g/km) 0 asymmetric ‘barn doors’ at the rear, while inside or planks of wood can be poked through into the a plastic floor to the options list at the time of desire to be different. there are six load-lashing eyes in the floor and cab when the passenger seat is folded down. The purchase – it will pay for itself at selling time as CO2 (g/km) 33 Range 200 But, with the E-Tense’s early 2020 launch, the PSA panelling halfway up the sides, which means the clever bit is that there is also an elongated heavy the false floor can be whipped out again to reveal Fuel efficiency (mpg) 166.2 Group will have a product that can compete. Combo won’t suffer any of those dreaded duty bag affair attached to the hole in the bulkhead a pristine rear end.

68 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 69 ignition: our fleet view our fleet in detail at fleetnews.co.uk/long term reports

farewell farewell

first test volvo xc40 nissan first test Škoda scala d3 inscription qashqai n connecta By Andrew Baxter By Sarah Tooze bmw 118i 1.0tsi sE l After three months and clocking up close to 3,000 Our six-month stint with the Qashqai has come m sport miles, my time with the Volvo XC40 has ended. It to an end. During that time it has been put to the has proven to be highly capable, extremely test as a family car thanks to the arrival of my By Sarah tooze in the Škoda Octavia and, while fleets could comfortable and a worthy winner of the 2019 FN first baby in June. By Matt de Prez output of 140PS and CO2 emissions (as specified) The Scala, which is Škoda’s answer to the arguably opt for the Octavia hatch, the Scala has Award for New Company Car of the Year. As a new mum, there were a number of BMW has introduced a fairly radical change on of 123g/km. Fuel economy, under WLTP, is rated Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, a cheaper price point, with a P11D value of The driving has been a mix of motorway miles features I liked about the Qashqai – the rear the latest 1 Series, ditching its USP rear-drive at 44.1mpg. Finished in M Sport trim, our Alpine has joined our fleet for the next six months. £17,515 for the entry-level S compared with and urban runs, resulting in an average 41.1mpg privacy glass meant I didn’t need a sunshade, the layout for a mainstream front-wheel drive White car looks striking with its deep bumpers and It hopes to tempt fleets with the traits that Škoda £18,405 for the Octavia S. with 51.3mpg achieved on steady motorway keyless entry saved me trying to locate keys in setup. It’s a bold move for a vehicle that is as gloss black detailing. has become known for – size and value for money. We’re testing the top spec SE L. It has a long drives. Official figures for the 152PS, four-cylinder my bag when loaded down with baby important to the fleet sector as the ubiquitous 3 Enhancing the spec is a lengthy options list. I Despite being built on the same MQB-A0 platform list of standard features including a virtual D3 unit (with an eight-speed automatic gearbox paraphernalia and the flexible luggage board Series. must have been on Santa’s ‘good list’ this year as the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza, the Scala cockpit and generous 9.2-inch touchscreen, and FWD configuration) are 47.1-44.8 mpg, with system meant I could fit the pram (with carrycot) The upshot of the change is a more spacious because we’ve got upgraded brakes, LED is remarkably spacious. Its boot is class-leading at which give the Scala an upmarket feel. C02 emissions of 131-134 g/km and BIK is 34%. in the boot and stow some shopping beneath it. I interior and boot, making it a more desirable headlights, Harmon Kardon sound system, a 467 litres with the seats up and 1,410l with them Being a Škoda, there are a number of ‘Simply Journeys were made all the more pleasant by could also flip the boot divider to the smooth side company car. While the new car no longer has heated steering wheel plus some very snazzy folded. That compares with 380l and 1,270l in the Clever’ features such as an ice scraper with a the impressive standard spec list, which included to protect the carpeted side when needed – the precision of its predecessor, we expect the 19-inch alloy wheels. Golf, 341l and 1,320l in the Focus, and 370l and tyre tread depth gauge. a nine-inch centre console touchscreen, sat-nav, handy during wet weather. layout will be better suited to most drivers. The features add around £8,000 to the car’s 1,210l in the Astra. We’ve also opted for the 115PS 1.0-litre three- voice activated control, digital radio, Bluetooth However, I did find the Qashqai’s boot to be Our test model is a 118i, which makes use of £26,155 starting price. We’ll let you know how Rear passengers enjoy the same kneeroom as cylinder petrol engine, the expected best seller. hands-free system and keyless start. small compared with rival cars. It offers 430 a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It has an many of them are really necessary in due course. When the XC40 arrived in August, the tilt and litres, which is nearly 100l fewer than the Škoda slide panoramic glass roof, with sun curtain (part Karoq’s 521l, for instance. of the £1,600 Xenium Pack) was a welcome On the road, the Qashqai proved quiet and addition. As the year has worn on and morning comfortable and it was easy to build speed with temperatures now often struggle to get above the new 1.3-litre petrol engine. The majority of my zero, the addition of heated seats and a heated trips were short which meant the fuel economy steering wheel (the latter part of the £300 Winter tended to hover around the 40mpg mark (more Pack Plus) have been a combination that I would than 10mpg below the official combined figure of recommend to anyone; pure luxury. 53.2mpg). However, on longer runs, this did rise to As impressed as I have been with the Swedish around 48mpg. The best was 50mpg on a 44-mile baby SUV, there have been some gripes. Peterborough-Cambridge trip. In September, the windscreen wipers failed. I appreciated the Qashqai’s safety technology, Sometime between the fault occurring and the particularly the rear cross traffic alert and car going to the Volvo dealer, the fault rectified moving object detection, and the Intelligent itself, but the service department suggested it Around View Monitor system which gave a still come in. On collection, the dealership 360-degree bird’s eye view around the car. first test confirmed there had been a ‘glitch’ and the However, I had a love-hate relationship with the first test diagnostics had picked up an intermittent fault. sat-nav. I hated its annoying warning message VolVo xc60 Other minor quibbles include the passenger- whenever I went on a road with ‘restricted mazda3 skyactiv-x sport side wing mirror not angling downwards when access’ but was impressed by how accurate its D4 momentum reverse is selected, and the dash-mounted boot predicted arrival time was thanks to TomTom release button working intermittently at best. Premium Traffic (a feature of the new Nissan By gareth Roberts electrical equipment, further improving On balance though, have these small issues Connect infotainment system). By Steve Briers The 190PS 2.0-litre auto has CO2 emissions of The all-new Mazda3 saloon joins theFleet News efficiency. For more on the engine technology affected my enjoyment of the XC40? No. Would I Overall, the Qashqai proved why it is still a good Volvo is a brand on the march. With a proud 129g/km and a WLTP fuel economy range of 42.4- test car fleet promising diesel-like economy with see page 67. recommend it to any fleet decision-maker or choice for fleets although it is no longer a history of safety innovation, its cars are now 47.9mpg. We’re currently averaging 42.6mpg after petrol performance. The eight-model Mazda3 saloon range company car driver? Absolutely. standout car in the crowded crossover segment. seen as a credible premium alternative to the a week of driving. The clever 2.0-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-X petrol features Sport, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT German brands, while UK fleet registrations The Momentum Pro trim, described by Volvo as engine uses diesel-style compression ignition to Sport Tech trim levels, with a choice of automatic have doubled over the past decade. ‘premium’, is one of three: R-Design is ‘sport’ and reduce fuel consumption to a claimed 52.3mpg. or manual transmission for every grade. The XC60 has continued to add to Volvo’s Inscription is ‘luxury’. Power is delivered smoothly enabling you to get Autonomous emergency braking (Mazda calls reputation, winning a Fleet News Award in 2015. Momentum includes as standard a nine-inch up to speed with ease, with a welcome amount of it Smart Brake Support) and lane-assist comes The second-generation model, on a four-month touchscreen with sat-nav, voice activation control torque at low revs. as standard, as does blindspot monitoring with test with us, was launched in 2017 and added to and Volvo On Call with remote control via an app. The engine is matched to the 24V mild-hybrid rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning the mix high quality materials, an extensive list Safety features include tracking, city safety with system that recycles recovered kinetic energy. A and traffic sign recognition. of safety equipment and improved technology. steering support, AEB and lane-keeping aids. belt-driven integrated starter generator converts Every model also features navigation, Apple Our test model is the D4, the most frugal Initial impressions are good – the drive is decent the energy in the 600kJ lithium-ion battery, while CarPlay/Android Auto and an advanced eight- diesel in the range and the one targeted most and the engine, while a little growly, is responsive. the DC-DC converter supplies it to the car’s speaker audio system. squarely at the fleet market. We’ll report more thoroughly in the next review.

70 December 12 2019 n fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk n December 12 2019 71 FNA20_FPAD(v4).qxp_Layout 1 06/12/2019 09:55 Page 1

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GREAT B R I T VA N *

Delivery fleets gearing up to meet year-end peak demand But concerns remain about how the sector will cope if EU drivers not welcome post-Brexit

By Tom Seymour the normal daily volume, equating to tional couriers ahead of Christmas. us to continue to deliver a first-class ALL NEW VAUXHALL VIVARO CARRIES BRITISH BUSINESS K delivery companies an extra 210,000 van trips. CitySprint’s additional drivers will service and ensures we stay ahead of have been flexing their While research from IMRG, the be primarily focused on van couriers our competitors.” U fleets to take on an influx UK’s industry association for online and they have been added to its 5,000- Yodel brought in an additional 300 of drivers and vehicles retail, predicts that online Black strong fleet to support the seasonal vans to help manage additional for what they expect to be a record Friday deliveries will only see growth demand. volume over the peak period, with a peak season in 2019. of 2-3% this year, or may even be flat, The recruitment for drivers at City- mix of short-term rental and perma- The peak period between Black fleets have still been scaling up. Sprint has been concentrated on nent additions to the fleet. This was in Friday at the end of November Hermes has taken on an additional major cities and towns, including addition to 70 tractor units and 300 through to the New Year sees many 1,000 trailers, 3,200 scanning devices, central London, Manchester, Bristol, trailers. Yodel recruited 1,000 roles online-only businesses, as well as 560 drivers, 7,000 couriers and 32 Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, for peak 2019 through a combination Up to 60.1 mpg high street companies, relying more peak managers to join existing teams Telford, Letchworth, Cambridge and of agency, self-employed and full- heavily on delivery fleets to process to provide seasonal support. Reading. time drivers. CO2 from 125g/km orders. Martin Colloff, Hermes head of Paul Gisbourne, CitySprint chief Carl Moore, chief operating officer Payloads up to 1,458kg Last year’s sales event saw around client and network distribution, esti- operating officer, said: “We know the at Yodel, said: “This time of year is a Search VAUXHALL NEW VIVARO VAN 30 million orders placed on Black mates the peak period deliveries will Christmas season brings increased unique period for us and other parcel or call 0330 587 8222 for more information. Friday – 21 million of which were be up 14% year-on-year. pressure, demand and competition carriers as consumers buy more delivered to customers’ homes. CitySprint, the UK same-day distri- for our customers. goods at a faster rate than the rest of This works out at around five times bution company, recruited 500 addi- “Bolstering fleet numbers will allow the year. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Vivaro range: Urban: 44.1 (6.4) – 56.5 (5.0), # Extra-urban: 54.3 (5.2) – 61.4 (4.6), Combined: 50.4 (5.6) – 60.1 (4.7). CO 2 emissions: 125 – 152g/km. # n Model shown New Vivaro Sportive L1 Panel Van in Amber Red (no-cost option). Fuel consumption data and CO2 emission data are determined using the WLTP test cycle, and the relevant values are fleetnews.co.uk December 12 2019 75 translated back to allow the comparability into NEDC. The values do not take into account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tyres. Correct at time of print.

FP_FLEETNEW_GMB1105823id4128386.pdf 12.04.2019 12:45 adRocket

CoMMerCIal fleeT: news

public eye

In our regular column, an experienced fleet manager gives his take on the issues facing the public sector. This month: meeting ‘green’ targets.

Across the world, national and local governments are declaring a climate emergency on the back of stark warnings about the need for far-reaching action to reduce the impact of climate change. For a council to adopt a climate emergency strategy, it must set a target date to reduce its carbon “We take a strategic approach to snow ploughs strategically placed The Freight Transport Association emissions and set up a working upscaling our fleet and workforce to across the network.” (FTA) estimates that 59,000 HGV group to report proposals. Also, it ensure we manage the additional Hermes has also launched a drivers will be needed over the next must engage a cross-section of volume that Black Friday, Cyber number of new initiatives this year to 12 months to avoid significant issues communities. Monday and Christmas bring.” help address the potential UK driver for peak 2020. The Achilles heel in all of this is While DPD wouldn’t reveal how shortage. The FTA wants the Government to that each authority can set its many additional drivers or vehicles it Its Road to Logistics scheme has amend its post-Brexit immigration own target and control methods had to add to its fleet this year, it said been developed to enable people who policy to retain existing EU workers which may have an impact upon its preparations start in the preceding may not have any driving experience and welcome new ones after the UK the boundaries of neighbouring January and it is expecting record to gain skills and the possibility of full- leaves the EU. authorities. Surely, a more unified delivery volumes for peak 2019. time employment in the logistics Sally Gilson, FTA head of skills approach would provide a Royal Mail declined to comment on sector. campaigns, said: “With UK Christmas national solution. its peak 2019 plans, but it did say its Colloff said the scheme has been present spending now topping To address this issue, councils own research shows that online designed to ensure Hermes has its £19 billion a year, and 42% of that can adopt energy efficiency in festive shopping has increased by own ‘talent pipeline’ and is prepared spent online, the pressure on logistics local transport by promoting 11% year-on-year. for any future legislation and possible businesses to deliver a flawless measures such as cycling, Colloff said planning for peak starts Brexit impact. Christmas for consumers and busi- car-sharing, car exclusion zones, as soon as the previous peak delivery Kieran Smith, chief executive at nesses alike is increasing every year. or access charges. period finishes enabling 12 months of Driver Require, the driver recruit- “At the same time, the availability of Additionally, they can increase preparation. ment specialist, estimates that the UK HGV drivers to deliver these gifts and the use of electric vehicles (EVs) He said: “We use data from years of is suffering from a shortage of 50,000 other vital commodities has declined by promoting charging points and operation along with estimations of to 60,000 drivers and more than 10% by 16,000 year-on-year despite investing in EV infrastructure. parcel volume. Using this, we can of the workforce are from the EU. soaring demand for their services.” They can improve public accurately predict what our busiest Smith said the problem can be Gilson said EU workers currently transport by the integration of day and week will be the following solved with approximately 42,000 make up 13% of the logistics sector’s bikes, buses and trains and year. newly qualified drivers entering the entire workforce. consider how transport contracts “This ensures we have the required market compared with 10,000 leaving The number of EU nationals moving (through purchasing additional capacity and vehicles annually. But the next six to 12 months to the UK for work is now more than organisations) can be used to needed to deliver increased parcel are critical. 50% lower than its peak period encourage green travel. volumes.” between June 2015-June 2016. Investment in a whole host of Hermes implemented a £16 million Gilson said: “The Government’s vehicles to make them carbon- WE’LL COME TO YOU project at its parcel distribution hub in WE CAn proposed post-Brexit immigration free is challenging at a time of Rugby to support its peak plans. policy fails to take into account what cuts, therefore grants and Fleet vehicle servicing, general maintenance The investment saw an additional ACCURATELy these employees bring to industry incentives are required in order to third tier hub being built, resulting in PREDICT and, instead, is based around arbi- ramp-up the uptake of carbon- and warranty repairs, at a location that suits you. an additional capacity of 40%. trary academic levels and minimum neutral vehicles. It has meant Hermes has increased WHAT oUR salary requirements, not what the UK The vehicle powertrains Over 100 vans nationwide at participating dealers only. capacity across its network to handle BUSIEST DAy economy needs to remain functional. required to address this zero- 2.5 million parcels each day. “FTA is urging the Government to carbon initiative by 2030 is diverse www.ford.co.uk/mobile -service Colloff said: “To be prepared for all AnD WEEK amend its future immigration policy and cost-prohibitive. To find out more visit eventualities, we have a team dedi- WILL BE to allow these workers continued The cost and complexity of this Or contact [email protected] cated to keeping the operation access post-Brexit; the Government at a same time when councils are running smoothly. must prioritise the recruitment and facing funding constraints, begs “During bad weather this includes MarTIn Colloff, retention of HGV drivers alongside the question: where will the monitoring road surface tempera- HerMes other logistics staff, to future-proof money come from? tures and forecasts, with grit and Christmas for years to come.” FORD SERVICE 76 December 12 2019 n fleetnews.co.uk

FP_FLEETNEW_282868FOBFid4060259.pdfFP_FLEETNEW_418171id4090492.pdf 10.10.201911.04.2019 13:4915:56 commeRcial fleeT: volvo trucks Ready, steady, go! Volvo Trucks is set for all eventualities MD Robert Grozdanovski is ambitious for increased growth but says it’s a question of balance, reports Andrew Baxter

obert Grozdanovski has been the idea of hoarding stock is an anathema, so managing director of Volvo Trucks UK Grozdanovski has taken a measured approach. He and Ireland since January 2019, but explains: “We have increased our stockholding a R his career with the Swedish manufac- little bit to compensate for potential border delays, turer spans some 22 years and a host of European but not excessively, because for years we have countries. tried to optimise stock-keeping.” Grozdanovski started out in 1997 with Volvo Bus, An additional measure taken by the manufacturer moving over to Volvo Trucks in 2000. In 2004 he is to now ship its trucks directly to Ireland rather was appointed commercial truck sales director, than transport them across the UK. It’s a step taken CEE (Central and Eastern Europe), based in to “avoid potential complications” with border Warsaw, Poland. controls in the future. In 2007 he moved to Bratislava, Slovakia, Brexit uncertainty aside, Volvo Trucks is enjoying becoming managing director of Volvo Trucks CEE. steady sales and market share, a loyal customer Three years later, he moved to Prague as his base and has big plans for alternatively-powered responsibilities expanded to Volvo Trucks in the vehicles. Czech Republic, as well as Slovakia. During 2012 this role evolved into managing director Volvo SaleS and market Share Trucks and sister comnpany Renault Trucks. Total sales have remained steady over recent His last appointment in Prague was from 2014 years at around 5,500 – 6,000 trucks, with 2019 as managing director/vice-president Volvo Group expected again to be around the 6,000 units mark. Trucks, CEE. Growth is, of course, an aim for Grozdanovski. Now based at the Volvo Truck’s UK and Ireland However, he takes a pragmatic view. He says: headquarters in Warwick, Grozdanovski’s knowl- “Every MD wants a higher market share, but, at edge of – and passion for – the brand is clear. A the same time, market share is always a balance little less than a year in-post, he has taken the and we need to earn money and be fair to Robert Grozdanovski reins at a time of both great potential and innova- customers on pricing. We have somewhere has held senior positions tion within the UK truck market, albeit one set around 15-16% market share (of 16-tonne-plus throughout Europe in his 22 against a backdrop of previously unknown levels models) and I think we will end up on a similar years with Volvo Trucks of uncertainty thanks to the prolonged Brexit. level this year.” For a manufacturer which has previously honed Making grand proclamations of growth, or its stock-keeping and supply chain processes, the market share dominance is not part of the Volvo Trucks philosophy. Grozdanovski explains: “As any to reach and rental companies are not our focus,” “The return on investment can be seen in two- and Grozdanovski expects to see small-volume Rather than purchasing autonomous trucks, transport operator knows, you need to be profit- says Grozdanovski. to-two-and-a-half years dependent on the sales of both electrified FL and FE models begin- Brønnøy Kalk is buying a ‘transport solution’. able in order to renew your trucks. So, for us to be “We are particularly strong in the tractors, and mileage, which is amazingly good – and is much ning in 2020. By 2025, he expects that “a significant WE HAVE able to develop new trucks and new products, in the 8x4 tipper market we also have a very strong better than we anticipated,” he says. part of our FL/FE sales will be electric”. CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS while at the same time still further develop diesel offer. But we are now also focusing more on lighter Work is also underway with gas suppliers to Volvo’s autonomous projects also extend to its fully INCREASED oUR engines, we must earn money to put into that segments, on the two and three axles.” grow the national LNG network. Although growth AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES autonomous and connected Vera. The futuristic- SToCKHoLDING A development and that is the balancing act.” “Having our base and stronghold in the heavier of this infrastructure has been slow, he is confident Another element of Volvo Truck’s future strategy looking cab-less self-driving tractor unit will form Volvo’s 6x2 tractors account for around 55-60% duty applications means we have had to develop that Volvo Trucks is well placed. “It’s happening is autonomous vehicles. In November 2018, it part of an integrated solution to transport goods LITTLE BIT To of total sales. This configuration is a “unique thing these two- and three-axle trucks by focusing our and I think it will see quite some development in signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk from a DFDS logistics centre to Gothenburg’s port. CoMPENSATE FoR for the UK”, with the 4x2 tractors accounting for effort and encouraging our sales people and the next two-three years. We feel very well posi- AS in Norway to provide its first commercial Connected vehicles, of course, mean the ability around 70-80% of annual sales in mainland dealers to put focus on it. This has paid off as we tioned to capitalise on this.” autonomous solution, transporting limestone to collect vast amounts of data and with it, the PoTENTIAL BoRDER Europe (excluding the Nordic countries). have seen an increase in those areas.” The move to electric power is also well underway. from an open pit mine to a nearby port. ability to increase the manufacturer’s offer to all of DELAyS, BUT NoT Grozdanovski expects around 1,200 units will go to Volvo has three fully electric trucks undergoing The solution consists of limestone being trans- its customers. larger fleet operators, with the majority going to alternative fuelS trials in Europe. Two are being used by operators ported by six autonomous Volvo FH16 trucks on a As Grozdanovski explains: “Big data is very much ExCESSIVELy SMEs and owner operators. Volvo Trucks is the only manufacturer to use essen- in Gothenburg – an FL 4x2 is being used for urban five kilometre stretch through tunnels between on the agenda, to help make decisions on preven- “We try to reach all segments, however, our tially a standard diesel engine as a base for its LNG- deliveries and an FE 6x2 for waste collection. A the mine and the crusher. Tests were successfully tative maintenance, but also operationally – to use offering and our philosophy probably fits best with powered products. This, says Grozdanovski, offers second FE, with low-entry cab, is being used for conducted throughout 2018 and are set to become the vehicle in a different way. We see plenty of RobeRT gRozdanoVski, VolVo small- to medium-sized fleets, with some larger several advantages over its competitors in terms of waste collection in Hamburg. fully operational this month. potential and we see that being a standard part of fleets, but the really large, ‘mega fleets’ are harder power, torque, range and fuel returns. The trials are gleaning valuable real-world data The deal represents a first for Volvo Trucks. the vehicles in the future.”

78 December 12 2019 n fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 79 commercial fleet: ComplianCe COMMERCIAL FLEET: FIRST DRIVE

FTA ADVICE By Ray marshall, senior transport advisor, FTa From October 1, 1997, if the overall travelling height of a motor vehicle or trailer We have height indicators in exceeds three metres, there must Some of my van drivers are either because of a breach of a Q the cabs of our vehicles that be a notice in the cab, where it can Q leaving their vehicles specific policy condition or warranty, make the driver aware of its height be easily read by the driver, unattended with the engine or because the insured will have and trailer. However, we have gone indicating the overall travelling running in order to clear ice from been deemed not to have taken to a customer’s site to collect one height (to a tolerance of 150mm), in the windows. are there any reasonable care. Locking the of their trailers and there are no feet/inches or in both feet/inches insurance implications if the vehicle with another key while the markings on it telling us how high and metres (but not in metres only). vehicle is stolen? keys are in the ignition is no defence the trailer is. There is no legal requirement to Most insurance organisations as a window could be broken and Should there be height markings put height markings on trailers. IVECO GOES FOR AN a have conditions in their the vehicle accessed this way. on the trailer? However, a simple system policies that expect the policyholder The Road Vehicles employed by some operators and vehicle user to exercise a duty a (Construction and Use) involves externally marking each ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION of care. Failure to adhere to specific (Amendment) Regulations 1997 tractor with its ground fifth wheel policy conditions could invalidate introduced new requirements for coupling height and each trailer Stepping on the gas (CNG or LNG) is one of truck builder’s long-term strategies your cover. If a vehicle is stolen cab notices and automatic warning with its kingpin top of trailer height. because the keys were left in the devices, to reduce the incidence of The overall travelling height for ignition, a claim for the loss of the bridge strikes by high vehicles, their any tractor/trailer combination is vehicle will invariably be declined, equipment or loads. the sum of these two. By Tim Campbell emission targets set for both 2025 and 2030 on hile all the recent talk about Iveco trucks and, second, the potential to hedge their has been focused on the S-Way, its bets on an alternative fuel solution for the long- latest offering to European heavy haul European market. Driving in low winter sun W truck operators, it can’t have missed The investment level quoted was $250 million the attention of UK users that we won’t be seeing (£193m) comprising $100m (£77m) cash and the Winter is a dangerous time to drive for glass or windscreens, otherwise it right-hand drive versions until later into 2020. balance in services, such as product development, for many reasons. Snow and ice can may leave streaks that intensify glare. So, for now, at least, Iveco’s heavy truck solution manufacturing engineering and other technical make roads slippery and unsafe, but takes the shape of the Nuovo Stralis NP which has assistance, as well as the supply of certain key did you know that low winter sun can replace old wiper blades diesel as its more conventional power unit. components to accelerate the production timeline be just as dangerous? Having a clean windscreen won’t do However, there is an alternative in the form of of the Nikola products. During winter, the sun doesn’t rise much good if your wiper blades Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) power which, naturally, Interestingly, CNH also announced almost Coming clean as high as in the summer. This low aren’t working. Low winter sun is conforms to the Euro VI emission level. simultaneously under its ‘Transform 2 Win’ with natural gas winter sun can cause glare when especially dangerous when it’s Iveco’s approach to the alternative powering of initiative that it will separate their group into a ‘Off driving, due to the angle at which it raining or snowing. Wipers that leave heavy trucks has almost always been centred highway’ company featuring the agriculture and hits your windscreen. This glare can streaks or don’t work effectively can Wear sunglasses avoid glare. In contrast, roads around gas, either compressed (CNG) or liquified construction business and a ‘On-highway’ particulate matter so it’s little wonder the benefits temporarily blind drivers and make it make the glare worse. A good pair of sunglasses can help surrounded by wide open spaces are (LNG) dependent on their operating mission. company encompassing Iveco and Fiat Power of LNG are becoming increasingly popular. impossible to see the road ahead. significantly with blocking out glare. more dangerous since there’s This seemed to be its long-term solution; that is Trains (FPT) plus bus and coach etc. For those who live in northern Slow down Look for polarised shades, which are nothing to block the sun. You may until October when Iveco’s ultimate parent This has a led people to speculate as to the future DRIVELINE latitudes (such as the UK and If you’re having a hard time seeing coated with a thin film designed to also want to avoid areas where company, CNH, announced it planned to enter into path for both groups in this turbulent and fast- The Stralis NP features the familiar Cursor 13-litre Ireland), this phenomenon is worse. the road ahead, you may need to reduce glare. Not only will polarised objects, such as tall glass buildings an exclusive and strategic partnership with one of moving global commercial vehicle market. engine rated at 466PS (338kw) @ 1,900rpm and In Ireland alone, it is estimated that slow down. Driving at a lower speed sunglasses reduce the sun’s glare, or bodies of water, reflect the sun. the major US truck disruptors, Nikola. The latter For Iveco, having an LNG solution ready and developing 2,000Nm of torque @ 1,100rpm and this low winter sun is a contributing gives you more time to react to they’ll also protect your eyes from is developing a fuel cell solution for heavy trucks working for heavy trucks in the UK and mainland results in a ‘green economy’ zone on the rev factor in about four accident-related obstacles ahead, such as other the harmful effects of the sun. Keep Drive with caution in the US and, ultimately, Europe. Europe now is a testament to its belief and resolve counter from 1,100 to 1,600rpm. Behind the engine deaths each year. In the UK, roughly vehicles or pedestrians. With glare a pair in your glove compartment Even if you follow all of these tips for This agreement helps Iveco in two major areas. that gas is the future for long-haul trunking. is a 430mm diameter clutch featuring an electro- 3,000 accidents are caused by the from the low winter sun, you might and you’ll always be prepared. staying safe while driving in low First, in meeting the demanding European So, the opportunity to drive an LNG truck in the pneumatic clutch actuation unit which Iveco calls sun’s glare each year. Most of these not see these until they’re right in winter sun, other drivers may not be guise of the latest version of the Stralis (Nuovo ConAct, standing for Concentric Clutch Actuator. accidents occur in the winter. front of you. Use your visor so careful. Leave extra space MODEL TESTED Stralis NP) 6x2 was one that could not be ignored. It’s basically a concentric electro-pneumatic Luckily, there are steps you can Your car’s visor isn’t just for sunny between your vehicle and those IVECO NUOVO STRALIS NP LNG release cylinder with a travel sensor reporting the take to make driving in low winter Be aware of pedestrians summer months. Put your visor ahead of or behind you when SPECIFICATIONS LNG V DIESEL clutch’s actual position to the control unit. sun safer. In most of the fatalities caused by down during the winter to help possible. If you brake suddenly and Model AS440S46TX/P 6x2C When the first Cursor 9 model was converted to The 12-speed Hi-Tronix automated gearbox is low winter sun, the victim was a combat glare from low winter sun. It the driver behind you is blinded by LNG, it set a new standard but the Cursor 13 NP standard behind this engine and has an overdrive GVW/GCW clean your windscreen pedestrian. Drivers blinded by low won’t always work, since your visor the sun, you might get rear-ended. 26000kgs/44000kgs takes this to a new level with 18% more torque, gear on the top ratio helping to maximise the A dirty windscreen can make glare winter sun might not see pedestrians can only block the sun’s light from a Remember, too, that even when the Payload 35678kgs 15% more power. With a 466PS engine, it has a potential fuel economy of the Stralis, with the Arvin worse. Light coming in through your until it’s too late. When the sun is low certain angle, but using it can help sun is behind you, it might be Wheelbase 4000mm best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. Meritor single reduction rear axle helping transfer windscreen refracts off any dirt or or the glare on your windscreen is shield your eyes from the glare. causing glare for oncoming traffic. Perhaps more importantly, the silent mode the power and torque to the wheels and tyres. Engine Cursor 12.9 litre smudges on the glass, making it intense, it’s more important than Be extra cautious when turning in delivers an impressive 71 dB(A) function, making harder to see. Use a glass cleaner ever to look out for pedestrians. choose a new route front of oncoming traffic and stay Power bhp 460bhp (338kW)@1900rpm this attractive to operators working in an urban SUMMARY and a soft microfibre cloth to clean Keep your eyes on the road and be Low winter sun is worse on some aware of the sun’s position. Torque Nm 2000Nm @1100rpm environment and/or with night-time deliveries. Lack of noise together with great emission the inside of your windscreen which aware of your surroundings. Again, roads than others. Roads with lots of Glare can’t be avoided, but if you Gearbox Hi-Tronix 12 spe automated Of course, low emissions are essential and, credentials are great features of the Stralis NP will help to reduce glare. Make sure it’s also worth keeping your speed tall buildings or trees that block prepare yourself and your vehicle, you’ll compared with diesel, LNG offers 80% less and, until the S-Way makes its UK debut, there is Suspension your cleaner is designed specifically down so you’ve got time to react. sunlight are safer if you’re trying to have the best chance to stay safe. Parabolic Front & Air Rear methane, 60% less nitrogen oxide and 99% less lots to commend LNG and Stralis to operators.

80 December 12 2019 n fleetnews.co.uk fleetnews.co.uk ■ December 12 2019 81 THE LAST WORD

Why fleet? I’ve always been passionate about MARK DICKENS expanding the reach of our fantastic product range. Back in 2014, the FLEET DIRECTOR, GROUPE RENAULT opportunity was presented to accelerate Renault and Dacia car fleet volumes and also for LCVs. At From the age of seven, when he watched his dad take part in the the same time, we needed to develop our Renault Approved used vehicles Lombard RAC rally, Dickens has been hooked on motors. There programme and improve residual values. When you think that fleet really was no other career for him – and he has no regrets represents roughly half of the market the opportunity to make a contribution to Renault was massive. The advice I would give to my 18-year-old self If money was no object I’d invest in is – first, patent that idea you have for a mobile helping Asthma UK find a cure. How I got here phone that would fit in your pocket!, and then…. By finding ways to make my team do it all again, but don’t waste your time – you’ll successful and being resourceful. In be 54 before you know it! And make sure you A book I would recommend others every role I’ve been 100% automotive. look after the people around you. read is (for business): The 7 Habits Starting out as an apprentice of Highly Effective People by Stephen technician in the dealer network, R Covey; and (for pleasure) enjoying stints in manufacturer The song I would have on my driving In Cold Blood by Mark Dawson. technical, motorsport and F1, area playlist is Don’t Stop Me Now(Queen). and regional director roles, and covering just about every aspect of My hobbies and interests are sales operations, network My first memory associated with a car No 1 must be just spending development and mid-term strategy. was watching my father launch his ‘downtime’ with my family. Mk1 Ford Escort RS2000 rally car over We’re all incredibly busy Latest products, developments a hump-back bridge at full throttle in people. Then loving the and achievements the Lombard RAC stages rally when I ‘peace’ of cranking up my A long list as we are just launching was seven – hooked from then on. Harley Davidson whenever our new range of WLTP-compliant I can find the time, also LCVs, an all-new Clio, new Zoe and skiing when I can – but all-new Captur coming around the My favourite movie not on the Harley! corner. And then plenty of exciting quote is from Bridge future models not yet in the public of Spies – James domain! But for achievement, it must Donovan: You’re My pet be our 100% electric vehicle range not worried? hate is with battery ranges that make them Rudolf Abel: “diesel- a real everyday possibility. Would it help? bashing”. My company in three words Passion for life. If I were m a d e Career influence transport There have been many people in my minister for career at both Renault and Ford that the day: The I’ve been influenced by. But, in the 100% BEVs main, my father has been the real are here. I’d role model for me in the industry. rapidly increase the volume of What makes a good fleet director? on-street chargers Accessibility, visibility, credibility, available to make it adaptability and resourcefulness. easier for people to This is not an industry where you can get on and make pretend to be something you’re not. the switch. If I wasn’t in fleet? Hard to imagine now, as I love the job, the people and the challenges. I’d probably go and do something completely different for a charity.

Next issue: Chris Jackson, head of fleet electric vehicle strategy at Centrica Mobility Ventures

82 December 12 2019 ■ fleetnews.co.uk