Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FleetNews
22.11.07
£2.25
fleetnews.co.uk
HELRPINGA
N
YO EAUPER
U
CH ANER
CLE FER Business motoring strategy and finance
SA ET
FLE
at-work drivers
As fuel prices top £1 per litre,
rising petrol and diesel prices are
having a growing impact on the
types of company cars being
bought and how they are driven.
When asked to list the most
important factors when construct-
Driving Standards Agency initiative aims to educate motorists for life ing a fleet, 90% of managers with
responsibility for choosing and
BY PHILL TROMANS running company cars cited fuel
economy as the fastest growing
Motorists who drive for work factor – up 14% year on year.
are to be targeted as part of an What’s more, 88% said fuel
overhaul of the learner driver costs were having an impact on
system. the number of business miles
The chief executive of the covered by their company cars, a
Driving Standards Agency rise of 7% compared to the same
(DSA), Rosemary Thew, has period in 2006, indicating that
confirmed that she is planning some managers are encouraging
to focus on fleet drivers as part drivers to consider alternatives.
of the agency’s policy to offer at- This is supported by other
work drivers continual develop- figures in GE Capital Solutions’
ment throughout their careers. quarterly Company Car Trends
The DSA is at the centre of a report, which suggests that home
Department for Transport plan working is having an increasing
to radically reshape the way new influence on company car mileage.
drivers learn. However, the plan Environmental issues are
stretches beyond new drivers showing similar rises in impor-
and will have an additional focus The Driving Standards Agency wants at-work drivers to undergo continued learning modules tance to fuel and are mentioned by
on developing drivers’ skills 6% more managers of company
after they have qualified. weeks and follow the announce- has been under-estimated in the Ms Thew outlined a four- cars than the same period 12
“We need to do more to help ment of a comprehensive review past,” said Ms Thew. “We need strand approach, covering months ago.
drivers develop and maintain of driver training in January by to address drivers’ attitudes education, training, testing and “Company car managers are
standards for life, especially for the then transport minister, towards driving throughout driving for life. “A fundamental becoming ever more conscious of
those driving for work,” Stephen Ladyman. their driving career.” overhaul of the driving test and the need to reduce the environ-
explained Ms Thew. The Government’s focus on The DSA chief executive said learning process is now needed mental impact of their activities
“It’s about attitude, knowledge motorists who drive for work the approach would also need if new drivers are to be and a fleet that has more fuel
and exposure to driving on the means fleet drivers can expect employers’ cooperation. “We adequately equipped to drive efficient vehicles and covers fewer
road. Our driving instructors do to be targeted in the coming need continued learning safely on our busy roads.” miles is one that will produce a
a very good job but the existing months. It will complement a modules – for example, driving Ms Thew said the consulta- lower carbon footprint,” said Rich
system no longer reflects the campaign by the DfT, which is for work. Employers now have a tion exercise is an opportunity Green, managing director at GE
demands of the modern world.” also aimed at improving the responsibility so we are looking for all stakeholders to contrib- Fleet Ser vices.
The proposals, which will be safety record of at-work drivers. at raising awareness and ensur- ute. “There does seem to be a ■ Four-page fuel management special
open to public consultation, will “One-third of all fatalities are ing that employers have the genuine feeling of a need for starts on page 24
be published in the coming work related and this element tools they need,” she said. change,” she said.
by overseas drivers
benefit. The Ford Transit
Connect has been named
fleet light van of the year for
the fifth time while, for the
13th year in succession, the
Transit is ACFO’s fleet
panel van of the year. BY DANIEL ATTWOOD road crashes in the UK in 2006 – a accidents while driving in Europe it remains difficult for fleet manag-
47% rise since 2001. last year. ers to check the validity of a
Dealer awards Fleet operators are being warned The most dramatic rise was “More effective action is foreign driver’s licence or whether
AM, Fleet News’ sister that the number of accidents with Lithuanian drivers, who needed at both a national and it has endorsements.
publication, invites fleet involving foreign drivers on the caused 746 crashes last year European level to ensure that we Cathy Keeler, from road safety
managers to nominate UK’s roads, which are already compared to just one in 2001. But can enjoy all the benefits of a charity Brake, said: “This report
their best dealer for the disproportionately high, will it was Polish drivers who caused larger single market without confirms what Brake already
2008 AM Awards. With continue to rise. The warning has the most crashes – 3,132 – of any compromising road safety,” said feared: the lack of coordination of
your help, AM wants to implications for companies who foreign driver group. Stephen Haddrill, ABI director driving legislation and enforce-
applaud the best employ foreign drivers as well as Workers who drive abroad general. ment across Europe means
dealership, best those who have workers using must be made aware of the rules The ABI has called for improve- drivers feel they can get away
bodyshop and best car the UK’s roads. of the road in the countries they ments in the sharing of informa- with not sticking to, or under-
repairer. Have your say, The advice follows the publica- are driving in, or fleet operators tion. So far just 11 countries have standing, local laws.”
and email nominations tion of a new report – European will be failing to meet their duty- signed up to the EUCARIS system, A coalition of motoring and
to am@emap.com Drivers – Crossing Borders Safely of-care obligations. The advice which allows driver and licence road safety groups has been
– by the Association of British comes on the back of new information to be checked by established by the ABI to investi-
Cover by email Insurers (ABI), which found that research which found that UK other EU countries. With so few gate the extent of the problem
Motorists can now receive foreign drivers caused 18,000 drivers were involved in 5,000 countries signing up to EUCARIS, and recommend action.
their motor insurance
certificates by email. The
insurance industry has
been calling for a change in
the law for some time citing
Biofuel crops having impact on poorer countries
environmental as well as MPs are raising questions over mental audit select committee, In June the price of corn in that the Low Carbon Vehicle Part-
operational benefits. the long-term viability of biofuels, said: “Given the current state of Mexico rose by 400% because of nership had admitted that
claiming the Government is biofuel technology, foodstuffs are the demand in the USA for the proposed biofuel sustainability or
Speedier probes signing up to treaties on its being diverted from human crop to produce bioethanol. carbon savings certification will
Road closures in Essex production without considering consumption to produce biofuel. Increasing numbers of scien- not account for the multiple
following serious crashes the effect on poorer countries. “It seems that we are busily tists and politicians are question- displaced effects of diverting land
should be reduced Speaking at an international signing the UK up to the Euro- ing the ability of biofuels to from food production. Problems
thanks to new technol- development committee in the pean targets on biofuels without provide a lower carbon alternative they say include higher food
ogy. GPS satellite House of Commons, Lib Dem MP considering the disastrous conse- to petrol or diesel. prices, deforestation, human and
enabled equipment Lynne Featherstone, also a quences that those targets might A number of MPs have signed wildlife displacement and major
means police can make a member of the influential environ- have in driving up food prices.” an early day motion which noted land-use change.
virtual map of an
accident scene much
quicker. It also helps
them to gather vital EVENTS ROUND-UP
evidence and get
motorists back on the
move sooner.
Euro fleet experts lined up for Brussels conference
Some of the industry’s leading Serres, vice-president, ALD The website will be updated
experts on European fleet have International; Alan Carpenter, as additional speakers are
been confirmed for the annual Director – Volvo Car Interna- announced. It also provides
UK FUEL Fleet News Europe Conference. tional Fleet Sales; Paul Lauria, speaker biographies and
PRICES The conference, in Brussels
on February 7, will cover a
technology, the manufacturer
viewpoint and an international
president, Mercury Associates;
and Andy Leech, business
information about the venue –
the Marriott Hotel, Brussels.
ppl/ppg
range of key issues affecting perspective. leader at cfc solutions. ■ For information, ticket sales
DIESEL..............................105.1/478
European fleet suppliers, Among the speakers will be Full details on the conference and sponsorship enquiries, call
SUPER UNLEADED........107.5/489
UNLEADED......................101.2/460 including green fleet in Europe, Vincent Rupied, international are available on the dedicated Luke Clements on 01733 468325
FOUR STAR......................103.1/469 market expansion, the future of director of the Corporate Fleet News Europe website at or email luke.clements@emap.
LPG......................................49.3/224 residual values, fleet safety, Vehicle Observatory; Pascal www.fneurope-conference.com com
2 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
UK bottom in
motorway poll
The UK’s motorway network has
Speeders to be hit IN BRIEF
by stiffer penalties
been ranked at the bottom of the
EU–27 based on the number of
cars per motorway mile.
The findings are contained in
the annual compilation of road
statistics by the Road Users’ Alli- 1link livery
ance (RUA). BY EMMA COOPER 45mph in a 30mph zone, 57mph in SafeSpeed.org.uk, criticised the Software provider epyx
Director Tim Green pointed a 40mph zone and so on. proposals. He said: “This is just has chosen a new logo
out that, like its European neigh- The Government is planning to The DfT hopes to confirm one more dangerous mistake in a for its fleet of 1link
bours, the UK’s economy double the number of penalty these new measures after the catalogue of dangerous mistakes. MINIs. The design will
depends on its road network. points issued to speeding motor- consultation process, during “We all know that exceeding be used on the new
“Motorways carry 92% of our ists, meaning drivers could lose which it will also discuss lower the speed limit isn’t automatically generation of MINIs as
passenger traffic and 88% of our their licence after two offences. fines for less serious infringe- dangerous.” they start to make their
freight and despite vastly supe- The Department for Transport ments. However, Cathy Keeler, head of way on to the 1link fleet.
rior rail infrastructure similar (DfT) has confirmed that a consul- “We want to hit serious speed- campaigns at road safety charity
figures still prevail in Europe, tation looking to create a sliding ing offenders here and we’re Brake, welcomed the Govern- BT reduction
where only 7% of passengers scale for offences will begin trying to make things a bit clearer ment’s proposals and called for Following 50,000 BT drivers
travel by rail,” he said. “Yet with before Christmas. for drivers,” said a DfT spokes- even greater punishments. completing an occupational
relatively low car ownership and In a 2004 discussion paper, the man. “The idea is to try and make “Fines must act as a deterrent road risk online programme
the worst congestion in Europe, department suggested increasing the punishment fit the crime. We to protect vulnerable road users. and related training, the
we continue to pursue the notion the punishment for those driving haven’t ruled out giving two A £100 fine still belittles the sever- company has cut its fleet
that congestion charging and excessively over the limit. points for lower speeds. All this is ity of a crime which can rob costs and vehicle collision
public transport can resolve our The paper proposed a six point, still being discussed.” someone of their life in seconds,” rates by 40%. Since 2002,
transport problems.” £100 fine for drivers travelling at Paul Smith, founder of she said. IAM Fleet has been
assisting BT with its
Defective tyres
Record seizures of uninsured cars Road safety group TyreSafe
has given its support to a
road safety campaign by
Record numbers of vehicles are “On current trends the reduc- Hertfordshire Constabulary
being seized and destroyed by the tion is likely to be even greater by after it identified defective
police in a crackdown on unin- the end of 2007.” tyres as one of the top five
sured drivers. Nick Starling, from the Associa- causes of death and injury
The use of automatic number- tion of British Insurers, added: on the county’s roads. The
plate recognition technology has “Uninsured drivers are a menace. other factors included
led to more than 100,000 unin- They often drive unroadworthy excessive speed, drink-
sured vehicles being seized by vehicles and the cost of compen- driving, illness, fatigue and
the police in roadside checks so sating their victims adds an extra distraction, and not wearing
far this year, compared to 78,000 £30 a year to premiums paid by a seatbelt.
during 2006. honest motorists.”
Of these, some 45,000 have With the number of uninsured Rolling roadblock
been crushed. UK drivers appearing to fall for A second driver has
Ashton West, group chief exec- the first time, the Government is been convicted for
utive of the Motor Insurers’ now coming under increasing breaching a rolling
Bureau (MIB), which runs the pressure to address the growing roadblock set up by
database of all UK insured cars, problem of uninsured foreign Highways Agency traffic
said: “The fight against uninsured drivers. officers on the M60. He
drivers has now stepped up a gear, While data is scarce, the insur- was fined £220 (plus
and we expect vehicle seizure ance industry has indicated that £300 costs) and his
numbers to increase over the not only is the number of crashes driving licence endorsed
coming months. involving foreign drivers rising at Some 45,000 vehicles have been crushed by police so far this year with four points after he
“Equally encouraging is the an alarming rate, but so is the was caught using the
reduction in reported claims to number of those who are driving The Minister for Transport, problem. “We are currently in hard shoulder to pass
the MIB, which were almost 4% uninsured foreign- Jim Fitzpatrick, confirmed that information gathering mode,” he the roadblock.
down last year. registered vehicles. his department was aware of the told Fleet News.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 3
NEWS
Drivers reject
high-occupancy
vehicle lanes
Fleet insurers IN BRIEF
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 5
NEWS
Speed not cause of rural crashes departments! Fleet owners often don’t think about these things until they
happen. They may not envisage them happening but across a fleet, staff do
incur minor dents and scratches; they also have accidents and catch tyres on
A freedom of information request pressure group Safe Speed, are Safe Speed’s Paul Smith says kerbs for example.
to the Department for Transport based on police officers’ opinions the figures prove that the UK’s All these little, often unforeseen, issues and their associated charges should
has revealed that more than 90% formed at the scene of the crash. speed camera policy is flawed. be considered when comparing contract hire firms. What seems like the
of all rural road injury crashes in “Contributory factors are the “These figures make an abso- cheapest price option may not be, once all the possibilities have been
2006 did not involve exceeding a opinions of police officers based lute mockery of the speed camera considered. Fleet managers need the confidence that their contract hire
speed limit. on the evidence available to them programme. We have long known provider will be transparent from the very beginning, building in overall costs for
Of those crashes that in the at the time of reporting the acci- that it had failed to save lives and the unexpected into their agreement.
police’s opinion could have dent,” explained a spokesman for this is why – we never had a Further details on HSBC Vehicle Finance’s contract hire products and
involved excess speed, 2% were the Department for Transport. ‘speeding problem’ in the first services can be found at: www.hsbc.co.uk/vehiclefinance
rated as “very likely” to include “As a result, some contributory place,” he said.
speeding and 2% were rated as factors may be less likely to be “The DfT must now own up to
“possibly” including speeding. reported. The two factors directly its mistake, scrap speed cameras Small details make a big difference
www.hsbc.co.uk/vehiclefinance
However, the figures, which were relating to speed may be difficult and refocus road safety resources
obtained by the anti-speed camera to determine after the event.” on actually saving lives.”
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 7
EUROPEAN NEWS
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 9
�������� This week’s vehicle market news and information Edited by Julian Kirk
THINKING CAP
Hardworking Martin Ward scours the globe for the week’s insider fleet intelligence
dunes, some as high as a anything apart from blue sky will never get the chance to figures, so should appeal to
four-storey building. but they quickly towed us out go on an adventure like I more fleet drivers. The most
The new Cherokee, due and we were on our way did. The nearest most UK popular model will be the TS
out in June, has a fresh new again. I have been on buyers will get to off-road five-door, with a 2.0-litre diesel
exterior look, much hundreds of new car will be the supermarket car engine. Mazda has priced the
improved on the current car, launches, but never heard park. estate at only £700 more than
and it is longer by 27cm. The the words “amazing”, the hatchback and saloon, which
Martin in southern Morocco interior is also much “incredible”, “unbelievable” THURSDAY has to be a winner. It will sell
improved – it’s not up to and “fantastic” so many Drove the all-new Mazda6 – a fewer saloons and hatches and
MONDAY German quality yet, but times in one day. proper production car, and not a more estates, creating a more
Flew three and a half hours to getting there. It takes a brave manufac- pre-prod like I drove a few weeks balanced number of derivatives
what might well have been The 2.8-litre CRD diesel turer to let people like me ago. The exterior design is very on the used car market, which
another planet – Erfoud in engine produced more than loose in a difficult and stylish, but it is the interior that can only help residuals.
southern Morocco, to drive enough power despite what unpredictable part of the has been improved on the
the all-new Jeep Cherokee. we put it through in 10 world, but the Cherokee did current model. It has now moved
The terrain is barren, hours. The 4x4 system coped prove many times it is a true up in terms of fit and finish and
hostile and demanding. I admirably with all the off-roader, with the comforts really has a quality look and feel
have never driven across a conditions, although I did get of a family saloon. to it.
desert before, and didn’t it stuck going up a large sand The 2.8 CRD Limited The current 6 is still a modern
know what to expect – it was dune. The instructors did tell automatic priced at £25,595 car and drives better than some
worse and more exciting than us to give it full power up the will be the only model – newcomers to the market, so the The all-new Mazda6
I could have imagined. dune, and also back down to another brave, yet sensible new 6 has a difficult act to
Martin Ward is
The most fun was tackling keep it going – I bottled it at move. It’s a remarkable follow, but it has managed it. All CAP’s manufacturer
a 10km stretch over sand the top when I couldn’t see vehicle but it’s a shame most the engines have lower CO2 relationships manager
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 11
IGNITION
Health check
Volkswagen has added to its Volkswagen says the high- Citroën is offering its
family of up! concept vehicles by temperature fuel cell is more customers a green health
unveiling the space up! blue. efficient than conventional low- check on any of its cars
Inspired by the 1950s Samba temperature cells. It converts and vans at participating
Bus and powered by a more effi- more of the hydrogen’s energy dealers. For £29.99,
cient high-temperature fuel cell into electricity and is less technicians will test to
linked to 12 lithium ion batter- complex, requiring less cooling ensure vehicle emissions
ies, the space up! blue has a and therefore less cost. and fuel consumption are
theoretical range of 220 miles. Development of production as low as possible. They
Solar panels on the roof charge versions of the up! range are will also give advice on
Volkswagen’s latest the batteries, which can propel underway – expect to see them reducing the vehicle’s
up! concept , the space up! the vehicle to 62mph in 13.7 on sale before the end of the environmental impact.
seconds and on to 75mph. decade.
Volvo prices
Volvo has released prices for
its entry-level 2.0-litre V70
and S80. The petrol V70 will
Spyshot Mercedes-Benz is responding to
the threat from the BMW 1
start at £24,995 and the S80
£23,495, while the diesel
Series Coupé by giving its versions will be £25,495 for
C-Class Sports Coupé a the V70 and £23,995 for the
thorough reworking. S80. The cars go on sale in
Due to be unveiled at the January.
Geneva Motor Show in March,
and likely to be on sale in the Murano unveiled
UK late spring, the new model
takes the front-end styling and
engines from the new C-Class
saloon and blends it into the
current three-door car.
Prices will start at under
£20,000 for the C180
Kompressor, and other engines Nissan has unveiled its
will include the V6 petrol and new Murano. Featuring a
diesel units, as well as C200 3.5-litre V6 engine, with
and C220 CDI diesels. 265bhp and a continu-
ously variable transmis-
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 13
NEW LAUNCH: MAZDA6
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 15
FIRST DRIVES: AUDI A3 1.4 TFSI/KIA SPORTAGE FCEV
I W
statistics on reliability? on unlimited mileage?
s there any database that can tell hy canʼt leasing
me what the best and worst cars companies provide me
are for reliability? with contracts based
T
on unlimited mileage, rather than
wo of the most influential vehicle a specific distance linked to a
reliability studies in the UK are defined operating cycle?
T
the Which? Reliability Survey and
the Fleet News FN50 reliability survey. o work out how to set their
The Which? Survey carries out monthly rates, leasing
research on almost 100,000 cars to companies need an accurate
reveal the nature of the repairs carried estimate of your monthly mileage.
out on every model – from faults with Without it, and because the rate
the electrics, brakes and suspension calculation relates closely to the
to problems with the engine and mileage of the car at defleet time, it is
transmission, or heating and cooling almost impossible to come up with a
systems. It also lists the least reliable The Honda CR-V workable figure.
cars in the UK. is a 4x4 that offers If you find it hard to predict the
The Fleet News FN50 survey takes car-like economy and likely mileage of some of your vehicles
emissions, making it
information from the 50 largest leasing at end of contract, speak to your
the ideal fleet choice
companies in Britain and involves nearly provider about pooling mileage to
one million cars. It is the biggest survey avoid heavy end-of-contract excess
of its kind in the country, and because SUVs consistently attract bad press, so why should I allow drivers to choose them? mileage charges.
A
the information comes from leasing If you and your provider decide
companies and not the views of private n increasing number of drivers need them for their lifestyle, Critics talk about their size and bulk that, say, 60,000 miles is reasonable
owners, the results are based on hard my drivers want a 4x4 as a whether it be for towing, leisure yet a Honda CR-V i-CTDi, for example, after three years you can average out
fact rather than opinion. company car which I, as fleet activities or off-roading. Others feel the is shorter than an Accord Tourer, just the mileage of all cars under contract.
In both surveys, Honda holds the manager, have resisted. Can anyone high seating position enables them to 6cm wider and only marginally heavier. As long as you hit your average,
number one position – for the third year offer any good reasons why I should see the road ahead more clearly, and And with CO2 emissions of 173g/km you should lose those hefty end-of-
in a row in the case of the FN50. Log add them to my choice list? so feel safer. and combined fuel consumption of contract charges.
I
on to www.fleetnewsnet.co.uk/news They are more spacious and 43.5mpg it is also very efficient.
and www.which.co.uk/reports_and_ f models are chosen wisely, there’s adaptable than many cars, and don’t Combine that with characteristically
Produced in association
campaigns/cars/running_a_car/index. no reason why 4x4s should not have to be cumbersome or return poor strong RVs, and the CR-V becomes a with Honda Corporate
jsp for further details. be part of a fleet choice list. Some emissions and fuel economy. an all-encompassing fleet vehicle. Sales
20 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
ROAD TEST: AUDI A5 3.0 TDI QUATTRO
P11D PRICE
■ BMW 330d SE
Brera
■ Mercedes-Benz
CLK 220 CDI Sport
£26,780
ally been the benchmark. The 330d £32,315
Mercedes-Benz CLK is another CLK £33,077
A5 £33,175
classic coupé with presence and
performance but it seems Audi has equal standing. The Brera is cheaper
pitched in first time with a car of and daintier, but smaller.
SMR COST
Thanks to the Service Inclusive ppm/60k total
package, the BMW is the cheapest 330d 4.33/£2,598
BY STEVE MOODY gious shove. The manual gearbox for service, maintenance and repair CLK 5.14/£3,084
A5 5.16/£3,096
According to the all-knowing
FACT FILE is typically Audi. Perfectly accu-
rate but too light, as is the clutch,
by around £500 compared with the
Audi and the Mercedes-Benz. The
Brera 5.84/£3,504
digital oracle Google, on the web P11D value £33,175 and changes take some concen- Alfa Romeo’s SMR costs are really reflection of Alfa’s reputation for
there are 97,400 instances of CO2 emissions (g/km) 191 tration to smooth out. Also, the very high. Unfortunately, it’s a poor reliability.
someone writing the words BIK % of P11D in 2007 28% automatic parking brake takes
Graduated VED rate £205
‘understated’ and ‘Audi’ within
close proximity of each other.
Insurance group 17
some getting used to in the
manual.
FUEL COST
Combined mpg 39.3
Blimey, I’m bored of it. Audis CAP RV (3yr/60k) £14,350/43% The interior is excellent and A fast, big coupé averaging around 330d 9.71/£5,826
aren’t understated. And if you’re Monthly lease (3yr/60k) £612 moves the game on a step, even 40mpg is doing well, and the A5 CLK 10.33/£6,198
driving about in a new A5, with its by the high standards of Audis in certainly manages this. The Brera’s Brera 10.83/£6,498
■ Looks fantastic A5 11.44/£6,864
muscled lines and diamanté LED ■ Beautifully built
this price range. smaller engine and lower weight
running lights shining in every-
body’s face, then slipping unno-
✔ ■ Goes like stink The classy slivers of alumin-
ium, solid thick plastics and a
sees it achieve 41.5mpg, but the
BMW is again streets ahead at
46.3mpg on the combined cycle,
which is just staggering.
■ Shows your wealth
ticed under the radar just isn’t little more curve in the MMI
feasible. It’s about as understated
as an orange WAG during a ✖ ■ High CO2/fuel costs
■ Shows your wealth
switches are all very classy, along
with some superbly comfortable
DEPRECIATION COST
mammoth Chardonnay and shop- as-standard leather seats. This is The Brera depreciates the least, Brera 26.34/£15,804
ping trip on a Cheshire town high very essence of corporate cool – a very nice place to be indeed. thanks to its lower front-end price 330d 31.44/£18,864
street. stylish, urbane and successful. As for the way it drives? It really and the relative scarcity of them on A5 31.58/£18,948
It seems Audi is bored of the To go up against it, Audi has shifts, but manages 40mpg the used market. The others are all CLK 32.58/£19,548
understated tag, too. Modern kept to much of what has made it without too much trouble. Quattro closely matched, with the CLK’s later counting against it. But the A5 is a
luxury isn’t understated. It’s in such a resurgent brand over the splits drive 60/40 rear to front and point in the lifecycle slightly match for the 330d and CLK.
your face, showing off how glam- last decade. That means quattro you will never be short of traction
orous, rich and sexy you are and
Audi wants plenty of that very
four-wheel drive, interior build
quality of the highest order and
or grip. It still feels a little clinical
against the more sensuous BMW
WHOLELIFE COST
profitable business. As a result, competitive diesel engines. but that’s only at the very edges Due almost exclusively to its Brera 43.01/£25,806
its cars are confident and forth- The 3.0 TDI on test here is one of performance. In everyday performance in the depreciation 330d 45.48/£27,288
right. of two models available at launch, driving the A5 is a fast, comforta- section, the Brera is the cheapest to CLK 48.05/£28,830
A5 48.18/£28,908
With the A5, there’s no doubt it the other being the 354bhp 4.2- ble and composed car. And with run, but then it is £6,000-plus
has hit that showy mark. It is a litre S5, but the diesel variant is those LED headlights scowling at cheaper at the front-end. But only and A5 are closely matched, with
very good-looking car. Thrusting by no means outclassed. With other cars, it was clear how by £1,400 from the 330d. The CLK the fuel a high cost for the Audi.
and bold, it reeks of power – 240bhp and 368lb-ft of torque at quickly they seemed to veer out
mechanically and emotionally.
It doesn’t have the slinky lines
only 1,500rpm (compared to the
S5’s 325 at 3,500), the A5 has
of your way.
It seems Audis are getting
VERDICT
of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, but some serious quick-twitch muscle noticeable after all. The Brera might be the cheapest to run, but it is too small inside and, despite
be sure this is very much the off the line and, in anything but its looks, doesn’t have the cachet of the others. The rest are very closely
car Audi had in mind when it was dry conditions, quattro certainly matched in terms of driving dynamics and image. The BMW is cheaper to run,
putting together the proposition helps. It’s a shame that at present as well as being lower on tax and looking gorgeous. The A5 would be a fine
for the A5. it is only offered with a manual choice too, but the BMW would be our pick.
The 3 Series Coupé has to be gearbox, because it is crying out
one of the most popular executive for that lovely smooth Tiptronic ■ WINNER: BMW 330d SE Coupé
cars of modern times. It is the ‘box to make the most of its prodi-
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 21
LONG-TERMERS: SKODA ROOMSTER3 1.9 TDI/BMW 120d SE 3dr
I
diesel,” says Mike Waters, head fairly consistent at about $25-$30 factors that conspired to escalate are stretched.
t can’t have escaped your of market analysis at Arval. a barrel. prices over a two to three-year “Refinery capacity is still an
notice that filling up with “Generally we have the highest But in 2003 the prices started period.” issue and there are concerns
fuel at the moment is overall price for diesel in Europe, to escalate, thanks to the second This year prices came down in over the long-term supply and
wallet-smokingly expen- but not always on unleaded Gulf War and increased demand January to a fairly reasonable demand balance in the crude oil
sive. petrol. from developing economies such level – about $55 a barrel. market,” says Mr Waters.
Average prices have burst “Most other countries differ- as China and India. But during the year that esca- “There is relatively limited
through the £1-a-litre barrier entiate in the level of duty “In 2005 we had hurricanes lated, due to a tight supply spare capacity to increase the
which, for any business running between unleaded and diesel, Katrina and Rita, terrorism and market. level of crude in the market if
vehicles, is a large fiscal hit to whereas the UK doesn’t.” concern over Iran’s nuclear “That mirrored what happened there was supply disruption.”
absorb. But why, exactly, is fuel programme,” Mr Waters in 2006,” Mr Waters says. While US house prices do not
so expensive right now? OIL PRICES explains. “The difference this year is seem to have a huge amount to
The cost of fuel is made up of Various factors have sent the that since September prices esca- do with UK fuel prices, the credit
the base cost of the product, the price of filling up rocketing lated again, while in 2006 they problems across the Pond have
VAT and the fuel duty imposed recently, not least the cost of oil cooled down. had a direct impact.
by the Government – a sizeable from which diesel and petrol are “The market has been so tight “There’s been a lot of specula-
amount. made. in supply terms that we have seen tion in the oil market which has
“The challenge in the UK is From the late 1980s – apart a rise in price.” been increased by the credit
that we have the highest duty from a brief blip during the first A key problem is that refiner- crunch in the US,” Mr Waters
‘
WE’RE GOING TO BE
HOVERING AROUND £1 PER
LITRE UP UNTIL THE TURN OF
’
THE YEAR. WE’RE IN A HIGH-
PRICE MARKET AND IT’S
DIFFICULT TO SEE WHERE THE
PRICE FALL WILL COME FROM
24 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
says. “A lot of money that would “There is speculation that the Waters adds. “If prices are very Stocks of crude oil in the
have gone into equity markets US economy could struggle in high it may not be the best time. US are at their lowest
has gone into commodities.” the first half of 2008,” Mr Waters “We already have high rates of level for the past five
years
says. fuel duty and it’s an additional
STOCK WORRIES “If that reduces US demand it cost that businesses have to pass
All the main industrial countries will take some pressure out of on.”
retain stocks of crude oil and the market. Whatever happens as we go ■ For advice
fuel to get them through emer- “And if we have a good winter, into 2008, don’t expect to see on how to
gencies. But right now, stocks in that will take pressure off heating pump prices fall in the immedi- tackle rising
the US are at their lowest level oil and also help. It’s not all doom ate future. fuel costs, turn
for the past five years. and gloom. “We’re going to be hovering to page 28
“They are running lower than “Extra capacity is due to come around £1 per litre up until the
the market likes them to be at,” online in 2008, although it prob- turn of the year,” Mr
says Mr Waters. “At some point ably won’t make an impact until Waters says. “We’re in a high
the Government will have to later in the year.” price market at the moment and
come back into the market to Fuel duty rose by 2p per litre it’s difficult
replenish its stock levels, but it last month and further increases to see
won’t want to do that while the are planned next year. where the
price is high. However, keeping “We would urge the Chancel- price fall
low stock levels maintains the lor to keep those increases under will come
prices so it’s a vicious circle.” review and respond to market from.”
conditions at the time,” Mr
THE FUTURE
So what’s going to happen?
“We’re at a high price going
into the winter, which is unusual,”
Mr Waters explains.
“If there’s a very cold winter
that will put a lot of pressure on
the market once again.”
Not all the news is bad
however – more problems for
America could mean good news
for us at the pumps.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 25
FUEL MANAGEMENT
W
impact on fleets. Oil prices are director for Alphabet. “Also, the recent 2p fuel duty is difficult to look past cost when
ithout fuel, a through the roof, and UK tax and “To put that amount back on to increase seems to have had some it comes to fuel issues.
fleet of vehi- duty on fuel – already the highest businesses’ bottom line, drivers interesting effects, with most of “There is always a problem
cles isn’t going in Europe – has just got higher. would need to squeeze nearly five my local outlets rising by up to whenever you are paying a pence-
anywhere. Prices at the pump now regu- more miles out of every gallon, five pence per litre.” per-mile rate,” he warns.
Apart from larly top £1 a litre for both diesel cut their monthly business Shirley Colman, fleet co- “People will always over-claim
the vehicles themselves, a source and petrol, and fleets are strug- mileage by 10%, or find a way to ordinator of Futures Resourcing, or understate their private mileage
of power is essential to all fleet gling to absorb the extra costs. buy fuel for 10p a litre less than says: “The price is obviously use. The best you can do is have
transport. But sourcing and using “The rise in fuel costs since the average forecourt price.” cause for concern, as it is for accurate mileage systems. Make
fuel is rarely straightforward, with January has added around £2,800 Many firms are now starting to everyone. We monitor it and sure your servicing is on time and
a plethora of issues surrounding to the monthly fuel bills of fleets realise the cost difference encourage our drivers to get the make sure your tyres are inflated
the management of fuel itself and of 200 vehicles covering 1,000 between forecourts in different best price whenever possible, but correctly as it can make a big
the drivers who use it. business miles a month,” says locations. don’t feel we can do much more. difference.
‘
Shelagh Swift, fleet manager at “We ask them to avoid motor- “There is free advice available
Forticrete, says: “In an attempt to way service stations, but it is not from initiatives like Safe and Fuel
THE RISE IN FUEL COSTS SINCE reduce fuel costs, we have recently
sent out a directive requesting all
written into the policy – perhaps it
should be. On the whole, they are
Efficient Driving (SAFED) which
can not only improve safety but
JANUARY HAS ADDED AROUND company car drivers avoid refuel- pretty good and they do seem to also fuel economy.
’
£2,800 TO THE MONTHLY FUEL ling at motorway service stations
and certain brand outlets as they
have their favoured filling-up
places which do tend to be super-
“Fuel makes up one-third of the
total cost of vehicle ownership –
BILLS OF FLEETS OF 200 are far more expensive.” markets. 20,000 miles of fuel will be around
VEHICLES COVERING 1,000 Rob Corbett, fleet manager of
Agility Fleet, agrees. “The cost of
“We certainly would like to see
less of the cost made up of tax.”
£2,500 a year. There’s not much
you can do about it unless you
BUSINESS MILES A MONTH fuel, especially diesel, must be a Robert Kingdom, head of significantly alter driver behav-
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
A round-up of dealers couldn’t, or wouldn’t,
repair them, so the vehicles
vehicles and instead looked at
cleaner and more efficient diesel
and practical alternative or
additive to fossil fuels as they
28 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
r-increasing fuel costs
iour and mileage patterns. A lot of VEHICLES
fleets can’t see the business case Where travel is unavoid-
in a green fleet policy, but as fuel able as there is no
prices go up the case gets stron- alternative, it pays
ger and stronger.” to shop
Chris Deakin, fleet manager at around
Lloyds TSB autolease, says: “The f o r
fleet managers most successful at vehi-
controlling the rising cost of fuel cles. Even
will be the ones who can involve small improve-
their drivers and gain commit- ments can add up
ment from them to a shared to a sizeable
objective of reducing cost for the difference over
business as a whole.” time and a whole
fleet.
USE “We are
Getting cheap fuel is one thing, conscious of
but many fleets are trying to the environ-
reduce their expenditure further ment and also
by avoiding car use altogether. the driver’s taxation
“Fuel consumption is a difficult and try to accommo-
subject as certain jobs necessitate date both,” says Ms Swift. MISFUELLING “We have about 1,000 vehicles pumps coloured differently to
using the car,” explains Shelagh “For example, one vehicle we It’s all too easy to get mixed up at on our fleet and have at least one what they are used to.
Swift. use is the Mondeo Edge, but we the pumps, particularly if drivers misfuel a week,” says Rob “To date, we have been rela-
“But we are looking into video- use the 1.8 TDCi which emits are swapping cars regularly. And Corbett. tively lucky – a drain, fuel filter
conferencing in order to cut down 156g/km of CO2 instead of the 2.0 it can be an expensive mistake to “Drivers normally do this when change with the cost of recovery
on people travelling to meet- TDCi with 189, which obviously make, as the wrong fuel can they are out of town using a and replacement fuel have been
ings.” impacts on both issues.” damage the car’s internals. service station that has the fuel the only costs so far.”
You may not know it, but a MICHELIN tyre can last a distance of more than once around the Earth. Indeed Michelin’s 4000
researchers innovate using all their technological expertise to deliver you optimum performance from the first mile to the last.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 29
Edited by Adele Barry
Your views, your queries, your chance to get involved Find your
favourite
Technology adds
s
FLEET CV
Letters – p35
to workers’ stress
Andrew
Kingdon Trevor Gelken, editor of
Fleet Fleet Van, takes issue with
manager the Government’s
May announcement of plans
Gurney
for a £50 million low carbon
investment for vans.
BY EMMA COOPER weddings, romantic dates and
Describe your fleet? even on holiday. Helplines – p37
We have 650 company cars, An increase in the use of technol- Ros Oxley, managing director
200 cash-allowance users, ogy such as Blackberrys and of Leaders in London, said: “We
1,200 light commercials and PDAs is leaving workers stressed often rely on modern technology.
300 heavy commercials. and unable to switch off when Leaving the Blackberry turned
away from the office. off can be a good thing as every-
What is your career Three-quarters of workers one needs a balance between
histor y? (74%) feel under pressure to be work and play. “Is the cost of a hands-
Prior to joining May Gurney constantly available thanks to “Ensuring there are choices in free kit for a mobile
27 years ago, I worked in the such appliances and, as a result, the way we communicate in the phone liable to tax and
retail garage trade. 43% of workers admit to checking work place is essential for Brit- should it go on our
emails every 10 minutes, accord- ish businesses to continue employees’ P11D forms?
What are you currently ing to a report by Leaders in thriving.” As this is a legal require-
working on? London. A further 26% of respondents ment, it seems unfair to
A five-year business plan, Almost two-thirds (61%) said confessed they struggled with be taxed.”
improving our certificates they only had 15 uninterrupted basic office equipment, with many
issued by VOSA, measuring minutes in a working day, and 77% workers wasting half an hour First car – p39
our vehicle carbon footprint, admitted to checking emails each day trying to get printers Technology means that staff
driver risk management and during social occasions such as and photocopiers to work. get little chance to switch off
improving the quality
and reducing the cost of the
supply chain.
APPOINTMENTS ■ email: fleetnews@emap.com
What was your first day like? still learning so much. And the least? experience (B2B) for an IT firm.
SETTLING IN I spent the first couple of days at There never seems to be enough
our sales office being briefed, What do enjoy most about time in the day. What are you working on at
Riz Ashrafi discussing strategies and your job? the moment?
Account meeting my new colleagues. The pressure, meeting clients Have you always worked in We are implementing new
development
and the people I work with. I get this area? strategies with the branches to
manager
Thrifty
How long did it take to feel to meet so many great people, I have two and half years’ rental develop new business and
comfortable in the role? from transport managers to operation experience (running a working closely with the
Six months on, I still do not feel purchasing managers and branch) and I gained six months’ branch managers so we can
as if I know everything as I am directors. Oh, and the driving. new business development achieve our goals.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 31
Recruitment Call Daniel Bragg: 01733 468271
email: daniel.bragg@emap.com
Brighter future
FLEET SALES MANAGER
OXFORDSHIRE
£35K
Our client is part of one of the largest independent car dealership groups in the country, representing a niche franchise.
They have a reputation of providing outstanding customer service and assistance and are looking for a
www.steele-dixon.co.uk This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the right background and experience coupled with the enthusiasm for success.
For further details please contact Jeremy Freeman on 01235 536440 or email jeremy@steele-dixon.co.uk.
Take your income to a new level with the fastest Vauxhall Motors is part of the wider General Motors Group, the largest vehicle manufacturer in the
growing finance and rental company in the UK. world with a global turnover in excess of $185 billion. They are one of the largest and most established
players in the UK automotive market, with an enviable portfolio of Brands and are looking for results
driven candidates for the following positions:
Due to significant growth within our vehicle finance and rental businesses
we require additional sales staff to join our teams in various locations Commercial Vehicle Fleet Sales Manager -
throughout the UK. East & West Midlands
Potential Vehicle Hire Ltd Reporting to the National Commercial Vehicle Sales Manager, you will be a field based member of the
The UK’s fastest growing B2B flexible vehicle rental company and part of Potential Finance Group Plc Fleet Sales team responsible for maximizing Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Fleet sales within a defined
requires additional Business Development Managers to expand their Sales Department even further. You will territory. You will be responsible for contract negotiation, relationship management and improving
need to demonstrate a track record of success in the business user sector and knowledge of the rental market the sales yield from your specific customer base. You will also build and maintain excellent working
place would be beneficial. Confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm are a must. To apply for this position relationships with relevant parties, including Vauxhall specialist Commercial Vehicle retailers and
please send an up to date C.V to tony.cooper@potentialfinance.com. the fleet contact team within your area of responsibility to maximize Commercial Vehicle sales in the
existing 25+ fleet market.
Potential Finance Ltd Commercial Vehicle Development Manager –
We are looking for 20 additional Development Managers located throughout the UK to complement our
existing teams in the dealer sales aid finance market and in our direct to business hire purchase and leasing Kent, Sussex & Hampshire
division. Experienced sales people will benefit from full back office and IT support from our Group Head Reporting to the National Commercial Vehicle Sales Manager, you will be a field based member of
Office based in Brentwood, Essex. the team responsible for maximizing and managing Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Retail sales within
a defined territory. You will be the key Commercial Vehicle contact, working closely with and developing
Potential Vehicle Finance – Dealer Development Managers the Commercial Vehicle Sales Specialists with the Vauxhall Heavy and Light Van Retailer networks.
You will have a database of supporting motor dealers who introduce business to you on a regular basis. You You will also be responsible for negotiating additional sales direct with Retailer generated local
will benefit from the opportunity to place business on our own portfolio in addition to our back-to-back business users as well as monitor and enforce Vauxhalls Commercial Vehicle Retailer standards.
relationships with over 20 UK banks and specialist finance companies. You will additionally benefit from our
The Person
wide range of products and from our ability to arrange funding for both consumers and businesses when other
You will be self motivated and results driven with the ability to communicate, present and negotiate at
finance companies have been unable to deliver.
all levels. You will be used to working in a target driven environment and possess good administration
• Attractive basic salary, OTE 50K (uncapped)
and IT skills. Knowledge of the Commercial Vehicle motor industry and financial funding is essential.
• Company car, healthcare cover, home office set-up This role is ideally suited for somebody with motor manufacturer, contract hire or dealer group
Please contact Daniel Eley on 01277 237160 or email your C.V to daniel.eley@potentialfinance.com. experience but the position is open to all.
If you would like to work in a challenging and fast moving environment, then we would like to hear
Potential Asset Finance – Business Development Managers from you.
You will have a current database of business clients and over 3 years experience in the hire purchase and Postal applications, including CV, current salary package, and why you are suited to this
leasing marketplace. Our unique products and partnerships will enable you to maximise your business role to: Louise Thompson, Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU3 1YT
opportunities in the car, LCV and heavy commercial vehicle sectors. You will benefit from our independence, or e-mail: louise.thompson@uk.gm.com
flexibility and short decision making processes in addition to the following package.
Closing date for applications - 14th December 2007.
• Attractive basic salary, OTE 60K (uncapped)
• Company care, healthcare cover, home office set-up
Please contact Colin Swanston on 07876 683005 or email your C.V to clare.hall@potentialfinance.com
For more details on our products and services please visit:
www.potentialfinance.com
adecco.co.uk
www.pvhflexihire.co.uk
www.pvm-uk.com
A L A S TA I R A M E S
always To
the right
person advertise
for the job
please
Specialist Search and Selection call
To view a variety of current positions visit our website www.alastairames.co.uk or ring for details.
Daniel
Tel 0207 917 1855 Fax 0207 917 1856 alastair@alastairames.co.uk 211 PICCADILLY, LONDON W1V 9LD
Bragg
on
01733
468271
32 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
SALES PROFESSIONAL
Qi Van Systems, one of the UK’s leading vehicle
racking and conversion specialists, requires
an experienced sales professional to further
the company’s expansion. The
successful candidate will have a
proven track record in competitive
sales and display both vision and
enthusiasm to secure fleet sales in
this expanding market.
Please send CV to
dmoorse@qivansystems.co.uk
www.fleetnews.co.uk
www.fleetnews.co.uk
www.fleetnews.co.uk
Software Towbars
However diverse
your fleet towing
requirements, we have
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 33
��������
���������������� �������������
������������
�������������������������
��������������
���������������� ���������������������������������� �����������������������������������
�������������������������������
����������������������������������
������ �������� ���� ��������� �����
���� �������� ���������� ���� �����
����������������
���� ������� �� ���� ������
��� ��������� ��� �� ��������� ���� ���� ����������������������������� �������� ��� ����� �� �������
Interface
��������������������������
������������������������ ���� ����������� ���� ���������� ������������ ���� ��� ����� ��� ��������� ����� ���������� �����������������������������������
���� �������� ��� ������ ����� ���� ����������������������������������� ������� ���������� ����������� ���� ������ ��������� ������ ����������
������������ ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������� �������� ��� ���� ������� ������ ����� ���������� ������������ ����� ��
LETTERS ■ Email: fleetnews@emap.com. Please include name, job title, company and address
����������������������������� ������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ����������� ���� ���������� ������ ������� ������� �������� ���� �����
����������������������������� ����� ���������� �� ���������� ��� ������������������������������ ������������������������������������� ����������������������������������
������������������������ ���������������������������������� ������ �������� ���� ������� ���� ��� ��� ��������� ������ ��������� ���� �������� ������ ���
����������������������� ������� ������� ������ ���� ���������� ��� ������� ���������� ����� ����� ����������������������������������� ����������� �������� ����� ����
�������������������������� ���� ������� ���� ���� �������� ����������������������������������� ����� ��� �� ����������� ��������� ����������������������������������
������������������������� ���������� ���� ����� ���� ����� ��� ����� ������� ���� ������� ������������������������������� ������������ ����� ���� ������ ���
���������������������������� ���������������������������������� ������� ��� ������ ��� ���� ��� ���� ������������������������� ����� ���� ��������� ����������
���������������������������� ���������������������������������� ������ �� ��������� ���� ����������� ���� ���������� ����� ��� ������ �������� ���� ��� �������� ��������
����������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������� ����������������������������������� ����������������
�������������������������� ������������������������������������ ���� ������ ���� ������� ��������� ����������������������������������� ����������������������������
���������������������������� ��������� ������ ���� ���� ������� ������������� ����������� ������� ���� ��� ��� ���������� ������ ����� ������� ������ ���� ������� ��������
������������������������ ����������� ��������� �������� ����� ��� ���� ��� ����� ���������� ���� ������ �������� ������� ������� �������� ��������������������������������
��������������������������������������� �������������� ���������� ��� ���� ���������������������������������� ��������� ������������� �������
�������������� ���� ������������ ����������� ���������� ��� �� ������� ���� ������ ������������� �������� ���������� �������� ������ ���� �������
Accident data
����� �� �������� ���� �������� ������ ������� ������ ��� ���������� ����� ������������������������������� ���������� ���� ����������� ������
������������������� ��� ������ ����� ��� ������� ����� ���� ��������� ������� ���� ���� ���� ������ �������� ������ �����
���������� ��������� �������� ��������������������������������� ����������� �����������������
������������������������������������������������
This is just
��������������������
������������������������ ������������������������������� ��������� ������� ���� ���� ��������
������������������������� ������ ������� ������ ��� ���� ���� ��������������������������
����� �������� ��������� ������� ����� ���� ������� ������������� ��� ���
��������� ��� ���� ����� ����������� ��������� �������� �� ����������
������������������ ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������
��������������������������� �������������������� ����� �������� ����� ������ ������
��������������� ��� ��������� ��� ��������� ���� ������ ����� ����� ��������� �����
political
������������������� ���������������������������������� ������ ����������� ���������� ���
���������������������� ������ ��������� ����� �������� ��������� ��� ���� �������� ��������
������������������ ������� ��� ����� ��������� ����� ���� ��������� ���� ��� ����������� ����
���������������������� ���������������������� ������� ��� ��������������� �����
���������������������� ���� ��������� ������ ��� ����� ���������������������������������
������������������������ ���������������������������������� ���� ������� ��� �� ������� ��� ��������
������������������������ ����������� ����� ������ �������� ����������������������������
������������������������� ����������� ����� ����������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������
�������������������������� ������������������������������������� ����������������������������������
������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������� ����� ���� ������ ��� �������� �������� ������������ ���� ���
needs a rethink
blarney
�������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��� �������� ���� ������ ����� ������ ��� ��������� ������ ��� ����� ���� ���� �������������� ������� �� ��� �������
‘Unbelievable’
������������������������ ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������� ��� ������� ����� ������ ��� �������
������������������������� ��������������������������������� ���������������������� ����� ��� ������ �� ������ ����� ����� ���������������������
���������������������������
����������������������
������������ ���������������
��������������������������
���������������������������
�������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
expenses must
�������������������������� ����������������������������� �������������������������� �����������������������������
������������������������ ��������������������������������� ������������������������������ �����������������������
be probed
������������������������������ �������������������������������� ������� ����������������������������
�������������������������������
���������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������ �������������������������� ���
���������������������������������
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 35
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
A There is no doubt in my
mind that a hands-free kit,
purchased by a company for its
of mobile phones, including
those with hands-free kits,
adhere to the guidelines in the
original driving licences.
However, if your sales personnel
are using their own vehicles on a
fleet of company cars, is not Highway Code and, once having constant basis then I would look
liable for tax. taken a call, advise the caller that at car allowances or allocating
The VAT can be recovered as they will call them back if the a company vehicle dependent on
for a legitimate business conversation requires detailed business mileage.
purchase and the employee does information. High business mileage drivers
not have to pay tax on it either. should not be driving their own
Therefore, there is no P11D FRED MACDONALD vehicles. As a company you have
liability. The kit is a legal Fleet manager, a duty of care to your drivers to
requirement if the employee is to Wilson Electrical ensure they are safe while travel-
pursue his/her business without Distributors Hands-free phone kits do not have to be included on tax forms ling on company business and if
they use their own vehicles you
would need to check the
FUEL PRICES vehicles have MoTs, full service
history, are taxed and are well
INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Q After an expensive two-
year programme of
driving training, we were
been undertaken by your
company.
Research by a leading risk
premiums your current insurer
has put in place.
I would also strongly
shocked to find our insur- management company shows recommend you instruct your
ance premiums had risen by the direct benefit of driver insurance brokers to obtain
40%. I don’t have detailed training is up to a 50% reduction quotations from a number of
figures, but apparently the in accidents and, in turn, other insurance companies
number of reported cases insurance premiums. before renewing.
has fallen. I feel ver y As a first step you need to You may find that another
disillusioned about this yet gather together information on insurer will view your driver
ever ybody keeps going on your accident claims. training programme in a more
about the need for driver This should show a reduction favourable light, which will be
training. in the number of accidents and reflected by a lower premium
the associated costs as a result being proposed.
A It is entirely reasonable to
expect a reduction in
insurance premiums as a result
of the driver training.
With this information you will
then be in a position to
MIKE CLAYTON
Fleet manager,
Driver training should help reduce your company’s insurance costs of the driver training which has challenge the increase in Garndene
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 37
Fleet services Call Sheryl Graham: 01733 468256
email: sheryl.graham@emap.com
Leasing
Telematics
Prestige
cars from
FleetNews
Call Sheryl Graham: 01733 468256 email: Sheryl.graham@emap.com
• Fast, reliable and dedicated personal corporate service. • Contract Hire and
• Our blend of experience, professionalism and Leasing specialists
competitiveness add up to a compelling corporate offer. Walton Audi
‘The definition of Vorsprung durch Station Avenue Broomside Park
Walton on Thames
Barons of Farnborough Technik, exclusively from our KT12 1NR Belmont Industrial Park
116 Farnborough Road, Farnborough Corporate Sales Department to suit 01932 220404 Durham
Hampshire GU14 6TN Fax: 01932 232492 DH1 1HP
your business requirements.’ www.walton.audi.co.uk
chris.lawson@elvet.bmw-net.co.uk
01252 518185
www.baronsfarnboroughbmw.co.uk Tel: 0191 3837560
corporate@barons.bmw-net.co.uk Mobile: 07977 239048
38 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk
AND FINALLY... Interface
‘
You couldn’t make it up... We’ve had drivers banned
due to penalty points totting
up, but I think the most
unpleasant incident was when
CONTACT US
Fleet News, incorporating Company Car, is
Real-life stories about your fleet’s dimwit drivers we picked up an old van from
published by EMAP Automotive Ltd, Media
House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2
6EA. Phone 01733 468000. Fax 01733
an engineer.
468296. Email fleetnews@emap.com
We sent a couple of drivers
EDITORIAL
to collect the van from its EDITOR
previous owner but when Martyn Moore 01733 468024
martyn.moore@emap.com
they returned they were
DEPUTY EDITOR
covered in flea bites. Julian Kirk 01733 468308
Apparently, the engineer julian.kirk@emap.com
NEWS EDITOR
responsible for the van had Daniel Attwood 01733 468294
been taking his dog out with daniel.attwood@emap.com
SECTION EDITOR
him to jobs and it was
’
Adele Barry 01733 468901
covered in dog hair and adele.barry@emap.com
mud. FEATURES WRITER
Phill Tromans 01733 468314
It was absolutely filthy. I phill.tromans@emap.com
know vans see a lot of hard REPORTER
Emma Cooper 01733 468309
use, but this wasn’t very nice emma.cooper@emap.com
at all. SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR/EVENTS
John Maslen 01733 468307
john.maslen@emap.com
Email stories about your drivers CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
to fleetnews@emap.com Steve Moody
steve.moody@emap.com
All entries published will
remain anonymous. If yours is ADVERTISING
KEY ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
chosen you’ll receive £10.
Andy Smith 01733 468339
Peter Millis 01733 468268
Julie Abell 01733 468273
EVENTS NEWS QUIZ
Hayley Willerton 01733 468320
PROJECT MANAGER
Leanne Patterson 01733 468332
www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 39
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Generous equipment
impresses
buyers
High-tech
features
add to
Mondeo’s
appeal
M
ore than half of all The adaptive front lighting an angle of at least 30 degrees.
Mondeos sold in system (AFS), which is standard New Mondeo can also be
the UK are high on Titanium X and an option specified with bi-xenon lamps
series models, on other models, incorporates which include static cornering
accounting for 52% of the 16,500 halogen lamps linked to sensors lights, plus automatic headlamp
registered in the new car’s first which detect steering input and levelling and washer jets. Bi-
five months on sale. can swivel up to 15 degrees. xenons offer twice the light
This compares with a share of This system improves visibility density on the road at one-
less than 35% for equivalent high when negotiating tight bends, third of the energy input of
series Mondeos two years ago. particularly on roads where the conventional lights. John Fleming, left, receives the
“Ford customers are impressed only light source is the car’s Test show that while AFS Car Company of the Year award
by the new Mondeo’s equipment headlamps. headlamps have a range of 155m,
list,” said Ford of Britain chairman In comparative tests between bi-xenons illuminate up to 245m Ford named Car
and managing director Roelant conventional halogen reflector of the road ahead. Company of Year
de Waard. lamps and AFS, the AFS lamps ■ New Mondeo performed
“They’re delighted by high- cast light an additional 10 metres strongly in auction at BCA Ford of Europe was named Car
tech features such as adaptive into the bend. Nottingham earlier this month, Company of the Year in the annual
cruise, which adjusts speed Static, low level cornering lights when 07-registered cars with Autocar Awards, and retiring chief
relative to the vehicle in front, are another feature of AFS. They around 5,500 miles on the clock, technical officer Richard Parry-Jones
active suspension and adaptive are automatically turned on when averaged 76.1% of current list was honoured with a special Editor’s
front lights which beam around the car is travelling below 37mph, price, achieving 110% of CAP Award for Excellence.
corners.” and the steering wheel turns at Clean. Ford of Europe’s award
recognised its development of
outstanding cars and its consistent
40 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk