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excesses p5 Audi’s A5 Prices keep on
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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

Training targets Fuel cost now


biggest factor
in fleet choice

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.

NEWS P3 NEW LAUNCH P15 CAREERS P31 COMPETITION P39


Record With the launch of the new Ford Mondeo Online remarketing She’s the darling of
numbers of and Renault Laguna, the upper-medium ser vice Autoquake many drivers. And now
vehicles are sector is on the up at the moment. Now has appointed Gar y Radio 2’s traffic
being seized Mazda has added more Hobson (pictured left) reporter Sally Boazman
and destroyed momentum as chief executive – better known as Sally
in a crackdown with its officer. Keep in touch Traffic – has written a
on uninsured drivers, thanks to the impres- with who else is on book, and we’ve got six
use of automatic numberplate recogni- sive the move in our copies to give away to
tion technology. Mazda6. Careers section. lucky readers.
NEWS

IN BRIEF Audi gives hint to the future


This soft-top soft-roader from worrying about in 2009. Unveiled
Audi is widely tipped as a preview at the LA Auto Show, the Cross
of the forthcoming Q5 4x4. Cabriolet quattro also showcases
Take away the showcar a diesel engine that claims to be
glamour touches – such as the the world’s cleanest.
unnecessarily massive carbon The 3.0-litre V6 TDI pumps out
ceramic brakes – and add a roof, 237bhp and, thanks to AdBlue
Golf victory and you’ll have a good idea of technology, nitrogen-oxide emis-
The Volkswagen Golf has what rivals like BMW’s X3 will be sions are reduced by up to 90%.
been named the ACFO car

More crashes caused


of the year after being
praised for delivering
operational performance,
wholelife cost control and
driver appeal as well as an
appealing environmental

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

BRITAIN’S scheme to reduce occupa-

MOTORWAY HSBC launches contract hire products tional road risk.

DfT cash boost


NETWORK HSBC Vehicle Finance has ■ FleetSure – which enables busi- “Businesses need a range of The Department for
■ More cars per motorway mile revamped its contract hire propo- nesses to better control fleet different products to suit their Transport departmental
than any EU nation. sition following feedback from its running costs over the life of needs. expenditure limit for
■ 23rd by ratio of motorway commercial customers. company vehicles. “We’re taking care of the major 2007-08 will be
length to GDP, behind Lithuania The bank’s vehicle finance ■ FleetSolve – a consultancy- tasks: helping to reduce risks and increased, subject to
and Poland. business has developed three based product designed to give business operating costs, and parliamentar y approval,
■ 19th by people per motorway new contract hire products: large fleets impartial advice generally taking the hassle out of by nearly £200m from
mile, just ahead of Czech Republic, ■ FleetExpress – a simplified around the key issues affecting running a fleet.” £12,907,737,000 to
Slovakia and Hungary. contract hire product for smaller fleet and business requirements. Further details on HSBC £13,105,578,000 and
■ 14th by density, just ahead of fleets that allows businesses to “We recognise one size doesn’t Vehicle Finance’s range of prod- the administration
the Czech Republic, Slovakia and fund their vehicle requirements, fit all in this market,” said Peter ucts and services can be found by budget by £30 million
Lithuania. spreading the cost over the life of Hollinshead, head of HSBC visiting the website www.hsbc. from £259,297,000 to
the agreement. Vehicle Finance. co.uk/vehiclefinance £289,384,000.

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

Anti-congestion schemes being


trialled by the Government have
been greeted with contrasting
enthusiasm by motorists.
The majority of motorists
welcome the opening of motor-
face law change Arval shocker
Ar val has highlighted the
way hard shoulders to traffic BY DANIEL ATTWOOD MID database (Fleet News, alerts police who can then stop it. results of common
during peak times, but reject October 18). If the driver can’t prove that he or errors behind the wheel
plans for designating a lane A new rule governing fleet insur- Fleet managers in particular she is covered, the car could be with a dramatic re-
exclusively for car sharers. ers will give insurance companies have been advised to ensure that confiscated.” enactment of a crash.
A recent survey by Motorpoint less time to upload data to the every vehicle on their fleet is on The MID rule change follows a Employees, customers
found that whilst motorists Motor Insurance Database the database. If they discover that successful year during which, for and schoolchildren
welcomed the use of the hard (MID). a vehicle’s details are missing, the first time, the number of unin- watched a recreation of a
shoulder lane to help cut motor- From January 2008, any policy they should contact their broker sured drivers on Britain’s roads 35mph crash involving
way congestion, 87% of drivers changes, including the addition of or insurer immediately. Failure to showed signs of falling. three car passengers and
said they would not be happy if new vehicles, will have to be do this may result in a driver Nevertheless, according to the a cyclist, with the help of
the extra space was turned over registered within seven days, being stopped on suspicion of Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), local emergency
for the exclusive use of high rather than the current 14. driving while not insured. which runs the MID, the annual ser vices.
occupancy vehicles (HOV). The rule change is designed to John Close, insurer relations cost to the insurance industry of
The Government began trials make it easier for the authorities director at AA Insurance, accidents and injury caused by Green hire
of HOV lanes, commonly known to detect uninsured motorists. explained: “Police use automatic uninsured drivers is more than An environmentally-friendly
as car share lanes, in Birming- The change follows the recent number plate recognition technol- £500 million. rental company, Green
ham this week, and HOV lane introduction of an online service, ogy, which instantly cross-checks These claims are met by the Motion, has opened its first
trails will begin on the first at www.fleetnews.co.uk, that registration numbers against the MIB and financed by a levy on branch in Oxford. The
motorway in Yorkshire – the allows motorists to check whether MID. If a checked vehicle is not insurance companies equating to company aims to provide
M606 – next spring. the car they are driving is on the on the database the equipment about £30 per policy per year. corporate customers with
the chance to hire green
vehicles from a green

Increase in morning-after drink-drive offences company. Green Motion


offers the sub-100g/km
Volkswagen Polo Blue-
Companies are being advised to In addition, recent changes in Motion alongside low-
ensure they have a robust drug law and procedures have allowed emission Citroëns and
and drink policy in place before police to carry out field impair- hybrids from Honda,
the festive season gets underway. ment tests to determine whether Toyota and Lexus. The
And those companies that there is evidence of impairment company says more than
already have a policy should re- through drug use. 70% of its fleet will emit less
mind their drivers of the risks of The roll-out of field impairment than 120g/km of CO2.
drink-driving and of the rising testing will also impact on drink-
number of morning-after convic- driving, as police turn their new RAC loses MD
tions. New impairment tests are being used to identify drivers using drugs expertise towards drink-drivers. Following restructuring
Every year 90,000 motorists With appropriate training, of the RAC, which will
are convicted of driving with and Education, it’s all very well together with the inevitable these tests can be carried out by see the business become
excess alcohol in their blood. saying ‘don’t drink-drive’ – but increase in consumption, has fleet managers and key HR staff, integrated into Nor wich
Fleet managers are advised drivers need to also know when increased morning-after convic- enabling them to check employ- Union Insurance, Debbie
that just getting drivers to agree they will be alcohol-free the next tions. As a result, morning-after ees suspected of being impaired Hewitt, RAC managing
to a company policy on not drink- day to be safe to drive. offences continue to rise – now in the workplace. Having estab- director, has said she
ing and driving does not ensure Extended licensing hours have almost one-in-five convictions are lished impairment, a company will leave the company in
compliance. pushed drinking later into the on the way to or at work – often in drugs and alcohol policy will summer 2008.
According to Avoidd Training night and early hours which, a firm’s vehicle. determine what happens next.

Risk management? We’re with you all the way.


In today’s world things change on a regular Simple – if you have 50 vehicles or more call ING Car Lease today to discuss
basis and the responsibility to comply our no-obligation Risk Management Health Check, one element of our
with ever changing legislation is falling comprehensive risk management product, Risk Assist. This short audit of
further onto the shoulders of the company your current procedures is designed to help protect you, your colleagues
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But how can you be sure you have covered
If you would like to discuss our Risk Management Health Check please call
all the bases?
0870 402 8242 or e-mail info@ingcarlease.co.uk

www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 5
NEWS

Call to scrap FINANCE MATTERS In association with HSBC

Galileo project Avoiding the risk


of unforeseen costs
BY EMMA COOPER
BY PETER HOLLINSHEAD, HEAD OF
The Commons Transport VEHICLE FINANCE, HSBC BANK PLC
Committee has warned that the
cost of the European Union’s When the contract hire concept was introduced, its major
(EU) satellite navigation project, selling point was providing a method of business motoring
Galileo, is spiralling out of control at a fixed cost. Customers paid a set charge each month
and that serious consideration in return for a car. Since then however, things have
should be given to abandoning changed. Additional charges have crept into the system and the concept of
the project. paying a fixed amount every month and then giving the car back is gone.
The plan to launch 30 EU satel- Unexpected charges are a surprise nobody wants and many fleet managers
lites to rival America’s GPS are caught out because they haven’t budgeted for these charges at the end of
system has over-run by millions the contract. The items to look out for include:
of pounds and is at least five years The Galileo project is five years behind in its development ■ End of contract dilapidation charges. Most contracts have a damage
behind in development. It was threshold of £100 - 200 with everything else being recharged to the customer.
originally due to go into operation £189 million of funding so far and The committee said that the It goes without saying companies should look for the highest possible threshold.
next year. look set to contribute a further EU’s projected benefits for the ■ It’s a very common process for contract hire firms to charge for the
The project, which should 17% of the total bill, unless the project “appear fanciful”. remaining tread on tyres that get damaged. If, for example, half of it remains
benefit European motorists and situation changes. “It would be entirely unaccept- they will charge for the unused portion of the tyre. No one intentionally damages
emergency services, has been In a recent report, the commit- able to proceed with the Galileo a tyre - look for contracts that provide unlimited tyres.
publicly funded since its incep- tee advised that no further invest- project at this stage,” the commit- ■ Many contract hire companies regard running out of fuel or locking keys in
tion, with the total cost estimate ment be made by the Government tee said. the car as driver error. Some will charge for roadside recovery cost, which can
rising from £2.3 billion to until the EU can come up with “The best cost-benefit solution be £70 or £80 a time. Look for contracts that do not recharge for these events.
£6 billion. more concrete information on the at this stage might be to scrap the These extra costs create additional administration and conflict with drivers
British taxpayers have provided cost and outcome of the scheme. programme entirely.” because of the extra administration and worry over who has caused the
damage. Fleet managers have to get authority to sign off expenditure that
wasn’t budgeted for; which isn’t likely to endear them to their finance

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

Fleets may lose FleetNews


Europe
out in CO2 trade www.fleetnewseurope.com

Proposals for flat-rate road


BY KEITH NUTHALL are liable to deter operators from
reducing their emission rates is
taxes are blocked by EU
The European Court of Justice not sufficient to call into question The European Union Council of Ministers has blocked European
(ECJ) has weakened the value of the adjustments’ legality.” Commission proposals that flat-rate road taxes be scrapped across
saleable CO2 emission permits, It backed a German govern- Europe in favour of levies varied according to vehicle CO2 emissions.
which would be issued to company ment system which allows permits While ministers agreed this week on the need for “fiscal measures
car fleets should road transport to be withdrawn in instances in passenger car taxation for the purpose of discouraging environmen-
be included in the European where a company slashed its tally damaging behaviour”, they did not agree an EU directive was
Union’s (EU) emissions trading emissions by more than 60%, necessary to order this in all 27 EU countries. As a result, the current
regime. compared with those emitted Portuguese presidency of the EU is to consult with the EC on
The issue is currently under Greenhouse gas emission when first surveyed by the whether the proposed law should be watered down or abandoned.
consideration by the European permits are under scrutiny national permit authority.
Commission, which is drafting a The British Government has
green paper on which sectors
should trade greenhouse gas
a company reduced its CO2 emis-
sions by – for example – switch-
been especially keen that the
commission considers including
Pan-European road charging
emissions from 2013. ing to hybrids. road transport in the EU emis- Fleet managers have until December 31 to tell the European
Transport is currently excluded But last week the ECJ ruled sions trading system, noting in a Commission about a possible pan-European road charging system.
from the EU emissions trading that national governments had Department for Transport paper, The public consultation is part of the EC’s preparation for major
system, but it could be included the right to withdraw such permits emissions trading “could sit proposals due next June on covering the external costs created by
from 2013 if administrative and without compensation if they alongside other forms of direct transport. These include pollution, CO2 emissions and congestion.
monitoring problems can be over- considered too many had been intervention to reduce road trans-
come. This could mean govern- released. port CO2 emissions such as the Fleet News Europe is sponsored by
ments issuing CO2 permits to Its ruling said: “The fact that use of biofuels, fuel efficiency,
road users, which could be sold if the ex-post adjustments at issue and eco-driving”. www.bca-europe.com

www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 9
�������� This week’s vehicle market news and information Edited by Julian Kirk

Mazda6 aims upmarket This


week
BY JULIAN KIRK

Mazda is aiming to move its new 6


upper-medium car into a “semi-
premium” market along with the
Volkswagen Passat and Honda
Accord.
The manufacturer is hoping the
strong residual value forecasts
and relatively low volumes, as First drive – p17
well as improved build quality and Kia Sportage fuel cell car
sporty styling, will push the car
above the volume players and into
an area of the market just below
the premium German models.
James Hopkins, Mazda UK’s
fleet and remarketing director,
said: “Residuals for the new 6 are
just one point behind the Passat Mazda is targeting Road test – p21
and are five to six points up on the the 6 at just below the Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro
current model. premium German models
“This has given us more of an
uplift than Ford or Renault – around the same level as with with user-choosers, especially with still want a big car and the estate
enjoyed with new versions of the the current car. the estate which goes on sale in is the natural place for them to
Mondeo and Laguna. Mr Hopkins added: “This gives February. Around a fifth of sales go.”
“We’re looking to target the us one of the lowest fleet shares in will be estates, up from the 10% of Mazda has also reduced the
Passat and Accord – we see the 6 the segment, which works well in the current range. price walk from the hatchback to
evolving into the semi-premium terms of RVs and stock manage- Mr Hopkins said: “We’re seeing the estate – it is now £700 Long-termer – p22
market.” ment. This will allow us to make a number of fleets taking 4x4s off compared to the current model’s Skoda and BMW updates
Around two-thirds of the 14,000 significant steps forward.” choice lists because of the CO2 £1,100 premium.
new Mazda6s will be sold to fleets The main focus for Mazda will be situation. However, these people  Mazda6 launch – page 15

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

Fuel cell first for Honda IN BRIEF


Ford’s fuel move
Ford will be fitting its
BY PHILL TROMANS Easy Fuel system to the
Honda plans to start producing
facelifted Ford Focus
a fuel cell car next year
The vision of hydrogen-powered when it launches in
production vehicles could soon Januar y. The system, first
become a reality after Honda seen on the new Mondeo,
announced plans to start produc- aims to prevent mis-
ing a fuel cell vehicle next year. fuelling incidents by
The FCX Clarity, unveiled at preventing the wrong fuel
the Los Angeles International nozzle being inserted into
Auto Show, is a zero-emission the filler pipe.
vehicle based on a brand new fuel
cell platform. Honda claims it has Coupé concept
made ‘tremendous improvements’
to the driving range, power,
weight and efficiency of fuel cell Honda has also announced a with Honda’s vision of produc- Honda R&D Americas, said:
vehicles, leaving the FCX Clarity step forward in the development ing technology that makes fuel “Honda is striving to address
with 134bhp and 189lb-ft of of technology to refuel hydrogen- cell vehicles appeal to a wider the need for a refuelling infra-
torque. powered vehicles. audience. structure for hydrogen fuel cell
The car is due to be released in It has started to use the fourth- Although it is only a prototype, vehicles.
limited numbers to retail custom- generation of its Home Energy Honda estimates that a home “The Home Energy Station Hyundai is targeting driving
ers in southern California in the Station at its research and devel- using the Home Energy Station represents one promising solu- enthusiasts with a concept
summer. The current plan is to opment facility in California. As can reduce CO2 emissions from tion to this issue, while offering that will end up as the
lease the vehicles for around £290 well as providing fuel, the device electricity production by 30% and the added benefit of heating and successor to its current
a month, including maintenance is designed to provide heat and electricity costs by 50%. powering the home more effi- Coupé. The Concept
and collision insurance. electricity for the home, in line Ben Knight, vice-president of ciently.” Genesis Coupé features a
300bhp V6 engine and rear-
wheel drive. The production
version is due to go on sale

Volkswagen expands up! concept family in the US in 2009.

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-

New face for Sports Coupé Powered by...


sion, the car will go on
sale in Europe at the end
of 2008.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 13
NEW LAUNCH: MAZDA6

Six of the best from Mazda


The first Mazda6 put the car company on the fleet map, and now there’s a new and improved model
BY JULIAN KIRK
BEHIND
After a few years in the doldrums,
there’s a renewed sense of energy
THE WHEEL
in the upper-medium sector. Due to the aforementioned supply
The decline in sales of the past problems there were no diesels to
few years is flattening out and test at the UK launch, so instead I
there is plenty of new product in sampled the three petrol units.
the sector to appeal to company First up was the 1.8 with
car drivers. 120bhp. To be honest this is not
Ford used virtually all the enough to lug a car of this size
weapons in its armoury to launch around and felt strained when
the new Mondeo earlier this year, accelerating.
delivering a car which is imposing Next was the 2.5 which offers
on the road, huge inside and with 170bhp. This is a much better drive,
a renewed focus on quality and cruising capably at motorway
equipment. speeds and having enough top-end
And Renault has recently shove to make driving fun. However,
followed suit with a much it does struggle to pick up revs from
improved new Laguna range, low down which became quite
while others are waiting in the annoying on the hilly test route.
wings for their moment in the The star of the line-up was the
spotlight next year, most notably 2.0-litre engine, delivering 147bhp
Vauxhall with its replacement for in a crisp manner. This engine enjoys
the Vectra. being revved and has a much more
But now it is the turn of Mazda FACT FILE enjoyable noise and feel to it than
to steal the limelight. In much the the rather under-stressed 2.5.
same way as the Mondeo and Model: 1.8 2.0 2.5 2.0 MTDI While performance differs wildly
Laguna were well received, so the Max power (bhp/rpm): 120/5,500 147/6,500 170/6,000 140/3,500 between the three, other attributes
new Mazda6 is gaining plaudits. Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 123/4,300 136/4,000 167/4,000 243/2,000 remain constant.
It’s easy to see why. The new Max speed (mph): 125 134 137 127 The Six handles really well,
Six is pretty, with pronounced 0-62mph (secs): 11.3 9.9 8.0 n/a remaining flat and composed during
hips over the wheelarches and Fuel consumption (mpg): 41.5 40.4 34.9 50.4 cornering and fast direction
aggressive front-end styling which CO2 emissions (g/km): 161 166 192 149 changes, the ride finds a very good
echoes that of the RX-8 sports On sale: December (diesel – January, estate – February) balance between comfort and
coupé-cum-saloon. Prices (est): £15,100–£22,040 dynamism, the gearbox shifts
It also builds on its successful sweetly and all three are very
predecessor – the car which well choice of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5-litre ambitions too much (remember, Mazda6 will further accelerate refined – there’s hardly any engine
and truly put Mazda on the fleet petrol engines. Supply problems this is a car company on course our penetration into fleets, espe- or wind noise intrusion.
map in the UK in 2002. This mean there will be no 2.0-litre for a record sales year despite cially with user-choosers. Build quality feels very good, and
means high equipment levels, diesel models offered until having its biggest-selling model in “This new model inherits and the simplified dashboard layout
strong build quality, reliability and January, followed a month later run-out). builds on all the key attributes of looks and feels classy.
keen pricing. by the very attractive estate Mazda expects to sell around the outgoing car. Interior space is more than
On sale from next month, the version. 14,000 new Sixes in the UK next “Fleet buyers will get a substan- adequate – it’s not Mondeo-big but
Six will be available in saloon and This is unfortunate, but it year – the same level as the previ- tially improved car that is cheaper there’s plenty of room for five adults
hatchback styles, and with a shouldn’t hinder Mazda’s sales ous model. Around two-thirds will for them in BIK terms – a real and a huge boot, to boot.
be sales into the company car win-win situation.” The CF-Net system, which
market with the 2.0-litre diesel There is no one single area controls the stereo, climate control,
obviously taking the lion’s share where the Mazda6 really amazes, trip computer and navigation from
of registrations. rather its talents lie in doing the steering wheel is excellent and
All engines offer lower CO2 everything well. It is well built, helps you keep your eyes on the
emissions and increased fuel looks good, drives well and comes road – a key addition for any safety-
economy over the units they with plenty of equipment as conscious fleet manager.
replace, with the diesel falling by standard.
four benefit-in-kind tax bands. It will also appeal to fleet manag-
Even though the front-end price
has risen slightly, this isn’t enough
ers, with CAP quoting a residual
value forecast of 36% after three
VERDICT
to offset the large drop in tax years/60,000 miles. Mazda can’t fail with the new
bands, which means cheaper bills That puts it in close contention Six – it’s a stylish, well equipped
for drivers. with the Volkswagen Passat and and well built car. With lower
James Hopkins, Mazda’s fleet Honda Accord – two key rivals for tax bills for drivers and
and remarketing director, said: the car, and well ahead of the new improved RVs, it ticks all the
“I’m very confident the new Mondeo and Laguna. fleet boxes.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 15
FIRST DRIVES: AUDI A3 1.4 TFSI/KIA SPORTAGE FCEV

Punching above its weight


It only has a supermini size engine, but the A3 range’s new addition is a sprightly performer
BY JULIAN KIRK

In this week’s issue, my colleague


BEHIND THE WHEEL
Trevor Gelken appraises a new Although 125bhp does not sound much these days, it is enough to endow the A3
Citroën Berlingo (page 20) with a with a fizzy nature. Thanks to a quick response turbo and direct injection the 1.4
small capacity diesel engine which TFSI is quick to respond to throttle inputs and very willing to rev round to the red
has replaced a much larger unit. line. It’s much more involving to drive than a diesel too, as you can actually use
And it is not just in the van all the revs to gain performance rather than surfing a wave of low-down torque.
world where smaller engines are On the move, engine noise is well suppressed and the ride errs on the side of
finding favour. Witness the latest firm. With a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, the smallest engine in the
addition to the Audi A3 range – a A3 range brings a lot of driving enjoyment.
turbocharged 1.4-litre unit which
delivers 125bhp. 5,000rpm, although this does not 43.5mpg. Although a 1.9 TDI
Previously this sort of engine tell the full story. diesel will deliver better economy, FACT FILE VERDICT
capacity was reserved for super- Thanks to the turbocharger, drivers will benefit from lower
Model: 1.4 TFSI
minis. But advances in technology the power is available from the benefit-in-kind tax bills in the 1.4 Max power (bhp/rpm): 125/5,000 If you or your drivers fancy a
mean that small units can now moment you press the accelerator TFSI as it is slightly cheaper at Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 147/1,500 change from diesel power, the
punch far above their weight. pedal – no lag, just instant the front-end and sits in a BIK Max speed (mph): 126 1.4 TFSI engine is well worth a
The A3 does this by combining response and sprightly perfor- band lower as it does not suffer 0-62mph (secs): 9.6 look. Forget its diminutive size –
turbocharging with direct injec- mance. from the 3% diesel surcharge. Fuel consumption (mpg): 43.5 this engine has enough power
tion to ensure a very efficient The other figures are CO2 emis- For fleets with a heavy leaning CO2 emissions (g/km): 154 and character to make it a
injection and combustion process. sions of 154g/km and claimed on diesel, the 1.4 TFSI offers a Prices (OTR): £16,365-£20,665 viable alternative to the
On sale: Now
The end result is 125bhp at combined fuel economy of relatively cost-effective option. ubiquitous TDI diesel.
Kia unveils its electric dream
Hydrogen-powered Sportage provides a glimpse of the Korean carmaker’s future technology
BY RICHARD YARROW there’s enough to flood every will be sited low down between
corner of it. The noise is the the two axles, and will offer more
South Korean carmaker Kia has pump, which collects the excess than 130bhp. The range will be
ambitious plans. Compared with and recycles it. increased to around 375 miles
2006, it wants a 90% increase in Aside from that, this prototype between fill-ups.
global sales by 2010. drives exactly like every other Talking of which, topping up
The UK dealer network is to Sportage. with hydrogen is straightfor-
grow from the current 140 The FCEV’s performance ward. You open the car’s flap as
outlets to 170 by the same year. figures aren’t staggering, but normal, clip on the pump nozzle,
The first hybrid car will be they’re not bad either. The car press a button on the machine,
launched in Europe soon after, will hit 60mph in around 10 and it only takes around three
and bosses have just gone public seconds – at least as quick as a minutes.
with their latest fuel cell car. standard Sportage – and go on to
Officially known as the 88mph flat out.
Sportage Fuel Cell Electric The range between fill-ups is a FACT FILE
Vehicle (FCEV), the principles respectable 240 miles. It doesn’t
of hydrogen power are pretty the car via three motors develop- selector into Drive – there’s sound much, but it’s a major Model: Sportage FCEV
straightforward. The gas is ing 107bhp in total. virtually no noise as you acceler- improvement on Kia’s first Max power (bhp): 107
stored at 700-bar pressure in All that comes out of the ate. attempt in 2000 which had a Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): N/A
Max speed (mph): 88
tanks on board the vehicle. It’s exhaust is water vapour. The one thing you can hear is range of just 100 miles.
0-62mph (secs): 10.0 (est)
then piped into a fuel cell stack, Bar the decals down the a whining sound as you speed Kia says the next generation Fuel consumption (mpg): N/A
which is about the size of a big flanks, the H-FCEV is identical up. It’s because the system puts version is already in develop- CO2 emissions (g/km): N/A
shoebox, where it combines with to a standard Sportage SUV. The about 1.5 times the amount of ment but won’t be seen until Price (OTR): N/A
oxygen to make electricity. This most obvious difference is when hydrogen into the fuel cell as is 2012. It will have improved On sale: 2012
is stored in a battery and powers you shift the automatic gear actually needed, to make sure dynamics because the fuel cell
MINI TEST: CITROËN BERLINGO 1.6 HDi 90 ENTERPRISE

Lighter, but no lightweight


The evergreen Citroën Berlingo has a lower-capacity diesel engine – but it is no backward step
BY TREVOR GELKEN
BEHIND
On the face of it, replacing 1.9 and
2.0-litre diesel engines with a
THE WHEEL
1.6-litre one may seem a retro- Talk about not acting your age – the
grade step. But diesel technology Berlingo was launched in 1996 but,
has come on at such a pace that thanks to a series of improvements
smaller engines are better than over the years, it still feels as fresh and
the bigger old ones, so it is logical capable as it did at launch.
to use them and save weight. It looks good on the outside, feels
That’s exactly what Citroën has stylish and comfortable on the inside
done with the Berlingo. The old and the square loadspace in the back
engines were admirable perform- is even more accessible with that
ers but the new 1.6 HDi is much standard side door.
better. The Berlingo is offered in On the road, our test model felt
either 75bhp or 90bhp formats quicker than the old 2.0-litre unit
(the model on test here is the that we had on long-term test
90bhp version) and torque is increased and offered at a lower electric windows and heated recently and certainly did not feel
rpm than in the old 2.0-litre unit. mirrors. Also worthy of note is VERDICT behave like an 11-year-old model.
Other big news is the addition that the Berlingo is now the only
FACT FILE of a standard side-loading door on small van offered with a factory-fit The Berlingo has become
The handling is pin-sharp and
ABS brakes come as standard on
Power (bhp/rpm): 90/4,000 Enterprise models and the fact LPG conversion on the 1.4-litre something of a favourite among Enterprise models. Fuel economy
Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 158/1,750 that this van will now run on up to petrol model – a fact that may be the staff at Fleet News over the was a tad lower mind you, although
Load vol (cu m): 3.0 30% biodiesel. of interest to those city fleets years and the new engine still well into the mid-40mpg
Payload (kg): 600
Price (ex-VAT): £11,195 Meanwhile, standard kit which want to dodge the London simply brings the Berlingo even region.
includes remote central-locking, Congestion Charge. closer to our hearts.

Business talk: here to help


A regular series that offers help, advice and assistance to fleet decision makers on a variety of current industry issues
Where do I find the best Can I specify contracts

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

A fresh outlook THREE RIVALS TO CONSIDER

for Audi’s coupe


New A5 adds aggressive looks to the traditional Audi traits
■ Alfa Romeo Brera
2.4 JTDM SV

P11D PRICE
■ BMW 330d SE

The BMW 330d Coupé has tradition-


Coupé

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.

EMISSIONS AND TAX RATES


The quattro system and high power 330d 160g/km/22%
makes the A5 relatively high- CLK 172g/km/24%
emitting. The CLK has a fairly low Brera 179g/km/25%
CO2 but again the BMW is streets A5 191g/km/28%
ahead at £2,791 a year for a 40% cheaper Brera and around £400 and
taxpayer, £160 ahead of the much £900 less than the CLK and A5.

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

Bags of room in the back


Skoda Roomster lives up to its name with plenty of space inside, as well as a versatile load area
BY EMMA COOPER MPV does what it says on the tin ably accommodate two leggy driving position if I want to see

You’d be hard pushed to find


– it’s got plenty of space.
The cabin is supposed to feel
passengers and a child, a couple
of bicycles, or half the local
over it clearly.
It also takes a while to get used
FACT FILE
Price: £14,070
anyone standing nearby admiring like that of a smaller car, which it garden centre with my mother in to looking past the awkwardly
(£14,420 as tested)
this car’s styling, but looks aren’t does, while the rear is a tardis tow. positioned front and side pillars, Mileage: 10,484
everything and the Roomster and is large enough to comfort- A play around with the rear which are a nuisance when check- CO2 emissions 139
seats reveals a myriad of different ing your blind spot. Company car tax bill (2007)
seating combinations to maxi- It’s a purely practical vehicle, a 22% tax-payer: £47 per month
mise the available space in the lifestyle utility. As a family car it Insurance group: 5
back – the seats can slide forward must be a godsend. As a single Combined mpg: 51.4
and backwards, while all can be female, I’ve found the car feels Test mpg: 48.0
removed to create a versatile very safe and pleasant to drive CAP Monitor RV: £4,375/30%
load area. but I haven’t really tested its true Contract hire rate £313
Expenditure to date: £110
Though it’s relatively small by capacity.
(service)
MPV standards, the Roomster’s Nevertheless, it has been a Figures based on three years/60,000 miles
long windows and panoramic worthy vessel for my luggage and
sunroof look good and make the sports equipment, with bags of
car feel big and airy. According to room to spare. performed without incident and,
one friend of mine, “it’s like being There are also plenty of cubby after initial scepticism – mostly
driven around in a greenhouse”. holes, especially handy if you stemming from its unusual styling
She meant it as a compliment. collect as many sweet wrappers, – I’m definitely warming to it.
Roomsters, however, are not newspapers and CD cases as I do. It’s also proving very cost-
ideal for stumpy drivers. The I’ve also grown rather fond of the effective – I’m averaging 48mpg
dashboard is quite high and I stitched leather steering wheel. and a recent service cost just over
have to sacrifice a comfortable So far, the Roomster has £100.
A great way to combat fuel rises
50mpg-plus economy is music to our road tester’s ears – as is the 1 Series’ iPod adapter
BY STEVE MOODY wheel, into the tight embrace of was chugging along at 50mpg- life would be like in a short-

I’ve been out of the 1 Series for a


the sports seats and clipping the
gear lever into first.
plus so was able to make it back
to rural Lincolnshire, where
wheelbase, high-torque, rear-
wheel drive car when it rains and
FACT FILE
couple of weeks while I was road- Of even more delight now is diesel was only 101.8ppl. It’s the roads get covered in mud Price: £21,995
(£23,585 as tested)
testing other cars and I have to the sight of that fuel needle reso- enough to almost make you want and leaves.
Mileage: 8,789
say it was good to be back in the lutely refusing to budge on all to take the train. There’s no doubt that traction CO2 emissions (g/km): 129
BMW. but the longest journeys. Fortunately, though, the and grip is an issue that BMW is
Company car tax bill (2007)
I’ve commented before that The other day, while heading 1 Series is far too enjoyable to acutely aware of. The 1 Series’ 40% tax-payer: £130 per month
it’s not the biggest car but for a into north London, I saw a garage make you share your travels with suspension is incredibly stiff, not Insurance group: 14
driver there’s a tactile delight in advertising its diesel at a horrific the great unwashed, and it’s helped by the rigid sidewalls of Combined mpg: 57.6
getting behind the thick steering 108.9 pence per litre. Luckily I made all the more entertaining the run-flat tyres. An engineer Test mpg: 49.2
by the iPod adapter. told me once that as rear-wheel CAP Monitor RV: £7,675/39%
Plug the type of lead that you drive cars get torquier and more Contract hire rate: £418
update an iPod with on your PC powerful engines, stiffer suspen- Expenditure to date: 47p
into the USB socket under the sion settings and increasingly (windscreen wiper
armrest and the track, artists, nannying traction control are spindle cover)
album and genre appear on the necessary to keep them pointing Figures based on three years/60,000 miles
screen. It doesn’t seem to have a forwards.
function that allows you to scroll Well, the stiff suspension is
though your music and select certainly in evidence, although 120d through the car wash the
tunes, instead using the iPod’s the Dynamic Stability Control – other day and discovered when I
shuffle facility, but at least you BMW’s version of ESP – very got home that the cover for the
don’t have to listen to Chris rarely kicks in, so there must be rear windscreen wiper spindle
Moyles’ arrogant babblings on decent reserves of grip in most had fallen off. Suitably vexed, I
Radio 1 or Rutland FM. conditions. raced to the BMW dealer in
With the onset of winter, I’ve I have picked up an unex- Peterborough, where a new part
been interested to find out what pected cost, though. I put the was ordered. The cost? 47p.
FUEL MANAGEMENT

No respite on the horizon


from rocketing fuel prices
Increased demand from developing econo mies and low stocks set to keep fuel costs high
BY PHILL TROMANS rates in Europe, particularly on Gulf War – the price of oil stayed “There was a whole host of ies, where oil is converted to fuel,

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.

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www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 25
FUEL MANAGEMENT

Tackling the impact of ever-


Driver training and improved education can help keep fleets’ monthly bills under control
BY PHILL TROMANS Cost has the most obvious Richard Schooling, commercial concern for all currently,” he says. marketing at Masterlease, says it

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

other options were used as normal petrol-


powered cars. Now we run
hybrid vehicles and, other than
vehicles.”
IBM’s fleet manager, Phil
Redman, says the Government’s
have renewable, inexhaustible
and non-polluting qualities.
“On the other hand, the use of
LPG being a bit underpowered at withdrawal of grants for LPG biofuels may result in the
Liquified petroleum gas was times, they seem to work well. vehicles means he has not demise of the normal farmer as
touted as the next big thing a “LPG, as far as we are ordered any more since. land becomes more valuable to
few years back, but lately has concerned, has no future in the “It’s a shame, as considerable the industry. Furthermore, the
seen incentives vanish and UK and because of the lack of investment was made in the quality of the land may
interest wane. supporting infrastructure LPG infrastructure,” he says. deteriorate due to over-farming.
“We ran a small fleet probably should never have There are some that still find “In addition to this, the level
of LPG-powered been introduced.” LPG useful. Wilson Electrical of infrastructure needed to
vehicles,” says Malcolm Jeavons, fleet Distributors has five dual-fuel support the use of biofuels in
Rob Corbett, manager of the CHN Group, Ford Transit vans that run on the public domain is currently
of Agility runs a fleet of 260 vehicles. both diesel and LPG. insufficient. Fleets need to bear
Fleet. “We “Around five years ago we “This is vital if one is going all of this in mind before they
found decided to take on a number of into the London congestion jump on the biofuel band-
that dual-fuel vans with the hope of charging zone as it allows us to wagon.”
saving money and improving get reduced charges for low There isn’t a single solution
our environmental credentials,” carbon emissions,” says fleet that will suit all fleets, according
he says. “I was hoping that if manager Fred McDonald. to Robert Kingdom from
things worked out we would David Brennan from Masterlease.
increase the number of dual-fuel LeasePlan says: “LPG is a good “Biofuel looked like it could
vehicles on our fleet. But example of an inconsistent tax be a lovely solution but there
unfortunately this failed quite policy where the fuelling has been a lot of bad press about
miserably.” industry made a substantial the impact on food crops and
Mr Jeavons found the investment, the fiscal incentives deforestation,” he says.
monthly rental charges were were then removed and now the “You have got to look at what
high because the contract hire number of LPG outlets is going you are using vehicles for. We
company was unsure where to down. I’m not sure it has a will see different fuels for
set residual values. future.” different needs – electric cars
“There was always a problem are particularly suited for city
in getting the gas,” he says. “At BIOFUELS use but for motorway driving,
the end of the three-year “The jury on biofuels is still diesel will probably remain the
contract we decided not to out,” says Brennan. “On one fuel of choice for the near
continue with LPG-powered hand, they are the clean, green future.”

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.”

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You may not know it, but a MICHELIN tyre can last a distance of more than once around the Earth. Indeed Michelin’s 4000
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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 is the best part of


Autoquake Leasedrive Velo rental implant Gerard Barclay recalls with
the job?
Dealing with the range of
has new CEO Daniel Jenkins has been appointed as Thrifty’s rental implant manager
at fleet management company Leasedrive Velo. Mr Jenkins has experi-
delight his first company car
– a Vauxhall Chevette.
issues linked to a varied Online remarketing service ence in accounts and operations management. He will now be
fleet and the challenges of Autoquake has appointed Gary outsourced to oversee the operation of Thrifty’s account with Lease- Competition – p39
supplying vehicle solu- Hobson as chief executive officer. drive Velo, managing customer service and daily rental. Six lucky
tions to complement He was previously consultant readers can
company growth. operations director at Dixons win a copy of

What has been your


Motor Group and has held senior
management roles at Lex, Ford,
FMG director appointment truckers’
darling Sally
greatest achievement? Masterlease and Pendragon. Fleet management group FMG Support has recruited Mark Scanlon as Boazman’s
The cost-effective matching commercial director, responsible for the sales, marketing and customer first book.
of the vehicle fleet and service teams. He was previously BAE Systems’ head of global busi-
management processes ness development and commercial director at Dyson.
to business growth. Job of
the week
Where is your favourite
restaurant?
Vertu recruits Parry from Vardy ADECCO
Stower Grange, Norwich. Audrey Parry is the new operations manager for Vertu Motors, respon- Various management
Sunday lunch is sible for procuring and distributing vehicles for the company’s used car positions at Luton p32
particularly recommended. division, Motor Nation, and managing procurement for the group. She
was previously general manager for Vardy Vehicle Remarketing.

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

01235 536440 Fleet Sales Manager to expand their existing team.


You will have experience in B2B/ Fleet sales with proven success of meeting and exceeding your targets.

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.

Potential Finance Group Plc potentia


l

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
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www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 33
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LETTERS ■ Email: fleetnews@emap.com. Please include name, job title, company and address
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Accident data
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political
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needs a rethink
blarney
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‘Unbelievable’
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expenses must
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So the Government is to spend


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£50 million on trying to get


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be probed
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Britain’s van fleet operators to


���������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������
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drive vehicles that emit lower


Roddy Graham’s comment in Your excellent article “At-work As one of many lobbying for training they provide. We believe amounts of carbon dioxide
the article “MP criticised over crashes under-reported” (Fleet ‘Purpose of Journey’ to be added the police (both nationally and at (“£50 million low carbon van
unbelievable expenses claim” News, November 15) refers to a into Stats19, we are delighted that the “Tarmac-face”) need to be investment”, Fleet News
(Fleet News, November 15) is very important issue for road it has been included since January better trained in the importance November 15).
very pertinent to the whole issue safety around the world. 2005. Analysis of the first year of of the information and how to This is nothing more than
of road accidents due to tired- Having been heavily involved data showed that trucks and report it effectively. political blarney that will have
ness. This is something the in reviewing Stats19 whilst leading buses involved in at-work road A similar data issue that absolutely no effect on the
Government is rightfully research projects at the Univer- collisions were reported fairly requires a rethink is the inclusion levels of CO2 emitted in the
concerned about. sity of Huddersfield, at the Centre well, but other at-work vehicles of on-road at-work incidents in the UK and is money wasted.
Environmental issues also for Accident Research and Road such as cars and vans were hardly Health and Safety Executive’s This is how committed our
come into play and you could Safety, Queensland, and in my reported at all. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases Government is to green van
even be forgiven for thinking that current role, I wanted to make a In our own research on Purpose and Dangerous Occurrences issues – at present, van manu-
there are dual standards being few comments. of Journey, based on a survey of (RIDDOR) reporting process. facturers have no legal obliga-
exhibited. The 30% of road fatalities figure more than 1,000 drivers – more This would allow the HSE to tion to produce either fuel
There is also the questionable quoted for at-work collisions was than half of all journeys involved obtain a much better picture economy or CO2 emissions
use of public funds. Perhaps the only an estimate. It was never people driving to or for work. about the full extent of at-work figures for vans. So does a
public accounts committee based on actual data. Department for Transport data fatalities and injuries and would Ford Transit emit more CO2
should be looking at some of the At that time, the only jurisdic- shows clearly that for most road allow resources to be targeted than a Mercedes-Benz
“claims” made for expenses. tion around the world to have fatalities (almost 78%) the police much more effectively at the Sprinter? I haven’t got a clue
Sadly, I suspect they will not as actual data was Queensland did not record the purpose of biggest at-work risk in the UK. and neither has anyone else.
it would open a large can of where from 1998-2002, 24% of fatal journey and that for most vehicle From January 1 2008 all
worms. Roll on road pricing. and 17% of hospitalisation road types (almost 73%) the purpose of DR WILL MURRAY manufacturers will be required
collisions were recorded as involv- journey was also not recorded. Research director, Inter- to produce fuel economy and
CHRIS ELDRED ing a work driver. This was This is highly unacceptable and active Driving Systems CO2 figures but – amazingly
European regional commonly seen as an under- reflects badly on both the police Trustee, Brake – there is STILL no legal
manager, Technology representation, as it did not collecting the data and the DfT in Visiting Research Fellow, requirement for them to make
Services – UK Office include all the at-work cars. terms of the level of guidance and CARRS-Q these figures available to the
public. So far, of the big manu-

Confusion reigns over mobile message


facturers only Citroën and
Volkswagen have told me they
intend to publish them.
Why the Government has
The helpline page has an answer over loud driving sounds”. copy of Fleet News and as always tition saying use me. What does decided we should be kept in
to a query about using mobile It seems that you are preach- it is very interesting (Fleet News, one do? the dark is a mystery and how
phones while driving, and quite ing the road safety gospel with November 15), especially the on earth can van fleet opera-
rightly states “The police and one hand but encouraging non- helpline question regarding S.A.COTTER tors choose more energy-effi-
RoSPA provide evidence that safe driving with the other. mobile phone use. The answer Fine Tubes cient vehicles when they don’t
reactions are up to 40% slower Is it any wonder most fleet was especially informative – the have these basic facts?
when using a mobile phone, drivers are confused when those bottom line being do not use ■ Ed: Fleet News is primarily a The Government should
whether hand-held or wireless. of us who are supposed to be mobile phones, hand-held or medium for news and views from require mpg and CO2 figures
All organisations involved with promoting the safe driving hands-free and have all calls others. If someone calls for a ban to be made public, as is the
safety advise not to use them message can’t even do joined up diverted to voice mail, or another on all phone use while driving, we case with cars. It would have a
while driving” Fleet News, thinking? number. publish their views without neces- positive impact on the envi-
November 15. Then I turned to page 47 – the sarily endorsing them. The use of ronment and wouldn’t cost
However, in the same issue JOHN CARTER News Quiz – win a Bluetooth car a legal hands-free kit is better the taxpayer anything.
you offer as a prize a Bluetooth Sandvik kit. than using a hand-held illegally.
car kit with the statement One person saying do not use Fleet News would campaign for TREVOR GELKEN
“ensures a clear conversation I have been reading this week’s this sort of thing, and the compe- tougher action on that. Editor, Fleet Van

ONLINE POLL FleetNews COMMENT FREE GIFT


Does the increasing LAST WEEK’S POLL The chief executive of the involving those who drive for Get a letter published
need to manage Driving Standards Agency work and, as usual, employers in Fleet News and you
100 will receive a 512Mb
drivers strengthen (DSA), Rosemary Thew, says are expected to play a full and
Are there too many statistics? Do we trot out computer memory
the need for an in- 80 the latest figures on anything and make there is a “genuine feeling of a responsible role.
house specialist everything meaningless? Half of you think so
need for change” when it Driver management is a
stick worth £15
courtesy of fleet soft-
running the fleet? 60 comes to preparing drivers for huge challenge for fleet
ware and occupational road
If you think so, vote a life on the road. professionals and HR depart-
safety specialist
“yes” in the online 40 Do you feel a need for ments. Will the need to ensure
50% 50%
Jaama.
poll at the homep- change? The DSA and the all your drivers are well-trained
age of the Fleet 20 Department for Transport and fully compliant secure your ■ By writing to Fleet News you agree
to have your details passed on to
News website: www. (DfT) are behind a campaign to job after all the vehicle-related Jaama and may receive offers from or
0 in association with Emap Consumer
fleetnews.co.uk YES NO cut deaths and injuries tasks have been outsourced? Media unless you state otherwise.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 22.11.07 35
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Apply for your place online at www.fleetnewsforum.co.uk
How the Fleet News Forum worked for me
Janine McNaughton, fleet Andrea Shipman, assistant
manager, Rye Street fleet manager, 20:20 Mobile
Coachworks. Fleet size: 226 Group. Fleet size: 165
Attending the Fleet News Forum is a great way The Fleet News Forum provided some of the
to do business. key contacts needed for one delegate who
That is the view of Janine McNaughton, fleet was carrying out a major fleet review.
manager for Rye Street Coachworks, a Andrea Shipman, assistant fleet manager,
bodyshop business that operates a fleet of 220 20:20 Mobile Group, operates a fleet of 165
cars and six vans. vehicles with a further 71 cash takers.
After a series of meetings with suppliers, she She wanted to speak to a wide range of
was impressed enough with the presentations suppliers about many aspects of her fleet and
to hold further discussions and eventually the Fleet News Forum proved ideal.
signed a contract with a new supplier.
“I would definitely recommend the forum to
Ms Shipman was able to speak to a
number of potential suppliers. De Vere Grand
other fleet decision-makers,” she said. “When I
heard about the forum I thought it was a really
She said: “We were reviewing our whole
fleet covering every aspect of the operation,
Hotel, Brighton
valuable way to meet suppliers.
“I can see the logic behind the way it is
so it was ideal.
“As a result of taking part in the forum, we
February 19-20
organised and I met a number of potential new included suppliers who were there as part of 2008
suppliers during my stay. I am now using one the tender process, including leasing
of the suppliers too.” companies.”
She also praised the networking opportuni- But she also benefited greatly from added
ties and the workshops, which gave her a value aspects of the event, including Great benefits for free Added value workshops
detailed overview of important fleet issues, networking with industry colleagues to share Everything is free, from the luxurious To ensure you make the most of your
including risk management. best practice. accommodation to meals and even time at the Fleet News Forum, we are
She said: “There was a lot of very helpful She said: “I found it really useful for evening entertainment. repeating our successful workshops.
information there and I was able to take some networking, exchanging ideas for doing things Why? Because suppliers cover the Issues covered this year will be risk
ideas and information back to my office to help in your own fleets and things you might not costs of your stay as they benefit from management, green fleet management,
me with my work.” have thought about on your own.” quality time with you. wholelife costs and taxation.

The Fleet News Forum explained In their own words


BORING boardrooms and hours of We organise the appointments in “It was two very well spent days and all my fleet business. I am of the firm belief that
Powerpoint slides aren’t productive, advance to save time and during the objectives were met. I was more than satisfied. without such events, the fleet industry would
especially when one over-long meeting event you can expect to meet with 8-12 I was there looking at accident management suffer as a consequence.”
can impact on the flow of a whole day’s suppliers of your choosing. and driver duty of care.” Mike Thomas
work. It doesn’t have to be this way. Each 1-2-1 meeting lasts for 30 Mitch Elliott Fleet manager
At the Fleet News Forum, fleet minutes and we also offer workshops Fleet services manager Dyfed Powys Police
decision-makers take part in pre- covering some of the key fleet issues Lincolnshire County Council
arranged business meetings. facing your business. “I found the Fleet News Forum very informative
This year, the event takes place at the The time-saving and efficiency “It was both very informative and beneficial for and a useful networking event.”
stunning five-star De Vere Grand Hotel benefits compared to office meetings is me personally, as well as for the organisation. I Julie Furnival
in Brighton. immense. was able to rekindle business with an auction Thera Trust
Over two days, in beautiful surround- The Fleet News Forum makes perfect house, which proved worthwhile. I also made
ings, you can attend strictly-timed business sense, so sign up today to save contact with vehicle hire companies, which was “We were about to embark on a tender so
presentations that get straight down to time and meet new suppliers also beneficial. were keen to find out what was on offer.”
business, focusing on what you want Log on to www.fleetnewsforum.co.uk “It is essential such events take place, as Debbie Floyde
and what the supplier can deliver. to apply for your place networking is a very important aspect of the Fleet manager, Emap

Apply online now at www.fleetnewsforum.co.uk. For sponsorship and exhibiting


opportunities, call Maddie Collins on 01733 468171 or email madaline.collins@emap.com
HELPLINE ■ Do you have a problem with your fleet? email fleetnews@emap.com
Interface
MOBILE PHONES PRIVATE
VEHICLES
Is the cost of a hands-free Q Many drivers have
refused to use their car
for business use unless the

phone kit likely to be taxed?


company pays for the
additional business insur-
ance. We pay them a fuel
allowance and we have not
made any amendments to

Q Is the cost of a hands-


free kit for a mobile
phone liable to tax and should
breaking the law and, may I add,
the mobile phone to which it is
connected is not liable for tax
our own fleet insurance. Am
I being unfair?

it go on our employees’ P11D


forms? As this is a legal
requirement, it seems unfair
either.
You can rest easy in my
opinion but if in any doubt you
A No, you are not being
unreasonable and what you
are requesting from your
to be taxed for doing the right should ask your company’s drivers is correct if it is for
thing. accountant for confirmation. occasional use only.
I hope, however, that all users I would also ask to see their

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

Q Can you point me to a


reliable source for fuel
prices to calculate our
the fluctuating cost of fuel.
As these are Government
recommendations, you can’t go
without a fuel card for one of
your vehicles.
The link to the website is:
maintained.
We do not allow our occa-
sional drivers to travel on
mileage reimbursement? wrong by applying their figures. www.hmrc.gov.uk/cars/ company business in their own
Some websites show figures On the website you will find advisory_fuel_current.htm vehicles.
which can var y by five or six listings by engine size and also Should you be looking to We have set up an agreement
pence a litre. Which is the by fuel type. repay mileage to any driver with our contract hire provider
best resource? These are calculated using without a fuel card and using to supply hire cars.
the average mpg for each their own vehicle then different The hire cars are insured

A The answer to your


question lies in which way
you are compensating your then your best source of
classification of vehicle and
applied to the current pump
prices.
rules apply.
These are also located on the
HMRC website.
under our company insurance
policy so we don’t have any
issues regarding fuel allow-
drivers. information is undoubtedly the The calculation is the same ance or insurance.
If they are using one of your HMRC website. whether the driver is reimburs- ANN DUKANOVIC
fuel cards and reimbursing the These figures are recalcu- ing you for private miles or you Fleet manager, MICHELLE HALLAM
company for their private miles, lated every six months to reflect are repaying any fuel purchased Kaba Door Systems Fleet manager,
Fisher Scientific

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

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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
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KEY ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
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Win Sally Traffic Handbook


TELESALES MANAGER
ACFO REGIONAL MEETINGS Penny Care 01733 468375
Nationwide. 01730 260162. RECRUITMENT EXECUTIVE
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CLASSIFIED EXECUTIVES
FLEET VAN CONFERENCE Sheryl Graham 01733 468256
November 22, Millbrook Proving She’s the darling of the Sally, a Radio 2 traffic news copy of The Sally Traffic Dee Kennedy 01733 468275
Ground, Bedford. truckers. Now Sally Boazman reporter who is best known as Handbook, answer the PRODUCTION
www.fleetvanconference.com has turned her hand to writing Sally Traffic, has released her following questions, based on HEAD OF PUBLISHING
a book and we have copies of first book through Haynes articles in this week’s Fleet Sandie Hurford 01733 468312
sandie.hurford@emap.com
BRAKE/FLEET SAFETY The Sally Traffic Handbook to publishing. News. SENIOR ART EDITOR
FORUM give away to six winners of this The Sally Traffic Handbook is 1. What is the annual cost of Luke Neal 01733 468262
luke.neal@emap.com
Duty of care half-day workshop week’s quiz. packed with personal anec- accidents caused by PRODUCTION EDITORS
November 27, Liverpool. dotes and useful information uninsured drivers? Andrew Ryan 01733 468310
for drivers. Sally gives her 2. Which car beat the andrew.ryan@emap.com
Alan Salt 01733 468267
SMMT ANNUAL DINNER views on lane hoggers and Audi A5 in our road test alan.salt@emap.com
November 27, London. Britain’s best roads, advises on challenge? DIGITAL PRODUCER
Jeremy Bennett 01733 468298
coping with traffic jams and 3. What were the names of jeremy.bennett@emap.com
RoSPA: MANAGING shares her favourite jokes, the 2005 hurricanes that EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Colleen Dixon 01733 468306
OCCUPATIONAL ROAD RISK embarrassing place names and affected fuel prices? colleen.dixon@emap.com
January 21, Birmingham. driving tunes with readers. ■ Last week’s winner of an
For further details visit Anycom Bluetooth car kit was PUBLISHING
MANAGING DIRECTOR
EU ROAD USER CHARGING www.haynes.co.uk/sallytraffic Sue Harris, of Wyko Industrial Ed Kenyon 01733 468862
CONFERENCE For your chance to win a Services, Halesowen. ed.kenyon@emap.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S PA
January 29/30, London. Vicky Meadows 01733 468319
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Back issues: 01858 438847


MY FIRST COMPANY CAR NEXT WEEK 29.11.07 Printing: Headley Brothers Ltd,
Ashford, Kent

My first company car was a running old vans including an


ROAD TEST
© 2007 Emap Automotive ISSN 0953-8526
No part of this magazine may be reproduced
Vauxhall Chevette in Colorado Austin A35 that I bought from
without the permission of the publisher. You
beige. British Car Auctions. Renault’s new can purchase words or pictures for your own
It was my first company car I stayed with the same publications. Phone 01733 465982 or email
in my first sales job and I was company, Batchelor Bowles,
Laguna meets syndication@emap.com. Fleet News will not
accept responsibility for unsolicited material.
delighted with it. for nine years in different roles its key rivals Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation
It was a new car which was a and had several cars.
novelty as I was used to My two favourites were the Your business
Opel Rekord and the Opel needs Fleet News
Manta. GREEN COMPETITION and a subscription
GERARD BARCLAY TRANSPORT Win a Bluetooth is great value.
Chief executive, Plug-in hybrids hands-free unit Call 01733 468659
automotive charity Ben or email: caroline.brown@emap.com

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

Prevent misfuelling accidents profitability. In 2007 the S-MAX was


voted Car of the Year and the Transit
voted International Van of the Year.
Ford’s Easy Fuel system which Mondeo, the new Focus on sale locks out the thinner petrol Richard Parry-Jones was
prevents drivers from filling up early in 2008 will also be fitted nozzles. Pouring petrol into honoured for inspiring Ford’s
with the wrong type of fuel will be with Easy Fuel as standard. a diesel engine can cause development of industry-leading
available on more Ford cars. The news comes as UK expensive to the fuel pump and driving dynamics, which has inspired
Launched on the all new breakdown services deal with high-pressure injection system, literally thousands of engineers, and
twice as many incidents of as well as trigger other serious stimulated improvements in rival
motorists putting the wrong fuel engine problems and four-figure products as well as Ford’s own.
in their vehicles as a decade ago. repair costs.
The Easy Fuel system, with a
patented mis-fuelling inhibitor,
For further information on
consists of a sealed filler pipe
insert and fuel nozzle locator that any vehicle in the Ford
guides the nozzle to the tank range please contact the
opening. Ford Business Centre on
The insert contains a
mechanically operated diameter
08457 23 23 23, email
detector which only allows the info@fordfleet.co.uk, or
The new Focus will be fitted larger diesel fuel nozzle to be visit www.fordfleet.co.uk
with Easy Fuel as standard inserted into the filler pipe, and

40 22.11.07 www.fleetnews.co.uk

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