Accord
unveiled
FleetNews
14.02.08
£2.25
fleetnews.co.uk
HELRPINGA
N
YO EAUPER
U
CH ANER
CLE FER
SA ET
FLE
Crash rates soar
for young drivers
A three-fold increase in claims by young drivers has sparked a fleet alert
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
Crash rates among young drivers appear to
be worsening after a major insurer confirmed
that claims by drivers aged under 23 have
increased by more than 300% over the last
five years.
The news confirms reports (Fleet News,
February 7) that revealed the high rate of
risk-taking among young drivers.
“We know from experience that young
drivers pose a higher risk of being involved
in a crash,” said Norwich Union’s motor risk
manager, Bill Pownall. “Fleet managers
should therefore consider the risks that
young drivers pose on a firm’s duty of care.”
Mr Pownall suggested that fleet managers
should look at introducing clear measures to
manage young employees.
“It’s imperative for young drivers to
complete an in-vehicle risk assessment in
order to determine their competence to
drive safely in a variety of traffic situations,
prior to being authorised to drive any vehicle
for the first time,” he said. “In the early
stages of driving on company business,
further assessments could be considered to
monitor progress of young drivers or as part
of the post-crash action.”
However, fleet managers should be wary
about independently introducing any blanket
ban that prevents young employees from
driving company vehicles.
A spokesman for Employment Law
Consultants said: “There is a definite danger
that they will be breaking the law if such a
blanket ban means that people are prevented
NEWS P8-9
Managing
directors,
company
vice-
presidents,
chief execu-
tives and sales directors were among
delegates attending the eighth Fleet
News Europe conference in Brussels.
Star
turn
First details
of the new
Honda p13
An insurance company says accident rates among young drivers are rising rapidly
from working for the company because of
their age.”
Fleet legal consultant David Faithful
agreed: “Putting a blanket ban in place is
always difficult to justify,” he said. “Fleets
often have to employ people under 25 – what
they need to do is manage that risk.”
A classic example of how some fleets get it
wrong, said Mr Faithful, is that they often
mistakenly assume that a graduate who has
held a licence for five years will have five
years’ experience behind the wheel.
“Fleet managers need to ask the right
questions – not ‘how long have you held a
licence?’ but rather ‘how many hours’ driving
experience have you had?’ – and then
manage any risk these young drivers present
properly.”
ROAD TEST P25
Volkswa-
gen’s new
Tiguan is the
latest model
to join the
burgeoning
SUV sector. How does it rate with drivers
and fleet managers and how does it
compare with established rivals?
Fair
shares
Jaguar’s
new XF
p18-19
Business motoring strategy and finance
Mr Faithful points out that, despite
Norwich Union’s experience, Lyons David-
son Solicitors has not noticed any increase in
young driver claims.
He said young fleet drivers were often
safer and more responsible than their non-
company car driving cohorts. After being
assessed by their fleet risk appraisal, young
fleet drivers should have the appropriate
vehicle-specific knowledge and training to
drive a company vehicle safely.
In addition, company vehicles are gener-
ally equipped with higher levels of passive
and active safety devices. This means an
appropriately trained young driver has a
greater chance of avoiding a crash than if he
was driving an older vehicle that he owns.
daniel.attwood@emap.com
COMPETITION P43
Win a state-
of-the-art
RoadCam
camera
worth
£495.
Produced by RoadScan UK, it is
designed as a risk management tool to
encourage drivers to stick to the rules.
Car sharing
controversy
p28-29
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NEWS

IN BRIEF Speeding tops company car offences ‘Death by

Members meet
The annual members’
Speeding is by far the most
common driving offence commit-
data’ risk to
conference of the Institute of
Car Fleet Management
ted by company car drivers.
Analysis of GE Capital Solu-
managers
(ICFM) will be held at The tions’ 55,000-vehicle fleet shows Fleet managers are facing ‘death
Honda Institute at Coln- that 41% of the fines recorded on by data’ as they try to contend
brook near London behalf of drivers in the last 12 with the increasingly massive
Heathrow on March 11. The months were for speeding. flow of information concerned
theme is ‘Drive Less – London is the most common with running a fleet.
Achieve More.’ Confirmed place for fines, with the conges- Audit trails for risk manage-
speakers include Don Potts, tion charging collecting more Speeding accounts for 41% of company car fines ment and duty of care, the huge
environmental adviser to fines than the rest of the top 10 proliferation of car models and
Volvo, Tim Anderson, fleet offences added together. is a hardcore of company car lessness places themselves and options, licence and insurance
advice manager at The Rich Green, MD at GE Fleet drivers who are habitually exceed- other road users in danger. Fleets checking and vast files of infor-
Energy Saving Trust and Services. “Our belief is that there ing the speed limit and this reck- should take action” mation from providers mean that
Mark Cowling, director of fleet managers are under more
CAP. Former England pressure than ever to manage

Two-year wait for

cricketer Alec Stewart is the information properly.
guest after-lunch speaker. That is the view of a senior
chief executive in the industry
Salary sacrifices who warned that his own section
A new salar y sacrifice of the industry – telematics – is
scheme has been as guilty as others of information

drug testing kits

developed by Zenith overload.
Vehicle Contracts. Under “Fleet managers are often
the scheme, an employee bombarded with huge amounts
can surrender part of his of information that takes hours of
or her salar y in return for analysing to reach the real point
a company car. As the at which decisions can be made.
cost is deducted from the BY DANIEL ATTWOOD available and type-approved for subject to an impairment test. And telematics providers have
employee’s gross salar y, use as the scientific development There is also a question over often added to this problem,”
there is a saving on Police must wait at least another work behind it is highly complex,” safe levels of prescription drugs. said Ian Walmsley, chief execu-
income tax and National two years before they get road- he said. It has been found that while one tive of Eagle-i Telematics.
Insurance contributions. side drug testing kits. “The Forensic Science Service in 10 young motorists admit to As a result, Mr Walmsley
Currently the police have to has been working on the produc- driving after taking illegal drugs, tasked his firm’s experts with
SEAT tunes in give suspected drug-drivers tion of a specification with the the majority of those convicted finding ways of making tele-
impairment tests, which means Home Office scientific develop- for drug-driving are actually matics more user-friendly, and
making them perform tasks such ment board and outside experts.” middle aged and using prescrip- easier to extract relevant infor-
as walking in a straight line. The difficulties arise not only tion drugs. mation.
The new testing kits will allow from the number of drugs that A review of convictions has Speaking at the launch of its
the police to test for drugs – both need to be detected – everything shown that for every one driver new Monitor3 telematics
prescription and illegal – in much from a prescription sleeping pill convicted of driving while under product, he said the new system
SEAT is embracing new the same way as a breathalyser to MDMA in ecstasy – but also the influence of illegal drugs, cuts out unnecessary data,
technology by offering a tests for alcohol. from devising a kit that can be there are four drivers convicted offering fleet managers a car
digital radio receiver in a The Home Office confirmed to used at the roadside that is non- for driving while unfit due to dashboard style screen where
new special edition of its Fleet News that the kits are close invasive, which rules out blood or being under the influence of they can customise which crite-
Ibiza hatchback. The £10,995 to the final stages of development. urine testers. prescription drugs. ria, such as speeding or lower
Ibiza 1.9 TDI DAB is limited However, a spokesman said the It is believed that the kits will The news that such kits are than average MPGs are flashed
to a run of 300 three-door development of the testing kits require a saliva sample. being developed means fleet up in the dials, which can then
cars, and boasts a Blaupunkt had proved to have been Because there is no safe level managers who have not imple- be investigated more deeply.
Nashville DAB digital radio extremely complex and involved of illegal drugs allowed by law in a mented a drink/drug strategy to “Monitor3 cuts through all the
as standard. Home Office scientists enlisting driver’s system, it is expected that identify and manage drivers who waste directly to the information
the assistance of outside experts. should a roadside ‘drugalyser’ may be impaired through alcohol that is really needed, allowing
Grey check “It will be a couple of years test prove positive for an illicit or drugs misuse, should do so. managers to take well-informed
Fleet Technique is before our multi-drug device is drug, a driver will then still be daniel.attwood@emap.com decisions more quickly,” he said.
offering a special grey
fleet inspection ser vice. It
will inspect privately-
owned vehicles driven on EVENTS ROUND-UP
company business. Many
grey fleet vehicles are not
subject to the same
checks as company cars.
Awards night will celebrate 20th anniversary
Tables are selling fast for the To mark the 20th be recognised with Corporate Sales, LeasePlan UK,
annual Fleet News Awards on anniversary, there are awards. Fleet managers National Car Rental, BT Fleet,
March 10, which this year marks new categories that have also been voting for Kwik-Fit Fleet, Enterprise Rent-
UK FUEL its landmark 20th anniversary. reflect the fast-changing company car of the year A-Car, Michelin Tyres, Hi-Q,
PRICES The fleet industry’s night of
the year has already attracted
fleet industry, while a
series of special guests
and fleet manufacturer
of the year.
Volvo, Arval and Volkswagen
Fleet Services.
ppl/ppg
more than 1,000 business have been lined up to Individual tickets cost ■ To book, either log on to
DIESEL..............................109.5/498
leaders and influencers to its provide entertainment £215+VAT and a table of www.fleetnewsawards.com or
SUPER UNLEADED........110.8/504
UNLEADED......................104.2/474 traditional home, the Grosvenor throughout the night. 10 costs £2,045+VAT. call Sandra Evitt on 01733
FOUR STAR......................106.1/482 House Hotel on Park Lane, Fleet managers, manufactur- The Fleet News Awards are 468123 or email sandra.
LPG......................................53.4/243 London. ers and service providers will all sponsored by: Honda UK, BMW evitt@emap.com

2 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Fuel increase
under attack
The country’s petrol retailers
have joined the road haulage
industry in calling on the chan-
cellor to cancel the fuel duty
increase scheduled for April 1.
Ray Holloway, director of the
RMI’s Petrol Retailers Associa-
tion (PRA), said that the 2p a litre
increase would be disastrous.
“Increasing fuel tax would
mean an immediate increase in
prices for the consumer, and
would almost certainly push a
number of forecourt businesses
out of business,” he said.
The PRA’s call adds to similar
demands from organisations
including the Freight Transport
Association (FTA), the Road
Haulage Association (RHA), the
Federation of Small Businesses,
National Farmers’ Union and the
RAC Foundation.
Representatives of the RHA
and FTA met with the chancellor
of the exchequer Alistair Darling
today.
They said that at 50.35p per
litre, UK fuel duty for diesel and
petrol is already the highest in
Europe. Indeed, UK diesel duty
is double the EU average rate of
25p per litre.
The organisations said the
planned 2p increase will “gener-
ate further serious difficulties for
the transport and forecourt
industries, and business
drivers”.
Firm makes
safety pledge
A fleet risk management
company has promised to signifi-
cantly reduce risky and danger-
ous driving for all its new fleet
clients.
As part of its UK fleet safety
challenge, GreenRoad Technolo-
gies has guaranteed a 50% drop
in dangerous driver behaviour
over a three-month trial period
to new fleet customers installing
its technology.
The technology uses in-vehicle
sensors to measure driver perfor-
mance, measuring 120 separate
manoeuvres including braking,
acceleration and cornering.
Drivers are warned via dash-
mounted red lights if their driving
is calculated to be risky. Fleet
managers and drivers are also
able to access journey details by
SMS and online, and decide
which areas need improvement.
If driver risk is not improved
by at least 50%, customers will be
under no further obligation to
continue the program.
EU ‘should ban
thirstiest cars’
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
The EU should ban the sale of
cars that travel less than 35 miles
per gallon, the ex-chairman of
Shell has said.
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart’s
comments were met with surprise
and, later, with condemnation
from carmakers and dealers. The
UK Society of Motor Manufactur-
ers and Traders (SMMT) pointed
out that drivers of the most pollut-
ing cars already pay extra through
road tax and petrol duty.
“His proposals are frankly
bizarre,” said an SMMT spokes-
man. “The motor industry has
made significant progress in
cutting emissions, which directly
leads to improved mpg.”
The SMMT points out that a
million tonnes of CO2 have been
saved through new vehicle tech-
nology each year for the past two
years. It also said that consumer
choice would be severely compro-
mised if Sir Mark’s proposals
were adopted.
“His proposals would wipe out
a significant chunk of the new car
market and large cars are needed
by many companies and families
– the consumer needs choice as
well as incentives for cleaner
cars,” said the spokesman.
However, Sir Mark, who also
acted as co-chair of the G8 Renew-
Blue light crash alert as road deaths fall
The number of deaths on
British roads fell during 2007,
according to the latest Govern-
ment statistics.
Road casualty figures show
that fatalities were down by 5%
during the 12 months ending
September 2007, compared with
the previous 12 months.
Overall casualty figures were
down by 4%, while the more
serious crashes – including
those that involved fatalities and
serious injuries – fell by 2% over
the same time period.
The figures are based on the
number of incidents reported to
police, and fatalities are counted
as people who died within 30
days of the crash.
It should be remembered
that research suggests not all
accidents are reported.
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart wants cars that do less than 35mpg banned
able Energy Taskforce, remained
convinced that his comments,
which were made to the BBC,
were well thought through.
He said that it was unethical to
allow rich people to avoid taking
responsibility for tackling climate
change simply by making them
pay more.
“It is a social thing. We don’t
say the wealthy can avoid doing
what is needed by society. Nobody
needs a car that does 15mpg,” he
said.
“You would be allowed to drive
an Aston Martin – but only if it did
50-60mpg.”
His comments, while being met
with resistance from carmakers,
should strike a chord with many
Road deaths fell by 12% in 2007
However, while the number
of road fatalities is falling, it has
just been revealed that there
were almost 12,000 crashes
involving blue light vehicles
from the emergency services
over the past five years.
Of these crashes, 1,926
resulted in seriously injured
casualties and 188 caused
fatalities.
motorists. According to the BBC,
opinion polls consistently show
that people are prepared to
change their ways to tackle
climate change – but only if their
neighbours are forced to do the
same.
David Brennan, managing
director of LeasePlan, said while
Sir Mark’s comments could prove
attractive, his suggestions need
some fine tuning.
He said: “The danger is using
too much stick and too little
carrot.
“Financial penalties and effi-
ciency limits on the one hand
need to be complemented with
driver education on the other.”
daniel.attwood@emap.com
“The fact that emergency
service vehicles are the cause of
so many accidents and fatalities
is extremely concerning,” said
Liberal Democrat shadow
transport secretary Norman
Baker, who unearthed the
figures. “While these vehicles
are rightly in a hurry to get to
where they are needed, these
figures indicate that we need to
take a serious look at what can
be done to reduce the number
of accidents that they are
involved in.
“I have written to both the
home secretary and the
president of the Association of
Chief Police Officers calling for
a review of the procedures used
by emergency service vehicles
to look into how accidents can
be minimised.”
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 3
IN BRIEF
Kwik-Fit contract
Kwik-Fit Fleet has won a
12-month contract to
provide a range of fast-fit
ser vices to Leasedrive
Velo. The deal, which
makes Kwik-Fit Fleet a
preferred supplier,
covers tyres, exhausts,
batteries, brake parts
and MoTs as well as the
provision of tyre safety
checks. In addition,
Kwik-Fit Fleet will
continue to provide a
vehicle ser vice booking
facility.
Buy British
Almost three-quarters of
UK motorists would buy a
British car if given
£100,000. Topping the
dream car list with almost a
quarter of the votes is
Aston Martin (24%),
followed by Range Rover
(19%), Bentley (16%) and
Rolls-Royce (10%). German
and Italian luxury marques
fared badly, says swiftcover.
com, which carried out the
survey.
New sat-nav
Pogo has launched a
new version of its sat-nav
and speed camera
location system – Drive.
The £250 system now
includes full western
European street-level
mapping and a European
speed camera database.
The majority of these
modifications are also
available via a free
download to existing
Pogo Drive units.
ATS wins deal
ATS Euromaster has won a
contract to maintain the
fleet of service vehicles
operated by AXA Assistance
Breakdown Recovery,
incorporating a gradual
change to Michelin tyres.
The 18-strong fleet includes
12 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
long wheelbase vans and
six 7.5-tonne Mitsubishi
Canter trucks.
Risk assessment
Imagitech has launched
a new risk assessment
system for occupational
drivers. Roadmarque
gives a picture of an
organisation’s risk
exposure and the best
path for training drivers.
NEWS
Lex extends Honda lease contract
Lex has announced a three-year
extension to its financing relation-
ship with Honda Finance Europe.
“We have been delighted by the
progress we have made in
contract hire over the past three
years and are looking forward to
further customer innovation by
working with Lex over the next
Minimal fall in
UK emissions
BY DANIEL ATTWOOD
Figures just released for all green-
house gas emissions in the UK in
2006 show that total emissions
were down just 0.5% on 2005
levels. Carbon dioxide (CO2),
which makes up about 85% of the
UK’s total greenhouse gas emis-
sions, fell just 0.1% over the same
period.
But environment secretary
Hilary Benn was keen to point out
that the British economy grew by
2.9% in 2006, which means the
country is breaking the historic
link between economic growth,
and a rise in emissions.
“The UK is on track to meet
and go well beyond its Kyoto
commitments, but as a country
we must do much more across
the board,” he said. “We have to
make a real change to every
aspect of our lives and our
economy.”
The biggest decrease in CO2
emissions was in the residential
sector, with a fall of 4% on 2005
levels.
But CO2 emissions from trans-
port rose by 1.3%.
Although CO2 emissions from
transport increased overall, emis-
Fleets over-supply used LCV market
Large volumes of light commer-
cial vehicles are being de-fleeted
by rental and leasing firms as
thousands of three and four-year
contracts agreed with their fleet
customers come to an end.
This is producing a surge of
late-year vans arriving on the
used market.
“With 2007 being a record
breaking year for new vehicle
registrations, fleets have plenty of
additional used vans to dispose
of,” said George Alexander, chief
three years,” said Philip Ross,
general manager, Honda Finance
Europe.
Lex will provide branded back
office services to Honda dealers
throughout the UK, while
customer relationships will be
managed by Honda Finance.
Lex is utilising Six Sigma meth-
UK greenhouse gas emissions have fallen, despite economic growth
sions from cars actually fell for
the fourth consecutive year. In
2002, CO2 emissions from passen-
ger cars were at an all time high
of 72.5 million tonnes. In 2006, it
had fallen to 68.7 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, reflecting the
massive investment in public
transport over the same period,
emissions from trains rose by
commercial vehicle editor at
EurotaxGlass’s.
The influx of used LCVs arriv-
ing at auction sites could be one
of the biggest opportunities for
retailers in a decade but could
also mean it will be difficult to
attain highest resale values. “This
could prove to be a major oppor-
tunity for retailers to acquire
stock at attractive prices,” said Mr
Alexander.
The large numbers of de-fleeted
LCVs arriving at auction follows
odology to improve levels of
customer satisfaction to meet the
level of service Honda demand.
Steve Hornsey, partnership
director at Lex, said the partner-
ship provided an opportunity for
the company to widen its customer
base and provide additional bene-
fits to existing customers.
300,000 tonnes, while CO2 emis-
sions from buses rose by 800,000
tonnes.
Emissions from aviation also
increased. Between 2005 and
2006, CO2 emissions from domes-
tic aviation fell by 2.8%, but inter-
national aviation emissions
increased by 1.5%.
daniel.attwood@emap.com
30 months of continual shortages
of light used commercials, which
has led to higher than normal
prices being paid by dealers keen
to restock.
Concerns about the UK
economy towards the close of last
year have also contributed to the
greater availability of used vans,
says Mr Alexander. “It is not
surprising that businesses do not
wish to carry unnecessary capac-
ity within their fleets at a time of
economic uncertainty.”
FleetNews
Europe
www.fleetnewseurope.com
Diesel price rise expected
BY KEITH NUTHALL
European fleets running diesel vehicles could face higher fuel costs
after the European Parliament’s economics committee called for the
European Union’s minimum rate of excise duty on diesel to be raised
to that for unleaded petrol.
Currently, diesel enjoys a lower rate. However, if the proposal is
accepted, then countries charging the minimum duty on diesel will
have to raise it from the current €302 per 1,000 litres to €359.
The countries that would be forced to increase diesel duty
significantly by such a rise are Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Greece,
Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Romania
and Slovenia. Small rises would be forced in the Czech Republic,
Malta, Austria and Finland.
The existing differential “distorts the market”, said MEPs, who
were debating a current review of EU excise duty rules. The
committee said that having different rates boosted emissions by
encouraging “fuel tourism”, with diesel consumers making special
journeys or using longer routes to fill up in a country with low taxes.
“Also, since diesel and petrol have similar impacts, especially from
the point of view of CO2 emissions, there is no environmental reason
for the two minimum rates to differ,” said the committee. The
European Commission is also backing equalisation, despite a recent
consultant’s report recommending tax breaks to promote diesel.
Biofuel uncertainty remains
Controversial proposals promoting biofuels within the EU are already
running into political difficulties over their environmental impact.
The European Parliament has backed a report saying biofuels
should generate only half of the CO2 created by mineral fuels. And
this calculation must take into account their production, distribution
and consumption. Only then can such biofuels count towards
Brussels’ proposed 10% reduction by 2020 fuel target.
Dutch socialist MEP Dorette Corbey claimed there was significant
support for the idea within the EU Council of Ministers. Meanwhile,
European Commission officials have briefed Brussels journalists that
complicating its biofuel formula would seriously delay its approval.
British tunnels are ‘illegal’
The European Commission has threatened Britain with legal action
over its alleged failure to comply with a directive on tunnel safety
standards. The directive applies to road tunnels of 500 metres or more
within the EU’s trans-European network, which would cover tunnels
such as the M25 Dartford tunnel and M2 Medway tunnel in Kent. The
legislation lays down requirements such as communications devices,
lighting and safety procedures.
Brussels said it requested information on British regulations last
June, but “no information on compliance” was sent back.
VAT on car registrations challenged
Austria, Finland and Malta have been threatened with legal action by
the European Commission if they continue to levy VAT on car
registration taxes charged within a package price by automobile
dealers. This follows similar steps taken against Poland and Portugal.
Fleet News Europe is sponsored by
www.bca-europe.com
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 5
 20
FLEET NEWS AWARDS 2008

th
The annual
FleetNews
Awards

VOTE NOW! ewsawards.com

w to w w w.fleetn
Log on no
2007
VOLKSWAGEN’S
The categories
VINCE KINNER
(CENTRE) PICKS
UP THE COMPANY
FLEET MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
CAR OF THE YEAR
AWARD FOR THE COMPANY CAR OF THE YEAR
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
Two of the headline awards on the fleet
FORD WAS VOTED industry’s biggest night of the year are
MANUFACTURER
OF THE YEAR 2007
AS CAN BE SEEN
decided by you. Fleet Manufacturer of
FROM THE SMILE
ON THE FACE OF the Year and Company Car of the Year
KEVIN GRIFFIN
(CENTRE) are chosen by reader votes.
Voting is open now at the Fleet News
website so point your mouse at www.
fleetnewsawards.com and choose your
favourites.
And there is still time to book your
table or individual places at the gala
evening on March 10. Tickets cost
£215+VAT, tables cost £2,045+VAT.
Contact Sandra Evitt by email at
sandra.evitt@emap.com or phone
01733 468123.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 7
Taking advantage of Eu
Daniel Attwood and Martyn Moore report from the 2008 Fleet New
EU BRIEFING
EC fines plan ‘unrealistic’
Europe’s carmakers have warned that
the European Commission’s proposals
to fine them if their new cars’ emissions
exceed maximum levels of CO2 are
unrealistic and will make the European
automotive industry uncompetitive.
The proposals set the average permit-
ted level of CO2 emitted per car at 130g/
km by 2012 with 10g/km being saved by
additional solutions such as alternative
fuels and energy saving tyres.
Many of Europe’s carmakers will still
miss the proposed targets. The fines
they face will run into billions of euros.
“There is a total disconnection
between the legislators and reality…
CO2 emissions from cars need to be
reduced in a cost-effective way,” said
Ivan Hodac, secretary general of ACEA
– the European automobile manufactur-
ers’ association. “The level of the
compensation payments should be no
higher than for other sectors that miss
their CO2 emissions targets.”
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
Fleet management training call
Leasing companies should provide fleet
management training to offset the fall in
the number of dedicated fleet managers,
according to Peter Cooke, of the Centre
for Automotive Management at the
University of Buckingham.
Speaking at the Fleet News Europe
Conference in Brussels, Professor Cooke
said, “The fleet manager role continues
Professor Peter Cooke called for fleet
management training
8 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Ivan Hodac: pressing legislators
Mr Hodac said the car sector will put
immense pressure on the legislators in
the run up to the proposal becoming a
regulation. ACEA be pressing for a fairer
penalty, and for a longer lead-in time –
2015 rather than 2012 – so new greener
technology can be integrated into
upcoming models.
to be outsourced, as the demands of duty
of care and governance increase. To
ensure clients continue to to recieve a
quality service, leasing companies should
provide employees with quality fleet
management training.”
Professor Cooke also warned that the
credit crunch and predicted financial
downturn will impact on fleets. “The
speed of companies’ development will
slow, fuel costs will continue to rise and
inflation will possibly return,” he said.
Paul Lauria, president of global fleet
consultancy Mercury Associates, also
spoke about the deteriorating economic
climate. “When the economy is strong,
companies tend to be strategic, proactive
and eco-friendly. During a weaker
economy we will see them behaving
more tactically and reactively,” he said.
Mr Lauria is a strong advocate of
leasing over cash purchase. “Fleets
bought outright tend to be older and
have all the challenges associated with
older vehicles,” he said.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Meeting new markets’ demands
Used car market
Selling defleeted vehicles across Europe
presents massive opportunities for lease
companies to capitalise on the demands
of different markets and, ultimately, to get
the highest price for their vehicles.
Resellers such as BCA, which is the
largest on the continent and is expanding
its operations, especially into central and
eastern Europe, offer the simplest route
to market.
As Paul Bradbury, managing director
of BCA Europe, told delegates, prices on
the used car market have remained stable.
“We have seen some worrying signs, but
nothing too dramatic has happened to
prices.”
Despite regional differences, the trend
is only going one way – towards a single
market for used cars in Europe – says Mr
Bradbury.
Defleeting is expensive and can cost as
much as 10% of the value of a used car.
Therefore, clever use of technology, such
INDUSTRY BRIEFING
Marginal growth predicted
Just three mega-lease companies will
dominate the European scene within
only a few years, predicts Steffan
Schick, chief operating officer of Fleet
Logistics.
And, as the car retail market falls
away due to fewer dealers and the credit
crunch, carmakers will increasingly rely
on these mega-lease companies to take
excess stock.
But it is not all good news: Europe’s
leasing companies will be battling
against increasing pressure on margins,
more risk from uncertain residuals and
a move by banks to reduce their expo-
sure to lease risk.
As a result, Europe’s fleet market will
grow, although only marginally over the
next seven years. Much of that growth
will be seen in central and eastern
Europe, although it will be stunted by
the possibility of a recession in the US,
which will impact throughout Europe.
“Recession is a possibility, although
not a given,” Mr Schick told delegates.
For more coverage, visit w
as e-selling and targeting specific markets,
can help reduce or offset some of these
costs.
Lease companies were advised that,
while selling direct to the consumer (or
driver in many cases) is attractive, off-
loading too many vehicles this way will
not pay dividends in the long run. Selling
direct to the consumer is expensive and
cars will be cherry-picked, making the
remaining fleet of cars difficult to sell,
delegates were warned.
Running a safe fleet
New technology and tougher legislation
will not reduce accidents on their own.
That was the message delegates sent out
to the European Transport Safety Council
(ETSC).
ETSC project leader Gabriel Simcic
said that technologies such as intelligent
speed adaption, seat belt warnings and
alcolocks to prevent drink-driving had the
potential to reduce accidents.
Steffan Schick: marginal growth
“However, the present indicators
suggest an increasing likelihood of a
forthcoming recession.”
The consequences for the lease and
fleet industries are obvious, he said. Not
only will unemployment be a real
problem, but knock-on effects such as
falling residual values will also
become apparent.

uropean opportunities
ws Europe conference in Brussels. Pictures by Chris Lowndes
But during the Q&A session, delegates
said action was also needed to address
driver behaviour. In Hungary, for
example, less than 70% of drivers wear
seatbelts.
And alcolocks cannot yet detect drug
use which is on the increase.
Michael Gwilt, managing director of
DriveCam Europe, said: “Much more
needs to be done to address drivers’ atti-
tudes and training.”
GREEN FLEET
Managers key to improvements
The fleet manager will continue to play a
vital role in the communication and take-
up of green transport policies, according
to Vincent Rupied, international director
at the Corporate Vehicle Observatory
and chairman of Leaseurope’s automo-
tive steering group.
Mr Rupied said that the fleet manager
is key to improving a company’s environ-
mental performance. “When trying to
Gavin Eagle: training led to savings
www.fleetnews.co.uk/fne
Conference sponsors:
Technology and opportunities
Andy Leech, business leader of cfc solu-
tions, told delegates at a breakout session
on technology and opportunities for busi-
ness growth that software was only of
value if employees were trained properly
to use it.
Maarteen Wilpshaar, of KPMG IT Advi-
sory, provided an international overview
of software systems for the leasing
industry.
balance operational needs with impact on
the environment, the fleet manager has
to cope with more complexity,” he said.
“There are new features to be explained,
explained and explained again. Under-
standing the true benefit of hybrids is not
easy and with each manufacturer adopt-
ing its own initiative there are many
labels to understand.”
He warned that some technologies
present residual value risks and sugg-
ested that expert opinions will not always
be helpful. Advice may be contradictory.
Gavin Eagle, business development
director at LeasePlan International,
provided delegates with an example of
one pan-European fleet with 680 cars that
spent €100,000 on eco-driver training.
The company saw an 8% reduction in CO2
after one year and, importantly, the train-
ing paid for itself in savings after just
eight months and delivered a total saving
of almost €200,000 after just two years.
It’s this kind of opportunity that fleet
managers can communicate.
EXPANSION
Massive potential in new Europe
The opportunities of expanding into ‘new
Europe’ – the eastern countries of Poland,
the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary,
Ukraine and Russia – far outweigh the
challenges, Pascal Serres, deputy CEO
of ALD Automotive said.
The company manages 28,500
contracts in these new European coun-
tries and is set to grow its presence.
Pascal Serres: massive potential
SECURING BUSINESS GROWTH
Pan-European challenges
Alan Carpenter, director of international
fleet sales at Volvo, said pan-European
fleet agreements are not only possible,
but can provide substantial savings for
the companies willing to take the corpo-
rate decisions needed.
They can only be successful if there is
a total alignment that eliminates all
anomalies, he said. One major challenge
is reducing the number of suppliers,
especially in companies where a wide
choice of cars is considered essential.
But the benefits of achieving the
reduction can be massive: the volume
discounts available to a major fleet that
goes for just one supplier across Europe
will be huge.
However, as Mr Carpenter pointed
out, with a pan-European fleet agree-
ment, there may be savings in one
country but cost increases in another.
“To be honest, these have failed more
than they have succeeded,” said Mr
Carpenter. “But where they do succeed
the savings outweigh the costs.”
Supported by
Acquiring existing lease operations is
always preferable to trying to establish a
start-up, he advised. However, in Russia
and Romania this has not been possible
as the markets did not have a finance or
operation leasing infrastructure.
“There is massive potential through-
out the region,” Mr Serres said.
Last year there were 400,000 company
car registrations in these future euro-
zone countries. In Russia and Ukraine
company car registrations hit 400,000.
However, while cars are cheaper to
buy and labour costs are lower, the total
life costs are actually higher than in
western Europe because of interest rates
on local currencies and lower residual
values (between 40 and 45% over a three-
year/90,000km lease). Also, drivers tend
not to care for their company car to the
same degree as western Europeans.
This means there are still major chal-
lenges to overcome before these markets
mature.
Alan Carpenter: eliminate anomalies
While the opportunities of pan-Euro-
pean agreements are now presenting
themselves, they have only recently
become possible. “There is now a huge
potential in the European fleet arena,”
said Mr Carpenter. “But just eight years
ago there was not the infrastructure in
place to deliver. Since then there has
been rapid growth.”
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 9
��������
Honda’s premium target
BY PHILL TROMANS
The all-new Honda Accord has
been revealed and aims to take
the Japanese carmaker into direct
fleet competition with premium
manufacturers BMW, Audi and
Mercedes-Benz.
Due to be officially unveiled at
the Geneva Motor Show next
month, the latest incarnation of
Honda’s fleet favourite is an evolu-
tion of the existing model, focus-
ing on a sporty look and driver
involvement.
Although wider and lower and
with sharper lines than the
current Accord, the new model is
recognisably influenced by the
looks of its predecessor – a fleet
favourite with sales up 15% in 2007
despite a decline in the upper-
medium sector.
“This is the car that will spear-
head us into the premium position
that we’re aiming for,” said
Graham Avent, manager of corpo-
rate operations
“It’s the premium brands that
are growing, which is why it’s
critical that we attain that position.
THINKING CAP
Hardworking Martin Ward scours the globe for the week’s insider fleet intelligence
Martin and the Fabia Estate
MONDAY
Picked up a Skoda Fabia
Estate in Ashford and drove
the few miles to the Channel
Tunnel and across to France.
We drove many miles on a
variety of roads and even
took it on to one of northern
France’s famous beaches.
I drove the most basic car
for around 200 miles – the
1.2-litre Fabia 1, which is
great value at around
£9,400. On paper the engine
may look too small, but in
This week’s vehicle market news and information Edited by Julian Kirk
The company car drivers we’re
trying to win over want car park
appeal, visual cues that say they’ve
got a sporty car such as the Audi
S line or the BMW M Sport.”
The Accord will feature
advanced technology such as
adaptive cruise control seen in
Honda’s flagship Legend. Honda
is promising low emissions and
good fuel economy from a range
of engines that will all be Euro V
reality it is fine – quiet,
refined and offering more
than enough power to cruise
easily at 80mph. The estate
is 25cm longer than the
hatch and costs around
£600 more. The choice of
this type of vehicle is limited
with only the Peugeot 207
SW and the forthcoming
Renault Clio Sport Tourer.
The Fabia Estate seems to
offer plenty of luggage space,
enough room for five adults,
is well built and at an
affordable price.
Skoda expects to sell
around 3,800 this year with
38% going to fleet and, of
those, 56% will be diesel.
WEDNESDAY
Down to Milton Keynes to have
a look at the new Chrysler
compliant, including an all-new
148bhp i-DTEC diesel engine
which will have an automatic
gearbox option early in 2009.
Handling has been developed
using the BMW 3 Series as a
benchmark. More response and
greater body rigidity is promised.
The estate version – known as
the Tourer – is likely to be a key
element of the Accord line-up.
“We believe it’s going to be a
Sebring Cabriolet – a full four-
seater that goes on sale in the
UK in early April.
There will only be one model
– the Limited, and two engines:
a 2.0-litre CRD diesel with a six-
speed manual gearbox and a
2.7-litre V6 petrol with a six-
speed auto – which Chrysler
says will be 50/50 split in sales.
The roof is fully automatic with
cloth material that neatly folds
into the boot.
The list of standard equip-
ment is endless, and prices start
at £22,995 for the diesel and
Chrysler ’s Sebring Cabriolet
The success
of the new
Accord is
critical to
Honda
growth opportunity in the UK,”
Mr Avent said. “I think there will
be a trend of people coming out of
4x4s and other models back into
an upper-medium estate.
“We’re aiming at the corporate
head office senior managers, the
kind of person influencing the
fleet policy. As a brand we’re
defined by our upper-medium
sector car and that’s why the new
Accord is critical.”
£24,995 for the V6. Chrysler
says that the main competitors
will be the Audi A4, Volkswagen
Eos, BMW 3 Series and
Mercedes-Benz CLK.
We looked at the range of cars
that Chrysler Group offers
which include Chrysler, Jeep
and Dodge and it does look
complicated and probably a few
too many models that dealers
have to sell – rationalisation
would be a sensible answer to
reduce the number of vehicles
and crossovers. We spoke to
Simon Elliot, who has recently
taken over as managing director,
and has moved back into this
position two years after he left it
to run the Chinese operation.
FRIDAY
Went to Ingolstadt, the home
of Audi, to look at an early
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 13
This
week
Launch – p18
Jaguar’s XF driven
Long-term – p22
Skoda Roomster update
Road test – p25
VW’s new Tiguan SUV
pre-pre-production SEAT
Ibiza, which goes on sale late
July.
SEAT is taking advantage
of Audi’s legendar y skills in
the art of producing cars
with high build quality, and
the Spanish company is
determined to build this
quality into its vehicles.
The new Ibiza will be
launched as five-door only in
July, with a ver y stylish
three-door Sports Coupé
being revealed later this year.
The Sports Coupé certainly
has the looks that will appeal
to a younger audience, and if
quality is as good as prom-
ised, with sensible pricing,
SEAT may be on to a winner.
Martin Ward is
CAP’s manufacturer
relationships manager
 IGNITION

Gloom may be misplaced IN BRIEF

BY PHILL TROMANS During January, overall used

Manheim has uncovered signs
that the used car market is staying
relatively strong against a back-
ground of economic concern.
Figures from the auction house
giant show that while overall used
car values fell from the third
quarter to the fourth in 2007, the
drop was in line with the seasonal
norm and up year-on-year.
Values also rose in January
against December, 2007.
In the final three months of last
year, average used car values fell
3.4% to £6,534 against the period
July to September, but were up by
an average of £356 or 5.7% against
the fourth quarter of 2006.
Values in the fleet and dealer
sectors remained strong, although
manufacturer-sourced late plate
models came under the most
pressure.
car values rose from December
by between 5% and 8%, depending
on the sector.
Volumes in the market rose by
at least 50% across all sources, but
Manheim is nevertheless cautious
about the longevity of the price
increase. With the UK economy
still haunted by uncertainty, the
firm says a few more weeks
trading needs to be considered
before the true extent of the
recent uplift is known.
“Despite widespread media
coverage of the influence of the
credit crunch, together with other
negative economic factors, we
have seen a healthy increase in
sales and values across the
Manheim Auctions network
during January,” said Manheim’s
chief operating officer, Mike
Pilkington.
“It’s too early to suggest that
Auction values rose in January, according to Manheim figures
the market will experience
another year of strong growth in
2008, but the initial signs may
suggest that things are not neces-
sarily as bad as reported.
“We will have a better idea of
the state of the market in our
bulletins at the end of February
and into Match, when we can
better gauge true retail market
activity and, of course, the effect
of the new plate change.”
Special editions
Citroën has launched two
new special editions. The
£7,945 C1 Code sports
black metallic paint and
14-inch alloys, with a
leather and Alcantara
interior. It is powered by
a 1.0-litre, 68bhp engine
which returns 60mpg.
The C3 Pluriel Code, at
£12,895, has pearlescent
black paint and 15-inch
alloys, and will make
41mpg from its 1.4-litre,
75bhp engine.
Alfa upgrade

Summer launch for Renault crossover
Renault’s new crossover 4x4,
the Koleos, will make its debut
at the Geneva Motor Show next
month.
Designed to offer the space of
a compact MPV and the comfort
of a hatchback, the car will go
on sale in the UK early in the
summer.
The car features a low dash-
board to improve visibility, and a
split tailgate for ease of access to
Renault’s new crossover 4 x 4, the Koleos the boot.
Renault says the Koleos will
be at home in the city as well as
off the beaten track.
A result of close collaboration
between Renault and its Japa-
nese partner Nissan, the Koleos
will be built in South Korea. It
represents a push by Renault
into a sector it hasn’t tradition-
ally been a part of.
More details, such as pricing
and specification, will be
announced nearer to launch.
Alfa Romeo has upgraded its
limited edition Alfa 147
Collezione.
Available now, the car has
ghiaccio white paintwork
and an optional black gloss
roof. It boasts uprated
suspension, a leather
interior and 17-inch alloys.
Power comes from either a
1.6-litre petrol engine or a
1.9-litre turbodiesel unit,
both of which produce
120bhp. Prices start at
£13,950.

Spyshot It’s not due out until the end of
next year, but the new MINI
Convertible has been spotted out
on test with minimal disguise.
The new car is longer than the
current incarnation, which hides
the new high pedestrian-friendly
front and means there will be
more room inside.
The engine range is developed
by BMW and PSA. The entr y-
level MINI One will have a
1.4-litre unit with 95bhp, the
Cooper and Cooper S get
1.6 litres and 120 or 175 bhp
respectively, and the diesel
Cooper D will have 110bhp and
low emissions of 104g/km.
Prices are expected to start at
just under £15,000.
Highline Passat
Volkswagen is replacing
the SE specification level
on the Passat with a new
Highline trim with
increased equipment
levels. Models will cost
£250 more than the SE
but come with £2,125-
worth of extra kit,
including leather seats,
multi-function steering
wheel and 17-inch alloys.
Prices start at £18,890
and there’s a choice of

Revealed - new topless MINI Powered by...

TSI petrol and TDI diesel
engines in both saloon
and estate bodystyles.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 15
NEW LAUNCH: JAGUAR XF

Jaguar with the XFactor

Forget (if you hadn’t already) the retro S-Type – Jaguar’s new XF saloon is bang up to date
BY JULIAN KIRK
Jaguar doesn’t launch too many
new cars in a year (or decade, to
be honest), so it’s quite under-
standable that the marketing
department has whipped itself up
into a hoopla of excitement over
the arrival of the new XF.
This is most evident in the
promotional video I was shown
prior to getting behind the wheel.
I’ll save you from the waffle, but a
quick example is this, paraphrased
from memory: “The XF is warm
and soft…”. Brilliant. But then,
just a minute later, it was “cool
and edgy”. Eh?
Perhaps they’ve gone a bit
giddy because, for a change,
they’re not having to come up
with a way of expressing how the
new front bumper on the XJ
doesn’t look like it’s come from
Halfords.
To be honest, all they really
needed to say was: “The new XF
– finally, we’ve got a car that
doesn’t look like it belongs in the
Sixties and that we’ve got a decent
chance of selling.”
The XF, which goes on sale at
the beginning of next month,
replaces the ageing and aged-
looking S-Type, a car that has
never had the style, brand appeal
or range of engines and body-
styles to trouble the might of the
Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series in the
executive market.
In terms of style the XF
certainly has plenty, with a sleek
and modern look combining far
more effectively with some histor-
ical cues such as the front grille
(looks like metal, should be metal
but is, disappointingly, plastic)
and side gill air intakes.
It is only available as a four-
door saloon and while there’s a
choice of four engines, the major-
ity (around 70%) will be the twin-
turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 diesel.
Depending on your attitude to
global warming, you can have
petrols in three guises – V6,
normally aspirated V8 or, if you
truly don’t give a damn, super-
charged V8.
Prices start at £33,900 for the
diesel and all models come excep-
tionally well equipped. Leather
seats, a six-speed automatic
gearbox, satellite navigation and
Bluetooth mobile telephony are
all standard – all of which are
options on the equivalent rival A6
and 5 Series.
This, and limited volume of
around 8,000 units a year, has
helped push up residual value
predictions – CAP has booked the
XF 2.7D Luxury at 45% after three
years/60,000 miles, with the
petrols a few percentage points
further back.
This sets a solid foundation for

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18 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk

the car’s chances in the corporate
market, which Jaguar expects to
account for between 35 and 40% of
sales.
Jaguar’s UK managing director,
FACT FILE
Model: 2.7D 3.0 V6
Max power (bhp/rpm): 204/4,000 235/6,800 294/6,000 412/6,250
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 320/1,900 216/4,100 303/4,100 413/4,000
Max speed (mph): 143 148
0-62mph (secs): 8.2 8.3
Fuel consumption (mpg): 37.6 26.8
CO2 emissions (g/km): 199 249
On sale: March 1 Prices (OTR): £33,900-£54,900
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
Are hybrids a viable option
M W
for company car drivers?
any of my drivers are
asking about hybrids, but
there seem to be few on
the market. Many manufacturers
are promising to launch hybrids but
have yet to deliver. Where does the
industry really stand?
C
urrently, there are only five
hybrid models on sale in the
UK: the Honda Civic Hybrid,
Toyota Prius and Lexus RX400h,
GS 450h and LS 600h. Itʼs true that
lots of other manufacturers have
claimed they will be offering hybrids
in the near future, but at present none
are yet on sale.
What is clear, however, is that
hybrid technology is here to stay. It is
only a matter of time before we see a
greater number of affordable hybrid-
powered cars that present a genuine
alternative to conventional petrol and
diesel models, but with considerable
advantages in terms of fuel
consumption and exhaust emissions.
Honda CEO, Takeo Fukui, has
confirmed that by 2009 a new family-
sized hybrid car will be on sale, enabling
people to enjoy the fuel saving and
emissions-reducing benefits of hybrid
technology at an affordable price. He
added that by 2010, 10% of all Honda
cars sold would use a hybrid powertrain.
Geoff Cousins, said: “We’ve
worked very hard to ensure that
the specification level on the XF is
right. Having items such as satel-
lite navigation as standard equip-
4.2 V8 4.2 V8 S/C
155 155
6.5 5.4
25.3 22.4
264 299
Subject to the right
refuelling infrastructure,
there is no reason why
Honda’s revolutionary
FCX Clarity fuel cell
powered car should not
become reality in the UK
I
What other alternative fuels can I consider, and is there a timescale involved?
ʼve heard hydrogen is the next
big thing in alternative fuels.
How likely is it that fuel cells will
become available in company cars?
T
hereʼs no such thing as
ʻchanceʼ in this case – Honda
will offer a fuel cell car to
customers in California this year.
Though the refuelling infrastructure
needed for hydrogen is still an issue,
Honda has solved many of the key
problems of running a fuel cell car.
These include running in sub-zero
temperatures, an issue because water
ment will help us ensure good
residual values in three years’
time.
“The XF makes sense both
emotionally and rationally.”
VERDICT
As a mile-muncher the new XF
excels, being quiet, refined and
comfortable. But as a sports
saloon it is not as good as a
5 Series. However, high
equipment levels, sleek styling
and strong RVs mean the XF can
put up a strong business case.
is the only product of the fuel cell stack
and so can freeze while in the system.
Then there are the technical difficulties
associated with the design of a more
compact and efficient stack allowing
greater range and interior space.
It means that from summer 2008
Honda will be leasing its FCX Clarity
hydrogen-powered car to retail
customers in California.
Featuring the latest improvements
in driving range, power output,
weight and efficiency, plus a low-
slung, dynamic and sophisticated
appearance, previously unachievable
BEHIND THE WHEEL
This is where it gets interesting
because Jaguar has made a massive
effort to ensure the interior of the XF
is the best in class. And, to be fair, it’s
hard to argue against that claim.
First of all, the gimmicks – the
starter button pulses red before
ignition, which is intended to make
you believe the car is alive. Secondly,
the air vents all appear from behind a
metal-effect dashboard trim. Thirdly,
the gearbox is no more, replaced by a
rotary button which rises from the
transmission tunnel and works more
like an iPod control thanks to drive-
by-wire electronics which do away
with any mechanical couplings.
All very clever, but what impresses
most about the interior is the quality
– stitched leather and wood mingle
with metal veneers in a very cool way
– think boutique hotel and you’re on
the right wavelength.
in a fuel cell vehicle, the Honda FCX
Clarity proves such cars are attainable.
Current plans are for a three-
year lease term at $600 a month
(approximately £290), including
maintenance and collision insurance.
Because of Californiaʼs commitment
to creating a ʻhydrogen highwayʼ, it
has been possible to introduce the
FCX there. The lack of a fuelling
infrastructure in the UK means the
timescale here will be longer; once
installed, however, there is no reason
why fuel cell cars could not become
available to fleets in future.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 19
Thankfully it’s not just style over
substance, because the XF drives well.
The diesel engine is refined and barely
any engine or wind noise intrudes
into the cabin, even at motorway
speeds.The gearbox shifts impercepti-
bly, the steering is direct and nicely
weighted and the ride is comfortable.
All well and good, but Jaguar
insists the XF is a sports saloon, but
several factors conspire against it.
Firstly, compared to, say, a 530d, it
just doesn’t feel as powerful with a
distinct absence of that usual mass of
low-down torque you get from a large
capacity diesel. Secondly, the gearbox
conspires against the car. It doesn’t
like being in second gear, preferring to
change up into third and then let the
car bog down. This is most evident
when you want to make a quick
overtake but don’t feel as though you
have the confidence.
Will Euro 5 standards
mean penalties for Euro 4?
ill there be the same tax
incentives for choosing
Euro 5 diesel cars over
Euro 4, as there were when Euro 3
was superseded?
T
here is no indication yet that
the Government has decided
to offer a tax incentive for
drivers to switch from Euro 4 to cleaner
Euro 5 diesel-engined cars.
In 2005, any driver choosing a
Euro 4-compliant diesel rather than
a Euro 3 model had the 3% BIK
diesel surcharge waived. However,
some critics suggested drivers were
confused over exactly how much tax
they would be paying and whether
their cars were Euro 3 or Euro 4.
If the Government is to bring in the
measure again with the introduction
of the Euro 5 standard in 2009, it will
need to be announced in this springʼs
budget, and the issue of tax confusion
could arise again.
In anticipation of the new standard,
the next-generation Honda Accord,
launched this summer, will be fully
Euro 5-compliant, with the new i-DTEC
diesel engine offering the latest
technology for cleaner operation.
Produced in association
with Honda Corporate
Sales
LONG-TERMERS: SKODA ROOMSTER3 1.9 TDI/VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 1.4 TSI SE
Unconventional but sound
The Roomster’s unusual exterior may provoke amusement but once inside it’s impressive
BY EMMA COOPER
Four months down the line and
I’m still happy with the Roomster.
I’ve gone past caring about its
unconventional appearance – in
fact, the weird-looking exterior is
a great help when you’ve forgot-
ten where you’ve parked it.
The sight of the Roomster is
still a great source of amusement
to friends, only to be surpassed by
my own when they climb into the
back and mutter with amazement:
“It’s actually a lot bigger than
you’d expect, you know, and isn’t
the sunroof good?”
I was thankful for the car’s
ample space over the festive
season, carting around family
members, luggage, bags of gifts
and the largest stuffed bird known
to man, in relative comfort.
It’s also proving difficult to
restrain my mother’s enthusiasm
for the Roomster’s capacity. I’ve
visited quite enough garden
centres and DIY shops already in
the past few months and I’m
looking forward to loading up my
sporting gear and leaving Home-
base behind.
When I started driving the
Roomster I was particularly
impressed with the cabin. It looks
clean and airy, there’s plenty of
glovebox space and the stereo is
easy to reach and to navigate.
I thought the beige interior was
rather smart (especially given the
colour schemes of the previous
models) but I’m now growing to
hate the colour, as every piece of
clothing fluff and dust sticks to
the seats, making them look
grubby.
The parking sensor is both a
blessing and a curse. As a small
MPV the Roomster is not a bad
car to park anyway and the sensor
can be a help, but most of the time
I’m convinced the electronics are
possessed. Its erratic blips are
infuriating when I can see that I
have plenty of clearance.
FACT FILE
Price: £14,070
I’ve always hand-washed cars
(£14,420 as tested)
but can’t with the Roomster, since Mileage: 13,526
I’m too short to reach the roof. So Company car tax bill (2008)
I’m reduced to putting it through 22% tax-payer: £47 per month
the car wash, and was pleased to Insurance group: 5
discover that the aerial screws Combined mpg: 53.3
down out of the way. Test mpg: 48.0
Another source of constant CAP Monitor RV: £4,375/30%
delight is the gear knob, which Contract hire rate £319
looks chunky but is actually easy Expenditure to date: £110 (service)
Figures based on three years/60,000 miles
to move and very ergonomic. It
feels good to hold and I enjoy
changing gear.
If the stereo is on then the
volume dims when you put the
car in reverse gear, a simple yet
effective reminder that parking
requires some concentration.
Despite a few gripes with the
interior and the technology I’m
still enjoying driving the Room-
ster. It handles well and is comfort-
able to drive long distances in.
Average economy, still at 48mpg,
is easy on the wallet too.
Doing simple things very well
It’s easy to take the Touran for granted as it offers hassle-free driving – apart from the sat-nav
BY JOHN MASLEN
I have started taking our long-
term Volkswagen Touran for
granted. You might think this
suggests it’s a car that achieves
such monumental heights of
dullness that it barely registers
when you drive or use it. But that
couldn’t be further from the
truth. The Touran has fitted in
because it is delivering exactly
what I need, to a high standard.
As a home to work cruiser, it is
perfectly quiet, with no diesel
death rattle in the morning, lots
of torque for lazy acceleration, a
light gearbox for easy gearch-
anges and a good, comfortable
driving position.
As a business mileage basher
on the motorway, it is frugal,
smooth, quiet at speed, powerful
for overtaking and has plenty of
in-car gadgets to keep you calm
when traffic halts your progress.
The only glitch is the infuriat-
ing stupidity of some of the
touch-screen satellite-naviga-
tion’s decisions (anyone fancy a
shortcut through the centre of
Bradford, adding 25 minutes to a
15-minute journey?).
At least the excellent brakes
make sure you don’t park the
Touran in the boot of the car in
front while shouting at the
screen.
In the city, as an urban kid
carrier, it couldn’t be better,
soaking up Britain’s fast-breed-
ing potholes exceptionally well,
sailing over with a solid thump.
In the rear, the two rows of
seats have accommodated four
FACT FILE
children aged from four to seven Price: £18,262
(£20,147 as tested)
without fuss and the tables in the
Mileage: 5,650
back of the front seats (see
CO2 emissions (g/km): 160
picture) are a constant source of
amusement – and food – to young Company car tax bill (2008)
22% tax-payer: £73 per month
ones.
Insurance group: 9
So the Touran is doing an Combined mpg: 38.2
excellent job and now I don’t Test mpg: 36
expect anything less. CAP Monitor RV: £6,800/37%
And this is also the case with Contract hire rate: £366
the back-up from the manufac- Expenditure to date: £Nil
turer. Recently Volkswagen UK’s Figures based on three years/60,000 miles
fleet team was given the Euro-
pean Fleet Award 2007 by its
parent company in Germany. ‘This strong performance
The award was based on the throughout all criteria was the
evaluation of criteria including foundation of the UK Fleet
growth rate, position in the fleet Services team’s success.’
and rental market and the trans- However, in the spirit of taking
parency and planning quality for things for granted and knowing
the UK business. how the team has performed in
Hans Andree, Head of the past year, I wouldn’t expect
Volkswagen Fleet Europe, said: anything less.
 ROAD TEST: VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0 TDI SE

Fashionably late THREE RIVALS TO CONSIDER

to the SUV party ■ Honda CR-V

2.2 i-CTDi ES

P11D PRICE
■ Land Rover
Freelander 2.2 TD4 S
■ Nissan X-Trail
2.0 dCi Sport

Volkswagen’s Tiguan offers another choice in a crowded sector Apart from the entry-level
Freelander, all of these cars are in
Freelander £20,705
CR-V £21,202
mid-spec trim. This makes the Land X-Trail £22,240
Rover look expensive. All have off- Tiguan £21,545
road ability, although the Freelander its higher-spec siblings such as hill
lacks the full off-road hardware of descent control.

EMISSIONS AND TAX RATES

With by far the lowest CO2 CR-V 173g/km/25%
emissions and the second-cheapest Tiguan 189g/km/28%
price tag the Honda easily wins here. X-Trail 190g/km/29%
The CR-V will cost a 40% taxpayer Freelander 194g/km/29%
£177 a month in benefit-in-kind tax, Freelander, £201 for the Tiguan and
compared to £200 for the £205 for the Nissan.

BY JULIAN KIRK
It can’t have escaped your notice
that there have been a fair few
new SUV models launched over
the past few months.
Some are from established
players, while others are from
names whose brand has no stand-
ing in the sector. Some will
succeed in the market, while
others will flounder in the mud.
One thing you can guarantee,
though, is that the Volkswagen
Tiguan will succeed. It may be
arriving at the party while the
port and cheese is being served,
but there’s no doubt it has all the
essentials that buyers in this
sector desire...
Right badge? Check. Chunky
styling? Check. Doesn’t feel like a
mud-plugger to drive? Check.
But it’s not just drivers who will
appreciate the newcomer from
Volkswagen. Fleet managers will
welcome its performance on the
spreadsheet, too.
With a residual value predic-
tion of 47% it means competitive
leasing rates and the availability
of the car to a wider group of
people.
And thanks to the new common
rail 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel
engine fitted in this test model, its
fuel returns are not horrendous.
Driven with some degree of
restraint it should top 35mpg on a
regular basis, which isn’t bad for a
vehicle of this type.
It’s not going to convince the
FACT FILE
P11D value £21,545
CO2 emissions (g/km) 189
BIK % of P11D in 2008 28%
Graduated VED rate £205
Insurance group 9 CR-V for on-road refinement and
Combined mpg 39.2
CAP RV (3yr/60k) £10,150/47%
Monthly lease (3yr/60k) £392
■ Strong RV
✔ ■
■
Good to drive
Well equipped
■ Styling
✖ ■■ Running costs
Late to the party?
green lobby, but it seems not
everyone is that bothered if you
look at the number of SUVs sold
in the UK every year.
This new engine is slightly
more powerful than the unit it
replaces, and is also more refined.
Clatter at start-up has been
reduced and once on the road the
engine settles into a subdued
tone.
There’s also been a big effort
to cut wind noise, a problem for
vehicles of this size and shape.
The effort has been worthwhile
with the Tiguan offering a refined
driving experience.
It also drives well for an SUV,
although it doesn’t match Honda’s
handling. However, the Tiguan
manages to reduce body roll and
offers a compliant ride.
The interior will be familiar to
any Volkswagen owner, with
generic buttons, switches and
dials borrowed from the Golf and
Passat. This is no bad thing, and
interior build quality is good.
The interior is also very light
and roomy, with a high roof and
deep glass area. The rear seats
can also be slid forwards and
backwards to either boost luggage
space or rear legroom.
Standard equipment is decent,
with our SE-spec test car coming
with 17-inch alloy wheels, air
conditioning, MP3 stereo, leather
steering wheel and gearknob and
some ‘lifestyle’ touches such as
drawers under the front seats and
folding tables on the back of the
front seats.
SMR COST
The Nissan and Honda will be the ppm/60k total
most expensive in terms of service, X-Trail 3.77/£2,262
maintenance and repair costs due to CR-V 4.09/£2,454
Tiguan 4.43/£2,658
their shorter service intervals. Both
Freelander 4.46/£2,676
will require a visit to the garage
every 12,500 miles, whereas the miles. The Tiguan has variable
Land Rover can go for up to 15,000 servicing intervals.
FUEL COST
The Honda is well out in front, with
CR-V 10.33/£6,198
the CR-V claimed to return an X-Trail 11.29/£6,774
average of 43.5mpg. This equates to Tiguan 11.46/£6,876
a diesel spend of just under £6,200 Freelander 11.92/£7,152
over 60,000 miles. Second goes to The Tiguan records 39.2mpg and the
the Nissan which returns 39.8mpg. Land Rover 37.7.
DEPRECIATION COST
The SUV sector is particularly Tiguan 19.11/£11,466
susceptible to fashion, so being the Freelander 19.21/£11,526
new kid on the block has a distinct CR-V
X-Trail
19.50/£11,700
19.56/£11,736
advantage. In the case of the Tiguan,
this means an RV prediction from front. The Honda retains 45% and
CAP of 47%, easily putting it out in the Land Rover and Nissan 43%.
WHOLELIFE COST
The Honda’s performance in the fuel CR-V 33.92/£20,352
cost section effectively secures it the X-Trail 34.62/£20,772
victory here, even though the Tiguan Tiguan 35.00/£21,000
betters it on depreciation and the Freelander 35.59/£21,354
Nissan costs less in SMR terms. At a penny per mile ahead of the
under 24ppm the CR-V is more than Volkswagen.
VERDICT
This sector is more about fashion than anything else and potential
buyers will want to be seen in the latest model. But running costs
and driver taxation are also serious considerations. Which means
that this contest comes down to two cars – the Volkswagen Tiguan
and Honda CR-V. Both are stylish, well equipped and well built, and
both have a badge which will meet the requirements of image-
conscious SUV drivers. The Honda has the edge on paper, with much
lower benefit-in-kind bills and a significant advantage in running
costs. For these reasons it sneaks the win from the Tiguan.
■ WINNER: Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi ES

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 25
CONTRACT HIRE SURVEY: UPPER-MEDIUM DIESELS
New arrivals bring fresh li
The Renault Laguna is the latest new model to be launched in the upper-medium sector.
BY STEVE MOODY
F
or a sector that is
said to be as dead as
a dodo, the upper-
medium segment is
doing a very good
job of flapping its wings and
squawking a lot.
There have been a number of
new cars in the past year that are
anything but flightless cannon
fodder. One of the latest of them
is a new version of a car that had
become a byword for French
craftsmanship and precision
(post-déjeuner): the Renault
Laguna.
The last one was disastrous,
especially electronically, to the
point that about 18 months ago
you didn’t have to be Sherlock
Holmes to unearth a Renault
executive who would all but
admit they had given up trying to
sell it.
So now we have a new one, to
which Renault claims has been
laden thousands of hours of the
finest Gallic care and exactitude.
There are also other new
entrants to the market. The new
Mazda6 takes over from its very
fine predecessor, while the Ford
Mondeo was universally acknowl-
edged to be one of the best new
cars of last year.
Against these are three stal-
warts of the fleet industry: the
Vauxhall Vectra, Volkswagen
Passat and Peugeot 407. Tough
competitors. Tough market. But
by no means extinct.
Mazda6 2.0d TS
P11D price £17,055
2008 BIK bill (22%) £825
2008 VED bill £140
RENTAL RATES
DCFM £307
Hitachi Capital £338
Lex £292
Lloyds TSB autolease £359
26 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
’
DEAN WOODWARD
Contract services
manager,
DaimlerChrysler Fleet
Management
The fleet manager has a vested
interest in this sector as it
captures the majority share of
essential-user fleet vehicles.
Cost considerations can be
clouded by the emotive factor
of choice and the best car
doesn’t always win.
The Laguna promises to
exorcise the ghost of its
reputation for unreliability,
while the 2.0-litre dCi engine
continues to be smooth and
’
STEVE JONES
Pricing manager,
Lex
Overall honours are a straight
fight between the Ford and the
Mazda6.
The previous Mondeo was
competent but unremarkable,
while the outgoing Mazda6 was
distinctive but road noise and
interior quality were often cited
as weaknesses. New Mondeo
has striking looks and great
build quality, while the latest
Mazda 6 is stylish, poised and
refined.
The revamped Laguna has
been long-awaited but the
Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Edge
1ST
VERDICT: The P11D price
new Mazda6 puts 2008 BIK bill (22%)
in an impressive 2008 VED bill
showing on all
fronts, with no
weaknesses, and RENTAL RATES
is easily voted DCFM
first by the panel. Hitachi Capital
Offers second Lex
lowest rental. Lloyds TSB autolease
’
CHRIS CROW
Head of risk,
Hitachi Capital
High running costs hamper the
new Renault Laguna’s price
advantage at the front end,
while strong styling, high build
quality and equipment levels
warrant leading residual values
on the new Mazda6. Alongside
competitive front-end pricing,
sprightly. The new Mazda6 this ensures the rental lead for running costs and a good
’ ’
offers a refreshing alternative this car. driving experience.
to the Mondeo, Vectra and The sector leader a decade The Volkswagen Passat was
Peugeot 407. With styling ago, the Ford Mondeo requires the original vehicle to move
reminiscent of the RX-8, it greater manufacturer backing upmarket and the new model
appears sporty but in a to remain on the pace, although continues the trend. The Vectra
justifiable saloon car package. it does benefit from competitive and 407 now show their age.
’
ANDREW MEE
Commercial operations
manager, Lloyds TSB
autolease
This sector has seen some new
models. Renault hopes that the
evolution of its Laguna will
showcase its improvements in
quality and reliability, while
Mazda has launched an all-new
6, attracting strong residuals
’ ’
transformation is less startling and subsequently lower rentals. Low maintenance and high
than might have been This is a difficult sector to discounts help Peugeot sell its
expected. gain ground in with the class- 407 model in volume.
The Peugeot and Passat are leading Passat staying ahead Creating further competition
still competent competitors and and the new Mondeo achieving is Vauxhall, which replaces the
Vectra – despite its age – higher residuals through Vectra with the all-new Insignia
represents really great value. increased industry perception. later this year.
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI S
=2ND =2ND
£17,380 VERDICT: The P11D price £17,017 VERDICT: Still
£764 new Mondeo 2007 BIK bill (22%) £786 going strong, the
£115 does nothing 2007 VED bill £140 Passat stands up
wrong and against the brand
despite little new models in all
support still RENTAL RATES areas and retains
£345 manages good DCFM £337 its leading RV
£369 running costs, Hitachi Capital £350 crown, which
£347 decent RVs and a Lex £352 helps drive rental
£314 low BIK tax bill. Lloyds TSB autolease £335 costs down.
ife to sector
Our panel of experts assesses its chances

AVERAGE LEASING RATES CO2 EMISSIONS FUEL ECONOMY

£ OVER 3YRS/60,000 MILES GRAMMES PER KILOMETRE AVERAGE MILES PER GALLON
380 165 53

360 355 351 355 160 158 51 50.4 49.6 49.6

156
155
340 155 154 49
153 47.9 47.9
47.1
320 313 314 150 149 47
304
Mondeo

Mondeo

Mondeo
300 145 45
Mazda6

Mazda6

Mazda6
Laguna

Laguna

Laguna
Vectra

Vectra

Vectra
Passat

Passat

Passat
280 140 43
407

407

407
Average based on results from our leasing panel Average based on manufacturers’ claimed figures Average based on manufacturers’ claimed figures

Decent support and strong residuals make the All six models are very evenly matched when it Fuel economy that hovers around the 45-50mpg
Mazda6 look good value. The equipment-laden comes to CO2 emissions, with the Mondeo slightly mark is a decent return for cars of this size, with the
Vectra is worth a look too, while the Passat’s ahead of the rest. All are around the 20-22% Mondeo the best again. It is followed closely by the
excellent RV helps it drive down rentals. benefit-in-kind tax bracket from April. Passat and Vectra.

RESIDUAL VALUES AVERAGE DISCOUNT AVERAGE MAINTENANCE

%/£ RETAINED OVER 3 YRS/60,000 MILES AVERAGE DISCOUNT/ % OFF LIST PRICE £ OVER 3 YRS/60,000 MILES
40 38/ 25 3,390/ 2,000
6,450 21
36/
37 6,157 21 1,800
1,645
33/ 17 2,346/ 2,717/ 2,351/
34 5,682 14 15 14 1,600 1,562 1,513
31/
30/ 5,216 13 1,807/ 1,781/ 1,408
31 5,235 29/ 1,400 1,367
10 10 1,310
4,718 9
Mondeo
Mondeo
Mondeo

1,200
Mazda6

Mazda6
28
Mazda6

Laguna

Laguna
Laguna

Vectra

Vectra
Vectra

Passat

Passat
Passat

5
25 1,000
407

407
407

Average based on results from our leasing panel Average based on results from our leasing panel Average based on results from our leasing panel

The Passat retains its RV crown, but it is closely The Vectra has a lot of manufacturer support, as is New Laguna is predicted to cost the most in SMR –
followed by the Mazda6. The venerable Vectra holds expected at this point in its lifecycle, while Ford isn’t perhaps a legacy of the last model – so leasing firms
on to the coat tails of the newer cars, while Laguna offering much off a Mondeo yet, or Volkswagen will be keeping a watching brief on its progress and
is low seeing as it has just been launched. either on the Passat. adjusting accordingly.

Vauxhall Vectra CDTi 150 Exclusiv Ren Laguna dCi 150 Expression Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi 136 SE

4TH 5TH 6TH

P11D price £16,537 VERDICT: In its P11D price £16,910 VERDICT: The P11D price £17,733 VERDICT: The
2008 BIK bill (22%) £764 last year, the 2008 BIK bill (22%) £818 Laguna failed to 2008 BIK bill (22%) £858 Peugeot comes in
2008 VED bill £140 Vectra manages a 2008 VED bill £140 ignite the panel’s 2008 VED bill £140 a distant sixth.
very respectable imagination, but Despite not being
fourth. Lots of kit this was always a bad car, it
RENTAL RATES and sensible RENTAL RATES likely to be a RENTAL RATES struggles to offer
DCFM £303 running costs DCFM £353 gradual process DCFM £346 anything not
Hitachi Capital £345 make it still Hitachi Capital £363 for Renault and it Hitachi Capital £371 done better by
Lex £288 relevant for Lex £359 does nothing Lex £340 the other
Lloyds TSB autolease £284 fleets. Lloyds TSB autolease £345 wrong. Lloyds TSB autolease £347 offerings here.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 27
 FLEET MANAGEMENT: CAR SHARING

Car share controversy

Report gives positive picture of organised schemes – but the findings have come under fire
BY PHILL TROMANS for years. But in this environmen- planning and, along with various At first glance, the report produce an insufficiently green

T
he concept of
sharing lifts to or
from work isn’t a
new one; people
have been doing it
THE REPORT IN NUMBERS
In the month before being
interviewed, 61% of people had
taken part in car sharing. But just
1% were members of a formal lift-
sharing scheme run by their employer
or another organisation.
Of those that had received lifts,
42% said the last occasion had been
for a one-off journey or one that
would occur less than once a month.
In 28% of cases, the lift took place
at least once a week.
Of those who were given lifts,
28% said they made the same
tally-conscious age, the idea of
getting more people into fewer
cars has become even more
appealing.
The Government is keen on
the concept of workplace travel
journey by another means at least
once a week, usually by driving
themselves.
Most of the car-share journeys
(63%) were of 20 minutes or less.
Some 22% were between 21 and 45
minutes and 15% were in excess of
45 minutes. A quarter of those who
received a lift said the journey was
either a business commute or
travelling for work.
Convenience was the most
common reason for car sharing
(63%), 25% couldn’t drive
charities and other organisations,
is promoting formal car-sharing
schemes. Last month, the Depart-
ment for Transport (DfT)
launched a report into car-sharing
practices in the UK.
themselves, 8% did it because they
wanted to reduce road congestion
and 7% gave environmental reasons.
Men aged between 35 and 54
and those on the highest incomes
were most likely to have driven on a
daily basis.
Only a fifth of Londoners drive
every day, and 53% had not driven
at all in the month before the survey.
Women and young people aged
between 16 and 24 were most likely
to have travelled as a passenger at
least once a week.
seems very positive. It surveyed
drivers about their travel habits
over the previous month and
found that 61% had undertaken
some form of car sharing during
that time.
But there has been contro-
versy over the report. Some
criticised the findings for not
reflecting what the man in the
street regards as car sharing.
John Lettice, founder of
popular science and technology
website The Register, says: “The
less creative thinkers among us
are likely to think of car sharing
as regular arrangements where
two or more people share the
journey to work in a single
vehicle, thus reducing costs,
peak-hour congestion and
pollution.
“But for the sprinklers of magic
happy dust at the DfT, such utili-
tarian definitions would appear to
result. Search in the raw data for
evidence of what ordinary
mortals might understand as car
sharing and you find instead
roads brimming with phalanxes
of vehicles occupied by single,
planet-wrecking ne’er-do-wells.”
Indeed, the report does count
anyone that had a lift from
someone outside their family at
least once in the past month as
having taken part in car sharing.
When you look into the figures
more closely, you find that only
1% of respondents were actually
part of a formal car-sharing
scheme. But car-sharing organi-
sations, although not completely
happy with the report, reject the
concerns of Mr Lettice.
“I think it’s good that the
Government is taking an interest
in car sharing, but it’s not showing
us anything we didn’t know
before,” says Ali Clabburn,

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Official Government Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). BLS Saloon - Urban 34.9 (8.1), Extra Urban
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Bank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.
 managing director of LiftShare.
“In the UK, 38% of trips are
made with just one person in the
car, which means 62% are made
with more than one person. I
would include sharing with family,
friends and colleagues in my defi-
nition of car sharing. I don’t quite
understand why they have taken
out family members. Saying they
don’t count is ridiculous.”
Antonia Roberts, co-director of
Car Plus, agrees: “The majority of
car sharing is done informally but
I don’t necessarily think that’s a
bad thing or a misrepresentation.
“It can be only a good thing
because it’s part of people’s
psyche to take that approach.”
Advocates of car sharing agree
that the report helps to raise
public awareness of the issue.
They, and organisations like
them, are working with busi-
nesses to introduce more work-
place car-sharing schemes.
“Employers can do so much
more,” says Mrs Roberts. “Some
‘
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setting up schemes but not
encouraging people to use them.
It’s still relatively early days.
There are a lot of councils that
have employees embracing the
concept, so there are schemes
there, but they are not being
encouraged enough. There is
much more that can be done.”
Mr Clabburn agrees. He says:
“There is huge potential to
encourage car sharing. We are
setting up about four company
schemes a week, but it’s some-
thing that hasn’t really been in
the public consciousness here as
it has in other countries, such as
the United States.
“We set up schemes to help
staff cut the number of miles they
do on their commute.
“We also do a lot of work with
companies trying to cut down
business miles. By matching up
employees they can have huge
savings in the miles they do
through work. If employees share
a car, firms save 40p per mile for
one of the passengers.”
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FLEET MANAGEMENT: PRESS CARS

Helping the media to ge

Supplying motoring journalists with the right cars at the right time is a full-time job
BY PHILL TROMANS Pretty much all the major It’s a job that John Brooks has say ‘car X will be a core model’ engineering workshop papers to

H
carmakers have a press fleet of been doing for 15 years as press and try and get quite a few on the ensure vehicles are ready to send
ere at Fleet News vehicles to lend to motoring jour- fleet administrator at Toyota, press fleet. If we get 12 vehicles I out.
we spend a lot of nalists. There are all sorts of sourcing, managing and dispos- can service 30 journalists a “I also order the cars for the
time talking to publications and media outlets ing of a huge range of vehicles. month. If it’s a new model then fleet. I sit down with each indi-
fleet managers that request test cars – from trade He looks after 180 Toyota and there’s a lot of interest, but once vidual brand manager to decide
about their jobs. publications and consumer maga- Lexus cars at any one time. the demand starts to drop off what to have on the press fleet.
Some look after fleets of thou- zines to national newspapers and “Around 50 are long-termers, we’ll cut back on the number of We also speak to the marketing
sands, others just a handful. We television programmes. which go out to magazines and vehicles.” managers to see what their best
also try out the cars coming to Managing such demand and television programmes for up to a Veronica Borrelli joined Vaux- seller is and if there is a particu-
market, borrowing dozens of cars keeping journalists happy is year at a time,” he says. hall as an apprentice from school lar model that we need to have
a year from manufacturers. normally a full-time job. “And about 120 go out on a and, having progressed to the available.”
weekly basis.” public relations department, is “Long-term loans work in a
Getting the right number of now press fleet co-ordinator for similar way. We ask for some kind
AT A GLANCE cars in means having a good
understanding of the manu-
parent company General Motors.
She looks after 140 vehicles from
of idea of the coverage publica-
tions will give us then I go
■ Most major car manufacturers have a press fleet. facturer’s business, and John is in Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet, Cadil- through the ordering process
■ The cars are available to journalists working for newspapers, magazines, regular contact with Toyota in lac, Corvette and Hummer. and each car is built especially for
television, radio and media (i.e. websites). Japan to get a steer on the prod- “I look after week-to-week car that publication.”
■ Cars are loaned out on both a long and short-term basis. ucts in the pipeline. loans for print media, television Anyone familiar with the antics
■ The cars are well looked after to ensure they represent the brand properly. “We’ll get product bulletins and radio,” she says. of Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson,
■ After their testing period is over, the cars are defleeted into the used that tell us what vehicles are “I organise the paperwork, James May and Richard
market. coming out and when,” Mr such as movement documenta- Hammond will perhaps imagine
Brooks says. “I will sit down and tion to delivery companies and that all motoring journalists hurl

32 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
et through testing times
cars around test tracks amid
clouds of tyre smoke. Surely
running a whole fleet of cars
subjected to such abuse must
get taxing?
“I don’t get that many bad cars
back,” insists Mr Brooks.
“People remember the one
damaged car, not the 40 that are
fine.
“There are always going to be
minor wears and tears. I do about
40 loans and collections a week,
and out of those 80 movements
there are maybe five little minor
things, from scuffed wheels to a
knock on the bumper.”
Damage is the most obvious
day-to-day issue at GM too.
another very noted public figure-
cum-journalist sat his kids on the
roof of a car to watch some sort
of event and caused £5,000 worth
of damage.”
When vehicles are damaged,
they are repaired immediately in
a dedicated press car bodyshop
at Toyota’s technical centre.
“There’s a three-day turn-
around period between loans,”
says Mr Brooks.
“The cars are checked and
anything wrong is rectified. If a
car is damaged we’ll swap it with
something else or get it to the
bodyshop.
“If someone has an accident
then we send them out a form
given is ‘I hit a badger’, or some-
thing like that. But when you John Brooks,
look at the damage you think press fleet
there’s a bit more to it than has administrator
for Toyota
been said. Unfortunately, there’s and Lexus
not much I can do about it.
“When something like that
does happen we have a look at
each individual case. It’s usually
a discussion had with our
manager and if necessary they
try and ascertain exactly what
has gone on. Most of the time
people will just call up and say
‘I’m really sorry, I’ve had an acci-
dent’.”
Like anyone hopping between
cars regularly, journalists occa-
sionally leave things in the vehi-

‘
“The regularity of damage and get them to call our insur- cles.
isn’t too bad at the moment, but ance company, then we look after “We get a lot of lost property,”
it does vary,” says Ms Borrelli. it all. All the journalists are fully Mr Brooks confirms. WE GET A LOT OF LOST

“If a car does come back that’s
damaged it can have a knock-on
effect on the next person that it’s
booked for. There are also dead-
lines that magazines need to
adhere to so we have to consider
them as well.
“It’s usually a minor thing like
a scraped bumper or a kerbed
wheel.”
Despite this, there are inevita-
ble misjudgements by the jour-
nalists.
“On average, we only get one
serious accident a year,” Mr
Brooks says.
“We had a Toyota MR2 written
off a couple of years ago with just
75 miles on the clock. And
insured through us. If we think
you get through the criteria of
getting cars, then that’s it. We
decide who gets cars by the
publication’s circulation, impact,
how much space we might get
and who the journalist is.”
GM’s last serious incident was
three years ago, when the
Monaro – an Australian muscle
car – first arrived in the UK.
“The previous one was a
VX220 Turbo; it was one of the
cars I was getting ready for the
launch event,” recalls Ms
Borrelli.
“There has been the odd time
when a car has come back
damaged and the story that’s
“There have been old clothes,
lots of kids’ books, umbrellas
and ladies’ underwear.”
Items of underclothing also
show up at GM.
“We do get a lot of things left
in the cars – sunglasses, cheque-
books, bank cards,” says Ms
Borelli.
“I’ve had ladies’ underwear
that I’ve had to send back, and
keys seem to get left a lot.”
Once all the journalists that
want to drive the cars have done
so, it’s time to move the vehicles
on.
“Vehicles are changed every
10,000 miles, although long-
termers obviously can stay in
PROPERTY. THERE HAVE BEEN
OLD CLOTHES, KIDS’ BOOKS,
UMBRELLAS AND LADIES’
UNDERWEAR
use for longer,” Mr Brooks says.
“Vehicles are disposed of
through the dealer network.
Because we have a dedicated
bodyshop, all the cars are thor-
oughly checked and, if neces-
sary, repaired to as high a
standard as possible.
“Press cars are probably the
best cars to buy second hand –
I’ve only had two breakdowns in
the 15 years that I’ve been doing
’
the job, because everything is so
well looked after. We even some-
times sell cars to the journalists
that borrowed them.”
GM keeps its short-term cars
on its fleet for six months.
“We have a dedicated remar-
keting team,” Ms Borrelli says.
“The cars are ‘smart’ repaired
if necessary and then defleeted
either through dealerships or at
auction.”

A Vauxhall Monaro coming

to grief at the hands of a
journalist was the GM press
fleet’s last serious incident

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 33
 Recruitment Call Daniel Bragg: 01733 468271
email: daniel.bragg@emap.com

Brighter future
FLEET TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE MANAGER Salary is £25 – £30k with Company Car.
This is a new role working as part of a small team within the department in recognition that the
company must ensure full compliance in legal, health & safety and duty of care issues.
Based in Hertfordshire, however, the role will require travel throughout the UK.
The successful applicant will have a good working knowledge of vehicle engineering
01235 536440 preferably demonstrated by holding a technical qualification e.g. C&G or BTEC; CPC National.
Experience in setting and monitoring vehicle maintenance budgets. Experience in specifying and procuring fleet vehicles.
www.steele-dixon.co.uk For more information please contact ed@steele-dixon.co.uk or call Ed Steele on 01235 536 440

straight talking : smart thinking : fast acting

When it comes to carbon
STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGER
Employee Car Ownership - Southern UK
reduction, you're in the
£Attractive Basic • £65K OTE • Executive Car • Pension • Healthcare
28 Days’ Holiday • Share Save Scheme
driving seat.
A fantastic opportunity to progress your career within one of the top ten leasing companies Climate change is now widely accepted as the largest long-term
in the UK. You will manage one strategic ECO account that operates a fleet of 1000+ environmental problem facing humanity and its major cause
vehicles. Working closely with internal support teams you will ensure the smooth running is carbon dioxide emissions from energy use. A not-for-profit
and growth of this large blue chip. This is a great opportunity for someone to build lasting organisation formed in 1992, we've rapidly become a leading
and meaningful relationships at a strategic level. Ref. GD5386 figure in the fight to address climate change. Our aim is to
promote sustainable energy, while reducing consumption and
REGIONAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER carbon emissions in the domestic and transport sectors throughout
Contract Hire & Fleet Management - Southern UK the UK. Join us and you'll change more than just your job.
£40K Basic • £55K OTE uncapped • Car • Pension • Healthcare Fleet Consultants
Share Options • 28 Day’s Holiday • Laptop • Mobile
Up to £45k plus bonus and excellent benefits
This vehicle-leasing arm of one of Europe’s largest banks is renowned for the quality of
service and delivery. Managing 40 multi-supply accounts, you will develop long term,
Home-based flexible location (England)
profitable business. Success will depend on your relationship building skills and ability to You'll play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of large
cross and up sell. With ongoing training and development, they offer all the support organisations. Providing them with expert advice on environmental
needed to thrive. They pride themselves on their succession planning and ability to produce issues, you'll help them to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions
the managers of tomorrow. Ref. GD5407 from their fleet. In this way, you'll make a real impact on the
environmental agenda – and facilitate long-term change in
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER the way businesses approach their fleet management.
Contract Hire & Fleet Management - South East With considerable experience of company car and van fleets,
you'll appreciate the various factors that influence vehicle
£35-40K Basic • £62K OTE uncapped • Stunning Car Scheme • Pension
allocation – including cost, HR issues and how sustainable transport
A division of one of the world’s most prestigious motor manufacturers, our client is one of measures can deliver carbon savings. Analytical and
the most exciting and vibrant fleet companies in operation today. Armed with a fantastic a strategic thinker, your communication skills (both written
portfolio of services together with an excellent back office function, you will secure and verbal) and powers of persuasion will enable you to build
business within the 100+ sector. If you’re looking for a career within a truly innovative, strong relationships at a senior level.
growing and fantastically backed organisation, this could be for you. Ref. CT2299
For further information, please email hr@est.org.uk To apply
online please go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/vacancies
SOUTH NORTH
Alternatively, please send your CV and a covering letter
High Wycombe Manchester explaining how you meet the requirements of this role to
Will Gardner/Gregg Dampier Marc Bridges/Claire Anderson Human Resources, Energy Saving Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street,
01494 538866/538855 0161 601 7766/7760 London SW1H 9BP quoting reference NU493.
fleet@dwc.co.uk manchester@dwc.co.uk
Closing date: Friday, 29th February 2008.
daniel williams consultancy www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Sales and Marketing Recruitment Specialists
www.dwc.co.uk

require a
DIVISIONAL FLEET SALES MANAGER
Following last years success and the continued growth of the Honda
brand, Johnsons Cars Ltd requires a highly experienced and ambitious
Fleet Sales Manager to manage and co-ordinate the Corporate Business
Sector within our Honda Division. With dealerships in Oxford, Milton Keynes,
Slough, Dunstable and Beaconsfield the successful candidate will head a
team of B2B sales executives as they strive to deliver our corporate volume
aspirations in 2008 and beyond. Prospective candidates should ideally live
within the area described above. An industry leading remuneration package
will be offered along with the usual benefits expected from the motor industry.

Applicants should apply in writing to Steve Yeates,

Group Personnel Manager at Johnsons Cars Ltd, Clive Road,
Redditch, Worcs, B97 4BT
or by e-mail to syeates@johnsonscarsltd.co.uk.
Closing date for applications is 29th February 2008.

36 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
Your views, your queries, your chance to get involved Find your
favourite

Companies guilty
s
FLEET CV
Gina Heeley Letters – p39

of over-confidence
Fleet A reader warns that major
manager
changes are needed in the
Wolters
Kluwer UK attitude of managers to the
grey fleet.

Describe your fleet.
We currently have 126 cars
across all badges and some
commercial vehicles.
Would you recommend a
career in fleet?
Yes, I would. My current role
has evolved over the past six
years. I was originally a
facilities administrator and
then when the fleet
management was consoli-
dated I assisted the fleet
manager. Since 2005 my role
has been to manage the
whole of our UK fleet.
How does working in fleet
differ from your previous
job?
It’s far more involved than
any previous role. With duty
of care you have to be so
careful and make sure
everything is recorded.
What would make your
job easier?
A single-badge vehicle policy
– but then I don’t think I
would be very popular with
our drivers.
What do you like to do to
relax?
I love entertaining –
spending the day in the
kitchen is relaxing to me.
And I always have a good
book on the go.
What item could you not
live without?
I would have to say my car.
BY EMMA COOPER
Companies working in the trans-
port and logistics sector are ill-
equipped to cope with change,
according to new research from
the Chartered Management
Institute (CMI).
Over-confidence in the indus-
try is particularly reflected in the
areas of training and technology.
Though nearly two-thirds of
employers believe skills and
talent management to be a major
challenge to UK businesses, only
51% identified “developing talent”
as a key concern. The survey also
found that though 74% of new IT
projects fail, only 22% of the trans-
APPOINTMENTS
Promotion at Newton takes reins at Windsor
TCH Leasing Philip Newton has been named chief executive of Windsor Vehicle
Leasing. He will be responsible for the strategy, development and
Mark Hammond has been
named director at TCH Leasing,
where he will be responsible for
its overall running and perfor-
mance. He takes the role after
six years as joint director, before
which he was finance director
for the company. Ken Buckley
heads up the sales team, joining
TCH from All In One Leasing.
Helpline – p41
port sector believes that “keeping
abreast of technological change”
should be a priority.
Only 51% of the industry viewed
“managing the impact of regula-
tion” as a corporate necessity.
Most shocking of all, only 32%
of managers and decision-makers
within the transport field, What are the implications
including fleet managers, believe of allowing someone to
that risk management to be an choose a camper van as
important issue. their company car?
Jo Causon, director of market-
ing and corporate affairs at the First car – p43
CMI, said: “Questions need to be
asked about how UK organisa-
tions will be able to manage in the
future, if they fail to address key Just 51% of firms identify
operational issues.” developing talent as a concern
■ email: fleetnews@emap.com Helen Moore, of the Energy
Saving Trust, drove an
elderly Ford Escort when
she first started work.
Competition – p43
overall performance of the company. Previously he was CEO of the This week’s quiz winner
Merchant Retail Group and he holds non-executive positions within will receive a RoadCam
Capital Regional and retailers Cornish Kitchen. camera worth £495.
Brading fills epyx HR position
E-commerce specialist epyx has appointed Sarah Brading as human
resources manager. Ms Brading will be responsible for all human
resources issues within the company, coordinating a staff of 80
people. She joins from IT company OAOT where she spent seven
years as HR director for Europe.
Job of
the week
Ashton takes Total Accident role ENERGY SAVING TRUST
Total Accident Management has appointed Lena Ashton as strategic Fleet consultant,
account manager. She will be responsible for a number of the UK based, £45k p38
company’s key contract hire and leasing accounts. Ms Ashton has
more than 20 years’ experience in the motor industry.

How does this role differ
SETTLING IN from your last one?
My last role was dealer based
Joel and the biggest difference is
Andresier variety. Every customer I visit in
Business
my current job is different with
sales
manager unique fleet requirements.
Skoda UK
How was your first day?
Brilliant. On my first day I joined
the business team who were
holding their national meeting in
the Czech Republic.
Is the fleet market changing?
Yes, at a tremendous pace. Legis-
lative and technological changes
mean we must constantly
enhance our methods to remain
business critical to our clients.
How are you finding working
with fleets?
It has definitely been challeng-
ing and enjoyable so far. I am
also fortunate to work with
approachable managers.
What’s the greatest challenge
you’ve experienced so far?
Having to gain expert fleet
knowledge in a short space of
time. My role was well managed
previously and customers have
high expectations.
What do you do to relax at
weekends?
I take the dogs out to the New
Forest for a few hours and we
usually get lost.

www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 37
 Recruitment Call Daniel Bragg: 01733 468271
email: daniel.bragg@emap.com

Please mention
FleetNews
when replying to
the our featured
vacancies

www.fleetnews.co.uk

www.fleetnews.co.uk

To advertise here
please call
Daniel Bragg
on 01733 468271
Great opportunities matter.
Corporate Sales Manager.
A L A S TA I R A M E S
We are looking to recruit a Corporate Sales Manager to head and direct a
small team. Based at our Cheltenham dealership, you will have responsibility
always
for Corporate Sales for our Cheltenham, Gloucester and Hereford businesses.
the right
This role requires a self-motivated individual who’s leadership skills will inspire
and drive forward our corporate team to achieve its full potential; developing and
generating sales to small local businesses in all three demographics as well as
person
larger national clients. You will need a proven track record in a similar position
with corporate sales experience. You will also need an unrivalled commitment to for the job
customer satisfaction and to share in our passion for success.
For the right person we are offering a competitive package with associated benefits.
Please apply in writing to Karen Evans enclosing your CV to the address below
or email: personnel@cotswoldgroup.com
Cotswold

Cotswold Motor Group Specialist Search and Selection

Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham To view a variety of current positions visit our website www.alastairames.co.uk or ring for details.
The Ultimate
Gloucestershire GL51 9SG Driving Machine Tel 0207 917 1855 Fax 0207 917 1856 alastair@alastairames.co.uk 211 PICCADILLY, LONDON W1V 9LD

38 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
LETTERS ■ Email: fleetnews@emap.com. Please include name, job title, company and address
Major changes needed
to manage grey fleet
Your article on grey fleet insur-
ance raises a serious issue and
one that many fleet managers
should take seriously: make sure
your drivers are insured properly
or face the health and safety,
financial and, potentially, reputa-
tional fall out of a claim being
turned down.
As your article points out, busi-
nesses have a duty of care under
the Health and Safety at Work Act
to ensure that their drivers have
the correct form of cover.
Getting this cover has become
easier, but businesses must
ensure their policies are correctly
underwritten for business use.
It is encouraging that the grey
fleet is being discussed as an
important area for fleet manag-
ers, but to deal with issues like
insurance in isolation is to perhaps
mask the bigger cultural shift that
must be taken to improve the
management of the grey fleet.
Problem? No, just a routine safety check
With reference to the long-term
report by Phill Tromans on the
Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (Fleet
News, January 31), until recently
I privately owned an identical
model (even the same colour as
yours) albeit an 06 registration.
I, too, suffered the same two
electrical gremlins that you
mentioned and can explain the
reason for the coolant level
warning, which comes on within
a mile every time you first drive
off and goes off after about 30
seconds.
After three frustrating visits to
my local Vauxhall dealership,
ONLINE POLL
Do your business
drivers who use
100
private cars do so Does your company
under the same rely on young drivers
80 (under 25 years of
standard of age)?
management and 60
regulation as your
company car 40
52%
drivers? If so, vote
“yes” online at our
website: www.
20
0 in association with Bauer Automotive
fleetnews.co.uk
Insurance is just one of many
issues concerning the manage-
ment of the grey fleet, which also
extends to licensing, MoT checks,
vehicle maintenance and quality
and age of vehicle to name but
some issues.
Louise Clayton is quoted in
your article as saying: “It would
certainly be easier from a fleet
management and health and
safety perspective if our grey fleet
drivers were under the provision
of the company car scheme.”
For me, when it comes to the
management of the grey fleet,
this must be the quality bench-
mark.
While it would be difficult to
insist on all drivers taking the
company car option, fleet man-
agers should aspire to have the
same standard of management
and regulation with their grey
fleet vehicles as they do with
company vehicles.
where no fault was found, I was
explaining the problem to the
service manager – having
already gone through this
process with service reception
and a technician.
His reply was: “Oh, but it’s
supposed to do that, sir. The car
is telling you that it is checking
the coolant level for you, not that
it is low. If it is low, the display
will change to CHECK LEVEL”.
It seems strange that if a
manufacturer can incorporate
such technology in a vehicles, it
ought to be able to communicate
this to the dealers. The vehicle
LAST WEEK’S POLL
48%
YES NO
This will call on the develop-
ment of a robust fleet policy
covering all vehicles, which many
businesses do not yet have in
place.
Only in this way can a con-
sistently good health and safety
standard be achieved for all busi-
ness drivers, grey fleet or not.
Insurance should be one element
of an overall management policy.
handbook does, I believe, go
some way to cover this point.
Perhaps Mr Tromans would like
to convey this explanation to his
local dealer.
With regard to the electric
folding roof sticking half way
through its performance, this
only used to happen to me occa-
sionally when I was using the
remote key fob, and usually in a
car park when intrigued passers-
by were watching.
My solution was to get in the
car and use the buttons inside to
finish the operation.
I reported it to my dealer
FleetNews
Last week we were warning of
the dangers faced by young
drivers, through lack of
experience, youthful exuber-
ance and the fact that they
drive older, potentially more
dangerous cars.
Our concern for the young
continues this week, but on
page two we also turn our
attention to the growing
problem of driving while unfit
Last year saw the grey fleet
issue properly come to the fore
alongside other important fleet-
related health and safety issues.
Let’s hope that in 2008 we
respond to managing the risks it
represents.
MIKE WATERS
Head of market insight,
Arval
once, but, as in your case, no
fault was found.
It was a great car to own, even
with the summer we had last
year.
However, having read a report
in Fleet News on the Audi A3 2.0
TDI Sportback, a too-good-to-
miss opportunity came up to
trade it in.
I just hope the weather is not
too good this summer.
JOHN R GILL
Senior management
accountant,
Claas UK
COMMENT
through drugs. You might
think the stories are related.
If so, you will be surprised to
learn that the majority of drug-
driving convictions are handed
out to middle-aged drivers
doped up on over-the-counter
or prescription medications.
The warnings on the bottles
and packs need to be bigger
and clearer to help your drivers
get the message.
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 39
Interface
Treating
dealers as
partners
I was interested to read your
Sewells dealer survey story.
In 2007 Lex increased its
dealer performance nationally
by 5% to 87%.
Dealers are set targets annu-
ally and their performance is
directly linked to the price Lex
pays in terms of labour rates.
This is based on a sample
size of 1,700 dealers which
make up the One Call network,
20% of which are indepen-
dents, the rest franchised.
At the heart of our improve-
ments is a new online customer
satisfaction index, where
nearly 20,000 Lex customers
annually give valuable feed-
back on dealer performance.
All survey results are
published online so every
dealer, dealer group and
manufacturer’s performance
is transparent.
Lex believes the secret to
success is rewarding perfor-
mance financially and treating
its dealer network as partners
and setting clear objectives.
Meeting the targets means a
higher financial reward but a
poor performance means
freezing labour rates, or in
extreme cases removing the
dealer from our suppliers.
Everyone signs up to driving
up standards. This falls in line
with the Lex ethos of “World
Class Service”. So our report
is a clear indication that when
you adopt a structured part-
nership approach with dealers,
customer service can improve
year on year.
PAUL KERRIGAN
Associate director
customer care &
supplier development,
Lex
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 Fleet services Call Dee Kennedy: 01733 468275
email: dee.kennedy@emap.com

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40 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
HELPLINE
BUSINESS COVER
Getting to grips with
insurance small print
Q Our managers annually
check the insurance
certificates of staff who use
their own cars on business.
Staff will travel between
offices for meetings, training,
etc, or to supplier’s premises,
housing estates to meet our
tenants or inspect property.
Many insurance certificates
are clear and state that the
policyholder is covered while
on the business of their
employer.
There is, however, a
tendency for insurance
companies to use the
ambiguous term ‘covered
while on the policyholder’s
business’ and no distinction
is made between the employ-
er’s business and the
policyholder’s business.
VEHICLE CHOICE
Q My finance director
(who is also my boss)
told me that when his car is
replaced next time, he wants
a camper van instead. My
first reaction was to say no
but I hear that camper van
residual values are amazing,
so would this actually be a
smart move financially?
A This raises far more issues
than just the residual value
of a vehicle. First and foremost,
it tests the effectiveness of your
fleet policy.
As a fleet professional you
should ensure that any vehicle
allocation request is based on
commercially sound judgement
and that your fleet policy
supports any decision taken.
The company car is still one
DRIVER TRAINING
Q I wanted to put all 50 of
my staff through a driver
training course. Three of
them refused point-blank and
say I can’t force them to do it.
Are they right?
A It is essential that all
companies have a stringent
company car policy in place and
■ Do you have a problem with your fleet? Write to: Helpline, Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA or email fleetnews@emap.com
Is it safe to assume the
term business always
includes employer’s
business?
A You should be congratulated
for taking your obligations
seriously in checking that your
staff are adequately insured
when driving on business and not
just treating this as a box-ticking
exercise, thus indicating that a
certificate of insurance has been
produced when checking for the
appropriate cover.
The term ‘use’ within motor
insurance is a complex one and
definitions of the term may differ
between insurers.
However, I would expect
insurers to treat policyholder’s
business and the employer’s
business as one and the same,
Could the acquisition of a camper van damage your fleet policy?
of the most emotive and visible
aspects of employee remunera-
tion and it is of the utmost
importance that your vehicle
allocation policy takes account
of the broader issues involved,
which includes the types of
vehicles provided, the financial
it is very important to specify
clearly what is expected from the
drivers in the policy.
Policies should state that
drivers should expect to undergo
driving licence checks, risk
assessments, attend forums and
possibly undertake compulsory
on-road training.
Providing drivers have signed
and to accept that an employee is
using their vehicle for business.
Where the employee is a
named driver rather than the
policyholder, then ‘use’ must
refer to the employer’s business
use for both the policyholder and
named drivers. Otherwise, cover
will not be provided.
Your liabilities arising from the
use of your employees’ vehicle
will be covered under your motor
fleet policy, as insurers provide
contingency cover as standard,
and that will indemnify you while
any vehicle is hired, leased, lent
to you or is being used in
connection with your business by
any person in your employment.
MARTIN SMITH
Claims manager,
Norwich Union
conditions involved and, of
course, the health and safety/
duty of care aspects.
It is essential that your policy
is not devalued by setting
precedents that cannot be
managed effectively, irrespec-
tive of any perceived residual
to say they agree to the terms
and conditions of the policy, you
can insist they complete the train-
ing or face removal of the
company vehicle.
They must be made aware that
we have a duty of care to them as
employees and to other road
users and any additional training
offered should be viewed as an
Cover notes need checking
value benefit. The real costs of
an ill-considered decision are
likely to be much greater.
Ask yourself whether a
camper van meets these
requirements and what the
impact on fleet policy would be
if allowed?
A camper van may well fit the
bill in terms of acting as a
component for your finance
director’s remuneration
package, but is it ideal in terms
of being related to a defined
need for business travel?
I suspect that the jury would
be out for quite some time
debating this one.
PETER ELDRIDGE
Head of maintenance &
accident management,
Inchcape Fleet Solutions
enhancement to current skills.
I have always been able to sell
driver training as a bonus rather
than a penalty and the majority
have actually enjoyed the
experience.
DEBBIE FLOYDE
Fleet manager,
EMAP
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 41
TACHOGRAPH
REGULATIONS
Q I’ve been talking to a
few people in the
courier business and they all
reckon that before long, we’ll
see mandator y tachographs
on 3.5-tonne vans. I’ve got
30 of these vehicles and if
they were restricted as 7.5-
tonners are at present, I just
wouldn’t be able to operate
my business. Is this predic-
tion likely to come true?
A 1: In the short to medium
term, mandatory tacho-
graphs on 3.5-tonne vans are
unlikely to be required by law.
However, in the long term such
legislation may well come into
effect. This has already
happened for minibuses. The
legislation is in place to improve
health and safety and duty of
care in connection with the use
of commercial vehicles and
minibuses on work journeys.
JOHN FLEET
UK asset director,
Northgate
A 2: There are no immediate
moves to introduce
mandatory tachos on 3.5-tonne
vans in the UK, but that is not to
say that it will not come in the
future.
Tachographs are an important
piece of equipment on commer-
cial vehicles and one of the key
benefits is the safeguarding of
the health and safety of drivers
and other road users (and
pedestrians).
The Vehicle and Operator
Services Agency (VOSA)
revised its publication ‘Rules on
drivers’ hours and tachographs
– goods vehicles in the UK and
Europe’ in 2007 and this is
online at www.vosa.gov.uk
Should the EU and/or UK
governing bodies decide to start
taking a look at making it
compulsory to fit tachos to
smaller commercial vehicles,
van manufacturers would need
to be contacted at the earliest
possible stages to allow sensible
and constructive consultation.
The SMMT (and its corre-
sponding European body ACEA)
is in constant dialogue with the
relevant policy makers and will
work on behalf of its members
to ensure their interests are
taken into consideration.
JOHN PROCTER
Media manager,
Society of Motor Manu-
facturers and Traders
(SMMT)
 Fleet services Call Dee Kennedy: 01733 468275
email: dee.kennedy@emap.com

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42 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
AND FINALLY...
You couldn’t make it up...
Real-life stories about your fleet’s dimwit drivers
EVENTS
FLEET NEWS FORUM
February 19/20, Brighton.
www.fleetnewsforum.co.uk
BRAKE DRUGS AND
ALCOHOL FORUM
March 5, Biffa Waste Services,
Cannock. www.brake.org.uk
FLEET NEWS AWARDS
March 10, Grosvenor House
Hotel, London. 01733 468123
www.fleetnewsawards.com
2008 FLEET NEWS RISK IN
FLEET CONFERENCE
April 22, National Motorcycle
Museum, Birmingham.
madaline.collins@emap.com
BRAKE FLEET SAFETY
FORUM: THE BUSINESS CASE
April 22, Leamington Spa.
RoSPA CONGRESS
Occupational health and safety at
work. May 13-15, Birmingham
NEC, www.rospa.com
ACFO REGIONAL MEETINGS
Fleet operator association ACFO
will be holding regional meetings.
For details visit www.acfo.org
MY FIRST COMPANY CAR
My first company car was an
elderly Ford Escort.
It had no power steering,
the norm in those days, and
was like a bus to manoeuvre.
A colleague and I drove it
from Lancashire to a meeting
NEWS QUIZ
Win a RoadCam camera
This week’s quiz winner will
receive a RoadCam camera,
produced by RoadScan UK
and worth £495.
The camera, a state of the
art video event data recorder,
is designed as a risk manage-
ment tool to encourage
drivers to stick to the rules of
the road and to help clarify
insurance issues.
Mounted on a car’s wind-
screen, the wide angle camera
continuously records road
activity on a 20-second loop.
Sensors attached to the unit
monitor harsh manoeuvres
and are able to detect when an
incident occurs. The camera
then saves the 14 seconds
before and 6 seconds during
and after the event.
Fleet managers are then
able to analyse the incident in
in Essex, where we got lost
and took a wrong turning.
The resulting three-point turn
on a narrow lane managed
to bend both ends of the
vehicle and ended up being
more like a nine point turn.
We did get to the meeting,
eventually.
HELEN MOORE
Green fleet advice programme
account manager,
Energy Saving Trust
Interface
‘
A driver who was leaving the
company came to return his
car, arriving late in the day.
He was a respectable
CONTACT US
Fleet News, incorporating Company Car, is
young man and I had no
published by Bauer Automotive, Media
House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2
reason to think there would 6EA. Phone 01733 468000. Fax 01733
468296. Email fleetnews@emap.com
be anything wrong with the
car. I didn’t want to hang EDITORIAL
EDITOR
around, so I took his word Martyn Moore 01733 468024
and signed it off. martyn.moore@emap.com
The next morning I DEPUTY EDITOR
Julian Kirk 01733 468308
discovered that his dog had julian.kirk@emap.com
travelled everywhere with NEWS EDITOR
Daniel Attwood 01733 468294
him – totally destroying the daniel.attwood@emap.com
interior. The trim, fascia, SECTION EDITOR
’
Adele Barry
headrests, steering wheel (currently on maternity leave)
and mats were missing or MOTORING WRITER
badly chewed. Phill Tromans 01733 468314
phill.tromans@emap.com
This taught me a valuable REPORTER
lesson – never accept a Emma Cooper 01733 468309
emma.cooper@emap.com
driver’s word for it. SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR/EVENTS
John Maslen 01733 468307
john.maslen@emap.com
Email stories about your drivers CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
to fleetnews@emap.com Steve Moody
steve.moody@emap.com
All entries published will
remain anonymous. If yours is ADVERTISING
chosen you’ll receive £10. COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Ian Warrington 01733 468583
KEY ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
Andy Smith 01733 468339
Peter Millis 01733 468268
Derek Hunter 01733 468280
PROJECT MANAGER
Leanne Patterson 01733 468332
TELESALES MANAGER
Penny Care 01733 468375
RECRUITMENT EXECUTIVE
Daniel Bragg 01733 468271
CLASSIFIED EXECUTIVES
www.roadscan.co.uk Sheryl Graham 01733 468256
Dee Kennedy 01733 468275
For a chance to win,
answer the following PRODUCTION
HEAD OF PUBLISHING
questions, based on articles Sandie Hurford 01733 468312
in this week’s Fleet News. sandie.hurford@emap.com
1 By how much did total SENIOR ART EDITOR
Luke Neal 01733 468262
greenhouse gases luke.neal@emap.com
decrease in 2006? PRODUCTION EDITORS
Andrew Ryan 01733 468310
2 What is the contract andrew.ryan@emap.com
detail using event review hire rate of the VW Touran Alan Salt 01733 468267
alan.salt@emap.com
software particular to the unit. 1.4 TSI SE? DIGITAL PRODUCER
The RoadCam records both 3 Who has been named a Jeremy Bennett 01733 468298
jeremy.bennett@emap.com
colour and sound and operates director at TCH Leasing?
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
around the clock, as well as Colleen Dixon 01733 468306
storing up to 10 previous ■ The winner of last week’s 20 colleen.dixon@emap.com
incidents. It is quick and easy customised accident kits was PUBLISHING
to install. David Woodyatt, of S A Brain MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ed Kenyon 01733 468862
For more information visit & Co, Cardiff. ed.kenyon@emap.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S PA
Vicky Meadows 01733 468319
vicky.meadows@emap.com
Send your answers, with your job title and address, by email* to fleetnews@emap.com with
‘News Quiz’ in the subject line. The closing date is 5pm on Friday (tomorrow), when a winner GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
will be chosen at random from the correct entries. *By supplying your email address you are Ian Templeton
happy to receive offers via email from Fleet News. We will not pass your information on to
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ROAD TEST © 2008 Bauer Automotive.
ISSN 0953-8526. No part of this magazine
MINI’s new may be reproduced without the permission of
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or email: caroline.brown@emap.com
www.fleetnews.co.uk 14.02.08 43
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Range toppers in demand
M
ondeo Ghia,
Titanium and
Titanium X have
really hit the
spot with both fleet and retail
car buyers, with half of them
choosing these high specification
models.
Many drivers are now behind
the wheel of a Mondeo for the
first time because they have
been impressed by the car’s
specification – and have then
discovered its superb driving
dynamics.
They have been able to
understand why Auto Express,
when it made Mondeo its Car
of the Year 2007, described it as
Transit drives up Ford CV sales
The continuing success of the
best-selling Ford Transit and
the popularity of the improved
Ranger line-up have driven Ford
medium commercial vehicle sales
up by more than 8% in January,
year on year.
Ford sold 6,845 commercial
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it the market leader by a clear
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all new CVs in Britain in the last
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The Transit line-up has been
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The I5 engine has been
described by Ford commercial
vehicles director Steve Kimber
as “the best engine in class bar
44 14.02.08 www.fleetnews.co.uk
‘Ford’s finest car ever’.
Quite simply, the all new
Mondeo is better in every way
than the car it has replaced.
Mondeo Ghia offers ‘classic
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Ghia features extensive use
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yy
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none, typically for the customer
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requirement for huge luggability.”
The Ranger line-up has been
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Mondeo drivers go for
high-specification
models
Titanium features ‘3D metal
finish’ instrument panel,
distinctive alloy wheels, blue
tinted glass, bright chrome or
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touches, powered/heated door
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Titanium and Titanium X also
feature the new Ford Convers+
HMI Cluster as standard
equipment.
Titanium X represents the
ultimate Mondeo and offers
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Focus on music
including Alcantara trim, Halogen Ford’s latest advertising campaign
AFS headlamps and the keyless is focusing on the music. In a
‘Ford Power’ button. clever feat of musical ingenuity,
an orchestra playing instruments
created entirely from car parts
performs the soundtrack to the new
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Hollywood film composer Craig
Richey and New York sound
designer Bill Milbrodt turned parts
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The team built 31 instruments with
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Case Cello-Dulcimer, Clutch Guitar,
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Fender Bass, Hatchback Kick Drum,
Handheld Gear Tambourine and
Door Harp.
For further information on
any vehicle in the Ford
range please contact the
Ford Business Centre on
08457 23 23 23, email
info@fordfleet.co.uk, or
visit www.fordfleet.co.uk