Green Fleet 62

SNAPSHOTOF GENEVAWhat’s new in the world of green motoring

MOTORSHOW REVIEW

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS TELEMATICS

www.greenfleet.net ISSUE 62

2013 CV SHOW

EVENT PREVIEW

ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVERock-up to Rockingham to test drive the latest green vehicles

ROAD TESTS HONDA CR-Z n ŠKODA CITIGO ELEGANCE GREENTECH

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SNAPSHOTOF GENEVAWhat’s new in the world of green motoring

MOTORSHOW REVIEW

MOTORCYCLE FLEETS TELEMATICS

www.greenfleet.net ISSUE 62

2013 CV SHOW

EVENT PREVIEW

ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVERock-up to Rockingham to test drive the latest green vehicles

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion

Rinspeed MicroMax

Toyota i-ROAD

ROAD TESTS HONDA CR-Z n ŠKODA CITIGO ELEGANCE GREENTECH

GREEN IS THE NEW NORM This year’s Geneva motorshow did not have a ‘Green Pavilion’ as in previous years. Instead the eco cars were mingled amongst the other vehicles in the main halls. This to me is testament to the fact that low-emitting, fuel sipping models are now so commonplace, with nearly all manufacturers having a green (or greener model), that it no longer warrants a separate area.

Angela Pisanu, Editor

Backing up this thought, the SMMT has published a report which reveals that emissions of all new cars registered in the UK have improved 3.6 per cent year-on-year to 133.1g/km CO2, down more than 26 per cent since the year 2000. Since the recession, the SMMT says, new car buyers have prioritised fuel efficiency more than ever and vehicle manufacturers have redoubled efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions across all vehicle types.

And the motoring industry is only set to get greener. The government has released £37m more funding to develop an electric vehicle recharging network – with 75 per cent off the cost of a home charger and 75 per cent off the cost of public chargers, such as rapid chargers, for local authorities.

GREENFLEET ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVE PREVIEW P PAGES 29-35

1 6 0 5 2 0 1 3

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT – www.greenfleet.net

3 Volume 62 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

Model shown Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 105 bhp Lusso at £20,440. OTR including Ghiaccio White special paint at £490 and is not representative of the advertised rental. Range of offi cial fuel consumption fi gures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 26.2 – 53.3 mpg (10.8 – 5.3 I/100km); Extra Urban 48.7 – 76.3 mpg (5.8 – 3.7 I/100km); Combined 37.2 – 64.2 mpg (7.6 – 4.4 I/100km). CO2 emissions 177 – 114 g/km.

*£229 rental is based on Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 105 bhp Turismo including the Ghiaccio White special paint at £490 OTR, terms and conditions apply. Contract Hire payment profi le of 3 rentals in advance (equivalent to £687) followed by 35 monthly rentals of £229. Rentals are subject to VAT at statutory rate based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. **15% BIK is based on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT Lusso and Veloce. ‡21,000 mile service intervals are representative of diesel models and Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf. 18,000 mile service intervals are representative of all petrol models in the range. Vehicles must be registered with Alfa Romeo Contract Hire by 30th June 2013. Offer subject to status. A guarantee/indemnity may be required. Offer correct at time of going to press and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Alfa Romeo Contract Hire, 240 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX

WITHOUT HEART WE WOULD BE MERE MACHINES.V I S I T W W W . A L FA R O M E O. C O. U K / C O R P O R AT EO R C A L L 0 8 4 4 6 6 2 3 6 2 2 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N .

THE ALFA GIULIETTA RANGE IS AVAILABLE FROM £229 PER MONTH*, BUSINESS USERS ONLY.

Across the Alfa Giulietta range you can now enjoy:

• CO2 from 114g/km

• 5 star Euro NCAP rating

• Insurance Group from 16

• Fuel economy of up to 64.2 mpg combined

• BIK rates from 15%**

• 21,000 mile service intervals‡

SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO TAKE WORK HOME WITH YOU.

Alfa_Q4_Lusso 1.6_Green Fleet_A4.indd 1 01/03/2013 15:24

Model shown Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 105 bhp Lusso at £20,440. OTR including Ghiaccio White special paint at £490 and is not representative of the advertised rental. Range of offi cial fuel consumption fi gures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 26.2 – 53.3 mpg (10.8 – 5.3 I/100km); Extra Urban 48.7 – 76.3 mpg (5.8 – 3.7 I/100km); Combined 37.2 – 64.2 mpg (7.6 – 4.4 I/100km). CO2 emissions 177 – 114 g/km.

*£229 rental is based on Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 105 bhp Turismo including the Ghiaccio White special paint at £490 OTR, terms and conditions apply. Contract Hire payment profi le of 3 rentals in advance (equivalent to £687) followed by 35 monthly rentals of £229. Rentals are subject to VAT at statutory rate based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. **15% BIK is based on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT Lusso and Veloce. ‡21,000 mile service intervals are representative of diesel models and Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf. 18,000 mile service intervals are representative of all petrol models in the range. Vehicles must be registered with Alfa Romeo Contract Hire by 30th June 2013. Offer subject to status. A guarantee/indemnity may be required. Offer correct at time of going to press and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Alfa Romeo Contract Hire, 240 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX

WITHOUT HEART WE WOULD BE MERE MACHINES.V I S I T W W W . A L FA R O M E O. C O. U K / C O R P O R AT EO R C A L L 0 8 4 4 6 6 2 3 6 2 2 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N .

THE ALFA GIULIETTA RANGE IS AVAILABLE FROM £229 PER MONTH*, BUSINESS USERS ONLY.

Across the Alfa Giulietta range you can now enjoy:

• CO2 from 114g/km

• 5 star Euro NCAP rating

• Insurance Group from 16

• Fuel economy of up to 64.2 mpg combined

• BIK rates from 15%**

• 21,000 mile service intervals‡

SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO TAKE WORK HOME WITH YOU.

Alfa_Q4_Lusso 1.6_Green Fleet_A4.indd 1 01/03/2013 15:24

Contents

CONTENTS GREENFLEET 62

GreenFleet magazine www.greenfleet.net

12

16

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26

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06 GREENFLEET NEWS SMMT reveals market share increase in sub-100g/km cars; football club trials electric vehicles; hybrids best after tax changes 12 GENEVA MOTORSHOW From quirky concepts to practical fleet cars, the 2013 Geneva Motorshow displayed an impressive variety of green vehicles 16 MOTORCYCLE FLEETS With a solid choice of electric and low-carbon motorcycles, more and more organisations are seeing the benefits of having a fleet on two wheels 19 INSURANCE Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) is explained by Graeme Trudgill from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association 23 TELEMATICS How is mobile technology transforming the way organisations run their fleets? Steve Reynolds from the Mobile Data Association investigates

26 CV SHOW 2013 The CV Show on 9-11 April is well timed for manufacturers to present their Euro 6 models 29 ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVE Rock-up to Rockingham on 16 May to test drive the latest electric and low-carbon vehicles 38 ROAD TEST: ŠKODA CITIGO ELEGANCE GREENTECH Richard Gooding finds the Škoda Citigo an entertaining way to go green 40 ROAD TEST: HONDA CR-Z SPORT Ian Bond gets sporty without a heavy conscience 41 ROAD TEST: SMART FORTWO ELECTRIC DRIVE Heads turn as Roland Rendell rolls up in smart’s latest EV 42 PRODUCT FINDER

41



New

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LOW-EMISSION VEHICLES

NEWS IN BRIEFCorby gets chargedAgreement has been reached between Corby Borough Council and Electric Corby to install Siemens charging points for EVs at 10 locations in Corby, with a further eight locations to come. The new network of Siemens CP500A AC charging points will bolster the wider ‘Plugged in Midlands’ programme and a growing national network of chargers supporting the emerging market for electric cars and light goods vehicles. The CP500A AC can charge two vehicles at the same time and allows the integration of calibrated meters for the exact billing of charged energy, or feed-in meters which offset energy input with electricity providers.

Survey of transport leaders suggests government lacks clear vision on transportAccording to a new survey by consultancy Moorhouse, under a third (32 per cent) of senior leaders in the transport sector feel that the UK Government has a clear vision for the future of the nation’s transport. The Moorhouse Navigating Uncertainty report spoke to 140 Board members and their direct reports across major transport operators and infrastructure providers to discover how well they are coping with on-going economic and political uncertainty, and how optimistic they feel about their ability to remain competitive.

New Mazda6The 108g/km all-new Mazda6 is powered by a 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 150ps diesel engine. Launched last month, prices for diesel variants start at £21,795 for the 108g/km 2.2-litre 150ps Saloon SE through to £28,045 for the 129g/km 2.2-litre 175PS Tourer Sport Nav Auto.

Fiat remains lowest-emitting European brand according to JatoAccording to the latest analysis from Jato Dynamics, average CO2 emissions for new cars across Europe dropped to 132.3g/km in 2012, down from 136.2g/km the year before. The analysis also shows that nearly 40 per cent of new cars sold are now classed as ‘low CO2’ (up to 120g/km).

A Review of CO2 New Car Emissions across Europe 2012 – which covers 23 European markets, shows that nine high-volume manufacturer brands have already achieved the 130g/km European target set

for 2015. Fiat remained the lowest-emitting volume brand in Europe for the sixth consecutive year, with an average CO2 emission level of 119.8g/km despite a slight increase in emissions in 2012 compared to 2011. This was due to significantly reduced sales of the B-segment Punto and increased sales of the Freemont large crossover. A slight shift in sales

from diesel to LPG and CNG also contributed to

the increase.

LOW-EMISSION VEHICLES

SMMT report reveals big market share increase for sub-100g/km cars

According to a new Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders report, the market share of sub 100g/km CO2 cars (VED band A) more than doubled from 3.7 per cent in 2011 to 8.2 per cent in 2012.

The report reveals that diesel and alternatively-fuelled vehicles (85 per cent of which were hybrids) continued their rise in popularity, taking 50.8 per cent and 1.4 per cent of the 2012 market respectively. Electric and Plug-In vehicle registrations rose 111.8 per cent to 2,237 units.

Analysis of the emissions of all new cars registered in the UK showed that emissions have improved 3.6 per cent year-on-year to 133.1g/km CO2, down more than 26 per cent since the year 2000.

Over the past five years, average emissions

across all segments dropped almost 20 per cent, with larger vehicles making the biggest improvements. Executive cars cut CO2 by 25 per cent while Specialist Sports and Dual Purpose vehicles improved 24.7 per cent and 23.1 per cent respectively.

Matthew Croucher, author of SMMT Report, said: “Future environmental and economic success will be determined by sustained investment in new technology, R&D, infrastructure and consumer incentives. We are seeing improvement in conventional technologies and the emergence of a range of alternative technologies, creating one of the most innovative periods for the global automotive industry.”

READ THE SMMT REPORT: tinyurl.com/csdn2dc

Škoda Citigo city car emits 98g/km

READ THE ANALYSIS: tinyurl.com/c8norjm

READ MORE: www.electriccorby.co.uk

DOWNLOAD THE SURVEY: tinyurl.com/ccsgdvn


GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 626

The new C-Class Executive SE Saloon. Just 109g/km*.

Path:Production:Clients:Mercedes - MER:644059:Studio:644059-6_GreenFleet_1701.inddTrim: 297x210mm Bleed: 3mm

Date: 21.12.12 Operator: Boomer

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Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the C-Class Saloon range: urban 15.5 (18.2) – 54.3 (5.2), extra urban 33.6 (8.4) – 80.7 (3.5), combined 23.5 (12.0) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions: 280-109g/km. *Based on C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon. Model featured is a C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon at £29,305.00 including optional metallic paint at £645.00 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Price correct at time of going to print.

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Players from the football club Forest Green Rovers will be able to commute in an all-electric Nissan LEAF, as part of a trial to lower the team’s carbon emissions. Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said: “Travel is one of the biggest environmental impacts in football, with teams and fans across the country covering millions of miles every season by car and coach.”Rovers’ green revolution has already captured the imagination of the football world – The New Lawn stadium is powered with 100% renewable energy from solar panels and wind power, red meat has been cut from the menu for players and fans, while matches are played on an organic pitch trimmed by a solar-powered robot lawnmower – the ‘Mowbot’.Vince said that their next step was to introduce zero emissions electric vehicles, and the club has teamed up with Nissan who are supplying 11 LEAF models for a new trial. The club intends to use renewable energy powered charging points at the club, and with most of the players using the LEAFs an emissions cut of 61% is expected.

Coupled with a new carpooling scheme, the club expects the cuts in carbon to rise to 83%.Forest Green manager David Hockaday took delivery of his Nissan LEAF four weeks earlier, and has become acutely aware of how uneconomical his normal diesel car is.“I do thousands of miles throughout the season, going to training and games, but also travelling to other matches scouting opposition teams and players. Not only are there no carbon emissions but it also costs about 10 times less to re-fuel using electricity rather than diesel.”Travelling on any of those journeys over 100 miles will be aided by the rapid charging points being installed at motorway service stations all over Britain as part of the Electric Highway, after Nissan joined forces with Forest Green’s main backer: green energy company Ecotricity.Forest Green’s stadium, The New Lawn, has an EV rapid-charger, which is powered completely by renewable energy from Ecotricity’s windmills, and able to re-charge a Nissan LEAF to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Football club signs eleven new electric vehicles

EVs

Budget ‘unlikely’ to affect company car numbers says Alphabet chief exec

FINANCE

According to Alphabet chief executive Richard Schooling, the up and coming budget is unlikely to diminish the popularity of company cars.

Schooling stated: “The move from making 1 per cent to 2 per cent increases in the annual rate of company car BIK from 2015 sounds significant but, for a higher rate taxpayer driving a £22,000, 130g/km CO2 diesel, it will only add £1.50 a week to their BIK bill. Moreover, because the majority of company cars are diesels, most drivers will see their tax bill go down in April 2016 when the Government belatedly scraps the 3 per cent diesel surcharge. Given

that taxation is crucial to fleet policy planning, this Budget is also a welcome return to predictability, with car BIK now laid out for the next four years.”

Schooling continued: “The reduction in the CO2 thresholds for capital allowances, lease rental disallowances and the 100% first year allowance for low-CO2 cars were not unexpected. They will undoubtedly lead to further falls in average fleet emissions after 2013, with cost and tax benefits for both fleet operators and drivers.”

READ MORE: tinyurl.com/cc3vtmq



Andy EastlakeGovernment warms up the electric marketThe weather may not showing many signs of spring coming soon, but there are certainly more ‘green shoots’ in the electric vehicle market following developments in the last month.

Fleet operators considering introducing EVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) must be encouraged, in particular, by the Government’s announcement of £37m to continue to develop the recharging network. The funding gives an opportunity for local authorities across the whole of England to install rapid charging points to facilitate longer journeys as well as developing these on the strategic road network. Train operators are also incentivised to install charge points at railway stations to encourage modal interchange and there is continued support, too, for business for home and workplace recharging points.

The Scottish Government also announced support for free installation of home recharging points for electric vehicles throughout Scotland as well as the provision of public charging outlets every 50 miles on trunk roads. This would seem like a good time to take advantage of the Energy Saving Trust’s offer – one of the LowCVP’s partner organisations – to provide free consultancy to a hundred businesses to help establish whether they could benefit from switching to EVs or PHEVs. The announcement is the latest phase of the EST’s Plugged-in Fleets Initiative (PIFI), backed by £280,000 of Government funding. There’s already a report – well worth a read – ‘Plugged-In Fleets Initiative: Charging Forward’ available for free on the EST’s website.

With representatives of the car industry and consumer groups we’ve developed a design of the new car fuel economy label for electric and plug-in cars, introducing colour-coded elements (as already exist for conventional vehicles) which – since February 11 – have been appearing in car showrooms.

The new label design shows the range a vehicle can travel on battery power as well as CO2 and fuel consumption figures for the test cycle as well as an estimated annual fuel cost for all the energy used.

Don’t forget, too, that for public sector fleet managers not yet on the road to EV adoption, there are only a few weeks to go to take advantage of the Department for Transport’s £3,400 subsidy towards a new Ashwoods Hybrid Transit light commercial vehicle; funding is available under the DfT’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP).

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.lowcvp.org.uk

Andy Eastlake is managing director of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)

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No, not a misprint. 109g/km*.The C-Class Executive SE Saloon now has it all: performance, superior comfort and distinctive styling. And, with just 109g/km*, it’s our most efficient C-Class yet. Take another look.

mercedes-benz.co.uk/fleet

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the C-Class Saloon range: urban 15.5 (18.2) – 54.3 (5.2), extra urban 33.6 (8.4) – 80.7 (3.5), combined 23.5 (12.0) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions: 280-109g/km. *Based on C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon. Model featured is a C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon at £29,305.00 including optional metallic paint at £645.00 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Price correct at time of going to print.

business.peugeot.co.uk/508hybrid4

AUTO MODE 200BHP

4 WHEEL DRIVEELECTRIC MODE

HY TECH, LOW CO2HY TECH, LOW CO2

A PREMIUM CAR WITH FLEET PRACTICALITYThanks to our state-of-the-art diesel hybrid technology, the New 508 Diesel HYbrid4 Saloon delivers a class-leading 95g/km of CO2 and exceptional fuel economy. Add to that four distinct driving modes and a high specification, and you’ve got a premium car with fleet practicality. To arrange a demo, please contact our Fleet Centre on 02476 88 4644.

The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for the 508 Diesel HYbrid4 range is: urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 80.7 (3.5)Extra Urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 76.3 (3.7) Combined drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 78.5 (3.6).

NEW PEUGEOT 508 DIESEL HYBRID4 SALOON

business.peugeot.co.uk/508hybrid4

AUTO MODE 200BHP

4 WHEEL DRIVEELECTRIC MODE

HY TECH, LOW CO2HY TECH, LOW CO2

A PREMIUM CAR WITH FLEET PRACTICALITYThanks to our state-of-the-art diesel hybrid technology, the New 508 Diesel HYbrid4 Saloon delivers a class-leading 95g/km of CO2 and exceptional fuel economy. Add to that four distinct driving modes and a high specification, and you’ve got a premium car with fleet practicality. To arrange a demo, please contact our Fleet Centre on 02476 88 4644.

The official fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for the 508 Diesel HYbrid4 range is: urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 80.7 (3.5)Extra Urban drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 76.3 (3.7) Combined drive cycle MPG (litres/100km) 78.5 (3.6).

NEW PEUGEOT 508 DIESEL HYBRID4 SALOON

VW XL1: ‘the most fuel-efficient production car’

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Shown off at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen claims the XL1 will be the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with a fuel consumption value of 0.9 l/100 km. Powered by a plug-in hybrid system, the two-seater can also cover a distance of up to 50 km in all-electric mode. Low weight (795 kg) and a low centre of gravity (1,153mm high) gives the car the ability to cruise on the road at a constant speed of 100km/h using just 6.2 kW / 8.4 PS. In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1kWh to cover a driving distance of over one kilometre.E Turn to pages 12-13 for GreenFleet’s Geneva Motorshow round-up

Fleet Management Services company Fleet Alliance says new tax rules coming into play in April make the case for including hybrid vehicles on fleet policies more compelling.

From April, the threshold for the main rate of capital allowances for business cars reduces from 160g/km to 130g/km, while the threshold for claiming 100 per cent first year capital allowances falls from cars emitting 110g/km to those emitting 95g/km.

The effects of a benefit-in-kind tax escalator also kick in, with a 1 per cent increase this year, another one per cent in 2014–15 and a two per cent rise in both 2015–16 and 2016–17 – a total rise of six per cent in four years.

Fleet Alliance believes hybrid models are now one of the best options for fleets, because they provide the greatest

company car tax savings in the near term. Managing director Martin Brown said:

“We believe hybrids have a growing role to play in near-term company car policy, at least while the 3 per cent diesel supplement remains in place, providing drivers with conventionally sized company cars but minus the tax bill.”

Hybrids best option after tax changes, says Fleet Alliance

New

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NEW MODEL

At the Geneva motor show, Volvo announced that its V40 model will be available in a manual D2 version (114bhp) with CO2 emissions down from 94g/km to 88g/km and combined fuel consumption of 83.1mpg, improved from the current 78.5mpg.

The vehicle is already VED exempt and qualifies for the 100% first-year

capital allowances and 13% BiK rating for 2013/14.“By cutting the CO2 emission figure by a further six grams per kilometre, we once again demonstrate our leading position within fuel efficiency improvements,” said Doug Speck, senior vice president marketing, sales and customer service at Volvo.

Volvo goes even lower with V40

READ MORE: tinyurl.com/cce7uhb

NI’s eDrive event hailed a success

EVs

Northern Ireland’s move towards lower carbon trasport received a boost from the eDrive event, which took place at the Titanic Belfast in March. Environment minister Alex Attwood launched the first conference dedicated to promoting the use of electric vehicles or ecars in Northern Ireland, which was hosted by motoring journalist Quentin Willson.

The opening day saw over 250 invited students attend, while the second day focused on the business community. The third day was attended by members of the public keen to get the low-down on the lastest EVs, and were allowed to test drive the latest models.

Environment minister Alex Attwood said: “Transport is one of the highest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland. The use of electric vehicles, ideally powered by electricity from renewable sources, is an excellent way to decarbonise transport and contribute to our climate change, air quality and noise objectives.

“With the charging infrastructure in place, the increasing numbers of models coming to market, and the low running costs that they offer, the purchase of electric vehicles will become even more attractive to both individuals and companies.”

Motoring journalist Quentin Willson stated: “Northern Ireland is this fantastically self contained unit. It’s got ambition, its got drive, but also, people with EVs are only ten minutes away from a charging point. This country can leadnot just Europe, but the world, in electric car development.”

WATCH THE VIDEO: tinyurl.com/csl92n8

Handover: Vauxhall handed over an Ampera to Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) at eDRIVE as part of a trial with PSNI in Belfast city centre as an incident response vehicle. Pictured left to right are: Ian Allen, Chairman of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Electric Vehicle Committee and Vauxhall’s Environmental Strategy Manager, Marcus Belshaw, Head of Transport for PSNI, Dick Ellam, Manager, Vauxhall Special Vehicles, and Quentin Willson



HIGHLIGHTS FROM GENEVA

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MOTORSHOW REVIEW

Amongst the slick supercars and smart Europeans was an impressive display of low-carbon and electric vehicles at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. From the quirky concepts to the practical fleet cars, here’s our pick of the most noteworthy

HYBRIDAIR CONCEPTSPSA Peugeot Citroën unveiled its new hybrid drivetrain that uses compressed

air instead of electricity for its second source

of power. Peugeot demonstrated the technology on the 2008, while Citoroen displayed it on the C3 (pictured).

The compressed air will assist, or even take the place of, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, depending on the power needs of the car.

The air-powered technology operates in co-operation with a standard petrol engine by positioning a motor and a pump in the unit’s engine bay. This is then fed by a compressed air tank situated underneath the car, which runs parallel to the exhaust.

The vehicle can be driven in three modes: Air, Petrol, and Combined. In Air mode, only the energy contained in the compressed air tank will drive the vehicle. In petrol mode, only the petrol engine powers the vehicle. In the Combined mode, the petrol engine and hydraulic motor operate simultaneously to achieve optimum fuel economy for the driving style/conditions.

Following a homologation cycle test, a figure of 97.4mpg was achieved and CO2 levels of just 69g/km. The first production models are expected to arrive in 2016.

TOYOTA i-ROADThe quirky looking Toyota i-ROAD made its debut at Geneva. It’s a compact, all-electric, three-wheeled personal mobility vehicle (PMV) with an enclosed two-seater cabin.

The i-ROAD, has a range of up to 30 miles (50km) on a single charge. The zero-emissions, all-electric powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two 2kW motors mounted in the front wheels. Driving range is around 30 miles, and charging from a conventional domestic power supply takes three hours. Toyota envisages its i-ROAD concept has the potential to play a significant role in reducing urban traffic congestion and air pollution. Commuters can use public transport or conventional private vehicles to travel to urban perimeter transportation hubs where they will transfer to the Toyota i-ROAD to complete their journeys into the city centre.

VOLKSWAGEN E-CO-MOTION Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles used Geneva 2013 to unveil its transporter concept vehicle: the e-Co-Motion. Despite its large cargo capacity it is compact and manoeuvrable. It has eight hundred kilograms of payload, yet emits zero emissions on the road thanks to an electric drive system. It has been designed to offer high manoeuvrability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through. A low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity make loading easier. From a length of just 4.55m (width: 1.90m, height: 1.96m) the concept vehicle offers a maximum cargo capacity of 4.6m3 and an impressive

800kg of payload. This was enabled by clear partitioning of the vehicle body into a lower driving-relevant zone containing an underfloor drive unit, battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is relevant to delivery tasks. This generates ideal conditions for maximum space utilisation, and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions are imaginable.



Geneva M

otorshow

SEAT Mii EcofUEL

SEAT used Geneva for the world debut of its Mii Ecofuel which uses compressed natural gas (CNG) to create SEAT’s lowest-emitting production car ever. 2.9kg CNG/100km and 79g/km CO2 equates to roughly half the running costs of petrol-powered Mii, given European CNG prices.

As in the petrol-driven Mii models (see our test on the closely-related Škoda Citigo on pages 38-39), the Ecofuel version features a three-cylinder spark-ignition engine with a displacement of 999cc. In the CNG variant, the compact power unit generates 68PS at 6,200rpm. The exceptionally lightweight and high-revving engine reaches its maximum torque of 90Nm at 3,000rpm. Its average fuel consumption is just 2.9kg of CNG per one hundred kilometres and the associated CO2 figure is just 79g/km, which SEAT claims is best-in-class.

Compared with conventional petrol, the combustion of CNG produces around one quarter less CO2, as well as significantly less carbon-monoxide and hydrocarbons. Fine particulates or soot are not emitted at all, although unburnt residual methane has to be converted by the catalyst. For this reason, the catalytic converter is equipped with slightly different precious metals.

The Mii Ecofuel also utilises Ecomotive Technology including Start/Stop, low rolling resistance tyres and Brake Energy Recovery system.

SWISS RINSPEED MICROMAXAnother radical vision of urban mobility was unveiled at Geneva – Swiss Rinspeed’s Micromax concept. Designed for short distance transport, the Micromax is intended to be similar to an airport shuttle, with upright seats that hold four passengers in an almost standing position.The extra floor space can be used for storage.

The roomy interior is also supposed to ‘afford an outstanding sense of spaciousness, with homey lounge character.’ Passenger entertainment has also been considered, with unlimited connectivity, a coffee-maker and refrigerator.

Underneath the novel body lives an all-electric battery powertrain. The vehicle is 3.7 metres long, 2.2 metres tall and comes with an acoustic pedestrian safety system and Plexiglas-made window panes.

NISSAN LEAF: THE NEXT CHAPTER

The new Nissan LEAF boasts technical improvements which increases driving range from 109 miles to 124 miles. Innovations include a new heat pump which reduces electrical consumption in cold weather delivering real-world range improvements. Optional 6.6Kw charger reduces charging time from eight hours to four hours on a 32 amp supply. Luggage space has been improved by re-positioning charger to under the bonnet. What’s more, the chassis re-engineered to give better handling and even greater driving pleasure. Production of the new LEAF and its batteries will begin at Sunderland in the Spring.

The new 2013

Nissan LEAF

boasts technical

improvements

which increases

driving range to

124 miles

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ESTATESome 20 years after the first Golf Estate made its debut, the all-new Golf Estate made its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.The new Golf Estate is up to 105 kg lighter than its predecessor, and for

the first time will also be available as a full BlueMotion model, with combined fuel consumption of just 85.6mpg (equivalent to 87g/km of CO2). The Golf Estate’s boot volume has been expanded from the 505 litres of its predecessor to 605 litres (loaded up to the back seat backrest). Loaded up to the front seat backrests and under the roof, the new Golf Estate offers a cargo volume of no less than 1,620 litres (versus the 1,495 litres of the Golf Estate Mk VI). At a length of 4,562mm, the Golf

Estate is 30 mm longer than the hatchback version. The Golf Estate BlueMotion uses a 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 110PS, and has a

six-speed manual gearbox. The petrol engine line-up for the new Golf Estate

starts with a 1.2-litre TSI 105PS, rising via a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS unit to a 1.4-litre TSI ACT 140PS engine with cylinder deactivation. As well as the BlueMotion model, two other common rail diesel-engined models will be available: a 1.6-litre TDI 105PS

and a 2.0-litre TDI 150PS.

Furtherinformation

The new VW Golf Estate is up to 105kg lighter than before and will feature an 85.6mpg, 87g/km BlueMotion

For more information on the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, visit www.salon-

auto.ch



70Swear

Jasmine wears Fiat 500

in Countrypolitan Yellow.

(Part of the 70s Colour

Therapy range). Comes with

poolball design gear knob

and white wheel covers.

Its über-low emissions

TwinAir engine means

zero road tax†.

Model’s eyelash tint by

TechnoColour Paris.

Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe .̂ Fiat 500 TwinAir, the lowest CO2 emission petrol car engine in the world*. Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 64.2 (4.4); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.9 (4.8) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 113 – 90 g/km. ■Tax year 2012-2013. †Under current DVLA regulations there is no charge for Vehicle Excise Duty in the fi rst year of registration and every subsequent year. Vehicle Excise Duty rates are reviewed annually by the government and are subject to change. ^Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, 1st half year 2012. *According to NEDC standard.

f i a t . c o . u k

� at 500 twinair for business usersBIK 10%■ • CO2 from 90 G/KM • Mpg up to 72.4 Combinedcall 01753 519442 or visit fi at.co.uk/fl eet

Where fleet vehicles will be operated by a single person, it makes sound commercial sense to opt for low or zero emission motorcycles or scooters. Not just because the capital outlay is much cheaper than a car, but because powered two wheelers enjoy generic benefits associated with motorcycling which can cut operating costs dramatically. Ask any motorcyclist about the advantages of life on two wheels and they will tell you they are numerous. There’s the free or cheap parking, low running costs, cheaper insurance and tax, no congestion charge, access to selected bus lanes, time saved on journeys – not to mention

the further benefits of reduced stress and a more fulfilling travel experience.

NIPPING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFICThe more serious issue of traffic congestion is estimated by the CBI to cost the British economy around £25.3billion a year. Motorcycles and scooters can move more easily through traffic, reducing journey times and therefore saving money for the companies which choose two wheels over four. Whether you opt for petrol or electric will depend on operational needs, but there’s an increasing choice of both. A new breed of small motorcycles and scooters can do up to 160mpg, which speaks for

itself in terms of emissions. The most successful and long running examples

of using small motorcycles and mopeds in a fleet context are to be found within local authorities. Around 30 councils and voluntary organisations run Wheels to Work schemes, many of which began in the 1990s. Typically, these provide transport to young people living in isolated rural areas and are highly cost-effective, with good safety records.

A PENNY PER MILEThose wanting to cut their emissions to zero will benefit from energy costs of ‘a penny a mile’ – the mantra for running costs for electric bikes. ‘Range’ is a major consideration when deciding to opt for petrol or electric, explains David Gibson of Emissions Free Solutions Ltd, who imports Vectrix electric scooters into the UK. “The distance to be travelled and whether

GREEN MOTORCYCLES

FLEETS ON TWO WHEELSAs demand has increased and technology has evolved, the motorcycle industry has matured to offer a variety of sophisticated low-carbon and electric two-wheelers. The Motorcycle Industry Association’s Stevie Muir reports on the many benefits a bike fleet can bring an organisation

Mot

orcy

cle F

leet

s

Some manufacturers are

now offering ‘cartridge’ style battery packs that can be removed from the bike

Writ

ten

by S

tevi

e M

uir,

Mot

orcy

cle

Indu

stry

Ass

ocia

tion

The AA has

a fleet of

eight Vectrix

zero-emission electric

scooters which it

has used in

Central London

since 2009



there are opportunities for interim charging are important. Routes which allow for top-up charging fit in well with an electric fleet use.” For a Vectrix, the maximum range is 65 to 70 miles, which has resulted in its scooters being used in a number of fleet applications both in the UK and worldwide. For example they are used by the facilities management team at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent for car park patrols and escort duties. Elsewhere, Strathclyde Police used the Vectrix at Glasgow Airport, Lothian Borders police use one to patrol the Scottish Parliament Buildings, and the AA has a fleet of eight bikes which it has used in Central London since 2009. The Los Angeles and New York City Police also have a fleet of Vectrix scooters. Meanwhile, Zero Electric Motorcycles – started originally in California but making a splash in the UK – have a range of between 70 and 137 miles, depending on the type of riding. This has resulted in a recent sale of 100 bikes to the Columbian Police, followed by another deal with the police in Hong Kong. UK forces could follow suit, as some are currently in the process of evaluating Zero bikes. Meanwhile Emissions Free Solutions Ltd is talking to a UK government department

about a very large order to help them meet their CO2 target reduction.

Other brands in the sector are open to fleet sales; Yamaha has recently sold its electric scooter to Melton Borough Council’s Wheels to Work scheme. Rieju will throw in a free branded paint scheme for orders over ten and Agility Motors, whose innovative design has so far been pitched at the individual customer, is developing a fleet programme for later this year. For fleet vehicles, maintenance costs are a huge consideration. Manufacturers of electric motorcycles and scooters point out that their products have far less moving parts than a combustion engine with no clutch or gears. There is obviously variation within the market as to how long batteries last, but these figures are readily available when investigating machine specifications.

CHARGINGAll current electric motorcycles can use a simple domestic power outlet, meaning you can charge almost anywhere, any time. Some manufacturers are now offering ‘cartridge’ style battery packs that can be removed from the bike and taken indoors to charge. So with two battery packs, one on charge and one on the bike, you will never be out of power. And of course, as the battery is often the most

expensive single item on the bike, and the bike is useless without it, removing the battery offers a major security advantage. Zero is now able to offer the CHAdeMO fast charge option, allowing the usual charge time of 6 hours to be shortened to one and a half, or just 60 minutes for a 95 per cent charge. Zero quotes the price for a full charge as just 40p, which is equivalent to an attractive 497mpg. A number of local authorities are now targeting businesses as recipients for grants for charging infrastructure. Contact your local authority to find out what is available.

SAFETYThe right clothes and proper training should be a priority for any employer considering opting for powered two wheelers for staff. The MCI’s safety director, Karen Cole, recommends riders do their full motorcycle test, rather than just the basic legal minimum, known as a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). “And ideally, after six months of passing their test, riders should do enhanced rider training,” she adds. There is a potential cost benefit to this as well, as insurance companies usually lower premiums for those with an advanced certificate.

Although a helmet is the only compulsory item of safety wear for riders, full protective clothing for staff operating powered two wheelers should be a priority, to include CE marked armour. Any local dealer will be able to help with the required kit and it’s no longer a choice between leather and leather, with new high-tech lightweight fabrics on the market, styled into clothing which can be adapted for general wear. Choosing the right helmet (and the best ones are not always the most expensive) is made much easier with a government website service known as SHARP, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme. “Fit is the most important element”, explained Karen Cole. “And with the SHARP rating system you can make an informed choice.”

HISTORYCars seem to have dominated media representations of what’s available on the electric market, but that’s set to change as the electric motorcycle industry continues to mature. Like all developing sectors, some of the early innovators have been replaced. Marques which kicked off the two wheel electric marketplace have given way to others, as technology and demand evolve. Key players have emerged, including Zero, Vectrix, Agility

Motors, Yamaha and Rieju. These brands have demonstrated the longevity required to convince a fleet buyer that they will be in businesses for the duration. Early adopters with ‘staying power’ have generated enough faith in the sector to convince the big brands to consider the electric arena. BMW, Suzuki and Honda have all displayed ‘concept’ alternative fuelled bikes at international shows and are engaging with consumer groups to better understand product requirements in this market sector. The UK electric motorcycle market is getting ready to move up a gear. There have been huge developments in the UK electric motorcycle industry as a whole, not least a powerful self-regulation under the electric Motorcycle Industry Association (eMCI), which is the envy of Europe. The eMCI has produced a Datasheet, setting out minimum standards by which electric vehicles in the eMCI should comply. Importantly this has given quality assurance to insurers and other service providers in both the products and integrity of the companies producing them. The eMCI can assist in directing companies interested in exploring the viability of an electric fleet and can be contacted through its website at www.emcia.co.uk. Further investigations into low emission petrol fleets should start with the Motorcycle Industry Association’s website, which lists its members, who are all reputable well-known brands. These all belong to the MCI’s Buy With Confidence scheme, which offers quality assurances for both electric and petrol motorcycles under a ‘code of practice’ which all MCI members adhere to. If there were more powered two wheelers on the road, congestion would be dramatically reduced. A study publicised by the motorcycle industry in Europe showed that when 10 per cent of cars were replaced by motorcycles, congestion for all road users reduced by 40 per cent. When 25 per cent of cars were replaced – congestion was eliminated altogether. Any low or zero emission fleet will help meet environmental and social targets, but opting for two rather than four wheels presents extra savings in terms of cost and time, which can’t be delivered by cars. The ‘fun’ aspect is not to be dismissed lightly either; there are plenty of miserable car drivers but you’d be hard pushed to find the same on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists who commute regularly, typically rate their journey to work as far more enjoyable than those who used public transport or drive and so there’s no reason to believe this wouldn’t also be the case for those who use them throughout their working day.

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.emcia.co.ukwww.mcia.co.uk

Any low or zero emission fleet will help meet environmental and social targets, but opting for two rather than four wheels presents extra savings in terms of cost and time. The ‘fun’ aspect is not to be dismissed lightly either



Written by G

raeme Trudgill, head of corporate affairs, British Insurance Brokers’ Association

Life for the estimated millions of uninsured drivers in the UK has become tougher since Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) regulations came into affect in 2011.

The CIE regulations makes it an offence for keeping a vehicle without

insurance. An additional enforcement scheme was

introduced from 20 June 2011 to make sure that all vehicles are insured or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is made.CIE differs from police on-road enforcement

of uninsured driving introduced in 2005

in that, unless a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

declaration has been made by the vehicle keeper, they are required to insure the vehicle at all times. All registered vehicle keepers must ensure that their vehicle has statutory minimum third party motor insurance. Failure to comply could result in a series of escalating penalties. All motor insurance records are registered on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), if records are not correct the keepers of legitimately insured vehicles could be at risk of receiving notification that they appear to be uninsured. This is a fundamental improvement to the previous practice (before an uninsured driver needed to be ‘caught’ on the road to face enforcement measures) therefore BIBA is keen to raise awareness of how these changes in law affect motorists.

HOW DOES CIE WORK? CIE systematically compares records between two databases, the MID with those held on the DVLA Registered Vehicle Database to identify keepers of potentially uninsured vehicles. This will clearly identify any vehicle keepers who do not have a valid insurance policy on the MID. If it appears that a vehicle has no insurance or no SORN, than an Insurance Advisory Letter (IAL) is sent to the registered keeper. If the registered keeper takes no action, the keeper faces a fixed penalty fine of £100, possibly having the vehicle clamped, seized and destroyed, and the possibility of a court prosecution with a possible fine of up to £1,000. As of June 2011, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) issues and covers the cost E

LEGISLATION

GOT IT COVERED?Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) – which makes it an offence to keep a vehicle without insurance unless it’s declared SORN, has been in effect since 2011. But how much do you know about the regulation? Graeme Trudgill, head of corporate affairs at BIBA, gives further details

Insurance

Registered

vehicle keepers

must ensure their

vehicle has statutory

minimum third party

insurance. Failure

may result in

penalties



Welcome to The Green.Helping you put sustainability at the heart of your fl eet.

Looking for ways to run a greener fl eet? Why not visit The Green, the acclaimed sustainability website from Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading fl eet management and fl eet funding specialist.

Listen to our latest podcast about low carbon vehicles at The Green www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen

Find free help and advice on sustainable issues, including: • choosing the right vehicles• tax and budget• fuel strategy and how to cut your fuel bill.

Visit The Green at www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen today,and see how we can help you run a greener fl eet.

Or you can call us for more information on 0800 389 3690.

LA7506 Green Fleet Advert sept 2012 A4.indd 1 13/09/2012 16:27

DRIVING DOWN COSTSAnother important development with motor insurance follows BIBA’s appearance before the Transport Select Committee into their Inquiry into the cost of motor insurance – which had increased by 40 per cent in the previous year – affecting vehicle owners of all types. BIBA’s manifesto includes an eight point plan in order to drive down the cost of motor insurance. This includes the need for a framework for and greater supervision of claims management companies; insurance access to driver licence data to reduce application fraud; better arrangements to help people access suitable insurance, particularly young and convicted drivers; and a review of FSA guidelines on the selling of insurance products through price comparison websites. BIBA also calls for a review of the pass plus system and develop the wider use of telematics, as well as a reform of the Northern Ireland legal system with regards to the handling of personal injury claims. BIBA is committed to driving down the cost of motor insurance and will work to achieve access for the industry to driving licence information held by the DVLA in order to reduce fraud when applying for insurance. Currently around 20 per cent of endorsements are not correctly disclosed to the insurance provider and this can lead to problems in the event of claim time as insurers could refuse to pay out if the customer had not told them of a ‘material fact’. Motor insurance fraud accounts for £44 on every policy and so any initiative to reduce that is welcomed by BIBA. BIBA also supports the call to investigate means of deploying and publicising new technology which can assess how cars are driven by young drivers and help reduce the cost of motor cover. There are already several new insurance broker ‘black box’ telematics products that have been recently launched and BIBA welcomes further discussion and wider debate on this technology.

WHIPLASH CLAIMSBIBA welcomes the Ministry of Justice consultation on whiplash claims and gave three key recommendations. These were to introduce the panel of independent medical experts, to introduce a national call-off framework contract system, and a call for greater investigation into developing objective tests for soft tissue neck injuries. BIBA has also delivered the new signposting agreement with Government that came in to force on 6 April 2012. This helps older drivers struggling to find insurance find a more suitable provider rather than just be rejected and it has seen a 200 per cent increase in enquiries since it launched. L

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.biba.org.uk

InsuranceLEGISLATION

of the new IALs to registered keepers informing them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured. The letter advises the keeper what they need to do to comply with the law and results in hundreds of thousands of letters being sent to vehicle keepers, some of whom may be insured but have not had correct details loaded onto the MID. DVLA is responsible for the cost of enforcement, which takes the form of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) followed by the possibility of prosecution and/or wheel clamping should the vehicle’s keeper fail to heed the warnings. The cost of enforcement will be more than covered by fine income and is due to commence a short while after the first IALs are distributed.

WHAT IS THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY TELLING CUSTOMERS?Uninsured drivers cost the UK about £400 million annually. Drivers using their vehicle on the road without insurance are already committing an offence – so the need to get insured immediately.

Those drivers with insurance whose record does not appear on the MID should contact their insurance provider to get the MID updated immediately. This will mean that they avoid the inconvenience of being unnecessarily contacted by MIB and DVLA, or being stopped by the police. Insurance records on the Motor Insurance Database can be checked for free at www.askmid.com. A SORN declaration has to be submitted to DVLA if the vehicle is being kept off of the road. If the vehicle is taxed

return the disc (including nil value discs) to DVLA using a V14 form. There are some occasions when a vehicle can have no insurance. A vehicle can have no insurance if it has a valid SORN, or was exempted from SORN (as untaxed on or before 31/01/1998 and has had no tax or SORN activity since). It can also have no insurance if it is recorded as ‘stolen and not recovered’ by the police, is between keepers, is scrapped, or is held in stock by an authorised motor dealer. Uninsured driving enforcement has already had a major effect, with the number of uninsured drivers falling from 1.4m to 1.2 million since June 2011.

COMPANY CARSOne common question BIBA is asked is: if someone uses a company car and is therefore not the official owner, will their company get a letter if the car is not insured? If the company is listed as the vehicle’s registered keeper, they will receive a warning letter, followed by a penalty if there is no valid insurance policy. Drivers should make a point of checking

the MID to see if the details of cover are recorded correctly when insuring the vehicle. Although most insurers process the information promptly on the MID, it is best to allow a week for this to update. CIE is an important change to the motor insurance landscape. MIB is sending tens of thousands of IALs a month. CIE benefits include safer roads, greater premium income for the insurance industry, a reduction in the number of claims made to MIB, a reduced levy to insurers and an increased IPT income to government.

Uninsured driving enforcement has already had an effect, with the number of uninsured drivers falling from 1.4m to 1.2 million since June 2011

Welcome to The Green.Helping you put sustainability at the heart of your fl eet.

Looking for ways to run a greener fl eet? Why not visit The Green, the acclaimed sustainability website from Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading fl eet management and fl eet funding specialist.

Listen to our latest podcast about low carbon vehicles at The Green www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen

Find free help and advice on sustainable issues, including: • choosing the right vehicles• tax and budget• fuel strategy and how to cut your fuel bill.

Visit The Green at www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen today,and see how we can help you run a greener fl eet.

Or you can call us for more information on 0800 389 3690.

LA7506 Green Fleet Advert sept 2012 A4.indd 1 13/09/2012 16:27



Award-Winning Vehicle Tracking

0870 013 6663 | [email protected] | www.quartix.net

Van Fleet World

includes

DRIVING-STYLE MONITORING

Written by Steve Reynolds, President of the M

obile Data Association

The ever increasing sophistication of mobile technology is driving a revolution across the entire global workforce, with a third now thought to be on the road. Our smartphone or tablet acts as our mobile office, keeping us constantly connected not only with our colleagues, but also integrated in real-time with all of our businesses management systems; offering us a more flexible working environment. The benefits of adopting mobile technology within enterprise are widely acknowledged, but to what extent can mobile applications really improve fleet operations in the current climate? Rapid development in the mobile technology sector could not be in starker contrast with the flat lining economy. Low cost, high capability mobile applications and platforms, increasingly ones which are dedicated to business use. This is no coincidence – mobile technology for businesses is all about managing rising costs and improving operations. By adopting mobile technology, many fleet businesses are able to buck the depressed fiscal trend.

FUELLING LOWER FLEET COSTS All businesses are under extreme pressure to deliver efficiencies; faced with a stagnant economy and the rocketing price of fuel, so gaining efficiency by using less fuel is an obvious way of controlling costs. In 2007, before the financial crisis struck, a service company with a fleet of 200 vehicles, averaging 40 miles per gallon, would have an

annual fuel bill of around £5.9m. Taking into account the current

price of fuel per litre, that bill will have shot up to

£8.86m in 2013 – an eye watering rise of nearly £3m in just four years. Using mobile technology to up fieldworker productivity can actually work to

offset the increased fuel bill. For example, a field

service company with 200 engineers who each perform five

jobs per day at an average invoice of £150 each. A modest 10 per cent increase in productivity would raise an additional £75 per day, per engineer. Over 12 months, the field service company would have earned £3m, enough to off-set the rise in fuel expenditure. The latest real-time scheduling technology can also significantly decrease the fuel bill. Dynamic scheduling tools constantly update individual workflows as changes occur, efficiently allocating appointments, and intelligently plotting routes with integrated sat nav. The result is a reduction in customer revisits, double booked appointments, and an overall reduction in road miles; leading to an additional saving of £864,000. ASSESSING THE DAMAGEThe days of a buoyant used car market have long since gone and leasing companies are increasingly strict when it comes to

invoicing for vehicle damage which goes beyond fair wear and tear. This spells yet another ballooning overhead for fleet owners. Despite this, a recent survey found that almost a third of fleet managers still fail to carry out end-of-contract damage checks before returning vehicles to suppliers – resulting in nasty surprise bills. The average cost of undertaking remedial repairs is £300 per vehicle, which may explain fleet operators’ reluctance to implement proper de-fleet processes. Leaving the responsibility of vehicle appraisals to suppliers clearly holds some appeal. After all, it’s one less process to E

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

The benefits mobile technology can bring business are widely known, but to what extent can mobile applications really improve fleet operations in the current climate? Steve Reynolds, President of the Mobile Data Association, investigates

Telematics

MOBILE APPS: A LIFELINE FOR THE FLEET INDUSTRY

Mobile

Internet

means future

vehicles will be

wirelessly connected,

and become an

extension of your

mobile device

and apps

23

THE UK'S BIGGEST COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOWThe number one road transport and logistics event in Britain,catering for every operator’s business needs, the CVShow has become the leading meeting place for suppliers andoperators alike - a true one stop shop for the industry.Located at the NEC, at the heart of the motorway network, theShow is open from 8.30 to 5.30 April 9-11.

www.cvshow.com

GET YOUR FREE TICKETREGISTER TODAY

WWW.CVSHOW.COM

Exhibitor enquiries call +44 (0) 1634 261 262

cv advert 2013_Layout 1 03/12/2012 11:42 Page 1

oversee. However, having a clear picture of vehicle damage costs across your entire fleet, brings with it the opportunity to spot and troubleshoot negative patterns. The BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) recommends that vehicle appraisals are conducted 12 weeks prior to their return, allowing ample time for any damage to be rectified and resulting costs to be effectively managed. Some fleets have already deployed mobile applications to assist in the vehicle appraisal process. Using tablets or smartphones, fleet staff can follow a step-by-step vehicle damage assessment process, ensuring nothing is missed. Some mobile solutions also utilise photography to make data capture easy and help generate more accurate repair estimates. All data captured can be integrated with central office systems, enabling you to monitor costs and damage more readily.

THE FUTURE FOR FLEET APPLICATIONSMobile technology is advancing at an unstoppable pace. In the automotive sector, research and development is fuelled by the need to reduce carbon emissions and cut congestion. Such is the speed of mobile innovation that vehicles come to market lagging several years behind in terms of technology. Working closely with motor vehicle manufacturers, MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) is steering a

concept known as Mobility Internet, which is set to revolutionise the in-car experience for drivers. Mobility Internet means all future vehicles will be wirelessly connected, enabling them to become an extension of your mobile device and its apps. This is already happening to an extent with voice command technology in vehicles, which synchronise with mobile devices, and will continue to play a key role in the future Internet Mobility. The connected vehicle will also integrate other data from your mobile device, such as your calendar. This will enable the vehicle to be automatically navigated to an appointment address, at the appropriate time. Due to the nature of mobile technology innovation, the smartphone will soon become a centre of vehicle technology, and applications dedicated to improving the motorist’s experience will quickly follow. Satellite Navigation is one driving

tool which is already being developed with Mobility Internet in mind. Not only can sat navs adjust routes to real-time congestion information, they will soon be able to co-ordinate with other drivers, so that traffic is diverted evenly across various alternative routes to mitigate traffic jams elsewhere. As voice recognition technology advances, drivers will be able to ask for the sat nav for more guidance to their destinations.

Sat navs will also promote economic driving by monitoring

individual driving behaviour. Connected vehicles will be able to communicate with car parks to save time and stress for motorists. They will guide drivers to a car park local to their destination with available spaces. Upon leaving the car park, the smartphone app will automatically pay without the need for tickets. With 25 per cent of city traffic on being drivers on the hunt for parking, a parking app

would certainly help reduce unnecessary congestion. Currently, there are

collaborative traffic applications which provide a platform for people to share journey information with one another. For fleet operators, future mobile technology can further enhance existing fleet management tools which help drive process adherence and ensure efficient scheduling. By automatically monitoring driver behaviour, Mobility Internet will save fuel; cutting carbon emissions, but also enforce safer driving within fleets.

A LIFELINE FOR THE FLEET SECTORWhatever the future holds for fleets, two things we can say for certain are that fuel prices will continue to rocket and innovations in the mobile technology arena will continue to facilitate efficiencies.

The burden of rising costs means that resources in the fleet sector are becoming increasingly stretched, but traditional processes are quickly becoming inadequate under the strain.

Mobile technology is offering the fleet sector a vital lifeline which can help it to fight back, but also differentiate companies from their competition. L

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.themda.org

The connected vehicle will also integrate other data from your mobile device, such as your calendar. This will enable the vehicle to be automatically navigated to an appointment address, at the appropriate time

TelematicsMOBILE TECHNOLOGY

About the authorSteve Reynolds has 25 years’ experience in the mobile technology industry, and was an early innovator in landmark wireless communication projects. Steve is the President of the Mobile Data Association, a not-for-profit industry association representing and promoting all mobile data centric businesses. He is also managing director of TBS Enterprise Mobility.



THE UK'S BIGGEST COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOWThe number one road transport and logistics event in Britain,catering for every operator’s business needs, the CVShow has become the leading meeting place for suppliers andoperators alike - a true one stop shop for the industry.Located at the NEC, at the heart of the motorway network, theShow is open from 8.30 to 5.30 April 9-11.

www.cvshow.com

GET YOUR FREE TICKETREGISTER TODAY

WWW.CVSHOW.COM

Exhibitor enquiries call +44 (0) 1634 261 262

cv advert 2013_Layout 1 03/12/2012 11:42 Page 1

Com

mer

cial V

ehicl

es

With 400 exhibitors expected at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, the industry’s largest UK exhibition will see most of the key players in the road transport marketplace meet at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 9-11 April. A significant number of vehicle and product launches are promised, giving the whole industry a welcome boost and ensuring that business visitors are offered every option for effective fleet operation and maintenance. The 2013 Show will showcase one of the widest-ever ranges of exhibitors including truck, trailer and van manufacturers, tyre specialists, telematics experts, tyre, hydraulic and lifting gear suppliers and tanker operators. With the implementation date for Euro 6 set for January 2014, this year’s CV Show will be the only Springtime European opportunity for manufacturers to present their latest products and innovations – and several exhibitors are taking advantage of this opportunity with important industry launches.

VEHICLE LAUNCHESSome of the big manufacturer names set to wow the crowds with their latest vehicles are Citroën, DAF Trucks, Fiat Professional, Ford, Isuzu, Isuzu Truck, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo Trucks. DAF will be there with its new Euro 6 XF and Mercedes-Benz UK will show its new ‘urban hero’, the Mercedes-Benz Citan small van, as well as its new construction truck, Arocs.

It will be five years since Iveco exhibited at the Commercial Vehicle Show in its own right and the company will be back with its flagship Stralis Hi-Way, winner of the International Truck of the Year Award 2013. Citroën will display its all-new Berlingo Electrique van at this year’s CV Show. This advanced, 100 per cent electric van builds upon Citroën’s extensive experience of electric LCVs in the UK, gained with the first generation Berlingo Electrique launched in 1998. The Citroën stand will also show a number of other new LCV products. Volvo Trucks returns to the Show with its recently launched new FH series and, similarly, MAN will take the opportunity for the first UK showing of its Euro 6 cabs. The decision by BMW to launch its all-new MINI Clubvan at the CV Show means a little glamour will be added to the light commercial vehicle sector. The MINI Clubvan demonstrates to those who value the importance of both efficiency and appearance that it can offer the perfect extension to any company brand. Commended for delivering style, efficiency and class-leading driving dynamics, coupled

with fuel efficiency levels not usually found in light commercial vehicles, the Clubvan has already made a big impression. Ford is introducing a new family of high-tech, fuel-efficient commercials in the UK by 2015. A range of vehicles will exist under the Transit brand name, all of which will be at the International CV Show 2013: Ford Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom and two-tonne Transit.

CHILLING OUTThe Cool Pavilion returns in Hall 5. This is an area dedicated to chilled and frozen products and services and will be of special interest to temperature-controlled transport and logistics providers.Among the UK’s top temperature-controlled trailer and bodywork companies in this area of the Show will be Cartwright Group, Commercial Body Fittings, Cool Running Rental, Frigoblock, Grayson Thermal Solutions, Gray & Adams, Lawrence David, Marshall Fleet Solutions, Paneltex, Quinn Refrigerated Vehicles, Reflex & Allen, SDC Trailers, Solomon, Transdek and United Rental. With the accent firmly set on whole vehicle type approval, it is gratifying to see the return of the UK’s bodybuilders to the nation’s favourite road transport event, the Commercial Vehicle Show 2013. CV Show 2013 offers the opportunity for the road transport industry to compare a wide range of bodywork and trailers under one roof. In addition, all the companies exhibiting will be showing their very latest technology, designed to maximise payload and reduce fuel consumption.

THE AFTERMARKETAs part of the Commercial Vehicle Show, aftermarket-focused ‘Workshop 2013’ is aimed directly at fleet engineers and passenger car garage operators. A wide range of products on show will cover everything from handheld

diagnostics to pillar lifts capable of raising a 44-tonne artic. The Workshop

area in Hall 4 also boasts big names and innovative products with companies

AN EVENT WITH AN IMPRESSIVE CVWith the implementation date for Euro 6 set for January 2014, this year’s CV Show is well time for manufacturers to present their latest products and innovations – and several exhibitors are taking advantage with important industry launches

EVENT PREVIEW

Volvo Trucks FH-Series



Comm

ercial Vehicles

like Bradbury Equipment, Cobra UK, Gemco Equipment, Liftmaster Commercial, MAHA, OSS Group, Ring Automotive, Somers Totalkare, Stertil Power Products and Tecalemit showing their latest equipment and products.

INNOVATIONSOSS Group specialises in waste oil collection, workshop waste management, parts washers and spill containment products. OSS produces Gen3™ from the waste oil collected, its latest and most advanced processed fuel oil. The company also provides total waste management including interceptor and septic tank clearances and tyre and workshop waste collections.With attention firmly fixed on the need for fuel efficiency, companies like Airtab, Eclipse Diagnostics and Texa UK can ensure that engines operate at peak efficiency 24/7. The tyre business is well represented by manufacturers, stockists and tyre management companies such as ATS Euromaster, Bandvulc, Bridgestone, R H Claydon, Continental Tyres, Hankook and Kirby Tyres. At this year’s CV Show, Clark Masts will launch its new purpose-made high output LED flood lamp range, designed specifically for vehicle use and optimised for its range of telescopic lighting masts. As well as lighting, the masts can be used for CCTV cameras, communications antennae, warning beacons, weather stations, acoustic recording equipment, etc.

Smart Witness is a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of vehicle CCTV systems. The company’s products are widely used in the commercial fleet sector for accident recording, vehicle tracking, driver training/monitoring, operational efficiency and safety.

DATA FOR FLEETSContinental Automotive is just one company that has developed a wide range of tachograph data for fleet managers. At this year’s Show, Continental will exhibit VDO Digital Tachograph 2.0 with Counter, giving drivers quick access to live driving hours and required breaks. The company will also show ‘SmartLink’, which is a revolutionary device for using the tachograph remotely inside or outside the cab. Its TIS-Web Messaging also allows users to access data via messaging using iphone and android technology. Among exhibitors offering solutions for efficient fleet management – keeping environmental awareness high on operators’

priorities – are Air1 AdBlue, BlueCat AdBlue, CMS Supatrak, Greenchem

Solutions, Greenox AdBlue, Hatcher Components, Isotrak,

MiX Telematics, TomTom Business Solutions and Triscan Systems.A number of exhibitors will offer training solutions, including AA DriveTech whose training courses are for

truck/LGV drivers. Many of its classroom workshops

and on-road courses have been accredited by JAUPT to

contribute towards Driver CPC periodic training. CMS SupaTrak and Route Monkey have joined forces on a new integrated solution to bring together real-time vehicle telematics, route optimisation and scheduling. The system, called EcoPlan, will be launched at CV Show 2013. Using specialist technology, businesses can integrate existing routing and planning systems with Route Monkey, which optimises the data based on, for example, average road speeds, site access times, road restrictions and driving/working hours. This information is imported into the CMS SupaTrak system and integrated with real-time vehicle telematics data to create planned routes against actual journeys taken. TomTom Business Solutions is an award-winning supplier of fleet management technology, combining vehicle tracking, navigation and driver behaviour monitoring. More than 19,000 companies worldwide rely on TomTom fleet management to monitor and manage their mobile operations, helping to cut costs, boost efficiency, reduce fuel usage and enhance green credentials.

DETAILS, DETAILSThe websites www.cvshow.com andwww.workshopshow.co.uk feature links to the ticket application process and prospective visitors can register by clicking on the ‘free tickets’ panel on the home page. Also, visitors with smartphones can download the CV Show app, which features an interactive map, news feed, Twitter stream and exhibitor listing – go to www.cvshowapp.com. L

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.cvshow.comwww.workshopshow.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz CitanFord Transit

Ford Transit Connect

Citroën Berlingo Electrique

The 2013 CV

Show will

showcase one of

the widest-ever

ranges of truck

and van

manufacturers



Thinking of going electric?

Talk to the experts.EDF Energy has been working with fleet managers across a variety of sectors

helping them to deliver strong business cases for making the switch to plug-in

vehicles. Our expertise covers the technical assessment of sites, impartial advice on

hardware requirements and best price design solutions. And, because we provide

complete end-to-end recharging solutions, there’s no need to look

elsewhere once you’ve been given the green light. By talking to us early, you can

ensure your electric vehicle journey is as smooth as it is cost effective.

To find out more or to discuss a consultation call the electric vehicle team on:

01273 428 281 or email [email protected].

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GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive, in association with EDF Energy, gives fleet managers the chance to get up-close and personal with the latest low and zero emission vehicles. Taking place on 16 May at Rockingham, visitors can zip around the race track to find out how green vehicles perform and help them make an informed decision about their next vehicle purchase. This year’s event will be the first time GreenFleet readers will be able to drive fully electric vans, the Citroen Berlingo Electrique and Peugeot Partner electric. The much anticipated Volvo V60 – claimed to be the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, will also be available to test drive. With a fuel economy of up to 155mpg, emissions as low as 48g/km, and a range of 560 miles, the V60 is sure to be a sell-out on the test track.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A VEHICLEFor the first time, ACFO, will be holding its annual Conference and AGM at this year’s GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive event. Sponsored by EDF Energy, the conference theme is ‘A day in the life of a fleet vehicle’ is the theme of the conference which highlights best practice during the four stages of a fleet vehicle’s life. Starting with a vehicle’s ‘birth’ on the fleet – tendering, procuring and financing – the conference will then go on to cover the ‘teenage years’, which involves the supplier relationship management and adapting to new initiatives. ‘Middle age’ will relate to vehicle maintenance, fuel management and managing relationships, and lastly, the ‘twilight years’ will be discussed – managing the defleet process and end of life charges. ACFO director and deputy chairman Damian James, said: “As always the annual ACFO Conference and AGM will be a key networking

event in the fleet calendar as well as providing an opportunity for delegates to further improve their understanding of current fleet issues and trends. “Additionally, the tie-up with GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive helps to further raise the profile of ACFO within the wider fleet community and gives delegates the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the very latest low and zero emission vehicles.” Conference sponsors Peugeot will also address the audience on its alternative fuels strategy.

ASK THE EXPERTSFor the first time, Arrive ‘N’ Drive will be hosting a Sustainable Fleet Advice Centre (SFAC) – brought to you in conjunction with Alphabet. A group of Sustainability Champions

have been rounded up to share advice on a

range of topical issues concerning the fleet industry.

One team of experts will be from EDF Energy, whose recent

studies and trials with businesses, vehicle manufacturers and government

organisations across the UK have provided them with unique insight into EV recharging. Also in the advice centre, the BVRLA will discuss leasing options, the ICFM will share advice on training and accreditation, and the CILT will be on hand to talk about HGVs. What’s more, LowCVP will give updates on low carbon vehicle policy, and Milbrook Laboratories will discuss vehicle testing. In addition, GreenFleet has hand-picked a group of fleet managers who have successfully reduced their fleet emissions E

EVENT PREVIEW

ROCK-UP TO ROCKINGHAMAs well as test drive opportunities in the latest eco-vehicles, this year’s GreenFleet Arrive ‘N’ Drive will host ACFO’s annual Conference and AGM for the first time – giving visitors a combination of hands-on fun, industry insight, and practical fleet advice

Arrive ‘N’ Drive

GreenFleet’s

Arrive ‘N’

Drive gives fleet

managers the chance

to up close with the

latest low and

zero-emission

vehiclesThinking of going electric?

Talk to the experts.EDF Energy has been working with fleet managers across a variety of sectors

helping them to deliver strong business cases for making the switch to plug-in

vehicles. Our expertise covers the technical assessment of sites, impartial advice on

hardware requirements and best price design solutions. And, because we provide

complete end-to-end recharging solutions, there’s no need to look

elsewhere once you’ve been given the green light. By talking to us early, you can

ensure your electric vehicle journey is as smooth as it is cost effective.

To find out more or to discuss a consultation call the electric vehicle team on:

01273 428 281 or email [email protected].

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Fleet Services

S. ave. fue. l. wh. en.e. ver. yo.u. s.top.

Start/Stop Technology not available on Phaeton.

Start/Stop Technology, now available across the range. For more information contact the Fleet Business Centre on 0800 38 989 38 or visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/fleet

to share their experiences and give advice to fellow fleet managers. If you’re looking to replace vehicles, considering alternative fuels, or want to introduce a driver training programme, GreenFleet’s Sustainable Fleet Advice Centre is definitely a worthwhile visit.For more detailed advice about electric

vehicles, delgates can pop over to EDF Energy’s Power Park. There will be a static display of electric

vehicles, as well as the EDF Energy team who can

advise on charging options and infrastructure.

If visitors want to test drive an electric vehicle, they can take it

round The EDF Energy Electric Avenue, which is designed to simulate urban roads.

BEAT THE SPRIGOnce again visitors will be able to put their fuel efficient driving to the test to see if they can ‘Beat The Sprig’, GreenFleet’s planet-conscious race star, who will set an ‘ideal’ mpg for a set route on the open roads. Driving a Citroën DS3, participants will do a practice lap with an eco-driving trainer and then return for a feedback session and tips on how to adopt a greener driving style. They will then return to the roads to see if they can improve their fuel efficiency by implementing these tips. Fuel challengers will be using a Citroën DS3, kitted out with TomTom Business Solutions technology which will record valuable data such as mpg, CO2, harsh braking, acceleration, rev counts, gear changes, and so on. Throughout the day, the names will go up on the ‘Beat The Sprig’ board and at the end of the day, the participant with the best mpg of the day will go home with a prize from TomTom Business Solutions. EXHIBITORSAll the main names in motor manufacturing will be displaying their latest green models and allowing visitors to test how they perform out on the track. What’s more, the Welcome Centre will house an exhibition of companies dedicated to making the business of running fleets greener, such as rolling resistance tyres, eco-driving courses, and telematics systems. Fleet managers can also enjoy a free breakfast, buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day in the Welcome Centre.E Turn the page for exhibitor information

FURTHER INFORMATIONTo register for GreenFleet‘s Arrive ‘N’ Drive, visit www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net




Visitors

will be able

to put their

fuel-efficient driving

skills to the test

against GreenFleet’s

planet-conscious

race star, The

Sprig

Fleet Services

S. ave. fue. l. wh. en.e. ver. yo.u. s.top.

Start/Stop Technology not available on Phaeton.

Start/Stop Technology, now available across the range. For more information contact the Fleet Business Centre on 0800 38 989 38 or visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/fleet

FEATURE SUB SECTION

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EVENT PREVIEW

EXHIBITORS

ALFA ROMEOAlfa Romeo offers company car drivers the combination of a sporty and engaging driving experience with ecological and financial benefits. Both the Alfa MiTo, with the multi-award winning 85hp TwinAir engine with sub-99g/km CO2 emissions, and Alfa Giulietta 2.0 JTD, featuring Alfa’s unique DNA system and the technologically advanced ALFA TCT semi-automatic transmission, are available for test drive at Rockingham. The head-turning Alfa Romeo cars are well-equipped and rewarding to drive – intelligent choices for fleet managers. For further information visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

AUTOMOTIVE LEASINGAutomotive Leasing, part of the LeasePlan group, has been providing fleet solutions for cars and commercial vehicles to the public sector for over 20 years. Over 95 per cent of electric cars leased in Scotland are from the company. Hot of the press, Automotive’s paper ‘EV or not EV’ guides readers through the ups and downs of Electric Vehicles. It’s available to download at tinyurl.com/cfh63sm or you can pick up a copy at Automotive’s stand. Electric Vehicle guru Judith Eadie will be on hand to share her thoughts on the latest EV leasing developments.

For further information visit www.automotive-leasing.org

BMWEvery BMW features EfficientDynamics technologies as standard, lowering CO2 emissions and increasing fuel efficiency resulting in significant savings on fuel costs. For example, the 320d EfficientDynamics delivers 68.9mpg and can achieve over 860 miles between fill-ups.

The new BMW ECO PRO Manager has been introduced on a significant majority of models, and will feature on all new models by the end of 2013. When engaged, ECO PRO adjusts the characteristics of the vehicle, allowing the driver to gain up to 20 per cent extra range per tank of fuel.

Worldwide, the BMW Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable mobility in every process. Every car is manufactured using the most sustainable products and processes. Recognised in September 2012 by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Award, making BMW the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer for the eighth year running.

Also recognised for sustainability at the 2012 Greenfleet Awards BMW was the proud winner of the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award after being named ‘Fleet Car Manufacturer’ for five consecutive years. For further information visit www.bmw.co.uk

CITROËNCitroën will feature its all-new Berlingo Electrique van at this year’s event. The 100 percent electric van will build upon Citroën’s ‘unrivalled’ experience of electric LCVs in the UK, which was gained with the first generation Berlingo Electrique launched in 1998. The electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the vehicle’s load deck. This means the load compartment of up to 3.7m3 and payload of 636kg is equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van. With a total battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Berlingo Electrique will have a range of up to 106 miles. Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 8.5 hours or, alternatively, it can be charged to 80 percent of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode. For more information visit www.citroen.co.uk/fleet-and-business

LEX Leading fleet management and funding specialist Lex Autolease, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, was created from the merger of Lex with Lloyds TSB Autolease, and its approach is to develop a true partnership with businesses and public sector organisations. The company will be on hand to discuss visitors’ vehicle requirements. For further information visit www.lexautolease.co.uk

Citroën Berlingo Electrique




FIAT PROFESSIONALGreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year 2012 was awarded to Fiat Professional for its range of class-leading commercial vehicles featuring fuel efficient MultiJet engine technology. The Ducato is available in its wide range of van and chassis cab versions. The Fiat Professional range covers every business need, from the Punto Van – a smart solution for small goods transport, through the Fiorino – the perfect compact solution in city environment. The Doblò Cargo boasts a 1 Ton payload and is available in many different versions, and the Scudo is available for both goods and shuttle passenger transport. In the UK, the network coverage is assured by 130 sales dealers and the 200 service dealers, including 35 truck dealers. All vehicles in the Fiat Professional featuring innovative technology such as eco:Drive Professional or Traction Plus, making them ideal choice for fleet and business users. For further information visit www.fiatprofessional.co.uk

FORDFord’s 1.0-litre, turbocharged, direct injection EcoBoost engine was developed by UK engineers. The three-cylinder EcoBoost is available in the new Ford Focus, and will produce 125PS while delivering a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg and ultra-low petrol CO2 emissions performance of 114g/km – a level unmatched by Focus competitors. A 100PS version of the same engine delivers CO2 emissions of 109g/km. This also features in the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX.

Visit www.ford.co.uk/FordFleet for further details.

FIATFiat will introduce the new Fiat 500L at this year’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive. Designed for company car drivers, the five-door 500L delivers best-in-class levels of standard equipment across its range. Blending good looks with a spacious interior, the new Fiat 500L is available with a choice of four economical yet powerful petrol and diesel engines. Among these are the new 0.9 litre 105bhp TwinAir petrol engine with fuel consumption of 58.9mpg on the combined cycle along with emissions of just 112g/km and equally powerful 1.6 MultiJet diesel recording 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with 117g/km of CO2, both suited to the needs of business users and fleets.The Fiat 500L is also the first car to feature the latest incarnation of Fiat’s multi-award winning system, eco:Drive LIVE, which monitors driving style in real time.

Come to our stand and try out the new Fiat 500L as well as other vehicles in our range.For further information visit www.fiat.co.uk/fleet E

Fiat 500L

Fiat Doblò Cargo

HONDA With environmental performance of just 94g/km CO2 emissions and combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg, the appeal of the all-new British built Honda Civic 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel is obvious. Thanks to the efficiency of the 120PS engine, drivers pay low BIK of 13 per cent and have a monthly tax liability from just £42 (20 per cent) or £84 (40 per cent).

For something bigger and more versatile, the all-new fourth generation British built Honda CR-V features a powerful 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel, four-wheel drive transmission and environmental performance figures of 50.4mpg and 149g/km.

Honda has been at the forefront of hybrid vehicle research and development for more than two decades, and there is no finer example of its achievements than the CR-Z coupé. The sporty hybrid has been refreshed for 2013, with more power (137PS), stunning looks, emissions from just 116g/km and fuel economy from 56.5mpg. Visit www.fleet-honda.co.uk for further information.

Honda CR-Z – GreenFleet tests it on page 40



EVENT PREVIEW

EXHIBITORS

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RANSOMES JACOBSEN – MEGA VEHICLES Ransomes is the sole UK importer for the Mega Professional range of road approved eco-friendly compact utility vehicles, which includes the e-Worker electric truck and Multitruck 600 low emission diesel truck. The Mega multi-purpose utility vehicles are easily adapted for use in many applications including green spaces, waste collection, universities, military sites, hotel complexes, leisure parks, airports, industrial and manufacturing facilities, transport and logistics businesses. They are also ideal for trades-people of all descriptions including plumbers, jobbing builders, florists, courier companies, landscape contractors and much more. The Mega e-Worker electric vehicle features a tight turning circle and compact external dimensions, making it highly manoeuvrable. Robustly constructed with an excellent carrying capacity and an ability to tow, the e-Worker is available in several versions and with a large and varied range of equipment. For further information visit www.mega-vehicles.co.uk

MINIThe MINI appeals to company car drivers not only for its styling and brand personality, but also for its go-kart handling, driving dynamics and fuel economy. The MINI range now comprises eight different models; the Hatch, Convertible, Coupé, Roadster, Clubman, Clubvan, Countryman and Paceman, broadening the brand’s appeal to corporate buyers.

MINI continues to show a commitment to lowering CO2 emissions with technologies such as Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Gear Shift Optimisation standard across the range. 15 model variants emit 110g/km or below and nine model variants emit less than 100g/km, meaning low BIK and road tax across the range.

The comprehensive range of MINI Connect and MINIMALISM technologies have reinforced MINI’s position as the car to beat after it was named ‘Supermini of the Year’ for the 11th consecutive year at the annual Business Car Awards.

For further information visit www.mini.co.uk

MICHELINMichelin has a long history of innovations aimed at making driving more economical, safer and pleasurable. This includes the launch of the first ‘green’ low rolling resistance tyre in 1992.

To control its environmental impact, the company carried out a global assessment of its operations and products which led it to focus on developing technologies aimed at reducing its tyres’ rolling resistance, increasing tyre life to reduce the number of end-of-life tyres to be processed and using raw materials that have a low environmental impact.

Michelin employs independent test bodies such as TüV and DEKRA to test its tyres against its competitors to prove that they last longer, improve fuel consumption and help reduce vehicle CO2 emissions. This is demonstrated by the company’s latest tyre, the Michelin Primacy 3,

which not only offers excellent environmental performance but is one of the safest tyres on the market. For further information visit www.michlenin.co.uk

NISSANThe new Nissan LEAF is here. Until now, the world’s best selling pure electric vehicle has been built solely in Japan. But production of the new model has come to the UK, with more than 100 changes made to the award-winning car. The new Nissan LEAF has better charging performance, more interior space and has even more equipment. Technical improvements boost the driving range to 124 miles. Many of the changes have come as a direct result of feedback from pioneering LEAF owners. With some of the most active Internet forums of any car-owning group, LEAF drivers have become enthusiastic advocates of zero-emission mobility and of the car itself. For further information visit www.nissan.co.uk

Mega Professional utility vehicle

Nissan LEAF


GREENFLEET® 34


PEUGEOTGreenFleet Arrive ‘N’ Drive provides an exclusive opportunity for fleet managers to get behind the wheel of the eagerly-awaited 2008 urban crossover. With its characteristic higher driving position and pronounced wheel arches, the 2008 has an appealing road presence and outstanding practicality. The 2008 is the first vehicle to use the new three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo engine, with CO2 starting from just 99g/km. Peugeot will also have on show its new Partner Electric van, and a selection from its extensive car and van range, including the low CO2 HYbrid4 range. For further information visit www.business.peugeot.co.uk

VAUXHALLVauxhall is delighted to be at the Arrive n Drive to showcase its innovative and award winning Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), the Ampera, along with the recently launched ADAM and Mokka. The heart of the Ampera is its E-REV propulsion system which gives the car up to 360 miles of range. Apart from making a huge reduction in CO2, the Ampera is eligible for the Government’s £5,000 Plus-in Car Grant, reduced Benefit in Kind, an 8-year 100,000 mile warranty on the battery and the 100,000 mile Lifetime Warranty on the car. The Ampera, ADAM and Mokka are now all available on Vauxhall’s 3 Day Test Drive Programme exclusively for company car drivers. Further information and terms and conditions, visit www.3daytestdrive.co.uk

VOLVOWith extensive CO2 and fuel efficiency gains and no price changes on new automatic models, Volvos are set to deliver significant savings to company car drivers and their employers. New D3 and D4 Geartronic versions of S60, V60, V70 and S80 (except S80 Executive and V70 R-Design) all emit under 130g/km CO2. This equates to £21 per month for a 20 per cent tax payer based on 2012/13 tax bandings, driving a Volvo V60 D4 SE LUX Geartronic. Employers also save on class 1A NIC contributions. Also benefiting from the changes is the XC60 D4 FWD Geartronic. Fuel economy rises to 47.1mpg and it now produces just 159g/km CO2 – a 19g/km improvement on the previous model. Its BIK banding is now 25 per cent for the current financial year, and 26 per cent for the 2013/2014 financial year. Two new versions of the V40 five-door hatchback have also been introduced. The V40 R-Design features sports-inspired styling, while the V40 Cross Country delivers a rugged look and a 40mm higher ride height. All three are available with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions in a range of trim levels. For more information visit www.volvocars.co.uk/business L

TOYOTA LEXUSToyota and Lexus Fleet services are focused on delivering the right products and services to meet the demands of every user and operator. Pioneering technologies including Optimal Drive and petrol full hybrid mean the company has the widest range of sub 100g/km CO2 vehicles in the market, delivering low tax for drivers and business. Toyota/Lexus petrol hybrid models produce no particulates and virtually zero NOx, meaning better air quality. For more emission-free driving, the five seat Prius Plug-In hybrid delivers clean electric performance without the restrictions and range anxiety of pure electric. With eight new models being launched in less than 12 months, the Toyota/Lexus newest model range includes everything from the Prius + petrol full Hybrid seven seat MPV to the award winning GT86 sport coupe. The dramatic new Lexus IS, which delivers 220bhp and 99g/km CO2, offers uncompromised performance, quality and fuel economy. Visit www.toyota.co.uk/fleet

VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen is once again supporting the Arrive ‘N’ Drive, and has an exciting line-up of cars available to test drive at this year’s event, from the up! city car to the Polo, Passat Saloon, Tiguan and Volkswagen CC. All models feature the fuel-efficient BlueMotion or BlueMotion Technology engines, which use intelligently refined technology to provide low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The latest generation Golf is lighter, safer, more advanced, more spacious, more efficient and better equipped than previous generations. Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, XDS electronic differential lock, manual air conditioning, multifunction computer, electronic tyre pressure system and Stop/Start Technology are all standard. CO2 emissions for the range start at just 99g/km for the 1.6 TDI 105PS. Visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/fleet

Vauxhall Ampera

Peugeot 2008

Volvo V40 Cross Country



INTERESTED IN ATTENDING?For FREE registration, please visit www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net

www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net

INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING?Please contact Colin Boyton on 020 8532 5704 or email [email protected]

REGISTER

FOR FREE

NOW!

MANUFACTURERS ELECTRIC VEHICLES INNOVATION ZONE PRODUCTS & SERVICES

, Rockingham Northamptonshire1 6 0 5 2 0 1 3

THE FLEET SUSTAINABILITY EVENT

The 2012 Alphabet Fleet Managment Report highlighted a remarkable fact; 79 per cent of businesses have embraced ‘sustainability’ by setting green fleet targets as part of their fleet strategy. However companies are still concerned about the apparent cost of going green, especially as cost control remains a priority for most fleets both in the private and public sectors. What does this mean to fleet managers faced with meeting their organisations’ increasing desire to fulfil the environmental agenda? With so much pressure on internal departments, it is often difficult to ring fence the time to deliver on the environmental targets which are increasingly a key part of the CSR deliverable. Another consideration is the knowledge and skill required to establish and implement a sustainable strategy, let alone the cost element.

HELP IS AT HANDPursuing green fleet policies will deliver cost savings in a number of areas for companies, especially fuel. Around half of fleets see the cost of changing vehicles as the main barrier to attaining these goals however. The suggestion is that many would like to bring forward the replacement of existing vehicles with lower-CO2 models but have not done so because of the additional up-front costs for the early termination of contracts. That’s why so many organisations are

employing experienced fleet advisers like Alphabet to help them to achieve their sustainable objectives. One of the proven tools that Alphabet employs to help businesses to measure and manage their fleet’s carbon footprint is GreenCARE. GreenCARE was the industry’s first comprehensive online analysis tool allowing companies online access to the environmental performance of their fleet. Using detailed information on CO2 emissions, vehicle manufacturers, fuel type and engine size Alphabet customers can benchmark their fleet performance and work out where savings can be made with the click of a mouse. The system also allows them to compare their fleet against Alphabet’s ‘average’ and ‘best in class’ performers. GreenCARE has been enhanced, adding sophisticated scenario planning. This allows fleets to plot how changes to their vehicles, such as adjusting manufacturer and model, engine size and fuel type affect the fleet’s performance in terms of CO2 emissions and MPG. Using the results fleet managers can build a realistic fleet policy and plan how to phase out certain vehicles over a set period to reduce CO2 emissions, improve MPG and therefore reduce business cost. In turn this supports users in complying with company goals and CSR requirements – an increasing requirement for many fleet managers.

TIME IS MONEYSignificantly, GreenCARE also saves managers time. Their fleet data is pre-loaded into the system, enabling them to quickly analyse their fleets using a series of graphs or data exported into excel spreadsheets. Nigel Trotman, strategic fleet consultant at Alphabet, commented: “GreenCARE is a really exciting proposition for managers as it helps them to understand and manage their fleet’s carbon footprint. The predictive modelling function is really attractive to users as it allows fleet managers to remodel their fleet online and understand what would happen if they changed their vehicle mix. This is very unique in the industry and available to all Alphabet customers.” Recently GreenCARE has undergone further upgrades, and now offers light commercial vehicle (LCV) operators access to the same reporting and analysis capabilities, helping them make better-informed decisions when it comes to the management of their fleet. In summary GreenCARE was developed to enable our customers to review the environmental impact of their fleet both historically and currently. GreenCARE provides proactive support and guidance to Alphabet’s customers in order for them to meet their corporate environmental responsibilities and potentially reshape the future of their fleet. L

FURTHER INFORMATIONwww.alphabet.co.uk

FLEET MANAGEMENT

EXPERT HELP ON MEETING YOUR GREEN AGENDAGreenCARE from Alphabet helps organisations understand and manage their fleet’s carbon footprint, helping them make better-informed decisions when it comes to fleet management

Advertisement Feature



ŠKODA CITIGO ELEGANCE GREENTECHRoad

Test

ENERGETICALLY ECONOMICALIt may not have hybrid drive or be powered by a super-economical diesel, but Richard Gooding finds that the refreshingly honest Škoda Citigo can still achieve great economy with a conventional petrol engine

The 74bhp

Škoda Citigo

Elegance GreenTech

emits 98g/km of CO2.

Less powerful

59bhp models

cut emissions to

only 96g/km



Since coming under the all-embracing arms of the vast Volkswagen Group in 1991, Škoda is no longer the butt of jokes from stand-up comedians, and has instead built up a reputation for finely-made, value-driven cars. And the Citigo, the smallest car the Czech company currently sells, is no exception. Conceived at the same time as the Volkswagen up! (GreenFleet issue 58) and the SEAT Mii, all three share a platform, a basic body and an interior, with various detail changes to set them apart.

A FULL TROPHY CABINETBuilt to conquest the city car market, the VW Group triumvirate has been well-received and has bolstered the trophy cabinet in Mladá Boleslav, Wolfsburg, and Martorell, with the small Škoda scooping both ‘Best City Car’ and ‘Car of the Year’ prizes at the 2012 Auto Express Car of the Year awards. 2013 has seen it emerge victorious as the CarBuyer ‘Best City Car’, but what are the merits which saw it win the supermini What Car? Green Award last year? It’s not a hybrid and there’s no diesel option, so can a small, conventionally-powered petrol car really cut the environmental mustard? On paper, the answer is yes. The Citigo comes with GreenTech technology from SE models upwards, and the range-topping Elegance model tested boasted the full environmental specification: a Stop/Start system, brake energy recovery and lowered suspension. Reduced rolling resistance 14” tyres are part of the GreenTech package, too, but the test car was fitted with 15-inch rubber on optional larger alloy wheels. Powered by a 74bhp 1.0-litre engine, the Citigo Elegance GreenTech emits only 98g/km, thanks to the environmental add-ons. In less powerful 59bhp guise, GreenTech variants of the Citigo SE/Elegance cut emissions still further to only 96g/km.

DRIVING SATISFACTIONSmall, environmentally-friendly cars can be seen as boring, but that’s one thing the Citigo is not. OK, the extra-cost ‘yoof’ decal kit seen in the photos afforded our car a little more cheekiness, but the Citigo is cheeky by both personality and price – at £10,110, the Elegance GreenTech is £915 cheaper than the equivalent £11,025 up! Its shape is smart, neatly-proportioned and has a touch of industrial design chic about it, while the test car’s non-standard, black-painted wheels add a hint of sportiness. Despite having only 74bhp, the three-cylinder engine is both perky and engaging; its slightly rough-sounding and off-beat three-pot thrum subsiding at speed. It revs well, and gives strong performance, and it’s fun keeping the engine in its rev band, sustaining momentum. The Citigo cruises in the fast lane at legal speeds like a large car (the engine turning over at 3200rpm in top gear), and is very refined for one so small.

RIDE BABY RIDEThe baby Škoda handles nicely and has well-weighted steering. The ride is on a par

with larger cars, and a tell-tale light in the instrument display discretely informs you when to grab the gear lever to stir the tall-ratio ‘box – technical purists will love the short, sharp and mechanical-sounding action. The switchable Stop/Start system is easy to operate, too – just apply the handbrake, knock the car out of gear, take your feet off the pedals and car goes eerily quiet. Apply pressure onto the pedals or select first gear, and the car springs back into life. Škoda quotes an official fuel consumption figure of 67.3mpg on the combined cycle, and it may be entirely achievable. Over my 460 miles with the Citigo, I saw an average of 63.5mpg displayed by the car’s computer. A real-world average of 52.6mpg was slightly more disappointing, but given that my driving style wasn’t eco-minded all the time, it’s a more than commendable result. The Citigo Elegance comes with a Portable Infotainment Device (PID) as standard, and it’s worth the extra £275 outlay on lower-specification versions. Displaying information such as driving range, average and current fuel economy, distance travelled, average speed and time of travel, the 5-inch Navigon-made system also controls music player functions, has Bluetooth connectivity, and is a satellite navigation device. It clips onto the top of the dashboard and is removable for theft prevention, but there is no economy driving ‘game’ mode as on the up!’s identical ‘Maps & More’ system.

STYLISHLY FUNCTIONALIt’s best to describe the Citigo’s interior as stylishly functional. Greyness aside, it is built well and is made of high quality materials. Kit count is good, too, with everything essential as well as added luxuries such as heated seats (on a city car!) and air-conditioning. Option packs are well-priced, and with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, running costs should be minimal. Overall, the Citigo embodies the traditional Škoda traits of good value, honest, well-made cars. It’s a very good, well-specified and extremely likable car. Whether it’s scything though city streets or holding its own on the motorway, the Citigo Elegance GreenTech is an entertaining way of going green, and makes watching your fuel economy fun with a capital ‘F’. L

Road Test

ENGINE: 999cc, three-cylinder petrol

CO2: 98g/km

MPG (combined): 67.3

VED: Band A

BIK: 10%

PRICE (OTR): £10,110 (including VAT. £11,524 as tested)

Škoda Citigo Elegance Greentech

Top: Stop/Start function is simple to use and can be turned off Bottom: standard PID displays all sorts of driving data

Spacious interior is as comfortable and as well-built as larger, more expensive cars

Small city car body hides four-seat interior



HONDA CR-Z SPORTRoad

Test

The petrol engine and electric motor of the updated Honda CR-Z hybrid have been enhanced to increase the power, but fuel economy and carbon emissions have been kept the same – 56.5mpg and 116g/km. The Honda CR-Z is a described as a ‘mild hybrid’. This means that the electric motor never actually powers the wheels on its own but assists the petrol engine by giving it a boost during acceleration. The electric motor is positioned between the engine and gearbox which produces power at much lower engine revs and means the CR-Z pulls away very quickly – great for driving around town. The CR-Z manages 0-62mph in under 10 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.

DRIVING MODESThere are three driving modes on offer; ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’. Eco mode claims to improve fuel economy by up to 10 per cent. When Eco is selected, the Honda feel slightly slower. Sport is good fun – it sharpens the throttle and increases steering effort for a much more gritty ride.

What’s more, this new updated CR-Z has a ‘S+’ button that gives it an electric boost for up to 10 seconds of increased acceleration.

IMPROVING DRIVER STYLEHonda’s Eco Assist helps drivers get the most from the tank by giving them instant feedback on how they’re driving. There are two main elements to the system: an ‘eco drive bar’ indicator within the Multi Information Display, and an ambient meter, behind the digital speedometer display. The ‘eco guide bar’ is a solid bar symbol that moves to either side of a central line. The idea is to drive in a way that keeps the bar in the centre and away from the shaded areas on either side. When driving smoothly, and therefore efficiently, the bar stays more or less near the middle, and the ambient meter behind the speed display glows a green colour. If accelerating aggressively or during sudden braking, the indicator bar will head to the right or left, into the shaded areas to show

A SPORTY HYBRIDIan Bond gets sporty without a heavy conscience in the Honda CR-Z

Honda CR-Z SportENGINE: 1497cc, petrol electric hybrid

CO2: 116g/km

MPG (combined): 56.5

0-62mph: 11.3 seconds

VED: Band C

BIK: 15%

PRICE (OTR): £21,000

major fuel consumption and the ambient meter turns blue. This gives a good visual representation

of how you’re driving and does encourage good habits.

HEY GOOD LOOKINGThere is no doubt that the Honda

CR-Z is a stylish car. The ‘premium white pearl’ paintwork contrasts well with the darkened windows and black frames. That together with the slanted back, gives the CR-Z gives an almost futuristic appearance and makes it a real head-turner. One small grumble is that the design of the rear window, whilst it looks stylish, restricts the vision out of the back, particularly in wet weather. The sports seats were snug and looked good, and all the dials were well positioned making it an all-together comfortable ride. Good looking, sporty, and powerful – with the added benefits of good fuel economy and low emissions, the CR-Z allows you to have fun without too much of a heavy conscience. L

There

are three

driving modes

on offer, ‘Eco’,

‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’.

Eco mode claims to

improve economy by

10 per cent

Stylish: Honda CR-Z is a real headturner



Shrouded in ‘Crystal White’ paintwork, the smart Electric Drive car that arrived was made all the more striking thanks to the Electric Green tridion safety cell and matching door mirrors. As for its ‘footwear’, the funky look was complimented by white 15” 9-spoke alloys. A real head-turner for sure, but how would it compare to the other EVs I’ve had the pleasure of driving? Yet again, I was impressed with the room I get in such a small car. The doors aren’t quite as big as those I found on the VW up! but they’re not far off. A quick scan reveals black upholstery, with the

same Electric Green trim. In front of me I

have a 4-spoke leather steering wheel, with cruise

control buttons and ‘flappy paddles’

that smart calls

a soft touch automatic gear programme, with kickdown function. Interesting – an EV with the ability to ‘shift’ gears. I had heard that just because of the cold, you can lose charge overnight. Rumour or fact?

I was soon to find out. A couple of smaller dials were mounted on

the top of the dashboard. One, called ‘Power’ indicates how

you are actually driving the car, and ‘Battery’ tells you what remains in the lithium-ion, Tesla developed battery. Although I’ve driven countless EVs, the silent

acceleration still takes me by surprise. All-round vision

is fine, and the panoramic sunroof adds good light and

helps considerably. I spend the next few days driving

to-and-from the office, taking the odd dual carriageway to really open the car up. This is the third-generation of the Electric Drive, and although I never drove its predecessor, I have

been told the 0-62 was a very sluggish 26.7 seconds. Imagine my surprise when I reach this in little over 11 seconds – a huge improvement. This car is quite happy at higher speeds, with its 78mph top speed capability meaning you can comfortably change lanes and overtake, without boy-racers tailgating with lights-a-flashing. All this is thanks to the new 55bhp electric motor, with 130Nm of torque. As with all EVs, the regenerative braking means that you can ‘learn’ how to maximise the performance and drag-out the battery life between charges. Once you learn what this car is capable of, you begin to adapt your driving accordingly, gauging distances and letting the car do the work, in terms of slowing itself down, without having to apply too much, or any, brake. As far as the driving of this car goes, it’s a winner, but how does recharging fair? As you’d expect, it’s nice and simple – just plug it in and leave it. Seven hours will give you a full charge, or it can be rapid-charged in an hour. With the Congestion Charge exemption and free parking opportunities, you can see why this starts to stack up financially. However, beware on cold nights – don’t get caught out. If you recharge every night, fine, but if you don’t and it’s very cold (it was minus three degrees when I had it), I noticed that the car seemed to lose around five percent of its charge overnight. You can buy the basic model, including VAT, delivery and plates, for £15,395. And this means you own the ‘whole’ car outright. However, the battery comes with just a three year warranty, so you may want to consider buying the car for £11,500(ish) and leasing the battery for around £55 per month. Overall, a great little car that I am sure will make a big noise in the EV market. If you want the Roland Rendell opinion, I would say this: If you fancy an EV... make the smart choice. L

MAKING THE SMART EV CHOICEHeads turn as Roland Rendell rolls up in smart’s latest EV

Road TestSMART FORTWO ELECTRIC DRIVE

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

ENGINE: 55bhp electric motor

CO2: 0g/km

MPG (combined): Equivalent to 300mpg

VED: Band A

BIK: 0%

PRICE (OTR): £15,395 (inc VAT)

The smart

Fortwo Electric

Drive is the perfect

little car for the daily

commute, and will

surely make a big

noise in the EV

market



Prod

uct F

inde

r

Lex Autolease Blake House, Hatchford Way, Birmingham B26 3RZTel: 0800 389 [email protected]

Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading vehicle management and funding specialist. We have in excess of 300,000 vehicles currently under management, making us the UK's largest leasing company. But it’s through delivering world class customer service and developing a true partnership with businesses and public sector organisations, to help them face the challenges of running a fleet, which gives us our competitive edge.

FLEET MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free serviceADVERTISERS INDEX

FleetdriveHarleyford Marina, Henley RoadMarlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2DXTel: 0800 [email protected] specialise in helping businesses with 5 – 80 cars or light commercials get best value and great service. Our services include contract hire, finance lease, maintenance, accident management, risk management and rental tied together with our online management system.

CONTRACT HIRE

EDF Energy is working with fleet managers across a variety of sectors, helping to deliver a timely, flexible, cost effective Plug-In Vehicles recharging infrastructure solution. We provide an end-to-end recharging service covering the technical assessment of your site(s), impartial advice on hardware requirements and best price design solutions.

EDF Energy329 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 5SUTel: 01273 428 [email protected]

COMPLETE VEHICLE RECHARGING SOLUTIONS

QDell LHR Express Cars

91 Station RoadWest Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7LTTel: 01895 444333 [email protected] www.qdelllhr.co.uk

Located near Heathrow airport, airport runs are our speciality, we offer a meet and greet service where uniformed representatives monitor flights, meet your VIPs and escort them to a waiting vehicle. Electric hybrids. Diesel hybrids, electric vehicles are included in our fleet. We use biofuel made from 100% recycled cooking oil.

PRIVATE HIRE/COURIER SERVICES

GreenRoadFleet House, 8-12 New Bridge StreetLondon EC4V 6AL UKTel: 020 7822 8563 www.greenroad.com

GreenRoad is the leader in driver performance and safety management for fleets. The GreenRoad Driver Improvement Loop™ uses technology-based, personalised driver self-improvement to transform driving culture and deliver the best drivers. Proven across over 70,000 drivers worldwide from all industry segments, GreenRoad dramatically reduces crashes, fuel consumption and emissions so customers realise positive ROI within months.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

Days Contract HireSwansea RoadGarngochSwansea SA4 4LLTel: 0845 815 [email protected]

Days Contract Hire is a unique independent contract hire company servicing private and public sector clients across the UK. Specialists in providing bespoke fleet funding and management solutions for clients of allshapes and sizes.

CONTRACT HIRE

AlphabetForm One, Bartley Wood Business ParkHook, Hampshire RG27 9XA Tel: 0870 50 50 100 [email protected]

GreenCARE is Alphabet’s comprehensive online reporting, analysis and modelling tool designed to help customers reduce their CO2 emissions, fuel and fleet costs, while benchmarking performance against ‘average’ and ‘best in class’ fleet performers. Speak to us today to find out more about how GreenCARE can help to reshape your fleet.

FLEET MAMAGEMENT REPORTING

Alfa 4Alphabet 37Commercial Vehicle Show 24EDF Energy 28Fiat 14, 15Ford 18Lex Autolease 20Mazda OBCMercedes 7, 9Peugeot 10Quartix 22Volkswagen Fleet 30Volvo IFC



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Green Fleet 62

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Transcript of Green Fleet 62