The latest fleet news

February registration fillip for vans February UK registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 10,348 vans and trucks registered in the month. Within that, there were 8,978 vans, up slightly, and 1,370 trucks, still well down. The rolling year total was down 32.2% to 220,521. This includes [...]

National Mobile Windscreens awarded major Vauxhall Fleet contract

Vauxhall Fleet has awarded a 5 year replacement glass contract to National Mobile Windscreens. The contract is worth over £1.25 million over the five year period and National Mobile Windscreens will supply replacement glass to all Vauxhall Company allocated, Business Demonstrator and Remarketing vehicles. Graham Abbott, Vauxhall Fleet Company Vehicle and Business Demonstrator Manager said [...]

Aardvark Concrete improves customer response times using vehicle tracking

Stockport-based Aardvark Concrete, which operates a fleet of 14 vehicles supplying concrete and aggregate to DIY and trade contractors, has improved its customer response times and is now able to offer 30 minute delivery slots thanks to Navman Wireless vehicle tracking. The technology provides managers with real-time information on the exact position and speed of [...]

Revealed: The UKs top 50 garages

Motorists in the UK have nominated their Top 50 garages in the UK for car servicing and repairs. The top five garages in ten UK regions will now progress to the final voting stage of the national competition to find the UK’s best workshop. Over 4,000 motorists voted for their favourite local garage and the UK’s [...]

Call Zebra lead the way in customer service commitment

Call Zebra, the refreshingly alternative accident management company, has become the first in its field of expertise in the UK to join the Institute of Customer Service, the independent professional body for customer service with over 7,000 individual members, reinforcing Call Zebra’s passion and commitment for its customer-focused service Darren Gilling, managing director of Call Zebra, [...]

CFC appoint Collette Dooley to telemarketing team

CFC Solutions are pleased to announce the recent appointment of Collette Dooley as a telemarketing executive concentrating on its range of fleet management software. Collette brings a wealth of experience gleaned from her previous position as a secured loan and commercial mortgage consultant, advising financial advisors about the finance products available to their clients. [...]

Venson secure major Integral fleet deal

Venson Automotive Solutions, the Thames Ditton based independent multi-management specialist, has won one of the largest sole supplier contracts in its recent history, from a rival company, after a competitive tender process saw them sign a major 1,400-vehicle leasing and fleet management with maintenance deal with Bristol-headquartered Integral, Britain’s biggest and fastest growing national provider [...]

Brake supports announcement of Urban Challenge Fund

The Urban Challenge Fund, announced this week in the UK by the Department for Transport, will replace the Congestion Transport Innovation Fund. It is designed to support measures that tackle congestion and also safety and cut carbon emissions. Local authorities can apply to the fund. Brake’s campaigns officer Ellen Booth said: “We welcome the widening of [...]

Volkswagen recruiting 6,000 university graduates and apprentices

This year, the Volkswagen Group will be recruiting 3,000 university graduates worldwide, of which one third will be hired in Germany. In addition, 2,900 young people will begin their vocational training with the Group during the current year. The total number of apprentices will top the 10,000 mark for the first time this year. The Group [...]

Alfa Romeo Mito MultiAir road test

Following on from Alfa’s popular new MiTo launched in 2009 comes the MiTo MultiAir. MultiAir is much more than a marketing buzzword as it unquestionably signifies a major advancement in petrol engine design by yielding a 10% reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 along with a 12.5% increase in power. Alfa Romeo Mito consumer [...]

RHA welcomes report on ‘high risk’ foreign lorries

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed today’s report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which makes the point that foreign trucks are more likely to be the cause of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles than UK operators. The Association is particularly encouraged by the report’s acknowledgment that “they contribute little in the [...]

3 in 4 “would inform” on elderly relative drivers

An IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) online poll has found that 73 per cent of people would report elderly friends or relatives to the authorities if they had concerns over their driving standards. The poll of 1,628 IAM members and non-members also found that 68 per cent believed mandatory re-testing of drivers over the age of [...]

The UK Motor Industry’s call for clear, consistent and supportive budget policies

The UK motor industry has delivered a stark message to the Chancellor as the 2010 Budget was declared for Wednesday 24 March. Measures to encourage industry and boost consumer confidence will be required if the recovery is to be sustained and strengthened. In its annual pre-Budget submission the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) urged [...]

Auto Windscreens short-listed for two major industry awards

Auto Windscreens, the national automotive glazing services company, has been short-listed for two national awards. The company is a finalist in two categories of the prestigious Fleet News Awards 2010. Auto Windscreens will battle it out with AA Business Services, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, GMF Support, Autowide and Chevin Fleet Solutions, for the title of Fleet [...]

AA President becomes Professor

The appointment of Edmund King, President of the AA, as a Visiting Professor working with the Transport Operations Research Group at Newcastle University has been confirmed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Brink. Professor Edmund King will today (10) give a key seminar in Newcastle talking about the power of the media in influencing transport decision [...]

Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv Nav road test

Vauxhall’s inspired replacement for the functional yet incredibly dull Vectra, the Insignia, has certainly blown away the design cobwebs at the manufacturer. It is without doubt one of the prettiest cars on the road at the moment, and it isn’t just an attractive face either as there’s plenty of brains in there too. Bags [...]

Fleet and nearly-new values improve in static February market

BCA’s Pulse report shows that average used car values rose marginally in February, increasing by under half a percent compared to January’s figure to £5,959. Average values rose in the fleet/lease and nearly-new sub-sectors, with values falling by just £10 in the part-exchange market. The overall average value for cars sold in February was £5,959 – [...]

One month left to enter Fleet Safety Forum Awards

The deadline for entries to the Fleet Safety Forum Awards for Excellence is fast approaching on 12 April 2010. Organisations that have worked to improve fleet safety are being urged to enter the annual awards, run by the Fleet Safety Forum, a division of Brake, the road safety charity. Awards will be presented at a [...]

Average new car CO2 emissions fall by biggest ever margin

Average new car CO2 emissions fell by their biggest ever margin last year with the impact of recession and the Scrappage Incentive Scheme boosting the continued influence of technological advances made by vehicle manufacturers, according to the annual New Car CO2 Report released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The average new car [...]

Daimler sells equity in Tata Motors

Daimler yesterday sold all of its 5.34% of the ordinary shares of Indian automotive company Tata Motors to various groups of investors through the capital market. Tata Motors’ share price has risen significantly, especially last year, so Daimler will receive a substantial cash inflow of approximately €300 million from the sale of its shares. The [...]

CADILLAC consumer reviews

Malcolm, Lincolnshire on the Cadillac BLS

Superb car and excellent value, well made and good miles per gallon from the diesel engine. I usually change cars after one year but I will be keeping this motor for quite some time.

Stefan, County Down on the Cadillac BLS

I have driven a lot of cars in my life. Mercedes, BMW, Audi... But Cadillac BLS is the best of them. A wonderful and powerful engine with 1.9 Diesel. I don’t understand why this car is so hard to see at the roads? A dealer told me that it is mandatory for the Cadillac dealer to have a separate showing room for Cadillac’s with graphite tiles at the floor! So thanks to that stupid rule I’m alone with my Cadillac so people staring at me and the car when I come along...

X, London on the Cadillac STS

Fast, quiet, smooth, secure.

Kevan, Nottinghamshire on the Cadillac BLS

I purchsed this car as I do around 25k miles per year and it seemed like a bargain - so I was prepeared to be disappointed. It is one of the nicest cars I’ve owned. Surprisingly economical, comfortable, reliable & well made. I’ve only had a minor problem with the gearbox which was fixed under warranty with the minimum of fuss. I like the fact that it gets so much attention as they are a rare site on UK roads. Even teenagers have asked what it is - one young girl described it as "well wicked". It such a shame that they aren’t more popular. Would I but another one? - You bet!

Tom, Northumberland on the Cadillac BLS

I fancied something a bit different and this seemed a quality car. I am not disappointed, it is comfortable, economic and cruises down the motorway.

Myra, Oxfordshire on the Cadillac CTS

A lovely car, a little disappointed by the dealership service. Well built, quality interior and great drive.

Julia, Middlesex on the Cadillac SRX

Drove one of these in the states, great equipment, airconis superb but it is pricey and poor on fuel economy at 20mpg.

Martin, Lincolnshire on the Cadillac XLR

It looks like the Batmobile! I recently test drove this car but it wasn’t for me. It’s not unpleasant to drive at all and it certainly had a lot more refinement than I was expecting, but as with most American cars it was just a little too much for me. It’s a really big car but has a completely impractical boot. I think this is really a statement car and I prefer something a little more understated.

Robert, London on the Cadillac CTS

I drove one of these all over Florida for 2 weeks covering about 3000 miles. It’s not up to Mercedes E class levels of comfort/drive ability but it comes quite close. The engine is excellent with plenty of power when needed, interior very good but front seats not as good as the Germans. Rear space good. Lots of toys, excellent stereo - Bose - downside is it’s a thirsty beast. Upside - it handles like a European car, it doesn’t wallow like virtually every other American car I’ve driven, looks great and is a very unusual sight on our roads. It may be a better bet to look for a low mileage second-hand model because the depreciation is quite high. In other words it is a second hand bargain - may be worthy of an LPG conversion.

Jeremy, England on the Cadillac BLS

A re-bodied Saab 9-3 is the basis for the Caddy and comes out of the Saab factory. It’s well made and drives well - suspension on the soft side. Distinctive looks a decent engine make for a nice package. Ours was a year old and got for a bargain price - a unique exec at Vectra money!!

Geoff, Staffordshire on the Cadillac BLS

Got a superb luxury motor for the price of an ordinary saloon. 12 months old and a real head turner with special wheels and low profile tyres. Best car I’ve driven. Love it!

Paul, Kent on the Cadillac STS

I own a small Limo company and the Cadillac is a very popular car, usually for all girl bookings or weddings. Not a car I’d personally chose to drive, it has no real finesse to it and is is very heavy to drive. Saying that it does have something about it and has a very comfortable interior, if a little dated.

Graham, Essex on the Cadillac Escalade

Looking for something a little different I decided to test drive the Escalade. I was expecting a formidable looking vehicle, which it is, but was not expecting it to handle like a double decker bus! Definate no-no for me. 2 out of 5.

The latest road tests

Alfa Romeo Mito - Following on from Alfa’s popular new MiTo launched in 2009 comes the MiTo MultiAir. MultiAir is much more than a marketing buzzword as it unquestionably signifies a major advancement in petrol engine [...]

Vauxhall Insignia - Vauxhall’s inspired replacement for the functional yet incredibly dull Vectra, the Insignia, has certainly blown away the design cobwebs at the manufacturer. It is without doubt one of the prettiest c [...]

Nissan NV200 - Nissan introduced the NV200 to the European market as a concept at the Hanover Motor Show back in 2008 and the production model has set the tone for its future LCV line-up. The NV200 is a nimble packa [...]

Toyota Auris - Launched in 2007 as the successor to the long-serving, record-selling Corolla, for 2010 the Auris has been restyled inside and out with revised suspension, newer Optimal Drive engines and spec enhance [...]

Skoda Roomster - The Roomster is the least known of the current model line up at Skoda even though it has been an integral part of their family for several years and in many ways it’s easy to see why. There’s no doubt [...]

Ford Galaxy - The Galaxy gains a new turbo petrol engine and twin-clutch gearbox, while the diesel engine line-up is also revised. Upgraded trim levels bring more standard equipment, but the Galaxy’s impressive sev [...]

The latest traffic information

Overnight closures to install bridge beams over the A421

The project to improve safety and cut congestion on the A421 between Bedford and the M1 at Junction 13 moves a step forward next week, Monday 15 March, weather permitting, when work will begin to place the beams on the two new bridges at Marsh Leys Junction. The bridges are being built to carry the [...]

Roadworks information for Highways Agency roads in Cumbria and North Lancashire – 7 days beginning Monday 15th March 2010

ONGOING SCHEMES A595 West Lakes Science Park to Bigrigg (resurfacing and drainage) – traffic signals for resurfacing and drainage works. Work continues until the 26th March. M6 (Cumbria) Between Junctions 39 and 40 Shap to Penrith (bridge works) – various lane closures and contraflow in both directions for bridge improvements. Work continues until the 26th [...]

Roadworks information for Highways Agency roads in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire – 7 days beginning Monday 15th March 2010

ONGOING SCHEMES M57 Junction 2 to Junction 1 Prescot to Huyton (safety system) – overnight closure southbound from 22.00 to 05.00 between Monday 15th March and 19th March for installation of the MIDAS traffic safety system. M53 & A41 M53 Junction 4 to Junction 5 Bebington to Ellesmere Port and A41 junction with M53 Junction [...]

Highways Agency meet with project partners and local residents to address M6 work concerns

The Highways Agency are working closely with Walsall Council and the residents who live closest to the M6 roadworks near Junction 10 (Walsall) to find solutions to their concerns and develop new ways of working for the remainder of the project. Last week, the Highways Agency met with project partners Carillion and Mouchel at the [...]

North East roadworks update – 13th March – 19th March

A1M, Junction 62, County Durham Slight delays are expected overnight on the A1M at Junction 62 for CCTV camera installation works. There will be one lane open north and southbound on the slip roads and circulatory between 8pm and 6am. The works will take place until 13 March. A1 Newcastle Gateshead Western Bypass, [...]

M25 widening making good progress – work to start between junctions 18 and 21

The next stage of a major construction project to widen the M25 in Hertfordshire is being marked by public exhibition at Hunton Bridge in Abbots Langley. The Highways Agency is widening the motorway from three lanes to four between junction 16, for the M40, and junction 23, for the A1(M). The M25 is also being [...]

Good News For Motorists – Mere A303 Works Completing Nine Days Ahead Of Schedule

Major resurfacing and maintenance work on the A303 near Mere is being completed nine days ahead of schedule and around £1 million under budget. All traffic management and diversion routes will be lifted by the evening of Friday, March 12 marking the end of these major works in Wiltshire. A combination of careful planning and [...]

Driver Advice Crufts 11-14 March 2010

Visitors to Crufts this week are being advised by the Highways Agency to plan their journey and allow plenty of time to get to the event. With around 150,000 people expected to attend the show, surrounding roads, particularly the M42 and M6, are likely to be very busy. The Highways Agency has had the electronic [...]

Work to repair A47 carriageway

Repairs to a section of the A47 west of Dereham are set to start on Thursday 11 March. The work involves replacing several concrete carriageway slabs with an asphalt surface on the westbound carriageway as well as repairs to Scarning Bridge on both east and westbound carriageways. The work will be carried out between 8pm [...]

Smoother road surface for the A46 at Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire

A scheme to resurface the Winthorpe roundabout, and repair sections of the A46 carriageway near Winthorpe will start on Monday, 22 March. The work will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am for four nights, but while the resurfacing and carriageway patching repairs take place there will be lane and carriageway closures. From Monday 22 [...]

A500 Stoke on Trent (Etruria to Porthill) improvement update

Work on the A500 Etruria to Porthill improvement scheme is continuing on schedule despite setbacks caused by the recent adverse weather. The majority of street lighting columns have been erected and work to reconstruct the footpath is ongoing. From next week, as announced in the original notification of works, the speed limit through the roadworks [...]

Weekly Summary of Roadworks for M25 – 11/03/2010

A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All dates and times subject to weather conditions M25 Widening M25 junction 27 The anti clockwise link road leading to the M11 northbound will be closed overnight for 11 nights from 10.00pm to 05.30am from Monday 15 March 2010 until Friday 26 March [...]

Weekly Summary of Roadworks in Kent & Sussex – 11/03/2010

A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All of the following work is dependent on suitable weather conditions. M20 Junction 8 Ashford Road The A20 Ashford Road Bridge, which runs above the M20 junction 8 overbridge will be closed until mid March. The work is being carried out in order [...]

Weekly Roundup of Roadworks in Surrey, Hampshire, South Oxfordshire and South Berkshire

A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All of the following work is dependent on suitable weather conditions. M4 between Baydon & Membury Service Station The final phase of the maintenance work on the M4 between Baydon and Membury Service Station is continuing this week. Narrow lane traffic management is in place [...]

New rules to improve safety and information at road works

All road works will need to be clearly signed and meet strict rules on safety under plans published today by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan. Utility firms already have to provide information at road works – including a contact telephone number and details of who is carrying out the works – as well as meeting high [...]

M6 Delivering Managed Motorways traffic management update for Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Saturday 13 March February 2010

The Highways Agency will be carrying out work overnight later this week to install new overhead gantries, signs and signals as part of the expansion of the Managed Motorway scheme on the M6. The overnight closure for Thursday 11 March is: * Closure of M6 Southbound J10 exit slip road to A454. The overnight closures for [...]

Lorry overtaking restriction made permanent to cut congestion on A1 (M) near Durham

A daytime ban on overtaking by heavy vehicles on two stretches of the A1(M) in County Durham becomes permanent on 31 March after a successful 18 month trial resulted in less congestion and improved journey time reliability. The restriction will be in place between 7am and 7pm each day on two uphill stretches of the [...]

A38 Maintenance Work at Turfdown Roundabout

Improvements and maintenance work on the Turfdown Roundabout and A38 between Carminow and Colesloggett will begin Monday March 15. In order to make journeys more reliable for road users, the Highways Agency will resurface the road and widen the surface area, improve the kerbing, lights and road signs, and clear vegetation. Narrow lanes and a [...]

M45 closure in both directions for weekend maintenance work

The M45 in Northamptonshire and Warwickshire will be closed in both directions this weekend to allow works to take place on the carriageways and verges. Drainage and road surface studies will be undertaken, and resurfacing work and tree-felling will also take place during the closures. Investigation work will start on Friday 12 March at 8pm [...]

Overnight closures on westbound A14 in Northamptonshire as part of ongoing £70 million technology upgrade

A £70 million Highways Agency scheme to install congestion-busting electronic equipment along the A14 will require five nights of closures in Northampton next week. The westbound A14 carriageway will be closed between junction 2, and the Catthorpe Interchange at junction 19 of the M1 for the technology installation work. The A14 at junction 13 will [...]

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