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Fleet Directory

Thursday, March 18th 2010

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The latest fleet news

Continued surge in student numbers enables unemployment to fall

Continued surge in student numbers enables unemployment to fall, despite fewer people in work as private sector sheds jobs, says CIPD Dr John Philpott, Chief Economic Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) comments as follows on official labour market statistics published earlier today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which update [...]

Almost 50% agree with plans to fine drivers who leave engines running

Nearly half of people agree with plans to fine drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily according to a new poll by Motorpoint. Some 47% of motorists surveyed by the car supermarket giant backed the move by North Lincolnshire Council to charge drivers £20 every time they leave their engine running for too long while loading [...]

IMI honour top industry achievers

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) celebrated the achievements of automotive companies and individuals in the Skillmiles scheme at its Annual Dinner last week in the presence of the Institute’s Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent. In front of an audience of more than 340 industry executives who attended the prestigious annual event at The [...]

Honda: affected models are not sold in Europe

Honda will recall approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years in the US to modify the Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) modulator. Honda has received customer complaints of brake pedals that feel "soft" or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops. In [...]

Too expensive to fill up! Fleet Voice

Fleet Voice Column. March 17, 2010. The 2010 Formula One Season kicked off in Bahrain and saw Spaniard Fernando Alonso take a win on his Ferrari debut. It was a mixed event for British challengers, as Lewis Hamilton made it onto the third step of the podium, however reigning world champion, Jenson Button had a frustrating [...]

Responsible young drivers can earn insurance savings

As part of its campaign to address the most at-risk drivers on our roads – young drivers – the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has provided an incentive for young drivers to be safer. IAM Surety Insurance, offered exclusively to IAM members via Adelaide Insurance, has until now been targeted at drivers aged 21 and above. [...]

Lex Autolease survey reveals company cars mean fast cash for UK businesses

Lex Autolease, the UK’s largest company car and van provider has recently commissioned a survey, in partnership with YouGov, which has highlighted the growth funds being raised through ‘sale and leaseback’ agreements with one in four (27%) financial directors intend to offload company-owned vehicles in a bid to raise more cash. The survey reveals that [...]

Lombard: Fundamentals of Salary Sacrifice need to be understood by fleets

Lombard Vehicle Management, the UK’s largest asset finance company are warning that fleets need to have a better appreciation of the fundamentals when it comes to salary sacrifice. Whist they may be flavour of the month a lack of understanding of what is involved in this type of scheme may spell problems for both employer [...]

‘Not a drop; not a drag’ campaign steps up a gear

Road safety charity Brake and Direct Line today reveal an overwhelming cry from the British public for Government action to 20curb the menace of drink and drug driving. The call comes in the same month as the findings from an inquiry on drink and drug driving by Lord Peter North for the Department for Transport are [...]

Toyota say recall programme on course

One month on from the launch of Toyota’s accelerator recall campaign, work has been completed on more than half – 90,000-plus – of the cars that have been identified as requiring attention. An even larger proportion of recalled Prius models have received adjustment to their braking software programme with 58 per cent of the affected vehicles [...]

The CIPD People Management Awards to celebrate good practice through recession in 2010

Nominations for the 2010 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) People Management Awards are now officially open. Standard categories such as Employee engagement and Organisational learning will be contested as normal, alongside The Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award, introduced this year to recognise the contribution CIPD students make to business success. An overall winner [...]

Bank of England study adds dose of realism to assessment of UK labour market outlook

Responding to today’s analysis in the latest Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin of UK labour market adjustment during the recession, the CIPD’s Chief Economic Adviser, John Philpott, says that Bank officials have produced a realistic assessment of the outlook for jobs: “The Bank of England study adds a dose of realism to the view that [...]

April’s bike tyre safety month

Free campaign materials are now available for motorcycle dealers, tyre retailers, specialist repairers and motorcycle accessory shops enabling them to participate in April’s bike tyre safety month. The campaign is being organised by leading tyre safety action group, TyreSafe, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of correct tyre care and maintenance at this [...]

Ian Lucas plugs in to the UK’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging point

Business Minister Ian Lucas yesterday announced £8.4m funding for a new training centre for the low carbon vehicle industry, meeting students from Gateshead College who will be using it to learn new low carbon skills. The new centre will train those already working in the sector, young people and adults, and students from age 14 upwards [...]

Ebbon-Dacs warns companies of the cost of using outdated technology

Ebbon-Dacs, the Oxford-based online solutions provider, is warning companies that employing outdated technologies to source and buy their new vehicles could be costing their businesses dearly. The supplier of the fleet industry’s leading e-procurement solution, Leaselink, used by 10 of the UK’s 15 largest contract hire and leasing companies to source and procure new vehicles electronically, [...]

New LPG rental service set help businesses save

A new vehicle hire company aims to provide businesses with a low cost, low carbon vehicle hire solution. As the UK’s first all-LPG vehicle hire firm, Wolverhampton-based Auto LPG Vehicle Hire provides business customers with a range of LPG vehicles including Ford Transits and Citroen Berlingos, available for short term hire. The firm offers flexible [...]

Comment: Brake urges cross-party support on lower drink-drive limit

The Sunday Times has reported that Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, expects an official review of the drink and drug drive laws by Sir Peter North to recommend reducing the legal drink-drive limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg. He said he would take this “very seriously” and added: “A strong [...]

January’s motor finance sales up almost a quarter on previous year

The latest motor finance figures from the Finance & Leasing Association showed that the return of the 17.5% VAT rate and heavy snowfall impacted on sales in January, but consumer new car finance sales were up almost a quarter on last year. Consumers bought 23% more new cars using motor finance through dealers in January than [...]

TomTom App now offers HD traffic and local search

TomTom have today announced several enhancements to its TomTom app for iPhone, including HD traffic compatibility and Local Search powered by Google. These new features hope to ensure optimal routing and an even more intuitive navigation experience. The latest version of the TomTom app (Version 1.3) can be purchased on the App Store starting today. “TomTom continues to [...]

Europcar roll out new multimedia devices to aid journey planning

Europcar is the first company in Europe to offer Microsoft Surface tables to provide its customers with a new way of planning their journeys. The first interactive touch-driven table using is being previewed at this week’s ITB Berlin fair and will be rolled out for customers over the next few weeks at Munich airport. A selection [...]

DODGE consumer reviews

Edmund, Germany on the Dodge Avenger

 star rating

Yes fantastic. Many options and driveS well, but the alloy wheels are too soft and easy bend.

Geoff, Lancashire on the Dodge Caliber

 star rating

Having owned a 2001 Chrysler Neon auto for 6 years, and needing another car...a 2008 Caliber SXT CVT (Auto) fitted the bill for interior quality..... leather, heated seats,cruise control, etc...etc. The engine performs even better than the Neon, and is much quieter I cannot fault the Caliber at all.........oh yes.....they omitted the drivers left foot rest on the auto! Excellent value for money.....and more room than a Ford or Vauxhall!

Matt, Pembrokeshire on the Dodge Caliber

 star rating

I have this car on lease for two years. It is very smooth on the motorway and has a very comfortable driving position. The engine lacks pull; certainly for a two litre and the auto change can be unpredictable when pushed. Otherwise a competent car that really is great value for money.

Paul, Berkshire on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

I’m leasing my Nitro over 2 years. For £120 a month I couldn’t go wrong. I never tire of its looks, which are truly aggressive with a typical massive front flat grille that all Dodges have. I have the SXT 3.7 V6 in black with the 20" low profile rims. Not had any of the roll issues that others report, so I think the bigger wheels must help. The V6 is FAR superior to the rattly Italian diesel that the CRD models use. It’s smooth, very torquey, and quite powerful at 210bhp. Average MPG is 23, which given its size puts it ahead of a Merc ML370 V6, or a Santa Fe V6. Leather seats are kinda cheap and hard. But I found that several coats of Liquid Leather helped. The trip computer and digital compass are cool as is the digital tire pressure gauge telling you the pressure of all 4 wheels. The 9 speaker Infinity sound system with Subwoofer is out of this world. Far superior to the Harmon Kardon system in the new Range Rover Sport I have compared them side by side, and the Dodge’s system is way better. Incredible bass. Neat little tricks like the bar graph above the rear window so you can see your parking distance at the same time as looking in the rear view mirror is really neat. Overall, given its price, and the package you are getting I think it’s a very good buy if this is the type of vehicle you are looking for.

Elliot, Berkshire on the Dodge Journey

 star rating

The Journey has been a very good vehicle and has done over 10,000 trouble-free miles. The MPG is decent as long as you do not regularly get stuck in traffic. I have two dogs and this Dodge can accommodate them both in comfort. There is plenty of load-space; a great alternative to the S-Max.

Bent, Essex on the Dodge Journey

 star rating

I love the Journey! Much better interior then in the other Dodge cars (Avenger and Caliber). It’s roomy and flexible. It’s probably the best bang for buck family car on the market!

Stewart, Yorkshire on the Dodge Avenger

 star rating

What can I say.. .as I suspected Clarkson was wrong.... he’s probably never been near a Dodge Avenger..... It’s fantastic! The 2.0 CRD SXT has everything, and I mean everything: ABS, EPS, remote CL, climate control, heated leather seats, heated/ chilled cup holder, chiller cabinet, electric adjustable seat, steering wheel stereo controls, cruise, tyre pressure and MPG monitoring, compass, temperature sensors, front/side/curtain airbags, etc. Think a fat demanding American, this car meets his every need, and goes further. It even has a glow in the dark boot release handle in case you get car jacked and stuffed in the boot. Equipped with the MyGig the 20 gig hard drive stores masses of MP3s and photos, DVD player, Eurpoean SatNav, amazing radio, voice activated controls, uConnect telephone system.. The CRD engine is VW and very efficient. Does have a strange burble sound at low revs. On the motorway it wants to shoot past the legal limit, bags of power. The handling is great. The ride is soft, but doesn’t lean. The styling is striking. Brute like looks, the envy of boy racers. Better equipped and £5k less than a basic 2.0 (140BHP) TDi VW Passat. It’s not rocket science.

Jim, Hampshire on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

Well, I have been back and forth through Europe many times in many different cars but the Dodge is great, 22000 miles this year already and the (monster Truck) just eats them. I’ve never been more relaxed after a 16 hour drive.

George, Newport on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

My car is the s**t! I like it, it’s good on gas, the engine purr doesn’t seem to bother me, I just really can’t say nothing bad about it. I’m from colorado and it does great in the snow, mud, rain. Whatever I put this baby up to she pulls through for me, the only thing I would say is that I wish it came in a v-8. The car is sexy especially with tinted windows 22 inch rims and an exhaust system, damn my baby is sick haahahahaha.

Peter, England on the Dodge Caliber

 star rating

I’ve just bought my wife this car from a dealer in Bury (absolutely fantastic service), I can’t believe what value for money you get in this model, leather, auto, heated seats.... the list goes on and on, so smooth to drive and brilliant driving height, could not recommend this vehicle enough. I am so impressed looking at either the Nitro or new Journey for myself.

Dodge, Berkshire on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

Wow factor for sure! I have a Black SXT diesel auto - have to say that I am still enjoying it, it still gets looks where ever it goes. If your bored with the average 4 x 4, the Nitro has been fun, mpg - average @ 27 mpg.

Darrell, Kent on the Dodge Ram

 star rating

No review submitted.

Peter, Warwickshire on the Dodge SRT-10

 star rating

I drove one of these in the states. Super cool, scarily fast and the most fun on four wheels you can have.

Raju, London on the Dodge SRT-10

 star rating

I own this junk, paid £66.000 and nothing but problems from day one,I am in litigation with chrysler uk. All i want is my money back.Its standing in my drive not functioning since october 2007 and chrysler don,t know the problem. DON,T EVER INVEST YOUR MONEY IN ANY CHRYSLER CARS......

Michael, Lincolnshire on the Dodge Caliber

 star rating

What a slug! A Lada would see it off. Fuel consumption poor, I’ve never yet achieved 30mpg. I’ve had to convert to LPG to be able to afford to run it. If this is the best America can produce then my advice to them is not to bother. Ps - I forgot to mention the noise.

Ryan, Oxfordshire on the Dodge SRT-10

 star rating

A real beast. It’s very poweful but there’s no getting away from it’s size and it is a big car. Great fun to drive and certainly turns heads whereever it goes but a nightmare to park. Still love it though.

Kareem, Middlesex on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

I’ve had this now for 6 months and fell for the wow factor of this 4x4. It’s a really impressive looking car and I’ve been stopped loads of times at petrol stations and in car parks by people wanting to have a closer look but, and unfortunately there is one, the roll on this can sometimes make you feel queasy and whilst initially I felt the engine noise was reassuringly rugged, it’s now just irritating. It’s definately a solid car and very reasonably priced but it’s thirsty, noisy and I’ve fallen out of love with it very quickly. Will probably have to take a hefty hit on my wallet too when I eventually get rid - you live and learn!

James, Buckinghamshire on the Dodge Nitro

 star rating

I bought this Dodge mainly because of the looks and the reviews seemed pretty positive. Apart from the fair economy of the vehicle I am disappointed with most of what the Nitro offers. Also, if I’d realised how badly it was going to depreciate in value I would have looked elsewhere. Distinctly average.

Mark, Huntingdonshire on the Dodge Caliber

 star rating

If you want something "different" then this car is a good value, spacious family hatchback that does offer value for money.

Harry, Westmoorland on the Dodge Avenger

 star rating

I recently test drove this car as I was looking for something a little different than the usual run of the mill saloon cars on offer. First impressions were good, it’s definately an impressive looking car and I really wanted to love it but after a very bouncy ride and a closer look at the interior, which looks a bit cheap, I realised that there are better saloons out there for the money.

The latest road tests

Alfa Romeo Mito

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 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 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

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

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

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 [...]

An image of the 2008 Ford Focus.

The latest traffic information

M2 Medway Bridge, Kent: Maintenance Inspections

To ensure that the M2 Medway Bridge is effectively maintained, the Highways Agency will be inspecting the bridge near junctions 1 to 3 on the M2 in Rochester, Kent from Monday 15 March until the end of May. Work will take place first on the coastbound carriageway and then later on the London-bound carriageway. All [...]

Boost to Economy as £8 Million Improvement Work On M4 Start Early

Advance work to improve safety and tackle congestion on the M4 in Berkshire started this month. Work is now underway on an improvement scheme to the M4 between junction 8/9 at Maidenhead and junction 10 at Wokingham costing £8 million – £4 million of which is Government fiscal stimulus funding. The Highways Agency is strengthening [...]

Highways Agency to install protective screens on Woodway Lane footbridge after objects thrown from bridge

From next Monday, the Highways Agency will begin work to install protective screens on the Woodway Lane footbridge which crosses the M6 between Junction 2 (Coventry) and Junction 3 (Bedworth). This follows repeated incidents of objects being thrown from the bridge, resulting in more than ten vehicles being struck. A local partnership, including the Highways [...]

Good News for Motorists – M4 Works between J18 and 19 completed eight days ahead of schedule

Work to replace 4.3 miles of steel central reservation barrier with a safer concrete barrier between junction 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32 Bristol) of the M4 has been completed a week ahead of schedule and half a million pounds under budget. A combination of careful planning and good weather has helped the project team complete [...]

New traffic lights for A628/A57 junction, Hollingworth

The Highways Agency will be carrying out work to install new traffic lights at the junction of the A628 and A57 in Hollingworth Village near Glossop. Work will start on Monday, 22 March and will be completed on 30 April. As well as installing new traffic lights, work will also take place to provide pedestrian [...]

West Midlands motorway and trunk road maintenance programme 15-21 March 2010

M6 Junction 14 (Stafford North) to Junction 13 (Stafford South) The southbound M6 between junction 14 and junction 13 will be closed overnight from 8.00pm to 6.00am from Saturday 20 March to Sunday 21 March for the removal of narrow lanes as part of hard shoulder strengthening. This will include the entry slip road at [...]

Yorkshire and the Humber Roadworks Update; Saturday 13 March to Friday 19 March

M1, Junction 30 (Barlborough) to Junction 31 (Aston), south of Sheffield Slight delays are expected on the M1 between Junction 30 (Barlborough) and Junction 31 (Aston) due to sign repair work. There will be two lanes closed on the northbound carriageway overnight from 9pm on 18 March until 5am on 19 March. M1, Junction 32 [...]

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 [...]