The latest fleet news

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 [...]

Workers in finance sector worst at falsely claiming expenses

Almost one in thirty SME employees has falsely claimed expenses according to research commissioned by fuelGenie. At a time when business profits are under immense pressure, small businesses need to have robust expense practices in place – failure to do so will have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. Sarah Keane at fuelGenie said: [...]

UK performing relatively poorly in Europe’s jobless league table, says CIPD

Although unemployment has risen by far less than expected in the past year, a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) analysis of official Eurostat data finds joblessness in the UK to be relatively high by European Union (EU) standards. According to the CIPD the UK is no better than a ‘mid table’ performer in [...]

Comment: ASA CO2 Adverts Adjudication

The Association of British Drivers (ABD) welcomes the fact that two Government newspaper adverts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for exaggerating the dangers of projected future climate change. The ASA have also referred the TV advert to Ofcom for potentially breaching a ban on political advertising. However, we are disappointed, but [...]

The new BMW 5 Series Touring available from September 2010

Hot on the heels of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon that goes on sale in March, BMW’s popular Touring model will reach the UK market in September 2010.  It will be the fourth generation of Touring models in the 5 Series range. BMW 5 Series Touring lease prices Initially available in four derivatives, the new BMW [...]

Fleet news round-up: March 12, 2010

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 [...]