Transfer drama, Murray Slam-dunked, while fleets get cleaner
Fleet Voice Column: Wednesday 3, 2010
Former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson once said ‘A week is a long time in politics’ but it feels even longer when in journalism.
In the past week, we have witnessed talks about talks on how policing and devolution should be implemented in Northern Ireland (nothing ever changes – Ed speak), the football transfer window has come to a close with the biggest deal being a loan signing (Robbie Keane moving from Tottenham Hotspur to Glasgow Celtic), while Andy Murray was beaten by the best player on the planet – Roger Federer in the Australian Open final.
As you have read, a busy week for all concerned and I haven’t even got to the fleet industry yet!
Yes, the world is fast paced as nothing seems to stop and news is available 24/7 but what about the fleet industry…it too is moving with the times and you should be proud of what you are doing to achieve these aims.
You the fleet manager have bought cleaner and greener vehicles than any time before. According to statistics from the British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association (BVRLA), its members operate a combined fleet of around 1.6 million cars, this saw the average CO2 emissions of vehicles on fleets in 2009 fall to 144g/km. This represents a fall of about 4% from the 149.9g/km reported for vehicles added to fleets in 2008 and 9% on the 2007 figure. (see article for the full story)
This is more ammunition to disprove claims that company car drivers are gas guzzlers. Some environmental groups have labelled fleets as big polluters but these statistics show that fleets are actually greener than most commentators and lobbyists think.
It is true that the government’s emissions-based tax regime has given fleets and their drivers a great incentive to drive cleaner cars. But at the end of the day, the fleet manager and the drivers have the final say. Clearly they are joining in on this ‘green revolution’.
From green issues to a new man at the helm – A new name for your contacts book is Keith Jones as he has been named Chevrolet National Fleet Sales Manager.
This also means that you will be dealing with Chevrolet direct as it establishes a new, independent fleet sales operation, separate from GM.
Meanwhile, former GM owned marque Saab, now under the Spyker banner is looking to the future. Saab lost its way during the past few years but the Dutch firm that now own it, plans to rebuild a global car brand which will be repositioned towards an independent performance-oriented niche car company with an industry-leading environmental strategy.
A favourite for many user-choosers, Saab has always been seen as a trendy left field choice – a little different from the ‘norm’ but still with a touch of class thanks to its DNA that is rooted in its aeronautical heritage.
Saab will continue but as “Saab Spyker” and you the fleet manager should keep a close eye on what the new company has in store…three to four models are already in the pipeline 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets.
There is also potential for the company to manufacture a fourth smaller car line (possibly named a “9-1”) but this vehicle is a watch this space item for now…
Saab Spyker will launch the new 9-5 early this summer, while the new 9-4X is due in early 2011 and the new ‘all Saab’ 9-3 in 2012.
So as you can see a week is a long time in journalism but fleets are keeping apace with the changes.
Remember greener vehicles give your company a better image, allow you to cut costs on fuel and tax bands so keep up the good work and the fleet industry will continue to grow.
Simon McBride
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