Semiconductor shortage yet to bite
Surprising that as many as three out of four fleets report that there has been no impact on their operations. This is, in our view, quite a high figure. The most likely explanation is that it is largely accounted for by either fleets planning further ahead in their vehicle replacement process, or by the contract extensions that were widely undertaken by many businesses during the pandemic when mileage fell dramatically These particular fleets have been unaffected by delayed orders either because they have not been trying to replace vehicles, or have not yet really felt the full impact of the extended lead times.
Fleet electrification starting to prompt switch to leasing for SMEs
Leasing circumvents the problems of upfront costs and provides regular payments over a period of time, plus it also removes any residual value worry. This is an issue because some SMEs perceive that current EVs will be superseded by better models in the medium term. Also, there is a general degree of worry about the shape of the economy and leasing means that businesses can keep more money in the bank for a longer period of time, providing a higher degree of liquidity if problems do arise
R2C – digitising the fleet management process
Recognising that the smaller fleets market was poorly served by fleet software providers, r2c Online has designed a new, lower-cost software package that offers many of the key features of its established, full-featured product but with a simplified onboarding process and a quicker, self-paced training course.
Northgate’s mobility solutions keeping you on the road
Trading for more than 40 years with 50,000 strong fleet of vehicles, Northgate Vehicle Hire is a leading mobility solutions provider of light commercial and business vehicles to SME users. With 67 branches and workshops and more than 1,800 employees across the UK. The business has won a string of awards including winning the Best Van Fleet Management award and Highly Commended for Best Long-Term Rental and Best Van Rental at the 2021 Business Van Awards, Northgate continues to put customer service at the heart of its business proposition.
Daily rental companies turning away fleet business for retail
Rental shortages are currently a regular topic of conversation among AFP members, with widespread discussions about the difficulties being faced. It’s a situation that is showing few signs of improvement and may even get worse before it improves. Rental companies – like everyone else – simply can’t access new vehicle supply in the quantities they need.
Genesis chapter 4 – G80 2.2 AWD
The G80 comes is certainly at the luxury end of the saloon market and offers lots of standard features, luxury seating and lots of space. It's up against the likes of the BMW 5 0r 7 series, Audi A8 along with the bigger Mercedes. While the Genesis can match them on looks and equipment, it struggles to compete as an equal when it comes to performance and handling.
Cyber security warning for fleets
Earlier this month Sixt reported it had been the subject of cyber attack. The company, which operates 2,000 locations across 110 countries, managed to act quickly and contain it at an early stage. A recent government survey showed that in the last 12 months, 39% of UK businesses have identified a cyber attack.
Fleets expect growth over the next 3 years
A net 27% of organisations predicting expansion of their fleet operations is a strong indication of confidence in the sector. This is comparable to the 29% figure seen in 2021 and stronger than the 21% recorded in 2020. Clearly, businesses expect a strong rebound in 2022.
Need to control fleet costs? Silvey Fleet has an app for that
The latest version of its Miles Monitor app automatically captures mileage and monitors driver behaviour, which together with fuel spend reporting and data consolidation, provides unprecedented insight into fleet activity, transforming fleet management.
Ford takes wraps off E-Transit Custom
Following hot on the heels of the all-electric E-Transit that began production in March this year – and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024 – the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment and help businesses across the region to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles.
Connected vehicle technology set to be embraced by remarketing sector
The huge advantage for the used car and van sector is that information covering key lifecycle events that potentially affect the vehicle’s value can be drawn directly from the car and van, and built up over time, without the need for a telematics-style ‘black box.’ For example, connected vehicle technology makes mileage tampering – or ‘clocking’ nearly impossible because the mileage of a vehicle can be continuously monitored and any major discrepancies will be plainly obvious
Pick of the pick-ups – Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
The D-Max comes in single and double cab variants and it’s powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, a little rough around the edges but this is a commercial vehicle after all and it does the job very effectively. It has the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes and the vehicle is also backed by Isuzu’s 125,000 mile/5 Year warranty. The model range runs from the entry Business through All-Purpose to Adventure. Business has Utility trim, offered in 4x2 or 4x4 and in three different cab types - single, extended and double cab