On the proactive business front its Co-Pilot scheme developed in conjunction with Volvo’s driver risk consultancy partner Fleet21 sees Volvo give £495 worth of risk management consultancy and practical support free of charge to every company buying or leasing its first Volvo.

The package includes a fleet policy drawn up by legal experts, licence checks, driver handbooks and online risk assessments for up to 20 drivers. Further advice and discounted services will be provided by a consortium of fleet support specialists brought together by Volvo.

Selwyn Cooper, head of business sales at Volvo Car UK, said: “It’s not enough that with the V40, Volvo makes the safest car tested by Euro NCAP, nor that our award-winning City Braking technology has reduced the number of collisions on some customers’ fleets by a third.

“SME fleet managers tell us they find it difficult to dedicate sufficient time to looking after the vehicles on their books, never mind worrying about what drivers are up to.

“We also know driver behaviour is a major factor in more than 90% of all accidents. That’s why we’ve launched Co-Pilot, to help businesses fulfil their duty of care to their employees and other road users, and cut the cost of accidents to society and their bottom line.’

Simon Turner, director of Fleet21 Driver Risk Management, added: “Many businesses don’t realise they legal obligations to manage the risk of asking employees to drive for work or, if they do, they lack the resources to implement it properly. Co-pilot removes this headache and gives fleet managers everything they need to make their business compliant.”

For more information, call the Co-Pilot Business Helpline on 0844 4905 209 or visit www.volvocars.co.uk/business