Mazda is close to introducing a revolutionary internal combustion engine in 2019 which uses petrol but works in the manner of a diesel. Their homogeneous charge compression ignition engine ignites gasoline through compression, eliminating spark plugs, and its fuel economy potentially matches that of a diesel engine without high emissions of nitrogen oxides or sooty particulates. Nissan is … [Read more...]
Fleets adopting more hybrids and EVs
More than half of UK fleets are already operating at least one alternative fuel to traditional petrol and diesel models or are planning to do so in the next three years – an increase of 6% since 2015. The finding comes from the 2017 edition of Arval’s long-established Corporate Vehicle Observatory Barometer, research which covers 3,847 fleets. Their choices include traditional hybrids (22% … [Read more...]
EV charging welcomed but comes with warning
A government commitment in the Queen’s speech to ensure charging points are installed at all large petrol retailers and motorway services has been hailed as a “major step forward” for electric vehicle infrastructure by Arval. David Watts, fleet consultant at the leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company, said that the move would do much to increase the overall capacity of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 May
Affluent buyers are most likely to search websites for a Ferrari than any other brand. Next most popular was Lamborghini with Jaguar in third place, reports analyst Captify. Better driver training is a clear way to reduce fleet insurance premiums, says Arval. Average premiums are up 8% this year and companies should embed road safety into the corporate culture, says the leasing … [Read more...]
Van crime is rising again
Arval is releasing new advice to fleet operators in the light of reports that theft from vans is rapidly rising. New figures obtained by the BBC from 45 police forces show that thefts from vans have increased from 14,063 in 2014/15 to 22,749 in 2016/17. A van is broken into every 23 minutes. Simon Cook,LCV Manager at Arval, said, “This is very much in line with what we are hearing from … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 April
Just 100 limited edition Jeep Renegade Tough Mudder vehicles will go on sale from this weekend across the UK. To celebrate Jeep’s fourth year sponsoring the UK Tough Mudder series, it has released just 100 of the special limited edition vehicles costing £27,795 and the Tough Mudder version is a 4x4 Auto 2.0 Multijet 140hp – available in orange and black. Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, … [Read more...]
Tax changes confusing companies
Fleets are increasingly seeking external advice to work through the implications of new tax regulations that will take effect from April this year, reports Arval. The vehicle leasing and fleet management company says that the headline changes – affecting Benefit in Kind for drivers entitled to a cash option or a company car, salary exchange schemes and vehicle excise duty – require careful … [Read more...]
Diesel can still play a useful role
Diesel still has an important role to play for many fleets despite calls for a scrappage scheme designed to improve air quality by removing older vehicles, says Arval. The vehicle leasing and fleet management company believes that such initiatives can be very effective in removing old and inefficient vehicles, but there is a risk that all diesel vehicles become incorrectly perceived as … [Read more...]
Pump prices rise predicted
Should oil prices follow the trajectory currently being forecast by commodity strategists, 2017 could see pump prices follow suit, predicts fuel card company Arval. As ever the main factor behind any retail changes will be the price of a barrel of crude oil which following agreed cuts to OPEC production is forecast to rise during 2017, finishing the year close to $60 a barrel. To put this into … [Read more...]
Charging network must expand to boost EV take-up
The UK’s current charging infrastructure needs development if the growth potential of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid EVs is to be fully realised for fleets, says Arval. Methods of accessing charging points are inconsistent, potentially creating a barrier for fleet drivers, says the leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company. Fleet consultant David Watts said, “If you’ll … [Read more...]