Despite the challenges currently facing the automobile industry, the auction market is in a positive state. Supply and demand have been stable for the last month, with summer soon to draw to an end. "We are expecting that September will see a steady surge as customers return from holidays, boosting the market”, commented Paul Hill, National Association of Motor Auctions spokesman, after a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus
Lexus has always been the quiet executive car brand and reaches a new level of refinement with its UX 300e pure battery version of the existing hybrid SUV. Some 15 years experience building hybrid cars were brought to bear when it created the UX 300e and it lacks nothing its stablemates have but adds 2020s propulsion, safety and communications technology. There are four versions with the … [Read more...]
EVs to become dominant in three years
Electric models will dominate fleets in three years, managers have told researchers for Arval Mobility. Just half (50%) of vans and a little over a quarter (28%) of UK company cars are predicted to be using petrol or diesel power alone by 2025, research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows. Fleet and mobility decision makers were asked, “What percentage of your fleet will … [Read more...]
Breaking the EV myth of franchise dealers
The idea that franchise dealers are required more for electric vehicle service, maintenance and repair than their internal combustion engine counterparts is a “myth”, shows new research from epyx. Statistics taken from its 1link Service Network platform, used to manage SMR for more than four million company vehicles largely operated by leasing companies, show hardly any difference in the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 August
Duplicated and wasted journeys are on average costing £71 a week in unnecessary fuel per vehicle, businesses have been told by RAM Tracking. The comprehensive fleet management software embracing dashcam and tracking systems also encourages careful driving to reduce bills and accidents as well as downtime when avoidable repairs are needed. A new report has revealed a significant increase in the … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 July
The eagerly awaited Autolink networking event organised by the Welsh Automotive Forum will be held on 27 September at Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith. It brings together key suppliers and automotive component makers, potential investors and specialists with a session of presentations, opportunities to discuss ventures and see the latest products created for the industry. Just 10% of a sample of … [Read more...]
Reducing risk of plunging fleet values
The vast majority of fleets purchase vehicles outright and then dispose of the assets privately once they have no more uses vehicles, a study has revealed. According to RAM Tracking’s Vehicle Buying Survey 2022, just 41% of fleets said they defy fleet conventions and purchase vehicles outright. The second most popular method of funding vehicles is via a leasing company and the third most popular … [Read more...]
Tolls to replace lost fuel duties and taxes
Road tolls are back on the Government's agenda. The fleet sector needs to start having a constructive discussion about the likelihood of road charging being introduced in the future and the kind of scheme it would like to see, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said that the rapid growth in electric vehicles expected over the next few years – and … [Read more...]
Tradelines 13 July
Arval UK has more than doubled the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on its UK fleet in the 12 months to the end of June. There has been a 102% growth from 11,225 to 22,630 units, meaning that EVs now represent 12.2% of its total fleet – up from 6.4% at the same time last year and the total figure breaks down into a 98% increase in the number of electric cars to 21,639 and a 249% rise in electric … [Read more...]
EV interest growing, but there’s range anxiety
A quarter (26%) of car hirers would like to hire an electric car to test one out, and a fifth (20%) would like to ‘do their bit’ for the environment (17% men and 23% women). However the survey carried out by Opinium, on behalf of iCarhireinsurance.com, a leading provider of stand-alone car hire excess insurance, did find some barriers to hiring an electric car even when drivers said they … [Read more...]