The Toyota Professional range of light commercial vehicles offers greater choice than ever before, complemented by a commitment to customer care that will support Toyota’s continued growth in the sector. The new line-up stands out from the crowd with robust new styling across an extensive range that boasts class-leading load-carrying capabilities. Taking centre stage is the all-new Proace Max … [Read more...]
Aging fleets create service boost for independents
Fleet use of independent garages is around a quarter higher for company cars and vans aged four years old compared to their one year old counterparts, shows research. New data from epyx shows that buying of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) shifts from 30% independent garage and 70% franchise dealer at 1-2 years old to 35%/65% at 2-3 years old, 40%/60% at 3-4 years old and 38%/62% at four … [Read more...]
Businesses are paying too much for EVs
VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol a world leader in energy, finds a significant proportion of fleets currently undergoing electrification have ‘over-specced’ when it comes to their charging infrastructure needs. The problem is largely down to fleets embarking on electrification themselves for the first time. The transition will involve multiple providers and stakeholders, and … [Read more...]
Showroom prices slide in pre-September sales
There are new car bargains to be had as dealers report manufacturers are dropping prices and supporting lower rate finance deals to lift sales. The traditional slow August sales before the new registration plate arrives on 1 September has been followed by an unseasonally slack demand for new models arriving from today. Rising new car prices and higher interest rates have combined to stall demand … [Read more...]
Lords looking into Government’s ev plans
An electric vehicles inquiry is being launched by Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee. Given the importance of decarbonising transport to reach net zero, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is launching an inquiry into electric vehicles (EVs) today. The aim of the inquiry is to understand how the Government will achieve its target of decarbonising cars and vans … [Read more...]
Fleet costs expected to rise, says expert
Van fleet operators expect major cost increases in every area of fleet operations, according to new findings from Arval Mobility Observatory. During the next 12 months, 79% believe there will be rises in service and maintenance, 71% in insurance premiums, 69% in vehicle lease rates, 67% in EV charging, 63% in tyres, and 61% in petrol and diesel prices. Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility … [Read more...]
Businesses steep challenge on charging network
The government must provide the infrastructure that the logistics sector needs to deliver for the future, according to the Shadow Minister for Business and Industrial Strategy. Speaking earlier at Logistics UK’s Next Generation Van conference, Bill Esterson MP shared his views on industry’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the challenges business are currently facing with costs and … [Read more...]
Value the van in Wales, says business group
Vans play a crucial role in moving the goods and services used by everyone across the UK, with traffic in Wales accounting for 49% of business vans operating alone – without them, the economy would not operate effectively. They are small enough to access our towns and cities, but have the range to undertake longer distance journeys, bringing vital items to those that need them, whether the load … [Read more...]
Van replacements extending, say AFP
Some van fleet operators are discovering that replacement cycles can be stretched to up to eight years without encountering major problems, the Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting. Paul Hollick, chair at the industry professional body, said that a range of new skills had been developed by fleet managers that were making these longer cycles operationally viable and economically … [Read more...]
Weighty problem for electric vans & drivers
Operational restrictions and uncertainties are creating issues for fleets adopting new 4.25 tonne electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. A special concession was created by the Department of Transport for electric light commercial vehicles in 2019. Normally, the holder of a standard B licence would only be able to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight … [Read more...]