The rise of home working in the wake of the coronavirus crisis is creating issues for fleets when it comes to classifying journeys, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Describing the problem as “The New Commute,” the organisation says that problems revolve around whether an employee’s home is now officially their place of work. Paul Hollick, AFP … [Read more...]
Businesses stretch to survive
New data compiled by epyx has shown the increased level of contract extensions made on company cars and vans during the coronavirus crisis. Looking at transactions through its 1link Service Network service, maintenance and repair (SMR) platform, used by fleets operating four million vehicles, it has produced a comparison for April-August 2020 – the height … [Read more...]
Virus spreads change through dealerships & buying
The lasting effects of how Coronavirus-19 will spread its impact through the motor industry and selling cars cannot be known, but for many it has merely sped up the changes we have witnessed over a decade, writes Robin Roberts. In a social media post this week, Lamborghini said it was never going to display at a motor show again but would instead … [Read more...]
Garages welcome furlough proposals
The Chancellor’s update and extension to the furlough scheme allowing businesses to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis is very welcome. said Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association. The IGA wrote to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak on 29 April, requesting a partial furlough scheme that would allow employees to … [Read more...]
Warning over collapsing dealer networks
Localised franchise dealer networks are “likely to remain important to fleets” says fleet software specialist FleetCheck following news that more are to close. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said that a long-term situation was being created where many businesses were having to travel further for routine servicing, maintenance and … [Read more...]
EVs will spark change in servicing and costs
The widespread growth in electric cars is going to forever change servicing. ClickMechanic.com, the online car repair marketplace, has looked in detail at the emergence of electric cars and its beneficial differences from the standard diesel/petrol cars that largely dominate the automotive industry. Andrew Jervis, co-founder and CEO at … [Read more...]
Sellers & buyers would benefit from central service bank
A central resource that provides access to the service histories of all the cars and vans that form the UK car parc is urgently needed by the remarketing sector, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The organisation, which represents businesses that handle, sell, inspect, transport or manage more than 1.5 million used vehicles every year, says that … [Read more...]
Dealers disappointing customers with servicing – J D Power
Dealers are letting down customers and their brands with poor communication when it comes to servicing, according to the J.D. Power 2019 UK Customer Service Index Study released today. While some brands stand out for good communication, others are missing opportunities to build trust, relationships and satisfaction. Sizable gaps exist between how … [Read more...]
Old ‘un gives golden service support
Britain's oldest major car producer is stepping up its cover for the latest models. Vauxhall began making cars in Britain in 1903 and for its new or nearly new cars, Vauxhall Care provides you with three years’ servicing, an extra two years’ of roadside assistance and your first MOT for just £19 per month for petrol cars and £22 for diesels. As all new … [Read more...]
Safety and service take back seats in new trend
New approaches to service and maintenance will be needed as personal contract hire increasingly makes an impact in corporate circles, says epyx. Tim Meadows, commercial director, said that typically 80% of cars on traditional corporate contract hire were leased with inclusive maintenance packages but that this fell to around 20% for PCH. He explained, … [Read more...]
