A weekly roundup of the UK’s fleet news including Lex’s latest appointment, LCV regulation, Nissan growth, the commercial Korando and the first fire service salary sacrifice scheme
Lex appointment reflects LCV growth aim
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Gary Banister has joined Lex Autolease – from his fleet management position at Rentokil-Initial – as senior manager for commercial vehicle consultancy.
Banister’s main roles will be to develop new LCV business and support the project management of the company’s commercial vehicles operation.
The appointment is part of Lex’s aim to reshape its commercial vehicle offering – currently accounting for a quarter of it’s 280,000-vehicle fleet – into a single service managing everything from contract hire to vehicle conversions and consultancy.
LCV regulation could see cost rise for fleets
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By GlobalDataThere are fears European commercial vehicle regulation could cause “chaos” for fleet operators, according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
The European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for light commercial vehicles, due to be introduced from the end of April 2013, will require additional approval for any modifications made.
The BVRLA has pointed out almost all panel vans will have some modification to equip them for service and the trade body expressed concern that each vehicle would have to be individually re-inspected, tested and approved under the regulation.
The BVRLA is working with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) on a ‘light touch’ approval scheme for the more common vehicle modifications, to reduce the burden on fleets and will publish a list of modifications both bodies feel have no impact on a vehicle’s original type approval before the regulation comes into force.
John Lewis, BVRLA chief executive, said: “While the VCA’s ‘light touch’ proposal is a step in the right direction, there are still too many unanswered questions and we are very concerned that the system will not be able to cope with this potential new surge in type approval testing.
“This could have a major effect on lead times for fleet van operators, who need to get to grips with the potential time and cost implications involved.”
Lewis added the BVRLA and would continue working with the VCA and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency which will police the regulations to avoid delays or additional costs to its members.
Nissan’s British models drive 5% fleet market share
Nissan’s fleet sales for the first 10 months of 2012 are up by 9% on the same period last year, with the Japanese manufacturer selling 43,918 cars, January – October.
Nissan’s fleet sales director Barry Beeston said it was “good to see our British-built products are proving a winner with company car drivers”, with 89% of its fleet being built in the UK.
The Qashqai is Nissan’s most popular fleet vehicle, selling 19,309 units, with sales of the Juke and LEAF more than doubling year-on-year to 8,965 and 458 units respectively.
Qashaqai +2 and Note shifted 4,965 and 6,005 units respectively, contributing to Nissan’s 5% market share in UK fleet.
Ssangyong launches low-priced 4X4
South Korean manufacturer Ssangyong has launched the Korando CSX, a low-priced compact 4X4, starting from £15,995 excluding VAT.
The 2 litre diesel powered 4X4 has 1,312 cubic litre load volume and a 433kg payload, and comes with a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty.
Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, said: “The new Korando CSX is the third light commercial vehicle to join the SsangYong line-up, and offers a highly practical and affordable vehicle for those with a specific business need”.
LeasePlan to run UK’s first fire service salary sacrifice scheme
The Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service is to become the first fire authority in the UK to operate a salary sacrifice car scheme.
The service, whereby staff may opt to pay a proportion of their salary toward a new car package at a preferential rate, will run the SalaryPlan scheme offered by Automotive Leasing, the public sector division of LeasePlan.
The plan will centre on low-emission and fuel-efficient cars as part of the Service’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its fleet.
richard.brown@vrlfinancialnews.com, grant.collinson@vrlfinancialnews.com, peter.johnstone@vrlfinancialnews.com
