The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has announced that it will introduce an updated agreement aimed at establishing a consistent fleet vehicle delivery standard across the industry.
According to an AFP press statement, this initiative is scheduled to be unveiled later this week, though the exact date has not been disclosed.
Go deeper with GlobalData
In April 2022, the initial Dealer Standard was established, and several dealerships, including Marshall Motor Group, Inchcape, Sytner, William Morgan Group, and Walton Audi, have since adopted it.
AFP’s company secretary and director Richard Baird stated that the updated document seeks to broaden its adoption and reflect the latest advancements in automotive technology.
Baird said: “We’ve seen a strong response to the Standard over the last couple of years from many parts of the dealer community who recognise the importance of ensuring consistently high service levels when it comes to dealer vehicle handovers to fleet drivers. It’s been very encouraging.
“However, our members continue to report widely varying and sometimes poor experiences from some dealers who have not committed to the agreement so we want to use this moment, with the reworking of the document, to repromote the initiative.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“Our aim is to both encourage more manufacturers and dealers to join and also to create a position where fleets insist their suppliers adhere to the standard.”
The revised Dealer Standard now encompasses 34 points, up from the original 28, and has been developed with contributions from fleets, dealers, and manufacturers, according to AFP director Julie Summerell.
Summerell said: “The Dealer Standard is quite simple in its intent – to ensure the vehicle is delivered in excellent condition to the fleet end user, who is shown the fundamentals of how it works and treated courteously – and that remains the core of the reworked document.
“However, we’ve especially worked to tackle issues around increasingly sophisticated in-vehicle technology and growing adoption of electric vehicles. Dealers should carry out proper familiarisations. This is especially the case when drivers are moving from a petrol or diesel vehicle to a plug-in hybrid or full-battery electric vehicle for the first time. They need to feel confident about factors such as understanding vehicle range and carrying out charging.”
Denise Lane, head of fleet at Euro Car Parts and an AFP director, highlighted that adherence to the Standard could prevent common delivery issues and enhance dealers’ prospects of securing business from key fleet clients.
Lane stated: “We regularly hear of vehicles delivered dirty or with damage, with limited or even no documentation, and the driver clearly being keen to get away and catch a train as soon as possible. This isn’t acceptable. Also, as previously reported by the AFP, there is some evidence that the agency model has made the situation worse.
“By becoming part of the standard, dealers can gain a much better understanding of what fleets are looking for when it comes to vehicle delivery and create momentum within their organisations to ensure that these expectations are met. They’ll have happier customers.”
The AFP plans to hold webinars and other events to promote the new version of the standard.
Furthermore, the organisation is reviewing the fee structure for dealer participation in the initiative, aiming to facilitate easier access, as stated by AFP director James Pestell.
Pestell said: “Our intention with the initiative is not to generate revenue for the AFP but to promote better delivery standards, and we are investigating a new fee structure that could make it easier for dealers to join. We’ll be announcing more details soon.”
The AFP serves as the collective voice for fleet professionals, merging the efforts of ACFO, which represents businesses operating commercial vehicles; and ICFM, the UK’s sole independent organisation dedicated to the education and advancement of car and light commercial fleet management.
