All articles by Girish Gupta
Girish Gupta
BVRLA: raise VAT recovery rate
The BVRLA has called for the current VAT recovery rate of 50% on leased fleets to be raised, and has accused HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of ignoring its advice.
Volvo dealers welcome takeover by China’s Geely Auto
Volvo dealers and brokers have largely welcomed the takeover of the Swedish car maker by Chinese car manufacturer Geely Chinas largest car manufacturer bought Volvo for £1.5bn in August after a decade of ownership by American car giant Ford. James Greaves, marketing and events manager at Clive Brook Volvo in Bradford, said: “Its a step forward for us, and an exciting one
Updated EDS from Jaama prioritises duty of care
Fleet software company Jaama has developed its Electronic Driver Services (EDS) for grey fleet drivers. Version two of the system enables employees to upload duty-of-care documentation such as insurance details, proof of vehicle servicing and MOT certificates
Mazda campaign targets learner drivers
Mazda is targeting driving instructors with a view to encouraging learner drivers to eventually buy a Mazda as their first car. An array of incentives aimed at 17,000 qualified driving instructors include a low rate of finance on Mazda2 and Mazda3 models fitted with dual controls, a header board with graphics and a second speedometer. Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: “There is significant evidence that newly-qualified drivers buy a derivative of the car in which they took their lessons, because familiarity breeds confidence.
Nissan Leaf order book opens
Nissan is taking orders for its first mass-produced electric vehicle the Nissan Leaf in Portugal and the Republic of Ireland, with the UK to follow on 1 September. The worlds first zero-emission vehicle will be delivered to Portugal in January 2011, Ireland in February and the UK in March.
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Manheim teams with BEN
Manheim Remarketing will join forces with some of the biggest car dealers and fleet management companies to help raise funds for BEN, the charity for those employed by the automotive industry. BEN head of national develop-ment Nigel Williams said: “Man-heim auctions will play an important role in the collection of money and making it really easy for vendors to participate.” The Backing BEN initiative will put aside £1 for every vehicle sold through Manheim Auctions, and is hoping to raise up to £500,000 in the next two years.
MPSE buys Zenith stake
The private equity firm obtained a 60% stake in the company leaving the remainder to Zenith Provecta management. Zenith Provecta chief executive officer Andrew Cope said: “We are excited to welcome MSPE as our new partner and look forward to working closely on our shared vision developing the companys true potential in the coming years
Police fleets to be standardised from September
Savings of £112m a year predicted in push to address vehicle inconsistencies. Police vehicles for 43 forces across England are to be acquired through a new framework agreement from September The contract is expected to save £112m a year and will cover vehicles from beat cars to 4x4s and motorcycles.
Fuel costs hit decade high
Bad drivers and fuel inefficient cars are costing companies cash and the problem is likely to get worse as fuel prices rise. Jenny Powley, sales director at Arval, said: “Petrol and diesel purchases are the second largest cost for any fleet, so the need to focus on fuel cost control is central for a competitive edge. The price of a litre of unleaded has risen by 50% in the past decade, from 80p in 2000 to 118p now
Is there gain to going green?
Nissans first mass-produced electric car, the Leaf, will be available from September, and the government is offering a £5,000 incentive for the purchase of such vehicles