All articles by MF Editorial
MF Editorial
On the move: Citroën
Citron UKs sales director for Northern Europe Christophe Musy has taken over day-to-day operational duties while the company looks for a replacement for Gary Savage, who resigned to take up a role at Mercedes Benz Cars in the UK
Mazda launches major drive to expand fleet operations
A major effort has been launched by Mazda Motor Europe to build up its fleet business Although around half of all Mazdas European fleet sales are in the UK and the Netherlands, the Japanese company made clear that it plans to expand its fleet business across Europe, including in parts of Central Europe, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland. To enhance its fleet capability, which currently represents less than 15% of European volumes, Mazda Motor Europe has made several key hires in recent weeks (On the move, Mazda Motor Europe).
Avis wins major Rolls-Royce contract
Avis UK has won a major new contract with Rolls-Royce to act as its corporate rental provider To service the agreement, which commenced in April, the rental company has launched new operations in Bristol and Derby.
Dealers need to refocus, says NA
Franchise dealers should be refocusing on new car sales to fleets during the rest of 2010, according to motor industry consultancy Network Automotive. Network Automotive MD Colin Bruder said: Most franchise dealers have taken their attention away from fleet new car sales in the last couple of years, because that sector of the market has been so sluggish.
Vervaet joins Bynx
The former head of ING Lease Group, Alain Vervaet, has joined automotive software company Bynx Limited as a non-executive director. Vervaet will help Bynx, which specialises in providing software for the contract hire, fleet management and rental originated market, as it seeks to make inroads into the pan European market. Bynx Limited group managing director Mark Binks said: Vervaets appointment brings a wealth of European expertise to the board.
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Fleet industry trade associations join forces
The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) and the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) have agreed to work in partnership on a number of issues in order to introduce themselves to a wider group of industry operators.
Outbreaks of optimism’ in CV sector
Commercial vehicle operators should try and identify existing opportunities to purchase used vehicles, according to vehicle valuation specialist Glasss. According to Glasss Guide, the used LCV segment has been performing strongly at auction particularly Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Astra Club models, while demand for Vauxhall Combo has recently improved.
Alastair Campbell to speak at leasing event
Tony Blairs former chief press officer Alastair Campbell will be one of the key speakers at a conference organised by public sector vehicle lessor Automotive Leasings on 29 June. LeasePlan-owned Automotive Leasing brand director Stuart Walker said: As an industry, we have come out of an incredibly difficult economic period that has led to significant challenges in how public sector fleets need to operate, now and in the future.
Profits still healthy at Ford Credit UK
Ford Credit Britain, part of FCE Bank plc, reported pre-tax profits of £223m last month. Although pre-tax profits dropped by £77m compared with 2008, the funders 2009 report describes it as a creditable performance. However, it also showed a decrease in sales of new and used car lease contracts in 2009, dropping to 493,000, from 640,000 in 2008.
On the move: May
Leasing and fleet management company Tusker has appointed Alison Collier as new supplier relationship manager. Collier has over 20 years experience in the fleet sector, having worked with Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance as purchasing manager and, most recently, as manufacturer relationship manager until 2008, when she moved into asset finance within BoS. In her new role, Collier will be responsible for managing relationships with suppliers, including motor manufacturers, dealers and fast-fit companies as well as looking at service levels and negotiating terms and discounts.