The September 2013 meeting at Coombe Abbey included this discussion regarding vehicle choice lists.

 

The Fleet200 has reported a reduction in the number of car brands on their choice list from 10 down to 7 since 2010.

- Identify the rationale for managing a reduced number of vehicle brands on the choice list:

- What triggers a change in strategy?

- How influential is the company car driver in the choice list selection? 

- How does your vehicle choice influence your grey fleet? 

·         The general trend appears to be reductions in choice lists

o   One fleet from 10 to 2, (including VW group, where whole group choices available)

o   Some fleets have tendered choices – but some specific premium brands still make it onto fleet lists occasionally due to manager pressure or HR team pressure

o   Smaller manufacturer lists mean better discounts

·         Cars very emotive, people will swap jobs for a better car

·         CO2 caps influence many choice lists per job level, resulting in lower BIK

·         Some manufacturer choices come from top level of business, in other cases could be linked to partner businesses

·         Fleets may subsidise drops per level – one gives £22.50 per month back into salary per level dropped, other gives difference between actual rental and max permitted

·         Increase in quality and technology of cars means choice lists constantly changing

·         Many people see badges as key – will take smaller premium model and increase spec  over luxury volume brand

·         Extras an issue -  one driver paying £400 extra a month over rental price, another fleet counters by taking extra difference upfront, or setting a specific ‘option list’

·         Safety extras an issue – some fleets looking to compensate drivers wishing to add safety features

Grey fleet choices hard to police - Business insurance + licence minimum, but some specify 3yr age limit. Non-essential use only. 

·         Issues in case of RTC if not correctly insured or notified – but still impossible to police e.g. runs to bank, say some

·         One fleet introduced policy to reclaim expenses for travel in grey fleet if not correctly authorised