Fleet operators are considering a range of responses to the economic downturn, including driving hard bargains with suppliers.

This was the initial finding of the Fleet Operator Attitude Survey 2009, in which almost 400 companies have answered a range of questions about their strategy and plans for the year ahead.The survey allows participants to choose several of the listed tactics and it seems many fleets will adopt a three-pronged attack on costs: tougher negotiation, reduced fuel costs and keeping vehicles longer.

When asked "How will you change your company car policy as a result of the current economic downturn?" the most popular reaction was "negotiate a better deal from suppliers".

Just under a third (134 fleets) are putting faith in their bargaining skills.

Almost as many (129/32.5%) said they would buy cars with better fuel consumption and 124 (31.2%) are electing to extend replacement cycles.

Prof Colin Tourick, author and fleet consultant, said: "I can understand why fleet operators might want to negotiate a better deal from suppliers but this strategy is not likely to be very successful.

"Fleet operators have suffered massively as a result of the credit crunch, the decline in used car values and client default.

"They are unlikely to have much scope for price-cutting.

"A much better approach would be for the fleet operator to ask their contract hire company to help find cost savings.

"There are so many areas of fleet management where savings can be achieved, and which are likely to provide good results without straining the relationship with key suppliers."

Choosing more economical cars will deliver long-term sustainable cost savings but fleets need to be aware of the additional costs brought on by keeping vehicles for longer.

Servicing, tyres and MoT costs need to be managed to prevent extended replacement cycles becoming a false economy.

Worryingly, 123 (31%) chose "no change" as their response, despite calls from fleet experts for fleets to review their funding arrangements.

Sixty-four respondents said they would be reducing the size of their fleets.

Prof Tourick added: "Extending replacement cycles makes sense.

"Most employees are just happy to still have a job and are not likely to object to holding on to their cars for another few months.

"In fact, for fleets using contract hire, waiting another three to six months to replace cars could benefit both the fleet operator and their supplier."

The Fleet Operator Attitude Survey 2009 is being conducted over the next four weeks by Sewells, sister company to Fleet News, and provides fleet operators and decision-makers with an opportunity to influence the strategy of fleet suppliers.

Sewells would welcome more responses - please click here to participate in the next Fleet Operator Attitude Survey

The full findings of the report will be available in April exclusively from Sewells.

For more information, phone Berta Collins on 01733 468270 or go to: www.sewells.co.uk