The progress fleets are making in cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions - and the obstacles many are facing – have been highlighted in two surveys.

An increasing number of fleets are introducing green initiatives, up from 22% in 2007 to 35% in 2009, according to research from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

However, the latest survey from Lloyds TSB Autolease (LTSBA) - seen exclusively by Fleet News - has found that the majority of company directors are still resisting downgrading their company cars.

All commentators agree that cost and emission-reduction measures must have managerial buy-in to work effectively.
Gary Hull, director of employment solutions at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said that in the current economic climate, ‘there was no better time’ for fleets to use the environmental agenda to reduce costs.

However, the LTSBA survey found that 37% of finance bosses have taken no action to reduce their personal business costs, including getting more efficient company cars.

Just 10% of bosses surveyed have taken a cheaper company car in an effort to reduce their business expenditure and set an example to staff further down the ranks.

“Company cars are one of the single largest and easily addressed business costs,” said Claudia Rose, LTSBA corporate sales director.

“BMW and Audi have taken giant leaps forward on running costs, with some of the most fuel and tax efficient vehicles around.

"The message is – directors don’t have to make the sacrifices they think they do.

"It’s just about making sensible and responsible choices, which reflect well on you and your business.

“Fuel is one of the biggest and fastest rising company costs, so it makes sense to think hard about implementing a low C02, fuel efficient car policy across the board for all employees.”