CCIA 2012 will be bigger and better than ever

Fleet News has announced the 2012 dates for Company Car in Action, the UK’s premier arrive and drive event for fleet decision makers.

Held at Millbrook, Europe’s leading proving ground, CCIA will take place on June 26 and 27 next year.

At this year’s event, 22 manufacturer brands brought more than 250 cars and vans to be test driven by 832 fleet and leasing decision-makers; next year’s CCIA promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Exciting plans include a new technology showcase highlighting the latest innovations on safety, the environment/alternative fuels, performance and driver/fleet management to enable fleet managers to prepare and plan ahead. The showcase will also feature informative seminars with experts providing fleets with advice and guidance on safety technology and alternative fuels.

CCIA 2012 will include exclusive first drives, new launches and unrivalled access to all the key cars, from diesel to electric and petrol-hybrid to diesel-hybrid. It will play a significant role in providing fleets with the information they need to decide their future manufacturer partners.

With four miles of challenging hill course, a high-speed bowl, off-road course and city circuit perfect suited for electric and hybrid vehicles, it’s no surprise that 85% of fleets who attended this year’s CCIA said they would definitely be attending again next year, while a further 6% said they would be back within two years.

More than one in five attendees in 2011 said they would be doing business with a new partner or supplier as a result of discussions or test drivers at the event.

Vauxhall has already signed up for 2012, bringing a range of cars and vans in what promises to be one of the most important years for new models for one of the biggest brands in fleet.

It heads into the New Year with the new Zafira Tourer, while the Ampera range-extended electric vehicle will be available from spring. CCIA will be an ideal chance to put the production version of the car through its paces on a variety of different driving environments.

The company’s big news on the van front in 2012 is the replacement of its Combo cube van.

Vauxhall will also launch a new small car in 2012. The three-door model will be smaller than the Corsa and target drivers of models like the Mini, Fiat 500 and Citroën DS3.

Steve Catlin, Vauxhall fleet marketing and Motability manager, told Fleet News: “The launch of Astra GTC showcases Vauxhall’s emphasis on dramatic vehicle design, the Zafira Tourer raises the bar for luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector and the Ampera is an electric vehicle that solves the issue of range anxiety, making it the first usable electric asset available to fleet customers. These vehicles will all be present to view and drive at Company Car in Action in 2012.

“CCIA gives us a fantastic chance to bring our plans to life in front of the fleet industry’s key decision-makers.”

Other manufacturers signed up to the event will be announced over the next few weeks.