Day two of Company Car In Action 2018, the UK's biggest industry ride and drive event at Millbrook Proving Ground, has begun.
The two-day Fleet News’ event offers more than 300 new models for unaccompanied test drives on the Bedfordshire location’s 70km of varied test tracks, including hill routes, high speed bowl and off road courses.
Test drives available at CCIA would not be possible on public roads.
And with another day to go, fleet decision-makers have the opportunity to further their knowledge of the latest cars that will soon on drivers' choice lists as well as key industry issues open to debate amongst the myriad of car manufacturers and suppliers attending the show.
> "Your cars await you sir/madam". As the sun rises on day two of CCIA 2018, more than 300 cars from 26 manufacturers are lined up ready for a day of test drives at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire
Yesterday saw more than 500 fleet-decision makers at the annual show.
We are at Company Car in Action for the next 2 days - lots of excited people queuing up about 5 minutes after registration opened! #CCIA18 pic.twitter.com/VOMigZtDvB
— Marketing Pro Group (@MPGmarketingB2B) June 12, 2018
Vehicles on display and to drive
From the 26 manufacturers presenting their latest models, a number are making their debut.
- The all-new electric Jaguar I-Pace is on display for the first time at an event of this kind
- You can drive the new Mercedes A-Class
- The new Nissan Leaf is on display
- As is the all-new Volvo V60 and Peugeot 508.
EVs and hybrids
An EV and hybrid zone allows you to evaluate the latest alternatively fuelled vehicles back-to-back.
So after 105.8 miles I have averaged 59.2 MPG completed 0 minuets of standing next to a charging station, not had to pull out any cables of leads and think that fuel gauge hasn’t moved also! #CCIA18 go and try for yourself! Visit #Lexus #SelfChargingHybrid #Hybrid @CCIA2018 pic.twitter.com/cg2CWtPTeo
— William Clarke - Lexus Centre of Excellence Winner (@InchcapeWill) June 13, 2018
The models at CCIA are:
- BMW 22SXE plug-in hybrid
- Ford Mondeo Hybrid Vignale
- Jaguar I-Pace first edition
- Kia Niro plug-in hybrid
- Smart EQ Fortwo electric drive
- Nissan Leaf
- Peugeot Partner electric
- Porsche Panamera 4 E-hybrid
- Renault Zoe Z.E. 40
- Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
- Volvo XC60 TS
Simon from @fcagroup stopped to chat about how day one of @CCIA2018 is going so far. pic.twitter.com/uchz0lkn0Y
— Fleet News (@_FleetNews) June 12, 2018
Experts are available to talk about moving to alternative fuels and charging points, giving an invaluable insight into the viability of an ultra-low emission fleet.
Andy from @KiaUK spared us a few minutes to talk about the alternative fuel vehicles Kia has to offer at @CCIA2018 pic.twitter.com/PsoLwZDoGs
— Fleet News (@_FleetNews) June 12, 2018
Away from the driving routes and manufacturer stands, there are topical debates, opportunities to meet and network with manufacturers and the chance to discuss your needs with suppliers, including free advice on residual values with Glass’s.
Busy start to #CCIA18. Once you’ve finished with the wonderful cars, why not put your RV forecasting knowledge to the test for the chance to win a £200 Amazon voucher? See you later! pic.twitter.com/qYD7mrBo2N
— Glass's (@GlassGuide) June 12, 2018
> The first arrivals on day one fill the seats at the all-important safety briefing, essential for everyone wanting to test drive cars
> As the gates opened for CCIA 2018 fleet decision-makers were already on site ready to begin driving and networking
> At CCIA 2018's EV and hybrid zone fleet managers discuss the merits of the Renault Zoe Z.E 40
> One of the key models at CCIA 2018 available to drive, the all-new fully electric I-Pace, on Jaguar's stand alongside the new E-Pace and XF Sportbrake. Off-road drives in the F-Pace are also available
> Safety briefing completed, fleet managers head for the steering pad for their first drives of day one
> The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, one of more than 300 new models available to test drive at CCIA 2018
> The full range of Toyota and Lexus hybrids are available to test, including the above, the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
> Another factor of CCIA is the networking and learning opportunities. Day one started with a debate on running a low emission fleet to a full-house of fleet decision-makers keen to learn of the practical experiences from fleets that have made the investment. Tomorrow the debate is on EV investment, covering all the financial support available if you want to add EVs, from plug-in grants to charge points.
> There are four driving courses at CCIA 2018, including the high speed bowl (above), a two-mile, five lane course, and off-road allowing a real test of the capabilities of 4WD models (below)
Coming to CCIA
If you didn't complete the online registration process, eligible fleet decision-makers and leasing personnel are welcome to come along.
To gain access please ensure you bring with you relevant company ID such as a business card.
If you wish to drive at the event please bring a copy of your licence summary.
MORE: www.companycarinaction.co.uk
CCIA 2018 guide (ezine)
Getting to CCIA – location map
JT - 13/06/2018 08:53
A great event as always, knowledgeable teams on the stands and a really good selection of self-drive vehicles to choose from. Pleased to have made some helpful connections I'll be following up this week. There were some timing issues with one manufacturer in particular which threw out other bookings but generally it ran like clockwork. Looking forward to next year!