Fleet briefs: Latest from Enterprise, CMAC, Digraph, GSF Car Parts, IMI, VRA Certification and Synetiq

Enterprise urges businesses to review travel policies

Enterprise Mobility has carried out research into business travel which highlighted that Millennials and Gen Z highly value greener travel options.

The research found that three-quarters (68%) of Millennials and Gen Z business travellers value green travel choices, compared to just under two-thirds (59%) of Gen X and Baby Boomers.

As a result, it is urging businesses to align the business travel policy to these younger employees to help reduce carbon emissions, whilst promoting shared transport to create a more sustainable future of mobility.

A travel policy rethink is also important because almost half (48%) of employees said that they default to their personal vehicles for short day-to-day business journeys.

“Our research shows younger travellers often favour a multi-modal approach,” said Joanne Vickers, head of European fleet and leasing sales for Enterprise Mobility.

“This is where the employee might take the train for the bulk of a journey and pick up a rental or car club at their destination for the last few miles.”

Prioritise employee wellbeing during business travel, says CMAC

Business travel experts at CMAC Group are calling on more businesses to prioritise the wellbeing of employees during business travel.

From closing deals to networking at conferences, travel is crucial for driving growth and building new business relationships.

However, CMAC warns that it can also come with challenges, especially for employees who face tight schedules, long hours, and multiple meetings.

If not managed well, frequent travel can lead to stress and burnout. Peter Slater, CEO of CMAC Group, explained: “Businesses shouldn’t ignore the toll it takes on employees and companies must find a balance between leveraging travel for growth and safeguarding their employees' mental and physical well-being.”

To help guide businesses on ways to achieve this, CMAC Group have provided insights into strategies for creating a more supportive travel environment.

They include collaborative travel policy development which involve employee input; inclusive and flexible policies that reflect the diverse needs of the workforce; incentives that reward employees who often travel, such as extra leave days; and making wellbeing a priority by ensuring employees are well supported during their trips.

Digraph outlines plans for expansion after first year with LKQ

Digraph has announced plans to expand its product range and bolster its logistics capability following a successful first 12 months as part of LKQ UK and Ireland.

The business, which became part of the LKQ group of companies in July 2023, has recently started to integrate its product inventory into LKQ’s 1 million sq foot T2 logistics hub in Tamworth, with 16,000 lines already on the system.

Access to LKQ’s logistics operation will allow Digraph to streamline its service proposition, improving efficiency and facilitating more next-day deliveries to branches. A move, it says, that will significantly improve stock profiles across the network and ensure customers can access the parts they need at short notice.

Digraph has also outlined plans to invest in its range, to further increase availability to customers across key categories including batteries and filtration, in partnership with suppliers like Varta and Mann and Hummel.

Nick Bellwood, business director at Digraph said: “The past 12 months have been transformational for our business. We’ve got more product in stock than ever, and we can get it to customers faster.”

Dangerous shortfall in ADAS-qualified technicians, says IMI

New analysis from The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed a dangerous shortfall in the number of technicians qualified to repair and maintain vehicles featuring Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Today, 13% of vehicles has some degree of autonomy, while just 2% of the technicians in the UK (4,425 individuals) are IMI TechSafe registered and qualified to work safely on servicing, repairing and maintaining these complex and potentially life-saving systems.

“The proportion of ADAS-equipped vehicles has grown from 11% in January 2024 to 13% in July, yet there has not been a similar increase in the proportion of ADAS-trained technicians”, explained Kevin Finn, executive chair of the IMI.

“As the proportion of vehicles featuring ADAS accelerates, ahead of the introduction of fully automated vehicles, it is critical that more technicians are trained to work on vehicles with this technology.”

With ADAS the pre-cursor for fully automated vehicles, following the Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 receiving Royal Assent in May 2024, the IMI is keen to see future legislation take into account the skills required to meet the maintenance and repair needs of the growing ADAS car parc.

The IMI launched Level 2 and Level 3 ADAS qualifications in 2022. The IMI TechSafe recognition programme provides independent assessment and recognition of the technical competence of technicians working in the UK automotive sector.

Study highlights environmental benefits of repairing damaged vehicles with green parts

A study commissioned by VRA Certification in collaboration with certified recycler Synetiq has confirmed the significant environmental advantages of repairing damaged vehicles using green parts sourced in the UK.

The study – Repair, Reuse, or Replace – details how the repair of damaged vehicles using green parts is a more climate-friendly alternative to the use of newly manufactured replacement parts.

Building on previous studies by Allianz and Synetiq, the research sought to validate the assumption that repairing damaged vehicles with locally sourced green parts results in lower emissions compared to replacing them with new parts.

The report estimates that implementing these strategies could result in emission savings exceeding 1 billion kgCO2e per year across the UK.

Michael Hill, green parts director at Synetiq, said: “Through the use of green parts and sustainable practises, we can make an impact on reducing emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.”

GSF Car Parts opens 15th branch this year

GSF Car Parts has announced the opening of its final new branch of 2024 with GSF Sheffield North, becoming the 15th new branch opened this year.

The new branches bring the total number of GSF locations closer to 200, continuing the company’s momentum following a series of openings over the past few months. 

The Sheffield North branch spans 6,000 sq ft and has a fleet of six new vans to ensure deliveries across the city and surrounding areas in under 30 minutes.

The branch is fully operational with 14 members of staff.

Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, said: “It’s been a fantastic achievement to get so many new branches added to our network in such a short space of time.

“Our customers are able to get quicker deliveries and greater availability as a result, thanks to our commitment to creating more accessible options for the automotive industry and general public.

“GSF Sheffield North is a great addition to our network and helps keep the local community moving.”