In the September 14 edition of Thinking CAP, Martin Ward, manufacturer relationships manager at Cap HPI discusses the Volkswagen fleet presentation, the T-Roc's Italian premier and his Mini Moke classic car show experience.
Monday
Down to Volkswagen Financial Services’ shiny new building in Milton Keynes for a fleet and press presentation.
Department heads Mike Orford (press) and Michael O’Shea (fleet) were in attendance.
It appears VW is doing well with ‘true fleet’ in the UK. Guests were told that around 60% of diesel vehicles have been completed with ‘the revised technical measures’ so far.
After the meeting there was a few cars to try including the first 1.4 Passat petrol in the country.
On paper, a 1.4 petrol 125PS or 150PS in a Passat shouldn’t work, should it? But, in reality, it does.
What a great car to drive, more than enough power, and around Milton Keynes it achieved in excess of 40mpg. So who needs a diesel?
Thursday / Friday
Bit of a VW week, this one, as we travelled to the outstandingly beautiful Lake Como in northern Italy for the global premiere of the T-Roc, an SUV/crossover about the same size as a Golf.
The T-Roc, not sure where the name came from, is due in the UK in December, with an estimated starting price of around £19,000.
A good choice of engines including the 1.0 three-cylinder and the new 1.5 TSI EVO, with VW saying it thinks around 80% will be petrol sales.
I think the figure will be higher. This good looking SUV, which is fully loaded with standard spec and technology, has come at exactly the right time for VW.
Saturday
Took my old Mini Moke to a small classic car and collectors car show near Holmfirth, Huddersfield.
It had around 170 vehicles, ranging from very old, to some fairly new, but unusual, motors.
Visitor turn-out was amazing which indicates interest in these shows is growing.
Values continue to rise on most old cars, and even those that were in plentiful supply not long ago are making silly money.
Makes you wonder which fleet cars will be worth more than you paid for them a few years hence.
Mike Don Carolis - 18/09/2017 12:02
Martin Ward's roundup of news in Thinking CAP continues to be a breath of fresh air. Brief, informative, straight to the point and as honest as the day is long. Tells it like it is. He has to be the 'oracle' of our industry, keep going Martin, great job.