Zenith has taken the decision to remove all cars that are not yet WLTP approved from its quoting platform to avoid confusion among its customers.
The leasing company told Fleet News that the move is essential to maintain customer service and transparency.
All cars are being transitioned to the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure), with newly type-approved models subject to the test since last September, while all other new cars must be rehomologated by this September.
WLTP replaced NEDC (New European Drive Cycle), which had been criticised for failing to represent real-world fuel consumption.
Ian Hughes, managing director of Zenith, said: “We believe that this approach is the most transparent way to ensure that our drivers order with confidence and receive the car they’re anticipating. It’s really important that we do the right thing by our customers.”
Zenith has seen an increase in the number of driver orders being cancelled by manufacturers due to models being removed from production in recent weeks and has helped customers choose an alternative vehicle.
Hughes continued: “It is clear that the industry is in a transitional phase as it moves to the new emissions standard and we have seen a significant rise in the number of orders being cancelled by the supply chain as models undergo the necessary testing.
“We expect this step to be a short-term measure as manufacturers address the issue, as soon as their new model data is released we will add it immediately to our systems.”
Zenith says that while the move will reduce the number of cars available in the short-term, it is important to only display what is available to order at this time. As manufacturers continue to release their compliant cars, the data will be updated in the quoting platform.
Hughes said: “We’ve identified that there is an issue and quickly taken action to minimise any further impact on our customers and drivers. We will be updating drivers on WLTP by placing a notification on their quoting platforms, and will encourage them to talk to their account manager if their choice of car isn’t available to order.”
Where a driver is unable to complete the order process before their contract end date Zenith is offering an informal extension while they wait for a suitable WLTP approved model to become available.
For more on this story see the next edition of Fleet News.
The Engineer - 04/07/2018 08:51
Our lease company site (a very big one with a short name) is like a bomb site at the moment, 2/3rd's of the cars I might be interested have disappeared. I am not taking on, and paying some of my own money towards 'any old alternative car' Company can hassle me all it likes but until there is a proper choice I am not even going to look at it. I don't even know which ones are viable enough to arrange test drives.