Fleet briefs: Latest from FleetCheck, Meridian, Aston Barclay and TTC Group

Fleet focus on service and maintenance required, says FleetCheck

Fleets are being urged to pay more attention to servicing and maintenance needs during the remainder of 2020.

FleetCheck says that a number of challenges are arising within the new normal, particularly with operators under pressure to reduce costs at a time when vehicle replacement is often being delayed due to coronavirus.

Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, said: “This strikes us as the most acute point of weakness for fleets.

“Because of the uncertainty around the current economic situation, many companies are pulling the purse strings tight. This means that they are often putting off their normal car and van replacement cycles at the same time as looking at ways of cutting service and maintenance costs.”

Golding says fleet managers need to develop strategies that allow them to keep all the vehicles on their fleet in a fully roadworthy condition while, at the same time, minimising expenditure.

He believes the key is to look at servicing and maintenance costs as closely as possible, ensuring that the work was done to a high standard at a competitive price.

Electric vehicles join Meridian’s medium-term rental fleet

The first electric vehicles (EVs) have joined the fleet of medium-term rental specialist Meridian Vehicle Solutions. 

A number of Audi e-trons are becoming available for rental for leases from periods of 3-12 months, with vehicles delivered new directly from the dealer.

Phil Jerome, managing director, said: “Initially, we expect interest to be high from businesses and company car drivers who are curious about EVs but remain cautious about the technology and don’t want to jump straight in and take out a long-term lease. Here, we are providing an option that allows them to see whether an EV will fit in with their work and personal motoring needs.”
However, he added that the overall number of EVs being added to the Meridian fleet would remain relatively low for the next few months, because of limited availability and high prices in relation to comparable petrol and diesel models.

“We would like to add more EVs and plan to do so during the rest of 2020 but much will depend on the supply situation and the kind of pricing that the market will accept,” he said.

TTC Group issues drink drive warning  

TTC Group fears could see an increase in drink driving cases during the coming UK holiday season.

With staycations proving popular and fears around public transport, TTC Group’s Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) division fears it could lead to an increase in drink driving cases in the coming weeks and months.

Historically, summertime sees a surge in drink-driving cases, with a recent freedom of information request highlighting 2,861 motorists were caught driving under the influence in July 2019.

Head of TTC’s DDRS division, Tim Ribton, said: “By sounding out a warning we hope to attract the attention of the authorities, businesses and the general public because we do see an almost perfect storm brewing over the coming weeks and months.”

Aston Barclay secures solus remarketing contract

Vantage Motor Group has announced a new long-term solus remarketing contract renewal with Aston Barclay.

Vantage will continue to channel all group part exchanges from its 14 locations through Aston Barclay Wakefield’s two weekly dealer part exchange sales and fleet sale.

“Vantage signed up as lead vendor at Wakefield even before it opened as the group bought into our ideal of revolutionising the industry,” said Martin Potter, Aston Barclay’s managing director for customer.

“We have worked together very closely since to build a strong following for its cars at auction and they have been receptive to using new technology such as e-Xchange. We are pleased to see them commit to a new long-term remarketing contract.”

Vantage represents Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Skoda and Citroen brands across Yorkshire and Lancashire.