Fleet briefs: Latest from Indicata, Lightfoot, TrustFord, Mitie and SMS

Used car pricing in UK strongest in Europe, according to Indicata report

According to Indicata’s latest Market Watch insights report, prices rose on average by 1.7% by a 22% shortfall in used stock in the market, compared with April 1.

Sales fell by 1.8% in July as a result of the stock shortage, in comparison to a 3.7% rise in June.

Sales of electric and hybrid cars was up 53.5% and 51.2% year-on-year respectively, with 6-9-year-old used cars being the most popular.

Prices of electric vehicles (EVs) rose in July, by £2,525 to £13,688 and hybrids by £1,461 to £16,156 compared with Q2.

Jon Mitchell, group sales manager at Indicata, said: “There are signs from some of our vendor customers that supply is starting to increase coming into August.

“With the new plate change in September we should also see new part exchange stock coming into the market.”

Lightfoot backs National Road Victim Month

Lightfoot has announced it is one of the chief sponsors of a new virtual fleet safety exhibition organised by Brake, as part of National Road Victim Month.

Showcasing projects, partnerships and products involving fleet operators and suppliers, The Global Fleet Champion Virtual Exhibition is designed to highlight how initiatives can be used to improve road safety.

Martin Kadhim, partnerships director at Lightfoot, said: “Safety on the roads should be an organisation’s number one priority, both to its workforce and members of the public.

“That sits at the heart of what we do at Lightfoot, and its why we’re big supporters of National Road Victim Month, the Global Fleet Champions campaign and its virtual exhibition."

Mina Energy partners with Mitie

Mina Energy has announced the launch of a strategic partnership with Mitie to support its transition to a fully electric fleet.

With an electric fleet in excess of 500 vehicles, Mitie has committed to convert its fleet of 5,500 vehicles to zero emission models as part of ‘Plan Zero’, its commitment to reach net zero carbon emission by 2025.

Mina has also announced that Mitie is using its electric vehicle (EV) fuel card system within the Mitie EV fleet.

Mina’s software will integrate with the existing charge points installed in Mitie employees’ homes, as well as the driver’s energy suppliers, to offer payment of EV energy.

Ashley Tate, founder of Mina Energy, said: “Mitie’s market leading EV strategy has made plenty of headlines, and we are thrilled to be able to support such a forward-looking business in their transition towards a fully electric fleet.

“With our unique home charging solution, drivers are able to charge their vehicles at the home with no cost or impact on their household electricity bill.”

Simon King, director of sustainability and social value, said: “With the majority of our fleet based at employees’ homes, paying for charging directly not only makes things simpler for our business, but it’s the right thing to do by our people too.”

SMS launches public sector EV charging solution

SMS has launched a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging offering for the UK public sector, after becoming a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Solutions framework.

By using SMS as a supplier, public bodies such as local authorities, councils and hospitals will now be able to procure a full end-to-end charging infrastructure solution to support their move towards low-carbon transport and more widely, net-zero carbon emissions.

Craig Brock, commercial manager at SMS (Energy Services Division), said: “Public sector organisations and local authorities in particular will pay a key role in Britain’s greater uptake of EVs over the coming years through the essential provision of public charge points and infrastructure.”

TrustFord raise over £3,600 for Cancer Research UK

TrustFord has raised over £3,600 for charity, with its annual fishing match in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The event at Messingham Sands Fishery, Scunthorpe, now in its 6th year, brought together colleagues, suppliers and customers to see who could reel in the biggest catch.

The 21 anglers caught more than 1,400lbs of fish combined, with Wes Turton who is part of the extended TrustFord family, winning on the day, with 136lbs 2oz.

David Cox, sales director at TrustFord, said: “We have been overwhelmed at the support over recent years, having raised over £20,000 for Cancer Research UK.

“As much as the event is about creating some healthy competition, it is an opportunity to help raise vital funds for charity. Thank you to everyone who got involved and more importantly those who have donated.”