Fleet briefs: Latest from Autohorn, Radius, Co-wheels, Aeris and VRA

Autohorn Fleet Services achieves target of 100 EVs

Autohorn Fleet Services has achieved its target of having 100 pure electric cars within its fleet by 2020, with the recent delivery of a new BMW i3.

A range of hybrid, self-charging and electric vehicles (EVs) now make up over 25% of its fleet.

The company also has seven of its own EV charge points across York.

Lee Underwood, managing director at Autohorn Fleet Services, said: “Electric vehicles are also becoming increasingly popular as company cars as they currently benefit from a zero percent benefit-in-kind tax rate and, with several other government initiatives, they are not only better for the environment, but also better financially.”

Radius Payment Solutions partners with Europe B.V.

Radius Payment Solutions has made an investment in Chargepoint Europe B.V.

Chargepoint is a supplier of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Europe and has developed high speed commercial units for customers including hotel chains, commercial property companies, car sharing companies, universities and local government. 

Radius is a supplier of fuel cards and telematics solutions. The partnership will combine Radius’ sales and marketing skills with Chargepoint’s charging units.

Bill Holmes, CEO of Radius, said: “This acquisition will give Radius a strong position right at the heart of Europe. Chargepoint has a great team and we look forward to partnering with them to accelerate growth, as well as investing in further technological developments over the forthcoming years.”

Co-wheels launches Canterbury hybrid car club

Co-wheels has worked in partnership with Canterbury City Council to launch the city’s first all-hybrid car share club.

A fleet of five new hybrid cars, three Toyota Yaris and two Toyota Corolla, are now available across the city centre for pay-as-you-go hire from 30-minutes up to full days. Bookings can be made through the Co-wheels app or website.

Richard Falconer, managing director of Co-wheels, said: “This is our second all-hybrid club as part of our vision to be the greenest car club in the UK.”

To protect vehicle users, Co-wheels is carrying out extra measures. Every vehicle is professionally cleaned regularly and all touch surfaces are cleaned with a disinfectant.

VRA provides Brexit briefing

A Brexit briefing is being held by the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) online at 10am on December 3.

David Bailey, professor of business economics at the University of Birmingham’s Business School, will be talking about the probable impact of finally leaving the EU.

Also, Owen Edwards, an associate director and automotive specialist at Grant Thornton will be providing a general overview of the economic outlook for next year.

The webinar is the latest in a series of five briefing events that the VRA is holding during November and December that are open to anyone who works in the motor industry. Each lasting 30 minutes, they are designed to provide a compact but expert summary of next year’s prospects in key areas of remarketing.

Sam Watkins, chair at the VRA, said: “There is a long list of factors that could have a major effect on the remarketing sector in 2021 but Brexit is probably the elephant in the room.”

Those who wish to register to attend the 2021 Outlook Seminars should e-mail info@thevra.co.uk.

Aeris launches guide for fleet telematics providers

Aeris has announced a new free download, the Connectivity Buyer’s Guide For Fleet Telematics Providers, which details the connectivity must-haves for each fleet telematics use case.

These include GPS fleet tracking, temperature monitoring, connected dashcams, and usage-based insurance.

Aeris provides fleet management connectivity to 2.1 million commercial vehicles, which represents 15% of Aeris’ 14-million-device customer base.  

Mohsen Mohseninia VP of market development for Europe at Aeris, said: “We hope this guide helps you to more quickly and easily identify capable technology partners that are equipped and ready to help ensure the success of your telematics solution.”

The free guide can be downloaded here.