Europcar Mobility Group UK extends green fleet

Europcar Mobility Group UK has been working with its manufacturer partners to extends its green fleet with the addition of electric and hybrid vehicles across its Professional and Leisure service lines.

Available for both short and long-term hire, the new vehicles compliment the MG ZS electric vehicles (EVs) that came onto fleet in 2020.

The Renault Zoe GT will be added to the Europcar UK fleet in March and the company is also adding a selection of plug-in hybrids, as well as mild hybrids including the Ford Puma.

The new additions to the Europcar UK fleet give greater choice for businesses and fleet operators who are looking to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles, the company said.

Strong demand continues to drive record peak period for Nexus

Following record results in November 2020, which saw Nexus Vehicle Rental facilitate more than 20,000 vehicles out on rent in a single day, the company has reported it is experiencing a record extended peak period as demand continues.

Over the last 12 months, Nexus has reported seeing a rising demand for vehicle rental as organisations ensure mobility in their supply chain amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and currently are tracking over 50% up on the same period last year.

The company says despite challenging supply conditions, Nexus has successfully managed to fulfil most of the vehicle rental orders required by its clients.

David Brennan (pictured), CEO at Nexus Vehicle Rental, said: “The last 12 months have been hugely challenging for businesses, but it’s really positive to see how our customers business models have pivoted to meet consumer demand and taken advantage of the flexibility rental provides.

“We are proud to have been able to keep businesses moving throughout this difficult period – helping our customers to scale their fleets, facilitate social distancing, and be better prepared for bumps in the road as we continue to navigate through the ongoing uncertainty in 2021.”

Volkswagen names Lookers Northallerton as top UK retailer

Lookers Northallerton has been awarded the Volkswagen Retailer of 2020 accolade and won awards in two other categories at the Volkswagen Retailer Recognition 2020 Awards, picking up first place awards in Sales and Aftersales.

The site was previously awarded top in the country for its aftersales service in 2019 noting the dealership’s exceptional customer service. The dealership has also been given a 95% overall satisfaction score, with a 98% recommendation score amongst customers, by trusted reviewer JudgeService.

Alan Lea, general manager at Lookers’ Northallerton Volkswagen dealership, said: “To be named top retailer for one of the world’s biggest and most trusted car providers is an incredible achievement for the team here at Lookers’ Northallerton Volkswagen.

“These awards are recognition of our team’s dedication to providing that personal service that local people value, exceeding expectations daily, and their commitment to always going above and beyond for our customers.”

Intelligent Car Leasing tackles racism with Volkswagen T-Roc

Intelligent Car Leasing (ICL) has hit back at racist attacks against a trio of basketball players by providing them with a brand-new Volkswagen T-Roc free of charge for three years.

The company said it acted after hearing that three new basketball players at the Glasgow Rocks club had been subjected to racial abuse by providing them with the new SUV to ‘get them back on the right road again’.

Glasgow Rocks chiefs said they’d been ‘deeply saddened’ when new signings, David Mpondo, Julius van Sauers and Marc Kwedi, were victims of racist attacks within weeks of joining the Emirates Stadium-based club.

As well as having to move home following the series of incidents, the trio’s car was vandalised with its tyres slashed and windscreen smashed with a hammer.

Martin Brown, Fleet Alliance Group managing director, said: “The reports of what these players went through really hit home. That sort of mindless behaviour is totally unacceptable and not the Glasgow we know, love and work towards achieving. We want to show a better side of our great city.

“We’re providing the vehicle with all expenses taken care off for a three-year period. As well as getting to and from training sessions we hope the players use the car to explore as much of the city as possible. And once lockdown is eased then they can explore more of Scotland too.”

Drive iQ publishes driving after lockdown guide

Drive iQ has published a new white paper, Driving after Lockdown: A Guide to Employee Safety and Well-being.

The guide outlines five key changes to employee mobility and sets out some recommendations to help employers to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

Richard Hill at Drive iQ said: “Following the publication of the roadmap to exit lockdown in the UK, our new white paper shares our thinking on the key issues that employers need to consider in relation to driving to, from and for work.”

Driving After Lockdown: A Guide to Employee Safety and Well-being is available on the Drive iQ website.

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