News - Page 1788

LAUNCH dates for key fleet models.

THE latest appointments in the fleet industry.

EUROPEAN fleets have helped shape a new international internet-based reporting system that allows them to access their pan-European data in real time.

A HOST of expert speakers on the European fleet industry will give their view on the future of the market during a major conference next year.

KIA has announced the European launch of its Sportage SUV, which made its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

FLEETS in Belgium face increases in tax on company cars unless they encourage drivers into environmentally-friendly vehicles.

THE European Commission is taking Finland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) claiming that the country’s vehicle transfer permit system breaks European Union (EU) freedom of movement of goods rules.

MAZDA will manage the distribution of its vehicles in Cyprus in partnership with local distributor A Stephanides and Sons.

LEASING and fleet management company Sofico

GERMAN car manufacturer Volkswagen has announced a new partnership with Malaysian carmaker Proton Holdings Berhad - a move that will boost sales for the European manufacturer. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Volkswagen head office in Wolfsburg.

NEARLY 200 leading figures in the fleet industry gathered in London for the unveiling of the latest FN50, Fleet News’ assessment of the UK’s largest contract hire and leasing companies.

PENALTY charges for handing back damaged and excess mileage vehicles to leasing companies cost firms an estimated £330 million in the past year.

THE motor industry has criticised proposals put forward by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that could mean added costs and administration for fleets.

SKODA is asking a £700 premium for the estate version of the new Octavia which will arrive in the UK early next year.

HOSPITAL laboratory supplies specialist Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics has taken steps to tackle its rising accident rates.

FORD has confirmed it will team up with Pininfarina to build a production version of the Focus Vignale concept shown at September’s Paris Motor Show.

LEX Vehicle Leasing has launched a new eight-page duty of care guide for fleets.

MANHEIM Auctions has launched a new email alert service for Volkswagen Assured Dealers.

THE Commons Transport Committee has called on the Government to offer greater financial incentives to support ‘cleaner, greener and safer’ cars.

THE Board of Aquilo has announced it is at an ‘advanced stage of negotiation’ with ABS Bodyshop Services executives with a view to taking it over.

DRIVERS should be forced to read the vehicle handbook of a new car before they are allowed to drive off, so that they understand the latest technology they will be using, a meeting of leading executives heard.

THREE-QUARTERS of motorists feel they are more likely to suffer a road rage attack than five years ago, new research suggests.

MITSUBISHI has unveiled the production-ready high-performance version of the new Colt as well as the ultimate version of the Lancer Evo VIII.

FLEET decision-makers have attacked standards of service among fleet management companies, claiming their procedures are a ‘total mess’ in some cases.

KWIK-FIT Fleet is predicting a surge in mobile tyre fitting services as burgeoning workloads leave company car drivers with little time on their hands.

AUDI has rationalised its A2 range by dropping the two more powerful variants and upgrading the equipment on the petrol and diesel 1.4-litre models.

ALFA Romeo is hoping to boost sales of its diesel 147 model by eliminating the price premium over the equivalent petrol version, resulting in a £1,100 saving.

A GLOVEBOX guide to hard shoulder safety has been launched to coincide with Road Safety Week, which is taking place now.

HYUNDAI has given away a Bang and Olufsen audio system to mark its 50th online auction.

FLEET NewsNet takes a look at how new cars taken on to a typical fleet might perform over the next three years/60,000 miles.