News - Page 1905

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PREMIUM upper-medium cars are holding their value despite a massive upsurge in sales over the last two years and a predicted residual value fall as a result, but the future is not entirely rosy.

THE Fleet News Hit for Six conference, sponsored by Mazda, examines six key areas essential for the efficient and safe running of a vehicle fleet.

TRADE rumours that the Volkswagen Phaeton would become the fastest depreciating car in history have proved unfounded following the release of figures by CAP.

PEUGEOT'S volume models are doing very well at resale in recent months and are bucking the trend which has seen the prices of competitors gradually falling.

'I VISITED Group Lotus headquarters in Norfolk a couple of weeks ago – and what a journey it was. It is not so far in miles, but a long journey in hours. I was driving a new Mercedes-Benz E-class with the Distronic cruise control feature.

A HIGH-profile story in the national media about the collapse of the second-hand car market has provoked an angry response from the fleet industry, which claims prices are still sound and that the 'misleading' figures could destroy confidence and push values down.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant BT has put health and safety at the top of its fleet agenda with a plan to put 5,000 of its line managers who have responsibility for company car drivers through a series of safety workshops.

TRANSPORT for London (TfL) is promising fleets an improvement in the administration of the congestion charge following a decision to invest more money in its organisational structure to cut down on the number of blunders.

INLAND Revenue officials are analysing responses to the consultation on changes to van taxation, which ended last week.

FLEETS outsourcing the management of their company cars in a bid to free up administration time and save money are being warned not to give up total responsibility.

A NATIONAL private ambulance service has announced plans to double its 600-strong fleet after agreeing a three-year supply deal with Citroen.

FORD has enlisted the help of supermodel Jodie Kidd to promote two new centenary special editions, the Focus Ink and Fiesta Flame.

FLEET drivers caught speeding in the Thames Valley area are being given the option of attending a driver training course as an alternative to a speeding fine.

VAUXHALL'S revised Corsa will be fitted with a record-breaking new common rail diesel engine when it arrives at showrooms in September.

CASH-for-car customers can take advantage of summer cashback offers from Nissan with £2,000 off Primeras bought through Nissan's Preferences PCP scheme.

FLEETS can take advantage of a free servicing deal on the Vauxhall Signum for all cars ordered through leasing companies until October 31.

A SPECIAL edition Jeep Wrangler has been unveiled to tie in with the latest Tomb Raider film.

A CONFERENCE designed to help fleet executives understand the impending Health and Safety Executive guidance on employers' duties for fleet safety will take place next month.

PRACTICAL Car & Van Rental has expanded with 15 new UK franchises from Livingstone to Penzance.

LAND Rover has revealed the first pictures of the revised Freelander which will make its public debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

HAVANT Borough Council has ordered a fleet of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles as part of policy aimed at reducing exhaust emissions.

RENAULT'S impressive safety record has prompted bosses at a new lettings agency to choose the manufacturer to supply its 21-strong fleet of cars.

A NATIONAL landscaping company has employed an incident management specialist to deal with insurance claims across its 400-vehicle fleet.

MAZDA has launched a limited edition version of the MX-5 to coincide with its placement in the new Charlie's Angels film.

LEX Vehicle Leasing has announced a 19% increase in profits for the first half of the year to more than £21 million, up from £17.9 million from the same period last year.

AA Tyre Fit has teamed up with Europcar to offer a mobile tyre fitting service for fleets using the daily rental group.

MINI is upgrading specification on all cars built from September 1.

VOLKSWAGEN has announced prices for its new Transporter.

AUTOMOTIVE services group Inchcape has acquired six BMW dealerships, making it the UK's second largest BMW retailer.