News - Page 2072

PROPERTY rental agents Leaders has taken delivery of 36 Volkswagen Polos for staff in its 17 branches across the south of England and the West Midlands.

GIVING European fleets a taste of the not-too-distant future is a new limited edition Volkswagen Golf that offers internet access on the road.

A NEW fleet safety internet site has been launched to provide access to worldwide research into risk management.

EXPRESS carrier DHL International has signed a three-year deal with Hertz UK to rent two electric TH!NK City cars.

DOCUMENT company Xerox included its pan-European fleet in a strategic review launched to identify commodity cost savings and significantly reduced its costs.

TELEMATICS supplier Wingcast has put European fleets at the forefront of its ambitious growth plans.

THE European Commission has warned that the failure of car manufacturers to establish closer pre-tax prices on an international basis threatens the future of the car distribution block exemption.

ZERO emissions driving has moved a step closer after two of the major players in developing fuel-cell cars announced new breakthroughs.

THE average UK worker is absent for 19 minutes a week due to traffic chaos, according to recent research, costing UK employers £3 billion.

NEW car sales this year could reach an all-time record after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revised its full year sales prediction to 2.3 million units.

FLEET managers are producing a hard-hitting safety handbook for drivers in response to Government demands for the industry to cut accidents.

DEMAND for diesel among fleets has grown to its highest share of the market this year as companies search to save drivers tax under the new company car tax regime which comes in next April.

Used cars need badges - it is important to establish exactly what they are, and how to value them correctly.

RENAULT and sister company Nissan have scotched claims that their fleet departments could merge, as they begin working more closely together.

HONDA'S three-door Civic promises better performance and economy over its five-door sibling, giving fleets the chance to save cash on fuel costs. The three-door model goes on sale next month and is shorter, lower and lighter than the five-door already on sale.

A FORWARD-thinking tele-communications business which has invested in preparing for next year's carbon dioxide-based tax regime has sparked demands for action throughout the fleet industry.

FORD has created the 'office of the chairman and CEO' to give company chairman Bill Ford a greater say in the direction of the company.

INTERNATIONAL dealership group Inchcape has revealed a string of strong performances in its operations, which have boosted profits by 75%.

SMALL improvements in used car prices may be shortlived, with disposal prices for three to four-year-old models set to fall by 11% over the next three years, according to Interleasing.

FORD has issued written guidance to fleets running its flagship Mondeo about use of the handbrake following incidents where cars have been damaged after moving while parked, but the firm has denied there is a design fault with the new model. <P>

NHS fleets controlling 25,000 vehicles throughout England and Wales are slashing costs through a ground-breaking website which will handle orders for £21 million worth of vehicles a year.

A FLEET 'tsar' should be appointed by the Government to take strategic charge of vehicle operations across all 18 Whitehall departments, according to fleet industry experts.

Can Citroen's curvy and spacious C5 estate cut the mustard in the traditional fleet heartland? Julian Kirk reports

REGISTRATIONS of new cars rose by 11.6% year-on-year to 173,160 units last month. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures revealed this week show year to date registrations have risen 5.2%to 1.44 million units.

GLOBAL pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has launched a personal motoring package for its 11,000 staff to attract and retain the right employees.

A DIESEL version of BMW's X5 is now on sale in the UK.

FLEETS running Volkswagen Polos are set to save between 15% and 20% on their insurance bills. The Association of British Insurers has knocked most models down at least one group because of improved security and accident repair costs. <P>

A BID to boost driver safety among small fleets has been launched by the Fleet Driver Training Association, following a ground-breaking industry summit.

A RELIABILITY survey that blasts the performance of some modern fleet cars has provoked an industry row amid claims the results themselves are unreliable. <P>

CAR DEALERS will face an influx of ex-company car drivers, many new to the market without a vehicle to part-exchange and looking for finance.