News - Page 2135

PROPOSED tougher fleet safety legislation has prompted Leeds-based JCT600 Contracts to introduced a driver training service for its clients. JCT600, which now has a 4,200-vehicle fleet, has formed a strategic partnership with trainer Active Risk Management to offer the scheme.

THE break-up of Rover and continued residual value uncertainty is driving fleet customers towards Toyota. The manufacturer claims it has 'almost daily' approaches from contract hire firms looking to dilute their fleet with Toyota product and reduce RV risk exposure.

FLEETS are being urged to move over to alternative-fuelled vehicles now rather than wait for the development of hybrid vehicles. The call comes from Jonathan Murray, head of transport for Powershift, the Government funded initiative which provides grants of up to 75% towards the cost of using cleaner-fuelled vehicles.

THE new director-general of the BBC, Greg Dyke, is cutting back on the corporation's chauffeur-driven car service. Dyke has announced the new executive committee he is creating will not be entitled to the use of chauffeur-driven cars, which were supplied on lease. He will, however, be keeping his chauffeur-driven Jaguar, which was bought second-hand from his previous employer, Pearson TV.

CITROEN is to launch four new models in the UK in the next two to three years following this month's showroom launch of the Xsara Picasso. UK sales - both fleet and retail - have been falling but the French manufacturer hopes the launch of the mini-MPV will breathe new life into the marque, boosting fleet sales and taking UK business through the 100,000-units-a-year barrier.

TOUGHER standards are being announced by the Government-funded Powershift programme to decide the level of grants it pays to users of alternatively-fuelled vehicles.

A 4x4 version of Renault's Scenic mini people carrier has gone on sale with prices starting from £18,200 on-the-road, claiming a substantial list price advantage over key sports/utility competitors such as the Land Rover Freelander.

LAND Rover has recalled 10,000 Discovery and Defender TD5 diesels, produced between September 1998 and June 1999, because of an engine problem, along with 1,300 Discovery Series 2 V8s to replace a idler pulley.

A WORLDWIDE survey of road pricing and congestion charging proposals and schemes shows that the vast majority are highly unpopular, few get implemented, and, where they do, the cash raised is likely to end up being plundered for uses other than transport.

DEALER and contract hire group Caffyns has announced a 16% increase in pre-tax profits, despite a reduction in turnover from £151.6 million to £147.3 million. It ended its full year on March 31 £2.15 million in the black (1998/9: £1.86 million).

CHRYSLER Jeep is to recruit a fleet sales development manager for the north of England.

MORE than 700 franchised dealers and independent garages have been appointed to offer Wurth UK's in-car climate control disinfecting service.

THE Environmental Transport Association is calling for a radical shake-up of company car tax and for companies to withdraw free fuel and free city centre parking in a bid to cut pollution. The association, which launches Green Transport Week on Saturday, wants the Government to tax private car mileage for company car drivers.

LEASE Plan has launched a new area of its internet service for fleets called Lease Plan Driver as part of a rapid expansion of its e-commerce services.

COMPANY car drivers jump-starting cars could risk causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

PROFITS at contract hire firm Powermarque have doubled to record levels as it gears up for expansion and a potential acquisition this year. The firm, a subsidiary of Anglian Water, made pre-tax profits of £2.038 million for the year to March 31, compared to £1.1 million for the previous year. Turnover also nearly doubled to £31 million from £18.4 million.

DIESEL power is to assume top priority in plans to fuel a major European drive to boost Jaguar sales.

COMPANY car drivers are being urged to leave their vehicles at home and walk or take public transport to get to work as part of the Don't Choke Britain 2000 campaign.

FORD has warned that moves to stem big losses at Land Rover mean its new UK off-roader division is in for a rough ride over the next two to three years.

ESSEX County Council has launched a drive to cut accidents with a targeted staff training programme.

BMW will have the capacity to double production of Rolls-Royce cars when it takes over ownership of the brand from Volkswagen in January, 2003.

FLEET drivers are still widely unaware of the looming introduction of CO2-based benefit-in-kind tax, despite warnings it could cost them dearly if they drive the 'wrong' type of car.

A BOOM in company car use is expected following the launch of carbon dioxide-based company car tax in 2002, the Government has revealed.

A PROMINENT company will have to be dragged before the courts before fleets learn the true implications of new laws being proposed to make it easier for the police to bring prosecutions in the event of an employee being involved in a fatal road accident.