News - Page 2106

RESIDUAL value stability is in sight in the used car market after more than two years of collapsing vehicle values, with some sectors experiencing price increases. The claim comes from CAP Network following more than a month of evidence from various sources, including Glass's Information Services, British Car Auctions and Manheim Europe that the long spell of tumbling residual values is over.

FLEET operators should budget for driver training in the cost of a new vehicle, according to a leading provider of risk management services. Gary Spellins, managing director of RAC Business Services, said fleets which took the 'leap of faith' would reap the benefits of a service which would cut accident rates and lead to cost savings.

FLEETS are being offered a 'no win, no fee' consultancy service by GE Capital Fleet Services to prove the benefits of a thorough review to identify massive savings. Led by managing director Steve Taylor, the service is part of an innovation drive at the firm.

VEHICLE telematics and data management company Recall has won a major contract to supply its vehicle management system to all of BCH Vehicle Management's new leased vehicles. The Traffix vehicle management system will be fitted to the entire BCH fleet - currently 25,000 units - as vehicles are renewed over the next three years in a bid to drive down fleet operating costs and offer an improved service.

FLEETS will see the benefits of lower fuel prices wiped out by increases from the main oil companies and supermarkets. But fleet managers are pointing out that prices are still lower than at the beginning of the year.

CAR security and audio company Toad has launched a new tracking system. Actra is a web-based telematics device designed to provide specific vehicle location information direct to fleet managers.

NISSAN is aiming to increase its presence in the LCV market by using the new alliance with Renault to extend its model range. Van sales are expected to rise this year as British fleets buy more vehicles to cope with the expected boom in home shopping.

REQUESTS for RAC patrols to stick rigidly to promised breakdown response times has prompted the RAC to invest in new technology to improve service. The service is to adopt a new command and control system from Intergraph Public Safety which will go live next year, and is fitting its recovery vehicles with interactive computer systems, giving operators live positions of vehicles.

THE RAC claims residual values could be boosted by up to 10% if fleet operators adopt its vehicle inspection service. RAC Inspection Services carries out 57,000 inspections a year on behalf of corporate clients and consumers, and says its independent assessments can reduce disputes over the condition of de-fleeted vehicles.

THERE are no plans to reduce the number of RAC recovery vehicles and Auto Windscreen repair vans following the recent link between the two businesses, according to the RAC. Lex Service, which owns the RAC, bought Auto Windscreens for £112million at the end of March.

MORE than 80 of the biggest companies in the UK fleet market will be exhibiting at the 2001 Fleet Show being held at Alexandra Palace, London, from May 1-3. A total of 18 vehicle manufacturers have stands at the event with 14 UK car debuts - the largest number in the show's 18-year history.

A PACKED programme of business forums has been drawn up for each day of this year's Fleet Show, with all the major issues facing the fleet industry being discussed. Ranging from company car tax and driver safety and risk management to e-commerce and fleet management efficiency and residual values, show visitors will be able to learn from industry experts and get key questions answered at the May1-3 Alexandra Palace event.

PRESTIGE and sporting cars have been selling strongly at Top Car and Executive Car Sales around the country held by British Car Auctions. Attracting large crowds of buyers and competitive bidding in the auction hall, strong prices have been achieved.

VAUXHALL'S new Corsa made its auction debut at BCA Nottingham with residual values on a like-for-like basis 14% better than the old model. A series of X-registered three-door models produced an average residual value of 85.3% of list price.

LEEDS-based premier Motorauctions has taken delivery of a fleet of new Volvo and Isuzu transporters to accommodate increased business. Now in its fifth year of trading, the company says it is on target to sell 38,000 vehicles this year.

FLEET discounts are at the heart of an Office of Fair Trading investigation into whether manufacturers are selling cars to dealers at equivalent rates to those being offered to companies. Seven months after the publication of the Supply of New Cars Order 2000, the OFT has said it is investigating 'several complaints' from dealers claiming they are not being allowed to buy cars on the same terms as fleets.

MANUFACTURERS have issued a plea of 'not guilty' to dealer claims of discrimination over discounts on new cars. The Office of Fair Trading is investigating complaints that some dealers are not being allowed to buy cars on the same discount terms as fleets, but Britain's big three fleet manufacturers have defended their record.

ONE of the world's biggest insurers is reporting a swing back into company cars among staff who have taken a cash option and it is predicting the pattern will continue. Marsh Corporate Services has a fleet of 1,400 company cars and 1,200 staff who have taken a cash option in the UK.

GROUPS involved in a bid to end uncertainty over carbon dioxide-based company car tax have issued a joint statement to calm fleets' nerves - but have warned some drivers will have to effectively buy blind if they opt for a newly-launched car. The statement comes following a meeting between the organisations that provoked a row with the Association of Car Fleet Operators, which accused industry and Government of not doing enough to provide clear CO2 information to fleets.

A NEW law in Germany has forbidden drivers from holding a mobile phone to their ear while driving, and forced fleets to fit hands-free phone kits to their vehicles<I> writes FNN sister title Fleet News Europe</I>.

VOLKSWAGEN Financial Services has taken over the responsibility of Europcar's leasing division in Italy, Portugal and Spain and plans to expand the brand across Europe<I> writes FNN sister title Fleet News Europe</I>.

GE Capital Fleet Services is helping its major customers procure fleet services via reverse e-business auctions <I> writes FNN sister title Fleet News Europe</I>. The online sales invite suppliers to bid for business in real time by lowering their prices.

PEUGEOT has announced prices for the new 307, which will reach UK showrooms in June. The car replaces the 306 and will be available with three petrol engines and one diesel engine from launch.

SAAB has restructured its fleet department resulting in the departure of fleet marketing manager Maggie Small. Fleet operations manager Andy Dunsdon said: 'In the fleet department we have effectively lost one position. Her role will be redeployed within the marketing department for all our fleet marketing activity.'

VOLVO'S share of the NedCar plant in Holland has been transferred to Mitsubishi. The plant, which produces the Mitsubishi Space Star and Carisma, and the Volvo S40 and V40, was jointly owned by the two companies. Availability of the cars will not be affected.

PRACTICAL Car & Van Rental's move to establish corporate-owned 'flagship' outlets has seen the first four non-franchised operations - at Heathrow, Derby, Manchester Airport and Hereford - qualify for British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association membership.

THE latest monthly ARVAL PHH AllStar fuel price report shows that the average price for unleaded petrol in the UK is 76.98p a litre/349.93p a gallon and the average price for diesel is 80.81p/367.38p.