Customer contact grows but less optimism over the economic climate
Increasing demand for PCH or BCH over PCP continues, although PCP seems to remain a relevant product. There is still a growing demand for Fleet Management services and a slight decline in interest for Insurance inclusive contracts and Subscription Services (Car Clubs). There has been increased interest in both Flexible and Shorter Term contract types, which you could put down a link with economic uncertainty and job security.
Alphabet (GB) announces new Chief Risk Officer
Chantal Gorman has 25 years’ experience in the vehicle leasing industry and brings a wealth of financial management experience to the role. Starting her career with ING, she has worked in almost all areas of Finance including Controlling/Financial planning, Information Management, Underwriting and Collections.
Lookers Leasing partners with Trakm8
Lookers Leasing will be offering Trakm8’s extensive range of vehicle cameras, integrated telematics cameras and plug-in telematics solutions, which not only enhance fleet efficiency and productivity, but can also help improve road safety, identify training opportunities for drivers and even cut fleet insurance premiums.
Growing number of SMEs looking to go electric
Interest in electric vehicles is growing rapidly among small-medium sized enterprises (SMEs), according to the latest research from the Arval Mobility Observatory. For plug-in hybrids, almost half of SMEs (46%) either already have them or plan to put them on fleet compared to just 28% in 2019 while, for hybrids, they were 45% this year against 37% in 2019.
Can multi-bid fleet acquisition lead to cost savings?
Fleet management firm, CBVC Vehicle Management, has published a White Paper on The Benefits of Multi-Bid Vehicle Funding that examines the pros and cons of different business contract hire fleet acquisition methods. It concludes that multi-bid is the most effective method to keep downward pressure on fleet costs.
Europcar develops flexible leasing solutions for cash-strapped businesses
Instead of being committed to a fixed-term lease or an outright purchase, Europcar’s B2B Flex and Flex+ packages offer companies the opportunity to pick-up vehicles when they need them. And they can be returned after as little asthree3 months – with no upfront deposit or early termination fees beyond the initial three months.
Recruitment ramps up as demand continues to rise
Leasing Gorilla says that while it saw customers holding back or cancelling orders during March when COVID-19 lockdown started, since then both June and July have been record months and August is set to continue this trend.
Startline takes on new recruits following record-breaking quarter
Company announces recruitment drive although vast majority of Startline’s team will continue to be home based. CEO sees no immediate reason to enforce a return to pre-crisis working conditions as the business continues to function well based around home working and could operate this way in perpetuity.
‘No cause for alarm’ over August new car sales dip
The recent lockdown has given us a glimpse of what a greener future could look like. With plans for Clean Air Zones in cities across the UK firmly on the table, demand among businesses for their fleets to have the newest and cleanest vehicles is continuing to rise
King Kia – Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi 48V GT-Line
What is particularly appealing about all Kias is the seven-year warranty which can be carried over when you come to sell on. The Kia Care package has been extended allowing you to pay for the first seven years of servicing, rather than the previous five, to make budgeting easier.
Arnold Clark expands offering with new Trakm8 partnership
Decision to partner with Trakm8 led by consumer demand for a more intuitive, data driven telematics offering. The range supplied by Trakm8 includes its T10 Micro device; a self-install solution designed for the commercial fleet management sector that connects with a number of vehicle interfaces to provide data rich insights into vehicle diagnostics and fuel usage
More SMEs turn to leasing brokers to fund company vehicles
The 2020 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer indicates that Small-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are increasingly turning to leasing as a means of funding company cars and vans. and they are also turning to leasing companies for advice in what appears to be increasing numbers.
Finance applications surge for new 70 plate
Applications for both Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) agreements have been markedly higher than during the same period in 2019 since showrooms reopened on June 1.
Bridging Overgate Hospice’s Fundraising Gap with £70 Per 70-Plate Vehicle
As a long-time business supporter of Overgate Hospice, Halifax-based Ideal Autolease came up with a fund-raising initiativeafter learning of the devastating financial impact that the pandemic has had on Overgate’s fundraising.
Vanarama becomes first vehicle leasing business to scoop a Princess Royal Training Award
Vanarama is one of only four automotive companies to win the coveted award with it being won by Mercedes-Benz, Bentley and Motus Commercials since its inception in 2016. Other winners this year include Santander, IBM, Brother, Co-op and Royal Mail.
FCA Discretionary Commission, can this benefit motor finance?
Quotevine Chief Executive Daniel Layne said some concerns remain over areas of the ban, and more clarity is needed – including specific definitions around which vehicles it applies to – as well as the potential for unintended consequences such as dealers exploiting the loophole left by excluding personal contract hire (PCH) from the changes, in order to make up lost revenue.
Motion Vehicles joins the Leasing Broker Federation
Run by Marco Fappioni and Lee Slater, Motion Vehicles offers to find the best deal on any new vehicle, whether for business or personal use.
Are you aware of benefit savings to reduce costs post COVID-19?
A change in legislation which came into effect in April this year means that EVs now have zero benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax. This has resulted in significant savings for employees, as well as savings through lower National Insurance (NI) contributions for the employer. Yet, one fifth (20%) of HR bosses aren’t aware of the recent change, despite 44% and 39% of companies respectively offering either employee car ownership or salary sacrifice for a car.
Carparison builds for the future with recruitment drive
The recruitment includes the appointment of a new Commercial Sales Manager to underpin Carparison’s ambitions to grow its market offering into commercial as well as passenger vehicles. As well as facilitating comprehensive fleet support, the new appointee is responsible for working with businesses big and small to ensure their fleet is both fit-for-purpose and effectively funded.
PHVC joins the Leasing Broker Federation
PHVC offers a number of leasing sales and funding options, including contract hire, finance lease and lease/hire purchase tailored to suit individual requirements. Vehicles are prepared by dealer networks before being transferred to PHVC for inspection, then onward delivery by its driver team to customers UK wide.