VELO Survey Reveals New Optimism for UK Fleets
A national survey of UK businesses by VELO, the Marlow-based independent vehicle management specialist, has revealed that economic optimism seems to be fuelling a renaissance in the company car.
59% of respondents expect UK economic performance to improve in 2007 and despite reports to the contrary, company fleets now look set to grow.
VELO's research revealed that an optimistic 41 per cent of fleet managers expect a rise in the number of vehicles on their fleet over the next year. A further 33 per cent expect vehicle numbers to remain the same whilst only 26 per cent expect a reduction.
Philip Peace, VELO's Director of Sales and Marketing comments: "Given reports over the last couple of years suggesting that the company car is in decline, we are greatly encouraged by this new level of optimism".
"Our research contradicts reported views that tax, administration and duty of care issues are affecting the popularity of the company car. Instead it suggests that vehicles remain an important employee benefit and business tool".
VELO's survey also showed that fleets are responding positively to the challenges facing them. 96% of respondents stated that they had reviewed their health and safety policies as a result of recent publicity regarding duty of care, with 70% having examined policies within the last six months.
"It is good to see that companies are taking the issue of duty of care so seriously" continues Phil Peace. "Whilst health and safety issues do represent an area of significant risk to companies, with the right policies and procedures in place there is no reason why they should hinder the smooth running of company fleets."
As the environmental debate grows louder by the day and with 'green' taxation potentially in the pipeline, VELO's survey also looked at how fleets are responding in this area.
A notable 52 per cent of those questioned admitted that company boards now expect fleet managers to implement environmental policies. Significantly, 41 per cent felt that the introduction of 'green' measure across their fleet would result in an increase in costs.
"This doesn't necessarily have to be the case", advises Phil Peace. "With the right advice it is possible to introduce green measures that actually reduce fleet costs."
"Even simple education of employees in good driving habits can have environmental and safety benefits. Just turning off the air conditioning when it's not necessary can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent. Taming aggressive driving habits will usually see a reduction in emissions, improve fuel economy and bring down accident rates."
The key to achieving success in this area is through the implementation of proven programmes states Phil Peace. "Working in partnership with Drive Diagnostics, VELO has recently helped one client reduce costs by 25 per cent through a programme of driver assessment and education" he adds.
"Primarily good environmental practice lies in the efficient use of resources and therefore with the right planning and guidance, fleet operators can produce social and environmental benefits as well as save money."
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Leasedrive Velo is the largest independent privately-owned vehicle management group in the UK and comprises two main operating divisions.
Leasedrive Velo Vehicle Management
Working in partnership with fleet managers, or delivering a complete outsourced service, Leasedrive Velo offers blue chip clients a range of bespoke fleet management services. Major investments in the finest asset management system and pioneering, flexible, web-based customer service technology have resulted in Leasedrive Velo offering customers a truly world class fleet management service capability.
Leasedrive Velo Rental Management
One of the largest short-term vehicle rental management companies in the UK, with access to an almost unlimited choice of vehicles and locations throughout the country, Leasedrive Velo Rental Management offers a simple and transparent pricing policy with no hidden surcharges. For rentals of 28 days or more, it offers the Stopgap mid-term vehicle rental solution. Rates are substantially reduced compared to daily rental.
The headquarters for Leasedrive Velo is at hi-tech offices at TRL in Wokingham. Leasedrive Velo is the winner of the 2006 Fleet News Award for 'Best Contract Hire/Fleet Management Company', the 2006 GreenFleet Award for 'Leasing/Rental Company of the Year', The 2006, 2007 and 2008 Thames Valley Business Awards for 'Business Management Team of the Year', the 2007 ITM Award for 'Independent Vehicle Management Company' and the 2008 ITM Award for 'Fleet Management Company'.
For further press information on Leasedrive Velo, contact:
Mr Jeremy Snook
JSPR Ltd
Telephone: 01488 670002
Mobile: 07957 867139
Facsimile: 01488 670008
E-mail: jeremy.snook@jspr.co.uk
Website: www.jspr.co.uk
