Leasedrive Velo 2008 predictions - seven key trends

Leasedrive Velo, one of the UK's largest independent privately-owned vehicle management groups in the UK, predicts seven key trends for 2008.

Commercial director, Roddy Graham said: "2008 will be a tough year, much tougher than people expect despite recent alarm bells. The impact of the sub-prime loans crisis in the USA has yet to fully wash over to our shores although we've had the first wave batter Northern Rock. No question, 2008 will see a credit squeeze which will have a knock-on effect for the fleet industry."

  1. Credit Crunch
    "No surprises here - the sub-prime loans crisis will see a credit squeeze in 2008. Large and medium-sized contract hire companies should ride the storm comfortably providing they are ship-shape but some of the smaller players may find it harder to keep afloat. Car dealerships however will be hit as private new and used car buyers find it harder to obtain loans."

  2. Oil/Dollar Stability
    "Despite the current weak US Dollar and high oil prices, analysts expect that global interests will be best served by a stronger US Dollar, which will recover some of its previous value during the course of 2008. As a consequence, oil prices, while close to the $101 barrel record of the late 70s, should drop once the dollar recovers its strength."

  3. Climate Change
    "Governments will have to wake up to the biggest challenge mankind has ever had to face. The proof is now incontrovertible, with peer-reviewed research of several thousand top scientists agreeing that the probability of global warming being man-made is greater than 90 per cent and if nothing is done about it average temperatures could rise by as much as six degrees Centigrade by the end of the decade. The findings are endorsed by all the world's major governments without qualification. Future government action, post-Bali, will impact our daily lives including driving."

  4. New Car Trends
    "Given the above, vehicle manufacturers will bring out more sub-120g/km cars. Already they are under pressure to produce cars emitting on average less than 120g/km by 2012, a target they baulked at during the Frankfurt Motor Show without offering alternatives. With proposed congestion charging based on CO2 targets, there will be pressure from drivers for greener cars. The new retro-chic Fiat 500 is Car of the Year 2007. Expect more economical and smaller cars next year."

  5. Congestion Charging
    "The charges will go up and more towns and cities will introduce congestion charging. Only two do so to date but the figure will increase dramatically. And, as mentioned, CO2-based charging has to be just around the corner too."

  6. AECOPs
    "The future of AECOPs is uncertain and we need clarity from government. However, we believe AECOPs has its place in the fleet mix. After all, it's all about consumer choice and some employees will want to opt for this route."

  7. Sweeteners?
    "2008 will be a tough year and there is nothing to suggest otherwise. The only glimmer is that the Bank of England expects the following year could be better. What might make 2008 more palatable is if Prime Minister, Gordon Brown decided to hold a General Election in 2009. Then expect the introduction of some vote-catching measures late in 2008 that could sweeten the end of the year. The bitter pill, however, is if we entered a worldwide recession."

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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

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