< Previous Fleet News: Are you pleased to see the back of 2019? Rob East: 2019 was tough with all the political and economic uncertainty. In fleet, we all felt the same pain with WLTP, policy changes, and we also had model changes with 3 Series and 1 Series. But we are satisfied with our performance; it was in line with our expectations. In Q4 we started to see the impact of those models and the strength of the 330e (plug-in hybrid). This year, we have had a strong start. BMW is up 2% in total and corporate is up 4%. We are having fruitful conversations with our customers. Policy restrictions have been removed and we get a sense of optimism. But weve been prudent Multi-award-winning BMW is simplifying its approach to fleet Number of sales channels cut from nine to two as part of new strategy. Stephen Briers reports If a customer has up to five cars, it goes to the retailer through our SME channel; if they have more than five cars, it goes through our direct sales model, he says. Like its premium rivals, BMW endured a bumpy ride in 2019, with reductions in leasing and fleet other registrations and a rise in the more costly rental and captives sales. Its not a trend East intends to pursue, with his focus on profitable core fleet, dubbed First Price Level (it also includes retail and Motability). This category was up 1% in the first two months of 2020, with Second Price Level (rental and captives) down 3% before the coronavirus- enforced lockdown crippled the market. ob East spent a considerable chunk of time during his first year at BMW reviewing the carmakers approach to the fleet sector. His conclusions? BMW needed to simplify its approach to the market. Subsequent actions brought together the BMW and Mini fleet teams to facilitate a group policy for corporate sales, while a rationalisation of market channels enabled retailers to have a clearer view of the customer, aided by consistent offers for SME businesses. East, general manager for corporate sales, opted to cut the number of channels from nine to just two. FLEET NEWS AWARDS: BMW Rob East (seated, holding up his glass) had plenty to celebrate with members of his team at the Fleet News Awards R 38April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk FLEET MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR: BMW GROUP UK NEW COMPANY CAR OF THE YEAR: BMW 3 SERIES BEST COMPACT PREMIUM CAR: BMW 1 SERIES BEST PREMIUM CAR: BMW 3 SERIES BEST EXECUTIVE CAR: BMW 5 SERIES GENERAL MANAGER, CORPORATE SALES: ROB EAST TIME IN ROLE: 1YR 5M TOTAL FLEET SALES (2019) BMW: 106,682 TOTAL FLEET SALES (2019) MINI: 27,836 TRUE FLEET SALES (2019) BMW: 62,124 (LEASING AND FLEET OTHER) TRUE FLEET SALES (2019) MINI: 16,055 (LEASING AND FLEET OTHER)and realistic with our planning its about sustainable growth. FN: What is driving this renewed optimism? RE: We had the Brexit uncertainty with a lot of our end users, who are global organisations. They now have partial certainty and are more confident to look at renewing their policies and new bandings. Fleet managers had a tough job, but they can now talk with certainty to their drivers on tax positions. FN: Which models are they most excited about? RE: The 330e is a strong proposition and we have a strong order bank. We will also have a Touring derivative and a facelifted 5 Series and plug-in X1 and X3 this year. While there is a segment shift to SUVs, we see a strong opportunity with the 5 Series, especially with the hybrid variants. We have a strong plug-in offering throughout our range and the models have the athleticism and dynamism that is key for the brand. We also have the Mini electric. Our true fleet order bank is double last year. Looking further ahead, we have the battery electric vehicle ix3 next year and the i4 concept. FN: Will the Government-announced ban on PHEVs as well as petrol, diesel and hybrid from 2035 affect uptake of this technology as a stepping-stone to full electric? RE: PHEV is still a fundamental part of our powertrain; its not a transition technology. For people doing high mileage, its a perfect solution with impressive real-world economy. FN: How do ensure people use your PHEVs in the most efficient way? RE: They need to put their destination in the sat-nav and let the car think for itself to maximise the efficiency. The car will assess the journey and get there in as efficient a way as possible using the plug-in technology and regeneration opportunities. We are investigating a secondary handover where customers are given the opportunity to go back to the retailer for a more detailed handover, especially if the car is delivered to their home. This will enable customers to interact with us on their terms to understand how much energy they can recuperate. FN: BMW was ahead of the game in sharing its WLTP data with leasing companies; how much will the new testing regime impact on fleet choices? RE: We were well prepared for WLTP and we worked in partnership with our leasing companies. It is inevitable that post-WLTP we will see a different powertrain (mix) with a pull to plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. We see it immediately with our historic stalwarts, the 320d and 520d, where there is a richer mix with PHEV. But its also about choice and, for some, diesel or petrol is the right option, so we have to give them that choice. FN: BMW did some modelling last year to show that the company car was a viable option for those considering cash. Are you seeing a move back to the company car? RE: We did do some modelling but there are so SPONSORS COMMENT Athlon International would like to congratulate BMW on its multiple wins at the 2020 Fleet News Awards. The German automotive brand has been recognised by the judges across multiple segments that demonstrate the diversity, range and quality of its vehicles. In addition to the Best Car Awards, BMW also won the coveted awards for Company Car of the Year and Fleet Manufacturer of the Year which is a testament to both the manufacturing and the brand. Athlon recognises this great accomplishment, as it underlines the manufacturers dedication to delivering excellence for all kinds of fleet drivers. Athlon sponsored the Best Compact Premium Car, Best Premium Car and Best Executive Car categories many variables regarding how fleets pay and the complexities of policy. But it gave us comfort that opting out is not the panacea for many people. We are seeing, with the certainty of BIK post-April 6, a strong desire for some organisations to get drivers back into the car scheme and out of cash. Our approach is consultative; we advise, but its not our role to dictate. FN: Has the exit of the DriveNow car share scheme from London forced you to reassess the opportunities for new mobility services? RE: London had its challenges with all the boroughs, but it is still working elsewhere. We recognise that the way individuals procure mobility services is changing and will change. Its about the right propositions in the market. It doesnt reduce or dilute the global priority of BMW to have a broad range of mobility services for individuals. In business, it (uptake and usage) is difficult to predict. We have to take the market step-by-step. The priority now is to update policies, then remove grey fleet then the next phase will be the next stage in car fleet policies. FN: How big are the opportunities offered by connected services? RE: We see a clear trend that customers want to engage with the car in the way they do with their smartphone. We have over-the-air updates such as Driver Recorder 360-degree camera which can be purchased as an upgrade. We have a dedicated corporate development manager in aftersales who is talking to the leasing companies about how we feed information to them so they can use it as an early warning system (for potential faults). FN: What are your priorities for (a post coronavirus) 2020? RE: Its about ensuring we have the basics right, the right people and the right propositions for the retailers. We have to manage our channel mix and enrichen the First Price customer level. Im constantly challenging my team about where our next level of differentiation is. We are in a rapidly changing market: channels and customer expectations are changing, so we have to look at what we do to give them a great experience. We know that end users want a direct relationship with BMW from a service and aftersales expectation. We are hearing that loud and clear. ast describes the 2035 petrol/diesel/ hybrid/PHEV ban as an interesting challenge, one which is just two lifecycles away for BMW. However, over the next three years its product portfolio will include 25 electric vehicles, of which at least half will be full electric. We have a strong proposition, but we have to understand the Governments thought process, he says. Weve had uncertainty since 2016 and we need greater clarity with open dialogue and transparency. The Government has to understand the challenges we face as an industry in meeting the new rules and we have to understand their key priorities. Disclaimer: this interview was carried out before the coronavirus lockdown and social distancing. 39fleetnews.co.uk ■ April 23 2020 E Sponsored by40 TODAYS FLEET: COMPANY CAR RENAISSANCE April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk Just like Rocky Balboa in Sylvester Stallones 1977 Oscar-winning film, company cars have been taking a beating, with punch after punch being landed on the benefit. These include ever-increasing tax bills for both employer and employee, the introduction of the WLTP emissions test which affected both CO 2 emissions and vehicle availability, uncertainty over future benefit-in-kind bands, and more attractive PCP deals on new cars for retail buyers. However, while Rocky was able to summon inner reserves of strength to make his comeback, the return of the company car is being driven by a new-found certainty over emissions and BIK rates with new bands making electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles particularly attractive. Here we look at the state of the market and what the next few years could have in store. WHAT HAVE THE TRENDS BEEN? Latest HMRC figures released in June last year showed the number of company car drivers in 2017/2018 was 890,000, a 5.3% fall on the previous 12 months. Six months before that, Lex Autolease had suggested the number of company car taxpayers could fall to 832,000 by April this year as a result of the optional remuneration arrangement (OpRA) tax changes and the introduction of the WLTP emissions regime. Chris Chandler, principal consultant at Lex Autolease, this month told Fleet News: In recent years, weve seen a significant increase in the number of non-essential users looking outside of company car provision. This has typically been to avoid company car tax The company car sector looks like it is set to grow again. Andrew Ryan looks at the reasons for this and how fleet decision-makers can help ensure its future success The company car fights back41fleetnews.co.uk ■ April 23 2020 By Ben Creswick, managing director, JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions In light of COVID-19 it feels rather bizarre to be writing this commentary. As a nation we are navigating the unprecedented challenges aºffecting the country today. At this time, our message to the industry is simply We are thinking of you all, stay safe and if you need us, we are here. Cash v Car is not a new conversation but has become more complex. Really, its a case of Cash v Structured Cash v ECOS v Salary Sacrifice Car v Traditional Company Car. Multi-solution schemes are in existence, which provide such choices to employees, but making the right decision for the employee and employer is often difficult. Employers try and balance costs, risk and duty of care and the employees consider cost, flexibility and their own appetite to risk. Risk levels that in the current climate may rapidly change and all difficult elements to juggle without all the facts. To make this decision simple, you need real time access to all the facts, in a simple format. At JCT600 VLS we have invested heavily in a new system to simplify the cash v car conundrum for both employee and employer. The system is Origo, a platform designed to pull all the funding options available together and provide a simplified side by side cost comparison for each of your individual drivers and their journey profiles. When the time is right for you, we look forward to demonstrating how Origo will benefit you. SPONSORS COMMENT Sponsored by and have more choice as there are fewer cost penalties in the private market for drivers of high-emission vehicles. Analysis by KPMG has found that the BIK tax a company car driver has faced has risen by more than three-quarters in the past six years. If we look at a Volkswagen Golf diesel with a list price of £30,000 and CO 2 emissions of 110g/km, a 40% taxpayer would have been paying just over £2,000 in tax six years ago, compared to £3,600 in 2019/2020, says David Raistrick, senior manager at KPMG in the UK. This equates to a 76.5% increase, which is way over and above inflation. Providing the cash allowance can also be cheaper for the employer, he adds. If you look at the cost to the business of providing that car, incorporating the lease cost, maintenance cost, road fund licence, insurance, Class 1A NIC, it costs about £7,000 a year to provide that car. Many companies have also forced the hand of their employees by closing their car schemes and enforcing policies to ensure drivers take the cash route, says Christopher Caddick, head of business development at JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions. This decision is often influenced by the fact that it was the most cost-effective solution for decision-makers themselves, he adds. However, just as the company car may not be the answer for them, cash certainly isnt right for all employees. WHAT HAS CHANGED? Fundamentally, recent developments have seen organisations and drivers receive certainty over the tax implications of operating company cars for the next five years. The WLTP testing regime became fully operational on April 1, while in the Budget last month the Government confirmed the BIK tax bands up to and including the 2024/25 tax year. The fact rates are now known for the next five financial years a full replacement cycle for vehicles gives planning confidence to both fleet decision-makers and company car drivers, says Caroline Sandall, co-chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals.TODAYS FLEET: COMPANY CAR RENAISSANCE 42 April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk Sponsored by For many employees, the chance to opt for a cash allowance to buy a car they want, free from any CO 2 or brand restrictions imposed by a company car choice list, has been too tempting to resist, particularly in the light of rising BIK bills. Many of these drivers are signing up to attractive-looking PCP or PCH finance offers offered by manufacturers. However, the saying if it looks too good to be true, it probably is is relevant here, with PCP deals typically limiting annual mileage to 10,000 with a charge of 3p to 9p per mile over this, meaning the driver could end up with large, unexpected bills at the end of the contract. Employees who opt for cash also find them- selves responsible for arranging associated services such as insurance and maintenance. Many who liked the idea of cash three to four years ago are opting back in because the reality of being responsible for the cost and ongoing hassle of running a vehicle, without the support of their employer and suppliers, was not worth the originally assumed benefits, says Caddick. Simon Staton, director, client management for Venson Automotive Solutions, says that essentially having a company car reduces an employees burden of worry. They are not tied to a personal financial contract. All repair, maintenance, servicing and insurance costs are usually covered by the employer and they do not have to worry about depreciation costs as they never own the vehicle, he adds. Money also talks, of course, and the new BIK rates mean the case for the company car The tax bands also heavily incentivise the adoption of electric cars, with drivers of battery electric vehicles not having to pay any BIK in 2020/21. A survey of 2,000 business employees by leasing company DriveElectric found, following this decision, that eight out of 10 respondents who currently opt out of a company car scheme are likely or very likely to move back into company cars, with those vehicles being electric. Other leasing companies, including Lex Autolease, Arval UK and JCT600 VLS, have already experienced this transition. Were seeing employees who once opted for cash look to opt back into schemes where EVs are available and a resurgence of salary sacrifice for cars, especially at the management and senior management level, says Caddick. Where the predictability of peoples journeys will allow, we should also see more progress in the roll out of EVs to job-need fleets as the range of the more affordable EVs increases. This is a population where the use of AMAPs and cash could currently deliver savings and potentially increase the take up of cash. However, the ability to move these employees into EVs will make a significant difference in converting significant mileage to electric delivering a real reduction in emissions and a fantastic savings to both parties. Shaun Sadlier, head of consultancy at Arval UK, adds: More broadly, we are also starting to see plenty of examples of drivers opting back into company car schemes now as a result of the certainty around tax and expect that trend to continue. becomes even stronger if the employee is able to choose a PHEV or BEV. For example, in 2019/20, the annual BIK cost to a 20% taxpayer for a Kia E-Niro was £1,214, but this falls to zero in 2020/21, £76 the following year and then £152 for the next three tax years up to and including 2024/25. The tax savings obviously become greater the higher the P11D price of the car, as well as the income tax bracket of the employee. If you drive a BMW 320d and switch to a Tesla Model 3, how much BIK will you save a year? Its £4,500 take home, says Simon King, director of sustainability, social value and fleet at Mitie. So if I take away your BMW 3 Series and give you a Tesla instead, thats the same as giving you an £8,000 pay rise, assuming you are a 40% taxpayer. Whats not to like about that? Sadlier adds: There may never have been a time, certainly within corporate memory, when the company car has been such an attractive proposition. If employees opt for the right vehicle, its potentially free. All they have to do is fuel or charge and wash it. For the vast majority of people, the choice is quite simple. MAKING THE CASE FOR COMPANY CARS TO EMPLOYEES AT A GLANCE: THE TOP BENEFITS OF TAKING A CAR INSTEAD OF A CASH ALLOWANCE ■ A driver is not personally tied into a financial contract ■ Insurance, servicing or maintenance worries are usually covered by the employer ■ There are no depreciation costs for the driver as they never own the vehicle ■ For plug-in vehicle drivers, the benefit- in-kind is generally lower than compared to the cost of buying and running their own vehicle ■ No need to worry about reselling the car at a later date Source: VensonadRocketThis was going to be an advert for our new platform But that was then and this is now. JCT600 VLS are thinking about our customers, drivers, supply partners, industry colleagues and all your family and friends during this unprecedented time. We are here if you need us on 0113 250 0060 or contactvls@jct600.co.uk C M Y CM MY CY CMY K JCT600VLS-Origo-FN-FullPg-Ad-March2020(Dev3).pdf 1 30/03/2020 14:19FP_FLEETNEW_JCT600VLSOid4265814.pdf 03.30.2020 15:45 44April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk TODAYS FLEET: COMPANY CAR RENAISSANCE Sponsored by Email: contactvls@jct600.co.uk or call: 0113 250 0060 While company car drivers who operate BEVs or PHEVs will be the biggest winners under the new BIK tax regime, organisations which add EVs to their fleets will also make tax savings. The Class 1A national insurance contributions (NICs) for company cars is calculated using the BIK tax band; organisations will pay no Class 1A NIC on pure electric vehicles in 2020/21. Using the same Kia E-Niro as in the employee example, companies paid Class 1A NIC of £838 in 2019/2020. In 2020/21 this will be zero, 2021/22 £52, and then £105 for the next three tax years up to and including 2024/35. There is also the potential to make significant savings through reduced fuel and SMR bills (see Save money and the planet: Making the case for EVs, Fleet News, January 2020). The fleet industry is leading the transition to a zero emission future, so providing electric company cars will help businesses to achieve their sustainability objectives in turn driving the UK towards its 2050 net-zero target, says Chandler. We also know from our recent research into electric vehicles, almost half of consumers look favourably on businesses with electric or low-emission fleets. Opting for low emission vehicles can result in lower costs for the business in comparison to cash allowances a compelling point for fleet managers making their case to the board. All company cars, regardless of powertrain, share the same benefits to an employer, including meeting duty of care responsibilities and mitigation of risk, cost and control of cost and employee recruitment and retention. A business that requires staff to be out on the road has a duty of care to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, taxed and insured, says Staton. By encouraging employees to take a company car, fleet managers know the vehicle being driven is regularly serviced and maintained, ensuring the company is compliant with its corporate social responsibilities. Industry evidence also suggests that employees own cars have significantly higher CO 2 emissions than company cars, he adds. Businesses should be clear that while company car schemes may sometimes seem onerous, taking a risk by having a large grey fleet may prove to be an even bigger cost, as well as a health and safety administration headache, says Staton. A company car scheme can also help businesses attract the best candidates or help existing staff to stay. It is a great incentive and a way of making them feel rewarded and valued which can lead to higher productivity and loyalty, he adds. MAKING THE CASE FOR COMPANY CARS TO EMPLOYERS AT A GLANCE: BENEFITS OF PROVIDING A CAR INSTEAD OF A CASH ALLOWANCE ■ Meet duty of care responsibilities by knowing vehicle is roadworthy and taxed ■ Can help meet sustainability objectives by lowering vehicle CO 2 ■ Company cars help staff recruitment and retention ■ Can result in lower costs than cash allowances if EVs are adopted ■ Help ensure strong brand image ALMOST HALF OF CONSUMERS LOOK FAVOURABLY ON BUSINESSES WITH ELECTRIC OR LOW-EMISSION FLEETS CHRIS CHANDLER, LEX AUTOLEASEFor exhibitor and sponsor enquires please contact events@fleetandmobilitylive.com fleetandmobilitylive.com 6th -7th October 2020. Hall 20, NEC The UKs leading event for the fleet and mobility community COVID-19 Notice: Bauer Consumer Media/Fleet & Mobility Live are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will follow government advice. At this moment in time, we feel that the timing of Fleet & Mobility Live will offer the perfect opportunity to bring the industry back together after such exceptional times. We will ensure additional safety measures are in place to ensure strict hygiene standards are maintained throughout the event. Should you have any concerns about attending or exhibiting, please contact the events team - events@fleetandmobilitylive.com46 April 23 2020 ■ fleetnews.co.uk Look beyond the 0% BIK on BEVs say fleet bosses More and more fleets look to electrify, but other powertrains may be more appropriate By Andrew Ryan lectrifying fleets is a priority among fleet decision-makers in 2020, as new benefit- in-kind (BIK) tax rates and a greater choice of electric vehicles (EVs) are introduced. Safety also continues to be high on the fleet agenda, with many organi- sations using telematics and dash- cams to monitor and improve driver behaviour. These were among the topics debated at a recent Fleet News roundtable, sponsored by Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, which took place at the Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club, Coventry. Fleet News: What are your priori- ties for 2020? Stephen Kirby, fleet manager, Morgan Sindall: Were looking to get electric vehicles on the car list as soon as we can. Weve been working on this for several months, looking at processes and what we need to do to get the drivers aware of what their needs are and if they qualify for EVs. Martin Saxton, transport and fleet manager, BCS Group: Weve been looking at our company car choice list and have devised a flow chart to help the drivers decide what route they should take when it comes to fuel, whether its full elec- tric, plug-in hybrid, regenerative hybrid, mild hybrid or even petrol or foot as well. Fuel savings are very good. Martin Saxton: We are looking at mileage reduction if you want to decrease emissions, then dont do the journey if you dont need to. We have a regional network of offices and we found people were travelling between them for something prob- ably insignificant. These journeys are now being monitored and cut out if possible. Car-wise there is a lot fewer miles being driven, but we cant really do that with our vans. We introduced Microsoft Teams last year and that took off pretty well, and we are also putting more tech- nology in our offices which will reduce the need to travel. FN: What action have you taken to improve safety? Stephen Kirby, fleet manager, Morgan Sindall: We look at certain areas within our work-related road risk policy such as speeding offences and collisions, and they are linked to potential interviews with TODAYS FLEET: DEBATES E diesel. They flow through that chart dependent on what they do day-to- day, week-to-week, where they live, etc. They take all those kinds of scenarios into consideration so they can make the right decision. A lot of people are just looking at the 0% BIK tax for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but thats wrong. Ian Thorn, fleet operations manager, CEF: When you look at EVs, the wholelife costs come into it too. The list price of BEVs might be more than petrol and diesel cars, but when you look at them on a wholelife cost basis, they do start to make sense. Martin Saxton: Cost is a big plus, but what is also a positive is that manufacturers are starting to launch more BEVs into the main- stream rather than the high-end vehicles weve been seeing. Paul Taylor, fleet manager, Morgan Sindall: The problem, particularly with electric commer- cial vehicles, for us in the outlying areas is getting the maintenance done because the EVs dont have that big a range. When we put our first few EVs in at Heathrow Airport we were told where the nearest dealer was and I said I couldnt get there. Manufacturers are still playing catch-up when it comes to maintaining EVs. Michael Brown, fleet manager, Virgin Media: You need to look at vehicle off-road time as well. You need to build in factors such as if an EV is involved in a collision, its going to have to go to a specialist dealer to be repaired. There is also a higher risk of the vehicle getting written off if the battery is damaged. Weve had problems with Tesla. Someone had a rear bumper repaired and it was literally just a new bumper that needed to be put on. Our approved bodyshop wasnt allowed to touch it so they had to put it on a recovery truck, drive it 200 miles to a Tesla- approved repairer and then the driver sat there and waited while it got repaired. FN: How else are you reducing CO 2 emissions? Ian Thorn: Weve got Lightfoot (a telematics/driver behaviour tool with an in-cab traffic-light display to give drivers instant feedback on their driving) on our Ford Transits and thats been fantastically successful. Weve seen a fuel saving of 15% and accidents have reduced. Its transformed our fleet. Michael Brown: Weve got Light- FleetNews R O U N D T A B L E 1 2 3the driver and line manager or fleet manager. This may lead to some in-vehicle training, which is a bit like closing the door after the horse has bolted because something has happened before we take action. However, we have also developed in-house an online safety learning module which we put all of our car and commercial drivers through. It has a test at the end of it and it makes them aware of how their driving impacts on vulnerable road users and that sort of thing. Ian Thorn: We do a similar thing. We have an online risk assessment and if that flags up an issue, then the employee goes on a driver training course. This is done at induction as well before they even get into a car. We have upgraded modules which the drivers do every so often as well, and we also do daily safety checks. FN: Has anyone fitted dashcams? Michael Brown: Weve got forward- facing ones. Our vehicles are heavily liveried and weve saved lots of money from when false claims come in. Weve had claims where someone has said one of our vehi- cles has been involved in an acci- dent and the four people in the other car have all got serious injuries. You watch the footage back and nothing has happened. Within a couple of weeks of installing our dashcams we had one claim for £30,000 from someone. Under normal circum- stances our legal team may have turned around and said you need to do a 50:50 or try to settle, but as we had the footage we could defend it. This paid for the cameras. Martin Saxton: We do a lot of off- road work and have a zero-toler- ance approach to bad driving. Our camera system has impact alerts and sends me video straightaway, and one time it sent me footage of drivers racing around a field at 35mph. I sent this off to the opera- tions manager and the next day they were sacked for abusing company property. Our dashcams have also got a voice recording facility and it 47 fleetnews.co.uk ■ April 23 2020 does help with complaints. Our drivers all see this as a benefit as in a lot of cases it is used to defend them. If the system flags up an alert, then we can listen to the relevant audio, but nobody sits there and listens to hours of conversations. Not one driver has raised an issue with the company for either recording footage or conversations. Stephen Kirby: It works both ways Weve identified instances of poor driving and we can go and talk to the drivers, but weve also seen In association with ATTENDEES 1 Paul Taylor, fleet manager, Morgan Sindall 2 Alan Akester, head of corporate services, Remit Group 3 Tamara Parsons, senior buyer, National Grid 4 Stephen Kirby, fleet manager, Morgan Sindall 5 Peter Jardine, group fleet director, Countrywide 6 Michael Brown, fleet manager, Virgin Media 7 Ian Thorn, fleet operations manager, CEF 8 Kimberley Wileman, associate buyer fleet, National Grid 9 Martin Saxton, transport and fleet manager, BCS Group 10 Morgan Migallos, fleet administrator, Close Brothers 11 Jack Tanner, strategic sales manager, corporate sales, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions instances where one has driven exceptionally well to avoid some- thing and we can then commend them. Michael Brown: You can also use the footage in training. Weve got examples of where people have gone into the back of someone, but weve used that footage in training videos to say actually your driver pulled over, he went to see if the member of public is okay. This helps show people what to do in the event of a collision. 6 105 8 7 9 4 11Next >