All the key news in fleet…

SEAT’s Ateca FR will feature all-wheel drive as standard on all 2.0-litre engines.

SEAT Ateca FR pricing and specs revealed

SEAT’s new Ateca FR model will be priced from £24,960 OTR when it goes on sale on 3 July.

The sporty new trim level, which starts first UK deliveries in October, will feature four engines, including a new 2.0 TSI 190 as well as the entry-level 1.4 Eco TSI 150 turbo petrol and 2.0 TDI 150 and 2.0 TDI 190 turbo diesels.

The line-up brings 4Drive all-wheel drive as standard on all 2.0-litre engines and also brings bespoke styling features including FR front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloys as well as progressive steering and the SEAT ‘Drive Profile’ adjustable settings for driving.

According to reports, a full-blown Ateca Cupra model could be on the cards too.

The new FCA personal contract hire solution can be specified with 24-60-month terms.

FCA launches personal contract hire solution

FCA Fleet Services UK has launched a new Personal Contract Hire (PCH) package that includes maintenance, servicing and tyre replacement.

Called Be-Free, the finance package is available on the Fiat Tipo hatchback and wagon and 500X as well as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jeep Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

The finance package includes road fund licence for the contract duration, breakdown cover and roadside assistance in UK and Europe, and free GAP waiver, which covers any early termination cost in the event of a write-off.

The webinar will include a study on banning all mobile phone use behind the wheel.

Webinar to put forward case for banning at-wheel phone use

Brake is to run a free webinar for fleets on how to reduce driver distraction from connected cars.

The webinar, which takes place on Wednesday 7 June 2017, will be delivered by the Brake Professional membership service and will see leading transport safety academics and fleet risk managers present an overview of the risks of using technology behind the wheel, particularly in commercial fleets, as well as a case study about banning all at-wheel phone use – including hands-free.

To register, email [email protected], or booking online.

Andy Short, commercial director at CLM

CLM appoints Andy Short as commercial director 

Fleet management specialist CLM has appointed Andy Short as its commercial director, responsible for the company’s client services activities as well as managing supplier relationships with leasing companies and vehicle manufacturers.

Short will head up a 13-strong client services team and has said one of his initial priorities is to explore wider fleet service possibilities with existing customers in order to deliver greater value.

Paul Jackman, chief information officer at MIB

MIB appoints new chief information officer

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) has appointed Paul Jackman to the newly created role of chief information officer.

Jackman joins MIB from Markel Corporation where he was senior director of enterprise architecture and will use his experience in fintech and insurance sectors to help the MIB in reducing uninsured driving, compensating victims of uninsured and untraced drivers, and managing insurance data securely for the industry.

The RAC figures show a surprising Q1 rise in the number of breakdowns where the poor quality of the road surface was a major factor.

Pothole damage to cars soars

Damage to cars from potholes surged in the first quarter of this year, despite mild and comparatively dry winter conditions.

The figures from the RAC show its patrols attended 63% more pothole-related breakdowns in the first quarter of 2017 than they did over the same period in in 2016.

In response, the organisation says the condition of local roads is “on a knife-edge” and warns that it would only take one season of cold and wet weather to cause further damage.

Fleet Alliance marketing executive, Mairi McAslan (left) with Liz MacMillan. Maggie’s centre head.

Fleet Alliance donates car to Maggie’s

Fleet Alliance has donated a brand new car to the recently opened Maggie’s Forth Valley Centre.

The centre’s new car – a Peugeot 108 – will also be fully maintained and serviced for the next two years and will be used to transport centre visitors from the entrance of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital to the centre, which sits in its grounds