Natalie Middleton
Kia grows electric and hybrid sales 21% in falling new car market
Sales of Kia’s electric and hybrid cars increased 20.8% in Europe in the first quarter of 2020, despite the overall decline in the new car market.
GeniePoint charging network free for all key workers
The GeniePoint charging network is offering free charging for key workers throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
New-gen Škoda Octavia revealed as debut nears
Škoda has released new images of its fourth-generation Octavia ahead of its launch this summer.
Fleet World’s five-minute industry briefing: This week’s top stories
This week’s top fleet industry stories…
Drivers more reliant on cars than ever during pandemic
A third of drivers say having access to a car is more important than ever following the coronavirus outbreak.
Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone consultation on hold
Greater Manchester is to delay the statutory consultation on its Clean Air Zone plans as it warns that the exceptional times could necessitate new thinking on … Read More »
Volkswagen to start reopening European plants
Volkswagen will restart production in Europe on a step-by-step basis from next week while ensuring strict protection for workers.
Tonik Energy partners with Fortum Charge and Drive
Charge point provider Tonik Energy has deployed Fortum Charge and Drive’s cloud-based EV network management system to provide bespoke charging solutions for fleets and public charging … Read More »
Basic checks on laid-up vehicles could prevent tyre replacements, says Michelin
Prepping cars and vans laid-up for extended periods could ensure they’re ready to re-enter operations when normal service resumes.
Bridgestone resumes production in Spain and Russia
Bridgestone is restarting operations at several plants in response to business and customer demand.
In-car touchscreens much worse for driver distraction
In-car touchscreens can be much more distracting to use compared to systems with physical buttons, potentially putting drivers at higher risks of accidents.
Nissan Sunderland to help supply PPE to frontline health workers
Nissan’s Sunderland plant is being used to scale up delivery of protective equipment to UK health workers, delivering up to 100,000 face visors a week.
Covid-19 to change working practices and fleet car strategies forever
UK companies will adopt more flexible approaches to working practices and company car provision going forwards as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q1 used car market ‘on fire’ prior to Covid-19
The used car market saw consistent 90% conversion rates during Q1 2020, while the first 10 weeks of the year were “extremely buoyant” for fleet prices … Read More »
Honda EV batteries to get ‘second-life’ industrial uses
Batteries from Honda’s electric and hybrid vehicles are to get a ‘second life’ in an expanded recycling initiative with France’s Société Nouvelle d’Affinage des Métaux (SNAM).
Vimcar brings SME telematics solution to UK
German telematics firm Vimcar is launching in the UK, bringing a new way for SMEs to cut costs and streamline operations.
Maxus to launch all-important new LCVs with online virtual experience
Maxus (formerly LDV) is gearing up to launch its new LCVs in an online virtual experience that will enable fleets to get up close and personal … Read More »
Lockdown car journeys hit lowest level yet
Daily car trips on Easter Sunday fell to 20% of the normal level; the biggest fall seen during the lockdown so far.
Europcar offers rental discounts for ‘Essential Sectors’
Businesses providing vital services during the coronavirus crisis can benefit from discounted rental rates on Europcar cars and vans.
Drivers more likely to switch to EVs in wake of Covid-19 lockdown
The government-enforced lockdown is having a dramatic positive impact on people’s awareness of the benefits of reduced air pollution – with nearly half of drivers now … Read More »
‘Extreme’ speeding during lockdown brings risk issues for fleets
Ongoing reports of “extreme” speeding and general bad driving during the lockdown present increased risk issues for fleet drivers still on the roads.
Addison Lee and Zeelo partner for frontline support
Addison Lee and coach services provider Zeelo are making up to 10,000 vehicles available to support hospitals and healthcare workers in London through the coronavirus outbreak.
New Mazda service provides free repair quotes remotely
Mazda drivers can now get free estimates of vehicle repair costs online without the need to visit a bodyshop.
SEAT staff offer ‘virtual model tours’ from driveways
SEAT has adapted to the Covid-19 lockdown by providing virtual tours of its model range from product experts’ driveways.
RED Driving School instructors ready to take delivery driving jobs
Driving instructors from RED could help meet increased crisis demand for delivery drivers, offering a safe and experienced solution.
Spate of ‘extreme’ speeding includes 151mph driver on M1
Drivers are being urged to comply with speed limits after a spate of “extreme” speeding over the Easter bank holiday saw one driver clocked at 151mph … Read More »
Fleet drivers can use furlough as opportunity for e-learning
Furloughed drivers can use the time off work as an opportunity to brush up on their driving awareness knowledge through e-learning, helping to reduce risks on … Read More »
