Fleet World’s five-minute industry briefing: This week’s top stories
This week’s top fleet industry stories…
Volkswagen Group sets up new company to harness AI potential - Volkswagen Group has established a new ‘AI Lab’ that will develop digital prototypes based on artificial intelligence to spearhead new innovations. For more of the latest ... Read More »- British Gas slashes EV charging costs with new 4.95p/kWh offer - British Gas is offering EV drivers the chance to slash charging costs to just 4.95p/kWh overnight under its Hive SmartCharge service. For more of the latest ... Read More »
- Hyundai to supply Iveco with new electric van for Europe - Hyundai and Iveco are teaming up to launch a new Iveco-badged electric light commercial vehicle in Europe. For more of the latest industry news, click here.
- Peugeot adds ChatGPT to line-up and extends E-3008 warranty to eight years - Peugeot is rolling out ChatGPT across its car and van line-up while also launching a new, longer warranty for its new E-3008 SUV. For more of ... Read More »
- Arval reports 6.9% rise in lease fleet and 85% rise in BEVs - Arval has reported its business results for 2023, revealing strong growth in its global leased fleet and battery electric vehicle (BEV) take-up. For more of the ... Read More »
- Independent review of DVSA to ‘strengthen agency for the future’ - The Government has launched an independent review of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure it evolves for the future. For more of the latest industry ... Read More »
- Pendragon completes sale of leasing business and dealerships to Lithia - US dealer group Lithia & Driveway has completed its multi-million-pound acquisition of Pendragon’s dealerships and its Pendragon Vehicle Management leasing division. For more of the latest ... Read More »
- Justin Costello named as new head of fleet for Renault and Dacia - Renault Group has confirmed that Justin Costello will assume the head of fleet role for the Renault and Dacia brands from 1 March. For more of ... Read More »
- Renault’s new-gen Master electric van to deliver class-leading 286-mile range - Renault’s all-new Master E-Tech van has been rated for a 286-mile (460km) WLTP range, putting it at the forefront of the large van sector for EVs. ... Read More »
- EO Charging launches energy management solution for fleet depots - EO Charging has introduced a new energy management system designed to optimise energy usage and cost inside fleet depots. For more of the latest industry news, ... Read More »
Smart appoints new UK CEO to oversee electric vehicle growth - Smart has named Jason Allbutt as its new UK CEO, effective from 19 February. For more of the latest industry news, click here.- Two-thirds of EV drivers unhappy with UK public charging network, finds Which - Consumer champion Which? has urged the Government and charge point operators to ensure public charging is “fit for purpose” as it warns of widespread driver dissatisfaction. ... Read More »
- Council for Net Zero Transport to steer decarbonisation - A new Council for Net Zero Transport comprising senior stakeholders has launched in the UK to steer the decarbonisation transition as it moves into the crucial ... Read More »
- UK public EV charging network up 45% in last year - The UK’s public electric vehicle charging network rose to some 53,700 devices in 2023; up 45% on the previous year. For more of the latest industry ... Read More »
- Dramatic rise in drivers caught speeding and using mobile phones - The number of drivers caught speeding reached record highs in 2022, while fixed penalties for mobile phone use also soared. For more of the latest industry ... Read More »
- Polestar 4 SUV-coupé prices and specs revealed - Polestar has revealed pricing and specifications for its 4 SUV-coupé, which lands in the UK this summer. For more of the latest industry news, click here.
- Police step up roadside breath tests in drink-driving clampdown - Police have stepped up roadside breath tests following an increase in deaths caused by drunk drivers. For more of the latest industry news, click here.
- MFG plans major ultra-rapid charging rollout in Morrisons forecourt acquisition - Morrisons has reached agreement to sell off 337 of its forecourts to Motor Fuel Group (MFG) in a deal that will boost EV rapid charging while ... Read More »
- Audi sharpens luxury Q7 SUV with latest design and technology - Audi has treated its Q7 SUV and flagship SQ7 to a makeover, complete with a new-look exterior and latest technology features. For more of the latest ... Read More »
- Ultra-rapid off-peak charging still cheaper than petrol, finds AA Recharge Report - Off-peak rates on ultra-rapid chargers remain cheaper per mile than petrol-fuelled cars, despite falling pump prices. For more of the latest industry news, click here.
- Ford reveals new Transit Connect with first-ever plug-in hybrid - Ford has taken the wraps off its new Transit Connect, which gets its first-ever plug-in hybrid version while also delivering enhanced carrying capacity and capability. For ... Read More »
- EV charging gone from ‘perk to necessity’ for businesses, ChargePoint data reveals - New data demonstrating the global demand for EV charging and a major rise in fleet charging needs is now out from ChargePoint. For more of the ... Read More »
- OEC to reveal how to cut fleet repair costs and downtime at 2024 GBFE - Vehicle repair specialist OEC has signed up as a show partner for this April’s Great British Fleet Event, enabling attendees to find out how to cut ... Read More »
- Fleets to remain ‘backbone’ of EV transition in 2024 - UK fleets will continue to lead EV adoption in the year ahead, increasing consumer acceptance and helping to create a viable used vehicle market, according to ... Read More »
- Average age of fleet cars and vans still rising, finds Epyx - The average age of fleet cars and vans continued to rise in 2023, resulting in higher service and repair costs and more downtime. For more of ... Read More »
- New issue of Fleet World Digital magazine now out - The January 2024 issue of Fleet World Digital magazine is now out – delivering the latest features, road tests and industry insights straight to operators. For ... Read More »
- Used car values stable after months of volatility, reports Cap HPI - Used car values stabilised in January, marking an end to the volatility seen since October 2023. For more of the latest industry news, click here.
- Third of drivers say Highway Code changes endangering pedestrians - A third of drivers (31%) think pedestrians now face greater danger at junctions following Highway Code changes meant to increase safety. For more of the latest ... Read More »
For more of the latest industry news, click here.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
