All the key news in fleet…

The A8 will have a cameo role in the forthcoming Spider-Man film, including showcasing its traffic jam pilot tech.

Audi A8 to have starring role in Spider-Man film

Audi’s A8 is to make its debut in the forthcoming ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ movie ahead of the new model’s reveal on 11 July in Barcelona.

Part of Audi’s continued partnership with Marvel, the A8’s cameo will showcase the new model’s features including the Audi AI traffic jam pilot technology, which enables the A8 to provide semi-autonomous driving.

Audi has also announced that the new A8 will be fitted out with 48-volt mild hybrid tech as standard to bring improved refinement, performance and efficiency, and will use a mix of four materials to enhance its lightweight structure.

The Activa Contracts roadshows enabled the company to clearly highlight the financial viability of cash or car to drivers.

Activa Contracts takes on consultancy role under Winterbotham Darby deal

Winterbotham Darby has awarded Activa Contracts a sole-supply, full-outsourcing fleet deal that also sees Activa fulfil a consultancy role to the organisation’s cash allowance drivers.

Winterbotham Darby, a fast-growing food business, operates a 40-strong company car fleet and also has a similar number of employees who have opted for a cash allowance in lieu of a company car.

Activa Contracts has already delivered three new company cars and has taken over in-life management of the remainder of the fleet until renewal. It has also undertaken two roadshows at Winterbotham Darby’s head office, which included a look at the new car or cash allowance tax rules that came into effect on 6 April and how they will impact on cash takers – as a result a number of drivers are expected to switch to company cars.

(L-R) Kito Rodrigues, registered manager at Aims and Jamie Chattin, general manager at Robins & Day Guildford.

Care provider signs up to Peugeot fleet deal 

Aims Care Group has signed a deal for nine Peugeot 108s from its local dealership, Robins & Day Guildford.

Replacing city cars from another marque, the Active 1.0L 2-Tronic models were selected on the basis of their fuel efficiency and low emissions and have been supplied on contract hire and liveried with the Aims Care Group. The vehicles will be used to provide carers and nurses with travel between the various care facilities run by the group across Surrey.

The DfT/DVSA proposals would see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with approved instructors from 2018.

Motorists back proposals for learner motorway lessons

Government plans for learner drivers to have lessons on motorways are being backed by motorists, according to RAC research.

Currently under review following joint consultations by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the proposal would see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car from 2018 and form part of a raft of new Government plans to improve driver and motorcyclist training.

The RAC found that eight out of 10 (79%) of motorists agree that the proposal for learner motorway lessons would improve driving standards.

And half of the respondents (49%) said that they did not feel sufficiently prepared for motorway driving when they passed their practical and theory tests.

The RAC has said it supports proposals for optional motorway lessons but said the measure should not be made mandatory.

A third of men aged 18-24 years state that they have considered not taken out car insurance to save money, according to the MIB research.

One in three younger male drivers don’t take out insurance

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) has launched a new video to tackle uninsured driving in the UK as it releases research showing worrying attitudes among younger drivers.

According to the analysis, a third of men aged 18-24 years state that they have not taken out car insurance to save money while one in four drivers in the same age group admit they have considered it.

Ashton West OBE, MIB chief executive, said: “Our new video as part of our Gone in Seconds campaign aims to get their attention and at the same time highlights one of the consequences.”