BVRLA warns government to treat fleets fairly or risk missing emissions targets

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) has urged the government to support fleets with a fair and consistent tax regime amid an ongoing review of the sector. The industry association warns that failure to support the fleet sector could push more drivers away from company cars, which are typically some of the cleanest on the road, in favour of less-efficient privately-sourced cars. The fleet sector has already seen the company car tax burden rise by more than £1 billion, or 58%, since 2013 and there are fears of further substantial tax rises on the way.

BVRLA warns government to treat fleets fairly or risk missing emissions targets

Feb 18, 2019

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) has urged the government to support fleets with a fair and consistent tax regime amid an ongoing review of the sector. The industry association warns that failure to support the fleet sector could push more drivers away from company cars, which are typically some of the cleanest on the road, in favour of less-efficient privately-sourced cars. The fleet sector has already seen the company car tax burden rise by more than £1 billion, or 58%, since 2013 and there are fears of further substantial tax rises on the way.

Volkswagen Financial Services acquires majority shareholding in FleetLogistics to drive mobility services growth

Volkswagen Financial Services has acquired a majority shareholding in Europe’s largest fleet management company, FleetLogistics. FleetLogistics, the trading name of FleetCompany, based in Bavaria, operates worldwide in more than 70 countries. Volkswagen Financial Services will own 60% of the business and the remaining 40% will be held by FleetLogistics' former sole shareholder, TÜV SÜD Auto Service, headquartered in Munich, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TÜV SÜD.

Volkswagen Financial Services acquires majority shareholding in FleetLogistics to drive mobility services growth

Feb 08, 2019

Volkswagen Financial Services has acquired a majority shareholding in Europe’s largest fleet management company, FleetLogistics. FleetLogistics, the trading name of FleetCompany, based in Bavaria, operates worldwide in more than 70 countries. Volkswagen Financial Services will own 60% of the business and the remaining 40% will be held by FleetLogistics' former sole shareholder, TÜV SÜD Auto Service, headquartered in Munich, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TÜV SÜD.

LeasePlan USA introduces Elle voice-enabled virtual assistant for fleet drivers

Fleet and mobility company LeasePlan USA has introduced a new virtual assistant for business drivers. The assistant, called Elle, will provide real-time vehicle and fleet information to drivers, based on their requests. Drivers can interact with Elle through voice or text-based chat within the MyLeasePlan smartphone app.

LeasePlan USA introduces Elle voice-enabled virtual assistant for fleet drivers

Feb 07, 2019

Fleet and mobility company LeasePlan USA has introduced a new virtual assistant for business drivers. The assistant, called Elle, will provide real-time vehicle and fleet information to drivers, based on their requests. Drivers can interact with Elle through voice or text-based chat within the MyLeasePlan smartphone app.

Europe

BVRLA urges industry to respond to vehicle tax consultation

Feb 07, 2019

With the closing date looming for comments on a critical UK government consultation into vehicle taxation, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has issued a call to action for the industry to make its voice heard. The deadline is February 17 for responses to the consultation on vehicle taxation and the impact of the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The BVRLA has set up a page on its website with a simple form for companies and drivers to complete, which will then be forwarded to the Treasury’s consultation team ahead of the deadline.

Americas

Arval Relsa acquires Renting Peru

Feb 05, 2019

Arval Relsa has announced its acquisition of Renting Peru from Bancolombia Group. Renting Peru has a fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles, which increases Arval Relsa’s existing fleet by more than two-thirds from its current size of 3,000 vehicles. Arval Relsa described the acquisition as “an operation aimed at boosting the presence of the business in the country, expanding the customer base and the number of vehicles, with improvement anticipated in the first quarter of 2019”.

Asia Pacific

McMillan Shakespeare and Eclipx agree merger

Nov 21, 2018

McMillan Shakespeare and Eclipx have agreed a merger to create a new market leader in salary packaging and fleet management for Australia and New Zealand. As part of the deal, the MMS board will expand to include three Eclipx directors, while current MMS CEO and CFO, Mike Salisbury and Mark Blackburn, will retain their titles in the combined group. The deal requires shareholder approval, but the businesses say it brings major financial benefits, including efficiency savings. The combined businesses provide salary packaging, novated leasing, fleet leasing and fleet management services throughout Australia and New Zealand.