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The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) says the security of used cars and vans, without access to formal storage facilities, could be a growing problem during the pandemic.

 

The trade association, which represents organisations involved in the remarketing of 1.5 million used cars and vans every year, says large numbers of vehicles left largely unattended in storage could attract theft and vandalism.

 

Sam Watkins, chair of the VRA, explained: “Where cars and vans are being stored in large, structured facilities, it is much less of a problem, because there are going to be comprehensive security measures in place ranging from fencing to cameras as well as an ongoing human presence on the ground. Indeed, in most places of this type, security has largely been enhanced in recent weeks.”

 

The problems are likely to arise in smaller locations that were never designed to be left unattended for long periods of time, notably dealer forecourts and ad hoc storage compounds, she says

 

“Vehicles are quite vulnerable in these circumstances,” continued Watkins. “Especially, if the lockdown experience in the UK parallels that seen in other countries, there will be some non-compliance as the weeks pass and it seems sensible to assume that there will be people leaving their homes, some with criminal intent.”

 

VRA members had been discussing the topic during a VRA webinar last week and Watkins says that two key aspects that needed tackling – insurance and security.

 

“Our initial advice for businesses using these smaller sites is to talk to your insurer,” she said. “Your policy probably doesn’t cover you for vehicles that are left at a site that is essentially unattended for weeks at a time. It is possible or probable that this condition has been suspended by your insurer but you should check.

 

“The second is to look at security. Call your local police station and explain the circumstances and your concerns.

 

“They may be able to drive by the site every day or you might arrive at some other measure that maintains social distancing but reduces the likelihood that there is criminal activity on the site.”

 

The VRA is running a series of webinars that are being held to support members through the challenges presented by the lockdown. The next will take place on April 8.

 

Watkins concluded: “The webinar format is proving a very popular way of raising and discussing topics that members are facing during the lockdown. These are difficult times and being able to draw on the expertise of the VRA is essential for people working in the remarketing sector.” Bt Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers can avoid a large number of breakdowns after the coronavirus lockdown is lifted by following some basic car care tips.

 

While car usage isn’t completely banned under the lockdown rules, many vehicles will be left parked up for extended periods or only used for infrequent short journeys.

 

“It is highly likely that there will be a spike, particularly in battery breakdowns, once the current crisis is over. However, unlike the first working day after the New Year it is unlikely that everyone will return to work or journeys on the same day,” a spokesperson from The AA told Fleet News.

 

The organisation said it will be making plans to cope with any surge in demand and advising fleet drivers on vehicle maintenance.

 

Following the Christmas period, breakdown providers see a spike in callouts usually caused by vehicles with flat batteries.

 

With the end of the lockdown not currently known, and the possibility of social distancing measures being extended, some vehicles could remain unused for months.

 

Bryn Brooker, head of marketing at Nextbase, said: “At such an unusual and challenging time for everyone, we want to reiterate to all vehicle owners to take good care of both themselves and their vehicles.

 

“Ultimately, leaving your car inactive for a while means you will need to make thorough checks. This is vital to ensure the roads are safe when non-essential journeys can be made again.”

 

Top tips to keep you vehicle healthy during the lockdown:

 

Battery

 

The battery is the most likely cause of a breakdown. Even newer vehicles, if left for long enough, can suffer a flat battery. Cars with alarms and connected infotainment systems have a higher power draw.

 

Cars with a healthy battery should last at least two weeks, without needing to be started up to re-charge the battery. If there’s any doubt about the condition of the battery, fleet drivers should start the car once a week and allow it idle for 15-20 minutes.

 

EVs and hybrid vehicles have 12-volt batteries, the same as conventional cars. However, they charge differently. Pressing the start button, so the ready light comes on, will operate the charging system. Doing this for 10 minutes once a week should keep the 12-volt battery topped up.

 

EVs, Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars should not be left with a flat drive battery either, as the battery can become damaged if left discharged for long periods of time. The ideal to to keep 50-80% charge in the battery.

 

Brakes

 

Sometimes, when a vehicle is parked up for a long period with the parking brake on, the brakes can seize. To prevent this, it’s good practice to release the parking brake and move the vehicle a short distance back and forth, at the same time as running the engine. The parking brake shouldn’t be left off unless the vehicle is on private land with the wheels securely chocked.

 

Fuel

 

Person using fuel pump in filling station

 

Before parking a vehicle up for a long period, it’s a good idea to top up with fuel. Not only will this help with other measures, but a full tank doesn’t attract condensation, which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time.

 

Tyres

 

Check your tyre pressures and make sure they are at the recommended settings. A tyre that is partially deflated will put extra stress on the sidewall and may cause lasting damage if left that way for an extended period. If you have space, roll the car forward or backwards slightly to change the area where the stress on the sidewall is greatest. Keeping the pressure right will mean you are ready to go as soon as restrictions are lifted.

 

Paint

 

Car Cleaning

 

Cars and vans should still be washed regularly when not being used to protect the paint and trim from contaminants. Bird droppings, if left, could cause damage to the paint finish that can’t be removed with normal cleaning/polishing. Alloy wheels should also be cleaned of brake dust as this can cause pitting and staining, especially on wheels with a polished finish.

 

If you can’t get out with your bucket of water I’ve found that waterless car wash works pretty well. Parking under trees can leave a green type mould at the base of the windows. Use an old toothbrush with cleaner to get rid of it.

 

Ensure there is not food or drink left in the vehicle in an unsealed container and leaving the windows or doors open regularly to ventilate the car will prevent mould from forming inside.

 

DPF

 

Modern diesel cars are fitted with a diesel particulate filter to help reduce the exhaust emissions. These devices function by storing the harmful pollution then burning it off when the exhaust system gets hot enough – usually on a motorway.

 

If a vehicle is only used for short trips, such as shopping locally, the filter may become clogged. If the vehicle needs to perform a ‘regeneration’, where it clears the filter itself, a warning light will come on the instrument cluster, shaped like a filter. The engine must not be switched off while this light is illuminated. If unsure, check your handbook.

 

Whilst there are no rules relating to extended trips to clear the DPF as long as you don’t abuse the need to clear the DPF in order to keep you mobile the police will have a relaxed approach.

 

You need to drive for 15 minutes at a speed of over 50 miles per hour. Take a picture of the warning light with your phone to show the police if you get stopped. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

This sounds dreadful but when I last looked into Cap HPI data regarding clocking I found that they could record several checks on the same car but recorded as individual checks resulting in another car found with an incorrect reading.

 

According to Cap HPI the number of vehicles with a mileage discrepancy has increased by 22% year-on-year.

 

One in 11 vehicles (836,214) checked in 2019 had a mileage discrepancy, an increase of 22.2% over 2018’s figure (607,981) when one in 14 vehicles was recorded as having a mileage discrepancy.

 

In the past five years, the number of vehicles with mileage discrepancies has increased by 45%.

 

Fernando Garcia, consumer director at Cap HPI, said: “When conducting a mileage check from HPI, we will identify any mileage discrepancies through both our own National Mileage Register and the car’s MOT history. If a car has been clocked or had its odometer tampered with, then the mileage reading will appear to have decreased which is a false reading.

 

“A vehicle’s mileage is closely linked to its value. These false readings often correlate to mechanical issues and faults later down the line, which could have safety implications or lead to hefty repair bills.

 

“All the safety features and modules in a modern car, such as airbags, ABS and ignition, feed information into the vehicle’s central computer system. Each time an issue arises, such as a fault warning, a ‘snapshot’ of the vehicle’s mileage will be logged.

 

Unless a vehicle’s mileage is wound back by a particularly diligent clocker who knows to alter the mileage readings on all modules as well as the odometer, these will be out of sync. This will lead to issues with safety warnings – making it potentially very dangerous for the driver, passenger and other road users.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Roads Policing has suspended classroom-based speed awareness courses for 12 weeks, due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

 

In a statement, it said: “It is no longer appropriate nor proportionate for police forces to offer classroom based education courses.”

 

The UK Road Offender Education (UKROEd), which operates, manages, administers and develops the scheme on behalf of the Police Service, said it is working with forces and course providers to establish options to deal with drivers who have already been offered a course.

 

A Digital Classroom option has been approved for the National Speed Awareness Course, to be able to cater for members of the public who already had a course booked.

 

Some Police Forces and Course Providers are now taking steps to use this as an option and will be contacting offenders to explain what is going to happen next.

 

Drivers who have received a course offer, but not booked a course yet are being offered dates after the 12-week suspension period ends.

 

Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman has warned the suspension may cause many motorists who get caught speeding during the lockdown period to be issued with fixed penalty notices instead.

 

He told express.co.uk: “Motorists should be aware that minor transgressions which may have previously resulted in a speed awareness course may now result in a penalty points and fines.

 

“These speed awareness courses have always been discretionary – there is no automatic entitlement.

 

“But most constabularies offer them. However, as they are currently not an option, drivers convicted of speeding in these circumstances will get points and a fine.”

 

DriveTech, one of the UK’s largest course providers, has been working quickly to re-arrange and restructure its current venue-based courses to allow equivalents to be offered to delegates online.

 

The business, which is part of The AA, said it is planning to run 400 courses this week, and more the following week.

 

It also claimed most police forces were helpful in granting extensions beyond the cut-off date.

 

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We have always argued that driver education is preferable to simply giving fines and penalty points as drivers can learn from the errors of their ways.”

 

Speaking to Fleet News about the suspension of speed awareness courses, Peter Millichap, marketing director at Teletrac Navman, said: “Delivery drivers are among the key workers playing a pivotal role in keeping the UK supply chain moving during this epidemic, and fleet managers will be doing all they can to ensure that the transport of goods continues to run as smoothly as possible. “

 

“However, it’s likely that operators will be feeling overwhelmed and maintaining driving behaviour may become a secondary priority, but it’s so important that the increased pressure doesn’t cause drivers to speed.

 

“The roads might be quieter but this shouldn’t be exploited and now more than ever it’s important that operators remind their drivers to take care on their journeys, continue to comply with the law and keep other road users safe.

 

“Technology can play a key role during this unprecedented time, by providing fleet managers with reassurance that they have complete visibility, ensuring their drivers are maintaining best practice.”

 

More than 1.2 million drivers attended a speed awareness course last year. The courses usually cost between £80 and £100, but motorists will not be required to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice or pick up penalty points on their driving licence. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

BMW is continuing to develop hydrogen powered cars, as part of a collaboration with Toyota.

 

The German brand says it plans to test its next-generation powertrain in prototype X5, in 2022.

 

Named the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT, the powertrain combines a hydrogen fuel cell with BMW’s new eDrive electric unit.

 

Fuel cells from the cooperation with Toyota will be deployed in the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT, alongside a fuel cell stack and overall system developed by the BMW Group.

 

A peak-power battery enables the system to deliver up to 374PS, while producing no emissions. Refuelling the vehicle will take three-to-four minutes.

 

Klaus Fröhlich, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Research and Development, said: “We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide.

 

“The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the fourth pillar of our powertrain portfolio in the long term.

 

“The upper-end models in our extremely popular X family would make particularly suitable candidates here.”

 

Although the BMW Group has said that it has no doubt as to the long-term potential of fuel cell powertrain systems, it will be some time before the company offers its customers a production car powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. This is primarily due to the fact that the right framework conditions are not yet in place.

 

The OEM believes hydrogen will be used primarily in applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy duty transport.

 

According to BMW, the requisite infrastructure, such as an extensive, Europe-wide network of hydrogen filling stations, is lacking at present.

 

However, it is pressing ahead with development work in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

 

The company is using the time until the infrastructure and sustainably produced hydrogen supply are in place to substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.

 

In the meantime, a total of 25 electrified models are slated for launch by 2023, including at least twelve with an all-electric powertrain.  By Graham Hill Thanks To Fleet News

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know that I have been talking about wireless electric vehicle charging for over 3 years. It seems that the industry is seeing sense at last.

 

Interest is increasing in electric vehicles (EVs), but consumer anxiety and misconceptions over the ease and availability of charging has slowed EV proliferation on a global scale.

 

While wireless charging addresses many of those concerns, there are still myths circulating about how it works.

 

In reality, EV wireless charging is as efficient as plug-in options. Wireless EV charging based on magnetic resonance technology operates between 90% to 93% efficiency from the grid to the EV battery, well within the 88% to 95% efficiency range of conventional Level 1 or 2 plug-in EV chargers.

 

Wireless delivers the same charging power – in the same amount of time – as conventional plug-in methods.

 

EV wireless charging is flexible. Magnetic resonance requires neither physical contact nor fully accurate car alignment. No mess or fear of forgetting—your EV charges automatically, hands-free. The same charger can support low vehicles like a sports car up to high ground clearance SUVs.

 

Magnetic resonance can also work through water, snow, ice, concrete and asphalt—so the EV can charge no matter the circumstance or installation.

 

EV wireless charging is safe. Wireless charging is a totally hands-free experience. No gas pumps or charging cables to mess with.

 

Magnetic resonance systems deliver energy from a ground pad to an embedded vehicle-side receiver, and all magnetic fields are contained in a limited space underneath the vehicle.

 

Following years of rigorous analysis and testing by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), wireless EV charging meets all regulatory guidelines for human safety.

 

Wireless EV charging technology keeps stray magnetic and electric fields below the well-established safety limits used in all consumer products, such as induction cooktops, cellphones or Bluetooth headsets. Sensing and processing hardware, which can detect foreign and living objects and vehicle position, ensure safety and ease of use.

 

EV wireless charging is being standardised on a global scale. Today, charging connectors have not been standardized across automakers and regions, and drivers sometimes have difficulty finding a plug that fits their specific model.

 

For wireless charging, automotive industry groups including SAE International (global), IEC/ISO (global) and CATARC (China) agreed from the beginning to create industry standards to ensure full interoperability.

 

EV wireless charging is dynamic. A future benefit is dynamic charging, which enables charging ‘on-the-go’. This is a breakthrough for taxi fleets which will be able to ‘power snack’ as they move through taxi queues waiting for passengers.

 

Wireless charging can help accelerate adoption of EVs in taxi fleets—important for the urban environment—by eliminating charging down-time and maximizing ‘in-service’ time on the roads.

 

EV wireless charging is a key enabler for the future of mobility. Wireless charging will also be critical for autonomous vehicles and autonomous parking, automatically charging by positioning themselves over local wireless charging pads.

 

While full robo-taxi deployment may be some years out, auto-valet parking is near at hand. Ultimately, robo-taxis are expected to dominate the passenger-miles in urban environments and smart cities, and wireless charging is a key enabler.

 

EVs are reshaping the automotive industry, and wireless charging can help make them accessible and appealing to all.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

New analysis from used vehicle pricing specialist Indicata has revealed the potential impact Coronavirus will have on the daily rental and leasing sectors.

 

In its free-to-download White Paper, Indicata looks at the short, medium, and long-term effects of Covid-19 on the European used car industry, particularly rental and leasing companies.

 

The research includes analysis of nine million used vehicle advertisements across Europe each day. It highlights that Northern Europe saw a sales fall of 21.5% between March 11 and 18, while southern Europe, including Italy saw sales fall by 44% during the same period.

 

A clear correlation between infection rates and the fall in used car sales between March 11-18 versus the same period in February, was uncovered.

 

As the virus progresses, Indicata says re-marketers will need to know the country-by-country market trends to identify the most effective sales channels.

 

Andy Shields (pictured), global business unit director at Indicata, authored the White Paper. He said: “The relationship between the increase in the number of people with Covid-19 and the measures each individual government introduces to fight the pandemic is already having a detrimental impact on European rental and leasing companies.

 

“Countries will have different challenges at different times and it’s all about equipping companies with the right data to help assist them in making fast decisions.”

 

He says that rental companies are likely to have contracted their annual volumes with OEMs already and now need to re-assess current contracts.

 

“In many cases contracts will be defaulted on, such is the loss of demand in the rental industry,” Sheilds explains.

 

This will leave OEMs with a stock of unregistered, and in some cases registered ready for delivery, new vehicles the rental industry does not want.

 

In addition, de-fleets will be happening, and rental companies may try and hold risk vehicles until after the initial social distancing. However, when there is significant volatility on demand and differences between country the capacity to absorb stock at any one time becomes more challenging.

 

According to Sheilds, the challenge for the leasing industry will be to manage the current volatility in the market while respecting the fact that there may be no short-term recovery in residual values.

 

In 2008/9, many leasing companies extended vehicle contracts. With the risk used vehicle prices will be depressed for an extended period, an immediate run on vehicles may not be ideal. Even so, vehicles will still need to be remarketed over the downturn.

 

The White Paper also looks at how the last recession played out for both the new and used car markets across Europe and how those same trends may repeat in a world dominated by Covid-19.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

New car sales across Europe have plummeted, reaching a four-year low for the month of February.

 

Jato Dynamics revealed in its monthly report on the European region’s 27 car-selling nations that a total of 1,063,264 new vehicles found owners last month, compared to 1,143,852 in February 2019 – a decline of 7% year-on-year and just 11.3% up on 2015’s 955,113 units.

 

The performance leaves the sector 7.3% down by volume year-to-date, at 2,194,706 units.

 

Felipe Munoz, global analyst at Jato, said that the situation in Europe’s new car sector was “rapidly deteriorating” – even ahead of March’s escalation of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak – due to complex regulation, lack of available homologated cars, and increasing pressure on the economy.

 

“All of these factors are having a detrimental impact on consumer confidence”, he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the top end of the new vehicle sales rankings, the region’s long-time best-seller, Volkswagen’s Golf, was dethroned by the new Renault Clio.

 

Jato says this is a result of Renault’s new Clio having been available to the market for a longer period of time than the recently-launched eighth-generation Golf.

 

Other changes included a shift away from SUVs, with none appearing in the top 10 ranking.

 

Mid-size cars posted the highest growth among all segments, thanks to strong performances by the BMW 3 Series and the Volkswagen Passat.

 

The BMW and VW models’ combined registrations made up 31% of the whole midsize segment volume, while sales of the Tesla Model 3 fell by 6%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to Jato’s data, alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) were once again delivered growth in February, despite the market’s downward trajectory.

 

It showed that AFV registrations jumped from 75,400 units in February 2019 to 135,500 units last month.

 

The increase of over 80% came at the expense of diesel and petrol cars which saw significantly fewer registrations, however.

 

Munoz said: “So far this year, electrified vehicles have been the only lifeline for manufacturers operating in Europe.

 

“This is good news, as the industry’s electrification plans have finally seen a positive response from consumers.”

 

The shift towards AFVs is now starting to place pressure on the previously buoyant SUV market, according to Jato.

 

Registrations for SUVs fell by 1.7% to 415,300 units last month, taking the year-to-date total to 865,500 units – down 1.4% year-on-year.

 

The SUV segment still retains the largest overall market share, however.

 

Jato said that the fall in registrations was due to the compact SUVs, declining by 3.7% in contrast to the strong growth experienced by large SUVs, which saw an increase of 17%.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The cost of electric vehicle (EV) base models has risen by 18% since 2013, according to research from Cap HPI.

 

However, it says drivers are now enjoying significantly more technology and performance to compensate for the higher investment.

 

The analysis shows that selected EVs have 48% more battery life, almost two thirds (60%) extended range and a quarter (23%) improvement in higher engine performance.

 

The research reviewed base versions of the BMW i3, Kia Soul Electric, Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. All of the automobiles reviewed fell into a price range of £18,000 to £35,000.

 

The number of models in this category has jumped 360% since 2012 to now account for 23 models and 132 derivatives.

 

To accommodate this growing sector and meet market demand, Cap HPI has made significant increases in the data volumes available for battery electric vehicles over the past 12 months.

 

The company has also added new data fields including battery capacity and fast charging information during a recent major upgrade of EV data.

 

The increase in data volume and accessibility will empower the automotive industry to provide more accurate vehicle identification and drive accurate valuations, the total cost of ownership figures and a host of other data services, says Cap HPI.

 

Jon Clay, head of vehicle identification at Cap HPI, explained: “We continue to invest and innovate to ensure the industry has the depth and accuracy of data required to work efficiently.

 

“Advancements in technology mean the process of harnessing new vehicle data is speeding up and can be used in new ways to drive a digital customer journey.

 

“The pace of changes continues to accelerate with the number of EV derivatives doubling in the last year.

 

“As technology advances, Cap HPI will continue to look at new ways to use the data for the benefit of customers across the supply chain.”

 

The EV data offers a detailed list of fields to cater for several variables within the category. As an example, there are four stages of battery charge speed relating to all the different manufacturer information along with more standard fields.

 

The new set of fields is available in three formats in total, NVD SQL, NVD CSV (Car Enhanced Technical CSV) and NVD JSON (Car Enhanced Technical) JSON and will receive updates alongside the standard engine types currently available. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News.

Compensation could be owed to UK business that bought or leased new cars and vans between October 2006 and September 2015, as a result of legal action taken against five shipping firms for price fixing.

 

MOL, “K” Line, NYK, WWL/EUKOR and CSAV were found to have violated EU competition law by the European Commission on February 21, 2018. The EC held that the shippers had coordinated rates, allocated tenders, coordinated reductions of capacity in the market and exchanged commercially sensitive information to maintain or increase the price of intercontinental shipping of new vehicles.

 

The companies were fined £343m by the EU and now class representative Mark McLaren has filed a claim against them for overcharging UK consumers and businesses, instructing law firm Scott+Scott UK LLP.

 

McLaren said: “When UK consumers and businesses purchased or leased a new car, they paid more for the delivery of that car than they should have done, as a result of a long-running cartel by five of the world’s leading maritime shipping companies. I have spent much of my career working in consumer protection and I strongly believe that compensation should be paid when consumers are harmed by such deliberate, unlawful conduct.”

 

Affected vehicles include those from Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Peugeot, BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota, Citroen and Renault.

 

The claim is being brought in the Competition Appeal Tribunal as a collective action on an opt-out basis, so that all eligible consumers and businesses will benefit from any damages awarded without incurring any legal fees or risk of adverse costs.  The value of the claim is believed to be in excess of £150 million – or up to £60 per vehicle.

 

Businesses or consumers that purchased one or more new cars, or light commercial vehicles, between October 2006 and September 2015 are automatically included within the class.

 

Class members will not pay costs or fees to participate in this legal action. The legal action is being funded by Woodsford Litigation Funding.  There are no legal or other fees, or any risk of adverse costs, for class members.

 

For additional information or to register interest, visit https://www.cardeliverycharges.com  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News