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Following VW, Audi will restart car production at its plants in Europe during the coming weeks, with ‘normality’ expected by the end of the month.

The company announced the temporary suspension of production at its European sites in mid-March due to supply bottlenecks and a drop in demand due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Suppliers and service providers will also restart at the same time, in an effort coordinated with the Volkswagen Group.

“We will manage the restart as a joint European act,” said Board of Management member for production Peter Kössler. “This is because supply chains and production and logistics processes are closely interlinked within the Group and with partners at the international level.”

Some Volkswagen plants have already reopened, with factories in Zwickau and Bratislava (Slovakia) the first to return to normality.

Audi is following the guidelines of the Robert Koch Institute and the regulations of the health authorities of the respective country to ensure employee safety.

“The focus is on the employees, because they need a safe working environment. Audi teams of experts have therefore adapted processes with a view to health protection in consultation with the specialist departments and works councils. I would like to thank all Audi employees and our partners around the world for their flexibility and joint efforts in times like these,” Kössler added.

There will be a package of measures in place to ensure that the employees’ health is protected,  including clear rules on distance and hygiene, a modified shift system to avoid contact, and the obligation to use mouth and nose protection in areas where distances of 1.5 metres are not possible.

Vehicle production at the Audi sites will be gradually ramped up from the end of April onwards according to a fixed plan. Engine production in Győr already started gradually ramping up again this week.

PSA Group has also announced a gradual restart of its facilities, including the Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) says a successful re-launch of the car industry will be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Holdcroft Group Fleet will begin vehicle deliveries and collections from Wednesday (April 29), after adapting processes to provide a contactless home delivery service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vehicle collections and deliveries have been suspended by leasing companies during the lockdown, while carmakers have put production on hold across the world.

However, the Department for Transport (DfT) says in a letter to the logistics sector that logistics, including the collection and delivery of vehicles, should carry on during the lockdown, provided that it can be done in accordance with coronavirus safety guidelines.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) urged dealerships and other delivery agents to start moving vehicles again, earlier this month.

Group fleet director at Holdcroft Group Fleet, Malcolm Pearson, told Fleet News: “In light of recent advice from the Government regarding delivery of new cars to customer’s homes and their desire to keep the UK economy going, we have adapted our process to accommodate a contactless home delivery service whilst ensuring social distancing and safety for all parties.

“From Wednesday (April 29), we will be recommencing deliveries albeit starting with a low volume while we gradually bring a number of employees back from furlough.”

However, he added: “Due to manufacturers not delivering new stock to us at the moment we can only deliver vehicles we have physically with us.”

Some manufacturers have announced plans to slowly begin production at plants in Europe.

Audi will restart car production at its plants in Europe during the coming weeks, with ‘normality’ expected by the end of the month.

The company announced the temporary suspension of production at its European sites in mid-March due to supply bottlenecks and a drop in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Suppliers and service providers will also restart at the same time, in an effort coordinated with the Volkswagen Group.

PSA Group has also announced a gradual restart of its facilities, including the Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant.

A multi-franchise dealer group based in the Midlands and North West, Holdcroft is one of largest vehicle retailers in the UK and Holdcroft Group Fleet is a fully licenced transport company operating its own fleet of transporters.

Pearson said: “We are taking all necessary precautions to deliver safely to customer addresses and have recently introduced contactless home delivery for new fleet vehicle orders.

“When booking the delivery this process will be outlined with the customer and will only progress and take place if both parties are completely satisfied with the process.

“All vehicles will be delivered on a transporter – to both reduce the number and length of time we have to spend in a customer car as well as eliminating the need for the use of any public transport ensuring safe return of our employee.”

Delivery drivers will also follow strict protocols in ensuring the vehicle is disinfected. “Drivers are fully equipped with gloves and the correct hand sanitisers,” explained Pearson.

“They will re-wipe all areas they have come into contact with once the new vehicle is parked in the correct new location, before finally wiping the keys and placing at the customers front door and stepping back to allow them to be picked up for the car checked over.”

Customers will not need to sign any paperwork or handheld device but will be asked in advance for permission to sign on their behalf once they have checked the vehicle over externally.

Pearson said: “A down-side to social distancing means the usual level of vehicle demonstration will not be able to take place, but this may also not be possible for many months to come depending on future government guidance around social distancing.

“If the customers are self-isolating, shielding or are nervous, but they still want the car delivered, we will leave the car and allow two hours after to inspect the car and advise us of any concerns.”

In terms of vehicle returns, Holdcroft Motor Group will be instructing the customer that they must be able to clean the car with appropriate anti-bacterial wipes and then not enter the car for three days prior to collection.

The keys must also be wiped at that time and placed in a bag or envelope and be left at the door in the same way it is approaching deliveries of new cars.

“This will reduce the risk of any virus remaining on hard surfaces after three days,” said Pearson. “We will re-wipe handles and keys as necessary before we move the vehicle as well.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Car drivers and fleets are being warned by Tracker to be wary of opportunistic criminals looking to steal cars to fill a replacement parts gap caused by COVID-19.

The stolen vehicle recovery company says that police across the country are already fighting an increase in ‘chop shops’ – where stolen vehicles are stripped down and expensive parts sold on. But, it argues, the lack of legitimate parts could increase their popularity and profitability still further.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, explained: “These are unprecedented times, and sadly we cannot look into the future to see how long the current restrictions will affect the car manufacturer supply chain. However, what we can do is protect ourselves while it does.

“Sadly, whilst we are seeing many positives come out of the current crisis – such as communities pulling together and environmental benefits – we could in the coming weeks and months see criminals take advantage of new opportunities.”

The latest Tracker statistics showed that London and its nearest neighbours regularly see the highest frequency of car thefts and recoveries, followed closely by the West Midlands.

It also highlights northern regions creeping higher than the home counties in a list, which is topped by London, followed by Essex, the West Midlands, Manchester and Yorkshire (see below).

“With movement so restricted, most of us are using our cars far less frequently, so it is easy to get out of the habit of checking doors are locked and keys are secured after those rare essential journeys,” continued Wain.

“It’s even easier to forget these good habits after popping out to the car to collect something you left behind. 92% of the vehicles we recovered last year were stolen without the thief having possession of the vehicle’s keys.

“As such, we advise owners of all vehicles to take extra care to fully secure their vehicle and keep remote locking keys as far away from the car as possible, and in a closed tin so that they are protected against relay-attacks.”

Tracker’s top 10 regions where cars are stolen and recovered

Tracker’s vehicle security tips

Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in used, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors: Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The introduction of clean air zones (CAZs) is to be delayed until the Government overcomes the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rebecca Pow, a junior minister at the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), says the move will provide “certainty” to the commercial fleet industry.

In a letter to David Wells, the chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), Pow acknowledged it was a “difficult time” for the industry.

She said: “The freight industry is an important part of our response (to the COVID-19 outbreak) and we will keep working with you to ensure you can continue your vital role.”

The Government has a legal obligation to deliver compliance with air quality limits in the shortest possible time, which Pow says the Government still intends to deliver.

However, she told Wells that in order to provide certainty to those affected by clean air zones, Defra will work with local authorities to delay their introduction introducing until after the COVID-19 outbreak response.

“We will keep the timetable under review but we expect the introduction of clean air zones to be no earlier than January 2021,” she said.

“We are in a new and evolving situation which needs a co-ordinated approach to minimise wider societal impacts.”

A Government spokesperson told Fleet News that it understands the pressures local authorities face due to the coronavirus outbreak.

She added: “We have agreed with Leeds, Birmingham and Bath to delay the introduction of clean air zones in their areas until after January 2021 to help them focus on their response to coronavirus.”

The FTA has been urging Government to delay the introduction of CAZs to allow businesses to focus their efforts on keeping goods moving throughout the COVID-19 outbreak

“While FTA and its members support fully the Government’s ambition to improve air quality across the UK, to achieve compliance with the scheme businesses would have to undertake significant work and planning,” said Natalie Chapman, FTA’s head of urban policy.

“With the industry focusing all its attention on ensuring the public, supermarkets and other retailers continue to receive the essential items they need during the pandemic, logistics businesses simply do not have the resources to dedicate to preparing for the imminent introduction of CAZs.

“In addition, supplies of technology, equipment and trucks are being disrupted by the pandemic, making it harder for businesses to upgrade their fleets to meet the emission standards required of the schemes.”

Once the immediacy of the coronavirus crisis comes to an end, FTA says it will continue to work with Defra and cities including Birmingham and Leeds, whose zones were due to come into force this year, to ensure the detail of the schemes take into account the needs of businesses whilst delivering improvements to air quality.

Both Birmingham and Leeds councils had written to Defra in recent days to ask for a delay to the introduction of CAZs in their respective cities.

Leeds City Council’s CAZ was due to go live on September 28, when it had planned to charge buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, taxis and private hire vehicles, which failed to meet minimum emissions standards will be charged for driving within the zone’s boundary.

In a joint statement issued by the chief executive of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan, and the council’s leader, Councillor Judith Blake, they said they had asked the Government for permission to delay the zone “until further notice”.

Birmingham City Council had requested to delay the launch of the zone until at least the end of the calendar year.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) welcomed the decision to put schemes on hold.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “This is a very sensible decision in the current circumstances. It gives some temporary respite for businesses and individuals trying to come to terms with the current health crisis and gives the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) extra time to make sure that key systems such as the centralised payment portal are fit-for-purpose and more fleet friendly.

“To date, the range of air quality measures being proposed are wide and varied across UK towns and cities. The landscape is very confusing. Hopefully, this delay will provide additional time to reflect and deliver a more effective and coordinated way forward.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The AA has launched a free breakdown service for all NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

From today, any NHS staff member who breaks down on their way to or from work will be able to call for help, regardless of whether they are an AA member.

The service is available to anyone with an NHS ID and includes free recovery to and from work as well as help if they break down at home.

A dedicated hotline has been set up on 0800 0725064.

Simon Breakwell, chief executive officer of the AA, said: “We all recognise that everyone across the NHS is doing an absolutely vital job and we want to help them.

“The last thing they need to worry about right now is a breakdown, so we’re pleased to be able to help them with free recovery to and from work for as long as the current crisis continues.

“The idea came from numerous suggestions from our people indicating that the NHS are there for us, so we want to be there for them.

“This applies to everyone in the NHS from cleaners, porters, nurses to surgeons, as they are all crucial.

“Like the entire nation, everyone at the AA is incredibly proud of the work and dedication of the NHS. We salute them and hope this assistance will help them.”

NHS employees are encouraged to register online at www.theAA.com/nhs to receive an SMS message with the dedicated phone number to speed up calling for breakdown assistance, but will be still be able to get help from the AA if they have not registered.

Earlier this week, the AA announced it was partnering with London Ambulance Service to keep its frontline crews on the road during the pandemic.

The partnership includes 24-hour breakdown and incident management services such as roadside assistance and vehicle recovery for LAS vehicles.

The AA will also work with the ambulance service’s mechanics to provide immediate technical support for the its fleet of more than 500 ambulances and 70 fast response cars.

Forty-one AA patrols have been sent to the 12 LAS workshops to work alongside its mechanics.

More than one in 10 British motorists would defy a pavement parking ban if it was introduced following a government consultation, according to research from Yourparkingspace.co.uk.

The study found that 16% of motorists would flout the ban, despite the risk of punishment.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps set out new proposals earlier this month to launch a consultation in the summer, aimed at improving pedestrian safety for people with mobility or sight impairments, as well as parents with prams who may be forced into the road to get around parked cars.

It is already illegal to park on the pavement in London and is due to be outlawed in Scotland from 2021, but it is a grey area in other parts of the UK.

Harrison Woods, managing director of Yourparkingspace.co.uk, said: “It seems likely that pavement parking will become punishable in many parts of the country, yet this won’t deter a sizeable number of motorists from continuing to do so.

“We would remind all motorists to consider their actions and how it impacts on others.”

Parking on a pavement can cause major inconvenience to people in wheelchairs, the partially sighted and those with pushchairs, among others, who struggle to find room to pass the vehicle.

However, some motorists who park on a pavement say they do it out of necessity as, for instance, parking on the road in a narrow street could block emergency vehicles.

Harrison added: “Pavement parking has always been a contentious issue, and even if it is banned across the whole of the UK, it will continue to divide opinion.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

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