Just think about some of the exciting new cars that have been launched recently: the new BMW 1 Series; the new Mercedes A-Class; the new Audi A3; the new Volvo V40; the new Toyota Auris…
The list goes on – and that’s before we start thinking about current cars with updated engines, such as Ford’s new 88g/km Focus diesel.
All of these offer fleet drivers the opportunity to drive a great car but with reduced benefit in kind exposure – all thanks to lower CO2 emissions.
I might be in a minority of one – it’s often the case at Fleet Alliance HQ – but I find this brilliant news. OK, so not everyone gets as excited about this in the office as I do.
Low CO2 emissions also go hand in hand with improved fuel economy. The Chancellor might have cancelled the 3p fuel duty rise in his Autumn Statement, but that doesn’t mean anyone can take their foot of the gas (sorry!) when it comes to choosing low CO2 and fuel efficient fleet cars.
It’s a message that our fleet customers have received loud and clear: low CO2 emissions reduce benefit in kind and improve your bank balance thanks to better MPG.
That became apparent when I started looking back through our order book earlier this month.
So far, of all the cars we have funded this year, the average CO2 is just 125g/km – that’s equivalent to a diesel company car tax banding of 19%.
This compares highly favourably with the current year to date figures from the SMMT, which says overall new car sales CO2 emissions are 133.4g/km, in itself a 3.4% reduction on the 138.7g/km from the same period in 2011.
So what are our 10 cleanest fleet cars? Here’s my run-down based on the average CO2 emissions of the cars we’ve funded.
Just think about some of the exciting new cars that have been launched recently: the new BMW 1 Series; the new Mercedes A-Class; the new Audi A3; the new Volvo V40; the new Toyota Auris… The list goes on – and that’s before we start thinking about current cars with updated engines, such as Ford’s … Continued
The EU might have been misguided in their ambition earlier this year to impose quotas on the number of women on boardrooms, but you certainly get their drift. It’s a good idea. I’m no fan of quota systems, but I do believe that increasing the representation of women on the nation’s boardrooms is not only … Continued
It’s been called one of the best goals ever scored – when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a brilliant overhead scissor kick against England last week (click this link to watch it on You Tube). I didn’t watch it at the time as I was more engaged with celebrating Scotland’s win (yes a win!) against Luxembourg at … Continued
I have to say the news that the UK is out of recession is excellent news for business. The 1% growth is to be hugely welcomed – and hopefully the government will take heart and produce strategies to encourage more economic growth. For fleet managers, though, the spectre of a fuel duty rise in January … Continued
A friend of mine is a keen triathlete – not me you understand, it’s all far too strenuous as far as I’m concerned – but I do occasionally go along and watch and offer words of encouragement. As long as there’s the promise of a beer later on, of course… Being a triathlete requires all … Continued
Motor Shows. I love them. The heady whiff of car makers in full flow as they unveil their latest new products as well as concepts destined for future sale. And the Paris Motor Show didn’t disappoint. The range of different models displayed was extensive, from the budget offerings of Dacia (which I’m sure will have … Continued
Lumens. Do you get on with them? On the occasions I have been lured into Ikea (before desperately trying to find my way out again through the dizzying maze of Swedish home furnishings), I came across the terms ‘lumens’ in a basket full of light bulbs. I needed some light bulbs, but instead of ‘wattage’ … Continued
James Bond would be appalled. Aston Martin has been knocked off its top spot as the UK’s coolest brand. In fact, it’s now dropped to third. The British sports car maker has been displaced by two technology brands. Apple is the number one cool brand, the technology company having just launched its latest mobile device, … Continued
Now, those that know me well will probably snigger at this blog, given my general lack of internet skills. I just about stretch to Twitter, but then only occasionally. But I was really intrigued by this news snippet I stumbled across. ‘If it computes, it’s connected’ read the headline. Those were the words of Intel … Continued
I know my blogs usually follow a theme: cars, business success. More cars, more business success… And I’m really pleased there’s been so much business success to celebrate recently. But I’m going off-piste on this one. I want to celebrate the support of our team here at Fleet Alliance, and the kind donations of supporters, … Continued