What Is a Car Subscription?
What is a car subscription? With years of industry experience at Mercia Fleet Management, we have a solid understanding of car subscriptions and how they can work for you.
Mercia Fleet Management: EV Subscriptions Help Control Costs Post-Budget
With the 2024 Budget set to raise business costs in many areas, Mercia Fleet Management suggests that ‘flexing’ to electric vehicles via subscription could help businesses maintain control over fleet expenses during this inflationary period.
Mercia Fleet Backs Local Garages | Cut Cots & Downtime
What is a car subscription? With years of industry experience at Mercia Fleet Management, we have a solid understanding of car subscriptions and how they can work for you.
Free EV Workshops: Mercia Fleet Management Helps UK Businesses Tackle Electric Vehicle Myths and Misconceptions
What is a car subscription? With years of industry experience at Mercia Fleet Management, we have a solid understanding of car subscriptions and how they can work for you.
Grey Fleet Savings with Mercia Fleet Management
What is a car subscription? With years of industry experience at Mercia Fleet Management, we have a solid understanding of car subscriptions and how they can work for you.
Fleet Management for Care Sector
About Author Andrew Leech I’ve been greening company fleets for over a decade. Ready to solve your fleet puzzle? View All Posts New Fleet Management Division for Care Sector EV leasing and salary sacrifice provider, Fleet Evolution, has launched a new specialist fleet management division, Mercia Fleet Management, targeted at the care sector, following demand from its existing customer base. A New Chapter in Fleet Management for the Care Sector Tamworth, West Midlands-based Fleet Evolution, one of the early introducers of EV salary sacrifice schemes in the UK, has been providing bespoke, personalised fleet management services for the last four years, typically for salary sacrifice clients who want a higher level of customer care. Why the Care Sector Needs Dedicated Fleet Support In formalising these services in a new division, which will be largely Midlands-centric, Mercia Fleet Management will focus on care providers – a stronghold for Fleet Evolution based on its ability to adapt and customise vehicles for care companies that it has built up over a number of years. Comprehensive Services for Care Providers Mercia Fleet Management will offer a comprehensive portfolio of fleet management services, including fleet policy provision, vehicle acquisition and adaptation advice, licence checking, risk management, fleet service scheduling, vehicle logistics and daily rental, plus wider mobility services. Looking to Solve Your Fleet Puzzle? That’s what we’re here for. Let us know what you need and we’ll find the missing piece. Get in Touch Putting Customer Needs First “Through Mercia Fleet Management we will be providing what are seen as standard fleet management services – but aimed specifically at the care sector which has been one of our strengths in recent years,” said Andrew Leech, managing director at Fleet Evolution and head of the new fleet management division. “Many conventional fleet management companies are very volume focused and are keen to offer minimal level services in return for large numbers of vehicles at low cost. They are largely unaware of the special needs of the care sector. “But our approach is different. We provide high levels of personalised customer service specifically for the care sector where the needs of the customer are the first things that we consider, rather than simply ticking boxes and providing basic levels of service,” he said. Delivering Value and Expertise “One of our core objectives will be to provide savings for our clients, as well as offering expert advice on fleet policy and vehicle adaptation – all core areas of expertise. “We can then factor any savings we make back into our rates to make them more efficient and cost-effective for the client,” he said. Why ‘Mercia Fleet Management’? Leech said the name – Mercia Fleet Management – was based on the Midlands-focused nature of the new division. “Mercia was the historical name for Middle England where our main focus will be with the new division, as we believe this will help us offer a higher level of customer service,” he added. Reach Out! Let’s make fleet management a little less puzzling. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your operations to the next level, we’d love to hear what’s on your mind and help you piece together the perfect fleet strategy. FAQs Here’s some of the most frequently asked fleet management questions. Ask A Question Why has Fleet Evolution launched a dedicated fleet management division for the care sector? Fleet Evolution recognized the unique needs of the care sector, where reliability, safety, and personalised service are critical. This new division, Mercia Fleet Management, aims to provide tailored solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance for care providers. What services does Mercia Fleet Management offer? Mercia Fleet Management provides a comprehensive range of services, including fleet policy provision, vehicle acquisition and adaptation advice, licence checking, risk management, fleet service scheduling, vehicle logistics, daily rental, and wider mobility services, all specifically designed for the care sector. How does this division differ from traditional fleet management providers? Unlike volume-focused providers, Mercia Fleet Management prioritises personalised customer care, understanding the specific challenges of the care sector, and offering flexible, cost-effective solutions to meet the unique demands of care providers.
Fleet Supply Shortages? Don’t Panic!
About Author Andrew Leech I’ve been greening company fleets for over a decade. Ready to solve your fleet puzzle? View All Posts Fleet Supply Shortage? Don’t Panic. Forget the headlines of Christmas being cancelled, that’s months away. For businesses worldwide, there are more pressing issues, like moving their people instead of their turkeys! Fleets are in short supply, so what has led to this situation and what can we do about it? For decades we’ve become increasingly reliant on fleets, and for good reason too. Whether we’re moving people or goods or using them for training and meetings. Trains and automobiles have grown to support it. The Crisis Has Been Building Since 2018. A series of factors affecting CO2 and company car tax had led to companies stretching replacement schedules and extending fleet. Just as this was beginning to lessen, COVID struck. A fresh set of challenges presented itself with dealers closed, staff furloughed, and countries locked down. Where Are We Today? Well, just as business is springing back to life, we have the semiconductor crisis. Everything from cars to vans is virtually impossible to source. So, what can you do to keep your business and employees mobile? Firstly, Evaluate Your Current Fleet and Needs. During the lockdowns, travel was obviously totally unnecessary. Now? It can still be largely unnecessary! This whole experience has made us realise, while face-to-face working can be better, remote working is just as effective! From contract negotiations to training, by going virtual you can boost productivity and cut cost! Think of all the hours lost to traffic you’ll save. If you’re unsure, we have a journey planner decision tree that can help you out. On Your Fleet, You’ll Have Much That Can Be Extended. If you own your fleet then generally anything under 100,000 miles should still be cost-effective to retain, 150,000 for vans. Above that, be cautious. In the current climate, you may be better advised to invest in a fleet refurb programme rather than source a non-existent supply. If you lease it may not be as easy. Many lease companies now want to sell and will not agree to extensions, but it’s always worth asking. If You Need to Replace, Consider Used Cars for Immediate Needs. This is tricky as used vehicles too are few in number and attracting record prices. New cars are available, after a couple of weeks, but only select models. Perhaps a policy review is needed? There are also long-term hire cars available. We can supply anything from an I-PACE to a Corsa on month or more rentals to fill the gap while new orders are being built. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to learn to be less picky, whether it’s food shopping or fleet. If you are less picky, not only will you not have to worry about Christmas being cancelled, but you can ensure business isn’t cancelled too! Reach Out! Let’s make fleet management a little less puzzling. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your operations to the next level, we’d love to hear what’s on your mind and help you piece together the perfect fleet strategy. FAQs Here’s some of the most frequently asked fleet management questions. Ask A Question Why are fleet supply shortages happening? Fleet supply shortages are being driven by a mix of global semiconductor shortages, disrupted supply chains, increased demand for vehicles, and manufacturing slowdowns. These factors have created significant delays in vehicle production and delivery. How can fleet managers cope with supply shortages? Fleet managers can adapt by extending current vehicle leases, exploring alternative funding options, maintaining existing vehicles more effectively, or considering flexible mobility solutions like rental or car share schemes. How long are fleet supply shortages expected to last? While the exact timeline is uncertain, many experts anticipate that supply chain pressures may continue into 2025, making proactive planning and flexible fleet strategies more important than ever.
What’s Going on with Semiconductors?
About Author Andrew Leech I’ve been greening company fleets for over a decade. Ready to solve your fleet puzzle? View All Posts What’s Going on with Semiconductors? A year ago, only specialist engineers had heard of semiconductors. Today, it’s an everyday headline. While few of us actually know what they do, most of us know that semiconductors are causing huge delays, in everything from phones to cars to vans. What is going on with semiconductors and where do we go from here? A semiconductor is the building block on which circuits themselves are built. Without them, we can’t make laptops, cars, vans, planes, phones, smart speakers, remote controls, the list goes on! To put it in context, before the crisis, semiconductor manufacturers made 150 per person on the planet, in just one year! The shortage has been anticipated for some time. Around this time last year, millions of optimistic children had some ambitious demands on their letter to Santa. And my son was no exception. The PS5 was a demand that Santa simply couldn’t meet; even the Christmas lights needed semiconductors! Besides Santa’s failure, my household budget meant my son would not have had a PS5 anyway, even if we had no semiconductor shortage. He has since claimed my PS4. As a dad of 3, I have no time to play it anymore, so he is welcome to it. If Santa can’t keep up with demand, how can we? Especially when one of the largest semiconductor plants in the world closed in March following a huge fire! We’re approaching that time of year again! The kids are demanding PS5’s and businesses are demanding vehicles, there’s no end in sight. Or is there? Well, this year again, Santa won’t be much help. His elves are hardworking, but the productivity increase is too great for them alone! China and Europe are wading into this market and bringing huge production to bear. Although, this may not be in time for Christmas. Next summer though, I think semiconductors will slip right back into the headline wilderness. Reach Out! Let’s make fleet management a little less puzzling. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your operations to the next level, we’d love to hear what’s on your mind and help you piece together the perfect fleet strategy. FAQs Here’s some of the most frequently asked fleet management questions. Ask A Question Why are semiconductors important for the automotive industry? Semiconductors are essential for modern vehicles, powering critical systems like engine control units, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and electric vehicle batteries. Without them, the technology that makes cars safer, more efficient, and smarter wouldn’t be possible. Why is there a global semiconductor shortage? The shortage has been driven by a combination of factors, including pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, increased demand for electronics, geopolitical tensions, and the slow, complex nature of semiconductor manufacturing. This has significantly impacted vehicle production worldwide. How is the semiconductor shortage affecting fleet operators? Fleet operators are facing longer vehicle lead times, higher prices, and reduced availability of certain models. Many are adapting by extending lease terms, focusing on maintenance to extend vehicle life, or exploring alternative mobility solutions.
How to do Vehicle Checks?
About Author Andrew Leech I’ve been greening company fleets for over a decade. Ready to solve your fleet puzzle? View All Posts How to Do Vehicle Checks When you look at operating a vehicle fleet, you need to devise or indeed revisit the business case. Too many companies still have the same strategy they had 10-15 years ago simply because it’s always been done that way. Though, as companies and transport evolve, so should your vehicle policy. Daily Checks Tyres What you’re looking for in the tyre checks is cuts and bulges, tyre pressure and deflation, and tread wear. However, not all of these checks need to be carried out daily. When checking for cuts and bulges on your tyres, you should run your finger around the top and sides of each tyre. If you find any, you should get your tyres replaced ASAP. Driving on tyres with a bulge will leave you at risk of having a blowout, and cuts may even be illegal. If your tyres have deflated, you will typically get a warning of some sort from your vehicle; whether that’s a warning light, warning sound, or a pop-up on the dash. You can check your tyre pressure with a pressure gauge by removing the tyre valve dust cap and gently pushing the gauge down onto the stem. Tyre pressure should typically be around 30psi; if your pressure is below this, use a suitable pump, to reinflate them. Check every tyre as they won’t all have the same psi and remember to put the dust cap back on after checking! Windscreen Check the windscreen for any chips or cracks just by scanning it before you set off. If you find a chip or crack, you should take care of it sooner than later. Your windscreens integrity lessens when it is damaged; whilst not all chips turn into cracks, a lot of them do. Even a change in temperature could be the difference between a chip, a crack, or even a smashed screen. Driving with a crack can also be considered a motoring offence, so it’s something to keep on top of. Wipers Checking your wipers work is simple, you’ll do it every day if you live in England. Before you set off on your journey, just switch your wipers on as you would any other day. If they are smooth, quiet, and clear your screen with ease, there’s no need to panic. However, if you find that your wipers are leaving streaks and making a scraping noise, it may be time to change them. This easy check just ensures that your vision is not impaired during adverse weather. Lights To check your lights, just simply switch the headlights on and walk around your vehicle. You should also check that your fog lights work, front and back. While these lights don’t help you, they do help other drivers in foggy conditions. Ensuring your headlights work gives you greater visibility in the dark, especially as it gets darker earlier in the winter months. Looking to Solve Your Fleet Puzzle? That’s what we’re here for. Let us know what you need and we’ll find the missing piece. Get in Touch Weekly Checks Tyre Pressure If your car has tyre pressure sensors, you will be alerted when your pressures are low. However, this is also a good time to check your tyres for a slow puncture or any cuts/bulges. When else should you check your tyre pressure: If your car is pulling to one side If the steering wheel is vibrating If you feel your handling is not as smooth as usual Deflation or low tyre pressure can negatively affect fuel efficiency, and more importantly, braking distance. This is why it is so important to check your tyres regularly and thoroughly. Tread Wear To check the tread on your tyres you can purchase a tyre tread depth gauge, or even use a 20p coin. Simply slot the coin in the main grooves of the tyre, check it in a few separate places around the tyre as parts may have worn more than others. If the “TWENTY PENCE” writing disappears, you have enough tread. It is recommended you change your tyres when they reach 3mm tread. However, 1.6mm is the legal minimum tread depth around the tyre. It is also recommended that this check should be carried out every other week. Monthly Checks Fluids There are a number of fluids in your car and you should check them often and fill them when necessary. For most of the fluids, simply unscrew the top and fill up when necessary. It is advised to keep them topped up regularly. However, it’s a little different checking the engine oil. Engine Oil Remove the dipstick and wipe clean. Then, place the dipstick back in the oil tank and remove it again. The dipstick will have some ridges indicating where the oil level should be. You will see the oil on the dipstick, if it is under the recommended level, you should top it up accordingly. Need a quick guide on how to check your cars fluids? Seat Belts You should check all of the seatbelts in your vehicle often to ensure the safety of every passenger on board. To check the seatbelts, you will want to pull them out completely and check for cuts and frays. As well, you should check that the seatbelts are secure and clip in properly. Tug on the seatbelt to check that they don’t pull out of the buckle. The last thing anyone wants is a crash but sometimes they’re inescapable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Watch how to check your seat belts’ safety here. Grab Handles and Adaptations The purpose of grab handles is to allow ease when entering or exiting a vehicle. However, you may also use them when you’re in the car with one speedy driver. You can check your grab handles, or any adaptations of them, by simply grabbing them and putting some force onto them. If
How to Manage a Fleet for Non-Fleet Managers
About Author Andrew Leech I’ve been greening company fleets for over a decade. Ready to solve your fleet puzzle? View All Posts Manaigng Your Fleet for Non-Fleet Managers Whether you’re in HR, finance, or part of an SME, we want to help you manage your fleet more effectively. We aim to provide a general overview of the basics of how to manage fleet for non-fleet managers. This paper has been written to help you to devise a fleet strategy for all types of employee needs. It is by no means exhaustive but should serve as a framework for those with little fleet experience; a framework you can follow to ensure success. At the end of this paper, you will find additional resources and contacts you may find useful. The typical company car costs around £8,000 a year to run. It is a cost second only to payroll for some companies. It is a cost that needs as strong a strategy. This paper is designed to help you ensure that you have a sound strategy, whether managed in house or externally. You are more likely to win the lottery than be jailed under the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, due to a Driving at Work incident. Though, this does not mean you should be complacent. The ‘teeth’ have always been in the Health and Safety at work legislation. Breach it, you could be in very hot water. Abide by it and you can actually save quite a lot of money! But with so much conflicting information, what do you need to do? Driving at work is one of the most dangerous things an employee can do. Under the legislation, whether they are using your car, their car, a horse, or a skateboard, you have an obligation to ensure both employee and vehicle are ‘fit for the purpose’. What is a Company Fleet The UK is one of the largest company fleet markets in the world and probably the best established. In essence, the “company fleet” is vehicles owned or leased by the company for employees to use to carry out their job. However, in the UK it is much more than that. In the 70s, employers used cars as a way to recruit talent, to overcome set pay rules imposed during hyperinflation. Since then, cars have increasingly been used as a recruitment and retention tool. One thing for sure is that the company fleet is a huge part of modern business. Huge potential benefits that go way beyond just transporting staff, but huge costs and even potential legal issues if you get the strategy wrong. Looking to Solve Your Fleet Puzzle? That’s what we’re here for. Let us know what you need and we’ll find the missing piece. Get in Touch The Differing Company and Employee Needs When you look at operating a vehicle fleet, you need to devise or indeed revisit the business case. Too many companies still have the same strategy they had 10 – 15 years ago simply because it’s always been done that way. Though, as companies and transport evolve, so should your vehicle policy. Job Need Most companies require company vehicles. However, how that is addressed should be tailored, not blanket. It normally depends on a whole raft of variables, but we’ll concentrate on the 2 main drivers: utilisation and purpose. Employee Need All employees need vehicles normally, even if they are just commuting. You may be surprised to know you can help with this. The best solution again depends on utilisation: No Work Use Consider introducing a salary sacrifice scheme. It costs you nothing and has huge benefits to recruitment, retention and for the environment. Nominal Work Use For occasional work use, you may be better served with: A pool car fleet: spare cars you allocate as needed Hire cars: companies like us can arrange this for you Worst case: letting employees use their own car The latter can be expensive for you and the employee. It is jam-packed with duty of care issues, see the Grey Fleet section on the website for more info. Moving Equipment If you need to move equipment, it could be goods or equipment with people, you have to choose appropriate vehicles. However, you don’t always need to have permanent vehicles. If vehicles are likely to be used for more than 8 days a month, we’d always suggest you buy or lease. Travelling less than this? Look at hire vehicles, you’d be amazed how even specialised vehicles can be sourced cost-effectively. High Mileage Essential Users: Anyone covering more than 10,000 business miles a year should be in a company car. The car should be “fit for the purpose” so lumbar support, adequate room, and sat nav will be required. Other considerations: These include the compromise of work and own use. Some employees need 7-seaters. Is this practical for company use? 3-door vehicles? Will this be problematic if collecting customers? Should you set a maximum CO2 or minimum MPG on the vehicles? There are many, many considerations. Funding Your Fleet: What Are Your Options? Choosing the right way to fund your fleet can make a big difference to your business’s cash flow and flexibility. From outright purchase for full control to contract hire for low upfront costs, and finance leases for ownership with flexibility, each option has its pros and cons. You might even find a blend of approaches works best for you. Find Out More About Funding Options Here Constructing a Policy When you look at vehicle policies, car policies especially, you’ll be amazed by how political things can become. You could be forgiven at times for thinking it’s a poisoned chalice. Usually, the people designing the policy are not eligible for cars. The negativity those eligible can understandably frustrate. However, take into account the genuine needs of all stakeholders, employees, employer, and customers. Then, a sensible solution can often be reached with all but the most petulant drivers. You can’t please all of the people all of the time, but