Sinclair Finance & Leasing

Microsoft deal to bring mini-PCs to cars

Microsoft has signed a deal with the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) to bring a new generation of mini-PCs into cars.

The two companies will work together to develop new ‘infotainment’ systems for use in Hyundai and Kia cars.

Microsoft’s chairman Bill Gates said: “These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car.

“Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology.

Dramatic rise in parking fines following law change

Concerns that changes to the way parking tickets are issued would lead to more spurious tickets being issued appear to be justified.

At the beginning of April the law changed making it easier for officers to issue tickets.

The rules allow CCTV evidence to be used.

In addition, traffic enforcement officers – traffic wardens – no longer have to fix Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to a windscreen.

Now one fleet manager has complained that within days of the new law coming into force his vehicles operating in London were given an unusually high number of PCNs – none of which should have been issued.

“On just the first week we were issued 13 PCNs that we should not have been,” said Dermot Coughlan, who manages a fleet of 1,200 vehicles for Kelly Communications.

“Of those issued, 12 were for vehicles parked legally, and all clearly displaying a valid pay and display tickets or visitors’ permits.”

Parking website

A new website – www.parkopedia.com – has been launched to provide drivers with answers to their parking-related questions.

The website aims to help to reduce congestion by telling motorists the best place to park.

Sinclair Team Spirit

At Sinclair Finance and Leasing team building and positive spirit is one of the key attributes for success.  With regular social events, the team at SFL continue the group spirit out of the office, proving that with a bit of light laughter and social antics, motivation remains high among the whole team.

The latest night out at Hollywood Bowl, Cardiff didn't disappoint, with high flyers such as Lee Page (Accountant) wiping the score board with continuous strikes - all the rest could do was watch and weap! 

Telematics slow to be adopted

Concerns of overselling, technology issues and financial viability have been reported to be the concerns that have led to Fleet managers and company car drivers avoiding vehicle tracking fitments to company cars.

Even duty of care issues have failed to stir interest - only around one in seven companies that run company vehicles use some form of tracking.  However within utility firms, 90% use vehicle tracking systems, which indicates the increased need to allocate resources, improve time management and keep track of assets in these such industries.