Sinclair Finance & Leasing

Hydrogen Transit hits the roads

A high-performance panel van is set to show fleet operators how they could save money with vehicles running on hydrogen.

The 2.3-litre supercharged Ford Transit has been built to promote breakthrough technology to allow businesses and utilities generate their own alternative to traditional fuels.

Developed by Roush Technologies, the Transit will take to the road next month to prove how a new ‘home hydrogen station’ finally makes on-site refuelling viable for back-to-base transport operations.

Smoking in your car costs at re-sale time

One year on from the introduction of the smoking ban and businesses have been warned that drivers who smoke in their vehicles could end up costing the company more than a fine.

"Presentation is one of the strongest price factors in the used market and becomes even more important when used vehicle values are under pressure, as they are now,” Tim Naylor, PR manager at BCA, said.

“Presentation is not just about how it looks, but how it smells.

Stress avoiding satellite navigation system available within two years

Researchers are developing a new navigation system that alerts motorists to traffic jams ahead and advises of the best avoiding route before they reach the congestion.

The Congestion Avoidance Dynamic Routing Engine (CADRE) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret live traffic information shared between vehicles fitted with a special GPS.

EU satellite to provide fleets with new solutions

A range of new logistical and travel management services will be available to fleet managers when the EU's global positioning navigational satellie Galileo is launched.

Now the system’s Euro 3.6 billion funding has been approved, the focus has turned to what benefits it will bring to motorists.

High polluting company cars escape tax changes

High-polluting cars that are already in use by fleets will be able to bypass new tax rules that come into force next year.

The news could lead to a rush to get such cars onto fleets before next April, as well as some fleet operators extending lease contracts for high-polluting cars.

“Drivers of some executive cars will get their orders in quickly to try to beat the changes,” said Ian Tilbrook, managing director of ING Car Lease.

“But with lead-in times of over six months, they will have to be quick.”

Sinclair Finance & Leasing Fleet Ride and Drive Event 2008 update

Sinclair Finance and Leasing Fleet ride and Drive event 2008 was held on 20th June and took place at Hensol Castle, Miskin. It was yet another successfull event regarding the venue, food, weather and overall turn out.

"On behalf of Shirley and I, I'd like to say a big thank you for another lovely day held at Hensol Castle. Beautiful surroundings, excellent company and fab cars. Thank you again!"

Alison Edwards - Rockwool Ltd

New Vauxhall will read speed signs

Vauxhall is to introduce a system that reads speed limit signs in the forthcoming Insignia.

The Front Camera System is the first of its kind to be offered in a production car and will be an option from early next year.

It consists of a duel function camera that reads speed limit and no overtaking signs and displays them on the instrument panel, as well as alerting drivers when they veer unintentionally out of their lane.

Developed by Vauxhall’s European counterpart Opel in association with supplier Hella, the camera sits behind the rear view mirror and can spot road signs and lane markings.

Fraud rises as fuel prices increase

Rising fuel prices are leading to an increase in company vehicle drivers attempting to defraud their employers.

“Fuel fraud on fleets usually rises when petrol and diesel pump prices rise rapidly,” said Neville Briggs, managing director of CFC Solutions.

“Judged solely on what we are hearing from fleets, it could be quite widespread right now.”

Company drivers cut business mileage

Fewer company car users are getting behind the wheel for work resulting in a drop in annual mileages and fuel costs.

Fleet managers said factors, especially the rising cost of fuel, appalling levels of congestion and better communications technology, were all leading to a decrease in company car mileage.

As a result of this some fleet managers are returning to their lease provider to lower annual mileage allowances and renegotiate contracts.

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.