New car price increases signal a rise in fleet costs

When sales volumes have dropped by nearly a third from the previous year, it seems crazy for any supplier to increase their prices, but that’s exactly what’s happening in the car industry. The weakness of the pound against other currencies has forced many manufacturers to hike their retail prices this year, with more yet to come.

For companies considering contract hiring their vehicles, these price increases are adding to previous rental rises this year required to offset the impact of weaker residual values. All this results in significant cost implications for businesses. 

There is some good news however — manufacturers, dealer groups, and lease companies are offering bonuses and incentives to secure orders in a somewhat desperate marketplace. This means great deals can still be had… but it takes time and knowledge to seek them out.

Help is on hand though is the form of fleet specialists who spend their days searching the marketplace for dealers offering the highest discounts and bonuses, for funders with the lowest rates, and for support companies giving the best value for money service. 

UK Fleet Manager is one such operation that helps SME businesses.  Call us for help.

Mark James
Mark.james@ukfleetmanager.co.uk 

Small fleets should demand more flexible fleet service!

Businesses running fleets of under 50 vehicles are suddenly appearing on the large Contract Hire company’s radar as they desperately search for new customers. This sounds like good news for small fleets, but in practice the large lease companies are not geared up for the demands of an SME fleet customer.

Most only offer a call centre style of operation so the customer never gets a face-to-face meeting, losing the opportunity to build a proper ongoing relationship. The type of service these companies offer tends to be designed around the large fleet operator and may not be appropriate for the small fleet. Plus, most only recommend contract hire as this is the most profitable product for them.

Small fleets need to be understood, they should expect to meet someone who looks after their account, and command the same respect as any other valued customer. They should demand bespoke products, the same discounts and quality of fleet support that the larger fleets enjoy, and get the same immediate response for help and advice — not be kept waiting in the call centre queue.

UK Fleet Manager specialises in the SME sector and is ready to make a difference, NOW!

Mark James