All the latest news concerning ContractHireAndLeasing.com and the contract hire and leasing industry.
Lakeland Vehicle Solutions have built a reputation for reliability and good old fashioned service when it comes to arranging car leasing. When you have decided to consider using leasing or contract hire to finance a car in the UK, you want to use a car lease company you can trust.
Chevrolet are a manufacturer that’s has become well know for superb value for money and the addition of a new entry-level diesel model of the Chevrolet Captiva further enforces this. The new five-seater 2.0 VCDi LS Captiva costs less then the Kia Sorento, Nissan X-Trail and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The new model comes with air conditioning, 16-inch alloys, a glass-flip tailgate, electronically-adjustable heated door mirrors, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a powerful six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with MP3 socket, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front, side and curtain airbags, remote control two-stage deadlocking and charcoal-effect roof rails - all as standard.
The new Captiva will make a very sound leasing option with its combined fuel economy figure of 38.7mpg, CO2 emissions of 195g/km, acceleration of 0-60 in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.
The latest addition to the Captiva family joins the Aveo Supermini and Epica family saloon, both of which are new for 2008.
Struggling to get your hands on a new Polo Bluemotion? Why not consider a SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive? It matches the Bluemotion’s green credentials of 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO2 and even shares some of the same technology. Not a hybrid but an ultimate efficient engine, improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, remapped ECU, low resistance tyres and extended gearing all help the Ecomotive achieve impressive fuel economy.
Stylish and fun to drive, leasing deals are available on ContractHireAndLeasing.com on the following link:
SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive lease prices
Faye Sunderland
Valuations Giant CAP is helping police to fight against car finance fraud with its Valuation Anywhere system.
Through this device CAP provides used values as SMS text message and on a web service.
In a unique partnership between the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Finance & Leasing Association, the Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) has recovered almost £3 million of stolen or fraudulently-obtained vehicles since September 2007.
This system enables officers to identify and value recovered vehicles instantly via mobile phone or web service, providing essential additional information to support investigations.
Valuation Anywhere was initially designed by CAP for car dealers and other automotive professionals, who use it to accurately and instantly value vehicles without the need to consult a bulky printed price guide.
Users receive mileage-adjusted, industry-recognised, benchmark used car or van values in seconds by simply sending the vehicle registration mark and mileage from their mobile phone. The system runs in tandem with a web application, which offers additional pricing-related data when the user returns to their office.
It was CAP’s relationship with the Finance & Leasing Association - many of whose members rely on CAP used values to maximise profit and manage risk - which led to the adoption of Valuation Anywhere by AVCIS.
Detective Chief Inspector Lambotte, Head of AVCIS, said: “The provision of CAP information in partnership with the Finance & Leasing Association adds a valuable resource to our investigative teams, not only in measuring performance, but more importantly providing accurate data in respect of the value of assets which in turn supports investigations.”
Simon McBride
Leasing giant Lex has appointed Harvey Stead as its northern regional director.
Stead has joined Lex from fleet and accident management company FMG. At FMG Stead fleet management and accident management specialist. His new role at Lex will see him responsible for developing customer relationships.
Simon McBride
Ford has again been confirmed as the industry favourite by winning Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at the 2008 Fleet World awards, repeating last year’s success. Honours also went to the new Ford Kuga crossover and to the Ford S-MAX.
The Fleet World awards are presented annually to manufacturers achieving the highest possible level of excellence in their sector - with Manufacturer of the Year as the top title.
Fleet World editor Ken Rogers said: “Ford continues to lead the way, both in terms of quantity and quality. It is easy to see why Ford’s fleet sales have remained so high when you look at the tremendous range of cars they now offer. But take nothing away from the company’s impressive fleet support operations, from driver contact through the talkback programme, to after sales and field support. Ford has a fleet operation to be proud of.”
Ford’s new crossover model, the Kuga, has won Best 4×4. Ken Rogers commented: “Ford’s new Kuga is a late arrival in this sector but most will come to see it as the benchmark. Stylish, well-built and excellent to drive, it’s a versatile option for ‘lifestyle’ fleet drivers - and as with all contemporary Ford products, it comes at a price that won’t break the bank. Class-leading CO2 emissions also weigh heavily in Kuga’s favour.”
The award for Best Large MPV went to the Ford S-MAX. Commenting on the award, chairman of the Fleet World Awards judging panel, George Emmerson, said: “As this vehicle is built on the same platform as the Galaxy and new Mondeo, it was bound to be a success. In all surveys carried out on similar models from other manufacturers, the S-MAX consistently comes top on style, handling, performance, safety/security and equipment.”
Ford’s successes at the awards were welcomed by Kevin Griffin, director of fleet operations: “We aim to match closely the needs of our fleet customers and the wants of individual drivers. These awards demonstrate that we have succeeded with both the vehicles we offer and the service we provide.”
Vauxhall were top for fleet sales in April 2008 but they still trail Ford in total fleet sales for the year. The fleet market was up on April 2007 by 7.5%. Ford grabbed the top model placing, the Focus holding off an impressive four Vauxhall models - the Astra, Corsa, Vectra and Zafira. Renault had a difficult month, sliding to eighth place in the manufacturer table from its usual fifth, with Audi, BMW and Toyota taking advantage.
Ford Focus lease prices
Vauxhall Astra lease prices
Vauxhall Corsa lease prices
Vauxhall Vectra lease prices
Vauxhall Zafira lease prices
Lexus has unveiled the sporty new IS 250 SR. This addition to the line-up comes with a full body kit and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels on the outside. On the inside, aluminium scuff plates and pedals add subtle visual enhancements on the inside while heated front seats are also fitted as standard.
According to the maker the IS 250 SR is designed to deliver some of the sporting allure of the IS F and IS 250 Sport at a high value price. Based on the entry-level IS 250, the new model is packed with features that have a combined customer value of more than £3,500, yet the price tag is less than £1,000 greater model-for-model.
Standard features include 10 airbags, climate control, cruise control, smart keyless entry and engine start and sequenced LED interior lighting.
Power comes from a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which means the IS 250 SR will accelerate from rest to 62mph in 8.1 seconds (8.4 with the optional six-speed automatic transmission) and progress to a top speed in excess of 140mph.
The car goes on sale from May 19, and is priced from £24,990 for the manual transmission and £25,800 for the automatic gearbox.
Click on www.contracthireandleasing.com for more car leasing deals on the Lexus IS 250 SR.
Simon McBride
Zenith Vehicle Contracts has become the UK’s biggest fleet management firm following the acquisition of Reading-based employee car ownership specialist Provecta.
The deal creates the largest independent leasing, fleet management and vehicle outsourcing business in the UK. The Zenith fleet is now 26,000 vehicles in size and includes prestigious clients BP, Asda and Ernst & Young. The purchase of Provecta also gives the Northern based company a foothold in the South of England.
Andrew Cope, chief executive of Zenith said: “The most cost-effective solution for fleets in the future will be delivered by fleet providers which have the full range of specialist products and services at their disposal. Our ability to deliver a new approach to a company’s total transport needs is what makes this deal really exciting.”
Zenith was established in 1989 as a specialist provider of bespoke fleet management services, concentrating on the provision of innovative management solutions.
French maker Peugeot has introduced a new Sport Pack option for the 4007 SUV to enhance the ‘entry model’ SE for customers.
To give the 4007 even more presence on the road, the 4007 SE Irmscher Sport Pack includes Aero Star Design 19” alloy wheels on Pirelli 235/45 x R19 tyres, a body-coloured rear roof spoiler, front lower spoiler and twin tailpipe finishers - all available for £600.
According to the maker if these additions were purchased individually they would total £2,950. The Sport Park items are available on 4007 SE models in four metallic colours; Pearl Black, Arctic Silver, Pilbara Grey and Istria Blue.
Stylists Irmscher have worked with Peugeot successfully with design projects on the 207 GTi THP 175, 107 Sport XS and 407 Sport XS.
Click on www.contracthireandleasing.com for the best offers on leasing a Peugeot 4007 on the internet.
Simon McBride
