Total Accident Management Limited, the Repair and Claims management subsidiary of Helphire Group plc has won a new deal with Sinclair Finance and Leasing.
The company will provide Sinclair Finance and Leasing bespoke solutions for all fault, non-fault and split liability motor incidents.
Sinclair is one of the first customers to opt for Fleet 1-Call, Total’s newly launched full accident management package. Total will manage vehicle accident claims for Sinclair’s clients, from First Notification of Loss via a dedicated accident triage team, to completion of the claim.
Sinclair will also be able to track the up-to-the-minute status of any fleet vehicle, undergoing repair via Total’s e-point web based system.
Peter Jones, Sales Manager, Sinclair Finance and Leasing Co. Ltd. says, “We were impressed by Total’s flexible customer focused approach and its ability to fit in with our needs, and those of our customers. As a contract hire company, we are in the business of keeping our customers mobile, so in the event of a vehicle accident, having a supplier we can rely on to quickly and efficiently provide our customers with a replacement is essential. Total gives us peace of mind in this respect, and reassures us that the whole vehicle repair and claims process will be dealt with the minimum of hassle.”
Simon McBride

A shocking one in three London drivers failed a vision screening. The results reflect on the potential hazard drivers could pose to themselves, other road users and pedestrians.
The startling statistics came to light during a random check of drivers’ eyesight by Specsavers at a recent Drive Safe roadshow at Olympia.

Of the 500 people checked, more than one third failed well below the legal minimum requirements set by the Department of Transport and Police Force.

Despite their failing sight, an astonishing 92% of those drivers surveyed thought that regular eye examinations should be compulsory at least every three years.

Furthermore, 89% said they would consider regular sight checks if it positively influenced the cost of their car insurance.
Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins says, “It has long been suspected that defective eye sight is a significant contributory factor in road traffic accidents. The objective of our Drive Safe roadshow is to prove that many drivers are unaware that their poor vision could be adversely affecting their driving.

These results show that a significant number of London’s drivers are worryingly unsafe.  Being perceptive and alert as a driver, especially in a congested city such as London is crucial.”

Faye Sunderland

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.

Lakeland Vehicle Solutions company profile

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.

Chevrolet Captiva lease prices

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