Vans, Cars and Leasing

Vehicle tracking and weighing technology could help van fleet managers comply with the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency’s (VOSA) drive to tackle overloaded vehicles.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras and weight-in-motion sensors embedded in roads have led to increased detection rates with more than half of light vans (55.1%) stopped last year for being overloaded.

Now Navman Wireless has teamed up with on-board weighing systems company, Red Forge to provide fleet managers with a system that automatically alerts when their vehicles’ weight limits are exceeded.

The system triggers an automatic alert in the driver’s cab, and simultaneously sends an alert message to the employer’s office PC or mobile phone.

“These latest VOSA statistics are remarkable and signal a worrying trend,” said Tony Neill, vice president, Navman Wireless.

“Companies should act now to avoid prohibition notices, licence revocations, hefty fines, criminal prosecutions and penalty points for drivers.

An illegally loaded van can prove a costly mistake but it is one that we can help companies avert.”

Used car dealers have said they will focus on lower mileage, smaller, more economical engines and higher specification cars, in an attempt to boost sales.

Diesel engines are also continuing to rise in popularity, with just over half of dealers saying that they are currently seeking to stock more diesels than they were 12 months ago.

Colin Whelan, business research manager for CAP, which carried out the dealer survey, said dealers have enjoyed a strong start to the year and are determined not to allow gloomy headlines about the economy to distract them from the business of winning retail sales.

“Dealers understand that many retail car buyers are increasingly demanding in their choices of used cars, favouring high levels of equipment, strong image, individuality and low running costs.”

Around 18% of used car dealers said they expected to sell significantly fewer used cars this year compared with 2007.

Nearly a quarter believe this year’s retail used car market will be little different from last year, while 36% acknowledge there may be some reduction in sales but that they are not seriously concerned about their retail prospects.

As the group responsible for selling up to a third of Renault’s fleet volume, the Renault Retail Group (RRG) dealership chain knows better than most of the problems with early Laguna models.

With a high percentage of the original models suffering problems, it was the dealer staff who dealt with the vast array of issues which afflicted Renault’s upper-medium model.

But those problems are, hopefully, in the past, allowing the group to build on the number of internal quality improvement processes put in place by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Alongside the new Laguna model, which, claims Renault, is a massive leap forward in terms of quality, RRG is also pioneering the firm’s E4 programme (excellence, everyone, everywhere, every time).

RRG managing director Ian Plummer said: “Our ambition is to be Renault’s showcase across the group and to push things in the right direction.

“We are further along the road than other parts of the Renault network in terms of E4.

“Applying the process is difficult, a long haul, but the change of culture is well on the way.”

Mr Plummer says the arrival of the new Laguna is a key moment, not just in terms of having new metal in the showroom but also reflecting the fresh approach to doing business.

He added: “We have got our staff on board with the new Laguna after the problems with the early models.

“They are coming back from training and are unanimous in saying the new model is much better.”

With further new Laguna variants to be launched in 2008, including the sleek Coupe model, a new Megane range, plus new additions to the Clio and Modus family, Mr Plummer is positive for the year ahead.

He added: “The market is becoming more fragmented so you need to have different options for customers.

“It is vital to be able to answer different needs.

“We will see a lot of new product in 2008 but we will continue to make service efforts our key focus.

The Mazda RX-8 is the latest sporty coupe with which Mazda has built its reputation. Its four-door configuration marks a new design style for all of Mazda’s fans.

At the core of this new Mazda is the Renesis 1.3-litre rotary engine. This unique engine stands out not only because of its name but because of its side-located exhaust ports on each of the combustion chambers. This simple change makes this engine more powerful, higher in fuel economy and lower in emissions. The small size of the engine enabled engineers to mount it further back on the chassis which distributes the weight 50/50 from front to rear.

The RX-8 was introduced for 2004, marking the return of the rotary powered engine. Before its reintroduction the U.S. sports car industry had not seen a rotary powered engine in nearly 10 years.

Other features that make this car a jewel to handle are the sharp steering, 3,000 pound curb weight, and balanced suspension tuning. The RX comes in either automatic or manual, but the six-speed manual is the only way to go in this car. The manual shift makes the 1.3-litre engine more powerful and the short-throw shifter makes you feel more connected to the car.

In the manual RX-8 the horsepower peaks at 238 while at 8,500rpm. Below 4,000 rpm the engine does not really feel all that powerful because of the nature of rotary engines not really having low-end torque to speak of. You can rev all you want with the rotary though, and it comes across smoothly.

Mazda’s RX-8 goes from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is respectable as far as straight-line acceleration goes, but the sport coupe wins the prize when it comes to the winding road.

The automatic transmission version will red-line at a much lower 7,500 rpm, with the newer models coming with the more advanced 6-speed auto tranny. Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering column. They have 212hp at 7,500rpm versus earlier 2004 and 2005 versions which were 4-speed automatic transmissions.

While being sporty and comfortable enough for regular commuting, the RX-8 can be used for everyday driving, with seats in the rear which will accommodate adults or awkward car seats, and the rear doors are hinged, allowing for easier access.
The manual RX has standard firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels. These do not come standard with the auto transmission, they are optional. Upgrades include the firmer suspension, navigational systems, and leather upholstery.

The predecessor of the RX-8, the RX-7 had difficulty surviving in the U.S. market, having a rough time meeting emissions requirements, and thus having lacklustre sales. The car continued on in Japan through 2002. The final incarnation of the U.S. RX-7 was more expensive then, in comparison to the RX-8 of today.

The old model being sold between ‘93-95 had the ability to hit 255hp at 6,500rpm. It went from 0-60 in an amazing 5.5 seconds. It handled well too, sometimes being compared to race cars. It wasn’t a nice ride though, so you had to appreciate its turbocharged engine and excellent handling abilities more than the comfort of a smooth ride.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Contract Hire UK
Mazda Contract Hire - Mazda RX8 Leasing