The latest ExpertEye Fleet Industry Review shows UK fleets reporting an increase in demand for 'alternative fuels' and a shift away from diesel to petrol-engined vehicles. The review, produced in association with the University of Buckingham's Professor Colin Tourick and based on a survey of over 200 fleet operators, provides information on the current practices, attitudes and opinions within the UK's fleet market. Some of the issues examined include: ´ Fleet policies and profiles ´ The current economic and fleet environment ´ Influences on supplier and vehicle choice ´ Vehicle requirements and influences Examining trends in development for seven years, the report offers a range of essential industry findings. Among the conclusions made: more companies are populating fleet lists with petrol engines, or drivers are more frequently opting for petrol vehicles. This is of little surprise given the sounds emerging from Government recently about diesel engines and likely future efforts to reduce their harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. The data gathered also shows electric, electric range-extended and hybrid engines gaining popularity, with many fleet operators predicting a downturn in diesel and a return of petrol. It is possible that _ as well as being cautious around Government's attitude to diesel emissions _ fleet managers have been attracted by fuel costs for electric vehicles sitting at 2p per mile. Diesel prices in comparison are up to six or seven times higher. Almost zero fleet operator respondents expect dramatic shifts in the economy. As Brexit negotiations begin, many operators are slightly less optimistic about economic prospects than in previous years _ however, little to no impact has been seen on fleet size. Over half of those surveyed expect no change in demand for cars and over three quarters say the same of LCVs. Out of respondents expecting a decrease, 20% think cars and 7% think vans would be less desirable. The report suggests that the decreasing viability of personal or company cars in town centres may be a factor. While contract hire remains the predominant form of finance used in business, a steady growth in respondents using finance leasing is observed in the data, up to 28%. Theoretically, the new demand for finance leasing may be a response to increased supply. The report suggests that finance leasing options have become easier for companies to add to their portfolios over the years. Additionally, despite changes to legislation and projections of a transport revolution, the top concerns for fleet operators remain as found in previous years. Reliability, running costs, safety and risk management will continue to be the primary factors in decisions being made by fleet operators in the foreseeable future. To download the report and read its many conclusions in full, visit www.experteye.com. The follow-up industry review for 2017 is highly anticipated, given the potential for shifts in attitudes following the Chancellor's Spring Budget.
