One of the largest vehicle evaluation days ever organised by Inchcape Fleet Solutions (IFS) was held recently for a 520-vehicle fleet.

IFS won a competitive tender to manage the Guide Dogs charity fleet of 340 cars and 180 vans last year.

Currently, the charity predominantly runs Renault Meganes and Peugeot 308 SWs, as well as a range of mini-MPVs.

After analysing vehicles from every manufacturer, IFS compiled a shortlist of 17 vehicles, which were made available at the evaluation day for the charity’s employees to assess.

This is the first time the fleet has been able to assess vehicles in such a way.

“We have switched from one model to another as one became obsolete and another came to the market and, while the vehicles have always been fit-for-purpose our decision-making has not been supported by the robust technical evaluation that we now have available,” explained Guide Dogs’ business support manager Gordon Smith.

“The final choice of vehicle(s) will take account of the evaluation, wholelife costs and manufacturers’ terms and then we will make a final decision. If we decide on a solus fleet supply deal that will be a happy coincidence, but functionality is paramount and we may decide on a two or three-badge deal.”

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