The calculator merges customer fleet data from Arval’s database with tax modelling software from Deloitte to report on cost, emissions and risk.

Using this information, it processes the variable inputs to then structure bespoke conclusions and associated costs.

Outputs can be modelled in ‘real time’ with customers and are very clear and easy to understand.

It demonstrates the different costs associated with grey fleet use compared to alternative solutions such as short-term rental, pool cars or fully-expensed company cars and identifies the most effective options.

The tool also benchmarks CO2 emissions and assesses the impact of any fleet decisions on the environment.

The profile of an organisation’s grey fleet use also enables Arval to recommend a ‘risk package’ to mitigate business travel risk, strengthening a company’s management of duty of care responsibilities.

Previously, companies trying to manage grey fleet suffered from a lack of visibility around what drives cost and where risk resides.

Our calculator enables a holistic approach that ranges across: type of vehicles being driven, whole life costs, business mileage reimbursement rates, and CO2 output.

As a result we can achieve levels of understanding that haven’t been available before and have received a great deal of praise from our customer base and the wider industry.

FN: How are you addressing fleets’ environmental concerns?

BB: With environmental performance directly linked to costs, reducing a fleet’s impact on the environment remains high on the agenda.

We work with customers across the full range of fleet activities including vehicle selection, driver behaviour and fuel management to develop a sustainable and effective fleet strategy.

The environment should always form part of a holistic approach to fleet management and tools like our grey fleet calculator and TCO provide examples of how powerful models help us to provide the most accurate advice to customers and model the impact that fleet decisions have on the environment.

 

Beckers told Fleet News that against a backdrop of a challenging economy Arval’s key focus will be to continue to take the actions required to support its customers in their fleet funding and management needs.

“Over recent years we have been able to respond quickly and effectively to the changing market conditions and the requirements of our customers – we will continue to do this in 2012,” he said.

“We will continue to invest in our business, our systems, our structure and our people so that we are best placed to consistently deliver high levels of customer service. It is only by taking this approach that we can remain at the forefront of the fleet industry.”

Beckers believes it is crucial that whether a fleet’s priority is cost management, CO2 reduction, health and safety, reduced downtime or any other fleet objective, Arval continues to deliver value to its customers.

Judges’ comments

Arval’s Grey Fleet Calculator is an innovative product that should help companies with overall travel and mobility plans.

This is the sort of idea that will help fleets to tackle their massive cost base and utilise all the available assets.

As a leasing company, Arval’s wide range of services and its coverage of the entire fleet sector gives it the edge.

It majors on CSR and provided outstanding testimonials.

Its latest tools really deliver efficiency and cost savings.