Driver communication

Many respondents say they are telling drivers about the tax changes and any changes to policy.

Some are informing drivers that they will have to pay more rather than changing the car policy.

Others are promoting hybrids. One fleet manager is “further explaining the importance to drivers of hybrid technology and lower CO2 output vehicles”.

Fleet managers are also looking at employee contributions and incentives.

“We offer an incentive to employees to select a low-CO2 car,” a respondent says.

“This incentive will remain in place but will be reviewed later this year.”

For some respondents, the tax changes are not relevant because they are a public sector fleet or do not allow personal use of company cars.

Graham Hine, transport manager at the University of Warwick, says: “Our status as a registered charity is not affected by the changes to capital allowance/lease rental restriction thresholds.

"We will make our employees aware of the BIK tax levels and offer advice and guidance where appropriate, in line with our user-chooser policy.”

Other respondents are not currently taking action because of their replacement cycle.

Tim Muir, planning and resource manager at ECG Facilities Services, explains: “In 2011, we introduced a new fleet of diesel vehicles, which at the time returned the lowest possible CO2 emissions against useability and driver comfort.

"These vehicles will not be changed until 2015. As part of the fleet roll-out in 2011 we advised drivers of the current and future tax liability of having such vehicles.”

Switching manufacturers

Fleet operators say they are prepared to sever ties with manufacturers to lower CO2 emissions on their fleet.

More than half (54%) of respondents have either switched manufacturer brands to achieve CO2 emissions reductions or would consider doing so.

In some cases, the reason fleet operators haven’t switched is because they have a relationship with a manufacturer that already offers very low CO2 emissions.

The main benefits of ‘going green’ highlighted by fleet operators are all financial.

The top three benefits they have seen are a reduced fuel bill, less tax and a reduction in running costs.

The fourth most popular benefit is ‘improved company image’ which again could be seen as cost-related.

An improved company image may help to retain business and win new contracts.

Muir says he achieved a 20% reduction in the fleet’s carbon footprint by switching to Vauxhall Astra and Insignia Ecoflex models.

BMW is considered the ‘greenest’ car manufacturer in terms of models, with Toyota second and Vauxhall third.

BMW’s status could be seen as a result of its Efficiency Dynamics brand and general popularity with fleet managers.

It was named ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2012 Fleet News Awards – an award which is voted for by fleet managers.

On the van side, fleet stalwart Ford is considered ‘greenest’, followed by Renault, with Volkswagen and Citroën in joint third.