AN annual insight into fleet industry trends was launched yesterday with the publication of the 2003 edition of Business Car Expectations, sponsored by HSBC.

Fleet managers came under scrutiny with the report examining factors such as the role of the fleet manager, tax concerns and driver training.

The report found that the levels of risk management assessment and driver training remain low. Only 16% of those surveyed completed a risk audit on their fleet and 81% failed to offer driver training.

The report indicated that the number of part-time fleet managers has risen. It stated: 'The role of a part-time fleet manager has increased and appears to compensate for a five percentage point fall in the appointment of a full-time fleet manager: 57% of the sample has no fleet manager.'

Additional highlights included: 63% of fleet managers believe that benefit-in-kind tax will not affect the number of company cars and 49% of fleet managers do not check insurance documents when an employee is using his own transport for business purposes.

Full report next week.

For a copy of the report, priced at £99, telephone 08456 090608