FLEET News has launched a new website fleet decision-makers and their drivers.
The site CompanyCarDriver.co.uk is a multi-purpose tool for anyone that drives a car on business.
We do not want to undermine the fleet decision-maker’s role, but provide a source a resource of information and a reference point to enable them to do their job better and help their drivers travel more efficiently and safely.
We quizzed fleet managers during CCD’s 10-month development period and they welcomed the opportunity to direct their drivers to a website that answered the everyday questions inherent in their job, from choosing a new vehicle to keeping them on the move and highlighting their responsibilities as a driver.
The site features: road tests, news, fuel prices, a flight and hotel search powered by Opodo, the online holiday booking company, traffic news, a car tax calculator and a car comparator.
There is a also an Auto Diary allowing drivers to note important dates relating to their car and business, with reminders by email to their Inbox. In addition there is a business mileage tracker. Put in your journey details, your mileage reimbursement rate and CCD will calculate how much a driver needs to reclaim.
An ‘On the Road’ section of the site is where CCD offers a variety of services to help drivers get from a-to-b. Through this section users can get up-to-date traffic news on the web and on their mobiles. TARA mobile satellite navigation will also be available through the site. It is the first free to install pay-as-you-go routing and traffic avoidance application for a mobile phone.
A route planner is another forthcoming addition to the site.
The Services section of CCD is inspired by the need to support fleet managers by providing a reference point for them on issues such as driving abroad, towing, Motability, advisory fuel rates, opting out of a company car scheme, company car tax and a link to a safety camera location map.
CCD also provides advice for drivers on important legislation issues. London’s congestion charge zone, for example, has been given its own section on the site, together with information on the proposed 2007 extension. Users can download a map of the charging zone, as well as forms they can print off on paying the charge, exemptions and a refund request form.
Just like Fleet NewsNet, CCD is a register-only site and users will be asked a short set of questions before they can access the website in its entirety.
How CCD can help
The CCD road test archive contains hundreds of assesments on the latest models written by Fleet News and sister-title AM.
Users can view specific information, take a look at model rivals, fact files containing CO2 levels, tops speeds, prices and pictures. CCD provides a number of different types of road test such as first drive and long term, with each highlighting different characteristics of the vehicle and a cars fit-for-purpose credentials.
Fleet News’ sister title Car magazine gives a second opinion to the road tests in CCD’s database with a ‘good, bad and ugly’ critique.
Catch up with the latest news in the automotive industry. CCD will cover new launches, legislation and odd stories that will get people chatting round the water cooler.
Which model has the best fuel consumption? What’s the fastest? Pit three models against each other to see who comes out on top with the car comparator. Powered by CAP, users can click straight through to the comparator from the homepage or from a road test.
Rant and rave about anything from favourite cars to the best burger stops in CCD’s free forum.
Users can simply type in their business miles and calculate how much cash they can claim back.
This is where company car drivers can calculate the tax charge on their next company car. Powered GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services. Users can also store calculations for future reference.
CCD wants to put the user in charge and has taken innovative steps to assure they get what they want.
Users will be able to select a site colour to suit them. Red, grey and pink are available colours from launch. More will be added as the site develops.
CCD knows how busy it can get in the office, so if you’ve found a road test or news story but decide you want to read it later, go ahead. Save articles in your own section of the site or send them to colleagues. Here users can also update their login details at anytime.
An innovative new system allows users to manage their busy schedules from within the site. The diary can also be used to remind users of anything they wish. Tyre checks, fluid levels, tax reminders, important meetings, birthdays and anniversaries can all be noted with reminders sent automatically to your inbox.
Contact the CCD team if you have any questions or suggestions.
Jeremy Bennett CCD editor 01733 468298 jeremy.bennett@emap.com
Tom Seymour CCD online reporter 01733 468343 tom.seymour@emap.com
Webster Garratt CCD key account manager 01733 468344 webster.garratt@emap.com
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