Advertisement feature from Europcar
New data from Europcar Mobility Group reveals 75% of UK fleet managers said the pandemic had required them to review their organisation’s fleet acquisition policy. And 43% said that delivering fleet efficiencies through pro-active management is one of their top 3 priorities in the next 12 months.
The last few months have been extremely challenging with the impact of COVID-19. Whilst the UK has moved on from the particular challenges of lockdown – even though we are seeing ever increasing numbers of cities head into tier 3, with more expected as we approach winter – fleet managers are now faced with increased uncertainty and fluctuations in demand.
The need for business flexibility has never been so important as organisations adapt to this unknown future and where vehicle requirements particularly can change at the drop of a hat - whether that is scaling up or down at short notice. Fleet managers are now, therefore, faced with the challenge of how to increase fleet size without huge impact to their balance sheet.
Indeed, acquisition and funding options for an optimised fleet were another key focus for fleet managers, according to the new Europcar insight. Over half have had to pay increased termination fees during the pandemic and nearly two thirds extended existing contracts due to issues with supply of new and replacement vehicles. It’s not surprising, therefore, that three quarters said that COVID-19 has required them to review their fleet’s acquisition policy.
In response, and as the economy moves into the next phase, Europcar Mobility Group UK has focused on developing a range of ‘on demand’ long term flexible rental products covering both cars and vans which can help to take the pressure off the utilisation headaches of leased or owned fleet. To help, fleet managers respond quickly to changing demands in an efficient and ‘cash friendly’ way Europcar’s B2B Flex and Flex+ packages offer the opportunity to pick-up vehicles when they’re needed, instead of being committed to a fixed-term lease or an outright purchase. They can be returned after as little as 3 months – with no upfront deposit or early termination fees beyond the initial 84 days rental.
Europcar B2B Flex and Flex+ vehicles are generally brand new and can be delivered or picked up from Europcar branches or van supersites nationwide. And extra hygiene measures have been added to keep everyone as safe as possible. Plus there is a wide choice of cars and vans available, a variety of mileage options, 24 hour roadside assistance and competitive rates, fixed for 12 months.
Flexible vehicle rental allows businesses to stay on top of their finances and adapt quickly to new situations – be that an unexpected job that requires additional man and vehicle power, or the acceleration in more COVID-19 cases resulting in yet more uncertainty.
Europcar Mobility Group UK, 55 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 7AR Tel: 0371 384 0140 Email: businesssolutions@europcar.com
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Phill Bye - 02/11/2020 11:35
An interesting article with some very valid points. Flexibility in mobility as we move through unprecedented times is always of significant benefit. Be that as it remains off balance sheet, for new starters or due to an ageing CH&L fleet that is becoming unreliable. There are other options in the market too as we can also support these kinds of requirements but have a minimum rental period of 28 days.