DRIVERS desperately need clear advice on fuel scale charges so they understand the effect of tax rises which will come into effect from Saturday.

THE issue of whether fleet decision-makers require fleet specific training and qualifications has split the Fleet Panel almost down the middle.

ABBEY National, owner of First National Vehicle Holdings, has refused to comment on growing industry speculation that it could sell its leasing operation to LloydsTSB autolease.

A NEW contender in the auction market will launch with an inaugural sale later this month.

A LEADING dealer group is using the internet in a bid to offer fleet decision-makers a faster and more efficient service.

Fleet managers are generally 'well satisfied' with their relationships with contract hire companies.

A SEARCH has begun for charitable teams from the fleet industry to take part in the second Wooden Spoon Society Alpine Challenge.

EMPLOYERS can now submit P11D forms via the internet, thanks to an online service launched by the Inland Revenue. The internet service enables employers and payroll bureaux to send PAYE end of year returns over the web.

CITROEN has recalled more than 70,000 Xsara Picassos to check for a fault which could result in the brake pedal detaching.

FLEET management software provider Tranman Solutions, bought by Lex Service in 1999, is to change its operating name to RAC Software Solutions.

FLEETS which operate a 'pay and reclaim' expense system could see their corporate fuel bills rise by 17.5%, after the European Commission decided to challenge these systems at the European Court of Justice.

SLEEPY drivers could be responsible for 300 deaths on Britain's roads every year, fleets will be warned in a £750,000 safety campaign.

VOLKSWAGEN Group plans to make the process of implementing pan-European deals easier by producing an international agreement to cover all countries and financial and leasing arrangements.

WELL-known fleet industry figure David Voss has been appointed chairman of Provecta Car Plan, the growing provider of structured employee car ownership (ECO) schemes.

COMPANY car and van drivers should undergo an annual assessment of their driving capability but should not be subjected to a one-off compulsory advanced driving test, risk management solutions company Risk Answers has advised.

COMPANY car drivers behind the wheel of an Audi who suffer a mechanical breakdown could be rescued by a dedicated Audi breakdown service in the near future.

BMW has introduced a new entry-level 3-series, boasting carbon dioxide emissions of 172g/km to qualify for the 16% of list price band under the new company car tax system.

NATIONAL DIY chain B&Q has signed a two-year supply deal with Fleet News Award-winning rental firm Hertz to provide its home delivery fleet.

Fleet managers will be given an insight from the experts on the latest developments in the fleet industry at Fleet News Drive, including changes to VAT rules, Block Exemption, Government transport policies plus the influence the new emissions-based tax system will have on fleet choices.

A new internet service for corporate vendors and professional dealers has been created with the aim of selling Europe's best used cars on the web. BCA Direct will initially operate in the UK before being rolled out to the rest of Europe.

General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), the financial services subsidiary of General Motors, has named Neil Buckley as vice-president and chief information officer.

The Fleet News Europe Tax Guide 2002, once again sponsored by LeasePlan and in association with global professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers, aims to guide fleet executives through the myriad technicalities that govern the taxation of cars in Europe.

Ford has presented its electric-powered TH!NK vehicle as a 'exciting new opportunity in fleet transportation'.

Volvo's president and chief executive officer, Hans-Olov Olsson, has predicted a bright 2002 for the Swedish manufacturer - and believes its new range of diesel engines will help boost European sales.

FORECASTS of some of the worst falls in car residual values for a decade should prompt organisations to conduct a complete financial overhaul of their fleets to avoid major depreciation losses.

NATIONAL charity Scope has awarded the contract to manage its 450-vehicle fleet to Venson Group.

General Motors Acceptance Corporation plans to target pan-European fleets as part of a major European expansion programme.

FLEET leasing company Masterlease has appointed Bob Rider as European remarketing director to develop its end of contract business.

THE Renault Vel Satis will go on sale in the UK on April 12 priced from £20,730 to £30,255 on-the-road.

THE final whistle has blown in the Fleet News/ATS Euromaster Rugby Challenge, and the champs and chumps can put away their boots for another season.