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LCVs are lifeblood of the UK business model
publication date: Jun 30, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
BCA has today published ‘The Used LCV Market Report
2010', a new publication aimed at highlighting the critical role LCV's
play in the wealth and prosperity of the UK.
| | The report has been authored by Professor Peter Cooke and
the team at
Buckingham University Centre for Automotive Management. | The report examines the United Kingdom LCV market in
detail and analyses
the dynamics and changes in the sector over the past few years, looks
at the routes to market and the implications of supply and demand on
price, and identifies some of the strategic implications of the
recession on the market.
Duncan Ward, BCA's general manager, commercial vehicles
commented
"LCV's are a part of everyday business life and - as such - deserve
analysis and scrutiny just as much as other transport sectors.
The state of the LCV market is likely to be one of the most accurate
barometers for the health of UK business as a whole and economists and
policy makers ignore it at their peril. To that end, BCA is delighted
to support the publication of this study into the LCV industry, the
recession and recovery by Professor Peter Cooke." | |
Renault has launched iCare, an innovative maintenance system
designed specifically for the modern commercial vehicle user, whether a
one van operator or larger fleet, to ensure down time is kept to a
minimum and compliance legislation is fully adhered to.
A pro-actively managed service, maintenance and repair system, Renault
iCare uses telematics to provide "pay-as-you-earn" pricing and
hands-free communication with the driver.
Each vehicle is fitted with a four-way communication button, with one
button providing the driver with direct access to Renault Assistance
whenever help is required.
The Renault iCare call centre is available 24
hours a day, seven days per week to immediately direct the call to the
appropriate support service, whether the AA for breakdowns, Renault
Accident Support Line, tyre assistance, or windscreens.
The other three
buttons are assigned to Renault iCare for operational and administrative
support, the emergency services and one of the customer's choosing,
usually his or her fleet manager.
Renault iCare ensures the customer's Renault van is maintained on time
by monitoring the vehicle age and mileage and advising the driver when
the next service or MOT is required. The service booking is then
arranged by Renault iCare with the nearest approved Renault dealer and
fully managed whilst the vehicle is off road to reduce down time to a
minimum. | In the report, Cooke underlines the importance of LCV
sales volumes in
gauging the UK's recovery from recession.
He says "The true role of
LCVs in the economy should see the sector given much more prominence.
Used LCVs are commonly the preferred mode of business transport for
small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as new vehicles are very often
beyond their financial reach, while used LCVs serve their purpose
exceedingly well. "Used LCVs also have a significantly longer ‘business
life' than cars,
two or three more businesses using them, whereas cars typically have
just one business user before being sold to a private motorist.
"The report identifies the likely key drivers for change
in the used LCV
market over the coming years.
These include carbon footprint and CO2
emissions, balanced against cost and reliability issues; the potential
rise of electric LCVs; road pricing and congestion charging; Duty of
Care; Fuel strategy; Corporate tax; and climate change as that becomes
an increasingly hot political topic.
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