Welcome to the August edition of our newsletter, included in this month’s update:
- Vehicle Lead Times and Availability
- Service Bookings
- VE103B Going Abroad – Reminder
- Focus On… Fleet Management
- Green Number Plates
- Meet the Team – Kai Green, Data Systems Analyst
Vehicle Lead Times and Availability
Vehicle availability continues to be a hot topic at Days Fleet as a result of the global shortage of semiconductor microchips.
The shortage of these chips has had a knock-on effect with vehicle build and supply as they are contained in many of today’s navigation, built-in dash cam and infotainment units that most vehicles have as standard or as additional options. This has affected many vehicle manufacturers who have taken the decision to stop production temporarily or alter vehicle specifications which may or may not be rectified in the future.
Days Fleet is experiencing multiple notifications from manufacturers about delays or amendments to vehicle builds. One large manufacturer has recently announced lead times of over 12 months for its vehicles.
If you have vehicles due for replacement in the next 12 to 18 months, we would advise you to start discussing your renewal requirements as soon as possible – we already have many orders in place with an estimated delivery date well into 2022.
Vehicle availability is also affecting our short-term ‘Flexi Hire’ service as our partners are unable to source new vehicles for their fleet. Furthermore, as a result of COVID and general staffing levels, hire vehicles may not be in the right location or may be available on a collection only basis. We strongly recommend that clients place their Flexi Hire bookings as far in advance as possible – a minimum of 3 working days’ notice would be ideal where possible. Hire partners have also advised of price increases – our Flexi Hire team will advise of this on an individual basis.
As always, Days Fleet are working closely with clients and suppliers alike to manage this unprecedented situation as best as possible. If you have anything you would like to discuss, please contact your Account Management Team, call us on 0345 815 0019 or e-mail us at [email protected]
Service Bookings
Did you know that you can make a service booking for a Days Fleet vehicle (if you have a maintenance-inclusive package) in the following ways:
- Online Book a Service / MOT | Days Fleet
- Driver App
- Calling DriverLine on 0345 296 4423
The quickest and most effective way is by using our online booking portal which can deliver a response back to the driver in an average of 8 mins compared to a phone call that can take currently on average 40 minutes.
Online bookings can be made at any time during the day or night offering total flexibility to the driver. Phone bookings can only be made between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
It is essential that all vehicles are booked in via Days Fleet and not directly with a dealership or service centre so we can ensure the process is managed as effectively as possible.
If you have queries on service bookings or maintaining your vehicle please contact our maintenance team via [email protected]
VE103B Going Abroad – Reminder
Fully vaccinated people can now visit France without being required to quarantine upon their return to the UK, following a change to COVID-19 restrictions that took effect on 8th August.
This will naturally produce an increase in demand for VE103B Certificates which are needed to travel abroad using a lease vehicle so please ensure that drivers apply for their VE103B and travel pack at least 10 working days before they travel to ensure enough time for it be processed and delivered.
Now that the UK is outside of the EU, border checks are likely to be more stringent and having the correct documentation for vehicles will be key to ensuring a smooth border crossing.
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and will cover you for all foreign travel within that 12-month period.
You can request a VE103B certificate by clicking here
Focus On… Fleet Management
If your organisation has vehicles that it owns outright or has vehicles that are leased on a non-maintenance agreement (through Days Fleet or another leasing provider) it may be worth discussing your vehicle maintenance spend and processes with our team as you could benefit from using our ‘Fleet Management’ Service.
The core of this service focuses on the maintenance of a vehicle – service, MOT, tyres – however, we can also assist with the entire process from vehicle procurement, in life events and management through to vehicle disposal.
We can help with any of the following aspects of your fleet:
- Maintenance Management
- Tyre Management
- Breakdown & Recovery Assistance
- Relief Vehicle Facility
- Road Fund Licence Renewal
- MOT Management
- Driver Licence Checking
- Vehicle Procurement & Disposal
- Fixed Penalty Notice Management
- V5C Management
- Accident Management
- Fleet Consultancy
- Fleet Policy Analysis & Creation
- Online Reporting
- Short-Term Rental Vehicle Management
For more information on how Fleet Management can benefit your organisation, contact us at [email protected] or call us on 0345 815 0019
Green Number Plates
Over 20% of vehicles delivered by Days Fleet in the past 12 months have been fully electric; a significant increase from the previous year. As part of our standard service offering all new electric vehicles supplied from Days Fleet come with ‘Green Number Plates’. These help to distinguish electric from petrol and diesel vehicles and feature a green flash down the left-hand side
These number plates can be retro-fitted to any existing electric vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, HGVs, taxis, and motorcycles as long as they emit zero CO2 emissions at the tailpipe.
Should you wish to order green number plates for your zero-emission vehicle on lease from Days Fleet, please contact us by emailing [email protected]
Meet the Team – Kai Green, Data Systems Analyst
Joined Days Fleet in October 2018
1. What is your role within Days Fleet?
My role is ‘Data System Analyst’ within the Business Support team, who are responsible for managing new vehicle data, manufacturer and dealer terms and also assisting with the vehicle order process.
2. What do you enjoy most about your role with Days Fleet?
I enjoy working in a close-knit team where we are all on hand to support each other. We all have our own areas of expertise and always assist each other when required. This, in turn, enhances my knowledge so I am learning new things every day.
Working in such a collaborative environment opens the door to a wider thought process, rather than thinking inside the box.
3. What has been the most challenging part of working during the past 18 months?
The most challenging part has been missing the social interaction in the office and seeing my colleagues in person on a daily basis. I’ve missed the atmosphere of being in the office and the Monday morning football banter which comes with it.
The transition to using Microsoft Teams has certainly helped to keep connected with my colleagues and has been a brilliant introduction to the business.
4. What would you like to achieve in 2021?
I’d like to continue to expand my knowledge of our systems and take the opportunity when possible to learn about other areas to which I’m not currently accustomed to. I look forward to putting my new understanding of the systems we use into practice to help benefit our clients even further.
5. What are you most looking forward to doing now that restrictions are easing?
I’m looking forward to spending more time with my friends and family without having the limitations of meeting outdoors or from a distance. I really cannot wait to go on holiday sometime in the future and get that warm weather feeling again!
