Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter, included in this month’s update:
- Vehicle Lead Times and Availability
- Focus on… Pod Point
- VE103B Reminder – Going Abroad
- Meet the Team – Annabelle Mills
- Fuel Types Explained
- Vehicle Battery & DriverLine Reminder
Vehicle Lead Times and Availability
You may have read in our previous bulletins or in the media about the global shortage of semiconductor chips affecting many electrical devices and products. This shortage is in the main due to the worldwide surge in demand for personal devices such as laptops, PCs, mobiles, etc during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 and has already and will continue to contact all affected clients to discuss in further detail.
If you have vehicles due for replacement in the next 12 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 in 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]
Focus on… Pod Point
If you are looking to order an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid as your next company vehicle, Days Fleet can help with a cost-effective and safe method of EV charging whether at home or at the workplace.
We have partnered with Pod Point to offer our clients award-winning electric charging solutions.
- Approved by major electric vehicle manufacturers
- Safe to use with multiple safety cut-outs
- The charger includes the right connector for your vehicle on a tethered lead
- Can be locked in place to prevent unauthorised unplugging of the charger
- Free online accounts to monitor electrical usage and CO² emissions
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For more information, contact our Client Services team on 01792 277637 or [email protected]
VE103B Reminder – Going Abroad
If you intend to travel abroad using your lease vehicle, you will require a ‘Vehicle On Hire’ (VE103B) certificate.
With travel restrictions easing, coupled with the fact that the UK is now outside of the EU, border checks will be more thorough, and having the correct travel documentation for your vehicle will be key to ensuring a smooth border crossing.
Please be sure to apply for your VE103B and travel pack at least 10 working days before you travel. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and will cover you for all your foreign travel within that 12 month period. It also covers you whilst proceeding to, and returning from, the port of embarkation.
You can request your VE103B certificate by clicking here.
Meet the Team – Annabelle Mills
1. What is your role within Days Fleet?
My role within Days Fleet is ‘Client Support Executive’. Our Client Support team answer any queries that our clients may have or assist in pointing them in the right direction.
We manage the day-to-day running of our clients such as running quotations, processing any orders, and assist in the implementation of contractual documents.
2. What do you enjoy most about your role with Days Fleet?
I love the client interaction and being able to assist with all enquiries. I enjoy the diversity of my job role; no two days are the same and I relish the challenge that it brings.
3. What has been the most challenging part of working during the past 12 months?
The most challenging part has been the lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues. I miss the office atmosphere, but using Microsoft Teams has certainly helped
4. What would you like to achieve in 2021?
I would like to keep learning and progressing in my job role, but I have also recently bought my first house, so to be able to finish renovations would be great.
5. What’s the first thing you’d like to do when restrictions are fully lifted?
I would love to get on an airplane, jet off to a hot country and enjoy the sunshine.
Fuel Types Explained
Historically we have only had to deal with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE’s), which simply refers to traditional petrol and diesel engines. However, the range of alternative fuels has grown over the past few years so we hope you find this quick summary useful to keep you up to date with the range of electrified powertrains available in the UK.
MILD HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (MHEV):
Mild Hybrid powertrains can be a cost-effective way to join the electric revolution. They are also a great option for drivers who do a lot of shorter journeys, especially around town and at lower average speeds.
MHEV vehicles feature a battery-driven electric motor that supports the engine by increasing power and improving fuel economy. The hybrid battery is recharged using regenerative braking technology so there is no need to connect it to an external power source.
FULL HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (FHEV/HEV):
Full Hybrid (FHEV or HEV) vehicles have an internal combustion engine, but they also have a larger battery and more powerful motor. This provides more assistance to the engine and enables the vehicle to drive parts of the short journeys at low speeds using the electric motor alone. Thanks for the conventional engine, this can help improve driving range as the vehicle is capable of using both battery and the internal combustion engine.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV):
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) have all the functionality of full hybrid technology, with the added advantage that they can be charged from an external electricity supply. The larger capacity of the battery makes them capable of zero-emissions while driving for ranges of up to approximately 35 miles.
Plugging your hybrid vehicle in at home is a simple and effective way to ensure it’s ready to go when you need it. Simply connect the vehicle to a standard domestic socket and leave it to charge. The Hybrid battery can also be recharged at most public stations via additional optional charging cables.
ALL ELECTRIC:
All-electric vehicles run on battery power alone. Zero fuel. Zero emissions. These vehicles are better for the environment and also benefit from reduced road tax and no penalties in some low emission zones. Drivers will require suitable home charging points to run a full electric vehicle and can charge via public stations.
Vehicle Battery & DriverLine Reminder
If your vehicle is left stationary for an extended period of time, typically in excess of five days, the chances of a flat battery are significantly higher.
Periods such as holidays can increase the chances of you returning to a flat battery – as a reminder, it is your responsibility to ensure that the battery is not flat/discharged.
Should a replacement battery or a breakdown call-out be required to resolve the issue with your battery, this will result in a charge to yourselves.
To minimise this risk, we recommend that you run your vehicle regularly to avoid a flat battery and that your vehicle is equipped with a battery charger/conditioner.
If your vehicle’s maintenance is managed by Days Fleet, all work and events surrounding the vehicle must be booked through our DriverLine on 0345 296 4423 – a 24/7 number that provides access to multiple services.
When a service or repair is required on your vehicle all you need to do is call DriverLine and we will make the necessary arrangements for your vehicle to be booked into an approved service centre.
Any bookings made outside of DriverLine i.e. booked directly with a dealership or garage may not be authorised and could result in significant delays in getting the vehicle back on the road.
