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    <title>First Vehicle car and van leasing news</title>
    <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
    <description>Automotive Industry news reflecting issues relating to vehicles and drivers from FVL </description>
    <language>en-gb</language>
    <managingEditor>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</managingEditor>
    <copyright>First Vehicle Leasing</copyright>
    <item>
      <title>Driver psychology targeted by Brake</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:39:25 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A road safety charity has launched a new campaign urging fleet managers to better understand what makes their drivers tick.
According to Brake, driver psychology has a huge influence on the way motorists behave behind the wheel and recent research shows that it may be possible to shift attitudes to risk-taking behaviour such as speeding.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Facelift for fleet favourite</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:39:21 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The BMW 3 Series – a firm favourite amongst fleet drivers – is to receive a facelift in September.
The looks have been tweaked inside and out but, perhaps most importantly, a new all-aluminium engine has been introduced in the 330d. 
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Green fleets could soon get subsidies</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:13:29 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleets that want to go green could soon be entitled to financial help from the government.
The news follows an announcement that the European Commission has authorised subsidy payments to fleets wanting to improve the environmental performance of their vehicles beyond standards required by EU law.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Small fleets not minimising impact of fuel prices</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:13:25 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Despite pump prices being at record levels, nearly half of small fleets are still taking no action to keep their fuel bills under control, according to new research.
A recent survey by a fleet management company found that 49% of fleets that run less than 50 vehicles have taken no steps to minimise the impact of the massive increases in pump prices.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet views sought on lifelong learning</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:29:41 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department for Transport (DfT) has renewed calls for fleet managers to submit their ideas on lifelong learning for drivers.
The DfT’s Learning to Drive consultation, put together in association with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), was launched earlier this year, but so far has had limited response from businesses.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Public sector fleets trial low emission vans</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:29:36 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A major initiative to speed up the procurement of low carbon vehicles is to target public sector fleets.
As part of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) - a £50 million government-funded project - thousands of all-electric and low-carbon light commercial vehicles will be trialled and then procured by public sector and local authority fleets over the next three years.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Police fleets hit hard by rising fuel costs</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 4 Jul 2008 09:12:45 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet managers may be facing a squeeze due to soaring fuel prices but Police forces across the country are being particularly badly hit.
According to media reports, massive fuel cost overruns are leading to recruitment reductions and calls for the government to provide emergency funding.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Manufacturers surprised at green demand</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 4 Jul 2008 09:12:44 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Motor manufacturers are being taken by surprise when it comes to fleet demand for green cars according to a leading European car maker.
Renault says it was surprised when more fleets opted for the lowest-emitting new Laguna than it expected.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Government relaxes interpretation of driving hours rule</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Many rental company drivers will no longer be required to record their driving hours on a tachograph.
The changes apply to delivering, collecting or moving empty minibuses and commercial vehicles as the government relaxes its interpretation of European Commission drivers’ hours rules.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rush to lease big executive cars</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:16:54 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[High-polluting cars will be able to bypass new tax rules if they are already in use when a new tax regime comes into force next year.
Industry experts believe that this could lead to a rush to get such cars on the road before next April whilst some operators will be extending lease contracts for high-polluting cars.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Employees still tempted by company cars</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:03:26 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The prospect of a head-turning company car remains a powerful recruitment tool according to a new study.
A recent survey by a major leasing company found that almost a third of the 500 people questioned would consider leaving their current job if they were offered an equivalent position somewhere else with a better company car.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Company car drivers cut back on mileage</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:03:23 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Company car drivers are cutting the number of journeys they make - resulting in a drop in annual mileages and fuel costs.
Fleet managers say a number of factors are responsible for the trend, particularly the rising cost of fuel, better communications technology and increased congestion.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Driver training could cut breakdowns says RAC</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:36:44 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A motoring organisation has warned that poorly educated and trained company car drivers could be costing their employers thousands of pounds a year in breakdown costs.
The RAC believes that many breakdowns are the result of business drivers failing to carry out basic vehicle maintenance. Many of these drivers are not fully briefed on the vehicle they are driving.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleets to benefit from retail slump</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:36:41 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A slump in new retail car sales could be good news for fleets according to industry experts.
As private car buyers shy away from dealers, many believe fleet buyers will find themselves in a stronger bargaining position.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No simple statistics for van CO2 figures</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 5 Jun 2008 12:42:45 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet operators may soon find it easier to go green following news that van manufacturers are to work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to produce a meaningful list of CO2 emissions figures for commercial vehicles.
Before January of this year, van makers were not obliged to produce either fuel economy figures or CO2 emissions figures, making it virtually impossible for operators to choose more environmentally-friendly vehicles.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet industry welcomes action by the taxman</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 5 Jun 2008 12:42:41 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The fleet industry has welcomed moves by the taxman to end the subsidising of fuel costs by business drivers.
Rapidly escalating fuel prices have led to the early introduction of increased Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) which apply to employees using company cars, or those that repay the cost of fuel used for private travel. 
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Record rises in the cost of fuel</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2008 17:24:15 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Diesel prices have seen the highest month-on-month increase this century according to the AA.
Fleets operating petrol vehicles have also been hit hard with the rises in the cost of petrol at the second highest level since the start of the millennium.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Business motorists short changed by the Treasury</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2008 17:24:12 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Many business motorists are being short changed because of the dogmatic approach to travel-related mileage payments by the Treasury and the taxman.
That’s the view of a management consultancy firm which has researched motoring costs for the RAC.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Record fuel prices prompt environmental focus</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 08:56:48 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[With fuel prices at an all time high, the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) says it is seeing more of its members focusing on the environment.
ACFO chairman Julie Jenner says the environment is now at the forefront of fleet decision-makers’ agendas.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>American firm building on recent fleet success</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 08:56:45 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[US carmaker Chrysler is hoping its new Dodge Journey will help to build on the company’s recent popularity with UK fleet operators.
The company says it has seen strong business interest in the 300C since it was launched in 2005 and more of its Grand Voyager models are bought by fleets than by private customers.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RoadSafe backs driving qualification</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 19:14:16 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Plans to develop qualifications for at-work drivers have been welcomed by an organisation at the centre of promoting occupational road risk management to British business.
The Department for Transport has published proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested. It also says it wants to create a culture in which the driving test was a milestone towards lifelong learning.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RoSPA honoured by fleet industry</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 19:14:12 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has been recognised by the fleet industry for its work in promoting the management of occupational road risk.
The organisation was honoured at the 2008 Fleet World Awards when it was presented with a Safety Award.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet leaders hit out at licence check delays</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 8 May 2008 17:17:40 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[An organisation representing UK fleet operators is calling for swift action over delays to proposals to check employees’ driving licences directly with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
According to the Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive’s, best practice guide, driver licence checks form a key part of organisations’ occupational road risk management responsibilities.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Holistic approach to accident investigation</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 8 May 2008 17:17:36 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet managers should take a more holistic approach to accident investigation as many employers are still failing to address contributing factors, such as company culture and journey planning.
That’s the view of Dr Will Murray, research director at Interactive Driving Systems (IDS), who says that an increasing number of organisations are implementing accident investigation processes but are just focusing on the driver.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Report predicts return of company cars</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 1 May 2008 17:32:01 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A new report confirms that more businesses are returning to company cars and away from cash alternatives.
According to a report into UK fleet services by market research specialists Market & Business Development, the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act earlier this month is driving firms away from cash schemes.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet managers invited to see hydrogen at work</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 1 May 2008 17:31:57 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet managers are being invited to visit the UK’s first hydrogen fleet facilities.
The University of Birmingham claims that its hydrogen gas fuelling station is the only one of its kind in England and it is hoping that other fleets will benefit from its knowledge and experience.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet fuel costs continue to rise</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:34:53 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Increasing fuel prices are forcing fleets to pay thousands of pounds extra at the pumps just to cover the same number of miles.
According to new figures, operators with diesel-powered vehicles have been hit hardest, as the cost of this fuel is rising far more rapidly than that of petrol.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vauxhall announce Vectra replacement</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:34:51 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Vauxhall has finally revealed the successor to the Vectra - one of the UK’s most popular fleet cars.
The Insignia is the latest in a long line of business-oriented Vauxhalls stretching back to before the Cavalier.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hidden danger for company car drivers</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:32:29 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Defective or badly worn tyres could be the Achilles’ heel of many corporate fleets and could result in prosecution under the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

The legislation, which came into force at the beginning of April, stipulates that employers have a Duty of Care to ensure the safety of employees driving for work.
This means that businesses will be responsible for the maintenance of their own fleet and those of the thousands of private vehicles being used every day by employees to travel whilst on company business. 
]]></description>
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      <title>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:32:26 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Already a favourite among CEOs in the city, the top of the range Lexus LS 600h L has been named Chauffeur Car of the Year.
 The Lexus fought off stiff competition from German flagship saloons made by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, to win in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry. 
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Businesses could save billions by going green</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:21:59 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[UK businesses could save up to £3 billion a year if they all switched to low emission company cars.
That is the finding of new research carried out by the Energy Saving Trust following the introduction of new tax breaks this month.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleet success for Nissan</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:21:10 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[March has seen Nissan power ahead in the fleet market, securing 8,636 car sales – up an impressive 86% over 2007.
These latest figures underpin a great first three months for the company which has seen its fleet sales increase by 46% to a total of 12,759 units.

]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Government failing to lead by example</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 3 Apr 2008 11:12:47 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Government ministers are under fire for not practicing what they preach as their own fleet of vehicles contains some of the highest polluting cars on the road.
Currently, 30 of the 85 cars assigned to ministers and permanent secretaries sit in VED Band F - the second most polluting band for cars that emit up to 225g/km of CO2.
]]></description>
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      <title>Carbon ignorance hitting fleet costs</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 3 Apr 2008 11:12:42 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Business drivers who do not understanding of the links between CO2, taxes and fuel costs could be hitting fleet budgets as well scuppering as their company’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions.
According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 drivers - most of whom were company car drivers - found that just 17% think that they will save on fuel costs if they change their driving habits to produce less carbon dioxide.
]]></description>
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      <title>Charity says business drivers more likely to break the law</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:12:06 +0100</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Working drivers are more likely to tailgate and speed on motorways and in towns than other drivers, according to new research published by a national road safety charity.
The study by Brake and a leading breakdown insurance company revealed that six out of ten business motorists admit leaving less than a two second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ESP research reveals fleet safety concerns</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:12:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Reliability, safety and duty of care are the three prime concerns of fleet buyers when it comes to choosing vehicles for their company.
That’s according to new research by components manufacturer Bosch that has also found that these safety concerns do not always readily translate into initiatives to improve the work-relating driving safety.
]]></description>
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      <title>Fleet managers need formal qualifications</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:56:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet managers should hold formal qualifications in their field of expertise according to the association that represents the fleet industry.
Speaking at the Institute of Car Fleet Management’s fifteenth annual conference, the organisation’s chairman, Roddy Graham, urged businesses to insist that their fleet managers have formal qualifications to carry out the role.
]]></description>
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      <title>Safety charity offers free BTEC to at-work drivers</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:56:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Drivers who have already passed RoSPA’s prestigious advanced driving test for business motorists are being offered the opportunity to upgrade their qualification free of charge.
For the first time, successful candidates who have carried out three days of RoADTest training with the safety charity can apply to Edexcel to have their qualification recognised at BTEC Level.
]]></description>
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      <title>Temporary relief from fuel duty rise</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:23:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The Chancellor’s decision to defer a two pence per litre increase in fuel duty until October will only provide fleet managers with temporary relief from spiralling costs, according to the AA.
According to AA President Edmund King, the decision should quell any panic at the pumps as the proposed tax increase would have taken fuel prices to new record levels.
]]></description>
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      <title>Fleets warned of fuel thefts</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:23:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet operators and drivers are being warned to be on their guard against fuel thieves following a spate of crimes in which vehicles’ fuel tanks were drilled and emptied.
The increase in fuel theft from stationary vehicles is being blamed on the record price of petrol and diesel, which both now cost well in excess of £1.05 a litre.
]]></description>
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      <title>Opting for a company car is good for the environment </title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 6 Mar 2008 20:19:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved if employees who opted for cash alternatives switched to a company car.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs figures indicate that since 2006, 400,000 employees have opted out of company car schemes in preference of purchasing their own vehicles.
]]></description>
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      <title>Load safety campaign launched</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 6 Mar 2008 20:19:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A new campaign aims to encourage fleet managers to ensure vehicle loads are properly secured.
According to the Fleet Safety Forum - a division of road safety charity Brake - every year 4,000 successful prosecutions for unsafe loads are brought against drivers and operators in the UK.
]]></description>
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      <title>Citroën targets fleet market</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:49:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Citroën is hoping that its new C5 model will offer a credible alternative to established fleet marques.
The French manufacturer believes that C5 is a key fleet vehicle, with business sales expected to make up 70% of all registrations when it is launched in April.
]]></description>
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      <title>Company image driving green initiatives </title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:49:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[New research suggests company image rather than genuine concern for the environment is the driving force behind initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
Although almost half of the companies questioned in a recent survey said cost savings were also a major motivating factor with 60% of those surveyed saying image was the main reason for adopting environmental fleet policies.
]]></description>
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      <title>Fleets urged to drive for better business</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:45:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Major leasing and fleet companies are being encouraged to support a government-backed programme to improve road safety.
As part of Driving for Better Business, they can sign up for a free monthly eNewsletter which will provide useful and up-to-date information on subjects related to safer driving for work. 
]]></description>
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      <title>Quality mark will help fleets go green</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:45:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet operators who want to go green by offsetting their carbon emissions have been told they can rely on a new code of practice and quality mark that will ensure offset companies actually provide the services they claim to offer.
Environment secretary, Hilary Benn, has said that it is important that consumers who want to buy carbon offsets with confidence can do just that.
]]></description>
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      <title>European proposals signal escalating costs for fleets</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:14:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[New European proposals could mean fleet operators could soon be paying significantly more for their new cars.
>From 2012, the European Commission plans to fine manufacturers who fail to meet stringent CO2 emission targets.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Speeding ticket most common fine for fleet</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:14:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Speeding is costing business drivers twice as much money than all other motoring offences combined - according to the latest research.

A recent survey of the 55,000-strong fleet by a major finance company found that the majority of fines collected over the past year resulted from drivers breaking the speed limit.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rise in popularity for the company car</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 8 Feb 2008 08:37:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The popularity of company cars is set to continue into 2008 with 96% of employers reporting that they expected more drivers who need a car for their job to opt for a company vehicle.
Research by a major finance company found that this figure is up by eight per cent on the same period in 2006 and, in addition, nearly seven out of ten firms predicted that more employees would be offered a company car as part of their employment package. This represents an increase of 6.7% over the same period.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Congestion getting worse according to latest figures</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 8 Feb 2008 08:36:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Business drivers are spending more time than ever stuck in traffic jams - new research has revealed.
According to government figures, traffic levels across England have risen by an average of 12%. Although London has escaped the rises, in some parts of the country congestion has risen by a staggering 20% over the past decade.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Testing reveals depth of drug problem</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:49:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet operators are being urged to introduce robust drug policies following an alarming study that found 40% of employees tested at one company had been abusing illegal substances or alcohol.
The results of the study have been published in the fleet trade press although the company itself – which operates a fleet of 5,000 vehicles – has remained anonymous.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Company car drivers spending less time on the road</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:48:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Company car drivers appear to be spending less time behind the wheel according to new research.
A study by Skoda has revealed that 40% of people who drive for work now spend less than 10 hours a week behind the wheel and just 10% spend longer than 30 hours a week driving.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fleets drivers going green quicker than private motorists</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:10:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleets are going green faster than the general motoring public and are also reducing emissions faster than the national average - new research suggests.
According to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) British fleets have reduced their carbon footprint by three million tonnes over the past three years - the equivalent of one-and-a-half tonnes for every car run by its members.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hands-free phones add to road congestion </title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:09:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[There have been fresh calls to ban employees from using hands-free phones while driving following new research from the US that reveals chatting drivers could increase traffic congestion.
The research found that motorists talking on mobile phones while driving on dual carriageways and motorways were slower and less likely to overtake.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Weather warnings from Highways Agency</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:29:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[As the winter weather sets in, business motorists are being advised to take extra care on the roads and to check weather forecast and driving conditions before they travel.
High-sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and already this year the Highways Agency has issued several amber alerts for lorry drivers in the north of England.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gloves needed when filling up</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:28:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet operators could be at risk of facing compensation claims running into thousands of pounds unless they provide gloves for drivers to use when filling up with diesel.
The warnings follow a recent court case that resulted in a company being ordered to pay £1,800 to a driver who was injured as he filled his work van with diesel at his employer’s premises.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>One in ten business drivers nod off behind the wheel</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 3 Jan 2008 11:38:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[One in ten business drivers have admitted falling asleep at the wheel in the past year, according to new research by road safety charity Brake and Green Flag.
The shocking figure is more than twice as high as the number of drivers who don’t drive for work but who say they have nodded off behind the wheel.
]]></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Safety pledges for business drivers</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 3 Jan 2008 11:36:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/</link>
      <author>info@firstvehicleleasing.co.uk</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Fleet managers are being urged to encourage their drivers to sign safety pledges before the Corporate Manslaughter Act comes into force.
A number of large companies have already asked their drivers to sign documents saying that they agree to abide by the rules of the road and drive sensibly.
]]></description>
    </item>
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