Choosing the right vehicles for your fleet is critical. Here are the key things to consider before making a purchase…
Your Fleet’s Needs
Before considering fleet vehicles, it’s crucial to determine precisely what your fleet’s needs are. The kinds of powertrains that’ll be applicable will largely be determined by the sort of journeys your drivers make. Are they zipping around towns and cities, or are they covering large distances on the motorway network? Do they need an off-road capability, and what kind of weights will they be bearing? These are the sorts of questions you need to ask before making an investment.
Overall Cost
It’d be a big mistake to simply think about cost in terms of upfront prices. You should factor in lifetime costs, including the likes of fuel, maintenance and residual values. Some models will have a much better mpg rating than others. Some will be more reliable in terms of faults and serving, too. Indeed, some vehicles may initially cost more but deliver savings in the long-term. Think about the big picture and factor everything in.
Company Standards
What are your company’s standards and values? Do you want to use models that look, ultimately, aesthetically pleasing? Do you want vehicles that produce fewer emissions and therefore have a reduced environmental impact? Your fleet vehicles are extension of the company and, should they be branded, are essentially moving advertisements. Think about the image and message you wish to convey when approaching new purchases.
Safety and Duty of Care
Every fleet needs to demonstrate duty of care, protecting their drivers and other road-users from harm. A good way to do this is to pick safe vehicles. What’s a safe vehicle? Well, a good safety rating from the likes of Euro NCAP would be a good start – these are often calculated on the basis of number of grueling crash tests. Consider what sort of in-car safety tech is included, too; this might included ABS, rear-view cameras and side-air bags.
The Needs of Your Drivers
What do your drivers think and what are their preferences? After all, it’s your employees who’ll be driving your fleet vehicles. Involving them, to some extent, in the decision-making process will ensure that they’re happy with the choices that are made. They’ll undoubtedly know what’ll be most comfortable and easy to drive, and will be able to offer insights into what kinds of driving conditions need to be factored in.
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