After a decade of campaigning by the BVRLA, the government announced that it will remove the need for vehicle owners to display a tax disc from 1 October 2014.

Once used as a visible means of demonstrating that a vehicle has been taxed, the disc is no longer required because Vehicle Excise Duty data can instantly be confirmed via number plate recognition and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's computer system. This move brings VED into line with insurance, which has never needed to be displayed in the vehicle.

“It is great that the Red Tape Challenge we participated in is continuing to bring results,” said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “We estimate that removing this pointless piece of paper will save the government around £7m per year, and save fleet operators around £10m as well.”

Lianne Parkinson, Head of Vehicle Policy at the DVLA, said: “The BVRLA has been a strong advocate of getting rid of the tax disc, and we will continue to work with the Association in the run up to October 2014.”

The news was met with praise by BVRLA members, too. Victoria Hudson,

Managing Director at Eurohire Vehicle Rentals Ltd said:

“The CV sector welcomes the abolition of the tax disc. This common sense approach will see us being able to serve the needs of UK

companies more quickly and efficiently.”

Tim Bowden, Operations Director at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions said: “The abolition of the physical tax disc is great news and is long overdue. We can all look forward to efficiency gains from no longer having to post out new tax discs and follow up to ensure discs are being displayed.”

From 1 October 2014 motorists will be able to pay vehicle tax by direct debit annually, biannually or monthly. The BVRLA will be working closely with the DVLA on new VED payment methods for fleets in preparation for the abolition of the tax disc in October 2014.

The government estimates that it will lose around £35m due to Vehicle Excise Duty evasion in 2013/14, which equates to around 210,000 untaxed vehicles, or 0.6% of the traffic on UK roads. u

Further informationSee the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA NewsThe bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

• Promoting responsible road transport since 1967 •

What the Autumn Statement meansAll the details from the Chancellor's December announcement, and the ramifications for you.page 3

BVRLA members help TfL with ULEZ specificsMeeting with Transport for London discussed the Ultra Low Emission Zone, while the BVRLA is helping the Office for Low Emission Vehicles. page 3

FCA reassures BVRLA members of new rulesLeasing broker members met with the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss the consumer credit regulations.page 5

Another successful industry conferenceRound-up and picture highlights from the BVRLA's annual industry conference held in Gaydon on 5 December.page 9

RVR and TOM forums - what you missedReview and feedback from our Residual Value & Remarketing and Technical & Operational Management forums.page 10

Comedian confirmed for 2014 dinnerWe've booked a top act to perform at the London Hilton on Park Lane for our Annual Dinner. But who is it?page 11

www.bvrla.co.ukNovember/December 2013

Victory for the BVRLA as tax disc is scrapped

Christmas Opening HoursThe BVRLA offices will be closed between 2pm on 24 December and 8:30am on 2 January.

VE103BOrders for VE103B pads received after 17 December will be delivered in the new year. Single VE103B certificates can be ordered as normal up to 24 December.

Contact: Member Services Administrator, Rob Burford, robert@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545702

London Hilton on Park Lane 6 March 2014

The BVRLA returns to London’s West End on 6 March 2014 for its Annual Dinner – The Big Event!

It is the only evening to bring the whole industry together – last year more than 900 people, representing over 100 companies, enjoyed top-class food and entertainment at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Why not bring your clients and business partners to this must-attend occasion, widely acclaimed as the friendliest, funniest and most looked-forward-to event on the rental and leasing industry calendar?

As well as providing an unrivalled opportunity to network amongst your peers, you can join with us in recognising some of our industry’s most talented individuals and unsung heroes.

The Big Event comes at typically great BVRLA value, with tickets costing just £215 (+VAT) and tables of ten £2,150 (+VAT).

For further information visit www.bvrla.co.uk

For details of accommodation options, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson: Tel 01494 545703 Email fran@bvrla.co.uk

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Chancellor George Osborne delivered some early Christmas presents to BVRLA members in his Autumn Statement.

As well as abolishing the paper tax disc (see p1), the government confirmed that it won't raise fuel duty in 2014. The Chancellor also provided certainty for businesses investing in alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, by committing to maintain the differential between the main rate of fuel duty and the rate for road fuel gases for 10 years.

He unveiled new tax avoidance legislation, due to come into force from 6 April 2014. The BVRLA will work closely with HM Revenue and Customs to ensure this doesn't harm genuine commercial lease arrangements.

As part of its tax simplification strategy, the Government also stated its intention to implement nine ‘quick wins’ by the end of January 2014. This could include HMRC no longer requiring fuel VAT receipts for expense claims where only a mileage

BVRLA News | November/December 2013 3

Good news for fleets in Autumn Statement

Comment

BVRLARiver Lodge, Badminton CourtAmershamBuckinghamshire HP7 0DD

T 01494 434747 F 01494 434499 E info@bvrla.co.uk W www.bvrla.co.uk

Honorary Life PresidentFreddie Aldous

Chairman Peter Cakebread

Vice Chairman Neil Cunningham

Honorary Treasurer Brian Back

Chief Executive Gerry Keaney

A positive economic outlook, a reduction in red tape and a freeze on fuel duty – Christmas is a time for giving and our industry was definitely on the receiving end from the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement.

As this issue of BVRLA News shows, it has been a busy end to 2013 for the BVRLA, with a series of conferences, meetings, workshops and committees.

Nearly all the many members we have met and worked with have been optimistic when talking about next year. This feeling of confidence is clearly contagious.

A very merry Christmas to all our members and readers.

See you in 2014!

Toby PostonEditor Toby Poston, toby@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545700

Staff Writer Jamie Fretwell, jamie@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545710

Advertising Nora Leggett, nora@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545713

Contributors Amanda Brandon, Fran Hampson and Steven Prizeman

© Copyright BVRLA 2013

BVRLA News articles may be used copyright free by members provided that an acknowledgement is given.

rate has been claimed, and allowing adjustments in relation to AMAP reimbursements submitted online. Further consideration is also being given to ensure that car fuel benefit is based upon what you put in your tank, not how you pay for it.

Also announced in the Autumn Statement was a freeze on the maximum price of the car MOT test, which will stay at £54.85 until 2015.

As had already been announced in March’s Budget, the main rate of corporation tax will be reduced to 20% in 2015, and the government will cap the RPI increase in business rates at 2% from 1 April 2014-2015.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney commented: “Stronger economic forecasts, coupled with the Chancellor's announcements put BVRLA members in a positive and confident frame of mind for 2014.” u

❱ To cut more red tape, insurance policies will no longer need to be checked when obtaining vehicle tax from 16 December 2013.

The BVRLA is working with local and national government in their attempts to reduce road transport emissions and encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles.

The association recently took part in a Transport for London workshop on plans for a new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the capital. TfL wants the new zone to be up and running by 2020, to improve air quality and promote sustainable travel.

TfL asked workshop delegates which area the zone should cover, which times it should operate, which emissions standards it should use and which types of vehicles should be within scope. TfL hopes to put a

series of policy options to Mayor Boris Johnson by the end of 2013.

The BVRLA is also helping the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) decide how to effectively spend the £500m allocated by government to boost the ultra-low emission vehicle market. In December a consortium of the fleet industry – including BVRLA members, the Energy Saving Trust and the Association of Car Fleet Operators - shared their insight with OLEV.

“Fleet take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles will be a marathon, not a sprint,” said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney. “With its expertise and buying power, our industry will play a key role in driving this change.” u

BVRLA steers ULEZ & OLEV

London Hilton on Park Lane 6 March 2014

The BVRLA returns to London’s West End on 6 March 2014 for its Annual Dinner – The Big Event!

It is the only evening to bring the whole industry together – last year more than 900 people, representing over 100 companies, enjoyed top-class food and entertainment at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Why not bring your clients and business partners to this must-attend occasion, widely acclaimed as the friendliest, funniest and most looked-forward-to event on the rental and leasing industry calendar?

As well as providing an unrivalled opportunity to network amongst your peers, you can join with us in recognising some of our industry’s most talented individuals and unsung heroes.

The Big Event comes at typically great BVRLA value, with tickets costing just £215 (+VAT) and tables of ten £2,150 (+VAT).

For further information visit www.bvrla.co.uk

For details of accommodation options, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson: Tel 01494 545703 Email fran@bvrla.co.uk

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Solutions are compatible with the latest browsers, tablets and mobile devices, including iPad, ensuring customers can access your services whenever and wherever they need to.

PowerePowered by our own KWIKvehicledata, you will benefit from distinct descriptions, codes, data and pricing for every model year, including a full set of option dependencies in our configuration tools.

Robust links to FleetNet enable integration with back office technology and industry service providers.

Genuine turnkey solutions, with a unique look and feel.

We are not just another software house.

Combining software, data, hosting and design skills we provide fully managed solutions, right down to regular data updates that ensure your customers always have the latest information at their fingertips.

WWe understand that online services are an extension of your brand, so every implementation is done with care and attention to detail to ensure we deliver a seamless user experience.

Unique customer insights are just a mouse click away.

On PC, iPad or any other way you want them.

OnlinOnline reporting dashboards provide drill-down reporting that tells you exactly how customers are interacting with your solution, valuable insights that enable you to respond appropriately and professionally to customer need.

Expert implementation and integration is all part of the service.

Our experience and understanding of the Fleet sector is second to none.

FroFrom the very outset your requirements will be overseen by an experienced member of our senior management team, meaning you can relax with the confidence that your project will be delivered on time and on budget.

For a demonstration or to find out more, call us on 0333 444 4411 or visit www.keeresources.com/contact

The easier way to improving your online service offering

The Financial Conduct Authority clarified consumer credit regulations for more than 90 delegates at a BVRLA Leasing Broker seminar in December.

Ahead of the Financial Conduct Authority taking over regulation of the consumer credit industry from the Office of Fair Trading on 1 April 2014, BVRLA members were given the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the FCA at an event in Oxfordshire.

The consumer credit regulations will see brokers classed as lower risk – a move which the BVRLA has campaigned for in recent years.

The FCA confirmed to attendees that if a leasing broker offers debt counselling or adjusts the categories of its consumer credit licence, this would not automatically catapult them into the higher risk regime.

It also reassured members by confirming that using an electronic platform to obtain quotes for customers would not fall into the definition of peer-to-peer lending.

Going forward, the FCA has agreed to work with the BVRLA on a number

of typical scenarios with regards to leasing brokers and will provide reassurance on how these will be treated in the new FCA world.

Since the conference, the BVRLA has also responded to the FCA’s latest consultation on the 600-page rulebook that will govern firms.

The BVRLA is pushing for recognition of its Code of Conduct and for clarification on the definition of peer-to-peer lending platforms. The association has also requested clearer regulation on how people who carry on the lending, broking and hiring limited permission activities

can also apply to carry on providing debt counselling, debt adjusting and credit information services as ancillary activites. u

FCA gives consumer credit clarity

BVRLA News | November/December 2013 5

The European Commission has given positive feedback about the BVRLA's recent European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS) meeting in Brussels.

As part of ongoing promotion of the industry’s reputation in Europe, representatives from rental companies, Leaseurope, the European Commission and the European Consumer Centre attended a BVRLA Roundtable in November.

The Head of the Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs said: “ECRCS is capable of delivering

impartial results”. The European Commission described the service as an “exemplar” in self-regulation, while the European Consumer Centre said it too was encouraged by the positive engagement in the sector. It found the service to be fair and equitable in an independent audit.

At the event, it was also announced that Enterprise Rent-A-Car has become the fifth major rental company to join the scheme.

The ECRCS will continue to provide consumers with a cost-effective cross-border resolution service. u

European Commission extols ECRCS as 'exemplar' service

Representatives from the car rental and car club sector met with senior policymakers, academics and other transport industry stakeholders in November at a BVRLA-hosted workshop on urban mobility.

As car use and ownership in London declines, demand for car rental services increases. The event discussed the sustainable travel benefits associated with car rental and car clubs, and explored the future role of pay-as-you-go motoring as an urban mobility solution.

The workshop was run in partnership with Transport for London. BVRLA members spoke to delegates from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, London Councils, the Department for Transport, the Confederation of British Industry and the Government Procurement Service.

“We look forward to working more closely with TfL next year as they formulate their plans for a new ultra-low emission zone and a ‘Car Lite’ London,” said BVRLA Head of Communications Toby Poston. u

Workshopping urban mobility

2014 Survival Guide What you need to know for the year ahead

BVRLA News | November/December 20136

BVRLA FORWARD PLANNER

Jan1 EURO VI emission standards become mandatory for all new HGVs

15 Selling Contract Hire training

16 Selling Contract Hire training

Mar 1 Advisory Fuel Rates published

6 Annual Dinner

May 20 BVRLA Annual General Meeting

FebNew photocard driving licence introduced 1

TOM Forum 6Fair Wear and Tear training 12

RVR Forum 13Meet the BVRLA Event 19

April

HGV Road User Levy to be introduced 1

Company car/van tax changes 2Asset Management and Risk Forum 9

Abolition of the tax disc 1

Whole vehicle type approval for completed HGVs 29

JuneAdvisory fuel rates published 1

TOM Forum 5RVR Forum 19

FCA takes over authorisation of consumer credit firms from the OFT

2014 Survival Guide What you need to know for the year ahead

BVRLA News | November/December 2013 7

Further information on these topics can be found on the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.ukCompany Car Tax Company Van Tax Driver CPCDriving Licence

FCAFuel Benefit ChargeLease AccountingWhole Vehicle Type Approval

For Advisory Fuel Rates, see the HMRC website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

BVRLA FORWARD PLANNER

July 10 Future of Fleet Technology conference

Sept1 FCA starts to accept applications for full authorisation

2 Possible publication of new lease accounting standard4 Golf Day

9 Category C driving licence holders driving HGVs on a commercial basis 18 Vote on Scottish Independence

Nov 6 TOM Forum

18 RVR Forum

AugSummer networking event 6

Oct

Abolition of the tax disc 1

Whole vehicle type approval for completed HGVs 29

DecAdvisory fuel rates published 1

Industry Conference 4Driving licence counterpart to be abolished 31

Advisory fuel rates published

need to have completed their periodic Driver CPC training

http://brilliantforbusiness.co.uk

The BVRLA's industry conference at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon gave delegates plenty to think about.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney gave his vision for the year ahead, and the theme of the day was ‘The future of mobility'.

Key industry figures discussed the future of technology, ways to drive innovation in rental and

leasing, automotive trends, and the challenges facing the industry.

Speakers included economist Dennis Turner, management consultant Professor Colin Tourick, brand consultant Guy Browning, and representatives from BMW, Redspy and Frost & Sullivan.

Delegates also had the opportunity to attend three break-out sessions on Residual Values and Remarketing, The Connected Car, and Lease Accounting and Taxation.

The event was sponsored by BMW, and supported by Trak & CAP. u

Presentations from the Industry Conference are available to download at www.bvrla.co.uk

Exciting times for rental and leasing

BVRLA News | November/December 2013 9

Next generation: Gerry Keaney greets BMW's Stephen Chater by the new i3

ADVERTORIALBVRLA INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2013

Networking: Plenty of opportunity to chat

Well attended event: More than 120 delegates listened to a range of speakers

Phot

os:

© B

en R

ober

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Dennis Turner: Former UK Chief Economist for HSBC gave an enlightening presentation on the possibilities for economic growth in the UK

TOM & RVR forums round-up

BVRLA News | November/December 201310

The BVRLA’s Technical and Operational Management (TOM) and Residual Value and Remarketing (RVR) forums have attracted over 300 delegates this year. Fran Hampson explains what has been covered and how you can get involved in future.

Residual Value and RemarketingThe RVR Forum embraces the many aspects of determining residual value risk, including pre-procurement, best practice in vehicle collection and vehicle resale. It provides a perfect networking opportunity for industry practitioners and include interactive sessions where members can hear first-hand expert commentary, news and views on market conditions, macro-economic developments and vehicle supply and demand.

The 2013 forums featured discussions on NAMA and vehicle grading, car and van used market trends and sed value predictions, expert insights on the economy and new vehicle launches.

Regular attendees to RVR forums include representatives from Agility Fleet, ALD Automotive, Alphabet (GB) Ltd, Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental, Enterprise Rent a Car, Fleet Hire, GE Capital, Hertz UK, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Inchcape

Fleet Solutions, JCT600 Contracts, Leasedrive, LeasePlan, Lex Autolease, Lombard, Marshall Leasing, Motability Solutions, Peugeot Contract Hire, Tusker, TCH Leasing, Venson Automotive Solutions, Windsor Vehicle Leasing and Zenith.

Feedback from the 2013 forums showed that 100% of individuals attend to listen to speaker presentations and 78% attend to network with peers.

TOM Forum Feedback“The forums allow me to listen to a wide range of speakers that in my opinion offer a broad overview of what is going on within the industry that affect us all. Plus, the ability to network with the people who attend these meetings makes it a worthwhile day.”Phil Turle, Operations Manager at ALD Automotive

“When we are hosting or presenting we are usually given a steer by the BVRLA around the hot topics of interest to the group. Whilst we look to sell at every opportunity, the forum is as much about networking with industry partners and presenting ourselves as a knowledgeable, responsible and consultative manufacturing partner. We also take this opportunity to hear from others in the industry who present on a variety of topics to a very like-minded audience.” Trevor Willard, Key Account Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

RVR Forum Feedback“The topics covered are varied, with a manageable amount of depth. One of the overriding positives of the forums is the consistent high quality of the speakers. They provide the chance to learn from top level industry people in a way that wouldn’t be possible in a regular office meeting.”Paul Titchmarsh, Operations Director at JCT600 Contracts Ltd

“‘Attending the forums is a great way of keeping in touch with topical issues, hearing views of peers and suppliers to the industry, as well as providing a good networking opportunity.”Tim Bowden, Operations Director at Hitachi Capital Car Solutions

Technical and Operational Management ForumThe TOM Forum covers the operational aspects of a rental and leasing company’s business, including vehicle ordering, purchasing, specification, licensing and recalls.

In 2013, the forum featured discussions about vehicle parts and the need for a quality standard, accrediting non-original equipment manufacturer parts, LCV Whole

Vehicle Type Approval, tyre labelling and component wear rates.

Regular attendees at TOM forums in the past year have included ALD Automotive, Alphabet (GB), Arval, Fleet Hire, GE Capital, Hertz UK, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, JCT600 Contracts, Leasedrive, LeasePlan, Lex Autolease, Marshall Leasing, Motability Solutions, Peugeot Contract Hire, TCH Leasing, Volkswagen Financial Services, and Windsor Vehicle Leasing.

Feedback from 2013 forums showed that 96% of individuals attend to listen to speaker presentations, and 83% attend to network with peers. Future forums will look at private parking, minibuses and SMR budgeting best practice. u

If you are interested in attending BVRLA forums – and we would love to see more CV and daily rental members attending – please contact Fran Hampson: fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703

Fran Hampson: Your contact to book BVRLA forum attendance

BVRLA News | November/December 2013 11

Top British stand-up comedian, writer and actor Hal Cruttenden has been confirmed as the lead entertainment act at the BVRLA’s Annual Dinner on 6 March 2014.

The comedian – who has appeared at the Royal Variety Performance, and on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week – will be performing a 25-minute set as part of the Big Event at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Cruttenden (left) joins BBC News political editor Nick Robinson on the billing. Robinson (right) will

be the opening speaker at the event

which also recognises the industry's most talented individuals.

The evening – supported by Maserati, Lombard, TRAK Vehicle Rental Services, MS Automotive, BCA and Ebbon Dacs – provides an unrivalled opportunity to network amongst rental and leasing peers.

Tickets for the Annual Dinner are great value, costing just £215 (+VAT) each. Tables of 10 are £2,150 (+VAT). u

To buy tickets or find out more, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson:fran@bvrla.co.uk01494 545703.

Top comedian booked for BVRLA 2014 Annual Dinner

Selling Contract Hire15-16 January 2014, AmershamTraining will give delegates a greater understanding of areas such as finance, taxation, competitive contracts and margins, as well as underwriting considerations.

Fair Wear and Tear training12 February 2014, CurdworthThis training – relating to cars – will provide delegates with the knowledge to identify damage outside BVRLA guidelines. It will also help to ensure that, where appropriate, this damage can be charged back to the customer.

Fleet Consultant Development Programme training23-24 April 2014 and 18-19 June 2014, AmershamThe Fleet Consultant Development Programme is designed to align the rental/leasing sales function much more closely with the role, responsibilities and requirements of a typical fleet manager.

The course invites delegates to step into the shoes of their client and discover the pressures, issues and considerations they face, enabling them to look at the role of a fleet operator from a fresh perspective. u

Further information on BVRLA training courses can be found on the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk. To book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson:

fran@bvrla.co.uk,01494 545703

Training & seminars

New member

Technical and Operational Management Forum Venue TBC 6 Feb

Residual Value and Remarketing Forum Heritage Motor Centre 13 Feb

BVRLA Annual Dinner 2014 London Hilton on Park Lane 6 March

For enquiries about BVRLA events, including forums, seminars, training, Industry Conference and Annual Dinner. To book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson: fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703

Full details of all BVRLA events can be found on our website: www.bvrla.co.uk

BVRLA Events

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