Bringing the formal part of the 2009 Fleet Europe Forum to a close, a lively panel discussion involving some of the fleet industry’s most respected experts was arranged. Moderated by MMM Business Media Final Editor Steven Schoefs, this illustrious panel kept the audience riveted with their insight into the European fleet market.

On the question of new products and services from leasing companies,  Claus-Peter Krüger, Shell Category Manager and the 2008 Fleet Manager of the Year

said: “What is required is sustainable reporting, more telematics systems, and new mobility concepts. And from manufacturers, we need more technology”. Christy Coyle, Johnson Controls Fleet Manager, agreed: “Yes, consolidated international reporting and streamlined invoices would be a step forward”. Replying from the leasing side, Tim Hudson, MD of LeasePlan was sympathetic: “I agree we must provide more consolidated reporting; it is our job to improve and provide the information, identify best practice and benchmark”. And Grégoire Chové, Director, Arval, went further: “There is a high level of customer maturity, and it is our job to help clients diffuse the knowledge they have into other countries, to spread the knowledge”.

For the manufacturers, Hans-Georg Lutz, MD International Corporate Sales, Mercedes-Benz, offered: “We are putting great efforts into providing more safety systems to assist drivers, because 25% of all accidents involve drowsy drivers. And we will be making these more and more standard, and affordable, across the range”. Rainer Melke, Global Fleet Business Director, Skoda: “We also take safety into account in all our developments, along with reducing fuel consumption”. Residual values is a topic never far from the thoughts of fleet professionals. And a difference between the and Europe emerged. Christy Coyte: “In the the client takes much of the RV risk. Our objective is to break even at the end of the lease, no profit or loss”. But Claus-Peter Krüger said: “We do not have the expertise to manage RV risk, but the lessors do, so we leave it with them”. And in Tim Hudson’s view: “We consider the RV question to be a core competence, and I cannot see a time when lessors will not take this risk on board”.

Alternative propulsion was another subject for discussion. Grégoire Chové: “Electric cars may be part of the future, but best estimates give these and plug-in hybrids only a 20% market share, so leasing companies and manufacturers also have to work together on the other 80%!”. Rainer Melke: “We have to look for alternatives, and be ready for anything”. And Claus-Petar Krüger added: “We regularly check new types of propulsion, while keeping an eye on the TCO, of course”. Tim Hudson brought a further degree of reality into the equation: “We have to consider the used car buyer, 3 years down the line. What does he expect – this is a key rationale”.

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