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The Quick Guide to Choosing The Right Vehicles For Your Fleet

13 November 2017

A company car can mean many things to many people: a mobile workplace, a public statement, a part of a wider supply chain; whatever it is, it’s a much valued component of your organisation.

So it goes without saying they need to be reliable, economical, and above all, fit for purpose.

It’s strange then—but not unsurprising—to see many organisations base their decisions according to superficial factors like make, model, and lease cost.

This behaviour is known to lead to problems related to unsuitability and maintenance issues further down the line, or even early terminations or disputes around the lease agreement.

To make sure you avoid any of this hassle and find the right vehicles first time around, there are a few things you can do.

Firstly, define what you need in a vehicle by looking to managers and drivers and other key personnel who can help to pin down the exact HR roles and operational objectives it will support. By putting together a clear idea of your requirements before considering leasing costs, you’ll have a much higher chance of finding vehicles to perform successfully over the long term. 

A good fleet leasing and management company will then work with you to help you understand the options and which vehicles best fit your requirements.

But hold on a minute, how do you come up with a requirement list?

For that, there are eight steps to consider, each with their own set of questions to ask yourself and ensure you find exactly the right vehicles for your fleet—guaranteed.

1. Passengers, Loads & Additional Features

How many passengers will the vehicle carry on a regular basis?

What loads will the car or van need to carry on a regular basis?

What additional features are needed? (safety, luxuries)

Are there any specific considerations that need to be made? (For vans, racking etc.)

Does the vehicle have ergonomic features appropriate to the job? (ease of access, safe for mounting heavy loads).

2. Operating Cycle

Where will the vehicle be driven? (motorways, town centres, country roads)

What is the length of their journeys?

How often will journeys be carried out?

3. Vehicle Efficiency

Is the vehicle low in CO2 emissions and therefore low on tax? (Try our company car tax calculator here)

4. The Drivers

Have you ensured drivers have an input into the vehicle selection decision?

Can you obtain manufacturer demonstrator vehicle to ensure they are suitable?

Do your drivers have sufficient experience to drive the vehicle?

Is the vehicle an appropriate choice over the long term? (Changing staff etc.)

5. Number of Vehicles

What are your business expansion plans over the next five years?

Will the company cover a larger geographical area or focus on other territories?

6. Costs

Have you considered the whole life costs? (including fuel, tax, and maintenance)

Are time limited or manufacturers specials unfairly influencing your decision?

7. Timing

Do you need all vehicles in the first instance?

Are you fully prepared to take delivery and get them on the road?

8. Seek Support

If you change your decision in the future, will you have the opportunity to test drive alternative vehicles?

What information and support is at your disposal during the leasing agreement?

If you would like to find out more about our leasing options, leave us a comment, send us an email at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk, or call us 01480 414541.

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