At the Fleet Awards 2020 last night, Eric Wright Group were awarded winners of the 2020 Fleet of the Year up to 1,000 vehicles award. Steve Openshaw, our group fleet and transport manager, leading by example explains why.
He has been driving zero-emission capable vehicles for the past seven years, firstly a Vauxhall Ampera and then an electric BMW i3.
“I am showing drivers what these cars can do,” he says.
“You get some people saying you can’t go anywhere with them, you can’t do anything, so I am showing day-to-day that you can live with them.”
To facilitate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) the business has installed five charge points at its head office in Preston, with plans to increase this to 25 this year and an additional 30 throughout the property portfolio. Drivers have also undergone environmental driver training with the Energy Saving Trust.
Any alternative fuel vehicle can sit on the company car list provided it fits the wholelife cost model.
Last year, 20% (34) of the 170 cars which the business leases were hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure EV with a further 15 battery-electric vehicles on order. A number of group businesses have also been trialling electric commercial vehicles to identify whether a switch to electric is possible.
Other environmental initiatives include encouraging staff to car share journeys, where possible, or use alternative transport such as trains.
The group participates in a cycle to work scheme with bike shelters, lockers and changing facilities available.
To improve the safety of the fleet, telematics with dash cams have been introduced to all commercial vehicles.
Linking this to a mileage capture system and fuel cards has enabled the fleet team to gather more accurate data.
A reward scheme for improvement in driver behaviour scores, along with driver debriefs and e-training modules, are being introduced.
Finalists: ABM, Auto Windscreens, CLC Contractors, Close Brothers, Eric Wright Group, Princebuild
Award sponsored by: Reflex Vehicle Hire
