Author: Fuel Card Services

New_Volvo_S60_R

Volvo unveils ‘dynamic’ new S60 saloon R-Design Edition

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Volvo has announced the latest new model to be released as part of its major range overhaul – the third-generation S60 saloon R-Design Edition.

A premium mid-size saloon model, the new R-Design addition is described as being “generously equipped”.

Sporty and refined in equal measure

Developed to buck the trend of traditional thinking in design, this latest iteration is powered by Volvo’s 250hp T5 turbo petrol engine and is sportier than its predecessor.

It couples this with the marque’s eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, to ensure “responsive and efficient performance”.

Meanwhile, premium features of the model include a driver’s head-up display, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel and a 600W 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Outside, the conservative lines of the S60 highlight the manufacturer’s aim of creating an uncluttered and refined aesthetic that will appeal to a wide range of road users.

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “Focusing on our brand strengths of design, technology and safety, we are confident the S60 has the potential to perform strongly in what is traditionally a very competitive market segment.”

He added the success of the manufacturer’s mid-size range – most notably its V60 estate and XC60 SUV – means there is growing appetite for updated models, like the S60, in the UK.

The new Volvo S60 will cost £37,920 OTR and will be available for UK buyers from May.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “The new S60 R-Design Edition is sure to prove popular with fleet managers across the UK. It’s utilitarian design and high-end finish make it a top choice for many fleets.”

Kent - Wear Your Colours

We’re all about the people at Fuel Card Services

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

A great team helps to make a great business and at Fuel Card Services, we’re well aware of this fact.

It’s therefore been fantastic to receive a wide range of positive feedback around the calibre of our staff in our recent weeks. Indeed, clients from an array of industries have got in touch to share their stories about how much they appreciate the help and support our team provides.

What our clients have had to say

Rhian Powell of Lock Stock Self Storage commented: “Our account manager … is professional and efficient and responds almost immediately to any query that we have.

“It’s also great to have Leanne for additional support when we need it, as she clearly knows her stuff and is always happy to help.”

Meanwhile, Graeme Neale, manager and foreman at B&J Construction, wrote: “It is because of people like Elena that I will be forwarding your business on to other clients and friends that I have in construction. Thank you for the start of what I hope to be a  great relationship with FCS.”

These were just two of our many contacts who have contacted us to celebrate the hard work of our team in recent months.

As you can probably tell, the satisfaction of our clients is reliant on having a fantastic team to support them. It’s therefore really great to see so much love and appreciation being shown for our hardworking staff.

Find out what other customers have had to say about our service in their testimonials.

At FCS, our people are the heart of our business and we are constantly striving for excellence. We are always looking for new people to join our ever-expanding team, from a new office in Halifax to a new office in a new country: Germany.

Join us today and fuel your career with FCS.

View our current vacancies at www.career4you.co.uk

small businesses and tech

Small businesses ‘should embrace tech in their fleets’

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Small to medium-sized businesses across the UK will need to incorporate smarter technologies into their fleets. This is the view of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

According to a new survey carried out by the group, almost one-fifth (18 per cent) of small business leaders believe rising demand for deliveries will be their greatest challenge in the coming years.

Efficiency in deliveries is essential

In order to achieve greater efficiency in deliveries, 70 per cent of respondents stated they need enhanced connectivity in vehicles to boost their performance and improve their business.

What’s more, 35 per cent of small businesses already see the use of smarter technologies within their fleets as their leading motivation for upgrading vehicles. This was followed by cost saving (21 per cent) and sustainability (14 per cent).

Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi LCV business, said: “We’ve heard from business leaders themselves that prioritising smarter technology for fleets will help to reach their customers with increased speed and scale – factors that are becoming ever more crucial for survival in this space.”

Mr Gupta added that the rise in on-demand consumerism means now “is a crucial moment” to ensure small businesses feel empowered to succeed in e-commerce.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Facing up to the logistical challenges of today’s hyper-connected world means organisations that wish to excel must now invest in new fleet technologies.”

stress-free driving

IAM offers tips for stress-free driving in spring

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Spring is upon us and that means an end to wintry weather, freezing temperatures and frosty nights and mornings.That said, spring presents another raft of issues for motorists to overcome.

As a result, IAM RoadSmart has offered a series of top tips on how to stay safe and enjoy a more relaxed driving experience now the warmer weather is here.

Lose the weight

The weather’s getting warmer and that means there’s no longer any need to pack those emergency coats, bags, scarves and gloves that take up room in the car. Doing away with this excess weight can be a great fuel saver and be a welcome boost for drivers in spring.

Enhance your vision

With lighter mornings and evenings, now is the perfect time to give the car a proper once over. While clear vision is important all year around, when the low evening sun begins to create glare in the spring, it pays to keep the windscreen completely streak free so as to minimise its distracting impact.

Clean the car’s filters

With warmer weather comes the chance for more pollen in the air, and that can be bad news for sufferers of hay fever. As such, drivers should take the time to spring clean not just the interior of their vehicle, but the car’s filters too.

IAM’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman concluded: “In conjunction with other spring cleaning treat your car, the efforts to wash and polish it will last a bit longer now the winter salt has gone.”

He added that a little spring cleaning can be a perfect Sunday morning pastime at this time of year.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Cleaning out the car and preparing for the warmer months to come should be high on the priority list for all motorists in the weeks ahead.”

IT installation technology

‘Immense savings’ using Tele-Gence

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Lower fuel costs, reduced emissions and an enhanced ability to monitor driver performance are three of the benefits offered by telematics services from Tele-Gence.

However, don’t simply take our word for it, as that is the sentiment of Neville Hinchliffe, compliance and FORS manager for data and telecommunications business Installation Technology.

Excellent service and savings

Mr Hinchliffe recently got in touch to offer his thanks for the “excellent service” his firm has received from Fuel Card Services and Tele-Gence. He also welcomed the significant savings the company has been able to make since switching to the Shell fuel card.

“One of the most important things for us was to get the telematics devices fitted when our vans were not where they are based, this was at locations all over London,” he commented.

“Tele-Gence carried out our wishes, which saved us countless hours of lost time and worked perfectly for our needs.”

Mr Hinchcliffe concluded the introduction of the new telematics devices has also had a significantly positive impact on the behaviour of his fleet’s drivers. Indeed, the ability to check vehicle and fuel information online is a real benefit for the business.

The company operates a fleet of 11 vehicles and has a monthly diesel fuel spend of approximately £2,500.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “It’s great to hear from another satisfied customer, as we continue to place outstanding service and support at the top of our list of priorities.”

Your business can benefit from affordable telematics with no hidden start-up fees or long-term commitments. Find out how at www.tele-gence.com