About Chris Wright

Chris Wright has been covering the automotive industry nationally and internationally for 30 years. Following spells with consumer titles he became News Editor of Automotive Management (AM), Editor of Automotive International, International Editor for Detroit-based Automotive News, and Editor of Dealer Update. He has also co-authored several FT Management Reports and contributes regularly to Justauto.com

High-spec Nissan LCVs join housing association fleet


By |2023-12-07T10:49:21+00:00December 7th, 2023|Van News|

The vehicles – predominantly examples of Nissan’s new mid-size van Primastar – have been acquired by Citizen, based in Birmingham. One of the UK’s largest housing associations, the company owns around 32,000 properties across Coventry, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as in Birmingham itself.

Dynamon launches free EV transition test offer 

By |2023-12-05T10:00:16+00:00December 5th, 2023|Van management, Van News|

The EV Transition Test is intended to provide a comparison between existing petrol or diesel commercial vehicles in operation, and a selection of electric alternatives. Using ZERO, those taking the ‘taste test’ will be able to not only enter details of a particular vehicle, but also routes, jobs, driving styles and alternative specifications to compare costs, energy needs and charging requirements.

Unsure if you are ULEZ complaint? Ensure these basic checks 

By |2023-12-04T10:58:34+00:00December 4th, 2023|LEZ and Congestion Charge, Van News|

To circulate free of charge within the ULEZ boundaries, your vehicle needs to meet specific emission requirements. If it doesn’t, you’ll be charged a daily fee of £12.50, which in the long run can have a costly impact on your pockets. Bear in mind that, if you enter the zone without paying, you’ll receive a fine of £180 – which drops to £90 if the penalty is covered within 14 days. 

Fleet operators drive First Hydrogen’s LCVs at inaugural track day

By |2023-12-04T10:18:54+00:00December 4th, 2023|Van News|

Event gave operators a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5 tonne van (FCEV). 29 drivers each took the opportunity to drive on the MIRA track, simulating different duty-cycles and reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Operators experienced the vehicles’ smooth handling and appreciated the quiet drive.  

Industry pioneers unite to announce major shake-up of the UK’s EV charging market

By |2023-11-29T10:48:14+00:00November 29th, 2023|Van News|

Partnership will see a unique delivery model rolled out across the country, with businesses able to access the complete end-to-end EV charging infrastructure, including full installation and management of Landis+Gyr’s premium EV charging solutions, fixed national pricing, ‘tap and go’ payment processes, and the ability to earn revenues or offset energy bills from chargepoint use. 

Managing the move to an EV fleet

By |2023-11-29T10:39:25+00:00November 29th, 2023|Van management, Van News|

Moving from the tried-and-trusted fuel card to an integrated software solution encompassing energy, vehicles, chargers and operations, and potentially micro-grid solutions, is significant. It’s a radical change in the role of a fleet manager who will still be managing vehicles, drivers and journeys, but now doing so within the parameters of energy supply and charging schedules.

Parts availability and technician shortages improving in 2023

By |2023-11-28T15:50:55+00:00November 28th, 2023|Van management, Van News|

r2c’s figures, based on more than 30,000 records across accident damage and unscheduled repairs, show that there has been a general improvement across the board when it comes to delays as a result of parts availability and shortage of labour – two issues that have plagued the SMR sector for the past few years.

Committee aims to break down barriers in fleet workplace

By |2023-11-27T09:32:38+00:00November 27th, 2023|Van management, Van News|

The Diversity and Leadership Committee’s aims include creating guidance and promoting best practice for AFP members and the wider fleet community, providing a safe space to explore difficult topics, shaping future training within the AFP Fleet Academy, and engaging with a diverse group of individuals and businesses in fleet to develop understanding.

Autumn Statement – a deeper dive

By |2023-11-23T09:26:46+00:00November 23rd, 2023|Van management, Van News|

Making the full expensing capital allowance tax scheme, introduced in the last Budget, permanent certainly comes as welcome news, helping to support many fleets’ bottom line, along with the transition to e-mobility. However, it is only cash-rich business with access to capital that benefit. Failing to extend the scheme to the leasing and rental sectors continues to prove a missed opportunity to support the wider fleet industry

Rightcharge unveils electric fuel card for fleets

By |2023-11-22T09:38:02+00:00November 22nd, 2023|Van management, Van News|

Fleet drivers will be able to tap a Rightcharge card and pay with company funds at 30 different public charging networks, including Osprey, Shell Recharge and Ionity, thereby unlocking access to more than 34,000 public chargers. Fleet Managers can also pay for their employees’ home charging so drivers are never out of pocket

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