is leading the world in the development and deployment of autonomous driving technology Waymo One provides more than 250,000 paid trips each week across Phoenix and we’re preparing to bring our fully autonomous ride-hailing to Atlanta We’re proud to bring this technology – once thought to be the stuff of science fiction – to more and more riders across this country Scaling Waymo One and meeting the increasing demand of our riders requires a growing fleet of vehicles integrated with our generalizable Waymo Driver we’re investing in our American manufacturing operation with a new autonomous vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix with our partners at Magna The Waymo Driver integration plant will build thousands of Jaguar I-PACEs equipped with our fully autonomous technology this factory is a multi-million dollar investment and has created hundreds of jobs in Mesa "The new Waymo and Magna manufacturing facility in Mesa is the latest example of Arizona being the new home for technology to innovate and grow,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs “I’m proud to see autonomous vehicles on our streets every day helping get people where they need to be safely The new manufacturing facility will enhance this presence and the local jobs it's creating will help Arizona’s tech economy continue to rise on the world stage.” Waymo One has grown substantially in the last couple of years We’ve also incrementally grown our commercial fleet as we’ve welcomed more riders with over 1,500 vehicles across San Francisco we received our final delivery from Jaguar we will build over 2,000 more fully autonomous I-PACE vehicles for our fleet “The Waymo Driver integration plant in Mesa is the epicenter of our future growth plans,” said Ryan McNamara we’ve opened a manufacturing site that enables the cost efficiency and capacity to scale our fleet to new heights.” This facility’s flexible design also enables us to integrate the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on new vehicle platforms With the need to build multiple platforms simultaneously and at higher volumes the plant will introduce an automated assembly line and other efficiencies over time When the facility is operating at full capacity it will be capable of building tens of thousands of fully autonomous Waymo vehicles per year the system needs to be validated and commissioned before carrying riders we recently implemented new processes and efficiencies at the end of line that significantly reduce the time and cost required to enable a vehicle to carry riders This new strategic capability allows vehicles assigned to our Phoenix fleet to drive themselves out of the facility and directly into service these vehicles can pick up their first public passengers less than 30 minutes after leaving the factory they can be deployed into public service in a matter of hours after being shipped to their local depot This new manufacturing plant, combined with more efficient vehicle launch processes, means we can serve more riders faster. If you’re interested in experiencing a ride for yourself, download the Waymo One app today. By Tony Middlehurst / Sunday on a website whose founding motto was ‘speed matters’ here we are driving a car where speed – or top speed at least – would appear to play little part in the proceedings.  The Dacia Spring that we’ll be running for a few months still feels important though it was the UK’s most affordable new electric car when £14,995 would put you into the lower-powered 33kW/45hp car in Expression spec which comes with no central 10-inch infotainment screen The list price for our top-of-the-range Extreme 65 with the screen and the 48kW/65hp motor is £16,995 you have the mid-tier Expression 65 option at £16k These prices include a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (extendable to seven years if you stay inside the Dacia servicing network) plus an 8-year/75,000-mile warranty on the main traction battery Demonstrator cars can be found for considerably smaller sums too.  As EV virgins living in the stickiest of Welsh sticks my partner and I wanted to find out how practical electricity might be as a power source for a car how realistic it would be to run one without using fast charging units We’d read that the average daily journey length by UK motorists was about four miles Dacia says that the average daily Spring trip is 23 miles at an average speed of 25mph with 75 per cent of cars being recharged at home but Dacia says that its motor is very efficient using fewer than 14.6 kW hours of electricity every 62 miles We’ll talk more about the range we’ve actually been getting in the next exciting instalment but in the couple of months that we’ve had the Spring we’ve done around 1,500 miles in it without going anywhere near a fast charger as public chargers are very thin on the ground in this part of Powys but to build up our BEV range-bravery reserves in this early part of the adventure we’ve restricted ourselves to local jaunts so there’s been no need to use anything more technical than the 3-pin plughole outside our house.  brings the unlikely-sounding prospect of speed into the equation The 65’s eagerness to squirt or indeed spring forwards has so far never failed to bring a smile to our faces The headline 0-62mph figure of 13.7 seconds for the 65 might sound lame - and the 19.1 seconds sounds positively arthritic - but those numbers don’t reflect the step-off surge that is every EV’s party trick and that will get you off the line at the lights quicker than anything else (apart from another EV You do need to be a bit careful springing backwards as it does that with the same sort of perkiness it exhibits in forwards mode which is not necessarily what you want when you’re trying to get out of a tight street parking space Covering the brake with your foot is definitely a good idea in these situations.  The weight saving over the 65 is only 8kg but I’d be surprised if it didn’t offer a very decent balance of power and handling for the sort of roads we frequent Matching any car’s weight to its springing and damping is never easy and when you’re trying to keep your manufacturing costs down to the bare minimum you’re hardly going to be specifying premium suspension components Any car’s shortcomings will be quickly exposed on the Wild West roads of Powys can’t respond quickly enough to transverse ridges from which the car will be launched clear of the road dog-swallowing potholes that are popular round here the ride quality is actually more than adequate on the few semi-decent roads inhabited by local councillors There is some road roar through the thin bodywork but maybe not as much as you might expect because you’re not making contact with all that much road on those titchy 165/65 15-inch Linglong tyres Budget replacements start from under £35 a corner from firms like Blackcircles although you can pay the same outfit nearly £95 for a Conti AllSeason Contact You’d have to be a bit mad to do that though.  Why is he yakking on about replacement tyres there are no signs of wear on the OE hoops and nor do I suppose this will be an issue by the time we give the car back later this summer but it would be interesting to see the wear rates front to rear on an enthusiastically driven 65 The novelty of instant power certainly hasn’t worn off for us yet we’ve not felt the need for any more poking around these parts Sometimes you can catch yourself going maybe a little bit too quickly in the 65 is your clue that you’re approaching the natural limits of understeer but they’re padded for comfort rather than support around corners because you’ll run out of grip before you run out of seat support It’s a shame Dacia had to electrify the steering in order to support today’s safety aids (here including lane-keeping assistance and quite a few other GSR2-standard features) since there is obviously no physical need for power steering in a car as light as this and it would have been nostalgic to get a taste of the good/bad old days of unassisted helmage The upside is laughably easy manoeuvring in towns boosted by a beachball turning circle of well under 10 metres.  Tune in for the next exciting instalment when we will be talking about charging and the toilet habits of blackbirds.  Car: 2025 Dacia Spring Extreme Electric 65Price as tested: £16,995Run by: Tony MOn fleet since: February 2025Mileage: 2,700 The Pie & PistonChat about everything else… MotorsportsWin on Sunday, talk about it on Monday SupercarsNot all cars are created equal EventsMeet your hero Matt Bird in person The LoungeNeed to get something off your chest? View all forumsPistonHeads AuctionsSign up to our emailsGet the hottest news and promotions sent straight to your inbox PistonHeads® is a registered trademark of CarGurus Ireland Limited CarGurus UK Limited is an introducer appointed representative of CarFinance 247 Limited (FRN: 653019) CarFinance 247 Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance intermediation CarFinance 247 Limited is a credit broker and not a lender The company provides a rare glimpse into its fleet size as it gears up to introduce new vehicle models by Andrew J. Hawkins FacebookThreadsA Waymo robotaxi being assembled at the company’s factory in Mesa, Arizona. Image: WaymoAndrew J. Hawkins is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.Waymo said it recently received its last delivery of Jaguar I-Pace SUVs which will be retrofitted with sensors and autonomous driving technology at its factory in Arizona In a blog post published today the Alphabet company said it currently has 1,500 Jaguars operating across its four main markets: San Francisco And it plans on adding 2,000 more vehicles into 2026 The company recently hit an average of 250,000 paid passenger trips per week Waymo typically doesn’t like to comment on the size of its fleet so today’s announcement provides a rare glimpse into the number of robotaxis the company currently has in operation Waymo’s plans to scale up comes as the company eyes Atlanta but has yet to say when they will join the fleet Waymo assembles its robotaxis with the help of auto engineering company Magna International at a 239,000 square-foot factory in Mesa, Arizona. The company’s final batch of Jaguar I-Paces will be assembled there, which should carry Waymo through to next year. And starting in 2026, Waymo will begin work on its sixth generation “Waymo Driver,” which will launch in the Zeekr RT. Zeekr is a subsidiary of Geely which is one of China’s largest automakers The new robotaxi is being designed in Sweden (where Geely owns Swedish carmaker Volvo) adapted from Geely’s all-electric five-door Zeekr Waymo is then importing the vehicles to Arizona where they will be outfitted with the hardware and software necessary for autonomous driving The first test vehicles began arriving in the US last year In order to adapt to multiple vehicle platforms Waymo says its Mesa factory will add automated assembly lines and “other efficiencies” over time the company expects it will be able to churn out “tens of thousands” of robotaxis each year Waymo added new processes at the end of the assembly line for passenger validation and commission to ensure each vehicle is ready to accept riders as soon as it leaves the factory Each vehicle drives itself into service after leaving the factory where it is ready for passenger pickups within 30 minutes according to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli Waymo’s interest in publicizing its plans to grow its fleet size comes as Tesla plans to launch its own robotaxi service in Texas and California later this year. And it aligns with the Alphabet company’s recent announcement of a partnership with Toyota to explore the possibilities of selling autonomous vehicles to customers for personal ownership. and explore that fits in The Verge’s universe With only seven russian-made Mi-17 helicopters serviceable out of 45 present in inventory the Iraqi military is looking for a replacement as indicated by IISS' Military Balance 2024 study are resting in storage because of the inability to acquire spare parts and provide maintenance Against this background, Iraq selected French Airbus Helicopters H225M as the successor, making russian defense executives anxious about one of its established customers slipping away in favor of European manufacturers. Airbus reported delivery of the first two H225Ms to the Iraqi Armed Forces on April 30 The handover ceremony took place during the visit of Thabet Al-Abbasi provides for the supply of 12 H225M multi-purpose helicopters in total They will replace the russian-made Mi-17s in the Iraqi Ground Forces and will be used for transport tasks and battlefield support of government troops against Islamic fundamentalists The H22M for Iraq will feature the HForce weapon system which can integrate and combine a wide variety of armaments on external suspension pylons Iraq had also received 23 H135M utility helicopters from Airbus positioned by the company as "the perfect platform for military pilot training." This makes the new supply of H225Ms a natural extension of the fleet capabilities To expand on the topic of the aging russia-sourced fleet in Iraqi possession The Military Balance 2024 also lists six Mi-35M helicopters in active service plus another 15 Mi-35M and 15 Mi-28 of various modifications in storage Fixed wing arsenal is represented by up to 19 Su-25 attack aircraft of several modifications in service this illustrates how important Iraq was for the russian federation as a buyer of aircraft the country has for a while been suffering from problems related by obtaining spares for maintenance forcing the Iraqi military to abandon years-long partnership and look for alternatives russia was trying yet couldn't sell components for Mi-28 and Mi-35 helicopters to Iraq so the latter had to mothball many of these helicopters until a solution was found Iraq is slowly but surely receiving replacements so russian military analysts are worrying about losing an important market for their aircraft Moller - Maersk (Maersk) is taking a significant step in digital innovation with the deployment of its next-generation IoT connectivity platform This includes all Maersk-owned vessels and more than 100 time-chartered vessels in the fleet The platform is designed to meet the increasing demand for real-time data transmission and provide advanced IoT capabilities Through the Captain Peter solution Maersk customers can already monitor the temperature of their reefer cargo but the current 2G network infrastructure onboard limits the frequency of data point updates this infrastructure is transitioning to 4G technology enabling a substantial increase in data granularity and paving the way for smarter cargo tracking and enhanced operational insights unified network designed to support multiple wireless technologies (NB-IoT enabling Maersk customers to seamlessly integrate their IoT devices and services The solution is designed for seamless interoperability between private and public networks ensuring Maersk customers' cargo is reliably monitored whether at sea thus enabling BYOIoT (bring Your Own IoT) solutions based on standards for customers While the platform delivers seamless performance for connected container and cargo monitoring solutions its underlying technology is anything but simple It is the result of a strategic blend of advanced components meticulously selected through close collaboration with leading tech partners including Onomondo The platform roll-out has begun and is on track for completion by the first quarter of 2026 Since the upgrade involves hardware replacements aboard vessels the process demands careful planning and must be executed during scheduled port calls A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people Maersk is aiming to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies By submitting this form, I agree to receive logistics related news and marketing updates from A. P. Moller-Maersk and its affiliated companies via e-mail. I understand that I can opt out of such Maersk communications at any time. To see how we process your personal data, please see our Privacy Notification as it accelerates production capacity in Mesa That translates to roughly 13 million trips annually and edges toward Waymo's long-term vision of tens of millions of rides per year Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with HYMLF. To meet surging demand, Waymo and Magna International (NYSE:MGA) are investing in a 239,000-square-foot autonomous-vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix The facility's automated assembly lines can validate and deploy Jaguar I-PACE EVs and Zeekr RT platforms with Waymo's sixth-generation Driver software in hours and it's designed to produce tens of thousands of fully autonomous vehicles annually This aggressive build-out underscores Alphabet's bet that once Waymo passes key volume thresholds fixed costs will be absorbed and unit economics will improve paving a path to eventual profitability in a capital-intensive segment Investors will watch Alphabet's Q2 earnings in late July for fresh Waymo metrics This article first appeared on GuruFocus Market status is not available at the moment Error while retrieving data the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services - Fleet Technical Management (FTM) to increase the efficiency of its A320neo fleet.  the Airbus FTM services will support Air Seychelles with Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) activities including engineering support to the Maintenance Control Center Airbus will also support the airline with preventive actions to improve Aircraft operational reliability reduce maintenance costs all this while maintaining strong focus on airworthiness and safety of operations.  “We are excited to optimise our fleet performance with these enhanced services by partnering with Airbus we take safety and efficiency very seriously and this partnership underlines our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in our operations,” states Air Seychelles’ Head of Technical Operations Air Seychelles have been operating the Airbus A320 aircraft since 2012 which has been playing a pivotal role in strengthening commercial aviation in the country.  “Air Seychelles and Airbus have been close partners since 2012 with Air Seychelles operating the A320neo family aircraft Airbus deeply values the trust Air Seychelles has placed in us and is committed to support them in their growth journey The selection of Airbus’ FTM services will leverage on Airbus’ unique engineering expertise to reduce unplanned maintenance lower engineering and administration activities for our customer and less operational interruption ensuring increased aircraft availability Overall the FTM services will ensure optimal operations and improved performance for Air Seychelles’ Airbus fleet,” said Regis Boniau operates a fleet that includes two Airbus A320neo aircraft The airline provides air connectivity to Seychelles from multiple destinations across Asia and Africa #AirSeychelles #Airbus #FleetTechnicalManagement #A320neo Switzerland-headquartered offshore pipeline installation and subsea construction contractor Allseas has enlarged its fleet with two newbuild offshore construction vessels (OCVs) with methanol-ready propulsion design to position itself for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving market by strengthening its offshore capabilities Following a thorough evaluation of all options to expand its fleet’s versatility and meet future market demand which sees the acquisition of the OCV duo as a strategic investment signed contracts for these vessels on April 9 with construction to take place at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group in China feature advanced equipment and systems to deliver what is expected to be enhanced performance Allseas believes that the new vessels will boost its construction and support capacity enabling greater deployment flexibility and freeing up existing OCVs for larger highlighted: “We recognised a clear need to optimise our vessel deployment to support an increasingly diverse and complex project portfolio “After carefully exploring all available options it became clear that securing two next-generation newbuilds – fully optimised with the latest technology – was the best long-term solution to strengthen our capabilities and capture new opportunities in a growing offshore market.” The company expects to remain at the forefront of the growing offshore construction and subsea installation sectors While the first vessel is slated for delivery in September 2026 the second one will follow suit in December 2026 Each of these vessels will measure 100 meters in length The duo will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system a 150-ton active heave-compensated offshore crane a hybrid 1,500-kWh battery energy storage system and a methanol-ready propulsion design for future fuel flexibility the two new fleet additions are designed with maximum operational versatility in mind to be ideally suited for subsea construction The firm is adamant that these vessels expand its operational flexibility and reinforce its commitment to delivering sustainable future-ready solutions to the global offshore energy industry Recently, Allseas hired Vallourec to deliver line pipes for Petrobras’ giant deepwater field, following its preparation for the job at this field which is considered to be Brazil’s second-largest oil field Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas The performance of new and existing jack-ups A document key must be provided in the url to view document In the dynamic but uncertain world of fleet management staying ahead of industry trends and networking with like-minded fleet peers is crucial tailored exclusively for corporate fleet managers  Membership to this dedicated programme ensures premium access to our events and is the easy gateway to education with the International Fleet Managers Institute The Hosted Buyer Programme is designed for fleet manager profiles purchasing and/or managing the Fleet & Mobility programme for the employees in his/her own company People that manage or purchase fleet and mobility assets and services to sell to third-parties are not considered fleet managers but suppliers Free Access to major events: Hosted Buyers enjoy complimentary access to all our major events eliminating the financial barrier that often accompanies event attendance This inclusivity aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry leaders Single Ticket convenience: Farewell to repetitive registrations all-encompassing ticket that grants access to multiple events This streamlined process simplifies attendance logistics allowing participants to focus on the valuable insights and networking opportunities our events offer For those with a qualifying buyer profile, applying to the Hosted Buyer Program is a straightforward process. Simply fill out the application form applicants will receive a personalized Hosted Buyer Programme Code unlocking a world of event access and networking possibilities APPLY NOW Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to be part of the future of fleet management and success in the world of fleet management WIKIFLEET is a free collaborative encyclopaedia providing knowledge about car fleet management all over the world Wikifleet The Global Fleet MARKETPLACE is the ONE guide to find fleet & mobility providers worldwide Marketplace directories and magazines in our knowledge center Knowledge Center Want to capture the attention of the International Fleet and Mobility leaders Contact us and become our partner! Contact us Vard has signed a contract with Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the design and construction of a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) a sister vessel to the two ships Vard contracted with DFO in May 2024 After sealing the contract for two CSOVs in May last year DFO is adding a third vessel of the same design and delivered from Vard Vung Tau in the first quarter of 2028 The VARD 4 39 design was a new design from VARD developed in collaboration between DFO and VARD. The design gives a versatile all-around platform for sustainable wind farm support operations both as a service vessel for the wind farms and during the building and installation phase the CSOV will commence a minimum 15-year service contract for an undisclosed offshore wind farm customer in Taiwan and will have a length of approximately 102.7 metres the CSOV will be prepared for future fuels The new contract is a declaration of an option in the contract DFO signed in April 2025 for one Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel (OSCV) Get in front of your target audience in one move OffshoreWIND.biz is read by thousands of offshore wind professionals daily we offer our clients an extensive range of DNV offshore equipment including offshore containers tanks and bespoke designs for both long term contracts and short-term hires with no minimum […] This is a secure area and requires you to be logged in to the Members’ Zone My organisation has an SMMT membership and I have an account My organisation has an
SMMT membership and I need to register for an account I am not part of an organisation that has an SMMT membership Digital management systems give greater visibility of day-to-day transport operations – and they also help gain time savings allow operators to accurately pinpoint the costs of running fleets and promote efficiencies as they grow their businesses recently overhauled its fleet management processes with the introduction of a new digital system from Freeway Fleet Systems Adopted to manage a new fleet of 105 Volvo electric buses This has gone hand-in-hand with the construction of an electrified depot with upgraded facilities and IT infrastructure to enhance bus maintenance Technicians at the organisation have been equipped with rugged tablets running a mobile web app eliminating the need for traditional paperwork Warrington’s Own Buses has also integrated all electric bus parts into the Freeway system By the time its final diesel bus is retired stores and purchasing operations will benefit from automated processes and real-time tracking of parts performance and costs said: “We are always looking to improve our systems and we aligned this with the introduction of the new buses and the standout benefit is quality control The system ensures every job is completed thoroughly a new transport-management system (TMS) from Haultech has helped boost cash flow for A&F Haulage who specialise in the transportation of aggregates and asphalt The company operates 230 vehicles from 15 depots across the UK supporting key infrastructure projects such as Hinckley Point and HS2 its dedicated bulk haulage platform reduces administration processes by up to 80% it makes invoicing faster and more accurate The cloud-based TMS offers features from job booking and scheduling through to electronic proof of delivery and invoicing It works with all pallet network platforms and can work with compliance systems such as Hazchem said: “Our legacy system was becoming increasingly hard to use HaulTech have been great as they link together all aspects of our business from transport planning and management to invoicing “One of the biggest ways it has impacted our business is that we can process invoices much faster Getting those invoices out quickly and in the right format can affect cash flow massively which means it meets all of our business needs We now have far better productivity because we are using one integrated system It also gives us great visibility across the entire business.” a family-run agricultural business based in Kent proof of delivery and visibility since it adopted the Mandata Go TMS Managing a mixed fleet of 35 vehicles and engaging in diverse workstreams including waste transportation and European agricultural work the growing company had struggled to manage the range of work types in the best way for its customers employees were having to work much harder than they needed to the company set out to find a system that was not only easy to use but also provided them with the features they needed to improve efficiency across all their work types the transport manager at FGS Agri said now that the company has the Mandata Go system in place the transport side of the business is easier to manage He added: “We had experience of using a mix of transport management systems “Even our older drivers have taken to the Manifest app and prefer it over the old process of manually filling out paper tickets and no longer have to check up with other planning staff Cornwall-based Mac Plant Construction has also boosted its fleet efficiency and costs by switching from a paper-based system to AssetGo’s online fleet and driver compliance management system in 2024 the construction company specialises in civil engineering and surfacing with a fleet comprising two tractor units and two trailers two tippers and a beavertail flatbed.  AssetGo’s software distils fleet management and compliance into simple the results of which are highly visible to fleet operators and easily manageable The system also addresses core fleet activities such as daily walkaround checks fuel and expense tracking and tachograph analysis – among other key elements.  said the AssetGo system was well received by drivers due to its clarity and ease of use while the ability to monitor the fleet’s defects fuel and fluid usage – as well as the option to digitally analyse tachographs – has significantly improved transparency She added: “AssetGo’s fleet management system has made everything much more transparent and I have instant access to the information I need “It saves time and money too because I don’t need to wait for any physical documents such as defect sheets “It’s not overly complicated yet it covers everything you need from the defect first being reported to signing it off as complete.  With the workplace becoming increasingly digitised the tendency for transport firms to take this type of fleet management technology as they look to improve efficiency and reduce costs should accelerate over the coming years SMMT is the voice of the UK motor industry supporting and promoting its members’ interests This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The automotive group Stellantis has concluded a framework agreement with the Munich-based car subscription platform FINN for the current year 2025 the first 5,300 vehicles have already been ordered across several Stellantis brands - with more to come which describes itself as an independent car subscription platform has concluded a framework agreement with Stellantis for the current year 2025 an initial 5,300 vehicles have already been ordered across several Stellantis brands the partners did not specify how many of these are electric or combustion-powered Finn offers car leasing in over 30 markets and delivers a car to customers for use periods from six to 24 months The two companies have been working together for five years now and Finn writes that it has leased “several tens of thousands of vehicles” from the manufacturer so far including vehicles from the brands Alfa-Romeo such as the Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Frontera which are already included in Finn’s offer “The FINN subscription model makes it possible for new target groups to experience vehicles from a wide range of Stellantis brands – flexibly easily and digitally,” explained Florian Huettl adding: “We see this as an important building block in making mobility more accessible and sustainable Expanding the partnership is a logical next step for both sides.” we ensure a continuous supply of the latest models from Stellantis to our customers,” stated Paul Nobis “We are already looking forward to further expanding the partnership in the coming months and offering an even larger stellantis.com, finn.com (both in German) I agree with the Privacy policy electrive has been following the development of electric mobility with journalistic passion and expertise since 2013 we offer comprehensive coverage of the highest quality — as a central platform for the rapid development of this technology Self-driving car company Waymo announced Monday that it is significantly expanding its autonomous vehicle operations in the US by opening a new manufacturing facility in Mesa Waymo operates over 1,500 autonomous vehicles in Phoenix completing more than 250,000 paid trips per week the company plans to add 2,000 more vehicles to its fleet by 2026 Read More: Watch Waymo's Self-Driving Cars Navigate a Freeway will retrofit Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs with Waymo's sixth-generation autonomous driving technology The facility is expected to produce thousands of vehicles annually accelerating Waymo's mission to provide fully autonomous ride-hailing services in cities all across the country The Mesa facility also introduces streamlined processes that enable vehicles to be ready for passenger service shortly after production vehicles assigned to the Phoenix fleet can begin picking up passengers within 30 minutes of leaving the factory.  "The Waymo Driver integration plant in Mesa is the epicenter of our future growth plans," Ryan McNamara we've opened a manufacturing site that enables the cost efficiency and capacity to scale our fleet to new heights." beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it Dorset Council has issued a formal demand for Weymouth Park Ltd to undertake urgent replanting at Fleet Wood in Chickerell following the illegal felling of trees in January 2023 This call to action aims to restore the ecological integrity of the area which is fully protected by a Tree Preservation Order part of a Section 41 Priority Habitat within the Dorset Natural Landscape and the heritage coast was cleared of over 0.6 hectares of trees—far exceeding the Forestry Commission’s permission to thin 30% of the trees Investigations revealed the timber clearance occurred under the direction of individuals associated with Weymouth Park Ltd leaving a significant ecological void in this cherished habitat Although Weymouth Park Ltd was fined a record £30,000 in February 2025 by Weymouth Magistrates' Court for breaching the felling licence the responsibility for enforcing tree replacement in areas with a Tree Preservation Order lies with Dorset Council Dorset Council is pressing for immediate action informed by Forestry Commission guidelines The plan specifies planting 1,100 trees per hectare and more—ensuring ecological harmony with the surrounding woodland The council has given Weymouth Park Ltd until the end of the planting season Dorset Council will take further action to ensure compliance Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning emphasised the council's commitment to restoring Fleet Wood stating: "Fleet Wood is a vital part of Dorset's natural heritage We expect Weymouth Park Ltd to fulfil their responsibility and reinstate the woodland for the benefit of our environment and future generations Dorset Council will take all necessary measures to ensure this replanting is completed." This case highlights the importance of respecting legal protections for natural habitats and reflects Dorset Council’s dedication to restoring Fleet Wood to its rightful ecological state Categories: Nature recovery Planning Environment and Ecology Oceania Cruises has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its onboard entertainment program that will roll out across its eight-ship fleet. Many of the new experiences will debut during Allura’s launch in July The reimagined entertainment concept is organized into four categories: Enrich The Enrich category features branded partnerships culinary showcases and a guest speaker series cultural performances and interactive game nights The Unwind category offers wellness experiences such as sunrise yoga and creative workshops and the Celebrate category features themed deck parties and curated music performances "We're thrilled to introduce this evolution of Oceania Cruises' entertainment," said Jason Montague "These enhancements reflect our commitment to delighting our discerning guests with experiences that match their sophisticated tastes — combining enrichment wellness and celebration into unforgettable onboard moments and we cannot wait to reveal more in the coming months."  Following its successful introduction on Marina The Blue Horizons Party will now be featured on every fleet-wide cruise This event invites guests to dress in blue tones while enjoying signature cocktails and live music Wellness remains a focus for the cruise line, with guided immersive stretch and yoga sessions offered in the theater onboard Vista and the upcoming Allura These classes complement the brand's Aquamar wellness offerings spa treatments and lighter menu options in The Grand Dining Room and Aquamar Kitchen The entertainment program also builds upon the line's existing guest speaker series and Artist Loft creative workshops creating a comprehensive calendar of performances classes and events designed for discovery and connection Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI based on a press release distributed by Oceania Cruises It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 The best fleet information source in the UK Webfleet has introduced an AI-powered tool designed to help fleets access and act on operational data The Fleet Advisor tool is said to allow users to type a question on subjects such as mileage trends it makes it easier for any member of a fleet team Webfleet says Fleet Advisor meets European security standards president of fleet management solutions at Webfleet’s parent company Bridgestone It’s a big step toward a future where AI acts as a co-pilot in every fleet operation – and Webfleet is proud to lead the way.” Fleet Advisor is initially launching in the UK and Ireland with rollout to further countries planned later this year Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the Progressive Media network © Business Trade Media International Limited Renault has developed an offer for its electric Kangoo van that delivers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than for its diesel equivalent The offer includes a three-year lease from Mobilize and cheaper energy compared to fossil fuel Combining these three elements makes the Kangoo E-Tech 11.9% cheaper than the Kangoo dCi 95 TCO has been one of the principal barriers to eLCV adoption by fleets, with Fleet Europe's Commercial Fleets Advisory Board highlighting the difficulty of building a financial case for electric vans as well as charging and range challenges.  Renault says there are now compelling TCO arguments in favour of its entire E-Tech van range, which also includes the Trafic and Master “We’re trying to make sure our fleet customers have a financial advantage in taking an electric LCV,” said Seb Brechon He was speaking to Fleet Europe at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, where Renault showcased three new software-defined electric vans The vehicles are available with two different battery technologies using lithium-ion phospphate technology for the shorter range (350 km WLTP for Trafic) and higher energy density nickel manganese cobalt technology for the longer-range versions (450 km WLTP for Trafic) which will facilitate predictive maintenance with fleet operators able to track the wear of some components “The algorithm that calculates tyre wear integrates more and more real-time data personalised anticipation of future situations,” said Antoine Vuillaume Three new vans designed specifically for urban delivery fleets, a step-in van, a cargo van and a panel van, were on display at the show, all built on a new all-electric skateboard platform, designed to optimise load capacity in relation to their footprint. They were designed by Flexis Flexis models will now feature in Renault’s LCV line-up have now signed letters of intent to buy up to 15,000 vehicles over the next three years with serial production due to start in mid-2026 Arriving next month is the new electric SV van from Farizon part of the Geely group that includes Volvo and Polestar The brand will launch in over 20 European markets “and has been designed to meet the needs of European fleets and drivers,” said Kate McLaren Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at Jameel Motors UK The SV will be available in five different body variants with a load capacity ranging from 6.9-13m3 and a payload of 1,035 to 1350kg with the largest providing a combined cycle WLTP range of 247 miles The van has already secured a platinum rating from EuroNCAP for its safety performance Farizon will launch the new van in the UK with the aftersales support of 200 AA workshops with an agreement for the AA to provide routine service bookings at just 48 hours’ notice Perhaps the hottest news at the CV Show was the pricing for Kia’s new PV5 van which will start in the UK at an extremely competitive £27,645 +VAT (€32,440 + VAT) Orders open this week for the all-electric van which will be available in four body shape configurations - cargo The PB5 has two battery options – 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh capable of up to 290km and 400km (WLPTP) respectively and is capable of ultra-fast 150kW DC charging to minimise downtime With aftersales support critical to fleet operators Kia will also launch a brand-new network of dedicated professional business van centres to service and maintain the PV5 This new network will begin with around 45 centres Each PBV Centre will be equipped with its own dedicated facilities and specialist resources to support customers quickly and efficiently The PV5 will be followed by the bigger PV7 in 2027 and the PV9 Join Fleet Europe's Commercial Fleets Community. You can subscribe here for the monthly LCV Community newsletter. Home » News » School kids name Herefordshire’s new fleet of recycling and waste collection lorries Herefordshire Council and its waste and recycling partner FCC Environment have announced the winners of a very special competition for primary school pupils to name the fleet of 28 recycling and waste collections lorries state of the art eCollect all-electric Collection Vehicles that are in action to collect our recyclable material and help us all to be more ‘clued up’ about what we can recycle from home said: “We are delighted to have been able to ask primary school children from across the county to help us name our amazing new recycling and waste collection lorries It was a great opportunity for our young people to think creatively over the Easter holidays as well as giving us all a chance to get ‘clued up’ about what we can all recycle from home.” The competition was open to the following age groups: 3 to 5 years 8 to 11 years and all entrants had to do was come up with a cracking creative name for one or more lorry Each successful entrant was invited to attend the FCC Environment depot in Hereford on 28 April to meet some of the lorries in person and meet with some of the great men and women who look after drive and collect our recycling and waste in them have their picture taken with their winning name and get their own competition winner certificate to take home chose the name Dan for her lorry because “I have been waving at Dan and the crew every week for 5 years I love how friendly they are and I have enjoyed meeting them here today in ‘Dan’ the lorry.” FCC Environment will also donate two apple trees to each school that took part The FCC Environment Press Office can be contacted on 01302 553454 or info@fccenvironment.co.uk marked for the attention of Press Office Or in writing at:FCC Environment Press Office3 Sidings CourtWhite Rose WayDoncasterDN4 5NU Registered in England and Wales No. 2674166 VAT reg: No. 637 8808 92 Sensibly, its latest addition is a little more practical. Well, it is in the sense that you can actually get crims into the back of it, but they will be having a lovely time back there because this is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan panda car And not just any Cullinan - this one is wearing a Mansory widebody kit with some of the German tuner’s trademark chopped carbon left on display on the bumpers Sounds like the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 has been lightly breathed-on too Where does the Cullinan rank among the world’s wackiest police cars, folks? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Look out for your regular round-up of news No money from the licence fee was used to create this website The profits we make from it go back to BBC programme-makers to help fund great new BBC programmes BBC is a trademark of the British Broadcasting Corporation The new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet has returned to service this week after temporary being suspended following an issues with its doors Managing Director of Nexus said: “Following our decision to temporarily suspend the new trains in service last week I am pleased to confirm the new fleet has started to be re-introduced back into service from today.  “We have worked closely with Stadler to identify a solution to the issue and resume the programme as soon as possible “I know this temporary pause was disappointing but we don’t expect this to have any impact on the overall roll out timescales “I’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding on this matter.” Rail Business Daily’s market leading news and profile enhancement services enable your business to tell your story to the wider rail community Engage with thousands of readers via our rail news platforms including the hugely popular 7am newsletter rail news website and Rail Director magazine you agree to us sending you emails on behalf of railbusinessdaily.com Tuesday | May 06 2025 | In a move to dominate the electric cab market Evera Cabs (Prakriti Mobility) has commenced the repossession of 500 electric vehicles formerly operated by BluSmart following the latter’s service suspension in major metros With 220 cabs already repossessed and a total acquisition funnel of 1,000 vehicles Evera is fast-tracking its fleet expansion and fortifying its airport mobility operations is part of a phased strategy aimed at redeploying the acquired fleet across Delhi-NCR with a sharp focus on Indira Gandhi International Airport which has been offering assured B2B and airport cab services since 2022 is now extending its operations to cover all airport terminals—previously limited to terminal 3 “This is more than just scaling up; it’s a strategic realignment of India’s electric mobility landscape,” said Nimish Trivedi Evera is stepping forward with clear intent absorbing proven EV assets and trusted drivers to ensure uninterrupted service across key routes.” Evera’s rapid integration is not limited to hardware A wave of former BluSmart drivers is also joining the platform with approximately 150 already onboarded and 10 per cent of new recruits being women—highlighting the company’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth The move comes in the wake of BluSmart suspending operations in Bengaluru creating a significant gap in the electric cab segment Evera’s swift action positions it as a reliable successor surge-free rides and prioritising customer satisfaction With its eyes set on leadership in premium clean transport and sustainability—ensuring not just service continuity but also a future-forward blueprint for urban electric mobility in India Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on our latest news Webfleet has introduced a new AI-powered solution designed to simplify how fleet teams access and act on vital operational data Fleet Advisor combines generative AI with real-time fleet insights to answer business-critical questions in seconds the tool enables users to type a query in natural language – such as mileage trends idling times or fuel consumption – and receive clear Webfleet claims the new system makes it easier for any member of the fleet team quickly identify risks and make data-driven decisions that improve safety faster and smarter,” said Jan Maarten de Vries president of Fleet Management Solutions at Bridgestone “It’s a big step toward a future where AI acts as a co-pilot in every fleet operation – and Webfleet is proud to lead the way.” Fleet Advisor is built on a foundation of robust data protection It is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2017 – Europe’s most recognised information security standard – and complies with both GDPR and the AI Act These safeguards ensure data privacy and responsible AI use giving businesses seamless access to insight without compromising sensitive information Fleet Advisor is integrated with Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 driver coaching solution Fleet Advisor can provide deeper insights into behaviour such as harsh braking speeding and fuel consumption in seconds – acting as a tool to help fleet operators make targeted improvements which will enhance safety fleets will benefit from even smarter dashboards intelligent benchmarking and real-time KPIs that not only reveal trends but anticipate them,” said Raghunath Banerjee vice president data solutions at Bridgestone “We’re heading towards an AI-driven future where fleet solutions adapt to each business’s unique needs – personalised With international rollout planned for later in 2025 Webfleet is set to make AI-powered decision-making accessible to fleet operations across the globe – helping businesses of all sizes unlock smarter faster and more sustainable ways of working Matt has been an automotive journalist for nine years and has driven just about every new car and van that's on sale. As content editor - vehicles he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years Register to receive our range of digital content By submitting any material to us you are confirming that the material is your own original work or that you have permission from the copyright owner to use the material and to authorise Bauer Consumer Media to use it as described in this paragraph You also promise that you have permission from anyone featured or referred to in the submitted material to it being used by Bauer Consumer Media If Bauer Consumer Media receives a claim from a copyright owner or a person featured in any material you have sent us we will inform that person that you have granted us permission to use the relevant material and you will be responsible for paying any amounts due to the copyright owner or featured person and/or for reimbursing Bauer Consumer Media for any losses it has suffered as a result Petrol and diesel prices are set to rise again after a brief period of decline When paired with the UK’s road congestion issues there is increasing pressure on fleet operators to control operational costs The key to lowering consumption is driver training — the most impactful yet often overlooked aspect of fuel efficiency Market conditions such as global crude oil prices and taxes influence the UK’s fuel price hikes and rollbacks any weakening of the British pound directly increases the fuel cost for UK buyers regional price variations — sometimes between towns only a few miles apart — create further complexity for fleet budgeting Nearly 70% of fleet managers identify rising fuel expenses as one of their most significant operational challenges the impact extends beyond profit margins — drivers schedules and even vehicle maintenance can bear the brunt Every litre of diesel you save is a win for your wallet and a contribution to the UK’s net-zero-by-2050 commitment Before addressing how driver training can mitigate fuel waste it’s best to recognise the behavioural and operational factors commonly contributing to inefficiency: Many of these issues fall within the driver’s control which highlights the criticality of training in delivering consistent improvements Training your fleet’s drivers isn’t about teaching them how to operate a vehicle — it’s about informing them of often overlooked causes of fuel inefficiency here’s what excellent training should cover Teaching drivers to anticipate stereotypical traffic conditions allows them to brake less reducing fuel usage and brake wear and tear Additionally, they should avoid harsh acceleration and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure. Even underinflated tyres can reduce fuel efficiency by 10% and lower their potential tread life cycle by 15% Hydraulic systems are often overlooked when talking about driver training and fuel efficiency. Running the engine at high revs during idle hydraulic operation or engaging hydraulics unnecessarily wastes fuel and mechanical energy. Electro-hydraulics, for example, can reduce energy consumption by 5% by decreasing engine RPMs when idle or during light tasks A well-planned route substantially reduces fuel use Training should emphasise using GPS systems and traffic data to avoid congested areas and reduce out-of-route miles This skill is invaluable in navigating high-traffic cities such as London and Manchester Even when navigating traffic is unavoidable controlled driving practices can mitigate fuel waste and reduce the likelihood of collisions Telematics is a mechanism that allows you to monitor your trucks using GPS technology and diagnostic tools to see how the vehicle moves Integrating such systems provides real-time feedback on driver habits the use of telematics must be presented transparently as drivers could see it as a way to “spy” on their driving behaviour They must learn to view it as a tool for development rather than surveillance Seeing their driving qualities backed by numbers makes them more responsible for their actions the data can inform incentive programmes like bonuses and gift cards making it a win-win for drivers and managers Vehicle-specific training should also be emphasised Modern trucks have alert systems that can enhance fuel efficiency — if used correctly Train your drivers on features like cruise control speed limiters and automated manual transmissions Use tools to measure performance accurately excluding factors like load weight or bad weather that drivers can’t control A transparent system builds trust and motivation fuel-efficient driver comes benefits that extend beyond your budget Fuel consumption is equivalent to better habits behind your fleet’s steering wheels Investing in quality training empowers your team to be better informed of their habits It’s high time you think beyond high-tech engines and aerodynamic trailers but the solution might be within your drivers’ control Train drivers and incentivise their progress well-trained employees aren’t just an asset — they’re your frontline partners in conquering fuel costs Evelyn Long, Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine Aquila Truck Centre’s Gloucester facility has been appointed a full sales adding to the company’s Tipton and Worcester sites As it officially launches its debut SV large van The new Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) Decarbonising commercial vehicles (CVs) is Highlighting the remarkable achievement of FLEET Alliance Appointed Representative Chris Rowthorn is putting Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) policy at the heart of his business Based in Cardiff, the former MotoNovo Director, who joined Fleet Alliance as an AR in February this year has signed up to the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge The Business Wales Green Growth Pledge is a voluntary commitment that helps companies embed practical and measurable sustainability actions as part of a community assisting Wales in the transition to a low-carbon future The actions by Chris align with the overall direction of travel taken by Fleet Alliance, which has become a carbon neutral company The Green Growth Pledge offers a framework and a starting point for those participating firms to select tailored actions These range from cutting business-travel emissions to switching to 100% renewable electricity – and to report progress publicly.  Among the actions suggested in the pledge are: Chris says he will be involving his SME fleet customers in lower-carbon mobility choices while holding himself accountable to national sustainability goals Chris plans to help at least 10 client fleets convert 25 % of their cars or vans to battery-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains saving an estimated 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide As well as being a carbon neutral company, Fleet Alliance was recently named Best SME Fleet Broker in the 2025 Broker News Awards Nationwide Vehicle Contracts was named Best Volume Broker 2025 by the judging panel – here’s the winner’s profile supported by Leasing.com Our Women in Broking series turns its attention to Kirsten Blackwell Rental companies are reportedly reverting to traditional seasonal fleet replacement strategies for the first time since the disruptions of 2020 Alphabet’s Service Management Apprentice Miri Watson has been formally recognised at Autocar’s Great British Women – Rising Stars’ awards Catch up on the latest leasing broker news in the 29 April 2025 Broker News newsletter Fleet Alliance AR Chris Rowthorn is putting ESG into practice by signing up to the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe and website in this browser for the next time I comment Keep up to date with latest leasing broker news stories as they happen on our social media channel If you would like to receive our weekly newsletter you can sign up here Broker Newsletter Online Trade MagazineAlternative Energy from Solar If you do not have an AltEnergyMag partner account, please register - it's free Visit http://siemens.com for further information Revolutionizing Power Grids: The Essential Role of HVDC and FACTS in Modern Energy Transmission Gen Z and Millennials in the Renewable Energy Workforce Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem MyGrid 10K Whole Home Generator Intersolar Europe Net Zero USA 2025 ACP CLEANPOWER hy-fcell Canada 2025 European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) Subscribe | Search | Promote Products | Feature Your Company | Publish News | List Event Articles | News | Stories | Products | Companies | Events Fleet Mortgages said it had lowered selected BTL rates by up to 0.15% This includes its five-year fixed rate with a £3,999 fee Two- and five-year fixed HMO/multi-unit freehold block (MUFB) rates at 75% loan to value (LTV) now have an additional incentive of £1,000 cashback for each completed mortgage case The fixed rates come with different percentage and fixed-fee options Fleet Mortgages said the cashback aimed to help landlords with upfront costs especially valuation fees and other costs like conveyancing or licensing The above cashback can be used in conjunction with its green cashback product feature which offers £1,000 for landlords who take a five-year fixed rate and improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to a C or above during the course of the fixed rate period If a property already has an EPC rating of A-C Steve Cox, chief commercial officer at Fleet Mortgages, said: “Following last week’s rate cuts we have now been able to drop pricing on these 75% LTV HMO/MUFB products which come with both a fixed-fee or zero-fee option we are adding a further cashback incentive Upfront costs for landlord borrowers continue to rise and it’s therefore important as a specialist buy-to-let lender that we look at options to help them in terms of helping cover these “The addition of £1,000 cashback to our two- and five-year HMO/MUFB fixes will certainly ease this financial burden with landlord borrowers being able to put this money toward their valuation costs which tend to be higher for these types of properties.” we’re acutely aware of the added complexity that can come with such properties and we’re here to support advisers with our knowledge and experience in order that they can present the right solutions and secure the right outcomes for these clients “If advisers are looking for support in this area then they should certainly contact their local external or internal Fleet business development manager (BDM) to see how we can help them grow their advice propositions and service these clients.” Specialist lender ModaMortgages has increased the maximum LTV and is adding an 80% LTV fee-free option to its range of BTL deals and lowered limited-edition products The 80% LTV fee-free option is available for its core and limited-edition two- and five-year fixed rates Selected limited rates have fallen by around 0.1% with two-year fixed rates and five-year fixed rates starting from 3.44% and 4.84% said: “We’re excited to be able to further expand our buy-to-let range by adding 80% LTV £0 fee options combined with our recent launch of expanded fees will give brokers even more choice when it comes to finding the right product for their clients.” Zephyr Homeloans is lowering its two-year fixed BTL rates with pricing now under 3% in some instances For properties with an EPC rating from A to C its two-year fixed standard mortgage rate at 65% LTV with a 7% fee is 2.79% The lender’s two-year fixed rate mortgage for new builds and flats above commercial properties at 65% LTV with a 7% fee is also 2.79% and its two-year fixed rate for HMOs and MUFBs at 75% LTV with a 7% fee is 2.94% For properties with an EPC rating of D or E its two-year fixed standard mortgage rate at 65% LTV with a 7% fee sits at 2.89% along with the product for new builds and flats above commercial properties The two-year fixed rate for HMOs and MUFBs at 65% LTV with a 7% fee is 3.04% said: “We are continuing to fund rates that will help brokers to better service their landlord customers.” Suffolk Building Society has lowered selected BTL and holiday let mortgages with 0.11% cuts with the changes coming into force from 6 May Its two-year expat BTL fixed rate at 80% LTV will fall by 0.11% to 5.59% while its two-year BTL fixed rate will decrease by up to 0.1% to 5.45% The lender’s BTL light refurb two-year fixed rate at 80% LTV will go down by 0.1% to 5.55% and its two-year fixed holiday let rate at 80% LTV will contract by 0.1% to 5.45% head of intermediary relations and mortgage sales at Suffolk Building Society said: “Buy-to-let landlords have faced financial pressure from all directions in recent years One challenge that persists for them is passing interest coverage ratio (ICR) stress testing “By lowering rates across our popular two-year buy-to-let and holiday let products we can help landlords improve their borrowing ability without having to take a five-year fixed rate We recognise their crucial role in the property sector “Expat buy to let is our second-largest lending area with our combination of flexible criteria and manual underwriting making us a go-to home for so many expat cases We’re keen to continue supporting brokers with clients in this complex market and we understand the fine balancing act they face so we’re pleased to be reducing rates on this range.” Landbay has lowered rates across its non-portfolio range by up to 0.25% which is aimed at landlords with three or fewer mortgaged properties The lender’s non-portfolio non-standard five-year fixed rate at 70% LTV with an automatic valuation model (AVM) and a 7% fee is 4.09% The firm’s standard five-year fixed rate at 55% LTV with a 7% fee is 4.19% sales and distribution director at Landbay said: “Our recent data has demonstrated the appetite that still exists among landlords to invest in property we’re not doing our job if we’re not making sure we support every corner of the market with relevant products and competitive rates “It’s great to be able to bring reductions to our non-portfolio range which remains hugely popular as it answers a clear need and demand in the market.” He added: “For the health and prosperity of the private rented sector we absolutely need to be supporting landlords of all shapes and sizes and equipping advisers with the broad product range that enables them to deliver the value that they offer It presents a great opportunity to check out our enhanced affordability calculator – especially with a whole host of improvements and upgrades made.” We take reasonable care to correct errors or omissions on our site as soon as we can after we are made aware of them we do not guarantee that all information is accurate and free of errors and omissions at all times and we do not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss you may suffer as a result of information on this site not being accurate at all times We do not recommend or accept any responsibility for any third party provider’s products advice or opinions provided to you either directly or via their websites We will not be responsible to you if any product or advice you obtain form a third party is not suitable for you or does not meet your requirements Any links to a third party provider’s website on this site are for your convenience only If you contact a third party provider advertised or mentioned on this website any use by you of the third party provider’s website products or information will be subject to the third party provider’s own terms and conditions If you would like to know more about our privacy policy please follow this link https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/privacy-policy/ The benefits of diagnostics are clear to Jerry Greiner, VP of business operations, procurement & fleet management at Transervice “The data will give you an overall picture of the truck’s health and can help detect issues early before they become major problems,” he said.  “Diagnostics can also help focus your efforts on making the correct repair,” he added “And having the data in maintenance software will benefit future technicians working on the truck by showing the history of repairs that were made.”  Chevin Fleet Solutions a FleetWave fleet management software provider noted that while advances in telematics mean fleets can gather more information combining the data with a fleet and maintenance management system is a good way to use diagnostic information better fault codes can be raised as defects and resolved before any serious issue or downtime occurs,” the company pointed out “Integration lies at the heart of any good enterprise-level fleet information system and there are a huge range of benefits to be gained from integrating telematics.”  “When it comes to diagnostic tools, it’s important to select one that offers consistency across your entire organization,” Jason Hedman, product manager at Noregon “If your intake and triage technicians scan the vehicle and generate a report then your repair technicians should have the same software and be able to view the same reports and information once connected to the vehicle.”    “Vehicle data is critical during the diagnostic process due to how many electronic components and sensors are on today’s trucks,” Hedman continued “If you rely solely on dash lamps and visual inspections for diagnosis then you’ll see a lot of return visits with issues that should have been caught the first time.”  Noregon expects tighter integration between diagnostic tools and shop management software to streamline tasks like work orders and invoicing “We also anticipate continued growth in remote diagnostic usage via telematics services which brings important real-time health and safety information into fleet management software,” Hedman added.  Brian Mulshine, senior director of product management at Trimble it is crucial to view fault codes so you can better understand the questions to ask the driver is the driver experiencing any symptoms related to the indicated fault code?” he explained further.  Mulshine also noted that fleets are seeing more codes that could result from required software updates from a component manufacturer rather than an actual component failure or malfunction needing servicing “There are more than five computers on a truck today broadcasting over 2,000 fault codes but it’s important to note that many of these are simply informational,” he said.  help a knowledgeable maintenance manager determine proper and effective actions,” Mulshine continued “Some examples of this could be an active code that causes an engine derate condition or the number of times a fault code has come up could point to the severity of the issue Some codes like low oil pressure or coolant temperature would inform the driver to stop immediately to prevent catastrophic engine failures.”   Manufacturers’ integrated diagnostic and management solutions include the SRM Case Estimator for Uptime Pro from Daimler Truck North America The solution connects the Decisiv Service Relationship Management and Uptime Pro dealer service management platforms.  The Decisiv-DTNA integration streamlines estimate creation and approval processes by incorporating diagnostics and photos from DTNA’s Express WriteUp mobile app into an SRM Case service event The SRM Case Estimator for Uptime Pro is also integrated with Dealer Management System software and interfaces with DTNA’s Online Warranty Link system and its VIP truck specs database.  Available at hundreds of dealers is the Decisiv SRM Connector for the Cummins Guidanz servicing technology suite The integration of Cummins Guidanz in the Decisiv platform incorporates critical asset repair and diagnostic information into a service event in the SRM Case management application It provides technicians with real-time access to proven Cummins expertise at the point of service.  The recently introduced integration between Diesel Explorer Pro diagnostic software from Diesel Laptops and the Decisiv SRM platform facilitates diagnostic scanning and automated service case creation.  “By integrating Diesel Explorer Pro with Decisiv’s SRM platform, we’re helping repair facilities and fleets eliminate time-consuming data entry, accelerate repair decisions, and get trucks back on the road faster,” Tyler Robertson, CEO of Diesel Laptops “This partnership is all about reducing downtime and improving efficiency for everyone involved in the service process.”  The Decisiv integration with Diesel Explorer Pro automates case creation and updates from diagnostic data Diesel Laptops offers the solution as part of a diagnostic software subscription Diesel Explorer reads all diagnostic trouble codes and faults from standard vehicle modules A paid option allows for bidirectional commands such as diesel particulate filter regenerations or aftertreatment resets and the ability to detect emissions tampering with Detroit “Diagnostic data captured through Diesel Explorer Pro is automatically transferred into Decisiv’s SRM platform which eliminates the need for manual data entry reducing errors and increasing accuracy,” Kyle Cooper managing director of SaaS at Diesel Laptops “The system instantly gathers information which helps service advisers identify issues before the inspection even begins.”  technicians can use the detailed fault data to streamline inspections and ensure accurate documentation throughout the entire service and repair process,” Cooper added.  Fault code data from Diesel Laptops is also fed into the Pitstop management platform The integration enables maintenance teams to anticipate and understand vehicle issues the AI-driven algorithms can produce an average time savings of 10 hours per week in diagnostic time.  See also: Industry knowledge hub grows TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions at Bendix sees key safety value in diagnostic code data “DTCs and messages from ADAS systems are getting more attention from fleets and telematics carriers to help verify that the safety systems are operational,” he said “This can help fleets determine when systems go offline and a possible cause.”  “ADAS systems are starting to put out more prognostic-type information that makes it more straightforward for fleets to better optimize wear part replacement cycles,” Thomas added.  Bendix’s newest generation of diagnostic software covers all Bendix electronic systems and ECUs for ABS Supported by Cojali and modeled on its Jaltest diagnostic software Bendix ACom AE assists technicians when diagnosing and troubleshooting tractor and trailer electronic products and provides features like DTC reporting and bidirectional communication that enables configuration Bendix ACom AE detects and gathers active and inactive diagnostic troubleshooting codes from Bendix and R.H such as the engine and transmission.   For the Bendix AD-HFi air dryer with electronic pressure control the company’s Electronic Air Control software provides diagnostics that help fleets get the most out of air dryers and cartridges air dryer status messages are provided via the J1939 network with the capability to monitor excessive air demand which could indicate leaks in the system.  “The software is programmed to know what a nominal duty cycle is for that compressor and how much air it should be producing so it can send a diagnostic code if something isn’t operating correctly,” Thomas explained.   which broadcasts rotor and pad life remaining percentages using pad wear sensing technology The system reduces maintenance costs by continuously monitoring pad and rotor life at all wheel ends and alerting fleets via telematics when service is required “Early detection of worn components helps prevent costly damage and enables fleets to proactively arrange optimal maintenance schedules,” he said.  for all makes and models of vehicles and their many systems and components all-inclusive diagnostic tools have advantages for fleets and service providers.  TEC Equipment Oregon-based service provider with more than 35 locations “As our customers started to diversify their fleets we needed more information and a tool that could do everything,” he said.  “Implementing Noregon JPRO to scan all components on a vehicle ensures we have visibility into all problems,” Klein continued “It also allows us to work on a variety of vehicles without having to utilize various tools this has allowed each of our shops to save money and reduce dwell time.”  One of the features of JPRO that TEC technicians use is Fault Guidance “It’s a quick tool,” Klein said “Once you’re hooked up to a vehicle then click which fault code you want to troubleshoot and all the necessary information is there That provides accurate and easy-to-follow troubleshooting steps and wiring diagrams which has resulted in faster and more efficient service.”  has more than four decades of experience in fleet management and transportation and logistics publications SatNews Satellite operator SES reported its numbers on April 30th but it has now emerged that the company’s O3b mPOWER Mid-Earth orbiting fleet is expected to grow capacity by 30 per cent this year alone The additions to the fleet will bring critical capacity for customers in government CEO Adel Al-Saleh told investors on April 30th SES’s overall Networks traffic (up 8.4 per cent y-o-y) is now 60 per cent of its total revenues SES reported a 13.1 per cent increase in its government business and an 8.5 per cent increase in aeronautical and maritime revenue in the three months ending March 31st The extra bandwidth comes from the seventh and eighth satellites in the O3b mPOWER constellation that launched in December last year and which will enter service in the next few days These two additional satellites have redesigned payload power modules compared to the first six satellites four of which experienced issues with their power modules (and are subject to insurance claims) Al-Saleh added that the current fleet is sold out and constrained by the lack of capacity in particular from existing and would-be clients in the Government we’re able to reconfigure the constellation to increase capacity we will be increasing capacity by almost 30 per cent to the constellation this year We’ll start seeing this year an increase in capacity for all segments,” Al-Saleh said He told analysts that SES expected that this incremental 30 per cent capacity will be sold very quickly “because we are sold out in the other capacity We expect it to be taken up quite quickly” Al-Saleh said SES was seeing a substantial increase in military space spending on both sides of the Atlantic with multiple European nations announcing defense budget increases rating agency Fitch has revised its outlook for SES to “negative” from “stable” while affirming the company’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and its senior unsecured rating at ’BBB’ The revised outlook reflects Fitch’s concerns over potential investments for the IRIS2 project and the acquisition of Intelsat which may not allow key financial metrics to recover within the expected time frame Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention National Highways is committed to the ambition that no one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads. We create a range of fantastic resources through our fleet engagement platform Driving for Better Business to help fulfil this ambition free to use and often award-winning – and are designed to empower fleets to prevent collisions Road safety is a shared responsibility – and we cannot make our 4,500 miles of motorway and A roads safe without the corresponding work of fleets throughout the country We recognise that and so National Highways’ contribution is two-fold – we engineer manage and maintain some of the safest roads in the world and we have also created high quality tools and resources to make driver safety management as easy as possible for UK organisations high quality resources available on the DfBB site We also have suites of presentations and conference excerpts so you can learn from the best without leaving your desk However 2025 will be a year of industry for us as we have been working on a whole new suite of products to equip your managers and drivers with resources too often missing from organisation’s road safety framework Here are a few of the resources you can look forward to: Not signed up to Driving for Better Business regardless of the frequency or the vehicle It is your guide to staying safe on the road and your organisation’s guide for ensuring that every driver vehicle and route taken is not only compliant but safe Check out Driving for Better Business and choose a place to start Subscribe now to get full access to our exclusive News Get started with a ch-aviation subscription unrestricted access to all of ch-aviation's news and data for 14 days Upgrade to our Data and News Subscriptions Aviation Intelligence for your everyday use We offer a comprehensive aviation industry database utilised by various entities such as operators Falkirk Council is to become the first local authority in Scotland to operate a fleet of electric tipper trucks and the first in the UK to operate electric Luton vans eight electric Ford Transit Tippers and four electric Ford Luton vans will replace the existing diesel vehicles on the council’s fleet They will be used to support key services provided by its building maintenance and street cleansing teams said: “This switch to electric vehicles demonstrates our strong commitment to reducing emissions and creating healthier communities “We’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable local government operations “Our council was the first authority to order these innovative vehicles from Ford’s production line which now sets a benchmark for others to follow.” Falkirk Council now has more than 129 EVs on its fleet – around 18% of the total road-going vehicles operated by the council – and these include cars tasked with servicing around 17,000 council properties will utilise the new electric vehicles for essential services including emergency and non-emergency repairs The street cleansing teams will use the tippers for the cleaning of streets fly-tipping clearance and servicing public litter bins The switch to electric tippers will offer cost savings notably in reduced fuel expenses and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel vehicles Employing case studies and expert advice Fleet News examines ways in which you can take pre-emptive action to reduce the chances of an incident occurring deploy technology to minimise incident severity and have a clear process to manage the aftermath of an incident Andrew Ryan is the features editor at Fleet News He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has specialised in the fleet industry for the past 12 Register to receive our range of digital content, including newsletters and special reports. Fleet News, Media House, Lynch Wood Peterborough, PE2 6EA This is a secure area and requires you to be logged in to the Members’ Zone. We’ve been supporters of the CV Show for many years and it’s a really good way to network, to meet new suppliers, to meet new customers, and also showcase new products and innovations that we’re bringing to market. We are really proud to announce a new product we are launching – the FleetWave Store. It’s a great way of getting industry best practice and off the shelf content available to help manage your fleet, to drive efficiencies and get return on investment very quickly. There’s another product that we’ll be announcing which is going to really help manage all an operator’s data in a really intelligent way. The FleetWave Store is a hub for FleetWave users to find pre-built content, such as reports, KPIs and SmartForms for mobile app users, that can be easily installed without the need to create from new. This user-friendly platform is designed to simplify the way fleet management content is shared, accessed, and updated. It aims to enhance efficiency and collaboration for FleetWave users while addressing key challenges across multiple sectors. The pre-built content allows users to easily follow industry best practice, gain inspiration for improving their fleet operations, and quickly realise value and return on investment from FleetWave The FleetWave Store introduces a fresh, user-friendly interface with quick and intuitive navigation. Users can easily search for content organised by core modules – such as vehicles, maintenance, and fuel – and further segmented by content type: dashboard KPIs, reports, and SmartForms. Key features include content previews – each item includes screenshots and detailed descriptions, allowing users to assess its utility before installation. There are also one-click bundles where users can install entire themed bundles, such as an ambulance bundle, containing sector-specific KPIs, fuel reports, and SmartForms. Also, older content can be updated with new data points and features introduced in recent FleetWave releases. Legacy versions remain usable, while the latest updates are a click away in the store’s ‘Updates’ tab. The FleetWave Store represents a major milestone in Chevin Fleet Solutions’ commitment to innovation and customer success. By providing a centralised, efficient, and user-friendly content-sharing platform, the FleetWave Store empowers clients to stay ahead of compliance requirements and operational demands while reducing duplication and inefficiency. New content features and benefits will be added regularly, helping customers maximise the power of FleetWave. Coming soon, pre-built integrations with third parties and content created by the FleetWave customer community will become available. global head of product, Chevin Fleet Solutions SMMT is the voice of the UK motor industry, supporting and promoting its members’ interests, at home and abroad, to government, stakeholders and the media. A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail has been refuelled in the air by a US Air Force tanker – the first time the type has been topped up by a foreign aircraft. The USAF KC-46A Pegasus from 418th Flight Test Squadron carried out the air-to-air refuelling in the airspace near Edwards Air Force Base in California. A Royal Air Force officer took part in the test as the RAF also operates a fleet of E-7s – designated AEW Mk1 in RAF service. Aerial refuelling enhances the combat capability of the Wedgetail – the most technologically advanced AEW&C aircraft available. It's expected to provide the RAF with eyes in the sky for at least the next 20 years, seeing far beyond ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors. "The RAAF is the original operator of the E-7A aircraft," said Squadron Leader Owen Hamilton of the Royal Australian Air Force. "We have already tested and overcome many early challenges typical of a new platform. This unique knowledge allows us to guide our allies in the UK and US to field their own E-7A Wedgetail capability faster." Bringing three nations together for testing presented challenges, including understanding the required processes for secure data sharing between the KC-46 and E-7A, two aircraft that had never before interfaced. But lessons have been learned and the KC-46 now has a data baseline for certifying unique foreign aircraft. Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe to: Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. The StormShroud air systems will fly alongside RAF crews on frontline missions I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A cutting-edge new British-made drone will come into operation on Friday The StormShroud air systems, fitted with a high-tech signal jammer to disrupt enemy radar at long range, will fly alongside RAF crews on frontline missions Number 10 said the development took advantage of “learnings from countering (Vladimir) Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine” as Sir Keir Starmer vowed that the Government would “stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protect UK and European security” has also announced a substantial £400 million investment in the UK in a move the Government said would support hundreds of new jobs The RAF is putting in an initial £19 million into StormShroud which make use of BriteStorm – an electronic warfare technology made by Leonardo UK The Prime Minister visited a Leonardo UK site in the South East on Friday to talk up the announcement as he seeks to focus on “business as usual” following the Runcorn and Helsby by-election and local polls in England Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party also made inroads against both Labour and the Conservatives across England in local elections, winning the parliamentary contest by just six votes and gaining its first mayor in Greater Lincolnshire. Elsewhere, Labour held on to mayoralties in both Doncaster and North Tyneside, with Reform coming a close second in both contests. The Prime Minister thanked staff at the defence contractor during the visit on Friday, saying their work was “really inspiring”. “Investment in our defence is an investment in this country’s future,” he said. “Putting money behind our armed forces and defence industry is safeguarding our economic and national security by putting money back in the pockets of hard-working British people and protecting them for generations to come. “Together with our allies, this Government is taking the bold action needed to stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protect UK and European security, which is vital for us to deliver our Plan for Change and improve lives of working people up and down the country.” Asked by reporters during the visit about Labour’s by-election defeat, he conceded the result was “disappointing” but insisted the Government was determined to go “further and faster” in delivering change. Defence Secretary John Healey said the drones “apply the lessons from Ukraine” to give military personnel the capability to “stay ahead of our adversaries”. “This is a landmark development for UK defence,” he said. “We’re delivering on our commitment to ensure the UK is a leader in defence innovation.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) while launching UAS StormShroud into operational service govt and politics"},{"score":0.849689,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations"},{"score":0.744856,"label":"/law govt and politics/politics"},{"score":0.710284,"label":"/society/work/unemployment"},{"score":0.605511,"label":"/law