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With the figures saying a 1970s regression is on the cards, Insider's tempted to unpack the flares and do what other fleets are doing, namely move to a single-marque policy
I read with interest the figures from the latest GE Company Car trends survey pointing to an increase in single-badge fleets. Apparently more of us out there are dusting off the black-shirt uniform of old and dictating car choice as costs become the number one priority. ?The figures quoted back in December in this magazine also mentioned that the percentage of fleets offering a complete car choice had dropped from 20% to 12% in a year, while single-badge fleets rose by 4%. Immediately I pictured (as did the writer of the article) car-parks teeming with identical Vauxhall Vivas and Ford Escorts, with seniority dictating trim levels.
In an era when we're damned luck to have a job, never mind a car, it'd be easy to make the case to a cowed workforce. A decision that would have caused a mutiny a year ago would now raise little more than a murmur, making it very tempting.
The advantages of a single-badge policy are obvious. Massively increased clout to push for discounts from the manufacturer, the welcome ability to choose a company with a strong local dealer presence, an increase in work output as drivers no longer need to endlessly compare cars on-line. the list goes on.
Makes me almost wistful for the old days: "Yes you can have the estate Jones, but remember it'll be the Zetec and not the Titanium." I'll get them confused with Cortinas, too, like schoolkids calling teacher Mum.
I can also see downsides. Such is the sophistication of the car market these days in comparison to the late 70s and early 80s, the drivers will not be happy with cars from a single company. Who now produces a line-up to satisfy the (business) needs of everyone from junior executives to company directors? Of course, the choice from multi-marque companies is wider - VW springs to mind, as does Ford to a much lesser extent with Volvo - but then if you're changing for cost and simplicity reasons that route ends up being self-defeating.
There's also the threat of defection out of company cars. We offer a cash alternative, but such is the hassle of ensuring that private cars are up to scratch in terms of insurance, maintenance and all the rest, that I'd rather not encourage it. All you need is for a couple of guys to turn up in something a notch above the default company car, which they'd claim saved them a tonne in the process (even if it really didn't), and there'd be a stampede.
No, I'd say we'll probably carry on as we are, offering a decent choice within the usual parameters. Maybe I'll tighten the screw a little bit, but such is the pleasure half these guys get from their car, it'd be crazy to deny them this freedom (even if it is essentially an illusion). There's enough glumness about this winter without me adding to it.
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