Drive Fleet Forum: Headspace - Feature - LeasePlan NZ
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LEASEPLAN MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017/18 Drive Feature Fleet Forum: Headspace p.4 Client focus Green and clean p.9 Insight Flipping the fleet p.12
Summer 2017/18
Events
14-18 Go back in time to
the age of jazz at the
01-04 Immerse yourself in Asian culture
and enjoy the sights and sounds
FEB Tremains Art Deco Festival MAR of Auckland’s popular Lantern
in Napier. Events include Festival, at the Domain.
a classic car parade, aucklandnz.com/lantern-festival
Great Gatsby party,
concerts, tours, family fun
and fashion shows.
artdeconapier.com 03 Show the Kaikoura community
some love and enjoy some
MAR fine beverages while you’re at
Credit: Tremains Art Deco Festival it at the Kegkoura Craft Beer
Festival. As well as beer, music
24 Get all dressed up and go
and see the ponies and riders and food, you get unlimited use
FEB clash at the Heineken Urban of Emporium Brewing’s 18-hole
Polo. You’ll get a chance to mini-golf course.
stomp the divots and party emporiumbrewing.co.nz
with a DJ in the evening.
Matches will also be held
in Hamilton, Wellington
and Christchurch. 24 MAR- He’s a ginger-haired genius
who has written and performed
urbanpolo.co.nz
01 APR some of the biggest songs
on the planet. For the stadium
show of the summer, get along
to Ed Sheeran at Auckland’s
25 See the Black Caps take on
the inventors of cricket, England, Mt Smart Stadium (or later in
FEB at Hamilton’s Seddon Park in the week at Dunedin’s Forsyth
the first one-day international Barr Stadium).
of the tour. ticketmaster.co.nz
www.nzc.nz
29 MAR- See the skies come alive with
colourful balloons at the
23 FEB- Head to the capital for your
fill of the New Zealand 02 APR Wairarapa Balloon Festival,
18 MAR Festival, with dance, theatre, including a mass Morning
music and visual arts events, Ascension and a Night
including the New Zealand Glow in Masterton.
Symphony Orchestra www.nzballoons.co.nz
performing the score of
Star Wars: A New Hope
for a live screening of the
original film. 30 MAR- Also up in the air is the 30th
anniversary of the Warbirds Over
Credit: Chris Lee
festival.co.nz
01 APR Wanaka air show. With more
than 80 aircraft flying, static and
sport aircraft displays, there will
be classic Spitfires, Corsairs and
Kittyhawks taking to the skies.
warbirdsoverwanaka.com
DRIVE is published by Creature ART DIRECTION AND ILLUSTRATION Creature The information contained in this
on behalf of LeasePlan EDITOR Sarah Ell publication is not necessarily the
New Zealand Limited. opinion of LeasePlan or Creature.
PRINTING McCollams Print
Features
04
Some
welcome
Headspace 12 Flipping
the fleet
Fleet Forum
wrap-up Citizen
science
in action
Spiro
Haralambopoulos 09 Client
focus
OCS commits
MANAGING DIRECTOR
to sustainability
LEASEPLAN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
14
It was my pleasure to attend Fleet
Forum 2017 in Auckland in November,
and to meet and talk to so many
clients and suppliers. The theme
of the event was ‘Headspace’, and Classic Kiwi
I know that it was certainly a mind- road-trip tunes
expanding and thought-provoking
Playlist suggestions
day for me.
for summer
For those unable to attend, you can read more
about the range of speakers and talking points
on pages 4–8.
There is no doubt these are exciting times for
mobility, and for all those involved in the industry,
from vehicle manufacturers to suppliers and
leasing companies. We want LeasePlan to be
at the forefront of the changes that lie ahead,
always seeking out ‘what’s next’ and leveraging
the power of one LeasePlan worldwide to deliver
the best possible solutions to our clients. If you
haven’t seen it yet, check out the video we made
with Richard Hammond (see page 3), which we
think encapsulates that spirit of excitement
Regulars
about the future.
From all the team at LeasePlan, I hope you are 2 NEWS – What’s happening
having a safe and enjoyable summer. on the road
17 CAR CORNER –
The heat is on
20 LEASEPLAN'S TAM TEAM –
Safe summer roadies
21 BOOKS – Relaxing reads
2 Drive
News
Tunnel improves traffic flows
You’re not imagining it: the long- The additional route means that
awaited Waterview Tunnel has officially demand is now spread more evenly
had a positive effect on Auckland across more of the motorway system,
traffic, with quicker journey times and which means it is better able to
less congestion being recorded by the absorb incidents such as breakdowns
New Zealand Transport Agency. or crashes during busy periods,
Gliddon says.
More than 6.5 million vehicles have
passed through the tunnel, which ‘The Waterview Connection was not
opened in July 2017, with more than designed to remove congestion, but
400,000 trips each week. is a huge step towards completing
Auckland’s strategic transport system,
The NZTA’s System Design Manager
so that Auckland is a city where people
Brett Gliddon says road users are
have options about how they get
continuing to benefit from faster
around, and certainty about how long
and more consistent and reliable
it will take.’
travel times.
Construction is scheduled to start this
‘People now have a choice between
year on improvements to the Northern
State Highway 1 and the Western Ring
Corridor, upgrading the connection
Route, and that’s helping to rebalance
between SH18 and State Highway 1.
the city’s travel demands and is making
The Northern Busway will also be
both the motorway system and local
extended to Albany.
roads more efficient,’ he says.
EV sticker identifies ‘green’ vehicles
The New Zealand Transport Agency has T2 transit lanes, as part of a year-long
produced a special sticker for electric trial. In some other centres EVs also
vehicles (EVs), so they can be identified qualify for other benefits, such as
as eligible for special privileges, such as special parking spaces.
using priority traffic lanes. The sticker
In other EV news, LeasePlan and Uber
will also signal to emergency services
have announced a new sustainability
and rescue vehicles such as tow trucks
initiative, running an EV pilot programme
that the vehicle is electrically powered,
in Amsterdam. The first 30 Nissan
so they can respond accordingly.
Leafs, provided by LeasePlan, are now
Copies of the hexagonal blue sticker operating via UberX, with drivers using
were sent out to EV owners by the NZTA the Uber app able to lease the car under
in September 2017. Owners have been LeasePlan terms.
asked to affix them on the rear of their
Erik Henstra, Managing Director of
cars, to the right of the number plate,
LeasePlan Netherlands, says the pilot
or on the rear bumper or rear window.
is closely aligned with LeasePlan’s
Additional stickers can be requested by
broader goals of achieving net zero
emailing evprogramme@nzta.govt.nz.
emissions from the automotive sector
EVs are currently allowed to use 11 by 2030, and supporting the shift to
priority lanes on Auckland motorways, ‘cars as a service’.
including some bus lanes and
3
Hammond showcases
‘what’s next’
LeasePlan has joined forces with former which leverages the latest digital
Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond intelligence technologies to bring
to provide a fun, entertaining look into LeasePlan fully into the digital world.
the future of mobility, via a three-minute
‘Our growing digital capabilities will
YouTube clip. The global marketing
also enable us to create a whole new
campaign highlights LeasePlan’s
commitment to offering ‘what’s next’ in
mobility to its customers via an ‘any car,
direct-to-consumer approach for
the 300,000 high-quality cars that Double-
anytime, anywhere’ service.
are returned to us every year,’ says
Gunning. The three-minute ‘mission’ crossing?
LeasePlan CEO Tex Gunning says the film featuring Hammond is backed by
company has been delivering cars-as- Gary Numan’s 1979 electronic hit ‘Cars’,
a-service for the past 50 years, so it is and shows the presenter navigating
exceptionally well positioned to deliver a future world of cars on demand,
such a service. ride-sharing and even drones.
LeasePlan also announced its ‘Digital
Power of One LeasePlan’ strategy, Check out the video here:
https://youtu.be/th03XP-xEt8
A small town in northwest Iceland
has come up with a novel way to
slow traffic — a painted pedestrian
crossing which generates a three-
dimensional optical illusion. The
crossing, in Ísafjörður, appears
to float above the road and be a
physical barrier which cars need
to slow down for.
Options on table for Manawatū Gorge Ralf Trylla, the local environmental
A shortlist of four possible options has • upgrading the existing Saddle Road officer, was inspired by an
been revealed to replace the Manawatū corridor to bring the route up to experiment in New Delhi which
Gorge road, closed since April and state highway standard. created a 3D ‘speed breaker’. In
now deemed too dangerously unstable Iceland, the yellow stripes of the
• a new road corridor across the Indian crossing have been replaced
to reopen.
Ruahine Range south of Saddle Road. with white bars which appear to
The New Zealand Transport Agency has float in mid-air.
• a new route south of the Manawatū
worked with the community and other
Gorge, providing a new road The crossing has been controversial,
stakeholders to develop alternatives,
corridor, which offers the most with some critics fearing it will cause
whittled down from 13 options to four.
direct connection for travel to or more accidents than it prevents,
The preferred option will be revealed in
from the southwest. but it has certainly been successful
early 2018, after a consultation period.
Each option would take at least five in raising the town’s profile. Many
The four options being considered are: visitors have snapped images of the
years to construct, with cost estimates
• a new road corridor across the varying from $300–550 million. crossing to post online, the majority
Ruahine Range north of Saddle Currently, traffic is being diverted being variations on The Beatles’
Road and the Te Āpiti wind farm. onto Saddle Road, between Ashhurst famous Abbey Road album cover.
and Woodville.
4 Drive Some welcome Headspace by Sarah Ell Headspace is what Fleet Forum 2017 gave its participants — time to think about the rapid changes in mobility and how they are going to affect how we do business in the future.
5
Around 130 attendees heard Director Spiro Haralambopoulos, used-vehicle reseller in the world.
informative presentations from visiting from Melbourne. He welcomed The reorganisation will enable the
a range of industry experts, guests and outlined recent changes company to take advantage of its
as well as being entertained by in the company and ‘what’s next’ for collective power.
MC Jeremy Corbett, enjoying the leasing firm, in this era of rapidly
The 25 LeasePlans in different countries
networking opportunities and changing mobility technology.
in Europe have been amalgamated into
plenty of delicious food.
one operating unit, as have North and
Changes to LeasePlan
The event was held at the Heritage South America and the Australian and
Auckland in its spectacular art deco Over the past year LeasePlan has New Zealand companies. The next stage
Grand Tearoom, affording grandstand undergone a major transformation is to roll out a group-wide SAP.
views of Auckland’s harbour and internationally, with a change of
He also discussed the company’s new
downtown. But there was no time ownership and a strategic operating
strategic direction, ‘what’s next?’, which
to be looking out the window at the review, bringing together the 32
aims to position LeasePlan as the experts
beautiful spring day — too much different companies worldwide into
in mobility. The company is embracing
was going on in the room. ‘one LeasePlan’. Haralambopoulos
the concept of ‘any car, anytime,
said globally, the group buys €7 billion
The event was opened by LeasePlan anywhere’ rather than traditional
worth of vehicles each year and sells
Australia and New Zealand Managing leasing and ownership models.
300,000, making it the largest
6 Drive
‘New mobility concepts are emerging established an EV Centre of Excellence nearly half a million cars ordered sight
at a rate of knots, but many of them in the Netherlands, and plans to unseen around the world. Middleton’s
are not making any money. We don’t transition its own employee fleet to presentation told the company’s
know where this is going to go in the electric by 2021. story and outlined its wider vision for
future so we want to partner with as environmental sustainability, beyond car
‘We need to be leading the way so we
many disruptors as possible, whether manufacturing, including the construction
can gather the knowledge and data to
that’s in the area of connected vehicles, of its massive lithium-ion battery
help our customers,’ he said. ‘We need to
autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing ‘Gigafactory’ in the Nevada desert.
do the experimentation and exploration,
or whatever,’ Haralambopoulos said,
to be known as the company who Fleet Forum attendees were then invited
adding that LeasePlan is already
knows what’s next, and we’re putting to view a Tesla Model S, with its ‘falcon-
partnering with Uber in Europe.
a lot of effort and resource into that. wing doors’ (named after Han Solo’s
Increasing regulation by governments, If I can be totally frank, we don’t have Millennium Falcon in Star Wars), which
including countries which have set all the answers but we’re going to put proved a popular attraction.
zero-emissions targets as early as 2025, our hand up and say we’re going to find
Economy and safety
means the development of electric the answers and bring them to you.’
vehicles (EVs) will accelerate. The price Giving an entertaining and informative
The accelerating future of transport
of batteries is also reducing, while economic update was commentator
was also the topic of the presentation
range is improving, making them an Bernard Hickey, who had a positive
by Henrik Moller Dima Ivanov, founders
increasingly viable option. message for those feeling unnerved
of citizen-science EV lobby group
by the change of government.
Haralambopoulos said LeasePlan’s role Flip the Fleet (see pages 12-13), and
is not just to educate consumers about James Middleton, Regional Enterprise ‘Things are still pretty good, and
EVs, but also to work with central and Sales Manager for Tesla. The release New Zealanders are still feeling pretty
local governments to ensure adequate of the American EV manufacturer’s positive about their spending and
infrastructure. LeasePlan has Model 3 has been called ‘the biggest investing,’ Hickey said.
consumer product launch ever’, with
7
“We need to be leading the way
so we can gather the knowledge
and data to help our customers”
Business confidence might have fallen Hickey also talked about the likely Vehicle selection and serviceability,
since the 2017 election, but Hickey economic effects of an increase in both driver licensing and training, driver
showed the audience a graph of EVs and autonomous vehicles, which behaviours, lone workers and whether
how headline business confidence can be used to provide ‘transport as or not drivers are fit to work due to
(New Zealand business owners’ view a service’ rather then the traditional stress, tiredness or physical fitness are
of the wider economy) usually drops ownership or leasing model. all issues which need to be considered
under a Labour government, while as part of a risk-minimisation plan.
While we’re not all going to be flying
they remain positive about their
around in cars like The Jetsons, when Smail said at its heart, health and
own prospects.
it comes to innovation, ‘things happen safety is not about paperwork, it’s
He warned, however, of the curse of years very slowly, then they happen very, about people. ‘If you’re not talking to
ending in eight, with New Zealand going very fast, and it will come from unusual your people, you’re missing a step.
into recession every 10 years since 1968: in places,’ he said. Have the conversations with them and
1978, 1988, 1998 and most recently in 2008, find out what their concerns are, because
Attendees also heard a presentation on
the year of the global financial crisis. you might have missed something.’
the health and safety in the workplace
He also looked at the housing market, journey from Bridget Smail, a Senior She also said it was important to focus
and discussed Kiwis’ ‘dirty little secret’: Manager from KPMG Advisory. Smail on positive aspects — ‘so much health
that we like high house prices, because delivered a refresher on the key and safety focuses on the bad thing
they make us feel rich. ‘Most people concepts included in the Health and and the things that haven’t been done’
in New Zealand don’t make money Safety at Work Act 2016, and talked — and pointed out that ‘a policy is not
by working, they make it by owning about how these can be related to a control’.
property,’ he said. fleet management.
8 Drive
Fleet Forum 2017
Challenging the
Mindset of Mobility
Fleet reforms ‘Radical reform’ was needed, and while TOP TAKEOUTS FROM
Mays received push-back from some FLEET FORUM 2017
Two LeasePlan clients also presented
drivers, entrenched in their habits, the
on the major changes they have • The future is already here.
process has been successfully completed.
made to their fleets. First, Janet Mays Disruption is already occurring
of Northpower spoke about how the Also undergoing a major transition is in many industries, and yours
company’s mismatched and ageing Waste Management’s fleet of light and might be next.
fleet has been consolidated into an heavy vehicles. National Customer
• We need to think outside the
efficient, safe fleet of around 840 First Manager Marsha Cadman told
box when it comes to mobility:
vehicles. Mays undertook the massive attendees about the company’s plan to
not just what we drive, but how
reorganisation project, and discussed transition its light vehicle fleet to EVs over
we use vehicles in our businesses
the difficulties of working with staff the coming years, and major innovations
and personal lives.
to institute a new vehicle policy and in conversion of its rubbish trucks to
update and upgrade vehicles across electric power. This is part of its overall • Economists might not be
the organisation, in just three years. vision to create the ultimate circular forecasting a recession, but
economy, where waste is collected and beware of years that end in 8.
‘In 2014 we came from a place where
used to generate electric power to drive
a lack of strategic focus and years of • The electric vehicle revolution
the fleet of collection vehicles.
under-investment in fleet had limited won’t just affect the cars we drive,
business effectiveness,’ Mays said. The company’s first electric-converted but other related industries such
‘We had completely lost sight of safety waste trucks are already on the road as fuel, insurance, panelbeating
and effective workflows and our in Auckland and Christchurch. It is and more.
branding reach was poor. Our fleet was also looking at establishing a local
• Improvements in battery
disparate — we had fifteen different conversion plant, partnering with
technology and reductions in
marques and a hundred models in the Dutch company Emoss, to save trucks
cost are on the way, and will
fleet. We had trucks so old they weren’t having to be shipped to Europe.
boost the uptake of EVs.
required to have seatbelts in them —
All in all, Fleet Forum was another great
and they didn’t.’ • Fleet health and safety is about
day for clients, suppliers and others
people, not policy. And it’s not just
Then, the average ANCAP rating of the in the industry to get together, share
about your staff, but other people
fleet’s vehicles was one star; now it is ideas and consider their own mobility
they encounter on the roads.
four, and should have reached five by journeys. LeasePlan is glad to have
the end of 2017, Mays said. The fleet also given them some Headspace. • Transformative change, whether
averaged one motor vehicle accident it be rationalising a fleet or
every day. converting to sustainable fuels,
isn’t an easy road — but it can
be done.9
Client focus
Clean and green
Sustainability is more than a buzzword for facilities management
services company OCS — it’s the key to future success.
With increasing concern about the environment 25 branches from Whangārei to Invercargill,
and the long-term impacts of human activities and a similar number and diversity of clients. (From left) LeasePlan Client
and industries, many companies are now OCS’s business is facilities management Development Manager
turning their attention to sustainability — services. It provides services including cleaning, Ursula Mountfort and
with varying degrees of commitment. For OCS waste management, washroom services, LeasePlan Commercial
New Zealand, however, it’s an integral part of grounds maintenance and labour management Manager Portia Lawrence
a long-term business plan which affects every to a client base that spans sectors as diverse as with OCS New Zealand
aspect of its large and complex operation. aviation, health and aged care, retail, education, Managing Director
business and industry, and government. Gareth Marriott.
OCS New Zealand is one of the largest
private employers in the country, with more
than 4000 staff based at a network of10 Drive
For OCS, leasing its fleet makes
sense — after all, it is in the
business of outsourcing client
solutions itself.
But because its work is mostly behind the A client of LeasePlan since 2009, OCS has sector by 2030, and to converting its own
scenes doesn’t mean the environment is recently re-signed a long-term agreement employee fleet worldwide to EVs by 2021..
being swept under the carpet. Managing with the leasing company.
OCS uses LeasePlan’s open-calculation
Director Gareth Marriott has a personal
‘The relationship is based on LeasePlan’s Partner Plan model, a clear and transparent
passion for environmental responsibility,
ability to understand our business and leasing solution that also provides financial
and was one of the drivers behind the
drive a lower-cost operating model, benefits for the company.
company’s first Sustainability Report.
and most of all to work with us on our
Marriott says OCS has a strategic ‘We see this way of doing business as
sustainability journey,’ Marriott says.
objective to be the most environmentally the most efficient and effective for our
sustainable business in its sector by 2020. For OCS, leasing its fleet makes sense — bottom line. In working with them on
after all, it is in the business of outsourcing repairs and maintenance, and most of
‘My personal belief is that being a
client solutions itself. all on what the future will bring, through
sustainable business will position us
driver behaviour processes and systems,
for many years to come, and for the ‘We see fleet management as a key to
we think we get a great deal.’
many generations to come that will our business. We always want to focus on
be part of this family-owned business,’ the things we do well, and find strategic OCS currently has a fleet of 320 vehicles
Marriott says. ‘Our focus is to be partners that can focus on non-core on the road throughout the country,
sustainable across all aspects, one aspects of the business,’ Marriott says. a mixture of passenger vehicles, cars and
of them being fleet management.’ ‘We also rely on LeasePlan to bring us light trucks. All vehicles are signwritten,
the most up-to-date, innovative and in accordance with clear, international
Vehicle fleets are a major factor in
efficient solutions.’ brand guidelines.
business sustainability, and in 2017,
the OCS leadership team made a As part of its long-term goals, OCS Marriott says one of the biggest challenges
commitment to have 30 per cent of its has made partnering with customers with such a large fleet is ‘making sure
vehicle fleet either hybrid or fully electric and suppliers who have also made a that everyone goes home safe every day.’
by 2020. It has already added a number commitment to sustainability a priority, As part of its fleet management policy,
of hybrid Toyota Prii and Mitsubishi such as Air New Zealand, which in 2017 the company has conducted a full review
Outlander PHEVs to its fleet, along completed the transition of its light vehicle of driver procedures, documentation and
with a fully electric Renault Kangoo. fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). LeasePlan vehicle selection processes. It has also
internationally is committed to achieving introduced health monitoring, to support
net zero emissions from the automotive those employees who spend a lot of time“I see one of our roles as taking
a wider leadership role in
sustainability in this country...”
on the road and therefore increase their bring us the best product at a lower cost,’ driver licence monitoring programmes
risk, and conducted additional driver Marriott says. ‘We understand that we to keep its drivers safe.
training on safety, maintenance and will pay a premium for electric or hybrid
‘To me, that is also sustainability,’
driving behaviours to reduce both risk vehicles, but I believe our customers
Marriott says. ‘It is one of the key focuses
and fuel usage. and partners want to be associated
of the leadership team, now and in the
with companies that make a stand for
‘Knowing more about driver behaviour future, right across the whole business.’
New Zealand and focus on sustainability.
is key, so we can both encourage good
We see this as part of our unique selling But OCS is not resting on its laurels;
behaviour and deal with bad behaviour.
proposition, and as very important to our the Sustainability Report also contained
We see both the good and the bad being
brand and image in the market.’ a raft of measures for the coming five
aligned,’ Marriott says.
years to further improve its performance,
OCS has also joined the New Zealand
Strategic vehicle selection has enabled from continuing to reduce emissions
Sustainable Business Council, and Marriott
OCS to reduce its carbon output even to increasing employee engagement,
sits on its advisory board. It is also one of
while its fleet is growing. Thanks to improving chemicals and cleaning
a group of major companies, along with
environmental performance data supplied equipment used and recognising its
Air New Zealand and LeasePlan, which has
by LeasePlan, the company has found its front-line employees through initiatives
made a public commitment to transition at
overall amount of emissions has remained such as ‘Thank Your Cleaner Day’.
least 30 per cent of its fleet to electric in the
stable since 2013, with the quantity of
next two years. Taking a public stand and working with
emissions per vehicle declining.
its customers and suppliers to develop
‘I see one of our roles as taking a wider
As many Kiwi companies have found, strategies to make sure every part of its
leadership role in sustainability in this
one of the challenges of going electric is business is as sustainable as possible will
country,’ Marriott says.
the shortage of available EVs, especially continue to drive the company forward.
in the area of light commercial vehicles. Health and safety in all aspects of the
‘With the Sustainability Report, we have
There is also the price aspect, with EVs still company’s operations was a key strand of
told people where we are and where
commanding a premium over traditional the Sustainability Report, as part of OCS’s
we want to be. We want to be held to
fleet vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla. objective to create a safe, engaging and
account on our sustainability programme,
But, for OCS, it’s worth it in the long term. balanced workplace. The company has
which we think is the first of its kind in our
seen a major decline in on-the-job injuries,
‘We are leveraging LeasePlan’s size, industry in New Zealand.’
and has implemented GPS tracking and
capabilities and network to continue to12 Drive
Fleet Forum
Flipping
the fleet
by Sarah Ell
Governments might make regulations and lobbyists be
bending your ear, but it’s ‘citizen science’ which is the latest
push behind the electric vehicle revolution in New Zealand.
Attendees at Fleet Forum 2017 heard ‘Flip the Fleet is about collecting ‘Highly paid experts nearly always
an informative and thought-provoking information from innovators and early underestimate the pace at which change
presentation from sustainability adopters [of EVs] and to spread the word, will occur.’
scientist Henrik Moller, who along with so other people in the majority can think
The adoption of EV technology will
designer and statistician Dima Ivanov when they are going to get into this
disrupt more than just the types of
has set up Flip the Fleet, a community- opportunity,’ Moller told attendees.
vehicles on our road. There will also be
based project designed to encourage
He said while EV adoption is still a ‘domino effect’ on other industries
EV uptake. Moller and Ivanov, who
statistically small in New Zealand, such as fuel, rental cars, leasing,
‘met through Facebook’, are both
the situation is accelerating fast. In insurance and car maintenance.
EV owners and enthusiasts for this
the past, new inventions could take
form of transport which seems set to EVs have just a handful of moving
decades to become widely accepted,
revolutionise the world. parts, and experience much less wear
but the pace of technology change
and tear. Flip the Fleet is currently
The two EV fans have set up a website today means EVs could become
collecting data on actual maintenance
to gather information from 440 EV mainstream extremely quickly.
required by New Zealand EV owners,
owners around New Zealand, to collect
Moller said a number of technologies to gauge how much can be saved in
data on EV use, cost savings, efficiency,
have come together in modern EVs, this area, compared to a conventional
battery health and environmental
and it is this combination of advances (internal combustion engine) car.
benefits, in the hope of encouraging
in batteries, construction materials,
greater uptake. The group aims to Flip the Fleet members are also
computers, 3D printing and systems
share data on real performance in being asked to scan their battery
such as LiDAR (light detection and
New Zealand conditions, ‘so that banks, to estimate the rate at
ranging) which is creating the true
business investment in infrastructure, which battery power declines in
car of the future.
public policy and our own choices New Zealand conditions. Research
maximise the benefits and pleasure ‘All of these technologies are undergoing shows reductions of between 2.4
of EV ownership’. rapid improvements, and they are and 3.5 per cent, meaning it would
all coming together in EVs,’ he said. take 12 to 18 years before a battery13
Henrik Moller (left) and fellow EV
enthusiast Dima Ivanov have established
Flip the Fleet to gather real-world data
on EV use in New Zealand, to encourage
greater uptake of these vehicles.
would require refurbishment to return EVs but not all people think this is the ‘Transport has already been disrupted.
it to maximum range. primary benefit.’ However, almost The turning point is behind us, and
1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide change is accelerating, faster than
Currently the majority of Flip the Fleet
emissions are currently being saved each you might think. There are huge
participants drive older-generation
month by New Zealand’s existing EV fleet. opportunities if you adapt, and the
Nissan Leafs, no longer available new
sooner the better.
in New Zealand. Moller said Flip the Ivanov and Moller also argued that
Fleet’s EV users have chosen to go it makes good business sense to go ‘It’s not a green revolution – it’s actually
electric for several different reasons: electric. As well as saving money long- a fundamental technology business
to save money, save the environment, term, companies which convert early model disruption that’s also very good
and improve the overall health of can expect to enjoy a market edge for the planet.’
themselves and their fellow citizens. through being seen as good corporate
citizens. While a restricted range of
‘EV owners tend to be petrol-station
models is available here currently, www.flipthefleet.org
haters,’ he said. ‘Reducing emissions is a
they said many companies’ fleet
big motivating factor for people buying
needs can be met by EVs.14 Drive Classic Kiwi road-trip tunes Summer is the time for road trips, and road trips require road music. Mix up a new playlist on your iPod or Spotify and enjoy some great Kiwi tunes as you hit the road this summer.
15
Be Mine Tonight Can’t Get Enough White Lines — Six60 (2015)
— Th’ Dudes (1979) — Supergroove (1994)
This infectious anthem seems to be
No road-trip playlist would be Supergroove were a band ahead of just written for road tripping, and the
complete without at least one song their time, fusing jazz, funk, hip-hop fan-made video captures its essence
from the genius Dave Dobbyn. This and good old Kiwi pop. This crazy of fun and adventure. This band has so
track from the era of carless days has party anthem might be hard to sing many great tunes, but this one has to
been sung in the car, at the pub and along to in places, but that won’t be the greatest.
at parties ever since, and is still as stop you trying. And even the most
good as gold. tone-deaf can shout out the ‘can’t Higher — The Naked and
get enough!’ bit. Famous (2016)
I’ll Say Goodbye
— Dance Exponents (1983) How Bizarre — OMC (1996) Used as one of the TV theme tunes
for the 2016 Olympics, this uplifting
Another classic Kiwi anthem, good for The story behind the song is pretty anthem will soon have you singing
playing as you drive away from your bizarre too, about the rise and fall of along. A good choice for driving
mate’s place/summer party/festival. a South Auckland boy who struggled over the Crown Range, Arthur’s Pass,
Jordan Luck and his band have also with fame and died too young, but its or anywhere else where you are
produced such location-specific Kiwi summer vibe lives on. Even if you don’t climbing ‘higher’.
classics as Caroline Skies (an ode to have a 1968 Chevy Impala to do your
Timaru) and Christchurch (In Cashel summer cruising in, this song will help Don’t You Worry ’Bout It
Street I Wait) if you’re in those parts you pretend. — Kings (2016)
of the country.
The Otherside Right from the vowel sounds of the
For Today — Netherworld — Breaks Co-op (2005) vocal intro, this song has summer
Dancing Toys (1985) written all over it. This ode to a carefree
If you want to kick back and really Kiwi childhood with its kick-back-
As far as one-hit wonders go, they don’t cruise, put this tune on. The video and-relax message was recorded at
get much bigger than this. Every Kiwi showed the band on an epic roadie Awataha Marae on Auckland’s North
knows this song, although nobody can through classic Kiwi countryside in a Shore but can be played anywhere.
sing the Annie Crummer part properly Holden Kingswood, and the laidback
and who remembers the name of the vibe and uplifting message of the song Green Light — Lorde (2017)
guy in the check shirt who sang the are perfect for summer reflection.
rest of it? * Hopefully green lights are all you’re
In Colour going to get on your roadie — or, even
She Speeds — Shapeshifter (2013) better, no traffic lights at all. Just don’t
— Straitjacket Fits (1987) be tempted to dance on the car like
This Kiwi drum’n’bass outfit has an Lorde does in the video.
She speeds — but remember, you international following, and has played
shouldn’t. This classic Dunedin-sound massive festivals such as Glastonbury.
anthem builds from its creepy verse Turn this one up loud, put aside
to an epic-singalong chorus. everyday life and ‘let all the colours
ignite tonight’. * Malcolm Black, now a music industry lawyer.Focus your energy
on the things
that matter.
The fuel card that helps
you run things your way.
LeasePlan recommends Mobil as the fuel provider of choice.
For more details call us on 0800 LEASEPLAN (532 737).
MOB224317
Car Corner
The heat
is on
by Richard Bosselman
Summertime is fun time, right?
You might still have to work during
the week, but on weekends and
holidays you have time to really
enjoy your vehicle. Here are four
choices that make good sense
when the temperature rises.
Hyundai Kona
Hitting the saturated yet still hot city- four-wheel-drive, turbocharged 1.6 litre Being the first Hyundai to completely
centric compact crossover sector is no in seven-speed dual-clutch format, eschew an in-built sat nav for
sweat for a Hawaii-themed Hyundai. each in standard and higher-end Elite smartphone-linked mapping enforces
Better outfitted than most other trim, with an electric edition from mid- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
relevant competitors even though it’s 2018. The Elite’s $5000 premium brings and also opens the door to Hyundai
cheaper than almost all, Kona is also leather in place of cloth and adds a Auto Link, a proprietary app initially
favoured by being achingly good- head-up display, wireless charging and delivering diagnostic and driving
looking, including its chic Citroen- climate-control air-conditioning, plus behaviour data: fuel consumption,
esque headlights. bigger wheels, but every version comes where the car is parked and for how
with forward collision alert, blind-spot long, when it needs to be serviced,
The Kona selection is simple: front-drive
assist and lane keep, rear cross-traffic and where the nearest dealer is. It’ll
2.0 litre with six-speed auto, or sportier
collision and driver-attention warnings. update next year to include crash alert.
$31,990–41,990
ENGINE OPTIONS:
1999 cc four-cylinder petrol,
maximum power 110 kW @ 6200
rpm, maximum torque
180 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
1591 cc four-cylinder turbo petrol,
maximum power 130 kW @
5500rpm, maximum torque
265 Nm @ 1500–4500 rpm.18 Drive
Skoda Kodiaq
Green is the Skoda corporate colour, No more caravan-parking hysterics, $39,990 Ambition TSi 110
and is also the shade rivals will go when either; optional cool tech includes a clever $44,990 Ambition Plus TSi 110
they check out this five- to seven-seater. trailer-reversing assistance system. $49,990 Ambition Plus turbodiesel
VW Group’s ascending star is upping Skoda loves its clever surprise- $54,290 Style TSi 132
its pace with SUVs — Kodiaq first, a and-delight features. The familiar $58,290 Style turbodiesel
smaller Karoq next year, then another ice-scraping tool within the fuel flap
(as yet unnamed) after that. Starting doubles as a magnifying glass. The ENGINE OPTIONS:
big is a good move and it’s hard to interior light in the boot wall can also 1395 cc four-cylinder turbo petrol
believe this is Skoda’s first proper SUV be used as a torch — handy for those maximum power 110 kW @
— it’s just so right. nocturnal tent-to-toilet-block treks. 5000–6000 rpm, maximum torque
The tool kit includes tweezers to install 250 Nm @ 1500–3500 rpm;
Seat count isn’t the sole sell — another
and remove spare fuses (and handy for 1984 cc four-cylinder turbo petrol,
reason why you’ll see these convoying
when the young ’un walks on a prickle).
to campgrounds come Christmas time is maximum power 132 kW @
Summer hols means rain, so take note
value. A base spec more comprehensive 3900–6000 rpm, maximum torque
there are umbrellas in the front doors.
than some alternate brands offer at 320 Nm @ 1400–3940 rpm;
high-level stuns: cruise control/speed Driving to that holiday locale will also 1968 cc four-cylinder turbodiesel,
limiter, air conditioning, a reversing be fun. Dynamically, the Skoda recipe maximum power 110 kW (Ambition
camera, partial leather seating, full LED is more about keeping passengers’ Plus)/140 kW (Style) @ 3500–4000
lighting, front and rear parking sonar, stomachs in the right place, so the ride
rpm, maximum torque 340 Nm
automated emergency braking, a voice is settled, yet it has enough to keep a
(Ambition Plus)/400 Nm (Style) @
enhancer so back-seat occupants can keen driver happy.
1750–3250rpm.
hear front-seat conversations (and, kids
It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and
beware, vice versa) … phew!
adaptive air suspension and has
Audi’s full driver-assist system that
includes adaptive cruise control with
traffic-jam assist, lane assist, pre-sense
collision avoidance, side assist and
high beam assist, plus just about every
luxury feature.19
Honda Civic Type R
Every new owner should do as we did
when introduced to this car: find a race
track and get all those performance-
anxiety issues sorted. Yours, not the
car’s. It has none.
When you’re dealing with a model that
arrives with the awesome reputation of
having reset the front-drive lap record
on the famous Nordschleife Nürburgring
track, the question is not if it’s good
enough for you, but are you good
enough for it.
We’ve not had any proper Honda sports
245/30R performance tyres, Brembo mid-bend playfulness, the engine’s
cars locally for years and the Type R
four-pot brakes and a massively desire for sky-high revs … well, all in all,
feels as if it’s always rushing to make
beefed and bewinged body shell it’s hotter than the Earth’s core.
up for lost time.
complete the package.
A high-revving turbocharged thumper $59,900
Remarkably, the quietest thing about the
of a VTEC four-cylinder engine is
Type R is the exhaust note at idle: I’d really ENGINE OPTIONS:
married to a six-speed close-ratio
love some extra snap-crackle. What turns 2.0 litre DOHC, VTEC,
manual gearbox (and no plan for
heads is that it has three pipes. turbocharged four-cylinder petrol,
anything else), with rev-matching
and a super tricky (helical) limited Driving? Think zingy and flingy. The grip, maximum power 228 kW @ 6500
slip differential. Twenty-inch wheels, balance, braking, turn-in accuracy, rpm, 400 Nm @ 2500 rpm.
Mercedes E-Class Cabrio
Driving around with the lid down is living between the back-seat headrests, buttoned up, because that’s when
the well-heeled dream; and this is such each arising at the push of a button. you really appreciate the engineering
a classy-looking car. Don’t mention the There are neck warmers, too, plus excellence applied to this lid: the way
price and let everyone believe you’ve wipers that only wash on the down it closes (20 seconds at up to 50 km/h)
just achieved a millionaire lifestyle. stroke so you don’t get wet when you’re and how quiet the car becomes. Those
cleaning the screen. The seat leather clever Merc people have even included
Operationally it’s up to the marque,
has treatment, too, so you won’t feel something most soft-tops don’t get: an
too: coiffed hairstyles are safe even
the burn after a day in the sun. interior light.
when relegated to the back, buffeting
being kept in check by wind deflectors. As great as it is to swan around being Driving-wise, the persona of a swish
A small wing lifts up off the top of the seen, the greater long-term ownership cruiser with some agility fits comfortably.
windscreen and another comes up pleasure might come from when it’s Not that you’ll care either way. In this
car, you’re the star.
$133,500 E300
$159,500 E400
ENGINE OPTIONS:
1991 cc four-cylinder turbo petrol,
maximum power 180 kW @ 5500
rpm, maximum torque 370 Nm @
1400–4000 rpm;
2996 cc six-cylinder turbo petrol,
maximum power 245 kW @
5250–6000 rpm, maximum torque
480 Nm @ 1600–4000 rpm.20 Drive
LeasePlan’s
TAM Team
Safe
summer
roadies
While for many of us, the summer season means a break
from the round-town driving we need to do for work, it can
also mean hitting the road for longer journeys. Here, LeasePlan’s
Technical Asset Management Team provides some tips for
getting the best out of your time behind the wheel this summer.
• If you’re heading off on a long so you can use the GPS when you • Make up a playlist for the trip,
journey, get your car checked over get lost or call for help if you need to keep the passengers happy
by a mechanic, making sure the air it. Just make sure your phone is and the driver relaxed. (See some
conditioning and cooling systems, switched to ‘do not disturb’ once suggestions for classic Kiwi road-
drive belts, hoses and clamps and you’re on the road. trip songs on pages 14–15.)
brakes are all in good working
• Load up on wet wipes and hand • Make travelling fun for the kids.
order, as well as checking the
sanitiser. You’re bound to make a Play Horse (first person to yell out
fundamentals like fluids, oil
few toilet stops with inadequate when they see a horse gets the point)
and water.
handwashing facilities and/or or compile a list of things to look out
• If your car has recently been drop your ice cream in your lap at for along the way, to tick off.
serviced, just do a home check of some point. No one likes a sticky
• Make sure you’re well rested and
tyre pressure, fluid levels and lights steering wheel.
haven’t been drinking the night
before you hit the road.
• Keep plenty of water handy. before heading off, and take regular
• Car batteries don’t just play up in Everyone in the car, especially breaks to keep alert and relaxed.
cold weather — they don’t like being the driver, needs to stay hydrated,
• Don’t sweat it — keep the car cool
too hot either. Get your battery and if you drink plenty you’ll need
and full of fresh air by using the air
checked and don’t give it too much to stop for regular toilet breaks.
con or cracking a window when you
of a hard time running the air con Pack a chiller bag with some ice to
can. Heat can make you feel drowsy
and charging all your devices at keep your drinks cold on hot days.
and lose concentration.
the same time.
• Make sure you’ve got plenty of
• Remember, you’re on holiday. Leave
• Speaking of charging, make sure petrol. Fill up where you can, so
your road rage behind, and enjoy
you’ve got your car charger handy you don’t get caught out between
the journey — even if it takes longer
and keep your phone topped up, stations further down the line.
than you expect.21
Books
A Travel
Relaxing reads
Guide to
Captain
Cook’s
New Zealand
The sun is out, and it’s time to relax. Check out Graeme Lay
these new Kiwi releases for your reading pleasure (New Holland, $29.99)
this summer. Considering the times he lived in
and the ships he had at his disposal,
Captain James Cook really got
around! This illustrated guide by Cook
enthusiast Graeme Lay revisits the places
the captain slung his anchor on his three
voyages from 1769, circumnavigating the
country and bestowing hundreds of place
names. Wherever you’re going on your
summer roadie, chances are Cook went
there first.
Aotearoa:
The
New Zealand
Story
Gavin Bishop
(Picture Puffin, $40)
This Kiwi treasure is a delight for young
and old. Artist Gavin Bishop has created
a superbly illustrated journey through
-
the history of Aotearoa, from the Maori
creation myths through to the present
day, with many themes and diversions
along the way. A classic in the making.
My Mother’s Kitchen
(Potton and Burton, $49.99)
If you ask any cooking professional their mothers’ special recipes and
who was their greatest influence, the stories of the food they grew up
the answer is likely to be ‘Mum’. with. From hearty stews to beautiful
Here a selection of top Kiwi chefs, baking, this is comfort food at its
Lone Wolf
bakers, writers and foodies share most authentic.
Richard Gladwell
(Upstart, $44.99)
It’s only been a few months since
Drawn Out Tom Scott has had a long career as New Zealand became once again
one of New Zealand’s best-known the home of the America’s Cup, after
Tom Scott
— and, in some circles, reviled — pulling off one of the greatest sporting
(Allen & Unwin, $45)
political cartoonists. With a rapier victories of all time. Yachting journalist
wit and a self-deprecating eye for Richard Gladwell has been quick on the
the ridiculous, Scott chronicles his keyboard to produce this behind-the-
life from his poor upbringing in the scenes summary, illustrated with his
Manawatū to rubbing shoulders on-the-spot photos, some deemed too
with the political legends of the revealing to be published at the time.
1970s and ‘80s, and his successful Relive the moments with a big smile
career in film and TV. on your face.CATCH YOUR
PERFECT YEAR
WE WISH YOU A SAFE & ENJOYABLE 2018
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