UK’s £200m push to build up zero emission HGVs

The government is to plough over £200 million into an extensive zero emission road freight demonstrator programme in a bid to create the world’s largest fleet of zero emission HGVs. The three-year comparative programme will begin later this year to help decarbonise the UK’s freight industry, with initial competitions for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology launching shortly. Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Our road freight industry is one of the most efficient in the world and contributes over £13 billion to the UK economy each year.

UK’s £200m push to build up zero emission HGVs

May 13, 2022

The government is to plough over £200 million into an extensive zero emission road freight demonstrator programme in a bid to create the world’s largest fleet of zero emission HGVs. The three-year comparative programme will begin later this year to help decarbonise the UK’s freight industry, with initial competitions for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology launching shortly. Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Our road freight industry is one of the most efficient in the world and contributes over £13 billion to the UK economy each year.

Oxbotica partners with NEVS to build fleet of shared, self-driving, all-electric vehicles

Oxford University technology spin-out Oxbotica and shared mobility innovator NEVS have signed a long-term strategic partnership to develop a fleet of self-driving, all-electric vehicles to be deployed on public roads by the end of 2023. Oxbotica will integrate its Oxbotica Driver autonomy system with the NEVS “Sango” vehicle.

Oxbotica partners with NEVS to build fleet of shared, self-driving, all-electric vehicles

May 13, 2022

Oxford University technology spin-out Oxbotica and shared mobility innovator NEVS have signed a long-term strategic partnership to develop a fleet of self-driving, all-electric vehicles to be deployed on public roads by the end of 2023. Oxbotica will integrate its Oxbotica Driver autonomy system with the NEVS “Sango” vehicle.

 
Asset Finance Connect Conference & Summer Awards - Book Now!

Panel Discussion: The future of the asset finance broker in an increasingly digital world

Brokers in their current form may continue for now (not least because many of them lack the time to change their business practices). As borrower expectations around the customer journey changes, the pace of regulation accelerates and the competitive landscape develops the status quo might become more challenging. This stream of the Asset Finance Connect event is an opportunity for brokers and lenders to start to collaborate to find the way forward!

Panel Discussion: The future of the asset finance broker in an increasingly digital world

May 17, 2022

Brokers in their current form may continue for now (not least because many of them lack the time to change their business practices). As borrower expectations around the customer journey changes, the pace of regulation accelerates and the competitive landscape develops the status quo might become more challenging. This stream of the Asset Finance Connect event is an opportunity for brokers and lenders to start to collaborate to find the way forward!

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Alfa launches second paper in agile implementation series

Asset and automotive finance industry technology specialist Alfa Systems, the software platform that supports some of the largest and most complex portfolios in the industry, has published the second paper in its new thought leadership series, Innovation in Implementation. The paper focuses on data migration, often thought of as the most challenging aspect of a systems implementation project. In the series, various individuals from Alfa draw on their talent and experience to discuss how asset finance organisations can work in an agile fashion to deliver “quick and often” on their software implementations.

Alfa launches second paper in agile implementation series

Mar 04, 2022

Asset and automotive finance industry technology specialist Alfa Systems, the software platform that supports some of the largest and most complex portfolios in the industry, has published the second paper in its new thought leadership series, Innovation in Implementation. The paper focuses on data migration, often thought of as the most challenging aspect of a systems implementation project. In the series, various individuals from Alfa draw on their talent and experience to discuss how asset finance organisations can work in an agile fashion to deliver “quick and often” on their software implementations.

 

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Solifi Global Leasing Report 2022 reveals industry resilience in the face of pandemic challenges

A new report launched today provides a detailed insight into the impact of the global pandemic on the international asset finance industry and predicts a return to health for the market this year. The Solifi Global Leasing Report uncovers the real-world impact of the crisis as it unfolded, resulting in significant business reductions around the globe, but also some unexpected highlights.

Solifi Global Leasing Report 2022 reveals industry resilience in the face of pandemic challenges

Mar 02, 2022

A new report launched today provides a detailed insight into the impact of the global pandemic on the international asset finance industry and predicts a return to health for the market this year. The Solifi Global Leasing Report uncovers the real-world impact of the crisis as it unfolded, resulting in significant business reductions around the globe, but also some unexpected highlights.

 

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Laura Mollett joins Time Finance as head of broker

Alternative finance provider Time Finance has appointed Laura Mollett to the position of head of broker sales in their Asset Finance team, where she is tasked with helping drive its asset finance proposition to the SME broker market. She will manage the lender’s national team of broker managers to deliver a market-leading service to both brokers and their SME clients.

Laura Mollett joins Time Finance as head of broker

May 13, 2022

Alternative finance provider Time Finance has appointed Laura Mollett to the position of head of broker sales in their Asset Finance team, where she is tasked with helping drive its asset finance proposition to the SME broker market. She will manage the lender’s national team of broker managers to deliver a market-leading service to both brokers and their SME clients.

More Storm Clouds Approaching or Just Blue Skies Ahead?

We’re now quite familiar with the challenges around global supply chains and the knock on effect on used equipment markets. On the face of it, all great news for remarketing teams and asset managers, with strong renewals performance and record equipment prices being experienced by many. Beyond the obvious effects on energy and commodity markets, the horrific war in Ukraine is also impacting supply chains in specific markets segments. Both effects further adding to existing inflationary pressures. Ironically on the face of it, all this economic and geopolitical turbulence can at least in the near term be seen as generally being very supportive for residual value recovery.

More Storm Clouds Approaching or Just Blue Skies Ahead?

May 11, 2022

We’re now quite familiar with the challenges around global supply chains and the knock on effect on used equipment markets. On the face of it, all great news for remarketing teams and asset managers, with strong renewals performance and record equipment prices being experienced by many. Beyond the obvious effects on energy and commodity markets, the horrific war in Ukraine is also impacting supply chains in specific markets segments. Both effects further adding to existing inflationary pressures. Ironically on the face of it, all this economic and geopolitical turbulence can at least in the near term be seen as generally being very supportive for residual value recovery.

Leasing Foundation 3.0 embraces generation Z and appoints new chair

Nathan Mollett has replaced Mike Randall as the chair of the UKs Leasing Foundation. His appointment was announced at a very convivial and extremely well attended drinks party in Mayfair on Thursday evening. The appointment according to Leasing Foundation founder, Andrew Denton, marks the arrival of Leasing Foundation 3.0 a new organisation which will build on the simpler aims and steely determination-to-deliver that characterised Mike’s tenure as leader of 2.0, but has added on top a new and inclusive team of Gen Z managers who are ready to drive forward the foundation’s three focus areas: innovation; young talent; and diversity and inclusion.

Leasing Foundation 3.0 embraces generation Z and appoints new chair

May 09, 2022

Nathan Mollett has replaced Mike Randall as the chair of the UKs Leasing Foundation. His appointment was announced at a very convivial and extremely well attended drinks party in Mayfair on Thursday evening. The appointment according to Leasing Foundation founder, Andrew Denton, marks the arrival of Leasing Foundation 3.0 a new organisation which will build on the simpler aims and steely determination-to-deliver that characterised Mike’s tenure as leader of 2.0, but has added on top a new and inclusive team of Gen Z managers who are ready to drive forward the foundation’s three focus areas: innovation; young talent; and diversity and inclusion.

 

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Synectics Solutions’ national police unit partnership bolsters anti-fraud measures

Data analysis specialist Synectics Solutions is partnering with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to make intelligence reports on suspicious activity more widely available in a bid to help the motor finance and insurance industries better guard against fraud. Alerts from NaVCIS investigations will now be integrated into Synectics National SIRA solution, which the company says is the UK’s largest syndicated database of cross-sector customer risk intelligence.

Synectics Solutions’ national police unit partnership bolsters anti-fraud measures

May 05, 2022

Data analysis specialist Synectics Solutions is partnering with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to make intelligence reports on suspicious activity more widely available in a bid to help the motor finance and insurance industries better guard against fraud. Alerts from NaVCIS investigations will now be integrated into Synectics National SIRA solution, which the company says is the UK’s largest syndicated database of cross-sector customer risk intelligence.

Mercedes, BMW sell car sharing business to Stellantis

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have sold their joint venture car sharing company ShareNow to Stellantis, which has signalled its intention to position itself as a leading global mobility player via its Free2Move brand. The acquisition, for an unclosed sum, adds 14 major European cities and 10,000 vehicles to Free2move’s existing car sharing fleet of 2,500 vehicles. Following the acquisition, Free2move will add more than 3.4 million customers to its 2 million users.

Mercedes, BMW sell car sharing business to Stellantis

May 04, 2022

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have sold their joint venture car sharing company ShareNow to Stellantis, which has signalled its intention to position itself as a leading global mobility player via its Free2Move brand. The acquisition, for an unclosed sum, adds 14 major European cities and 10,000 vehicles to Free2move’s existing car sharing fleet of 2,500 vehicles. Following the acquisition, Free2move will add more than 3.4 million customers to its 2 million users.

Acquis to launch industry-wide register of asset finance borrowing

Acquis Data Services is to launch a register of asset finance borrowing designed to provide a clear insight into a customer’s lending exposure, alerting lenders to possible fraudulent activity. Called Acquis Lumia, it will be available to lenders in the leasing industry for a modest subscription fee, with no charge during 2022 and until the platform has sufficient reach to deliver real value.

Acquis to launch industry-wide register of asset finance borrowing

May 03, 2022

Acquis Data Services is to launch a register of asset finance borrowing designed to provide a clear insight into a customer’s lending exposure, alerting lenders to possible fraudulent activity. Called Acquis Lumia, it will be available to lenders in the leasing industry for a modest subscription fee, with no charge during 2022 and until the platform has sufficient reach to deliver real value.

 

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Volvo Cars Tech Fund invests in online marketplace Carwow

Volvo Cars has taken a strategic minority stake in online auto marketplace Carwow through the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, its venture capital arm. The manufacturer said its aim was to gain insights in areas such as online sales, customer acquisition and content creation, which will help its shift towards online and direct customer relationships. Its online sales strategy is based on changing consumer behaviours and industry trends, in combination with its ambition to be a leading pure electric car brand by 2030.

Volvo Cars Tech Fund invests in online marketplace Carwow

Apr 29, 2022

Volvo Cars has taken a strategic minority stake in online auto marketplace Carwow through the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, its venture capital arm. The manufacturer said its aim was to gain insights in areas such as online sales, customer acquisition and content creation, which will help its shift towards online and direct customer relationships. Its online sales strategy is based on changing consumer behaviours and industry trends, in combination with its ambition to be a leading pure electric car brand by 2030.

DLL records strong performance in 2021

DLL, global provider of asset-based financial solutions, has reported strong results for the 2021 business year, recording net profits of €586m, a 226% increase on the prior year. The company saw both portfolio and income growth over the period, while risk costs improved significantly due to more favourable economic conditions in key markets. Excluding currency movements, DLL’s portfolio balance grew by 3% to hit €37.4bn.

DLL records strong performance in 2021

Apr 29, 2022

DLL, global provider of asset-based financial solutions, has reported strong results for the 2021 business year, recording net profits of €586m, a 226% increase on the prior year. The company saw both portfolio and income growth over the period, while risk costs improved significantly due to more favourable economic conditions in key markets. Excluding currency movements, DLL’s portfolio balance grew by 3% to hit €37.4bn.

Alfa reports Q1 rise in revenues and chargeable days

Alfa Financial Software has reported strong revenue growth in the first quarter of the year, hitting £22.5m, up more than 10% on the same period last year. The company, a leading developer of mission-critical software for the asset finance industry, worked more chargeable days in March than at any time in its history, and said it expects these high levels of chargeability to continue.

Alfa reports Q1 rise in revenues and chargeable days

Apr 28, 2022

Alfa Financial Software has reported strong revenue growth in the first quarter of the year, hitting £22.5m, up more than 10% on the same period last year. The company, a leading developer of mission-critical software for the asset finance industry, worked more chargeable days in March than at any time in its history, and said it expects these high levels of chargeability to continue.

“World first” air mobility as a service trial in Coventry

UK start-up Urban-Air Port is showcasing the future potential of air taxis and autonomous delivery drones in a month-long trial at a specially constructed hub in Coventry. The ground infrastructure developer is working in partnership with Supernal, the company which has evolved from Hyundai Motor Group’s urban air mobility division. Hyundai is developing a family of electric air vehicles and convening public and private stakeholders in a bid to gain a share of the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, with plans to launch its first commercial flight in 2028.

“World first” air mobility as a service trial in Coventry

Apr 26, 2022

UK start-up Urban-Air Port is showcasing the future potential of air taxis and autonomous delivery drones in a month-long trial at a specially constructed hub in Coventry. The ground infrastructure developer is working in partnership with Supernal, the company which has evolved from Hyundai Motor Group’s urban air mobility division. Hyundai is developing a family of electric air vehicles and convening public and private stakeholders in a bid to gain a share of the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, with plans to launch its first commercial flight in 2028.

Hampshire Trust Bank makes experienced vehicle finance hire

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has appointed Scott Riley as sales manager, specialist cars and vehicle stock finance in the bank’s Asset Finance division. Riley brings over 20 years’ experience in the car finance sector to the bank, having previously worked as a senior account manager for JBR Capital and Close Brothers Motor and prior to that was general sales manager dealing with Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes and BMW.

Hampshire Trust Bank makes experienced vehicle finance hire

Apr 26, 2022

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has appointed Scott Riley as sales manager, specialist cars and vehicle stock finance in the bank’s Asset Finance division. Riley brings over 20 years’ experience in the car finance sector to the bank, having previously worked as a senior account manager for JBR Capital and Close Brothers Motor and prior to that was general sales manager dealing with Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes and BMW.

 

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Electric cars claim record market share at Fleet Alliance

Glasgow-based leasing and fleet management specialist Fleet Alliance is reporting electric vehicle...

Electric cars claim record market share at Fleet Alliance

Apr 12, 2022

Funding Xchange appoints John Allbrook as chairman

Funding Xchange (FXE), a leading online platform for business funding, has announced the appointme...

Funding Xchange appoints John Allbrook as chairman

Apr 26, 2022

Vans driving leasing sector recovery

The BVRLA leasing fleet grew 5.1% in 2021 to pass pre-pandemic levels with vans continuing to driv...

Vans driving leasing sector recovery

Apr 21, 2022

Highway Code updated for autonomous vehicles

The government has confirmed planned changes to the Highway Code ahead of the introduction of self...

Highway Code updated for autonomous vehicles

Apr 21, 2022