Rock-up to Rockingham

As well as test drive opportunities in the latest eco-vehicles, this year’s GreenFleet Arrive ‘N’ Drive will host ACFO’s annual Conference and AGM for the first time.

GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive gives fleet managers the chance to get up-close and personal with the latest low and zero emission vehicles. Taking place on 16 May at Rockingham, visitors can zip around the race track to find out how green vehicles perform and help them make an informed decision about their next vehicle purchase.
   
This year’s event will be the first time GreenFleet readers will be able to drive fully electric vans, the Citroen Berlingo Electrique and Peugeot Partner electric.

 
The much anticipated Volvo V60 – claimed to be the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, will also be available to test drive. With a fuel economy of up to 155mpg, emissions as low as 48g/km, and a range of 560 miles, the V60 is sure to be a sell-out on the test track.

The life and times of a vehicle
For the first time, ACFO, will be holding its annual Conference and AGM at this year’s GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive event.
   
‘A day in the life of a fleet vehicle’ is the theme of the conference which highlights best practice during the four stages of a fleet vehicle’s life.
   
Starting with a vehicle’s ‘birth’ on to the fleet – tendering, procuring and financing – the conference will then go on to cover the ‘teenage years’, which involves the supplier relationship management and adapting to new initiatives. ‘Middle age’ will relate to vehicle maintenance, fuel management and managing relationships, and lastly, the ‘twilight years’ will be discussed – managing the defleet process and end of life charges.
   
ACFO director and deputy chairman Damian James, said: “As always the annual ACFO Conference and AGM will be a key networking event in the fleet calendar as well as providing an opportunity for delegates to further improve their understanding of current fleet issues and trends.
   
“Additionally, the tie-up with GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive helps to further raise the profile of ACFO within the wider fleet community and gives delegates the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the very latest low and zero emission vehicles.”
   
Conference sponsors Peugeot will also address the audience on its alternative fuels strategy.

Ask the experts
For the first time, Arrive ‘N’ Drive will be hosting a Sustainable Fleet Advice Centre (SFAC) – brought to you in conjunction with Alphabet. A group of Sustainability Champions have been rounded up to share advice on a range of topical issues concerning the fleet industry. One team of experts will be from EDF Energy, whose recent studies and trials with businesses, vehicle manufacturers and government organisations across the UK have provided them with unique insight into EV recharging. Also in the advice centre, the BVRLA will discuss leasing options, the ICFM will share advice on training and accreditation, and the CILT will be on hand to talk about HGVs. What’s more, LowCVP will give updates on low carbon vehicle policy, and Milbrook Laboratories will discuss vehicle testing.
   
In addition, GreenFleet has hand‑picked a group of fleet managers who have successfully reduced their fleet emissions to share their experiences and give advice to fellow fleet managers.
   
If you’re looking to replace vehicles, considering alternative fuels, or want to introduce a driver training programme, GreenFleet’s Sustainable Fleet Advice Centre is definitely a worthwhile visit.

For more detailed advice about electric vehicles, delegates can pop over to EDF Energy’s Power Park. There will be a static display of electric vehicles, as well as the EDF Energy team who can advise on charging options and infrastructure. If visitors want to test drive an electric vehicle, they can take it round GreenFleet’s Electric Avenue, which is designed to simulate urban roads.

Beat the sprig
This year, visitors will be able to put their fuel efficient driving to the test to see if they can beat ‘the Sprig’, GreenFleet’s planet‑conscious race star who will set an ‘ideal’ mpg for a set route on the open roads. Driving a Citroën DS3, participants will do a practice lap with an eco-driving trainer and then return for a feedback session and tips on how to adopt a greener driving style. They will then return to the roads to see if they can improve their fuel efficiency by implementing these tips.
   
Fuel challengers will be using a Citroën DS3, kitted out with TomTom technology which will record valuable data such as mpg, CO2, harsh braking, acceleration, rev counts, gear changes, and so on. Throughout the day, the names will go up on the Beat the Sprig board and at the end of the day, the participant with the best mpg of the day will go home with a prize from TomTom Business Solutions.
   
Exhibitors
All the main names in motor manufacturing will be displaying their latest green models and allowing visitors to test how they perform out on the track. What’s more, the Welcome Centre will house an exhibition of companies dedicated to making the business of running fleets greener, such as rolling resistance tyres, eco-driving courses, and telematics systems. Fleet managers can also enjoy a free breakfast, buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day in the Welcome Centre.

Further information
To register for GreenFleet‘s Arrive ‘N’ Drive, visit www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net