Fleet Forum 2006 on Sustainability

13 December 2006

Alphabet’s International Fleet Intelligence Forum discusses sustainable fleet strategies and the role driver habits play in saving costs and making an environmental difference.

MUNICH 13 December 2006 – For the fifth consecutive year, Alphabet organised a Fleet Intelligence Forum for a select audience of international fleet decision-makers in the South of France. The main theme, Sustainable Fleet Management, was a very appropriate subject, as all the participants were not only interested, but also active in this area.

“Sustainable development and success go hand in hand,” said Karl-Heinz Kral, Head of Alphabet. The topics covered during this two-day event proved this to be the case. Manufacturers invest heavily in reducing fuel consumption and in new technologies. Now, the fleet industry also has to assume its own responsibilities: facing up to driver and risk management, optimising fuel consumption, managing mileage and, last but not least, selecting the right vehicles for the right job. During the ‘Brain Walk’ session, participants where asked to brainstorm on their main drivers, barriers and enablers of sustainable development within their fleet, and their expectations where their leasing company is concerned. The most striking conclusions that emerged from the expectations toward leasing companies were that proactivity, communication to drivers, best practice sharing, thinking out of the box, and accepting some risks within the overall context of TCO are key points to developing a sustainable fleet.

Eco Tips - What drivers can do to save costs and help the environment:

Maintaining the car

Keep tyres properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption - Remove roof loads if possible (to reduce air resistance) - Select motor oil with friction-reducing additives to improve engine efficiency by 1-2% - Complete maintenance on the car regularly - Use winter tyres only in winter - Remove unnecessary heavy items

Starting the car

Start the engine without touching the accelerator - Do not idle the engine prior to take off - Drive immediately after starting the motor.

Driving the car

Press the accelerator down fully whilst accelerating - Switch to next gear after reaching 2,500 RPM - Drive uphill in the highest possible gear - Switch off the engine at traffic lights that stay red longer than seven seconds - Keep your distance and drive smoothly, looking ahead to anticipate traffic flow


Alphabet contact: Catherine Lindner on +49 89 382 52 141