Zenith has taken the decision to remove all cars that are not yet WLTP approved from its quoting platform.
The UK’s largest independent fleet provider says the move is essential to maintain the highest possible customer service and transparency of what is available in the market today.
Commenting on the announcement Ian Hughes, managing director of Zenith said: “Zenith has grown through providing industry-leading levels of customer service. We believe that this approach is the most transparent way to ensure that our drivers order with confidence and receive the car they’re anticipating. It’s really important that we do the right thing by our customers.
“It is clear that the industry is in a transitional phase as it moves to the new emissions standard and we have seen a significant rise in the number of orders being cancelled by the supply chain as models undergo the necessary testing. We expect this step to be a short-term measure as manufacturers address the issue, as soon as their new model data is released we will add it immediately to our systems.”
Zenith has seen an increase in the number of driver orders being cancelled by manufacturers due to models being removed from production in recent weeks. It has quickly moved to help customers choose an alternative vehicle.
Zenith says that while the move will undoubtedly reduce the number of cars available to quote on in the short-term, it is important only to display what is available to order at this time. As manufacturers continue to release their compliant cars, the data will be updated in the quoting platform.
The new WLTP regulations will apply to all new vehicles from 1 September 2018. The EU legislation aims to provide customers with a more detailed view of how a vehicle performs concerning mpg and CO2. The previous NEDC test cycle does not offer an accurate representation of driving styles which affect the emissions produced by a vehicle.
Hughes said: “We’ve identified that there is an issue and quickly taken action to minimise any further impact on our customers and drivers. We will be updating drivers on WLTP by placing a notification on their quoting platforms, and will encourage them to talk to their account manager if their choice of car isn’t available to order.”
Where a driver is unable to complete the order process before their contract end date Zenith is offering an informal extension while they wait for a suitable WLTP approved model to become available.
The Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) defines a global harmonised standard for determining the levels of pollutants and CO2 emissions, fuel or energy consumption, and electric range from light-duty vehicles (passenger cars and light commercial vans).
