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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

2038.0. "Best kept secrets.(Car Fleet moans)" by KERNEL::LEYLANDS (Sharon Leyland) Mon Mar 08 1993 15:41

    
    Can anyone eplain, in words of 2 or less syllables (sp?), why we (the
    leasee) are NOT allowed to know where our new cars are on order from let
    alone which lease company is handling the order anymore.
    
    We simply have to wait and wait in the hope that someone (we don't know
    who) might eventually contact us and let us in on the secret!!
    
    What is the point???
    
    Sharon
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2038.1Just economical with the truth...PFENIG::DRAPERMon Mar 08 1993 16:1814
    Not a problem I've ever experienced, Sharon - and I've been in Digital
    a while now (just about to order my 10th car). In at least six of these
    I've known in advance where the car would be coming from, and I've
    never been (absolutely) refused this information.
    
    Of course, nobody will seek you out and tell you this information - you
    have to go hunting for it - and you may not get it from the first
    person you come across, so don't give up at the first hurdle!!
    
    Well - failed on all counts there, didn't I - couldn't tell you why you
    weren't getting the information, and broke the two syllable rule!!
    
    Steve
    
2038.2KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleMon Mar 08 1993 16:3112
    In theory this information is irrelevent as far as the lessee is
    concerned. All we need to know is roughly when the car is due to
    arrive. The lease company concerned should phone you about a week in
    advance to arrange delivery.
    
    Obviously, if you haven't heard then car fleet should be able to trace
    the problem.
    
    Maybe they don't give this info because they don't want you chasing the 
    lease company directly.
    
    Roy
2038.3VANGA::KERRELLbut that's not my real jobMon Mar 08 1993 16:364
The lease company should be known at quote time because of the difference in
tyre mileage rules. The PHH rule is too close for comfort (16,000 miles).

Dave.
2038.4KERNEL::FISCHERII can always sleep standing upMon Mar 08 1993 16:5712
I had an anticipated delivery date of March 1st. During the week before, I rang fleet
to get the garage name so I could phone to arrange delivery. They told me that 
when the garage has the car, they will contact me. On March 1st they rang me 
and I got the car on March 3rd. I'm sure the garage want to get rid of the car
as soon as they get it in, so I don't see why we need to know where it's coming
from. Obviously if I hadn't heard anything by now, I be ringing fleet to find
out what's happeniing.

Just be patient, and when the car comes, they'll tell you.


Ian
2038.5WOTVAX::EBYGUM::WATTERSONPanother day another billMon Mar 08 1993 17:0013
            
    Don't bother today. My car was due for delivery on 1-Mar, my current
    car has gone over 60,000 and is presuambly costing the company money.
    When I eventually got through to the relevant person at car-fleet, I
    was informed that Hertz were the lease company dealing with it, but
    they're all off sick today, so I should phone car-fleet again tomorrow.
    
    I orginally submitted my quotes in late October, and the complete lack
    of any communication from car-fleet really p*sses me off - it's always
    me chasing them, I hate to think how long it would take if I did
    nothing.
    
    Paul
2038.6Patience my a**, I'm gonna kill something!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandMon Mar 08 1993 17:289
    
    All I want to know is a realistic delivery date cos I'm trying to by my
    old one aswell.  also, if the garage phone me and want to deliver it
    after the 22nd (or whatever the magic date is) am I expected to then
    negotiate another date??
    
    If so why can't I speak to them now and arrange a date?
    
    Sharon
2038.7They don't necessarily give you any warning at allIOSG::SHOVEDave Shove -- REO2-G/M6Mon Mar 08 1993 21:1411
    Well, my current car was delivered, totally unannounced, on 4-Jan-1993
    (first working day after the Christmas break). When I got in, there was
    a phone message for me from Security to say that they had the keys (it
    was apparently delivered at around 8am).
    
    As it happened, this didn't matter at all, but I can think of
    circumstances where it could have been very inconvenient, and/or cost
    DEC money (I could have been on holiday or away on business for X
    weeks, for example).
    
    D.
2038.8KERNEL::FISCHERII can always sleep standing upTue Mar 09 1993 16:3112
I thought you needed to sign for the car saying you accepted it in good 
condition.

I've noticed that there are loads of notes in here moaning about car fleet.
It's OK for getting things off your chest, but does anyone know how we
officially complain and make our voices heard? Do they have a complaints
procedure? There must be something we can do, but I don't really know what.

Any ideas?


	Ian
2038.9WELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleTue Mar 09 1993 17:534
    
    I've had 3 new DEC cars now and I've not signed for any of them!
    
    Richard
2038.10KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleTue Mar 09 1993 18:055
    I would insist that I sign for a new car. 
    
    What if it was an old model or didn't have all the options specified ?
    
    Roy
2038.11WELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleTue Mar 09 1993 18:255
    
    I didn't get any option I was on my way to go pick them up and they
    were delvered early, and signed for by the nearest person!
    
    Richard
2038.12MARVIN::ROBINSONOSI Upper Layer ArchitectTue Mar 09 1993 18:4510
In both my cars, there was something wrong with the options when delivered,
In the first case, the delivering garage phoned up before to explain they
had fitted an alarm by mistake. In the second case, the delivery 
driver convinced me the radio was the model I requested. I had forgotten
the extra model I wanted. When I complained to the lease company and
garage  who came to fix the correct model.

Answer- you can still complain after delivery. 

	Dave
2038.13heres why I want to know!WOTVAX::HATTOSI think, Therefore I'm paid lessWed Mar 10 1993 15:0715
    Getting back to the base note.......
    
    
    I used to want to know the delivering garage as well. The reason for
    this being I don't trust delivery drivers! How many have you seen
    screaming past you in brand new cars on the motorway, still with trade
    plates on?
    
    I wouldn't want my car run in in this fashion, would you?
    
    
    Unfortunately Fleet won't allow us to pick up from Garages any more, so
    that means our cars are probably sha**ed before we drive them!
    
    Stuart
2038.14Are lease cars worth the hassle?IOSG::SHOVEDave Shove -- REO2-G/M6Wed Mar 10 1993 17:5618
    The last time I had a new lease car (4th Jan this year - see .7), it
    was delivered at about 8am and signed for by one of the Security men (I
    had received no warning that it was going to be delivered).
    
    When I went out to look at it, it was filthy dirty, and there was about
    a teaspoonful of petrol left (despite the delivery note, when I found
    it stuffed behind one of the seats, clearly saying "full tank petrol").
    
    If I had been there when it was delivered, I would have told the driver
    to take it away and bring it back clean and filled up.
    
    Did I complain? No, I didn't in the end - by the time I had found
    someone in Fleet to moan at, and they (maybe) had passed my complaint
    on to PHH, who (maybe) had passed it on to the garage, who (maybe) had
    passed it on to the delivery company or their driver, it didn't seem
    worth bothering.
    
    D (who is now on his LAST lease car!).
2038.15ESBS01::RUTTERRut The MuttWed Mar 10 1993 18:0612
2038.16KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleWed Mar 10 1993 18:128
    Re .14
    
    Should Security be authorised to sign for new cars ?
    
    I had a demo car delivered early a while ago and the delivery driver
    waited until I arrived at the office to personally sign for it.
    
    Roy
2038.17Fed-upARRODS::WHITAKERThe man from HullWed Mar 10 1993 21:5014
    
    	Going back to note .8 (Do Car Fleet have a complaints procedure?)
    	does anyone have an answer for this ? I submitted a quote request
    	in mid December and I finaly received the price notification on
    	the 20th of February. It was the only piece of official 
    	communication I received from Car Fleet. No-one answered the mails 
    	I sent until they got nasty. 
    
    	I submitted another quote request a week ago...
    
    								Andy
    
    	P.S. It took 8 MONTHS to get my first car so things might be
    	getting better!
2038.18You might not care...KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandThu Mar 11 1993 15:2818
    RE: 15
    
    <<< Note 2038.15 by ESBS01::RUTTER "Rut The Mutt" >>>
    
>>    Even *if* this is the case, why should you really care ?
    
    A.  I care because I am paying for it.
    
    B.  I will have to drive it for 3 years.
    
    c.  I may well want to buy it at the end of the lease.
    
    
    Unfortunately, that sort of attitude is probably the reason why we get
    treated like we do by Car Fleet!!  (IMHO)
    
    Sharon
          
2038.19 CHEFS::ARNOLDThu Mar 11 1993 16:5416
    Resisting the temptation that some contributors to this discussion
    would like me to succumb to, getting personal, there is an escalation
    process for CarFleet problems, which is little different from any other
    problem in this company.
    
    You can involve your manager
    You can involve HRO
    You can contact the manager who is responsible for CarFleet Admin.
    
    or perm any combination of these options.
    
    I, as one of these people, am reasonably public in this conference and
    will try to resolve your problems where I am able, but will not use a
    "public" forum to resolve individual issues.
    
    Doug
2038.20OK...go for it!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandThu Mar 11 1993 18:3611
    RE: 19
    
    Doug
    
    Perhaps then you can answer the base note question, which is NOT a 
    personal issue - it affects ALL company car Leasee's.
    
    Why the big secret????
    
    
    Sharon
2038.21KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleThu Mar 11 1993 19:269
    Re .20
    
    We are very fortunate to have Doug participating in this conference
    with his insight on what is going on in car fleet.
    
    He is aware of all the replies here and I'm sure he will comment where
    he sees fit.
    
    Roy
2038.22ESBS01::RUTTERRut The MuttThu Mar 11 1993 20:277
2038.23Immaturity breeds contempt!WOTVAX::HATTOSI think, Therefore I'm paid lessFri Mar 12 1993 11:3116
    <<< Note 2038.15 by ESBS01::RUTTER "Rut The Mutt" >>>
    
>>    Even *if* this is the case, why should you really care ?
    
    I couldn't agree with Sharon more, you should care because you have to
    drive the vehicle for the next 3 years. You are legally bound by your
    contract to care for the companies assets, (dont get pedantic here you
    know what I mean). You should care if you are going to buy the vehicle.
    And lastly you should care because that is the mature and responsible
    think to do.
    
    What a quaint attitude and outlook on life you appear to have, simply
    because something isn't yours doesn't mean you shouldn't care about how
    it is treated.
    
    GROW UP
2038.24FLAME ON :ESBS01::RUTTERRut The MuttFri Mar 12 1993 14:3749
2038.25 set mod/hat=on KERNEL::SHELLEYRFri Mar 12 1993 15:4611
    I think .23 should retract his attack on J.R. 
    
    Firstly, this conference isn't the place for personal attacks.
    
    Secondly, all .15 implies (to me anyway) is that its human nature
    not to worry as much about a company car as your own car because
    you won't have to foot the bill at the end of the day. 
    
    I don't think this is an immature statement, its a fact of life.
    
    Roy 
2038.26Well putKERNEL::MCGOWANFri Mar 12 1993 16:345
    Ever considered the diplomatic service Roy ?
    
    They may have a little job for you sorting out a wee tiff in Bosnia :-)
    
    Pete
2038.27PLAYER::BROWNLAnag: Barlow UrineFri Mar 12 1993 16:474
    .23 is an unjustified attack on John Rutter. He simply isn't that sort
    of person.
    
    Laurie.
2038.28Here goes....CHEFS::ARNOLDFri Mar 12 1993 16:5535
    There is no big secret nor are you not allowed to know.
    The question is, do Fleet know the answer to your question.
    
    You order a car via Fleet Admin, who transmit the order to the Lease
    Co. that has won the business for your car.  That order has a delivery
    address and date.  The date, ideally, is timed for the optimum disposal
    of your old car to avoid early termination penalties and over
    mileage/age costs.
    
    The Lease Co orders the car from their network of dealers and the
    dealer should contact you near the delivery date to finalise
    arrangements with you.  You should have the opportunity to inspect and
    accept or reject the car.
    
    Fleet Admin do not know, or need to know the supplying dealer.  Fleet
    (Digital) has a contract with the Lease Co. and they in turn have a
    contract with the dealer.
    
    In Sharon's case the anticipated delivery date is, I understand 17
    March and the Lease Co. is PHH.
    
    Buying your old car is separate arrangement.  There should be no
    question of a Key for Key swop (old for new) and if, as in Sharon's
    case, there is already a request for a used car value with a view to
    buying that can and will happen.  It doesn't all need to happen at
    precisely the same moment.
    
    I regret that Dave (filthy + a teaspoon of petrol) Shove did not
    complain - I would have - bitterly to the Dealer, Fleet & The Lease Co.
    There is no reason for Digital to tolerate lack of performance like he
    has described from the Dealer.
    
    I hope this makes things a little clearer.
    
    Doug
2038.29Sorry I started this...KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandFri Mar 12 1993 17:039
    
    Thanks for that Doug,  I could challenge a few of the points you made
    by quoting what has been said to me by both car fleet and Hertz but
    since I have discovered where my car is coming from it really doesn't
    warrant any more bad feeling.
    
    I will just bow out gracefully.
    
    Sharon
2038.30I SHALL have the last word !?!?!?!?!?CHEFS::ARNOLDFri Mar 12 1993 17:1617
    Just to keep this going a little longer - I'm sure Sharon could
    challenge some of what I've said - it's mutual, that's why I didn't
    want to get down to the individual level.  What I said is clearly what
    should happen and I am aware that in the past our customers have been
    able to make three phone calls to fleet and hear three different
    stories.  That's part of the challenge to me in trying to raise the
    Service level.  
    
    I am convinced that the main problem here is the communication issue. 
    If you know what to expect from Fleet and you know what Digital expects
    from you as far as cars are concerned then we shall all have a base to
    work from.
    
    My money says if it's a Renault from PHH it will either be DTM in
    Swindon or Baldocks at Bracknell !!!!
    
    Doug
2038.31Wrong...KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandFri Mar 12 1993 17:234
    
    Guess again Doug!!!
    
    Sharon
2038.32Doug, Your advice would be nice:LARVAE::JORDANChris Jordan, TSE - Technology Services, End-User ComputingFri Mar 12 1993 17:2915
    One more Doug, (but answer off-line to Chris Jordan @ UCG if it is not
    a general answer).
    
    My car has done 58,500 miles. It is due for replacement (date wise) on
    5th May. I have been quoted a delivery date of 7th May. These two dates
    (and your earlier reply) indicate there is a tie up between delivery of
    the new car, and release date of the old one.
    
    HOWEVER I will exceed 60,000 miles in about 12 to 15 days time. Is it
    worth the effort to get the delivery date pulled forward, or is it not
    possible, or shall I go over 60,000 miles in my car, or should I get a
    new one from the pool list for the 8 weeks reamining before the new car
    is delivered??
    
    Cheers, Chris
2038.33More info please DougWELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleFri Mar 12 1993 18:1426
    
    I think it would be nice if we all had the answers to -.1 in general
    terms of course, as there is a lot of confusion over these sort of
    issues at present. 
    
    Ie. We all understand it incurrs penelties if we go over mileage/date 
    but how much can they go over before we incurr penalties?
    conversely there must be costs involved in admin (& valeting I believe)
    to taking over a car off the takeover list, where should the line be
    drawn?
    
    
    For example my lease expires 22/apr/93 but I anticipate it will be
    2,000 miles short of the 60,000 and my anticipated delivery date is
    04/may/93 do I assume there would be no penalty for this short period
    or would it make economic sense to return my car on 22/apr/93 and make
    alternative arrangements (pool car or short takeover) until my new car
    is delivered? as at present we get no communication from fleet on these
    subjects.
    
    thanks Doug
    
    Richard (young@wlo)
    
    Ps. I go on holiday to cornwall on 8/may so if it is delivered 3 days late
    it could get even more complex.
2038.34WOTVAX::HATTOSI think, Therefore I'm paid lessFri Mar 12 1993 19:568
    .23 withdraws his attack on Mr Rutter, a bad morning after feeling,
    caused a vitriolic pen.
    
    After many coffees, I think I was well out of order.
    
    My apologies sir,
    
    Stuart
2038.35ESBS01::RUTTERRut The MuttFri Mar 12 1993 20:485
2038.36I knew RODLEY::hiltonParty on DudesMon Mar 15 1993 12:4522
Well I always like to know where my car is coming from, so I can hurry it 
along.

I'm only on my 2nd lease car, but both times I've been in communication 
with the garage in question.

This last time round my existing car had done over 60,000, so I tracked 
down the garage by:

1. Ringing fleet and ascertaining the lease company.
2. Ring said lease company and asking for garage name.
3. Ringing garage, telling them I wanted the new car asap to save DIGITAL 
money.


And, yes, it did work I got it a month earlier than the anticapated date, 
and Mr Hattos, I picked it up myself.

There is NO WAY anyone can prevent you picking up your new lease car, in 
fact the garage suggested it to me, for various reasons.

Greg