Changing face of fleet
No longer the sole domain of the white ute or generic SUV, the face of New Zealand’s fleet is changing. The modern fleet is fit for purpose, built around the best use case for the drivers and business, with consideration for the environment, cost, quality and how the vehicle represents the brand.
Customers now have more choice and are considering marques they may not have looked at previously, such as Cupra.
Yoogo Fleet, a technology-led specialist, has been servicing Kiwi fleet needs since 2013. It has seen considerable change over the past decade, but it believes the past two years have delivered some of the most significant changes.
“We’re seeing a wave of new brands enter the market and customers are taking the opportunity to explore alternatives rather than automatically replacing their vehicles with the same brand they’ve always driven,” says Matt Barker, northern business development manager at Yoogo Fleet.
“The fundamentals still matter – practical, fit for purpose, good quality and value for money. But we’re also seeing more businesses want a vehicle with a strong presence that reflects their brand. We’re an agnostic supplier so we take a brief and make a recommendation based on what the customer needs.”
One business embracing that approach is Yoogo client Elite Signs and Graphics (ESG). Historically loyal Holden drivers, ESG took the opportunity to rethink its fleet when it came time for renewal by seeking something more refined without compromising performance.
The answer was the addition of a Cupra Leon Sportstourer, which is a wagon, and a Formentor, pictured, a crossover SUV. Before the vehicles hit the road, a full vinyl wrap was undertaken to maximise the real estate the two cars offered.
Brendon Rogers, director at ESG, says: “We want to ensure the signage isn’t a distraction from the form of the vehicle underneath but one that hugs it, highlights it and shows of the lines of the vehicle to its best.
“We’ve integrated the Cupra symbol into a bespoke design, made to accentuate the form of each vehicle. The result is head turning. We’re getting calls all the time from people who have seen them on the road and love them.”
ESG is seeing an increase in full vehicle wraps with greater investment in the upfront design as clients aim for eye-catching outputs. A car wrap has the added benefit of protecting the vehicle. It’s also a popular choice for leased vehicles as an extra insurance policy on the paintwork.
Looking ahead, Yoogo expects three trends to continue shaping fleet-purchasing decisions. These are greater fleet electrification, openness to new and emerging brands, and an increased focus on value.
“We’re seeing businesses factor in running costs and long-term value more than ever, alongside real interest in electric and hybrid options,” says Barker. “With new brands entering the market, there’s more appetite to explore what’s out there.”
