Z I is delighted to have been placed 26th in the 2018 Fast Growth 50 list.
We have beaten off competition from over 250,000 other companies in Wales to secure this place.
This year is the Fast Growth 50 20th anniversary and will be the biggest award to date, over 900 people attended the gala dinner this year at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.
The 2018 Fast Growth 50 award has been published by the Western Mail, in association with Enlli Associates and the 2018 list can be found here: https://www.fastgrowth50.com/
As with most rental companies one of our largest problems is vehicle damage. Prangs, bumps and even more serious accidents are a daily issue, but many could be prevented.
We’re not suggesting everyone enrol onto an advanced driving course but there are simple steps you could take to improve your driving skills. We take a look at some basic measures which if introduced could improve your daily driving and reduce the number of accidents on our roads:
Be a proactive rather than a reactive driver – know what’s around your vehicle. Not only be aware of motorcycles or vehicles approaching from behind but also leave plenty of room between the vehicle in front. Keep a safe distance when travelling at speed and when stationary remember the tyre to tarmac rule. When stopping behind a vehicle always ensure you can see the rear tyres of the vehicle in front touching the tarmac. This leaves a safe space if the vehicle in front were to roll and space to allow you room to move forward if needed.
Parking manoeuvres are the cause of many minor bumps. Practiced religiously on driving lessons, it’s a skill often forgot. If there’s one parking skill to use it has to be reverse bay parking. Not only is it easier to reverse into a bay than pulling forward but it’s by far easier to leave the bay. It’s faster, safer and all round easier and a skill often used by advanced motorists.
There have been plenty of studies to determine whether speeding actually achieves a faster journey time. Many are inconclusive. Speed limits have been set for a reason – safety, so stick to them! If someone is speeding allow them to pass.
Often a contributing factor in accidents, poor overtaking skills can lead to disaster. Basic common sense should prevail here. Always make sure it’s a safe place to pass, indicate clearly in advance and never overtake if you’ve already reached the maximum speed limit.
Many of us have encountered fatigue when driving and it can have some of the worst consequences in accidents. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel they won’t apply the brakes before impact which can have a serious outcome. According to the Department for Transport one in five accidents on main roads are caused by fatigue. If feeling sleepy while driving, road safety groups recommend you stop, drink an energy drink and then close your eyes for 15 minutes. This gives the caffeine enough time to work before restarting your journey.
Mobile phones, the radio, talkative passengers and children in the back can all cause major distractions for drivers. It’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Anyone caught doing so will receive a minimum of three penalty points and a £100 fine. Never answer your phone while driving, it’s not worth it. There’s also debate on the use of hands-free systems. Although not illegal they can prove to be a distraction. Again if possible pull over to take a call or wait until your destination.
Thinking about renting a vehicle? Read the BVRLA’s top tips for a smooth journeyThe summer season is notoriously busy for car hire firms such as Zi Car and Van Hire. As members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) we value its opinion. The industry body has just produced a list of steps to ensure a smooth car hire experience and here at Zi Car and Van Hire we believe every experience should be a smooth one.
The BVRLA recommends rental customers should:
Seeing the BVRLA logo when you’re booking is a sign that you are dealing with a quality assured company that operates to a professional code of conduct. It also allows you to use the BVRLA’s Conciliation Service in the unlikely event of a dispute. You can find your nearest BVRLA rental member by using the association’s Rental Directory.
If you’re relying on a price comparison site when getting quotes, pay close attention to what isn’t included in the price. Many only give you a basic drive-away cost that may not include your specific requirements for additional drivers, child seats or sat-navs.
If you’re relying on a price comparison site when getting quotes, pay close attention to what isn’t included in the price. Many only give you a basic drive-away cost that may not include your specific requirements for additional drivers, child seats or sat-navs.
Make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions of your contract with the rental company. Ask for a copy prior to your rental, so that you can read it in your own time rather than when you’ve just arrived at your destination.
People take different approaches to risk and often change their mind, so rental companies offer a variety of products to help consumers reduce their liability in the event of an accident or incident. Check if there are any exclusions to your loss/damage waiver or your insurance – in many cases, windscreens, tyres and roof damage are not covered.
Your car rental quote will not include fuel. Most companies will give you the option of buying a tank of fuel from them and returning the car empty or returning it with a full tank. Remember what you agreed to in order to avoid gifting the rental company a free tank of fuel or paying an extra charge to have the tank re-filled.
Make sure that you tell the rental company if you’re going to take the vehicle abroad – some companies won’t let you take rental cars into certain countries. You’ll also need relevant documentation, such as a VE103 certificate and proof that you’re insured to drive the vehicle in that country.
Remember to turn up at the rental desk with the credit card you used to make your booking and your driving licence. Your rental company will advise if you need to produce a printout of endorsements and a verification code.
Ensure you have thought about whether you are prepared to pay for any extra cover or an upgrade, and take a copy of your rental confirmation and terms and conditions so you know what you have already agreed.
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle inside and out. Note every single chip, dent and scratch. Don’t sign any paperwork until you have read it through and are happy with it. Before you drive the hire vehicle away, familiarise yourself with all of its controls.
When returning your vehicle, allow plenty of time to check over the vehicle’s condition with a rental agent present. If you can’t return the vehicle during opening hours and sign the condition report, take pictures of the car to prove the condition you left it in.
Source: BVRLA. Visit www.bvrla.co.uk
Great Britain has voted to leave the EU but what could Brexit mean for UK Motorists?The results of the recent referendum have left the country reeling. Opinions seem completely divided on the future of Great Britain but while the politicians are left to decide how we can move forward the average Joe is wondering what it now means for us?
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the motor industry adds more than £15 billion to the UK economy, employs hundreds of thousands of people and accounts for a huge number of exports, including many to Europe. Here at Zi Car and Van Hire we take a look at what the departure from our European cousins could mean for UK motorists.
Following the referendum, the value of the pound plummeted to levels last seen in 1985. Despite being determined by oil prices a fall in the pound and an increase in import costs could see fuel prices increase. By how much? Like many outcomes of the referendum there is little certainty. Some are saying by around 5p a litre, others are claiming it could surge by as much as 20p a litre. We’ll have to wait and see.
There is no evidence to suggest the price of cars will increase. Again we’re entering unchartered water so there is a possibility of uncertainty over coming months. The UK is one of Europe’s largest customers in terms of importing vehicles and a huge percentage of cars made in the UK are exported to Europe, so the Government will be keen to steady the nerves here.
The departure from the European Union means we will no longer be subject to European legislation. The last major change to affect the insurance industry was a ruling which meant insurance companies could not take into account gender when setting premiums, back in 2012. This saw premiums for women increase while men’s decreased and whether this legislation will be revoked is questionable. Going forward there is more uncertainty as to how our departure will affect the insurance industry. Some experts claim premiums could actually reduce as we’ll be no longer bound by EU regulations while others claim we could see costs increase!
The cost of financing your vehicle is dependent on interest rate rises, which could be a possibility. Obviously if rates go up, so could monthly payments, but many of the regulations governing finance or leasing deals are backed by European legislation, which is going to take a few years to adjust – again more uncertainty.
The DVLA will still be responsible for authorising UK licences so this will remain. UK licences are branded with the European symbol in the top left corner, the DVLA are unlikely to recall all licences but are more likely to re-issue new photocards when you next renew your licence. So it’s business as usual here!
Following our eventual EU departure drivers may be required to have passports stamped when entering European countries. This won’t necessarily occur a financial cost but it could make journeys longer. As for breakdowns, the major recovery companies are claiming business should not be affected. The majority already offer comprehensive European cover which is unlikely to change.
Nothing! We are unlikely to see any major changes, if any, for a few years. As part of our exit out of the EU we have to invoke what is known as Article 50. This process can take up to two years so we’re unlikely to see any significant changes until at least 2018.
This year’s budget offered a welcome surprise for motorists as the Chancellor announced a freeze on fuel duty alongside proposed improvements to the UK road infrastructure.
A small increase in insurance premiums and a planned increase in company car tax bands will hit some drivers but it wasn’t all bad news.
We take a look at what the 2016 budget means for Zi Car and Van Hire customers:
A much needed boost for motorists came in the form of a freeze in fuel duty for the sixth consecutive year. The Treasury claims it will save the average UK driver £75 per year, and the average van driver £200 per year.
Osborne said the tax cut is worth nearly £7 billion a year and was quoted as saying ‘I know that fuel costs still make up a significant part of household budgets and weigh heavily on small firms. Families paid the cost when oil prices rocketed, they shouldn’t be penalised when oil prices fall.’
Major plans to the UK’s road infrastructure have been confirmed with the Government forging ahead with its ‘Roads Investment Strategy’.
Plans are underway to increase investment in the transport network to £61 billion until 2021 and we are likely to hear soon about a second strategy which will run until 2025.
Funding has been earmarked for several projects including:
The upgrade of the M62 to a four-lane motorway.
Developing road connections from the East to the West of the country. Plans are underway for a new tunnel under the Peak District, connecting Sheffield and Manchester and improvements to the A66, A69 and M60.
Improvements to the M1 – Rotherham to Wakefield.
An additional £151 million will be distributed to local transport projects including £50 million to repair potholes around the country.
It wasn’t great news for company car drivers as the Government confirmed a planned 2% increase in company car tax bands from 2017. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association claims the increase will cost the average company car driver an additional £626.94 in 2017-18, and £882.26 in 2018-19.
The Government also announced it is deferring plans to scrap the three percentage point differential between diesel and petrol cars until April 2021.
The UK’s 26 million drivers will be hit by a 0.5% increase in car insurance premiums from October. It’s not as bad as the proposed 3% increase but it still means the average comprehensive motor insurance policy will increase by £2.
A snapshot of the 2016 budget:
Car Service Checklist- Basic Checks
Firstly, Happy New Year to all of our customers – we wish you all a successful year ahead. Whether you own a vehicle or hire a car, now is a great time to do some simple checks to ensure everything functions correctly. Use our car service checklist to guide you through some basic, regular checks for your vehicle.
Correct oil levels are essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. A simple check using the dipstick can ensure there are no leaks. This should be done on a regular basis and could save you from future costly repairs.
A tyre pressure gauge is a great, affordable tool that can prevent problems before they occur. Check your tyre pressure regularly as the wrong level of inflation can affect your fuel efficiency. Outside temperatures can also affect tyre pressures, so take extra care as temperatures drop.
When checking your lights, ensure you check all of them. A faulty headlight can be easy to spot but a thorough check should be completed to ensure side, brake and reverse lights are functioning correctly. At this time of year especially, your lights are essential to make sure other drivers aware of your presence.
The air filter on your vehicle prevents debris and contaminants entering the vehicle. A clean air filter can improve miles per gallon (mpg) and can prolong engine life. Although not needed as often, it is an important factor to consider as part of your car service checklist.
The tread of your tyre provides traction on the road and is just as important as the tyre pressure. A simple check for signs of wear and tear such as bulges or lumps in your tyres could prevent future accidents. A quick and easy way to see if your tyre tread exceeds the minimum legal tread depth is to take the 20p test.
Place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal.
There are many other necessary checks but these basic checks can improve the running of your vehicle. At Zi Car and Van Hire, we offer a wide range of vehicles for both long and short term hire. Contact us today for more information.
Car ownership could be on the decline as drivers look to car-sharing optionsAcademics in the US believe vehicle ownership could be on the decline as drivers move away from purchasing vehicles and switch to options such as car-sharing and public transport.
This could have implications not only for the motor industry but also insurance, infrastructure, public transport, city planning, and new technologies.
The news could provide a welcome boost to the daily rental market according our group managing director, Mark Hughes.
Hughes attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Research and Development Conference in the US last week as a special guest of the Welsh Government and he believes we are seeing a switch in attitudes from the younger generation.
Hughes said: ‘What we are seeing is a transition with what’s known as the iPad generation. We used to strive to own our own vehicle but the iPad generation is time sensitive, they would rather use public transport and be able to use smart technology. Catching up with emails on a thirty-minute train commute is a more valuable use of time to them.
‘In times of need they will look to rental companies, hiring a vehicle as and when needed, in turn reducing the need to actually own a car.’
The issue was highlighted at the MIT Conference and the attitude of consumers is changing, rethinking the relationship they want to have with the car, according to Henry Birdseye Weil, senior lecturer of technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic management at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Weil said: ‘Changes in social change, innovative business models, and new technologies is disrupting the mobility sector. Developments in mobility have implications that reach far beyond individual passengers and drivers.
‘This would have a significant impact on vehicle sales – higher utilisation, smaller fleets, faster replacement and reduced demand for personal auto insurance.
‘We could also see a shift in the mix of vehicle owners – more fleets, fewer individuals.’
Weil said that research at UC Berkeley has shown that each shared vehicle in North America reduces the need for nine to 13 personal cars.
He added: ‘This would impact on vehicle sales, more intense competition, increased cooperation in development projects and the consolidation of manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers.’
Top Tips for Winter DrivingThe leaves are falling, the clocks have gone back… Like it or not, we are most definitely headed back into winter once again. When it comes to motoring, winter can be a challenging time for both staying safe on the road and also keeping your car in full working order. That’s why we’ve prepared some top tips for winter driving.
When driving, planning ahead is always key to a safe and pleasant journey. The same is true when it comes to defeating whatever the winter weather throws at you. Number one in your arsenal is rock salt, essential for keeping the driveway ice free and averting the inevitable. But did you know, putting down the salt before temperatures get to zero will tremendously increase its effectiveness?
So how does salt work anyway? Let’s see what the good folk at About Education have to say on the matter:
“Salt melts ice essentially because adding salt lowers the freezing point of the water. How does this melt ice? Well, it doesn’t, unless there is a little water available with the ice.
The good news is you don’t need a pool of water to achieve the effect. Ice typically is coated with a thin film of liquid water, which is all it takes (especially in the relatively mild British climate).
Pure water freezes at 0°C. Water with salt (or any other substance in it) will freeze at some lower temperature. Just how low this temperature will be depends on the de-icing agent. If you put salt on ice in a situation where the temperature will never get up to the new freezing point of the salt-water solution, you won’t see any benefit. For example, tossing table salt (sodium chloride) onto ice when it’s already below zero won’t do anything more than coat the ice with a layer of salt.
On the other hand, if you put the same salt on ice before temperatures reach freezing point, the salt will be able to prevent melting ice from re-freezing.”
When it comes to defrosting the windscreen, there are a few methods available. But before we look at what does work, let’s explore a few don’ts:
De-icer spray and a little patience – the spray will (relatively) quickly remove the ice and allow you to scrape off any remainder with a proper windscreen scraper. The main active ingredient in most variants is a form of alcohol, so for the environmentally conscious they don’t represent a great environmental risk – and are certainly preferable to running the engine until the heaters melt the ice.
Cover the windscreen. A good automotive shop will stock ice shields. Cover the windscreen when you park up for the night, and you’ll be surprised how effective they can be.
With the clocks changing, the days quickly become shorter. Add adverse weather conditions to the dark and gloom, and the dangers of being on the road increase dramatically.
It is recommended to always carry at least one hi-vis vest in your car so that it can be worn should you ever come across any situation in which you have to leave the vehicle whilst on a road. Buy a size or two larger to ensure it will easily fit over your winter coat!
It is also recommended to keep a charged up torch in your car, as well as a warning triangle. Whilst you will hopefully never have to use them, they are well worth the investment.
Also, keep spare bulbs in your boot and check your lights regularly, as increased temperature differences can increase the risk of bulbs blowing.
London Driving TipsFor those of you used to quiet country roads or count your small town B roads as ‘busy’, driving in London may come as bit of a shock. Where private transport is absolutely necessary to reach your capital city destination, use our London Driving Tips to help ensure you remain safe and fine-free.
One of the first things you should consider is the time of day you will be travelling and whether you will be affected by the congestion charge. This charge applies when you are entering the centre of London, the boundary to which is signposted to make you aware you are entering a chargeable area. If you are planning a journey and aren’t sure if you will reach the congestion charge zone, you can find a detailed map here. The current charge is £11.50 per day when driving between 07.00 and 18.00 with a large discount for residents.
Bus lanes, predominantly for public transport are indicated by a thick white line on the carriageway. A sign will indicate which vehicles can operate in this lane and the hours of operation. The types of vehicle that may be able to use a particular bus lane during the hours between 7am-7pm include licensed London taxis, motorcycles (without side cars) and bicycles. Using a bus lane when not permitted could result in a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice).
To ensure your journey is as smooth as possible through London, it is important to time it well. The optimum time to travel is between 10.00 and 14.00, out of rush hour time when most are still at work. Although this is advised, it is not easy to predict when road works will be underway or diversions have been put in place.
To successfully travel in private transport through London, you need to be very aware of your surroundings. Changing speed limits, congestion charge zone signs and one way systems are rife in London as are cyclists and black cabs. If you are not familiar with central London, it is recommended that you plan your route beforehand and remove any distractions such as turning off your radio to ensure full concentration.
Parking in London can be incredibly difficult especially if you require on street parking. Spaces are very limited and you can expect to pay a large sum for a short parking time. Fines can also be hefty if you do not reach your vehicle before your time is up. Should parking in London be essential, it is best to find a Q-Park or NCP car park with clear pricing structures and providing security for your vehicle. You can find further information about where to park in London here.
Public Transport vs Private TransportWhen it comes to commuting, travelling abroad and family holidays, the question can often arise about how to reach your destination. In this article, we look into the positives and negatives of public and private transport.
Cost
Although sometimes disputed, if planned properly, public transport can be significantly cheaper than driving. Advanced and season tickets can allow you to get the best price possible. The Trainline advises cheaper tickets become available 12 weeks prior to the date of travel- but you’ll need to be quick! If you have a last minute trip planned, it can be hit or miss and train and bus journeys can become extremely costly.
Green
Pollution, global warming, the ozone layer; all topics that feature consistently in headlines. Using public transport means one less car on the road and if you are commuting or planning a city trip, this can be the most practical and ‘green’ way to get around.
Parking
We are all familiar with ever- circling car parks searching for available spaces accompanied by gestures and mouthing of “are you leaving?”. After forking out for a parking ticket, we then face the imminent threat of a hefty fine from the watching park attendants should we overrun from the allotted parking time. With public transport, this stress is avoided.
Noisy
Picture the scenario, a stressful day in the office followed by getting onto a hot, noisy bus or train back home. Children screaming, music playing, no air conditioning….not very relaxing to say the least!
Personal space
“There’s nowt so queer as folk”. Whether travelling on a bus, the underground, tram or train; you are bound to spot people of interest. Whether they have an interesting dress sense, odd piercings or worse, an unpleasant smell, public transport can be far from glamorous.
Cost
Regularly in the headlines, Britain is noted as having the highest public transport costs in Europe which seem to be increasingly rising! With regular delays and unreliable timings, it is easy to see why many people have lost trust in public transport.
Private
……can you hear that? That is the sound of whatever you want it to be. Peace and quiet, the radio, your favourite music; private transport means the choice is all yours! Add air conditioning for hot days or the heater for the winter and it is easy to see why so many people chose to avoid public transport.
Non- reliant on others
Travelling via private transport allows you to avoid untimely buses and regular train delays to come and go as you require whether it be for work or leisure. When travelling can be such a large part of the day, it’s nice to be able to do so independently.
Transporting goods
Doing the food shop, collecting garden supplies or even going on holiday. The extra obstacle of transporting heavy items via public transport can be incredibly stressful explaining why where possible people chose to travel by car.
Fuel costs
Travelling in comfort often comes at a large price. After calculating fuel prices, costs of insurance, tax and that looming MOT must also be factored in. This can make travelling extremely costly and for the likes of a daily commute, the price can soar.
Congestion
In all built up areas, congestion is a familiar site and one that can be incredibly problematic and frustrating, especially for those with time constraints. The likes of roadworks and accidents are known to bring traffic to a complete standstill.
Environmental effect
According to statistics, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. On a weekly basis, we are presented with facts showing that our use of fossil fuels is increasingly damaging our planet.
When many of us however, do not have a choice in using a car, it is refreshing to see the development in hybrid and electric vehicles.
