Welcome to Business Car Manager

It’s cost-conscious Britain as we enter 2009 with less cash and greater prudence: and there are new products to reflect the mood. There’s a new initiative to save businesses money with a contract hire package on nearly new cars. And there’s the Kia Pro_cee’d – a grammatical disaster zone if I’ve ever seen one, but a fine Focus-rivalling hatchback with low costs and a seven-year warranty that’s bang on the money.

But it’s not all about cost-saving. It’s about life-saving, too. Here’s a great story to start the new year: Europcar is helping the RNLI with a new contract for the volunteer lifesavers that helps them reach their lifeboats. And talking about life-saving, don’t forget our driving on business safety survey. There’s a brilliant off-road driving experience up for grabs at Mercedes-Benz World.

Ralph Morton - editor

HEADLINE NEWS

Take part and win a Mercedes-Benz World off-road driving experience. Click here for our safety survey All businesses would agree that staff welfare is important. But how do you manage this when they’re on the road? Mercedes-Benz World and road safety partnership, RoadSafe, have come together to find out. How does your company manage business driving health and safety? Join our community and let us know – it’s all quick yes or no answers – and you could win an off-road driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World (pictured). It’s one of many hands-on driving experiences available at the unique brand experience centre that is open to the public everyday. Also available is the new Driving for Business programme, designed to help businesses manage their driving on business duty of care obligations.

ALSO IN THE NEWS

A new cabrio for the spring: Audi A5

Out goes the Audi A4 Cabriolet. And in comes the all-new Audi A5, just in time for spring. And if the seasonal showers arrive, the auto shut roof keeps you dry.

Cost-saving nearly-new leasing

Motorpoint has launched a new car leasing package for small businesses. It features nearly-new cars and cost-saving contract hire rates. Check it out here.

ROAD TESTS

Road test: all-new Toyota Avensis

The Toyota Avensis: reliable to a fault. But not the most exciting package on the road. It’s all change with the new Avensis, says Toyota. Ralph Morton finds out.

ADVICE CENTRE

Expert view: cost-conscious Kia Pro_cee’d

If ever there was a car for our times, this is it says Craig Pullen. Low cost and backed by a 7-year warranty, the Kia is just right for budget business Britain.

Driving fines linked to earnings

New driving offence guidelines mean the more you earn the more you pay for driving fines. Law expert Sean Joyce reports on the new court initiative.

Business Car Manager Ltd, 95 Station Road, Hampton, Middx TW12 2BD. Registered as a company in England and Wales 5581943; a member of the Federation of Small Businesses; a member of Merton Chamber of Commerce; and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.