Honda UK has become the first in the country to introduce a specialist motorcycle fleet dealer network. The idea is to grow the corporate market and provide support and advice to business customers.
BUSINESS ON TWO-WHEELS
The service will emphasise the many benefits of doing business on two wheels, among them low fuel-consumption, low running costs, low CO2 emissions and increased productivity because a motorcycle is not delayed by traffic.
A CBI survey predicting journey times estimates these will increase by 50% within a generation. Unless fleet operators take action, the effect of congestion on businesses will be significant.
A Belgian study modelling traffic for one of the busiest roads in Europe shows that when only 10% of car drivers swop to a motorcycle or scooter congestion is cut by 40% for all road users. When 25% of drivers swop congestion is eliminated.
• To see a short video explaining how the Belgian study works – click here.
• To see an example of how ‘Blood Runners’ helps the NHS – click here.
The UK's Motorcycle Industry Association CEO Steve Kenward asserted: “Congestion will be an increasingly compelling reason for businesses to look to alternatives to four wheels for their fleet vehicles.
“The MCIA has been involved in pulling a number of strands together to make this a viable proposition, including developments in training and safety. We are delighted to see such a responsible manufacturer entering the fleet arena - I think will result in exciting times ahead.”
Other bikemakers are expected to follow...
PLENTY OF TRAINERS, TOO
There are a number of successful examples of motorcycle fleet operators, including the police, ambulance service, AA breakdown services and Blood Runners, which couriers life-saving products between British National Health Service hospitals outside working hours.
Fleet operators will also be able to find quality trainers more easily, thanks to the launch of two courses earlier in 2014 by the Motorcycle Industry Accreditation Centre.
Is there a volunteer motorcycle service such as this running in South Africa? If so, Wheels24 would like to hear from you. Please email us and we'll tell everybody about it.