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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

1998.0. "How long to get quote?" by SHIPS::ABBOTT_K () Wed Jan 20 1993 11:16

    
    I have just submitted two quotes to Car Fleet. I have had confirmation
    that they have been received and that they have been fowarded to the
    leasing companies. The mail says that I will be "notified of the driver
    cost" in due course.
    
    Any ideas as to what is meant by due course? How long does it take to
    get a quote back? (Its taken them two weeks to pass it on to the lease
    companies).
    
    Keith.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1998.1as long as car fleet feel like making you waitTBIRD1::WHITMARSHKevin - UK PCI Marketing 830 2604Wed Jan 20 1993 11:468
Keith,
   I have just come back from car fleet after chasing some quotes
I requested 5 weeks ago.  They were sat in a pile of quotes 3 inches
thick and nothing had been done with them!!!  Fleet say that they
will process them today, and I should get the results back in
about 5 days.
cheers
Kevin
1998.25-days ay!SHIPS::ABBOTT_KWed Jan 20 1993 14:327
    Kevin,
    
    Yes, I had to chase them up before they "found" my quotes. I'm glad I
    didn't wait indefinetly!
    5-days ay.....we wait and see.......
    
    Keith.
1998.3The wait goes on..BRUMMY::LONERGANDo little endians risc it?Wed Jan 20 1993 16:2828
    
    K & K,
    	
    	Well to-day is obviously the start of Car Fleet Admin new year
    then!  I submitted a car order on 11th of December and having heard
    zilch since, decided to give them a call yesterday. I left "please call
    urgently" msgs with various people down there to no avail. To-day I did
    manage to speak to the man who processes the orders. Guess what, my
    order hasn't been dealt with and unlike you guys I had no such promises
    that it would be imminently either... the guy told me that he was
    working on a backlog from last NOVEMBER. 
    
    	Last time I ordered a car, it took about 5 weeks from order to
    delivery (in the days when Car Fleet was part of Digital). Assuming
    that it might take about the same this time around, I placed my order
    in the hope I would get my new car before it had gone over the 60000
    miles....this definitely wont happen now. If it could be proven that
    Fleet Admin's inability to process orders in a timely manner was a
    leading factor in Digital incurring penalties from the Leasing
    companies for exceeding 60k miles, surely we should be in a position to
    pass this fine back to Fleet. Even if this was mooted, I bet we'd see
    an improvement in service from them. IMO, yet another example of so
    called cost saving measures doing exactly the opposite....but is anyone
    accountable, especially the bright sparks who's ideas these were..... 
    well hardly I'd say, wouldn't you.
    
    Regards,
    	Se�n
1998.4VANGA::KERRELLDavid Kerrell @REO (830) x2279Wed Jan 20 1993 16:505
Don't tell me about fleet backlogs! I got my new road fund licence from them on
the 18th January and only because of a personal visit (it ran out on the 1st
January).

Dave.
1998.5Mine was on time...CMBOOT::DELANYSYour pessimism is my realismWed Jan 20 1993 17:574
    I have to defend Fleet and say that my new tax disc arrived right at the
    end of November, in time for its 30 November expiry....
    
    Stephen
1998.6If they moan, take their cars away! :-)EBYGUM::WILLIAMSHThu Jan 21 1993 07:4512
    The stories aren't all bad,
    
    I put in 2 quotes on 	1-sep-1992
    got the acknowledgements   15-sep-1992
    got the quotes back	       21-sep-1992
    send order to Fleet	       22-sep-1992
    PHH receives order         24-sep-1992
    
    Then wait months and months, including hassling the garage, and car
    turns up on 8th Jan (minus floor mats, which I'm still awaiting!).
    
    Huw. (who's tax disc turned up 3 days early) 
1998.7I've just submitted 2 quotes...KERNEL::BAYLISDI know pigs exist, therefore...Thu Jan 21 1993 09:115
    I've just put 2 quotes in this week. When I get a response I'll post
    another reply.
    
    Dave.
    
1998.8BAHTAT::FORCE6::hiltonParty on DudesThu Jan 21 1993 09:1711
The secret of succesful quoting/ordering is to hassle them every step of 
the way.

When I actually ordered I rang them to 'check' they had received the form, 
then rang again to be told it was lost!
Then I rang again and again, until I was given an anticipated date, which I 
didn't believe, so I rang PHH, then tracked down the garage itself, 
explained that as my car was over 60,000 I was trying to get the new one 
asap, and got it 2 months before the fleet anticipated day!

Greg
1998.9CHEFS::BRIGGSRFour Flat Tyres on a Muddy RoadThu Jan 21 1993 09:465
    
    What's all this about car fleet not being part of Digital? Is this
    true?
    
    Richard
1998.10SUBURB::THOMASHThe Devon DumplingThu Jan 21 1993 10:4814
	Huh, I sent quotes to car fleet, when I rang to find out where
	they were, they said they had e-mailed them to me

	..................unfortunately their badge number/name database was
	over three years out of date, and they had sent them back to my
	maiden name - I suppose it was hard-copy printed somewhere and then
	thrown away.

	So, beware, they don't look at the name on the quote request, only
	the badge number - and they don't do much of a job of keeping it 
	current.

	Heather
1998.11How to fudge the systemLARVAE::SMART_AResists anything except temptation!Thu Jan 21 1993 13:1110
    I wish I saw this yesterday ;-)
    
    I was in DECpark so I paid Fleet a visit.  Yep!  There is a stack of
    quotes about 3" thicks and mine was found half way down (submitted four
    weeks ago) - it's now on the top and this morning there was an All-in-1
    acknowledgement.  I shall await with interest to see how long the quote
    is coming.
    
    So it just goes to prove, he who shouts loudest.... with apologies to
    all those whose quotes got leap frogged.  What a way to run a business!
1998.12I wonder what _some_ people's Job Review was like?BRUMMY::MARTIN::BELLMartin Bell, TCC, Birmingham UKThu Jan 21 1993 13:4961
This is an ABSOLUTELY ridiculous situation!

I don't know what is going wrong here, but it stinks of mis-calculated
cost cutting.

On 25-Jun-1991, Alastair Wright sent us all a memo detailing how much
we could save by changing the lease scheme.

At the time we were told that it cost �26M per year to run, but the changes
would save ...

�709,000 Immediate Savings - Extend existing leases by 6 months
�617,000 Savings per year -  Extend new leases by 6 months
�200,000 One off savings - No new pool vehicles

Additionally, insurance would be loaded onto employee contributions,
saving yet further money and discouraging high insurance group cars.

Last year, on 14-Oct-1992, Alastair Wright sent us all a memo saying that
they would save �150,000 per year by offering ex-lease cars at a discount.

Wow!, looks impressive hey?

SO WHAT IS GOING WRONG?

The "basket of quotes" is so horrendously out of touch with the real prices
of cars that NOBODY uses it! Thus every new car is a fresh quote, but we no
longer have "quotes valid for everyone for one month" on VTX, so there are
bound to be duplicate quotes going through. WHY HAS THE PERSON WHO THOUGHT
THIS IDEA NOT BEEN SACKED? I am not allowed to buy a newspaper on expenses,
but others can throw away millions!

It is also funny that the car scheme STILL costs �26M per year, despite all
the cost cutting measures and reduction in headcount. But maybe we shouldn't
believe any of the above, because simple maths proves it wrong.

Assume that we have 5000 UK employees, and assume that EVERY SINGLE ONE of
them has a company car. Well the standard company car (not including any
market supplement, which is a salary component, not car component) is
based on a lease cost of �3,400 per year (including insurance), according
to a memo from Alastair Wright, 30-Jun-1992.

Thus the scheme costs 5000 * �3,400 = �17,000,000! Why is this nowhere
near the �26M banded about all the time by the BOM?

Now "rumours" tell us that fleet has now been "vendorised" to improve
competitiveness. HOW THE H*LL DOES ANYBODY MEASURE THIS?????

The cost in wasted employee time, excess mileage charges, de-motivated
employees etc is never calculated. The fact that there is a three inch
thick pile of quotes waiting to be processed SURELY must indicate a
problem, but does anyone who can do anything about it care?

I will personally but all the beer they can drink in a day, for the
manager who can actually get this whole mess sorted out. Thats a
serious offer (expires on 30-Jun-1993), 'cos if someone can fix this
problem then maybe there is hope for all the other problems in other
bits of the company!


mb
1998.13VANGA::KERRELLDavid Kerrell @REO (830) x2279Thu Jan 21 1993 13:584
Last time I looked, Ray Bird was responsible for Purchasing, try sending your
comments to him.

Dave.
1998.14Queueing theoryVANTEN::MITCHELLDThu Jan 21 1993 14:173
	If you have to wait ages for a special quote then soon everyone 
will give up and take a std quote....but if someone complains process 
them in order to keep the level of noise down.
1998.15Take the challenge ...BRUMMY::MARTIN::BELLMartin Bell, TCC, Birmingham UKThu Jan 21 1993 14:3710
Just to let you all know ...

i have just had a phone call from someone who is going to attempt to
get the "free beer for a day"!

Lets wish him/her all the best (i can't name them)

Cheers,

Martin
1998.16KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleThu Jan 21 1993 14:395
    It should be remembered that even if you ordered from the preferred
    list, car fleet will still have to put in a quote. It just means that
    you will pay the price on the list if the quote is higher.
    
    Roy
1998.17KERNEL::FISCHERITonight I fancy myselfFri Jan 22 1993 09:014
Don't you mean you'll pay the price on the list regardless of whether the
quote returned is higher or lower?

Ian
1998.18Dissatisfied Customers ay!SHIPS::ABBOTT_KFri Jan 22 1993 13:3816
    Oh Dear! I didn't realise I'd be stirring up this much of a hornets
    nest when I wrote .0! Looks like there is a lot of dissatisfied
    cutomers out there!
    
    Re .12. Martin....Is it a manager that has taken up your challenge?
    
    If not whose going to be brave enough to copy this whole note to a
    senior manager!
    
    My quote acknowledgements arrived with me on the 18th. I'll let you all
    know when the quotes come through.
    
    Keith.
    
    P.S. Perhaps when I booked my ferry crossing for August '93 I should have
    given them my current registration!                        
1998.19Help is on its way ...BRUMMY::MARTIN::BELLMartin Bell, TCC, Birmingham UKFri Jan 22 1993 14:2312
Keith,

yes, it is a *manager* who has taken up the challenge, and one who is
(hopefully) in a position to do something about the current problems.

This person specifically asked me to maintain anonymity, but rest assured
that they are fully aware of the problems, and _constructive_ comments in
this notes conference can only help to improve things!

I just hope that this person isn't a heavy drinker ;-)

mb
1998.20One back.SHIPS::ABBOTT_KMon Jan 25 1993 11:0711
    All,
    
    Just to let you guys know that I have just had my first quote back,
    that is 7-days since the quote was acknowledged, although it was sent
    at 8:44 PM on Friday. That's not too bad is it?
    
    For info, although I'll  post it under recent quotes, Vauxhall Astra
    GLS TD Estate with tow bar and twin Electrics - �211.
    
    Keith.
    
1998.21still waiting..KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandMon Jan 25 1993 16:167
    
    Question...
    
    How long does it take to get a quote acknowledgement back???
    
    
    Sharon
1998.22KERNEL::FISCHERITonight I fancy myselfTue Jan 26 1993 10:127
Mine took about 10 days for the acknowledgement, then 7 days for the
quote.

I think they've got a backlog now though so it may take longer.


	Ian
1998.2310 days - Humbug.BAHTAT::DODDWed Jan 27 1993 09:168
    I sent my quote on 14/12/92. Still no sign - not even an
    acknowledgement. This despite ringing and being told things like "I'll
    move it to the top of the pile", "I'll do it today" on more than one
    occasion.
    
    My patience is running out.
    
    Andrew
1998.24BAHTAT::HILTONBeer...now there's a temporary solutionWed Jan 27 1993 09:471
    Perhaps someone's trying to tell you something Andrew ;^)
1998.25Tired of waiting!!!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandWed Jan 27 1993 10:4411
    
    That makes me feel a lot better, I phoned the chappie in Car fleet 
    yesterday and he said "I'll do these quotes today"...and there was me
    thinking he meant it.  I must be so gullable (sp?)...probably goes with
    phrases like:
    
    "Of course I love you" and "The world is flat"
    
    Who is that masked man/woman who is going to save us from all this???
    
    Sharon
1998.26TAKES A LITTLE PUSHINGSHIPS::FINNIMORE_CWed Jan 27 1993 14:2111
    QUOTE(s) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TOOK 1 MONTH
    QUOTE(s) TOOK 5 DAYS AFTER CHASING
    
    I rejected both on expense grounds and got the guy to work on another
    quote I had put in coz I though the first two were lost(yes that's 
    3 so far) He did this in real time while I dictated it to him on
    the phone. 

    C.
    
    
1998.272nd Quote BackSHIPS::ABBOTT_KThu Jan 28 1993 09:558
    Just to let you know that I had my second qoute back 8-days after
    acknowledgement.
    
    Now to place an order! The quote says that its only valid for 30-days
    so I guess that they have got to submit it by
    then........................haven't they?!
    
    Keith.
1998.28 TRUCKS::BEATON_SI Just Look InnocentThu Jan 28 1993 13:1516
    I apologise if this is the wrong place....
    
    
    Did anyone else notice the article in Computer Weekly which stated that
    IBM are to adopt a cost-cutting policy whereby all authorised car users in
    IBM must now choose a Vauxhall car or else pay a �100 premium to have
    the privilege of driving something else. This is all through a special
    deal between IBM and Vauxhall?
    
    Any thoughts or comments on this from the panel ?
    
    
    Reargards,
    
    Stephen
    
1998.29KERNEL::FISCHERITonight I fancy myselfThu Jan 28 1993 15:276
I wouldn't be surprised if our car scheme adopted a similar approach in the
near future. I wouldn't like it, but it would save the company a lot of
money.


	Ian
1998.30KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleThu Jan 28 1993 15:3411
    re .28 �or else pay a �100 premium
    
    We are effectively already do that by paying extra for insurance on
    performance cars.
    
    I can't see that the company would be better off by dealing with just
    one manufacturer. At the moment the company is offering us an allowance
    and if the car we want costs more then we pay the difference. Its as
    simple as that.
    
    Roy
1998.31BAHTAT::HILTONBeer...now there's a temporary solutionThu Jan 28 1993 16:1213
    Roy,
    
    Olivetti get GIVEN extra money by Vauxhall for every car they buy,
    because all fleet cars are Vauxhalls. This is on top of the discount
    they get from the fleet buyers.
    
    BTW IF you think that's bad, they've now all been told that their
    choice is Vauxhall DIESELS only! Many unhappy SRI drivers just about to
    renew their cars ;^)
    
    Now you can see why the company would be better off!
    
    Greg                
1998.32goto BOSS:BRUMMY::LONERGANDo little endians risc it?Thu Jan 28 1993 16:3917
    
    	8 days on from my my reply (.2 or .3 I think), Im still waiting.
    Like several of the people in here, when I spoke to Fleet 8 or 9 days
    ago, I got the impression from the guy that he would do his best to
    deal with my order. When I called again yesterday, he had obviously NOT
    processed it, in fact we went through the same routine again...badge
    number, dtn etc etc and I got the impression rightly or wrongly that he
    hadn't remembered my call of last week. Being a little unimpressed by
    all this and getting no assurance that he would deal with my order
    asap, I asked him who I should escalate it too. Well Im not giving
    names away either but my manager has mailed the contact he gave me and
    at least there's been a response from that contact. I'll let you know
    how things progress from here....my boss is not at all impressed that
    delays are gonna cost his CC real money so wants something doing like
    now! 
    
    Se�n
1998.33acknowledgement acknowledgement!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandFri Jan 29 1993 10:246
    
    Things are looking up, I received two quote acknowledgements this
    morning (nearly 1 month after sending them in).  Now how long did we
    say from acknowledgement to quote...was it 8 days or 80???
    
    Sharon
1998.34On the way...BRUMMY::LONERGANDo little endians risc it?Fri Jan 29 1993 13:598
    
    	Well there's a thing. One day after "higher level involvement" and
    guess what I got to-day, MY QUOTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. What a shame to
    have to resort to such measures but if thats how its gotta be done....
    
    	Now to wait for my order ack..
    
    Se�n
1998.35Here goes. AHHHGGHHG!!!LARVAE::DECARLO_KI came, I saw, It 'panic'ed!!Mon Feb 01 1993 18:3228
    OK 
    
    Here is my Constructive feedback.
    
    Mid December I sent two quotes off to car fleet.
    
    Mid January contacted the chap in car fleet who deals with quotes, he
    told me that there was a massive backlog and that if I didn't hear from
    him, then he had found my quote and started processing it. I didn't
    hear anything so was confident my quote was being processed.
    
    1st February 1993, 14:00, called the same chap, he wasn't there, but I
    was told he would call me back this afternoon.
    
    1st February 1993, 17:20, called car fleet - NO ANSWER FROM ANYONE
    
    1ST February 1993, 18:25, still have not heared anything.
    
    My car has now done 60250 miles, the lease expires on 6th or 9th of
    Feb. I had better not get a reminder from car fleet that my lease has
    expired.
    
    I will let you all know what happens.
    
    Regards
    
    Ken De Carlo
     
1998.36-.1 You are not alone!COMICS::SCOBLECantankerous. Me!Tue Feb 02 1993 11:0922
    
    May I add to this litany of despair!
    
    Quotes I put in 6-7 weeks ago haven't been acknowledged never mind
    prices being returned on, although they are believed to be in the
    system somewhere, as my name is remembered as sticking out a bit!
    
    I have also asked for a price on my current car whose lease expires
    in less than a fortnight, and I'm still waiting 3 weeks down the 
    line, although vtx dutifully informed a response will be forthcoming
    in 5 working days. On enquiry I was told 10, now we're up to 15 and
    counting!
    
    I'm not necessarily feeling angst at car fleet, as they are caught
    in the middle with the lease companies, and have tried to be helpful
    when I've called. Perhaps we need a Service Level Agreement with the
    lease companies, or even better to shop around a lot more with a response 
    to a quote request needing to be responded to within x days or a bid for 
    the business is lost. That might buck a few ideas up!
    
    Gordon (Calland-Scoble)
    
1998.37KERNEL::FISCHERII can always sleep standing upTue Feb 02 1993 12:145
But just think of all the money that has been saved since the September 1991
overhaul!


	Ian
1998.38CHEFS::ARNOLDTue Feb 02 1993 13:2117
    I am only too well aware of the quotes backlog problem in Fleet.  I
    am taking action today, to try to radically reduce the backlog.
    
    You can help us by making sure that the car you request a quote for is
    the current model, that you are clear about the options you want and
    you allow the people doing the work an opportunity to do it.
    
    Please restrict yourself to the two quotes we have traditionally given. 
    At the moment we are being asked to give quotes at the rate of 4,000 a
    year.  For a company that only changes about 1,200 cars a year, that is
    more quotes than is neccessary.
    
    In the last few weeks, we have had some successes in CarFleet and we
    have an agenda for getting it right.  I am determined to succeed in this,
    but cannot do it without my customers' help and goodwill.
    
    Doug
1998.39quotes quotes and more quotesKERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleTue Feb 02 1993 13:5228
    �we are being asked to give quotes at the rate of 4,000 a year.
    
    Doug
    
    First of all, thanks for your comments on this subject. For a long time
    we have been wanting to hear from someone "in the know".
    
    *FLAME ON*
    
    We understand that if we order from the preferred list that a quote has
    to be submitted anyway. Are these quotes included in your figure ?
    
    Also it is common knowledge that by submitting you own quote it is
    likely that it will be cheaper than on the list. 
    
    Also the fact that as quotes are officially "personal" it means that
    even though quotes are reproduced in this notesfile (see #1538) no one
    else can order from them (or so we've been told).
    
    It seems that the current system is designed to generate quotes _not_
    reduce them. 
    
    It would be sensible to look at ways of reducing the number of quotes
    by allowing a more flexible system.
    
    *FLAME OFF*
    
    Roy
1998.40God it's hot hereCHEFS::ARNOLDTue Feb 02 1993 14:036
    Being very careful Roy, (.39), I might say that you make a very valid
    point.  With the benefit of hindsight, it looks as though we have,
    albeit with the best intentions, produced something which is too
    complex to be managed properly.
    
    Doug 
1998.41PLAYER::BROWNLFree the Brew XITue Feb 02 1993 15:1710
    I would like to commend .40 as the most honest note from a person with
    responsibility, that I've seen in a long time. If my assumption that
    Doug is a new(ish) appointee, then there seems to be hope for the
    future.
    
    Secondly, opening a direct dialogue with your user community is a
    sensible decision. Feedback is instant and honest, and as such,
    valuable. Notes is a powerful tool, a good friend, and a deadly enemy.
    
    Laurie$not_a_permie.
1998.42SUBURB::THOMASHThe Devon DumplingTue Feb 02 1993 15:398
	Also, now the "recent quotes" have gone, people like me - who take the
	money - put in their two quotes to decide whether to continue to stay 
	out, or join.

	So its not just dependent on the number of cars coming up for renewal.

	Heather whos_thinking_of_changing_her_car
1998.43And on the other hand...HEWIE::RUSSELLSo, who did vote for the Tories?Tue Feb 02 1993 16:028
Car Fleet have handled my quotes and order without any problems. They
have given me details of the new car, and the supplying dealer...

so sometimes it does work well. Mind you, they also couldn't tell me anything
about the tyre replacement policy, and said both lease companies have the
same rules.... 

Peter.
1998.44CHEFS::BRIGGSRFour Flat Tyres on a Muddy RoadWed Feb 03 1993 10:556
    
    Well having read the catalogue of woes in this note it was with much
    trepidation I put two quotes in the week before last. I got quotes back
    within 7 days!
    
    Richard
1998.45KERNEL::FISCHERII can always sleep standing upWed Feb 03 1993 12:095
Well, surely tnat goes to show that whinging in Notes conferences does
have some effect.


	Ian
1998.46AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandWed Feb 03 1993 12:2332
    
    This depends on how loud you Whine I suppose...
    
    I got my two quotes back this morning after much chasing and a visit to
    car fleet by my husband (who was chasing his as well) and one of them
    has been rejected!!!
    
    Only if you have had a quote rejected can you understand how
    frustrating this is because you do not get a reason, instead you have
    to phone up and find out why.
    
    And the reason was.... 
    
    One of the optional extras is no longer an optional extra!
    
    
    ** FLAME ON**
    
    WHY THE H**L COULDN'T THEY JUST RING AND TELL ME THAT!  I NOW HAVE TO
    HAVE THE SAME QUOTE RESUBMITTED, MINUS THE ONE OPTIONAL EXTRA AND
    START THE WHOLE GAME AGAIN.
    
    I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS SORTING THIS MESS OUT - PERHAPS THEY OUGHT TO
    START WITH THE BASICS LIKE "HOW TO USE A TELEPHONE!!"
    
    ** FLAME OFF ***
    
    FWIW the other quote was zero priced but no options.
               
    
    Sharon
          
1998.47Two weeks and counting...KERNEL::BAYLISDI know pigs exist, therefore...Wed Feb 03 1993 12:489
    re .44
    
    I put a couple of quotes in two weeks ago, (to the day) and have heard
    nothing yet. Oh well, maybe I'll have some mail waiting for me tomorrow
    morning !.
    
    Dave
    (The wishful thinker !!!).
    
1998.48WIZZER::WEGGSome hard boiled eggs and some nuts.Wed Feb 03 1993 13:1612
        re .46>
        
        Someone in this office had their quote for a Citroen BX
        rejected because he specified it as a hatchback but it's 
        actually a saloon. The fact that the BACK of the car consists
        of a wacking great HATCH is immaterial, Citroen call it a
        saloon and so must you.
        
        His second quote for a TGD SALOON was also rejected because
        it's now a TZD!
        
        Ian.
1998.49WIZZER::WEGGSome hard boiled eggs and some nuts.Wed Feb 03 1993 13:205
        Having just added a whinge, I'd like to wish Doug Arnold
        good luck in sorting the mess out. My own constructive
        suggestion is to return to the previous system.
        
        Ian.
1998.50BRUMMY::MARTIN::BELLMartin Bell, TCC, Birmingham UKWed Feb 03 1993 13:3616
I too, would like to wish Doug all the best in sorting out fleet, even
though it is going to cost me a crate of beer (although he would prefer
Dom Perignon)  ;-)

I just hope that he gets the _authority_ to do what he feels necessary
to improve things (all things, costs, quality of service, morale of
his staff etc), and isn't battered down by the bean counters.

If a few more higher level managers took note of what said in conferences
such as this, rather than branding us as "whingers", then perhaps changes
in the organisation and business practices would reflect the real issues,
and not those of deck-chair attendents!

Good luck Doug,

mb
1998.51KERNEL::FISCHERII can always sleep standing upWed Feb 03 1993 13:437
I thought another major revies of the car scheme was already underway
and has been for some time now. Does anyone have any details? Will
we return to more public access to quotes? Will we all be driving Sierras/
Mondeos? Will driver prices increase?


	Ian
1998.52If it wasn't pathetic it would be John CleeseBAHTAT::DODDWed Feb 03 1993 14:0910
    On a side issue. I mailed Sally Fountaine (Car fleet takeovers) asking
    to take over a car until fleet process my quotes and added the request
    that if the Passat I'd asked for had gone please tell me what was left.
    Sally would not tell me, mail or phone, what was left and said that I
    should wait for the new list later this week.
    
    So I'm driving my car with the miles mounting and Fleet won't tell me
    what's left - it makes me want to cry. Well almost.
    
    Andrew
1998.53Just a thought, from a customer...SUBURB::MCDONALDAShockwave RiderWed Feb 03 1993 16:2710
    Are the people who are currently revising the car scheme
    
    a) the same as the cretins who devised the fiasco in place today?
    
    and
    
    b) asked the users for feedback both on the problems and suggested
       solutions?
    
    Angus
1998.54Another suggestion re.40FAILTE::THOMSONSThu Feb 04 1993 15:1210
Re .40 asking for all quotes to be up to date correct model etc , would it	
not seem reasonable to have all old models removed from the Preffered Car
List and the list to be updated with the current models/options .

At the same time it would seem quite sensible to add in the most popular
makes/models that have been requested or ordered , this would surely save a 
lot of wasted time both for car fleet customers and car fleet themselves.

							Stuart
1998.55Very faintly related to quotes, as I've submitted two but...SUBURB::MCDONALDAShockwave RiderThu Feb 04 1993 16:3018
    Two weeks ago I ring up fleet and ask when my lease expires: 2nd Feb
    1993 came back the answer. Note this is the original expiry date for 30
    months. I complete two quotes and submit them. Not trusting the system,
    I mail fleet to confirm the expiry date; I want it in writing. Fleet
    responded the next day (yes, don't fall off your chairs, you did read
    it right, the next day) to confirm that the lease expires on 2nd August
    1993. So, hwo do I believe?
    
    Today, I put my car in for repairs to the clutch. The garage ring up
    Hertz to get authorisation for the repairs and for a 30K service; I
    didn't ask for the service (forgot) but the garage were on the ball.
    
    Guess what? As far as Hertz are concerned, the lease expired two days
    ago (2nd Feb 1993) and they were expecting the car yesterday.
    
    I assume fleet have ripped up my quotes, but its a big assumption.
    
    Angus                      
1998.56KRAKAR::WARWICKCan't you just... ?Thu Feb 04 1993 17:026
    
    Reading all this stuff makes me even more glad that I never opted in to
    the "hassle free motoring" available under Digital's car lease
    scheme...
    
    Trevor
1998.57KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleThu Feb 04 1993 17:0913
    Angus
    
    We were all informed some time ago that our leases would automatically
    be extended to 36months if we already had a car on a 30 month lease.
    
    I don't know how this was done, but your car appears to have been
    overlooked. Maybe the leases weren't extended on all cars.
    
    For anyone with a car that was originally for 30 months and is clocking
    up a high mileage, you can advise fleet and change your car at the end
    of the original 30 month period. This is what I am doing.
    
    Roy
1998.58Not just AngusSAC::HAYCOX_IIanFri Feb 05 1993 10:5813
    Your not the only one who has been overlooked.
    
    I phoned up PHH about two weeks ago to determine when my lease was
    due for renewal and they still had the 30 month date, whereas Fleet
    said it was the new 36 month date. The person I spoke to at PHH did
    say that Fleet can change the length of the lease period at any time
    before expiry.
    
    I also asked PHH if there were any penalties for late return, but they
    said they didn't speak to drivers and I'd have to take up the matter
    with fleet.
    
    Ian.
1998.59KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleFri Feb 05 1993 11:388
    The other thing to check if your car originally had a 30 month lease
    and you are keeping it for 3 years, is to check the fleetcard expiry
    date.
    
    You may need to ask for a new one. You will get problems if you try
    using for repairs after the expiry date.
    
    Roy
1998.60VANGA::KERRELL('O^O')Fri Feb 05 1993 14:005
>is to check the fleetcard expiry date.

Mines 09/95 and I've had the car two years!

Dave ;-)
1998.61Ah yes...the fleet card!!!!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandFri Feb 05 1993 20:537
    
    I've just had National Breakdown out cos my petrol cap got stuck, lucky
    they didn't ask for the fleet card as it ran out 09/92 when the car was
    originally due to expire - never thought of it till now but the car
    only has a month to go now so it's a bit late to get a new card.
    
    Sharon
1998.62I wonder what they charge for a stuck petrol cap?WIZZER::WEGGSome hard boiled eggs and some nuts.Sat Feb 06 1993 22:518
    >> I've just had National Breakdown out cos my petrol cap got stuck, lucky
    >> they didn't ask for the fleet card as it ran out 09/92 when the car was
        
        I doubt whether National Breakdown are that bothered about
        fleet cards. We have them on a "pay-as-you-use" basis, i.e.
        Digital is billed for each callout.
        
        Ian.
1998.63One down, one to go...KERNEL::BAYLISDI know pigs exist, therefore...Mon Feb 08 1993 09:249
    Waiting for me in my mail this morning was an Acknowledgment from car
    fleet, two and a half weeks after I submitted the quote. The odd thing
    is I submitted two quotes in the same envelope and have only had one
    acknowledged !.
    
    Still maybe tomorrow ?.
    
    Dave.
    
1998.64Gawd, back to work.SUBURB::MCDONALDAShockwave RiderMon Feb 08 1993 10:2131
    Sorry folks, I've been on leave so I haven't kept up with this note.
    
    I contacted fleet about my 'over due' car. They said that all cars had
    been automatically extended and that Hertz/PHH were informed of this.
    They then went on to say that the operation was so huge (3700+ cars)
    that it was inevitable that some cars would be missed. It never occured
    to the managers of Fleet to get a list of 'modified' lease dates from
    Hertz and PHH and cross check that all had been extended. A souless
    boring task I'll admit, but it could have been done in a couple of
    days. Already my boss and I have wasted a day on this.
    
    When I first phone Fleet, four weeks ago, it was Fleet who informed me
    that my car was due for renewal on 2nd Feb. Not trusting Fleet a
    micrometer, I sought verification in writing and was duely told 2nd
    August. Then Hertz inform the servicing garage that it was due on 2nd of
    Feb. I'm now back to being told its the 2nd of Aug.
    
    Fleet also said that although my Prime card had expired, this should
    cause no problems. We'll see.
    
    I asked about penalties for overdue cars i.e. if Hertz reckon my car
    was overdue would they hit my cost center with charges. Fleet said
    there were no penalties. Again, we'll see.
    
    I can deal with the leases being extended, in fact its somewhat
    advantageous as it gives me a chance to see what Lamont (have I got it
    right :-) has in store for us and what the diesel Espace looks like.
    What I can't deal with is all this running around in a process that is
    supposed to have saved us money.
    
    Angus
1998.65IOSG::HORSFIELDSpecial Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange PekoeTue Feb 09 1993 09:188
	4 jan 1993 - submit first quote
	3 feb 1993 - quote acknowledged
	
	8 feb 1993 - submit second quote
	8 feb 1993 - quote acknowledged!
	
	jack 
1998.66KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleTue Feb 09 1993 10:026
    �8 feb 1993 - submit second quote
    �8 feb 1993 - quote acknowledged!
    
    Is Doug at work already ? 
    
    Roy :-)
1998.67*HE* is at work!!!KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandTue Feb 09 1993 10:1310
    Re: last
    
    I think he must be, I got my "resubmitted" quote back this morning. 
    Although I think the credit has to go to Hilary Bailey who dealt with my
    re-quote personally because the other chappie was training.
    
    This one was also zero priced so the order went straight in...now I
    wonder how long...???!!!
    
    Sharon
1998.68Order AcknowledgementSHIPS::ABBOTT_KTue Feb 09 1993 16:4512
    Sharon,
    
    I posted my order from home, directly to REO F3 on Thursday 28th Jan.
    (I don't trust internal mail!)
    Allowing for the fact that it probably didn't get to DECPark until
    Monday 1st Feb, I guess Fleet should have had it by Tuesday 2nd. I had
    confirmation that the order had been placed with the leasing company on
    Wednesday 3rd.
    
    Can't beat that really, can you.
    
    Keith.
1998.69The earth hasn't moved for me...Still waitingWELCLU::YOUNGTue Feb 09 1993 23:298
    
    
    I sent in 2 quote forms about 3 weeks ago......not even an
    acknowledgement yet.
    
    Still waiting
    
    Richard (Young)
1998.703 weeks is not a long time .....WELLIN::HARRINGTONA Software What.....?Wed Feb 10 1993 14:4210
    I sent 2 quotes in at the beginning of December '92. I was told in
    Jan'93 that they were on the system. I have since found out that they
    are still not in the system ...!!
    
    My car ran out yesterday, and is due a 63,000 service ....!!
    
    How long are quote supposed to take ....!!!??
    
    Mark
    
1998.71KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleWed Feb 10 1993 14:566
    The replies to this note have been very informative.
    
    It would seem that the sensible thing to do is phone car fleet if you
    haven't had a quote acknowlegement within 7 to 10 days.
    
    Roy
1998.72If you can't beat them.....KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandWed Feb 10 1993 15:026
    I would say it was a must cos if you don't and all the other people
    waiting for quotes are ringing them, your's just gets nearer and nearer
    the bottom.
    
    Sharon
    
1998.73NURSE - you see this spear in my chest..CHEFS::ARNOLDWed Feb 10 1993 16:5412
    In my reply (.38) I said I was taking action to deal with a backlog of
    quotes.  This has happened but has inevitably taken longer than I
    anticipated owing to the size of the problem and the need to put in an
    additional administrator who needed system training.  
    In terms of response, I have stated that quotes will be dealt with in 
    strict "received  date" order and in two sections (2 Admin people 
    2 sections geddit glenda ?) one section from the Preferred Car list 
    and t'other for car outside the PCL.
    
    I intend to keep you updated as we progress (YES that was PROGRESS !!)
    Doug
    
1998.74BAHTAT::HILTONBeer...now there's a temporary solutionThu Feb 11 1993 08:323
    Thanks for keeping everyone informed Doug!
    
    Greg
1998.75KERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleThu Feb 18 1993 13:1226
    Doug
    
    Are you in a position to comment on the following ?
    
    Note 1538 and its replies has always been useful for getting an idea
    of driver costs for cars not on the preferred list. However, it is
    understood that as these are personal quotes then nobody else can order
    from them.
    
    Is this still true ? Only it seems that some people have had
    authorization to order from someone elses quote. 
    
    Could you explain why it is a problem to order from someone elses valid
    quote as this seems a good way of cutting down on the number of quotes
    that are generated.
    
    The other thing is that someone has had a quote rejected because he
    wanted a quote for a car with the option of locking wheel nuts and
    told to order from the preferred list. As you have to get a
    seperate quote for an order off the preferred list anyway, what is 
    the problem with submitting a personal quote with a locking wheel nuts ?
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Roy
1998.76Another view of FleetARRODS::WHITAKERThe man from HullMon Feb 22 1993 18:3415
    	While I'm sure Car Fleet are doing their best I would like to point
    	out that I submitted my quote request in mid December (92). I finally 
    	received an acknowledgement back on the 11th of February after the 
    	usual phone calls to hurry the system up. Today I received a ridiculous 
    	price notification which being 1000 pounds dearer than I expected 
    	prices the car completely out of my league. I wish I understood the
    	system they used for arriving at the price because I can't work it
    	out !

    	It has taken just over two months to get this far and I've got five
    	weeks before my current car runs out.
    	
    							Andy

1998.77Theory and pracxtice may not be the same!SUBURB::THOMASHThe Devon DumplingTue Feb 23 1993 10:1519
>     I wish I understood the
>    	system they used for arriving at the price because I can't work it
>    	out !

	Whatever PHH and Hertz can lease it at to make a reasonable (excellent?)
	profit!


	Something like    cost of financing car over x months
			  plus costs of servicing (new exhaust/tyres)
			  plus admin
			  plus profit
			  less estimated recovery value of car when sold-on
	
	The idea of the preferred list, is so they can do a better deal on the 
	cost of those cars.

	
	Heather
1998.78They're getting There!!!YUPPY::ELLAWAYMartin Ellaway@hhlThu Apr 22 1993 13:4011
    
    I dropped a couple of quotes into the office on Monday afternoon and
    as if by magic Thursday morning the acknowledgments were waiting in
    my Inbox having been mailed Wednesday evening.
      The only strange thing is both quotes acknowledegments are saying
    36 months/36000 miles, is this something new , does it mean the lease
    cost will be cheaper????
    
    
    
    Regards Martin
1998.79PAPERS::CORNEJohn Corne - Product & Technology groupThu Apr 22 1993 13:556
    How many miles per year did you put on the quote form?  I put in one a
    couple of weeks back with 20k per year and it came back as 36m/60k.
    Seems about right.  (changed from 30 months about 3 years back, soon
    after I got the current car).
    
    Jc
1998.80YUPPY::ELLAWAYMartin Ellaway@hhlThu Apr 22 1993 14:203
    I stated about 12,000, But in didn'y think they did 36,000 mile leases.
    
    Regards Martin
1998.81It was with PHHCURRNT::PAYNE_ABook early to avoid disappointmentThu Apr 22 1993 17:145
    When I put in a quote for my car I put down 12000 mile pa, and the
    quote came back for 36 months, 60000 miles which is a good thing as
    I've done 12,000 in 7 months.
    
    Andy  
1998.82PREFERED not updatedUBOHUB::PAYNE_RTue Apr 27 1993 10:459
    
    	How come the "Prefered" car list is not being updated ??
    
    	How many Ford mondeo's are being quoted, and how many show up on
    the list...
    
    	Come on. UPDATE the list..
    
    		
1998.83MAJORS::ALFORDlying Shipwrecked and comatose...Tue Apr 27 1993 11:535
    
>    	How come the "Prefered" car list is not being updated ??
    
It gets done once a year, June I think.