Are you on the hunt for a new company car? HMRC figures suggest the number of company car drivers has in fact dropped in recent years. Yet whether you’re a new starter or a hiring manager, company cars can be an attractive perk that makes your job a lot easier.
They’re also a big expense, however – and choosing the right vehicle is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Whether you’re regularly driving across the country or travelling to a nearby client once a fortnight, here are the key factors to look for in a company car.
Style
Your choice of car ultimately needs to be in line with your brand image. They’re a visible asset, so if you’re providing a premium service you may want to choose an executive vehicle to suit. If you’re a young and innovative start-up on the other hand, a hot hatch could be the way to go.
Consider your customer base and the qualities you’re hoping to communicate. Will flashiness impress or turn people away?
Fuel economy
There are lots of incentives to choose an economical company car. Fuel costs will have a lesser impact on your expenses and bottom-line profits, while lower emissions will earn more favorable tax rates from the government.
Electric vehicles such as the new Vauxhall Corsa-e are an increasingly attractive choice, with interest for electric cars overtaking that for petrol hybrids in 2019. Consider the miles you’re likely to rack up to establish what’s good value.
Suitability
Your company car should also be suited to your location and personal preferences. Electric vehicles may not be so appealing if you’re out in the sticks, for example, while your colleagues might not feel comfortable getting behind the wheel of something more powerful than what they’re used to.
If your company is investing in a fleet you’re unlikely to please everyone, but it’s still worth trying to settle on a happy medium. Consider running an internal survey to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Safety
The last thing you want is for your choice of company car to become an employee welfare issue. Most new cars will be designed and built in line with modern safety standards, but some manufacturers still have better reputations than others.
As well as keeping you and your team safe on the road, choosing a vehicle that’s known to be reliable should help to keep insurance and maintenance costs down too.
With so much choice out there and so many elements to take into consideration, choosing a company car can feel overwhelming. Assess your options by the factors described above to make sure your new vehicle ticks enough boxes to be a winner.
