S h a r e
Why Glasgow City needs to be as bold and ambitious as Volkswagen and Tesco


Posted by
Martin Brown
December 2018
It’s not often you see an automotive headline that takes you aback.
But in the last fortnight we’ve had two: the arrest of Carlos Ghosn, the infamous ‘Le cost cutter’ chief at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and one of the most significant automotive players in the world.
And, closer to home, the announcement by Volkswagen and Tesco of the roll out of 2400 free-to-use EV chargers at 600 of the supermarket’s stores. These will be installed and maintained by Pod Point.
While the former will have repercussions in the corridors of automotive industry, the latter move will have repercussions throughout the United Kingdom.
These chargers will be the 7kW fast charger variety; in addition for those who need an ultra-quick top up there will also be rapid 50kW chargers which can be used on a pay as you go basis.
Just think about it for a minute.
By 2020 there will be a network of 2,400 free-to-use EV chargers based in the car parks of one of the largest grocery supply chains in the UK. No payment required; top up while you shop. Wow!
Can Glasgow City – where Fleet Alliance is located and provides two free-to-use chargers at our Skypark base – be as brave and so forward-thinking?
I hope so.
The city has more roads than any other UK city – more so even than Birmingham, apparently. It also has a motorway that bisects the city.
A new report issued last week by the Glasgow Connectivity Commission, chaired by Professor David Begg, said that the city’s centre and transport links needed a radical overhaul to foster better opportunities for the city’s inhabitants and increase business growth.
Among the proposals are significant investment in the bus system, a smart grid system to separate different types of transport, and greater pedestrianisation of the city centre.
It comes as Glasgow prepares to introduce a Low Emission Zone at the end of 2018.
How will Glasgow City Council respond to the report? Positively and with ambition, I hope.
The opportunity to reduce transport emissions and provide more inclusivity, while generating business growth, is an aim that should be fully grasped In the same way that Volkswagen, Tesco and Pod Point have shown with their EV initiative.
You also might like…
If you liked this article then check out our posts about similar topics
The Supreme Court judgement on motor finance and how it affects Fleet Alliance customers
Last week the Supreme Court ruled on three motor finance cases The finance involved was for used cars supplied by car de...
Rethinking Fleet Strategy in a Changing Landscape
Managing a corporate fleet has never been more complex or more critical to business performance From shifting market dyn...
Aviation specialist Aermach selects Fleet Alliance for EV salary sacrifice scheme
Cardiff-based aviation specialist Aermach has chosen Fleet Alliance to launch a highly tax-efficient electric vehicle sa...
First Drive: Kia EV3, the Company Car Game Changer
Why it matters Fresh from scooping both ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Mainstream Electric Car’ at the 2025 AutoTr...
Fleet Alliance named a Best Workplace for Women in 2025
I’m delighted to share that Fleet Alliance has been named a Best Workplace for Women in the 2025 certification ranking...
How will fleets and salary sacrifice schemes benefit from the Electric Car Grant?
The Electric Car Grant, introduced by the Government on Tuesday 15 July, is definitely to be welcomed I’ll caveat t...
First Drive: Why Audi’s Q4 e-Tron matters
The Company Car Sweet Spot for future-proofing your Fleet An Audi badge says professional without drifting into show-of...
First Drive: Jaecoo 7 – Range-Rover Looks on a £30k Budget
Why this newcomer matters China’s Chery Group is taking the UK by storm with a two-brand strategy: Omoda targets mains...
Ready to make the management of your fleet more efficient?
Request a call back