FUTURE OF FLEET > SALARY SACRIFICE
PRIORITIES FOR A NEW CAR SCHEME
Alison Argall I business development director I Tusker
Prior to the salary sacrifice scheme launching in 2022, employees at Nokia had company fossil fuel cars with a fossil fuel card. As a result, Nokia wanted to do something that was in-keeping with its environmental targets. Inclusivity was also important, so that the majority of employees would be eligible to participate in the new benefit. The range of vehicles was a key factor, as well as the overall cost to employees and the benefits it provided to the company. The team at Nokia saw the added value to using a salary sacrifice scheme over retail. Nokia’s incumbent fleet provider didn’t offer EVs, so the team shortlisted several salary sacrifice companies which would meet their requirements.
CHOOSING A NEW PROVIDER
With its focus on reducing carbon emissions and commitment to offsetting, Tusker was the obvious choice to provide the car scheme. Particularly as with the Tusker scheme, there are options to choose a low emission or fully electric scheme to suit the needs of the customer. The company made the decision to go for a fully-electric scheme. “Tusker showed confidence, knowledge and ability to answer questions straight away. We were really impressed and it didn’t take long at all to make a decision to work with Tusker,” explains Sue Marsaco, country people specialist at Nokia. “Tusker was able to demonstrate the savings that were available, suggested options for the scheme and how we would implement it appropriately.”
“I took the Polestar 2 – it’s a fantastic car and I absolutely love it. It was simple to make the switch – I thought I’d have a lot of range anxiety, but I travel from Reading to South Wales regularly and have no issues at all”
Sue Marsaco, country people specialist at Nokia
SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION TO EVs
One of the most important factors to Nokia was to sell the benefit to employees so that they understood the benefit as they did with the company car scheme. Having insurance, road tax, servicing and maintenance, breakdown cover and replacement tyres included was a massive selling point, as this wasn’t included with their company car package.
“We were concerned that EVs weren’t for everyone, and that there would be concerns for those who live in a flat or for those who drive large mileages,” adds Marasco. “Tusker was able to reassure employees and help them make the right decision for them.”
“Our employees feel that they can contact Tusker at any point to discuss issues or queries when they need some help and support about their car,” she added.
RESULTS
The scheme has been well received and, not only were employees choosing to leave their owned fossil fuel cars, but those entitled to a cash allowance were choosing to use it for the car scheme. Previously, company cars were only available for those of certain levels but, with the car scheme, almost all employees could choose to get a car.
That list of employees included Marasco. “I took the Polestar 2 – it’s a fantastic car and I absolutely love it,” she says. “It was simple to make the switch – I thought I’d have a lot of range anxiety, but I travel from Reading to South Wales regularly and have no issues at all.”
