Leasing companies are now able to access real-time WLTP data under a partnership between Jato Dynamics and Sofico, ensuring fleets get accurate CO2 and fuel figures.

Leasing companies have struggled with accessing up-to-date info on WLTP CO2 and fuel figures, in turn affecting end-user fleets

The WLTP fuel consumption and emissions testing cycle was introduced for most new cars in September 2018 to replace the less accurate NEDC cycle. All new cars now have a unique WLTP value for fuel and CO2.

In the UK, the CO2 data under the WLTP cycle has been used as the basis for VED and company car tax since April 2020, as announced in the 2017 Budget. Any change to standard cars, such as adding an option, can affect the figure, in turn impacting on the VED and CCT costs; making this key info for fleets.

However, leasing companies have struggled with accessing up-to-date info on WLTP figures; something the BVRLA has been warning about for over a year.

Olivier Peijs, head of European sales leasing at Jato Dynamics, explained the impact: “WLTP has always been a very complex matter and it comes as no surprise that the industry has found it difficult to implement WLTP solutions. But the retrieval of real-time WLTP data from OEMs is now crucial for all automotive players. In particular, leasing service providers (LSPs) who face customers with tight budgets and strict fleet policies. Without the correct WLTP values, LSPs may suffer from unforeseen vehicle costs such as registration or road tax – with the damaging potential to make models non-compliant with their customers’ car policies.”

To resolve the issue, Jato Dynamics and Sofico have teamed up to offer a solution. Jato’s WLTP Link provides a central access point for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures under the WLTP standard and taking into account any vehicle options and latest emissions data.

Building on this, Sofico has developed a real-time integration for its leasing customers – sourcing this data from Jato and enabling customers to access accurate fuel and CO2 figures. This in turn benefits end-user fleets.

Jordy Plaetinck, subject matter expert at Sofico, said: “Effectively implementing real time data remains a very complex matter, however, all parties involved – JATO, Sofico and OEMs alike – are making significant efforts to increase performance by consistently compiling and unifying the real time data. While future evolutions in vehicle type approval with regard to pollutants emissions may require further amendments, we now made it possible for our customers to obtain exact, up-to-date CO₂ emissions and fuel efficiency data as needed.”

The solution has already been greeted by ALD Automotive. Sales and marketing director Benjamin Daels said: “At ALD Automotive, we see it as our responsibility to provide our customers with the best possible guidance on new trends, market developments and, of course, tax changes. Therefore, it was important to be able to show both NEDC and WLTP values on our documents. Thanks to the smooth cooperation with Jato and Sofico, we quickly transformed a complex situation into a transparent solution for our customers.”