Sofico customers can now use new WLTP look-up functionality on the Miles solution to download the new CO2 values of the latest vehicles.

Sofico managing director Gémar Hompes

The data is being supplied in partnership with Jato Dynamics using its WLTP hub. Launched in May 2017, the hub will now be available through Miles as plug-and-play functionality, providing CO2 values under WLTP for all models from 22 of the 30 major European automotive brands, including all optional items of specification which can affect the CO2 values.

It follows the September 2018 full introduction of the emissions testing regime, which has almost universally increased the CO2 rating for each vehicle tested, increasing company car drivers’ tax bills while also impacting on new car sales; the first quarter of this year saw a 3.3% decline across the board in new car orders, as companies and drivers deferred purchasing decisions.

Olivier Peijs, country manager for Jato Netherlands, who has worked closely on the development of the interface between Miles and the Jato WLTP hub, said: “WLTP is the most significant change to hit the European automotive industry in the last 30 years and is completely changing the way data is used and how we make offers to our customers.

“Thanks to this new interface between Miles and our WLTP hub, Sofico is leading the market with its capability to offer a plug-and-play functionality for WLTP to its automotive leasing and finance customers. As a result, they can offer their customers comfort on the outcomes of the new testing regime and a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Peijs also urged all manufactures to release their WLTP values and calculators to Jato; according to the firm’s figures, more than a third (37%) of carmakers’ model ranges were still not WLTP-homologated by mid-November.

Peijs added: “The world’s largest and smallest leasing companies rely on Jato to deliver the correct configuration data and calculated values. This will enable our mutual customers to prepare properly, meaning that WLTP does not have to have a disruptive effect.”

Gémar Hompes, Sofico managing director, also commented on the new interface, saying: “We are always looking to develop Miles further to ensure that it evolves with the latest market developments and fully supports our customers’ changing business needs. It is very important to us that we are able to offer this WLTP functionality now, keeping our customers ahead of the curve during the transition period for WLTP.”