Autoglass is the first major UK fleet to pilot and roll out the eco-drive system powered by Lightfoot, a new driver efficiency tool developed by Ashwoods Automotive, which helps drivers improve their driving style, fuel efficiency and safety behind the wheel.

During 2012, Ashwoods conducted road trials with more than 20 UK fleets, ranging from delivery companies and construction contractors to utilities and local authorities.

It proved a real success, with average net savings of more than £70,000 per four-year term for a fleet of 50 vans.

One company, which installed 100 vans with Lightfoot, also recorded a 50% drop in own-fault road traffic accidents.

Extensive trials with Autoglass have indicated instant savings of 15% on fuel costs across the 1,100 strong Autoglass fleet, estimated to be equivalent to a CO2 saving of over 1,000 tonnes a year. 

This is achieved by helping drivers to self-manage and automatically improve their performance.

An additional ‘idling’ functionality operational within the device also indicates when an Autoglass van is running but not being driven, encouraging drivers to remember to switch-off the engine. 

Lightfoot is self-managing, providing drivers with real-time visuals and audible feedback on their driving style.

Lights indicate how efficiently a vehicle is being driven and warnings (green, amber and red) are given, for example, when a driver accelerates too quickly, revs the engine or idles with the engine running.

This enables drivers to make immediate adjustments to improve performance and make fuel savings while on the move.

A weekly email is sent back to the fleet manager which gives an ‘at a glance’ report on how well drivers have been performing and confirms sustained fuel and CO2 savings, which means there is also minimal time investment for fleet managers. 

To date, the roll-out across the fleet at Autoglass has contributed to maximising fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, surpassing efficiency expectations and reporting a 15% MPG improvement.

Matthew Mycock, managing director at Autoglass, said: “What we love about Lightfoot is that its sole focus is on improving driver efficiency from the moment they turn on the ignition.

“Within a couple of days of using the tool we see many of our drivers go from spending 55%-60% of their time in the green zone to hitting 90% and higher. Our savings in fuel costs speak for themselves.

“Our technicians have really embraced the technology.  We’ve even seen some light-hearted competitiveness emerging when the manager reports go up on the noticeboard every week.”
 

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