Fleet briefs: Latest from R2C, Teletrac Navman, Epyx, Blackout Technologies, Slicker Recycling, Webfleet, Samsara and the Highways Sector Council

R2C figures show effective workshop management keeps fleets moving

Analysis of data from R2C has revealed that the firm’s workshop management software is smoothing workflow over the working week, resulting in fewer pinch points and less chance of fleet vehicles being off the road for longer than necessary.

The software firm’s pre-emptive approach to workshop management, utilising online stock management and workshop loading as well as digital invoicing and electronic service and job sheets, has seen R2C maintain a uniform level of completed jobs through its customers’ workshops.

The data shows that completed jobs per day annually show that Thursday is the busiest day of the week, with 379,629 jobs completed during every Thursday over the previous 12 months, compared with 376,951 jobs on Wednesdays, 370,970 on Tuesdays and 367,244 on Fridays. Monday was the only slight outlier, recording 338,305 jobs throughout the period.

Looking at the figures on a monthly basis, again there is a high degree of regularity – January saw the most jobs completed at 169,057 (a spike to take into account workshop closures over the Christmas period) while August was the lowest at 138,337.

Ash Connell, Commercial Director at r2c, said: “It is encouraging to see that the workflow is being balanced so evenly, helping workshops to avoid pinch points in their working week.

“This ensures that fleet operators are not being constantly inconvenienced if work cannot be completed on one of their vehicles – we know how costly it is for companies to have their vehicles off the road and not earning money.”

New Trackstar product tackles relay theft of vehicles

Teletrac Navman Connected Services has launched of a new tracker and immobiliser product as part of its Trackstar product portfolio.

Car relay theft involves the use of transmitters to hijack a key fob signal and relay it to a secondary device that can then unlock a car with keyless entry and start.

It has contributed to a 50% increase in thefts across England and Wales in the past 10 years, with 96% of motorists in the UK at risk from relay theft.

The Trackstar S5 iPRO incorporates a secondary relay signal connected to a driver ID tag that enables the car to start, the S5 iPRO can stop thieves in their tracks even if they manage to gain entry to the vehicle.

The immobiliser is Thatcham approved and therefore compliant with all insurers.

Jon Eaves, managing director at Teletrac Navman Connected Services, said: “Relay theft has been growing and the technology thieves are using has become more sophisticated and readily available.

“Immobilisers of this kind aren’t commonplace as either factory fitted or aftermarket installations, so we’re pleased to be filling that void with an additional layer of protection and provide peace of mind that high value assets remain where they’re left.”

The Trackstar S5 iPRO with Immobilisation comes with an RRP of £599 and is available from the Trackstar website.

1link Service Network to expand into Scandanavian countries

Availability of 1link Service Network is set to expand into Finland, Norway and Sweden, according to new plans announced by Epyx.

The move brings the number of countries using the platform to 15 and means fleets totalling almost eight million vehicles globally have adopted it to manage their service, maintenance and repair (SMR) processes.

Tim Meadows (pictured), chief commercial officer at Epyx, said: “1link is now available in Austria, Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We plan to add further countries in due course.”

Blackout targets smartphone distraction while driving

Blackout Technologies aims to cut the number of vehicle collisions caused by distracted driving with the launch of a mobile device blocking tool.

Blackout’s blocking technology uses an app installed on a driver’s smartphone that connects to a Bluetooth beacon within the vehicle, or alternatively, an integrated fleet solution such as a connected dashcam or telematics unit.

It activates when the vehicle is in motion, automatically restricting encrypted messaging tools, the camera and other popular apps, and includes a two-minute delay to prevent drivers using their smartphone when in stationary traffic.

The technology also possesses crash detection functionality, based on high g-force events, whereby a notification is sent to the driver to verify if a collision has occurred and check on their welfare.

An alert is then sent to the fleet manager via the Blackout management portal, which monitors active drivers and live device compliance status. Details of a confirmed incident can also be sent to other specified parties for an efficient safety and claims management response.

Mark Hadley, CEO of Blackout Technologies, said: “Blackout Technologies has developed a highly effective solution that removes distraction, fosters improved concentration and ultimately enhances road safety.”

Slicker Recycling receives King’s Award

Oil and waste recycling firm Slicker Recycling has received its King’s Award for Enterprise at a special celebration day held at its Worcestershire headquarters.

It was announced in May that the company, which collects and re-refines over 75 million litres of used lubricating oil every year, had been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2024, recognising Slicker’s outstanding year-on-year growth as it helps businesses cut their carbon footprint.

The company’s executive chairman Mark Olpin hosted the event at the company’s Stourport-on-Severn headquarters, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant.

More than 80 of the firm’s colleagues and guests also attended the celebration, including Councillor John Thomas, Mayor of Stourport-on-Severn.

Mark Olpin, executive chairman of Slicker Recycling said: “For us to be recognised by His Majesty the King is testament to the dedication of the first-class and hugely professional team we have.

“To also welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire and celebrate with colleagues and distinguished guests, was another special moment and allowed us to mark this momentous achievement together.”

Webfleet joins Charity Fleet Alliance to empower charities with smarter fleet solutions

Webfleet has joined the Charity Fleet Alliance, offering innovative solutions to help charities cut costs, boost efficiency and drive sustainability across their vehicle fleets.

The Charity Fleet Alliance, an initiative from Charity Fleetcare, brings together fleet suppliers and charity organisations with the shared mission of optimising fleet management practices for the non-profit sector.

By joining the alliance, Webfleet aims to furnish charities with the tools and expertise needed to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and boost fleet sustainability, notably by supporting their transition to electric vehicles.

Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting organisations that are making a real difference.”

The Charity Fleet Alliance is a collaborative network that leverages collective buying power to secure better procurement terms from vehicle suppliers, lease finance firms, and associated fleet service providers.

Otto Car reports a cut in CO2 emissions using Samsara

Samsara has helpd Otto Car, Europe’s largest provider of private hire vehicles, to accurately track and measure its commitment to improving air quality.

This has enabled Otto Car to prove a cut in CO2 emissions of 50,000 tonnes in just 12 months.

Using Samsara’s fleet management solutions, Otto can access accurate, real-time data from its 5,600 vehicles (4,000 of which are electric vehicles), used by rideshare drivers to move more than 75,000 people across London every day. 

It provides data on the battery level and degradation rate for every vehicle, the number of driver miles and hours spent on the road and the best routes to shorten journeys and minimise idling.

Gurinder Dhillon, founder of Otto Car, said: “Samsara’s technology has played a crucial role in monitoring and optimising our fleet's performance, contributing to the success of our sustainability initiatives.”

Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA at Samsara, added: “Visibility of its entire fleet has been crucial in capturing the data Otto Car needs to prove the positive impact its sustainability strategy is making.

“What is equally impressive is the economic backdrop to these figures – during this time the service and repair industry was plagued by parts shortages and a lack of technicians. To have maintained such regularity in what was a highly unusual market is testament to the efficacy of our systems.”

Highways Sector Council launches ‘Ways of Life' campaign

The Highways Sector Council (HSC) has launched its ‘Ways of Life’ campaign developed to showcase the positive role highways play the opportunities there are for rewarding careers in the sector. 

A ‘Ways of Life’ campaign video is free for anyone to use to help attract and retain talent within the transport and highways industry.

Lilian Greenwood, minister for future of roads at the Department for Transport (DfT), said: “The future of our roads depends on a new generation to drive this work forward, which is why we have partnered with Highways Sector Council to launch its ‘Ways of Life’ skills campaign.

“We hope this campaign will help bring more brilliant people into the workforce, to continue to deliver our world leading road infrastructure.”

Anna Delvecchio, founding member of the Highways Sector Council, added: “Developing the campaign has showcased public and private sector collaboration at its best, bringing together all corners of the highways and transport industry to enhance the sector’s image.”