Fleet briefs: Latest from Targa Telematics, AA Business Services, Blakedale, BCA, Lex Autolease, Trakm8, Fourways Vehicle Solutions, Nama, Pure Leasing and Fleet Assist

Targa Telematics signs fleet data integration deal with Volkswagen Group 

Targa Telematics has announced a strategic partnership with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG to expand its range of data solutions for fleet operators. 

The integration will involve dynamic vehicle data from fleet vehicles of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi, Škoda, Seat, and Cupra. 

This partnership allows Targa Telematics the direct integration of fleet vehicle data from six Volkswagen Group brands into Targa Telematics' platform. 

This will enable new mobility services for fleet managers such as maintenance management, stolen vehicle recovery, claims management, fraud detection, drive analytics, activity reports, EV management, corporate car sharing and other services that support Targa Telematics' offerings. 

Alberto Falcione, vice president of sales at Targa Telematics, said: “The collaborations we are pursuing with car manufacturers aim to provide new mobility services based on the integration of data from fleet vehicles equipped with OEM electronic devices, thus reducing the operational impacts related to aftermarket solution installations. 

“Our objectives are to overcome the high complexity, involved in integrating and standardising data, making it readily accessible through Targa Telematics' digital platforms, chosen based on customer need and cost-effectiveness. 

“All of this ensures optimal results with the fast deployment of solutions through weekly releases of new features.”

Julian Burkhardt, head of strategy and business development at Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, added: “By combining Volkswagen Group's advanced connected vehicle data with Targa's state-of-the-art telematics solutions, we empower fleet operators to optimise efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while enabling seamless real-time decision-making without requiring additional hardware.”

AA Business Services launches ‘Digital Claims Assistant’ 

AA Business Services has launched a digital claims reporting solution. in partnership with RightIndem, to help fleets make critical time and cost savings.  

Digital Claims Assistant will enable drivers to report an accident quickly, easily, and more accurately ‘in the moment’, it says. 

Data from The AA shows that on average when a third-party claim is reported on day 15, it costs up to 189% more than when reported on day one and on day 25 this rises to 926%. 

To help fleets tackle these costs, Digital Claims Assistant supports fleets and drivers with access to accident reporting so busy drivers can login promptly anywhere, anytime to manage the first notification of loss (FNOL) process. 

Each customer receives a unique QR code so drivers can easily scan it when needed and start the claims process. 

David Bartlett, head of Accident Management, at AA Business Services, explained: “For us, this is very much the first step of a digital evolution of our award-winning accident management process, and we’re committed to evolving the tool as we track how it’s being used by fleets.”

Digital Claims Assistant has gone through a rigorous test process as the AA first rolled it out across its own fleet of 7,000-plus vehicles, including its operational fleet of patrol vehicles. 

Digital Claims Assistant is now available for AA fleet customers as an additional reporting option.  

Blakedale launches new website for the traffic management industry

Road safety and traffic management vehicle provider Blakedale has launched a website, enabling customers to browse, hire, and purchase fully maintained and serviced traffic management vehicles including crash cushion vehicles all in one place.

The website also includes a constantly changing selection of ex-Blakedale used vehicles which are for sale and an extensive range of road marker posts which are manufactured at its Chorley headquarters.

The ability to ‘basket’ products and services of interest has also been added. This gives the customer the ability to pause and resume their browsing experience at their own pace across Blakedale’s range of traffic management services.

Jon Taylor, MD of Blakedale said: “The new website marks a new chapter for Blakedale and the traffic management industry. It provides a more streamlined and efficient experience for customers from choosing a new IPV to buying a used one.” 

Pure Leasing appoints Fleet Assist as its official SMR partner

Pure Leasing has appointed Fleet Assist as its official SMR supplier as it continues to grow its fleet contract hire and leasing proposition.

Fleet Assist will manage all Pure Leasing’s SMR needs including providing access to its nationwide network of 5,200 garages and an additional 585 mobile units. This will support Pure Leasing’s growth to beyond its current fleet size of 1,000 vehicles.

Zaf Iqbal, Pure Leasing’s managing director, said: “Fleet Assist is the SMR industry’s benchmark supplier, and we are using their expertise to drive financial and resource efficiencies for us and our customers.

“Access to their Atlas business intelligence also provides detailed analytics which show how we can best meet driver’s SMR needs,” he added.

Garry Winckley, Fleet Assist’s business development director, added: “Pure Leasing is an independent contract hire provider, and we are pleased to be able to support their growth by providing them with greater SMR efficiencies.”

BCA and Windrush Automotive Group renew exclusive remarketing deal

BCA and the Berkshire-based Windrush Automotive Group have announced the renewal of their exclusive remarketing deal for a further two years, representing up to 1,500 vehicles over the duration of the agreement.

Windrush Automotive Group is the official Volkswagen Retailer for Berkshire based in Slough, Windsor, and Maidenhead. The Group also serves corporate customer requirements throughout the whole of the UK as well as BEV sales in all markets.  

The Windrush Automotive Group sale takes place every Friday and offers a great choice of vehicles including executive and premium models. All stock is located at BCA Blackbushe and buyers can bid via BCA Online and the BCA Buyer app.

Windrush Automotive Group use BCA Dealer Pro to exclusively appraise, value and allocate stock to BCA or retain for retail, delivering a range of benefits. All eligible vehicles are sold with a BCA Assured report.

Tim Attwood, managing director at Windrush Automotive Group, said: “We have established a highly successful partnership with BCA, maximising the efficiency of the Dealer Pro part-exchange processes which make the remarketing process more efficient, professional and joined-up for our team.”

Lex Autolease among first to secure new BSI Kitemark for service excellence

Three companies from the aviation, automotive and water storage sectors, have been recognized by BSI for steps taken to improve customer service and complaint management, including where artificial intelligence (AI) is being used.

Lex Autolease, London Luton Airport and Balmoral Tanks have become the first to achieve certification to BSI’s Kitemark for Service Excellence, which launched a year ago. 

The Kitemark provides a framework to help organisations and their employees to understand what service excellence is and work to develop processes, implement improved customer journeys, and consider new innovations especially as the transition to AI grows. 

To achieve the Kitemark, companies were assessed by an expert auditor against the requirements to demonstrate the delivery of consistently good customer service, complaint management and outstanding customer experience. This was a two-part assessment, involving a programme of ongoing surveillance to assess continuing compliance.  

The organisations also needed to show the steps they are taking to improve satisfaction and loyalty, and to adapt to digitalisation, as well as their work around risk mitigation and continuous improvement. 

The Kitemark also considered their management of AI, reflecting how integral the technology is becoming. 

Last year BSI’s research found that only 15% of Britons believed AI had enhanced their customer service experience and 41% said it had made it worse, making the latter area critical for the future.

Victoria Brennan, global product certification director at BSI, said: “All business leaders will recognize the importance of delivering excellent customer service, including increased customer loyalty, higher revenue, a stronger brand reputation, and, most importantly, exceptional customer satisfaction. 

“As technology and AI shape how businesses interact with the people they serve, this will only become more important.”

Fourways Vehicle Solutions chooses Trakm8 for enhanced fleet maintenance

Fourways Vehicle Solutions is adopting Trakm8's Connectedcare vehicle health solution to enhance the maintenance and management of its 250-vehicle rental fleet.

Trakm8’s ConnectedCare solution, integrated into its Insight platform, provides Fourways with remote diagnostics and real-time vehicle health data. 

The solution reads vehicle diagnostic information directly from the CANbus network of cars and light commercial vehicles, offering fleet managers visibility into the condition of their assets. 

Fourways can monitor battery health and vehicle warning lights, such as ABS, traction control, DPF, and AdBlue levels, helping them to prevent costly repairs by identifying potential issues before they escalate.

The Insight platform provides real-time odometer readings, ensuring accurate and up-to-date mileage tracking. Combined with service interval alerts and maintenance reminders, this allows Fourways to better manage service schedules, keep their vehicles in peak condition, and minimise downtime.

Andy Millichamp, fleet manager at Fourways Vehicle Solutions, said: “The vehicle health insights we can access through the Insight platform are invaluable, enabling us to prevent breakdowns and keep our assets in top condition. This will save our business a lot of money in the long run while improving the experience for our customers.”

Kerry Gowland, head of channel sales and partnerships at Trakm8, said: “Our Connectedcare solution is perfectly suited to their needs, providing real-time insights into vehicle health and helping to reduce costs associated with unexpected breakdowns. 

“We look forward to supporting Fourways in maximising the reliability and longevity of their fleet.” 

Nama launches training and education committee

The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) has created a training and education committee.

Nama spokesman, Paul Hill, said: “We have formed the training and education committee to manage and steer the new and exciting initiatives that our members are currently working on and to provide the training and education that will be required to ensure their success. 

“As our customers’ needs continually change, so do the solutions that our members provide. As an association we are extremely proud of the proactive way our members work together to promote best practice across our industry and in turn the impact this has on the motor industry in general.”

The new committee will be chaired by Andrew Walker, CEO at Fleet Auction Group. He will be joined initially by an international team including Penny Wanna, president of the Auction Academy in the USA, Danny McNelis, Nextgear Capital and joint chair of the National Auto Auction Association in the USA and Kellie Smith, senior remarketing manager at Enterprise Mobility.