Fleet briefs: Latest from Tranzura, Sixt, Teletrac Navman, VRA, Brake, BCA, Seeing Machines, CMAC and Samsara

Tranzaura expands with launch of AI-powered FleetNow

Tranzaura has launched FleetNow, an AI-powered fleet intelligence platform, with plans to expand its workforce by 50% over the next year.

FleetNow delivers real-time insights that Tranzura says can optimise fleet operations by up to 30%, helping transport companies reduce costs and improve efficiency across fuel, maintenance, compliance and labour. 

The software is set to be deployed by 500 global fleets in its first year.

“This is an important moment for Tranzaura as we combine AI innovation with our ambitious growth plans,” said CEO Shane Mann. 

“FleetNow revolutionises how fleets leverage data, offering real-time speed and precision to drive smarter decision-making.” 

Sixt UK expands opens new branch at Heathrow 

Sixt UK has opened of a new branch in Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. 

It means that the vehicle rental company now has locations at Terminals 2, 4, and 5.

“This new branch opening is a testament to our relentless focus on providing customer-centric solutions and premium mobility options,” said Andrew Smith, managing director of Sixt UK. 

“We’re proud to be the only car rental provider offering this level of convenience at Heathrow, allowing Sixt customers to head straight to our locations and avoid taking a shuttle bus.  

“We’re also excited to continue expanding our footprint across the UK and will soon be announcing more new openings.”
 
The Terminal 4 branch launch comes after the opening of several new branches in strategic locations across the country, including London Park Lane, London Marylebone and Edinburgh Old Town. 

Looking ahead to 2025, SIXT plans to accelerate its growth even further, with a pipeline of new branch openings aimed at meeting the evolving mobility needs of its customers.

Teletrac Navman unveils updates to its asset tracker portfolio

Teletrac Navman has unveiled updates to its asset tracker portfolio, with the launch of one-time install devices that include new indoor tracking capability for real-time location visibility.

The asset trackers, designed for indoor and outdoor equipment, offer a 10-year battery life.

Further, Teletrac Navman’s AI powered TN360 and TN360 ACM platforms will provide a single pane of glass view for real-time asset location. 

The platforms have been designed for fleet, asset and construction equipment management, providing visibility into location, maintenance and utilisation across powered and non-powered assets. 

Doug Haebig, director for product management at Teletrac Navman, said: “Businesses need greater robustness and functionality, as well as improved connectivity to alleviate some of their operational challenges. 

“Our new market-leading devices will give asset managers the visibility they need to streamline and protect operations through a one-time install.”

EV battery repair is subject of first VRA meeting of 2025

Electric vehicle (EV) battery repair and handling the fallout from motor finance discretionary commission arrangements will be the key subjects under discussion at the first Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) meeting of 2025.

Taking place at the Meriden, Warwickshire offices of VRA member Epyx on Thursday, February 6, speakers will include Ashley Minors of motor trade insurance specialist Boswell Aftermarket, talking about his company’s experience with EV battery repair technology, as well as trends in the wider motor insurance sector.

David Gray from Cox Automotive’s EV Battery Solutions will discuss emerging in-life services, such as diagnostics, repair, and remanufacturing that help extend the lifespan of EV batteries. 

Also, VRA member Anthea Coulter of Equiniti will cover the practical aspects of managing the recent court of appeal decision on motor finance DCAs for the remarketing sector.

Finally, Chris Plumb of Cap HPI will provide an overview of the current state of the new and used car and van markets.

Philip Nothard, chair at the VRA, said: “As more and more EVs start to appear on the used market, the possibility of battery repair is becoming an increasingly salient topic. Obviously, the cost of replacing a damaged battery is prohibitive and will often lead to a vehicle being scrapped. The emergence of cost-effective repair solutions is therefore something of genuine interest to the remarketing sector.”

BCA reports record sales and significant buyer demand over the festive season 

BCA is reporting the busiest trading period on record between Christmas and New Year as customers competed strongly for stock offered via BCA Online and purchased direct through BCA Bid Now, Buy Now.  

Sold volumes for the week rose by over 7% compared to 2023, as BCA staged online auctions from December 27-31.  

More than 6,000 customers logged in to BCA’s festive sales programme, with active purchaser numbers rising significantly with nearly all of BCA’s Top 50 buyers buying.  

BCA also logged a rising number of new customers over the period.

Stuart Pearson, chief operating officer at BCA UK, said: “In spite of some challenging weather conditions across the UK, the New Year has started in a buoyant mood with positive buyer engagement driving strong residual values and conversions in the first full trading week of sales in 2025.”

BCA has also renewed a series of remarketing deals over recent weeks.

Fish Brothers, the Swindon-based dealership group, has agreed an 18-month exclusive remarketing contract with BCA.

Group 1 also renewed its exclusive remarketing deal with BCA to support its used car programme for a further three years, following a tender process, and Steven Eagell renewed its exclusive remarketing partnership with BCA for another three years.

Brake announces new strategic partnership with Seeing Machines

Brake has announced a new strategic partnership with driver monitoring technology provider Seeing Machines.

Seeing Machines will provide funding for Brake’s campaign work, calling for evidence-based solutions to address key areas of road risk, including changes to legislation and Government policy.

The working partnership began in 2024 when Seeing Machines sponsored an award at Brake’s annual UK Fleet Champions Awards 2024.

Ross Moorlock, CEO at Brake, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Seeing Machines as a new Strategic Partner. Their interest and expertise in using technology for road safety aligns closely with our work campaigning for the solutions that we know can stop road crashes and reduce harm. 

“We’re excited to be developing plans for important work that we know can make a real difference to the safety of our roads and everyone who uses them.”

Paul McGlone, CEO at Seeing Machines, added: “Seeing Machines continues to make progress towards our end goal of zero transport fatalities which is why we are proud to support Brake and its commendable efforts to promote road safety. 

“By working together, we can raise awareness, promote safer driving, and help prevent crashes, ensuring everyone gets home safely.”

CMAC Group celebrates 18 years of growth, innovation and collaboration

CMAC Group is marking 18 years of facilitating and innovating ground transport and disruption management services on behalf of customers in several sectors including aviation, rail and corporate travel.

Founded in 2007, CMAC Group has grown from a small operation to moving five million passengers across 121 countries in 2024 alone. 

Peter Slater, CEO of CMAC Group, said: “This is a proud moment for everyone at CMAC. Our success is built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration and shared values, and I’m thankful to our employees, customers and supply partners for the role they play daily – without them none of this would be possible.

“This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of our past but an opportunity to look forward. 

“We remain committed to further strengthening our supplier relationships, innovating with purpose, and building on our achievements to create even greater solutions for customers in the years ahead.”

Samsara expands suite of AI offerings to fleets

Samsara has introduced Samsara Intelligence, an expanded suite of AI offerings designed to help customers make smarter decisions and run safer, more efficient operations. 

Combining AI technologies with real-world use cases, it aims to address the complex challenges faced by operations teams worldwide, says Samsara.

Kiren Sekar, chief product officer at Samsara, said: “Samsara Intelligence combines AI with an unprecedented scale of data and brings it to the people who do the hard jobs that power the world.

“Whether it's identifying risk to keep drivers safer on the road, replacing tedious data entry with a photo, or helping mechanics reduce asset downtime, Samsara Intelligence helps our customers operate smarter.”

Samsara Intelligence leverages its Connected Operations data set, processing more than 70 billion miles driven, 265 million digitised workflows, and 10 trillion data points each year.