Fleet briefs: Latest industry news from Isuzu, Michelin Connected Fleet, Driving for Better Business, Fleet Evolution, Cox Automotive and Fleetio

Weybridge Isuzu strikes fleet deal with British Airways

Isuzu UK dealer Weybridge Isuzu has struck a fleet deal with British Airways (BA) for its D-Max Utility pick-up.

Initially, nine Isuzu D-Max Utility pick-ups will be deployed to aid in airside operations at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Three vehicles will go to Heathrow Airport, with the other six destined for Gatwick Airport.

James Biggs, managing director at Weybridge Isuzu, said “It is incredibly exciting to have been chosen by British Airways as their preferred supplier of these critical vehicles.”

The BA deal consists of nine New-Look Isuzu D-Max Utility vehicles in double cab versions. The vehicles, finished in Splash White colour, have been branded with the BA logo and upgraded with accessories, including an under-rail liner and MountainTop roll cover on the load bed, as well as a revolving amber hazard warning light on the roof.

Graham Joll, regional sales manager at Isuzu UK, said: “This collaboration is a testament to the outstanding quality and reliability of the Isuzu D-Max.”

Michelin Connected Fleet signs four-year deal with Scottish Water

Michelin Connected Fleet has signed a four-year partnership with Scottish Water to help boost the performance of the utility’s 2,000-strong mixed fleet and accelerate the firm’s move to electric vehicles (EV) and zero-emission alternatives.

The company is rolling out Michelin Connected Fleet across its 1,300 vans, 200-plus trucks and trailers, and 500 specialist pieces of plant, over the next six months.

The fleet management solutions will primarily be used to guide decisions about switching to EVs by drawing on data analysis of battery charging and range performance, with the tools also being utilised to improve driver behaviour.

Elaine Pringle, fleet manager at Scottish Water, said: “We see huge benefits from partnering with Michelin Connected Fleet, both to support driver safety and also help the business to meet our own ambitious target of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet.

“We’re really impressed with the reporting capabilities of the fleet management tools, which will provide invaluable insights to determine how we introduce EVs and where we need to install charging infrastructure.

“Data analysis will also aid vehicle utilisation, whilst helping cut costs by enhancing route optimisation and scheduling and reducing CO2 emissions across our fleet.”

Scottish Water’s new long-term deal follows a two-year trial of its EV transition tools and services that led to more than 100 internal combustion engine (ICE) powered small- and medium-size vans being replaced with EVs.

Gilson Santiago, CEO of Michelin Connected Fleet, said: “After working with us on a project basis since 2021, Scottish Water has seen how it can benefit from our connected fleet management tools in a number of impactful ways.”

Fleet Evolution backs National Apprenticeship Week

Fleet Evolution is backing National Apprenticeship Week after revealing that 75% of its staff and four of its current six-strong leadership team started out their working lives as apprentices.

Having followed a strong apprentice-based approach since its formation 12 years ago, it appoints apprentices wherever possible in a bid to encourage young people to join the fleet industry, meaning the company now has an average age in the mid-to-late 20s.

Fleet Evolution founder and managing director, Andrew Leech, said: “We took on our first apprentice in 2012 as our first member of staff. Twelve years later, that apprentice, Charlotte Brooks, is still with us and has just been appointed as our general manager.

“We are delighted that so many of our staff started out with us as apprentices and are still with us, with some going on to play a leading part in our leadership team and the successful running of the business.”

National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 5-13.

Mineral Products Association joins Driving for Better Business

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has partnered with National Highways’ Driving for Better Business (DfBB) scheme, reinforcing the industry’s ongoing commitments to road safety.

DfBB is a free-to-access Government-backed National Highways programme, delivered in partnership with RoadSafe, that aims to improve road safety by promoting good management practices and demonstrating the benefits for organisations, their employees, contractors and other road users.

National Highways’ Driving for Better business lead, Anne-Marie Penny, said: “By becoming a partner, MPA members will have access to a range of free resources, guides and tools. These will help deliver significant benefits, both for the companies and their employees.”

MPA head of health and safety, Colin Mew, added: “Our new partnership with Driving for Better Business is an important step to take the industry to the next level and fulfil our duty of care both within and outside of work – DfBB clearly shares our vision and we’re looking forward to working with the team to help our industry to realise it.”

Cox Automotive passes annual fund-raising target seven months early

A wintry 874-mile drive from John O’Groats to Land’s End – raising more than £3,500 for Shelter – has rounded off a year of fund-raising at Cox Automotive.

It set a target of £25,000 back in May and has beaten it to reach its current total of £29,413.

The road trip was the final of several fund-raisers organised by Cox Automotive in 2023 – which have brought in thousands for Shelter in the UK and The Red Cross in Continental Europe.

The events have included, among other things, a team member sleepout, an LCV charity auction, a mountain climb, a danceathon and a leg-wearying walk by Cox Automotive staff.

Fleet manager Greg Elcock and colleague Kelly Lane were granted three days off work to do the driving challenge over two days just before Christmas.

The car, a well-used Ford Mondeo donated by Hendy Group, was eventually auctioned at Manheim Shotts for £750 following the 17-hour journey.

Elcock said: “It was an exhausting drive but extremely worthwhile, when we got to Land’s End at night it was a little scary as there were no road markings or cat’s eyes.

“There were lots of tourists there asking us what we were up to. Several donated cash on the spot. The amount raised is just incredible, much more than we hoped for. A big thanks to everyone for donating and especially to Hendys for gifting us the Mondeo.”

Sarnjit Kaur, chief people officer – International at Cox Automotive, said: “They’ve organised sleepouts, charity auctions and even climbed mountains. Our people have well and truly made their mark and I couldn’t be more proud of each team member who has taken the time to support these incredible causes.” 

Fleetio launches new tools on platform

Fleetio has announced four new features on its platform, including tyre and warranty management tools, sensor data snapshots and enhanced service tasks. 

Together, these four new features aims to give better control and visibility over fleet maintenance costs, it says. 

“At Fleetio, we’re passionate about empowering fleets to reach their full potential,” said Jon Meachin, CEO of Fleetio. “These new features and offerings are a testament to our innovation and customer centricity. We’re confident they’ll serve as valuable tools to help fleets thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”

Tyre management allows fleet managers to gain real-time insights into tyre health and performance, tracking tread depth, air pressure and usage data.

Warranty management aims to maximise warranty claims, while sensor data snapshots leverage sensor data to proactively detect and address potential problems before they escalate.

Finally, enhanced service tasks with parts and labour aims to streamline work order creation and improve technician productivity.