Connected vehicle data the future of telematics, says Targa

Targa Telematics is a relatively new name among the dozens of telematics providers targeting the UK fleet industry.

The Italian firm was acquired from the Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) Group in 2006, having been created to provide services to the manufacturer’s customers. It entered the UK market three years ago.

Chris Horbowyj (pictured) joined Targa Telematics as its new UK sales director in January.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry prior to joining the Targa, he has worked for a several companies, including Trakm8, GreenRoad Technologies and Masternaut.

He told Fleet News: "The appeal for me joining Targa is just that it's extremely exciting that they have so much stuff that is completely new to the market.

"I'm all about innovation and when I look at a business that is thriving, originating out of an OEM (original engine manufacturer), and understanding market demand, and what's important to fleets, it was just a massive yes from me.

"I recognise where the industry is going and there are not many businesses that can quickly adapt like Targa can." 

Horbowyj says the future of telematics is through connected vehicle data, rather than fitting aftermarket black boxes, which can lead to costly vehicle downtime.

"Currently, we're fully integrated with anything from Stellantis, Mercedes, BMW and Iveco and we have a number of new VMs (vehicle manufacturers) coming on board."

Targa Telematics announced in February that it had signed a strategic partnership with BMW to expand its portfolio of solutions for connected mobility.

As part of the agreement, Targa Telematics said it will be able to integrate connected car data from BMW and Mini vehicles directly into its platform.

It was quickly followed by a similar deal with Ford to expand its range of connected car solutions.

With this agreement, Targa Telematics – in its capacity as an authorised Ford telematics services provider – will work with the Ford Pro division to integrate fleet data streams directly into its platform.

The goal, says Targa Telematics, is to provide fleet managers and drivers with an increasing number of digital services.

“For those fleets where we don't have the OEM connectivity, we've also got a range of our own hardware that we can install aftermarket, which delivers the same level of OEM data,” added Horbowyj.

"We see an opportunity where we can deliver bespoke information that's relevant, but without the complexity.

“The integration with the OEM means we can cherry pick and select which feature we want from each OEM.”

Decarbonisation driving adoption

Interestingly, Horbowyj says that, while still important, rather than monitoring driver behaviour, what is driving interest in telematics from fleets is decarbonisation.

"The key metric for UK fleets today is not just about accident management and driver behaviour, it's about wanting to become carbon neutral and they’re asking for help on that journey,” Horbowyj explained.

"Targa has got many solutions that will help them decarbonise their fleet; one is the evaluation process, so using 'Targa for Electric', for example.”

Horbowyj explains that there are a number of telematics companies now looking at how they can help their customers electrify their fleets.

Targa, he says, takes every eventuality into account, looking at terrain, temperatures, range and charge point needs.

“We can help with the transition, we can help with the onward journey and then we can give them valuable insights of the charging patterns or refuelling patterns.”

Typically, by optimising the fleet, Horbowyj claims that savings of around 30% through operational efficiencies and fuel are possible.