Fleet briefs: Latest news from E-Training World, Europcar, TMC, FleetCheck, EO and Corparison

E-Training World launches new system upgrades 

E-Training World has launched a new online driver profiling and e-driver training system.

Developed on a new software platform, high-definition video is used to assess and train drivers in cars/small vans, large vans, HGV artics and rigids, PCVs and minibuses.

Footage filmed from within the vehicle, at the roadside and showing road positioning using drones.

Offering an enhanced driver experience, which includes the ability to be risk assessed and trained on tablets and mobile phones, as well as PCs and laptops, the new system is the culmination of more than two years’ software development and filming.

There are also improved dashboards and reporting for fleet managers, APIs and the ability to offer white-labelled solutions for companies operating in the fleet sector.

Furthermore, fleet managers can manage their own accounts by adding new drivers to the system and allocating assessments and modules to existing drivers.

The system also integrates E-Training World’s online compliance solution, which helps companies manage their grey fleet drivers with ease through automated document checks and driver declarations.

“We are delighted to be launching our new system,” said Graham Hurdle, managing director of E-Training World.

“Our new system is based on driver and client feedback, and the new video content offers a superb experience for assessing and training drivers.”

Europcar adds more electric vehicles to fleet

Europcar Mobility Group UK has added more electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet, with the MG4 EV the latest model available to drivers.

The MG4 EV fits into the ‘Value’ category for motorists. It also complements the other all-electric models already available from Europcar including the Tesla Model 3.

The addition of the MG4 EV is alongside a number of other MG models being added to the Europcar fleet.

“Motorists and businesses know that from an environmental standpoint, low and zero emission motoring is the way forward,” explained Mark Newberry, commercial director and sustainability spokesperson at Europcar Mobility Group UK.

“There are, however, still a few unknowns when it comes to switching to electric, so having the opportunity to try out electric motoring for a few days or longer through flexible rental makes a lot of sense. 

“It also makes sense to experience different types of electric motoring, from value to premium.

“Working with many of the vehicle manufacturers innovating in the EV space, we’re aiming to add models across all battery range and cost options so that we can help private motorists and businesses find the vehicle type that suits their needs and budget before they make a long-term commitment.”

The MG4 EV Models being added to the Europcar UK fleet include 100 SE Long Range, 200 SE Long Range and 60 SE Standard Range.

It is MG’s first fully-electric hatchback offering up to 281 miles of electric range in the SE Long Range with the 64kWh battery from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle.

The continued addition of new electric models to the Europcar UK fleet underpins Europcar Mobility Group's ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme, which aims to have at least 20% of its vehicles emitting less than 50g CO2 / km by the end of 2024.

FleetCheck app updated to help stop bridge strikes

A new feature added to FleetCheck’s Vehicle Inspection App is designed to help stop commercial vehicle drivers being involved in bridge strikes.

It tells drivers they are currently using a high vehicle whenever they carry out a scheduled vehicle inspection, providing a regular reminder.

Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said: “Bridge strikes are not that common but are hugely expensive and disruptive when they do happen, so avoiding them is always a priority for fleets.

“Historically, they have been seen as a problem for HGVs but, as recent reporting from Logistics UK has pointed out, they also affect high roof vans.

“Providing a simple reminder within the app both keeps the whole issue of bridge strikes front-of-mind for the driver and tells those who regularly swap from vehicle to vehicle the height of the HGV or van they are currently driving.”

FleetCheck’s Vehicle Inspection App was introduced in April 2017 and creates the means for drivers and fleet managers to schedule, carry out, confirm, follow-up and audit all kinds of legally required inspections from daily walkarounds to weekly or monthly checks.

TMC and SureCam announce partnership

The Miles Consultancy (TMC) and SureCam have joined forces to combine complimentary services for the benefit of fleets using dashcam telematics solutions.

TMC analyses and audits data from multiple datasets to save clients money off their fuel bills, providing mileage capture, fuel management, EV reimbursement and reporting solutions.

SureCam delivers real-time video telematics solutions to thousands of fleets, helping them to run safer and more profitably, reduce claims costs and protect employees.

The partnership will allow TMC to feed through SureCam’s telematics data to their systems via a simple API integration whereby trip data can be classified between business and private mileage, audited and consolidated, suiting commercial vehicles, company cars and grey fleet.

Meanwhile, the dashcam footage will be available to the fleet manager 24/7, providing instant access to recorded events to help identify risky behaviour and protect drivers on the road.

Any fuel or electric charge events can also be overlayed with the mileage data to conduct audits, ensure policy is adhered to and report on the true cost and carbon output for each vehicle within a fleet.

Furthermore, a line manager approval process for submitted trips and a payroll service which details the deductions and reimbursements due for each employee each month.

Sam Footer, partnership director at SureCam, said: “Our strategic partnership is a great fit, enabling us to offer complimentary services and solutions to a wide range of businesses across the transport and logistics sector in the UK and overseas.”

Gemma Icke, commercial director at The Miles Consultancy, added: “SureCam’s real-time camera solution is the perfect fit for fleets who are looking to protect their drivers on the road, whilst TMC have the ability to take the telematics data to the next level through the ‘business to private’ mileage split, rigorous audits and payroll services.”

B-ON strikes partnership deal with EO Charging

B–ON has signed a partnership with vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer, EO Charging, to allow B–ON customers to access EO’s commercial charging infrastructure and services in Europe.

As part of the agreement, EO’s charging hardware, installation and support services will be available alongside electric vans through B–ON, allowing EO to integrate with B–ON’s existing EV fleet, energy and charge management software, providing real-time data to customers on both their vehicles and their energy access through a single system.

EO’s clients will also have preferred access to B–ON’s electric vans and accompanying data suite, formed from over eight years of real-world experience on the road.

It will allow B–ON to provide European customers with EO’s bespoke, certified fleet charging solutions based on their needs.

“Empowering business owners and fleet operators to meaningfully go electric is a core part of our purpose at B–ON,” said Stefan Krause, chairman and CEO of B–ON.

“EO Charging’s vision of creating a simplified, one-stop fleet solution for charging, energy management, and even financing made them a natural partner for us to overcome customer barriers and accelerate the shift to electric fleets all over Europe.”

Charlie Jardine (pictured), CEO of EO Charging, added: “We’re constantly looking for ways to simplify the electrification process for our customers, so it only made sense to partner with a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

“Working with B–ON, we’re able to give our fleet customers access to a proven, purpose-built vehicle alongside our turnkey services, making it easier than ever for businesses to drive forward their electrification plans across Europe.”

Corparison partner with Eden Sustainable

Corparison are excited to announce the launch of a new partnership with Eden Sustainable that will see the company become its automotive introducer.

Together with Eden Sustainable, Corparison - the corporate fleet arm of Carparison Leasing - will offer our fleet customers access to commercial and industrial solar energy solutions.

The partnership, says Corparison, allows it to support every aspect of a business’s electrification.

Corparison operations director, Matt Woodward, said: “This partnership adds another layer of support to our multi-facet fleet solution operation.

“We built Corparison on a foundation of vehicle procurement, but we can now support with EV charging infrastructure and the solar energy to power them.

“At a time where energy prices are rising to uncontrollable heights, we’re creating solutions for our fleet customer to control their costs and create a sustainable fleet operation that is powered by renewable energy.”

Eden’s chairman, Steve Baker, added: “There are clearly aligned goals between the electrification of Corparison’s clients and their need for renewables for the decarbonisation of their processes. As head and heart environmentalists, we are excited to help them on their journey.” 

The partnership will officially be available as a shared service to customers starting mid-April.