Lightfoot strikes deal with Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet

Lightfoot has struck a deal with Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet (VWFS Fleet) to provide its driver coaching and telematics systems to the leasing company’s customers. 

As a technology partner, Lightfoot will offer in-cab coaching, diagnostic and reporting technology, electric vehicle (EV) transition software, artificial intelligence (AI) cameras and Lightfoot’s gamification app for drivers and telematics tools. 

Lightfoot’s portfolio of tools and technology can be fitted before vehicles are delivered, or during operation. 

“We are delighted to be working with VWFS Fleet on this innovative partnership, offering a full-service telematics and rewards technology solution for its leasing customers,” said Lightfoot chief executive officer, Paul Hollick. 

“By offering the technology at the vehicle ordering stage, customers can specify exactly what each car or van needs, creating economies of scale with consistency throughout their fleet from perk cars to workhorse commercial vehicles.”

“Fleets will be able to fit various vehicles with the technology required for specific needs,” he added. 

“For a perk driver in an electric company car, you might just want to know their mileage, vehicle status and record charging data for reimbursement. 

“Whereas for a driver of a commercial vehicle, you may want to install AI cameras, telematics that help them with routing and jobs, in-cab coaching to deliver safer and more efficient driving and reward them through gamification too. 

“All this, and every level in between, can be easily managed through this technology partnership.”

Jonathan Glenn, head of fleet operations at VWFS Fleet, said it was “dedicated” to helping our customers get the most out of their fleets. 

“We know that safety, efficiency, and sustainability are top priorities, and innovative telematics solutions play a crucial role,” he added. 

“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Lightfoot – bringing their award-winning technology to our customers as an all-in-one solution. 

“Together, we’re driving smarter, greener, and safer fleet performance, delivering real savings and tangible benefits.”

One of the benefits of the partnership is that with Lightfoot technology delivering real time status updates and mileage, VWFS Fleet customers will be able to access a consistent data set for all makes and models of cars and vans. 

This, says Lightfoot, solves the issue that multi-marque fleets encounter where data is delivered in a myriad of different formats depending on the make of vehicle.

“Lightfoot can deliver granular, actionable real-time data about the operational status of vehicles,” explained Hollick. “This could be mileage reporting, alerts about technical problems or even monitoring of charge levels of EVs. 

“By running this technology in every car and van, decision-makers can ensure their fleet is running as it should and can act when there is an issue.

“The benefit of being able to do this with a leased fleet are huge, because you can be sure that vehicles are operating within contract parameters. 

“That means no shocks when vehicles go back at end of contract, that all in-life services and maintenance are carried out when necessary, and you are aware of how the vehicles are being driven and looked after. 

“This higher level of predictability and planning should all have positive impacts on leasing contracts, and fleet operations.”