Following implementation of the Telogis technology six months ago, Kwik Fit has recorded an 8% saving on fuel bills as a result of technicians adopting a smoother and safer style of driving.
Average fuel economy has increased by 13% to 25 mpg – as a result of safer driving, but also due to a reduction in vehicle idling, which is also monitored by the system.
The saving builds on improvements made in the preceding two years when economy increased from 17mpg to 22mpg after Kwik Fit started to publish fuel consumption data on a van-by-van basis following introduction of 'track and trace' vehicle technology.
Early objectives for the telematics system focused on using data recorded by the in-vehicle systems to influence driver behaviour and reduce fleet operating costs.
"We have witnessed a dramatic reduction in speeding, harsh braking and acceleration by technicians who have improved their driving style as a consequence of being monitored," says Kwik Fit's fleet operations director Simon Lucas.
The company now plans to introduce real-time tracking functionality, so urgent jobs can be scheduled more efficiently.
On the Van Excellence accreditation, Lucas says: "It demonstrates clearly Kwik Fit's commitment to duty of care and corporate responsibility, and highlights that our fleet of mobile vans is professionally managed."
Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the Freight Transport Association, adds: "Van Excellence represents what good looks like in terms of van operations. We are delighted to recognise the excellent compliance standard demonstrated by Kwik Fit's mobile service."