Fleet managers should be wary of signing up to long-term telematics contracts that require the ‘plug and play’ technology to be plugged into vehicles’ onboard diagnostic-II (OBD) port, which are shortly expected to become obsolete.
Telematics
Mercedes-Benz dealer Bell Truck and Van has been acquired by Leo Group, an environmental and renewable energy business.
Dealerships
Hauliers are missing out on fuel savings of €5,700 a year per vehicle by failing to specify proven vehicle technologies.
Fleet Operating Costs
DVSA has published a guide to joining the pilot of its Earned Recognition programme (link is below).
Driver CPC
On 18 October 2017, Toledo, Spain will host the international final of the Optifuel Challenge, an annual eco-driving competition organised by Renault Trucks.
Driver / People Management
Independent food wholesaler Castell Howell Foods has signed a three-year contract with SmartDrive Systems for its SmartDrive Assurance video-based driver risk management safety programme.
Road Safety
Irish logistics business A&T Transport has fitted ProVision CameraMatics cameras across its fleet in a bid to minimise the risk of fraudulent claims and, in turn, reduce insurance premiums.
Telematics
Derbyshire-based M&J Haulage (Midlands) has taken delivery of its first new vehicle, a MAN TGX 26.440 XLX cab, chosen to mark director Martyn Worthington’s 50th birthday.
Tractor Units
Perth-based soft fruit and swede producer Stewarts of Tayside has specified Carrier Transicold’s telematics solution Foretrack for six new temperature-controlled trailers.
Telematics
Energy supplier SSE has switched on to the Ford Transit Custom as the preferred workhorse for its army of smart meter installers, with 507 specially equipped examples joining SSE’s fleet.
Panel Vans
A new plug-in device for Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter vans provides connectivity and fleet services functions.
Fleet Management Systems
Pub owner and brewery Marston’s has taken delivery of eight Mercedes-Benz Sprinters as part of its strategy to move to an all-Mercedes fleet.
Light Commercial Vehicles