Stuart O'Brien, Author at Fleet Summit - Page 10 of 53
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Stuart O'Brien

Do you specialise in fleet Telematics & Tracking? We want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in June we’ll be focussing on fleet Telematics & Tracking solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Telematics & Tracking solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Jun – Telematics/Tracking
Jul – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept – EV Infrastructure
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan 24 – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb 24 – Dash Cams
Mar 24 – Driver Training
Apr 24 – Accident & Risk Management
May 24 – Fleet Management Software

LEVC takes wraps off next-gen EV platform

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LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has unveiled a new pure electric vehicle technology that it says will provide the foundation of its transformation from a high-end taxi manufacturer, to a leading provider of e-mobility solutions.

The Space Oriented Architecture (SOA), co-developed with Geely Holding Group, is modular and scaleable, bringing what LEVC calls ‘interior-optimised zero-emission mobility’ to more consumers than ever before, while enabling LEVC to enter new sectors.

Developed over the past 2.5 years at R&D centres in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany, SOA’s flexibility is designed t0 maximise interior space, offering multiple seating and load-carrying configurations. It can support a wide range of new products – from passenger carrying models, to commercial vehicles, offering significant advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability and connectivity.

Supporting vehicle sizes from 4,860mm-5995mm in length and 1945mm-1998mm in width, with wheelbases from 3000mm-3800mm, SOA is configurable for a wide range of EVs, from spacious passenger-carrying models to cargo-optimised commercial applications. SOA can also offer  front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts too.

Equipped with a wide choice of state-of-the-art batteries from 73kWh to 120kWh, SOA has been designed to suit the individual needs of a customer. By combining space with long ranges – of up to 695km – and ultra-fast charging, SOA maximises convenience, with minimal downtime.

Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, said: “SOA optimises onboard space offering multiple configurations and endless possibilities, a new advanced EV platform which supports LEVC’s new strategy to become a leading zero-carbon mobility provider. Combined with our groundbreaking L-OS digital architecture, it will bring our new mission to life, delivering smart, green, safe and accessible mobility to all, enabling us to transform from a high-end taxi manufacturer, launching LEVC into new sectors, with an extended range of  state-of-the-art pure electric vehicles.

“For LEVC, the concept of ‘mobility’ is not new. We have more than a century of ‘mobility’ in our DNA. The iconic vehicles this company has produced since 1908 may have changed over time, but the core principles have not: they have always been purpose-built for the city, focused on the best occupant experience. A spacious experience.

“Building on LEVC’s unrivalled heritage in producing the iconic London black cab, we are adapting our business to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for spacious, flexible electric vehicles. Our rich history is combined with the resources of the Geely organisation to set our brand on an exciting new path, as LEVC today launches an adaptable architecture for an adapting world. With the combined strength of our new strategy and SOA, we will bring advanced zero-emission transportation to more customers than ever before.”

5 Minutes With… Andy Harrison, General Manager at Aftercare Response

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In the latest instalment of our fleet management industry executive interview series we spoke to Andy Harrison (pictured), General Manager at Aftercare Response, about current supply chain challenges, the trend toward longer fleet leases and the associated maintenance implications, and the importance of nurturing the next generation of qualified ancillary engineers…

Tell us about your company, products and services.

Aftercare Response is the UK’s leading provider of mobile maintenance and breakdown services. We specialise in on-site commercial vehicle body repairs and ancillary equipment servicing, but also offer a host of other services such as fleet maintenance contracts, OEM warranty work and nationwide emergency roadside assistance. And there’s plenty more!

What have been the biggest challenges the Fleet Services industry has faced over the past 12 months?

The global shortage of parts and components has been well documented and, as in many industries, the impact on productivity has been significant. The lengthy delays in receiving chassis has contributed to increased costs and added huge pressures to all aspects of the supply chain. The shortages and delays experienced have created a considerable amount of additional work for all parties in terms of updating, chasing and processing jobs.

And what have been the biggest opportunities?

We continue to focus on building partnerships with our customers to deliver added value to the relationships we hold. By adopting this approach the volume of work continues to increase and, for us, the biggest opportunity is growing with our clients. We remain focused on the evolving needs of our customers to ensure that our service delivery is shaped around their business.

What are the main trends you expect to see in the market in 2023?

We operate within the commercial vehicle sector, both LCV and HGV. We’re seeing many fleet operators running their vehicles for extended periods. As operating costs continue to rise, many businesses are exercising more caution when it comes to investment and are changing vehicles less regularly. In this context, conversations around fleet maintenance are increasingly important – and that’s where we come in!

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Fleet Services sector?

I have over 45 years’ experience working within the commercial vehicle fleet sector, and I’m amazed at how innovative and transformative it is. It’s incredibly fast-paced and changing constantly; the businesses that survive are those that ensure they are at the forefront of new developments, driving the charge to bring new and better products and services to the market.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

I love working within the fleet sector. The pace of change in the industry today offers a vast amount of opportunity for a business like ours. We’re a flexible, highly adaptable team that’s always looking for new and innovative ways to provide the best service within the industry. Each morning, the challenge of the coming day being different to yesterday excites me and I really enjoy sharing my experience with colleagues who are building their careers within the industry. 

And what’s the most challenging?

We’ve recognised that historically there has been a shortage of qualified ancillary engineers, which is of course challenging when you’re a business that requires a growing number of engineers to service customers that operate all over the UK. We’ve therefore decided to employ technically experienced engineers and provide training to upskill them across our diverse servicing offering. We’ve seen good success in growing our engineering pool by adopting this approach – and it’s great to open the opportunities that employment at Aftercare Response offers to a wider range of people.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t assume you know everything, always look to learn new things. It’s certainly guidance that I can apply every day in my role!

Massive Government investment in Green Hydrogen for electric vehicle transport

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By WhichEV

One of the loudest, most common arguments against ‘electric vehicles’ comes from people who don’t really understand the competing technologies – but who are certain that ‘Hydrogen is the future’.

It certainly can play a role – especially when it comes to powering electric vehicles.

Confused?  Well, alongside being a highly combustible gas, hydrogen can be combined with oxygen to create electricity and water.

If that’s the case, then why haven’t we moved across to hydrogen already?

Depending on how the hydrogen was generated, it can have a hugely negative impact on the environment.

The market has assigned ‘colours’ to hydrogen, where ‘Green Hydrogen’ is great and has little to no impact on the environment. From Blue and Grey, through to Brown and Black hydrogen – there is an increasing amount of pollution caused with its creation.

The UK Government has now received an expert report, created under the direction of an all-party committee – with the express intention of deciding how the UK can integrate Green Hydrogen into its energy future.

You can read more about this topic over at WhichEV here and here.

IAM Road Smart takes aim at reckless company car drivers

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Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has expressed concerns around the percentage of at-work drivers who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drink and drugs.

It surveyed the safety attitudes and behaviours of 2,010 UK motorists and, astonishingly, found 31 per cent of those driving for work believe driving after using Class A drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy is acceptable, compared to 5 per cent of non-company car drivers.

The survey also revealed that over a quarter (26 per cent) felt it was acceptable to drive when they may have drunk too much alcohol, and 24 per cent would drive after using cannabis. In both cases, only 5 per cent of non-company car drivers felt it was acceptable.

Highlighting the differences between motorists driving for work and non-company car drivers, IAM RoadSmart’s Driving Safety Culture Report found 21 per cent of company car drivers had regularly or often ignored a red light within a 30-day window compared to 3 per cent of other drivers.

The research also found that 21 per cent of at-work drivers often read a text or email whilst driving compared to 3 per cent of other drivers. Even more dangerously, 19 per cent said they often typed or sent a text while driving (compared to 2 per cent of non-company car drivers).

The latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed up to a third of all road incidents involve someone who is at work at the time, this could account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is incredibly concerning that this latest research shows we still have far too many drivers who don’t understand the dangers of driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and not acknowledging the danger they pose to themselves.

“By choosing to ignore key safety features like red lights or even using social media whilst driving, you are putting yourself at much higher risk of being involved in a crash. With a third of all incidents involving people driving for work on UK roads, businesses also need to hold themselves accountable for the responsibility they play in keeping their workers and other road users safe.

“IAM RoadSmart is calling on all fleet managers to adopt best practices such as checking licences, monitoring driver performance, and offering coaching to their most high-risk drivers. Not only will this save lives but also bring a direct benefit to the profitability and competitiveness of hard-pressed UK plc.”

IKEA invests £4.5 million in UK fleet EV charging infrastructure

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IKEA UK has made a £4.5million investment in a nationwide electric charging infrastructure, which will provide charging points for electric delivery vehicles across the country to enable more emissions-free deliveries. The new infrastructure will source energy entirely through renewable sources.

The retailer aims to reach 100% zero emissions deliveries to customers by 2025. By summer 2023, IKEA plans to achieve 60% zero emission deliveries in the UK and Ireland, which it was demonstrates the significant steps being taken to accelerate moving towards the 2025 goal.

IKEA itself will install 196 chargers, of which 53 will be rapid, providing full charge on vehicles in under an hour. The chargers will be located at IKEA stores across the country, as well as the new Dartford customer distribution centre due to open in spring 2023, with the first ones fitted and operational in IKEA Cardiff.

IKEA says the move is fundamental to allow to continue expanding the electric vehicle fleets being used to deliver to customers’ homes, with the ambition to reach over 500 by 2025, with the charging points will be used by both IKEA and partner electric vehicles.

This infrastructure is being implemented in addition to the existing customer charging points in IKEA stores. Our customer charging points are available for customers to use during their visit to IKEA, the points were introduced to provide access to more sustainable travel for customers. With the introduction of a home delivery infrastructure, IKEA is building a complete offer for customers to have IKEA products arrive sustainably to their homes, no matter how they choose to shop.

Jakob Bertilsson, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at IKEA UK & Ireland, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at IKEA, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet while supporting our customers to live more sustainable lives at home.

“Investing in this infrastructure of nationwide charging points is a fundamental step in our ambition to reach 100% zero emissions customer deliveries from all IKEA stores and distribution centres by 2025, as well as supporting our ambition to become a climate positive business by 2030.”

Natasha Fry, Head of Sales at Mer UK said: “IKEA is an iconic brand with a recognised commitment to sustainability. When they needed future-proof charge points for their zero-emission, last-mile fleet, they wanted to work with a partner who shares these ambitions.

“We look forward to supporting the IKEA team and, importantly, its customers in making sure last-mile deliveries are efficient and emission free.”

Do you specialise in Driver Training for fleet? We want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in May we’ll be focussing on Fleet Management Software solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Fleet Management Software solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

May – Fleet Management Software
Jun – Telematics/Tracking
Jul – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept – EV Infrastructure
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan 24 – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb 24 – Dash Cams
Mar 24 – Driver Training
Apr 24 – Accident & Risk Management

‘Finding ways to cut vehicle downtime is the only way fleet and leasing companies can stay competitive’

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Leading technology provider for the automotive industry, OEC, has found huge efficiencies with its innovative authorisation platform, reducing vehicle downtime for manufacturers, fleets and lease companies…

  • Athoris can save millions in processing costs by enabling efficiencies through providing access to manufacturer, repairer and leasing company data
  • The digital tool can be fully integrated into any third-party application, seamlessly working in suppliers’ workflows to provide e-invoicing and automated authorisation

As fleet operators and lease companies face pressure from all directions, with heightened operating costs, skills shortages and challenging efficiency targets, a huge area for opportunity is the processing time of authorising the many jobs that keep a fleet on the road. Service, maintenance, repair, body, glass and MOT are all costly – both in time and money – for suppliers, fast fitters, fleets and lease companies, so making this happen as efficiently as possible is key to remaining competitive.

Leading technology provider for the aftersales industry, OEC, has found a way to do this with its innovative authorisation platform, Athoris – reducing vehicle downtime and saving millions in processing costs. This web-based application is an intelligent digital workflow tool, transforming complex authorisations into a single click action, that is completed in seconds, reducing the number of manual administration processes required by technicians and leasing companies.

With access to original equipment (OE) approved data, pricing, labour and parts information, direct from the manufacturer, Athoris provides a line-by-line breakdown and automatic approval without the requirement for human interaction – reducing the number of processes and checks in the event of further approval or payment failure, and resulting in quicker integration of billings, invoicing and payments for fleet operators.

Tim Perry, Fleet Product Manager at OEC comments: “Athoris is an essential solution for the lease and fleet sector, helping suppliers, lease and fleet companies, alike gain huge efficiency in the vehicle work approval process. Athoris helps get work approved quicker, repaired quicker and back on the road quicker. It drives efficiencies and reduces administration through our high levels of automatic authorisation.”

European OEMs have tried and tested Athoris, with one manufacturer saving over three million pounds per year, and eliminating an average of 80 per cent of its authorisation time. Faster authorisation means faster completion of repairs, keeping fleets on the road as much as possible. Tim added: “Cutting vehicle downtime is the only way fleets and leasing companies can stay competitive. We give back thousands of working hours a year, allowing technicians and accountants to use their technical expertise where it matters.

“Also, by being a web-based service, Athoris is compatible with any third-party application, allowing for line-by-line breakdown for invoicing and payment. This, coupled with its e-invoicing and automatic approval for parts and accessories, with access to the OE databases, is a huge win for all companies working in the fleet sector, at a period when time and money are more valuable than ever.”

To learn more about Athoris or for more information about OEC and its range of technology solutions, visit the website: https://oeconnection.com/

Join these fantastic companies at this summer’s Fleet Summit

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Have you registered yet to attend the Fleet Summit? You’ll be in good company, with professionals from some of the UK’s largest fleet operators in attendance.

June 12th-13th, Radisson Blu Manchester Airport

The Summit is free to attend and gives you access to 1-2-1 meetings with innovative suppliers who can help with your upcoming projects, networking breaks to meet new peers, a series of seminar sessions, overnight accommodation and all meals/refreshments.

You’ll be joining other senior fleet professionals, with our already registered delegates representing:

Adler and Allan
Altrad Services
Aspire Housing Ltd.
Auto Windscreens
Babcock International
Bi Frost Transport
Cheshire Constabulary
City Sprint
Clarke Transport
Coca-Cola European Partners
Cummins
Currys
Denbighshire County Council
DS Smith
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Eclipse Energy
EMIS Group Plc
For Farmers UK Ltd
G4S
GBA Services
Getinge Lancer UK
Grosvenor Facilities Management
Imperial Tobacco Ltd
JR Dixon Ltd
LocalTaxisGroup
Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Mawdsleys Logistics
Metworks
MI Transport Ltd
Pret A Manger
Quatra UK LTD
Rexel UK
Tesco Maintenance
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Unipart Group
Vantec Europe Ltd
Wigan Council

Register for your free place here.

Or for more information, contact us today.

Only 15% of digital transformation projects reach completion

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New research shows that businesses have faith in technology to boost their productivity, but are facing major knowledge and skill barriers to complete their digital transformation projects.

European businesses expect technology digital transformation projects to boost their productivity by an average of 38% in just 3 years with overall Return on Investment (ROI) expected in just under 5 years, senior decision makers have reported. But so far, on average only 15% of organisations have completed their digital transformation projects.

The survey, carried out by independent research company Opinion Matters and commissioned by Panasonic Connect Europe, questioned 300 senior decision makers with responsibility for business digital transformation across the UK, France and Germany.

Almost 40% of respondents said they felt their organisation was lagging behind competitors when it came to digital transformation. The major barriers to deploying digital transformation technologies were: Lack of internal knowledge (35%), lack of internal IT people resource and skills (32%), concerns about the interoperability with existing IT infrastructure (30%) and a lack of external specialist IT support or awareness of specialist providers (30%).

“This research shows that European businesses understand that the latest technology solutions can transform their business operations and help them take major strides forward in productivity but for many there are still obvious barriers to overcome,” said Jan Kaempfer, Marketing Director for Panasonic Connect Europe.

“Businesses have a lack of internal expertise and resource and are struggling to find the external specialist support they need to execute their plans. This was precisely the reason why Panasonic Connect Europe was formed just over a year ago – bringing technology hardware, software solutions and service expertise together to help business-to-business organisations address their digital transformation challenges.”