Karolyi appointed a new telematics supplier in October last year, SageQuest.

Her objectives are to reduce fuel use, enhance driver safety and schedule appointments more accurately. She is confident that the new technology will drive fleet efficiencies in 2013.

“As our business changes and the fleet world changes, we will evolve and address what drivers, customers and the market needs,” she says.

Electric vehicle trials reveal 'many challenges'

Virgin Media regularly tests hybrid and electric vehicles, but the trials have brought up a whole host of challenges for the fleet. High contract hire quotes in particular have been difficult to justify.

“I don’t know how any companies can justify the cost,” says Karen Karolyi.

“Outright purchase would probably be the only solution, but you would need at least six years to get some comeback.”

The other issue is with battery technology and infrastructure.

Karolyi believes battery technology needs to improve to reduce the risk of downtime. The nature of the journeys travelled by the fleet means the company has a duty of care to the drivers to try to ensure they are not left stranded.

“Trials so far have brought up a lot of challenges. When those start disappearing, we may consider electric vehicles,” says Karolyi.

'Super vans' drive customer service

In 2011 a new Super Van initiative was launched to reward drivers for excellent customer service.
Virgin Media’s executive director set Karen Karolyi the challenge of transforming a Ford Transit van into
a movie-themed ‘super van’.

Now in its second year, 12 super vans are on the themed fleet and include a Jurassic Park car, Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, Transformers’s Optimus Prime and the Batmobile.

On every visit from an engineer, the customer completes a satisfaction survey. Top-performing drivers get to drive one of the super vans for three months, with 12 new winners chosen every quarter.

As well as becoming talking points for the engineers, Karolyi has also found the vans help to raise morale. “It’s really inspirational for them,” she says.

The Virgin Media branding team bring the vans to life on screen, and then it falls to Karolyi to make it happen on the road, balancing driver safety and cost.