The RAC is launching a web-based fleet management tool that will include a fuel card offering access to around 3,000 outlets.

Called the Business Club, fleet operators will be able to manage their vehicles and drivers online through the self-service platform - a simple, icon-based, fully configurable dashboard.

It will provide a full reporting suite, with the ability to access vehicle and driver information, while keeping track of all service, maintenance and repair needs.

It will offer an ‘alerts daemon’ to prompt both drivers and fleet operators on a range of issues, including insurance, driver licence checking and service intervals, while tasks can be detailed on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, businesses will also have the ability to book vehicles into the RAC approved garage network at the click of a button or procure hotels, car parking and train tickets.

Vehicle hire will also be accessible through the click of a button via Fleet on Demand and added functionality will be offered through a vehicle leasing and business insurance proposition.

There will also be a telematics offering helping fleets with the validation of fuel claims, as well as monitoring driver behaviour.

The RAC says it is initially targeting the SME sector, but it’s not restricted to any particular fleet size.

Damon Jones, development director at the RAC, said: “What we’ve created is a big fleet management solution that’s SME friendly.”

The RAC already has around 20,000 SMEs within its customer base, where it already provides breakdown cover to around 180,000 vehicles. It hopes to convert a large proportion of these customers to the Business Club scheme.

Dan Sparks, head of operations development at the RAC, said: “You can buy all the individual components today, but the value of the Business Club is it brings them altogether in one place, through a self-service system, giving customers the ability to better manage their fleet and cut their costs accordingly.”    

However, it is the promise of new entrant to the fuel card market which is certain to make a number of fleets sit-up and take notice after becoming increasingly frustrated with Allstar.

The RAC had originally planned to launch the Business Club in June, but it told Fleet News that after being contacted by a “significant” number of customers it decided to launch the dashboard with the fuel card element two months ahead of schedule on April 15. 

Tesco and Morrisons have already signed-up with two other major fuel providers due to confirm their involvement in the coming months.

Jones said the full fuel network of around 3,000 outlets will be in place by quarter four this year.

To pre-register for the fuel card, visit www.racbusinessclub.co.uk. 

For the full story, see next week’s Fleet News.