Fleet briefs: Latest from Novuna, Europcar, Ctrack, Sixt, System Edström, Teletrac Navman, E-Training World, SVA, Blackout Technologies and ZF Aftermarket

Telematics-enabled accident and repair solution to ‘reduce’ fleet costs

Ctrack has partnered with Artura to develop a telematics-enabled accident and repair solution aimed at streamlining the claims process, reducing insurance costs and minimising vehicle downtime. 

The partnership brings together Ctrack’s dashcam technology with Artura’s incident management system to create a single, integrated platform.

“By teaming up with Artura, we can deliver genuine value to fleets looking to improve their claims and incident management,” explained Steve Thomas, managing director at Ctrack UK.

“As a key part of the partnership, we have developed the integrated accident and repair solution that will provide a rapid response when it matters, enabling fleets to protect both their bottom line and productivity levels.”

Instant incident notification via the dashcam, backed by a driver reporting app, aims to streamline the entire claims process and capture the evidence needed to quickly determine who was at fault. 

Alan Atkins, group commercial director at Artura, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to deliver comprehensive accident and repair support by combining the proven expertise of both Ctrack and Artura. 

“Those fleets taking advantage of our integrated approach will gain unrivalled fleet protection, along with a host of financial and operational benefits. This will include a £150 excess contribution for each claim and a complimentary courtesy vehicle for all non-fault incidents.”

Novuna Vehicle Solutions launches new platform

Novuna Vehicle Solutions launched a new platform for brokers and dealers called QuotePro

Developed in partnership with Cox Automotive’s Codeweavers, it allows users to generate finance quotes, submit quote for underwriting, track and manage proposals and enable enhanced security with biometric identity verification technology. 

“Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with brokers and dealers praising the system’s intuitive design, speed, and efficiency,” said Chris Swallow, national sales manager for associates at Novuna Vehicle Solutions.

The QuotePro platform also strengthens Novuna’s long-standing relationship with Cox Automotive, having worked with the organisation for many years across its other key brands, including Dealer Auction and Manheim.  

Shaun Harris, commercial director for retail at Cox Automotive, said: “The success of this project is a result of an excellent collaboration between the Novuna and Codeweavers teams.

“By quickly establishing a strong working relationship, we were able to remain reactive and evolve the system quickly following regular interactions with Novuna. 

“The result is an intuitive, user-friendly platform that simplifies access to finance solutions and enhances the overall customer experience.”  

System Edström launches FleetLane

System Edström has unveiled FleetLane, an in-port service racking solution designed to accelerate fleet conversions. 

By completing installations at the port, businesses receive their vehicles faster, allowing them to operate efficiently without unnecessary delays, says System Edström. 

“FleetLane is a game-changer for fleet conversions,” said David Sawford (pictured), commercial director at System Edström. 

“By integrating our services at the port of entry, we’re offering a smarter, faster, and more sustainable way to get fleets on the road with minimal disruption.”

Teletrac Navman unveils enhanced privacy mode for dashcams

Teletrac Navman has launched enhanced privacy mode for its smart dashcam users, allowing fleets to prioritise driver safety while upholding privacy standards, addressing a significant concern highlighted in a recent survey.

The research by Teletrac Navman revealed that, while 85% of fleets see artificial intelligence (AI) as the future of safety, 23% expressed concerns about data privacy.

Enhanced privacy mode allows fleet managers to pause driver-facing video recordings while still capturing critical in-cab audio alerts and inward alert data. 

It means that unsafe driver behaviours, such as mobile phone use and erratic driving, can still be identified without compromising driver privacy.

“Fleets must recognise the importance of driver comfort regarding data collection, especially when it comes to sensitive information,” said Andrew Rossington, chief product officer at Teletrac Navman. 

“With features like enhanced privacy mode, we can protect employees while simultaneously leveraging advancements in safety.”

System upgrade delivers increased benefits for fleet managers

E-Training World has recently invested in several upgrades to its online driver profiling and driver training platform to deliver fleets greater control and increased efficiency. 

All of its clients’ managers have been given increased access to the platform, allowing them more control over areas including moving drivers between company divisions, setting drivers as having left the company and deleting drivers where required. 

Client managers can also now upgrade drivers who have become managers and need higher-level access to the system themselves. 

They can also re-allocate unused authorisation codes to ensure they gain maximum usage and value for their driver profiling and driver training investment. 

Jonathan Mosley, sales and marketing director at E-Training World, said, “Giving clients greater access to the system enables them to make changes quickly and easily, without asking for our support. 

“Whilst we are always on hand to help, we are also delighted to be able to empower clients so they can maximise the benefits of the system and boost their effectiveness.”

SVA and south coast car dealers raise £38,000 for charity 

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has raised a record-breaking £38,000 in its 15th annual charity auction for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice, taking the total raised since 2011 to over £340,000.

All 27 vehicles generously donated by car dealers on the south coast were successfully auctioned in their recent charity sale, with SVA adding an additional £250 per vehicle to the final fundraising total.

This year’s auction proved to be the most successful yet, thanks to the continued support and generosity of the region’s dealers and buyers. A special thanks goes to Yeomans Group, who donated 20 vehicles. 

Other generous contributors included Tates Group, Frosts4Cars, Birchwood Group, and Hendy Group, as well as racing driver Nathan Edwards, who donated four VIP tickets to a Vertu Mini Challenge JCW round, held during a British Touring Car Championship race weekend.

Alex Wright, SVA’s MD and a patron of Chestnut Tree House, said: “Once again, the south coast motor trade has stepped up to support this amazing cause. We are incredibly proud to have raised £38,000 this year. 

“Every donation, bid, and vehicle sold helps make a real difference to the children and families supported by Chestnut Tree House.”

Chestnut Tree House provides essential care to children and young adults with life-limiting conditions across Sussex and southeast Hampshire.

Europcar EV Guide and Knowledge Hub informs and empowers more than 20,000 drivers in 2024

Europcar is celebrating the success of its dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) Guide and Knowledge Hub, attracting 28,000 total visits from 20,300 unique users in 2024.

London stands out as the location with the highest concentration of visitors across the UK and user profiles suggest that travel buffs and technophiles are the most active and engaged segments.

The most engaged age groups are 25-34 year olds (25%), followed by 45-54 year olds (22%) and 35-44 year olds (20%).

“The overwhelming success of our EV Guide and Knowledge Hub is a clear demonstration of the growing interest in electric vehicles,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar.

“We are thrilled to provide a platform that empowers individuals and businesses to explore the benefits of EVs, addressing their key concerns and facilitating informed decisions.

“The data clearly shows a strong appetite for practical information and hands-on experience, which we are committed to delivering in order to support drivers on their EV journey.”

Blackout Technologies updates mobile phone blocking tech 

Blackout Technologies has launched an updated version of its mobile device blocking technology that can be combined with leading fleet and video telematics systems to help eliminate smartphone distraction. 

This integrated approach, it says, is predicted to reduce collisions caused by illegal mobile phone usage by between 10 to 20%, preventing many avoidable injuries and deaths.

“There is huge potential for SaaS-based mobile blocking technology combined with complementary fleet technology and vehicle camera solutions to provide added choice and safety features within the marketplace,” said Mark Hadley, CEO of Blackout Technologies. 

“The use of messaging apps, social media platforms, streaming and Internet browsing when driving is believed to contribute to as many as 40% of all vehicle collisions, so the risk to drivers and other road users is considerable and needs to be addressed.”

Blackout Technologies’ blocking solution uses an app installed on a driver’s smartphone that activates when the vehicle is in motion, restricting encrypted messaging tools, the internet, camera and other apps, while preventing incoming notifications for the duration of the journey. 

It also includes a two-minute delay to prevent drivers using their smartphone when in stationary traffic. When a suspected collision has occurred, the technology will send a push notification to the driver within seconds to verify the incident and check on their welfare along with an alert to the fleet manager. 

Sixt unveils three new UK branches

Sixt UK is accelerating its expansion with the launch of new branches in Richmond and Guernsey Airport, alongside the return of its refreshed Edinburgh Old Town location. 

“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our UK network in key locations that align with our commitment to customer convenience and premium service”, said Andrew Smith, managing director of Sixt UK. 

“These latest openings strengthen our position in cities and travel hubs and support our ongoing growth plans for 2025 and beyond.” 

The openings follow a period of strong growth for Sixt in the UK, with several new branches added in 2024 at key locations across the country, including London Park Lane and Heathrow Terminal 4.

ZF Aftermarket launches fleet management platform

ZF Aftermarket has launched Vandy, a new fleet management platform designed to help businesses streamline vehicle maintenance, improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Developed as part of ZF Group, it aims to provide fleets with an all-in-one solution that combines real-time insights, automated scheduling and maintenance tracking. 

Vandy also offers a secure digital glovebox, where all important vehicle documents can be stored and accessed at any time. 

Automated alerts notify managers when documents are about to expire, helping businesses stay compliant. 

Furthermore, the platform records trip details, including mileage, routes and driver information, giving businesses a clear overview of how their vehicles are being used.

Vandy is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing vehicle telematics systems, but for vehicles without built-in connectivity, ZF Aftermarket offers a plug-and-play hardware option.

David Wakeling, from ZF Group, said: “Vandy gives businesses the tools they need to take control of their fleet’s performance and operating costs. 

“By combining automation with real-time insights, we’ve created a solution that helps businesses maximise uptime, reduce costs and improve driver safety. Vandy makes fleet management easier, more efficient and more transparent.”