Lightfoot has secured Government funding for a £1.8 million project to help further develop its in-cab technology that enables and rewards smoother driving styles, cutting fuel bills, accidents, wear and tear and pollutants among fleets.

Awarded by Innovate UK, the grant is part of the Government’s commitment to invest in the connected car sector, which has been identified as one of the world’s fastest-growing technology areas.

The funding will be used to help Lightfoot identify and sign-up strategic partners to deliver its 'driver ecosystem' which provides rewards for drivers from partner organsiations across related sectors such as insurance, breakdown cover and car finance.

Lightfoot, which has been installed in more than 10,000 fleet vehicles in the UK, is proven to reduce CO₂ emissions by 10-20%, nitrous oxide (NO_X) emissions by 20% and particulates by 15%. It has also been shown to reduce accidents on the road with up to a 75% reduction in total claims values. 

Mark Roberts, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “The Government grant is a huge endorsement for our technology, which has been transforming the way fleet vehicles are driven across the UK.

“We’ve found the key to instantly and consistently cutting pollution and fuel bills in fleets by combining rewards for better driving with connected car technology.

"Now drivers can adapt their driving based on real-time feedback from the engine and get great rewards for being smoother drivers in our Fleet Drive of the Week leagues."

Commenting on the grant, Transport Minister John Hayes said: “I am absolutely committed to improving air quality and reducing pollution in towns and cities, which is essential for people’s health and the environment.

"This Government is investing just over £109 million to support British businesses in developing innovative, important technologies which will greatly reduce our emissions footprint.”

Innovate UK chief executive Ruth McKernan added: “These successful industry-led R&D projects will further spearhead UK development of low emission, and connected and autonomous vehicle technology, building on our world-leading research and innovation capability in this area and the significant strength of UK businesses large and small in this field.”