HITACHI Capital Vehicle Solutions, one of the UK’s biggest vehicle and specialist asset leasing companies, has signalled its confidence in connected vehicle technology by installing RAC telematics on all new vans.
It has selected RAC Telematics as its partner for the technology installation which will deliver data on vehicle condition and health, forming the basis of new and enhanced services for customers.
RAC Telematics customers have reported cost savings such as 10% to 15% in fuel costs, with similar numbers for wear and tear and a 10% reduction in accidents
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is the first major player in the market to demonstrate its recognition of the potential for telematics to transform fleet management. The new technology will greatly benefit the leasing provider’s customers who will receive the devices as standard on all contracts.
In addition, customers will have an option to enable the additional functionality of the telematics system. This includes services such as location and driver behaviour, which will bring further benefits to fleet customer operations.
The RAC Telematics solution, hosted by the Microsoft Azure platform, will connect the RAC Breakdown and RAC Accident Management services already in place for Hitachi Capital’s customers enabling them to drive efficiency and bring down costs.
RAC Telematics devices provide key insight into the condition of key vehicle parts and components, thanks to the advanced engine diagnostic capability, enabling customers to change failing units before they cause a breakdown.
Nick Walker, managing director at RAC Telematics, says: “This is a significant agreement in terms of RAC bringing a connected vehicle management solution to a leading contract hire and leasing firm, who see the potential benefits in the proposition.
“By installing telematics across the fleet of commercial vehicles, their own customers will benefit from the power of the telematics data capture, as well as the reassurance and peace of mind that RAC Breakdown and Accident Management services also deliver.”
As a result of the improved driver behaviour that can be enabled from RAC Telematics, customers have reported cost savings such as 10% to 15% in fuel costs, with similar numbers for wear and tear and a 10% reduction in accidents.
Crucially, the severity of accidents has also decreased in some cases as vehicles are being driven at lower speeds, and this is having a positive impact on insurance premiums.
Walker adds: “The benefits of telematics are well proven now, promoting safer and more efficient driving, which helps to bring down fuel costs and vehicle downtime as well as cut the number of accidents and reduce wear and tear on the fleet.
“We have also invested in leading edge vehicle diagnostics technology through the acquisition of Nebula Systems, to create what we believe will be a market-leading product.
“The power of Nebula’s technology in RAC Telematics is that it covers many vehicle systems, far beyond the standard diagnostic apps and tools. This provides full vehicle coverage for the fleet manager and for the driver it’s like having an RAC Patrol with you at all times.”
Jon Lawes, managing director at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, comments: “We are delighted to have partnered with the RAC to provide their industry-leading telematics service to our customers, and we look forward to the continuing success of our strategic partnership.
“Telematics and connected vehicle technology is a critical part of our fleet and specialist asset proposition.
“Integrating the rich telematics feed with other sources of data, such as that collected from our national repair network, tyre management programme and even driver fines data, and combined with our industry expertise and knowledge, this new initiative will enable us to deliver even deeper insights and advice that will lead to improved fleet efficiencies and safer drivers and vehicles.”
