October 2015 - As the emissions tests scandal continues to hit the headlines, Tantalum Corporation, one of Europe’s top ‘connected vehicle’ companies, is urging the fleet industry to consider the part it plays in tackling emissions levels. Whilst the spotlight is currently on manufacturers, Cédriane de Boucaud, CEO of Tantalum Corporation believes the fleet sector can play a fundamental role in taking control of vehicle emissions by reviewing and changing the driving behaviours of the large numbers of drivers it manages.

“Although vehicle manufacturers need to be held accountable for ensuring that their vehicles meet efficiency and emission legislation, it won’t be long before fleet owners and drivers come under the same pressures,” explained Cédriane de Boucaud, CEO of Tantalum Corporation. “Drivers can make a big impact on emissions by altering the way they drive a vehicle, once it leaves the production line.  Indeed, our own data has highlighted that using the right fleet vehicle, driven in the right way can reduce fuel consumption by 25%*, at the same time reducing the Nitrate Oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions by multiple of 25%.

Tantalum Corporation has been leading the development of real-time emissions analytics for over 7 years. By analysing data from vehicles in real time through its range of telematics platforms, Tantalum Innovations and TRACKER provide the most accurate and up to date analytics of fuel consumption related to driver behaviour.  From this insight, a vehicle’s true emission foot print can be understood.

“The good news is fleet owners don’t need to rely on laboratory testing data to get accurate information” added Cédriane de Boucaud.  “We have the technology to deliver real-life data for CO2 emissions and MPGs. We can take readings every minute, directly from the vehicles themselves, helping fleet owners tackle emissions in the wake of this crisis.”

The Emissions Scandal: Where does the industry go from here?

Who really is the guilty party in the emissions scandal?
Nowadays vehicles are the most environmental friendly that they have ever been, nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. Tantalum believes that the majority of harmful emissions are being generated by a minority of badly maintained vehicles. At the same time there are other contributing factors that impact on vehicle emissions, such as, maintenance, fuel quality, air temperature, topography, and above all, “driver behaviour”.

Certainly the way that we drive is the main contributor to CO2 emissions no matter what certification level the vehicle has been awarded.

Getting the transport solution right!
Choosing the right vehicle for the right environment. For example a car that has a small engine, is quick to warm up and more efficient at low speeds would be more suitable to driving in town. Tantalum data supports this as we know that using the right fleet vehicle, driven in the right way can reduce fuel consumption by 25%*, at the same time reducing the Nitrate Oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions by a multiple of 25%.

Zero emissions is a myth
Zero emissions car do not exist and “never” will. Whilst the vehicle may not produce any emissions while in operation, the manufacturing of the vehicle will, and certainly to the end of vehicle life (recycling) will create emissions.

‘Real’ driving data equals true emissions testing
There is a need for the Environmental Agency to collect actual emissions from real driving conditions, in real time across the country in order to understand the actual “use” of a vehicle. This will ensure accurate emissions output from a vehicle.

Tantalum has the capabilities to equip vehicles and collect data that would provide the actual emissions in real time, including CO2 and NOx, aiding the Environmental Agency to understand the scale of the emissions problem. Also, road agencies can use the data to implement calming techniques that would reduce emissions in affected areas, and will help with developing better realistic certification test across the globe.

The role of the manufacturer in the future
The future of vehicle manufacturing will need to focus on understanding how a vehicle is being driven, so they can tune them for the actual conditions that vehicle is exposed to. This of course will vary from place to place, from county to county, from country to country.

Tantalum can collect the relevant data, along with its estimated CO2 and NOx, and help manufacturers regain customer trust.

So how Tantalum can help fleet operators?
A large proportion of fleet operating costs are attributed to fuel usage and maintenance of a fleet. Tantalum has the tools to help fleet managers to reduce costs in both these areas by monitoring driver behaviour and rewarding good drivers. It can also lead to a reduction in accidents and breakdowns, as well as, benefiting from lower insurance premiums. Importantly, Tantalum has the capability to measure and help reduce environmental impact in terms of CO2 and NOx.

The evidence speaks for itself. Tantalum has seen fuel cost reduction across different business; 10% reduction with bus operators and 25% with postal delivery.

*Based on pre and post Tantalum data using fuel bills and estimated fuel consumption.

For further comment from Cédriane de Boucaud please contact the Tantalum Corporation press office at HSL on 020 8977 9132.
 

Following revelations of the emissions tests scandal, confidence amongst motorists is low, in particular with fleet owners.  There is an obvious need for a trusted solution to provide an alternative.

Tantalum Corporation, one of Europe’s top ‘connected vehicle’ companies, asserts that real-time performance data – taken directly from vehicles on real roads – is the only answer, for drivers, fleet operators and manufacturers.  Tantalum’s best-in-class software and services can remove the reliance on output from controlled testing and enable responsible fleet owners and governments to understand the true emissions data.

"We have the technology, it should be used,” explained Cédriane de Boucaud, CEO of Tantalum Corporation.  “Accurate, real-life data for C02 emissions and MPG is possible for the majority of the global car park. There is no reason we should rely on testing data in labs to get accurate information. We can take readings every minute directly from the vehicles themselves. This is the way to manage pollution and the environment going forwards. Tantalum Corporation is independent – as such we are trusted to collect, manage and share the data."

"The issue of CO2 emissions is already high on the agenda for fleet operators who manage large volumes of vehicles on UK roads.  This concern is now heightened with the realisation that they may well have been basing buying decisions on false data.   Installation of our technology in vehicles provides vital insights for fleet owners in particular to address CSR concerns.  It also gives the manufacturers themselves a valuable way to rebuild confidence with their customers."

Tantalum Corporation has been ranked 14th in the 2015 Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100.  The company’s third generation best-in-class software analyses real-time data from over 270 data points within a vehicle with patented algorithms.  Tantalum Corporation technology already connects with over 580,000 vehicles across consumers, fleets and OEMs, and is used by every police force in the country.

For further comment from Cédriane de Boucaud please contact the Tantalum Corporation press office at HSL on 020 8977 9132.

 

Tantalum Corporation, one of Europe’s top ‘connected vehicle’ companies, has been ranked 14th in the 2015 Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100* which ranks Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private technology, media and telecoms companies by sales over the latest three years.

Addressing 528,000 vehicles across consumers, fleets and OEMs, Tantalum has best in class software and a proprietary mesh network.  Its track record boasts saving fleet customers up to 16% in fuel costs, and insurance claims costs by up to 53%; recovering over £500 million worth of stolen vehicles and a repository of over a billion miles of driven data.

Having recently passed the strategic milestone of 500,000 vehicles connected, Tantalum is now well positioned to drive the market as an innovator in the automotive “Internet of Things” (IoT) sector, as it continues to drive monetisation and sales growth on a global basis through the roll out of its broadening eco-system of services.  

The company’s products have the capability to analyse real time data from over 270 data points within a vehicle, with patented algorithms. Its technology enables fleet customers to optimise performance by providing real time feedback and monitoring driver behaviour and vehicle prognostics and diagnostics.

Led by CEO, Cédriane de Boucaud, the company is backed by a consortium of angel investors and venture capital firms, including the Sustainable Technology Fund and Disruptive Capital Investments Ltd.  Comments Cédriane de Boucaud:  “We are proud to be ranked 14th in this prestigious league table.  This not only endorses our efforts to secure our place as a leading provider of connected vehicle products and services, but confirms our standing within the technology community. We look forward to continued growth, investment and technological advancement in the year ahead.”

The Tech Track 100 league table and awards programme is sponsored by Hiscox, Barclays, BDO and Business Growth Fund and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm. 
Steve Langan, CEO of Hiscox Insurance Company, the title sponsor of the league table, commented:  “Tech is one of this country’s most exciting sectors right now. It’s a phenomenal success story with impressive growth and innovation that has shown the UK deserves its position as a tech hub. There is much that other sectors could – and should – learn from UK tech, particularly when it comes to staying relevant and being agile. Every single one of this year’s Tech Track 100 businesses has made an important contribution to its sector and the wider economy, and that’s something to be immensely proud of.”

*The Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 adopts the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) techMARK definition of a technology company as one ‘that shows a commitment to innovation, research and product development, and operates in sectors including software, internet, telecoms and biotech’.

 

Leading stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation), believes that falling car crime figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are skewing public perception of vehicle crime at a time when vigilance and security are ever more crucial. 
 
According to the latest ONS data, the number of vehicles stolen has fallen by 70% in the last 10 years across England and Wales, with vehicle theft at its lowest since 1968.  However, the fact remains that major cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and the West and South of Yorkshire are still encountering a significant challenge in tackling vehicle theft.
 
Andy Barrs, Police Liaison Officer for TRACKER explains, “The Mayor of London’s Police and Crime Plan, outlines a focus on vehicle theft as a key priority, with sizable increases happening in key London boroughs, such as Westminster (59%), Islington (35%) and Camden (31%). 
 
“It could well be that the London vehicle theft rate is being overlooked by the industry because the Home Office no longer break down individual categories of vehicle, for example theft of and theft from motor vehicle, preferring instead to measure them under the all-encompassing banner of ‘vehicle crime.’ Nonetheless, the Home Office public facing crime comparator website (http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/crime-and-policing-comparator/) clearly indicates that large Metropolitan forces are still struggling to stem the rising trend in vehicle theft, thereby indicating a clear disparity between the picture painted by the Home Office and the reality in London and the UK’s larger cities.”
 
However, TRACKER supports calls by the automotive industry to local authorities to collect more detailed data about how vehicles are being stolen, recognising the need for a nationwide understanding of  the types of theft being conducted across the country.
 
“Although the ONS figures paint an overall rosy picture, it’s clear that on the ground, police are still fighting the war against vehicle crime. Criminals are quick to adapt to new technology by finding weaknesses in security systems or indeed, stealing vehicles using the keys stolen from the owner’s home or in some instances, assaulting the owner on the driveway.  Now is the time to lead an even more focused march against the criminals by improving security and tracking technology and working together to close the net on thieves.”
 
Unlike other devices, TRACKER’s unique technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage or shipping container. TRACKER has been reuniting car lovers with their vehicles for 20 years, and it’s this expertise which makes TRACKER the leader in stolen vehicle recovery. TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there.
 
The Mayor of London of for Policing and Crime : 
Increases in Vehicle Theft March-May 2015

1. Westminster – 59% increase
2. Islington – 35% increase
3. Camden 31% increase
4. Kensington & Chelsea – 22% increase
5. Bexley – 12% increase
6. Wandsworth– 12% increase
7. Tower Hamlets– 12% increase
8. Richmond upon Thames – 8% increase

https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/policing-crime/data-information/crime-dashboard

Neil Johnstone, who owns an electronic cable manufacturing business based in Wigan, Manchester, said, “I thought that my car would be safe as it was parked on my driveway right outside my house. Luckily the police were able to track down my Range Rover and return it to me with some minor damages, but things could have been much worse. I would highly recommend a tracking device to friends and family, so much so that I have since had one fitted to my wife’s car. If it had been her vehicle stolen and not mine, I seriously doubt we’d have had such success in recovering it.”

Steve Houghton, Police Liaison Manager at TRACKER, explains how TRACKER were able to recover the vehicle. “Our close working relationship with the UK police forces means we are able to close the net on thieves who target high value vehicles and, as in Mr Johnstone’s case, this can happen very quickly. Our unique combination of GSM, VHF and GPS technology means we can help police locate vehicles, even if they are hidden underground, in a garage or a shipping container.

“Mr Johnstone is very lucky that he installed a tracking device on his Range Rover. Though a device may not stop your vehicle being stolen in the first instance, it does increase the chances of police recovering and returning the vehicle to its owner. TRACKER’s technology offers car owners a greater level of protection than any of its competitors and helps police tackle car theft head on.”

Established in 1971, the Express Parcel Services (EPS) group of companies offers a wide range of flexible storage, warehousing and distribution solutions.  It boasts a fleet of over 150 vehicles and trailers, ranging from 3500kg vans to 44 ton tractor units. Every vehicle is fitted with either a TRACKER Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) or a TRACKER Fleet unit, including the trailers. Over the past eight years the business has been victim to seven van thefts, all of which were recovered by TRACKER saving the business over £175,000 as well as the value of the stock that was also saved. Furthermore, one of the Director’s Range Rover Sports was stolen and successfully recovered, results in a saving of around £80,000
 
However, in more recent years, EPS has increasingly utilized the telematics data available to the business through TRACKER Fleet.  This has helped it gain a deeper understanding of its fleet efficiencies and cost implications, which in turn has improved business practices and boosted its bottom line.
 
Jamie Carr, Fleet Risk Manager at EPS explains: “Although we have worked with TRACKER for over 20 years, it’s only in the last year or so that we have fully recognised the value of the fleet management data available to us.  In particular, we have looked much more closely at driver performance data.  Indeed, this has become a crucial tool for our managers when analysing their fleet’s efficiency and ways to improve it. We are also now looking at geo-measuring and fuel integration information, to see where we can cut any further unnecessary costs.  By putting all the data sets together and analysing a complete picture we’ve been able to tackle some of the issues that all fleets face, such as fuel efficiency. By working more closely with TRACKER we have implemented a truly effective telematics solution that doesn’t require hours of deciphering large amounts of data.
 
“The offerings from TRACKER are fantastic and we have a great deal of confidence in the SVR product. This has proved to be invaluable to our business that we are even having two new Land Rovers fitted with the SVR product in addition to the offering that was already with the cars when they were purchased last year. We recommend all fleets to invest in the units.”
           
David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for TRACKER says: “From talking to all of our fleet customers, both large and small, we have found that there has been a desire to move away from the ‘bells and whistles’ telematic solutions to those that deliver meaningful and therefore, useable, data.” 
 
TRACKER believes that fleet operators need to be selective about the amount and type of fleet telematics data their company needs – and have the resources in place to interpret it to give it meaning. By implementing the right solution from the outset, businesses can benefit from immediately usable data. Concludes David Wilson: “Our partnership with EPS is a prime example of how fleets need to work more closely with their telematics provider to get relevant information that is going to benefit them.”

Established in 1971, the Express Parcel Services (EPS) group of companies offers a wide range of flexible storage, warehousing and distribution solutions.  It boasts a fleet of over 150 vehicles and trailers, ranging from 3500kg vans to 44 ton tractor units. Every vehicle is fitted with either a TRACKER Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) or a TRACKER Fleet unit, including the trailers. Over the past eight years the business has been victim to seven van thefts, all of which were recovered by TRACKER saving the business over £175,000 as well as the value of the stock that was also saved. Furthermore, one of the Director’s Range Rover Sports was stolen and successfully recovered, results in a saving of around £80,000.

However, in more recent years, EPS has increasingly utilized the telematics data available to the business through TRACKER Fleet.  This has helped it gain a deeper understanding of its fleet efficiencies and cost implications, which in turn has improved business practices and boosted its bottom line.

Jamie Carr, Fleet Risk Manager at EPS explains: “Although we have worked with TRACKER for over 20 years, it’s only in the last year or so that we have fully recognised the value of the fleet management data available to us.  In particular, we have looked much more closely at driver performance data.  Indeed, this has become a crucial tool for our managers when analysing their fleet’s efficiency and ways to improve it. We are also now looking at geo-measuring and fuel integration information, to see where we can cut any further unnecessary costs.  By putting all the data sets together and analysing a complete picture we’ve been able to tackle some of the issues that all fleets face, such as fuel efficiency. By working more closely with TRACKER we have implemented a truly effective telematics solution that doesn’t require hours of deciphering large amounts of data."

"The offerings from TRACKER are fantastic and we have a great deal of confidence in the SVR product. This has proved to be invaluable to our business that we are even having two new Land Rovers fitted with the SVR product in addition to the offering that was already with the cars when they were purchased last year. We recommend all fleets to invest in the units."

David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for TRACKER says: "From talking to all of our fleet customers, both large and small, we have found that there has been a desire to move away from the ‘bells and whistles’ telematic solutions to those that deliver meaningful and therefore, useable, data." 

TRACKER believes that fleet operators need to be selective about the amount and type of fleet telematics data their company needs – and have the resources in place to interpret it to give it meaning. By implementing the right solution from the outset, businesses can benefit from immediately usable data. Concludes David Wilson: "Our partnership with EPS is a prime example of how fleets need to work more closely with their telematics provider to get relevant information that is going to benefit them."

The Jaguar’s owner, Mr. Duckworth explained, "I had taken the car for a spin with my wife and when we returned home I parked the car outside our house. It had vanished just 10 minutes later. The car has been in the family for 35 years so it means infinitely more to my wife and me than just a piece of metal on four wheels! It was also our wedding car so we were devastated when we found it had been taken; it is definitely cherished and we could never replace it."

"The car is bright red so really stands out but they had driven it away and hidden it down a narrow dead end street less than a mile away, and under an old tatty car cover. Even if I had walked right past it on the street I don’t think I would have known it was there. I had TRACKER fitted four years ago and I’m so grateful I did, as I would never have got it back - let alone get it back so quickly. I’m now getting all of my cars upgraded with a TRACKER device, as it’s proved its value beyond doubt. I was delighted to have the car recovered without any damage and to top it off, a man has been arrested in connection with the theft."

Adrian Davenport, Police Liaison Manager for TRACKER explains, "Thieves are targeting classic cars, as they don’t have the sophisticated security features we take for granted on modern vehicles. It is understandable classic car owners aren’t keen on installing alarm systems and immobilisers as they can affect the aesthetics of the vehicle. A tracking unit is discreetly fitted to a car, so will not affect the look of the car. The device won’t stop a vehicle being stolen, however it will significantly increase the chances of the police recovering and returning the vehicle to its owner."

TRACKER’s unique combination of GSM, VHF and GPS technology means it can help police locate vehicles, even if they are hidden underground, in a garage or a shipping container. Over 90% of cars fitted with a TRACKER device are successfully located and returned to owners, usually within 24 hours. TRACKER is the only SVR solution operated by all Police Forces across the UK, offering car owners the ultimate in peace of mind.

The tracking unit was able to monitor the caravan when it moved from the original site in Northamptonshire, across Leicestershire and into Warwickshire. Along with officers from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), a police team were deployed ahead of the caravan. As it pulled into a service station on the A45 near Ryton on Dunsmore, Police officers were promptly on the scene and a man was arrested.

Detective Inspector Wayne Cooke from NaVCIS said, “This was a great result for all involved as we were able to track down and recover the stolen caravan within 4 hours of the theft. We work very closely with TRACKER, as well as the caravan industry, to combat theft across the UK. Thanks to the caravan being fitted with an SVR unit we were able to return it to the owner in the condition that he last saw it.”

Adrian Davenport, Police Relationships Managers for TRACKER adds, "Caravans are always at a high risk of being stolen and a theft of one can bring its owner a lot of heartache. Historically, we see a rise of caravan thefts in the spring time, so we would advise owners to do all that they can to prevent this and add in additional security measures. This case highlights how having a tracking unit fitted to a valuable asset, whether that’s a caravan, car or tractor, could be the difference between a vehicle being found and returned or never seen again."

Unlike other devices, TRACKER’s unique technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage or shipping container. TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. TRACKER has several products specifically aimed at the caravan market and the only SVR product that is used by the UK’s police forces.

Free to all TRACKER Fleet customers, the app will allow users to gain a simple overview of their vehicles and determine where each are at any given time. The app also allows users to view personal alerts and deliver information on the speed of vehicles, journey history and directions to a particular vehicle.

David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for TRACKER comments, “We wanted to develop a proposition that would bring benefit to fleet managers, which is why we worked closely with our customers to establish a product that would meet their needs, both now and in the future. The TRACKER Fleet Mobile app provides fleet managers with instant visibility and a clear understanding of their fleets which they can access when they are on the move.

"The key to any data service is to make it easy for customers to access information wherever they may be. We have designed the TRACKER Fleet Mobile app specifically with fleet managers in mind; providing an easy to use and simple format so that the information is accessible with clear and concise data."

Jack Buchan at Buchans Group, the company that trialled the TRACKER Fleet Mobile app said, “We were looking for a flexible and simple way to track our vehicles on a daily basis and monitor certain aspects, such as speed and location of vehicles. We did not want to have to tackle lots of data and information, so we were looking for a simple app that could give us a top line overview when on the road and out of the office. The TRACKER Fleet Mobile app is the perfect solution for us and we are confident that other companies will find it just as effective.

"Fleet managers do not want to be left with too much data to decipher, which is why the TRACKER Fleet Mobile app is a perfect solution for them," concludes David Wilson. "We are confident that our customers will be able to integrate the app easily into their fleet management process and be able to recognise the instant benefits."

On Monday 1st June 2015, two members of Honda’s European Research & Development (R&D;) team will climb into a Honda Civic Tourer and set out on an epic journey from Aalst, Belgium. Heading towards the Netherlands and Germany, their trip will see them navigate the Continent in a clockwise direction, with the aim of returning to their starting point some 25 days later, on June 25th, having covered a planned total of 13,614km.

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt comes on the back of several independent tests which have proven Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine to consistently out-perform its quoted fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions. Keen to once again underline this performance and in the challenging spirit for which the brand is famed, Honda aims to set a benchmark with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title never before attempted in Europe.

Under the rules of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, the same two drivers must be in the car for every kilometre of the journey. Step forward Honda R&D; colleagues of some 18 years, Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, based at Honda’s European manufacturing facility in Swindon, UK. The pair volunteered to take up the challenge and will be charged with driving an average 592km, taking around 7.5 hours each day.

Fergal McGrath comments: “We are very much looking forward to the record attempt, and while we’re excited we’re both a little nervous about the scale of the task that awaits us. A huge amount of planning has gone into taking on this challenge and we look forward to what we hope will be a successful result when we return to Brussels on June 25th. But we’ve got more than 170 hours behind the wheel to contend with first!”

The official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title is 'Lowest Fuel Consumption – all 24 contiguous EU countries', measured in litres per 100km and miles per gallon calculated over the entire journey. If successful the new record will apply to all cars, including hybrid and electric models. Based on strict and rigorous guidelines, the record attempt requires the car to enter each of the 24 countries specified, collecting a range of evidence including a fuel/mileage logbook, GPS readings, video, photographs and independent witness signatures to prove that it has done so.

To ensure accurate monitoring of the route, journey time and distance driven, the record car has been fitted with a tracking device, provided by fleet telematics and stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation). The unit will provide a superior level of journey information, in real-time to ensure that Honda can supply robust and reliable automated data-evidence to meet the requirements stipulated by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. Supporters will even be able to follow the progression of the two drivers live by visiting http://www.tracker.co.uk/RealFuelChallenge.

The car which attempts the record must be a standard model in every respect, with no modifications to give an advantage. This will be judged by an independent witness at the beginning and end of the record attempt. The car can only travel by road, therefore the route does not extend to the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta, which make up the remainder of the 28 EU countries. In order to ensure no unfair advantage by reducing weight, the tank of the car must be filled to the maximum at each fuel stop.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director of Honda UK comments: "Since its launch in 2013 we have seen the 1.6 i-DTEC engine consistently over-perform on real-world fuel efficiency in our Civic, Civic Tourer and CR-V models, and this is our opportunity to put it to the ultimate test on a huge scale. We are very confident of a great result and we wish the team all the very best of luck as they take on the challenge."

The 24 countries which are covered in the route, in alphabetical order, are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Follow Honda’s record attempt and get involved at #RealFuelChallenge.

Friday 13th February 2015 sees the launch of Road Guardian, an initiative to encourage all drivers in Northern Ireland, but particularly those under 25, to change their driving attitudes - turning bad drivers into good drivers and improving road safety for everyone.

Collaborating with Road Guardian to address the problem is leading insurance telematics expert, TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation), AXA and Fleet Financial, who together, are bringing to market solutions for individuals and businesses to enable them to improve driver behavior.

Several key Government figures will be attending the launch of Road Guardian at the Titanic Centre this Friday, at 9:30am, including Jim Shannon MP DUP Spokesman on Health and Transport, Naomi Long MP and current deputy leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford.

Road Guardian was founded by its Managing Director, Sean Brown. He is a former Police Advanced Driving Instructor with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and a DOE approved driving instructor and founder of Road Safety Awareness NI. "In 2014, there were over 79* deaths, as a result of road accidents in Northern Ireland," explains Sean Brown.

"The rate of road deaths, according to the PSNI in Northern Ireland, increased by 38% in 2014 compared to 2013, and this compares to the more modest increase of 3%** across Great Britain. This is a shocking statistic and demonstrates the importance of stepping up the campaign to raise awareness of the issue, and help motorists improve their safety by making changes to the way they drive. We are working closely with TRACKER, insurers and the Government to promote the vital need to improve road safety in Northern Ireland."

Road Guardian provides motorists with vehicle cameras designed to record and store real-time, 24/7 video images, including vehicle usage and driver behaviour information. By monitoring their driving with Road Guardian, motorists gain invaluable advice and support on how to correct bad driving habits. In addition, a telematics insurance box, such as that offered by TRACKER, records driving behaviour and can evaluate an individual's likelihood to have an accident, information that is vital in assessing insurance premiums

The first of a number of insurers and insurance brokers to recognize and reward drivers for embracing this technology is AXA which is offering a discount of 10% on insurance premiums to taxi drivers in Northern Ireland who fit a Road Guardian camera.

Fleet Financial, a contract hire and vehicle management company based in Belfast, is also an early adopter of Road Guardian. Ross Moffett, Business Development Manager for Fleet Financial adds: "The team at Fleet Financial is proud to partner with Road Guardian. We see Road Guardian as added value to our clients from not only an insurance point of view but more importantly, from a driving safety and management aspect."

Concludes Sean Brown of Road Guardian: "By monitoring their driving behaviour, younger motorists, could make positive changes to the way they use the road, as well as, potentially, reducing their insurance premiums."

* Source is Road Traffic Collision Daily Fatal Report - Calendar Year, 31-dec 14 (provisional), PSNI
** Source is "Reported Road casualties in Great Britain, Quarterly Provisional Estimates Q2 2014", period of June 2013 to June 2014, Department of Transport

TRACKER Vision Sprint is a 'plug & play' device which can be activated immediately, eliminating the need for installation and the associated costs. In addition to in-cab navigation, TRACKER customers get secure access to the TRACKER Fleet website, allowing them to monitor their assets in real-time. Users can also view maps and schedule detailed reports on the go, as it's compatible with all web-browsing devices, including tablets and smartphones. TRACKER Vision Sprint will be available to buy on the Halfords website, underpinning Halfords' commitment to providing quality business services.

Halfords in-car technology manager, Robert Carsley comments, "We're thrilled to be working with TRACKER to continue to provide logistical solutions to all of our customers. At Halfords, we're constantly searching for new ways to help our customers with all of their motoring needs. TRACKER Vision Sprint offers our customers the latest telematics technology with the convenience of a plug & play device. This partnership is part of our focus on expanding our range of products and services to meet the needs of business customers, bringing them added value from a name they can trust."

David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer at TRACKER comments, "TRACKER Vision Sprint is ideal for businesses that want zero installation costs or downtime. By working closely with Halfords, we are benefiting from the power of the high street brand, opening up another route to market for our fleet products. We are looking forward to exploring other ways in which TRACKER and Halfords can work together in the future, helping businesses get the most from their fleet and control their costs."

Telematics expert, TRACKER, has been chosen by low cost moped and scooter insurance broker Lexham Insurance, to support its launch into the car insurance market to widen its portfolio of insurance solutions.  With over thirty-five thousand two-wheel drivers currently on its books, Lexham is looking to provide its existing customers - particularly young drivers - upgrading from 2 to 4 wheels with the same level of affordable, but bespoke cover, it has always provided to its customers.

 

The partnership sees Lexham Insurance offer premiums based on driver behaviour that is monitored via a small, attractive, self-installed telematics box placed easily on the driver’s windscreen.  TRACKER’s advanced technology calculates a Driving Score based on the policyholder’s driving behaviour which is monitored every second, including speed, braking and cornering.  At the start of the policy, an assumption is made about the customer’s likely driving performance, and then reviewed at renewal with premiums adjusted up or down if required.
 
Crucially, the Lexham telematics solution also embraces TRACKER’s ‘Crash Detection’ technology which alerts insurers of low speed collisions within 30 seconds of an incident happening – providing Lexham’s panel of insurers with a First Notification of Loss (FNOL) on smaller crashes which may have otherwise gone undisclosed.
 
Dick Ironmonger, MD of Lexham Insurance explains:  “This is an interesting time for us as we extend our activity into the car insurance marketplace.  It is particularly exciting because innovation is leading our entry.  With our telematics box, we are able to provide a bespoke service, and offer competitive premiums that truly reflect an individual’s own risk, and not that of their peers. Hopefully this will be reflected in the retention of these customers, as we will be speaking to them regularly about their driving, and how this could be improved.”
 
Mark Thomson, Director of Insurance for TRACKER adds:  “Unlike other insurance offerings that are based on monitoring by a telematics box connected to a vehicle, the Lexham Insurance solution doesn’t need to be installed by a technician.  Drivers simply receive their telematics box in the post, stick it to their car’s interior windscreen and turn it on. Feedback is provided by a website to allow customers to improve their Driving Style which should protect them from insurance premium increases and reduce their fuel costs as an added bonus.
 
“But what really differentiates this offering from others in the market is its Crash Detection capabilities. If there is a low-speed impact – typically around 3-5mph - the technology will calibrate this with the other data within the telematics box to ascertain if a low-impact crash has occurred. If this is the case, TRACKER will inform Lexham within 30 seconds, enabling them to investigate the incident further and implement their claims process where appropriate, While at Mid Term Adjustment or Renewal stages the Driving Score will allow Lexham to more accurately evaluate a customer’s risk when underwriting.”

TRACKER, the leading stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) provider, recently helped police at Tilbury Port recover four stolen Range Rovers, using its award-winning tracking technology. Police were in for a surprise when they opened the 40 foot container to discover the four Range Rovers squeezed in like puzzle pieces. Thanks to the hidden TRACKER device on one of the vehicles, the whole stash of stolen vehicles, valued in excess of £250,000, was recovered, before they could be shipped overseas, never to be seen again.

“The Port of Tilbury, like other major UK ports, has always been a hotspot that criminals use to get stolen vehicles out of the country in a short period of time. However, according to police, criminal gangs are now also using less familiar ports, such as Grangemouth, in Scotland, Immingham or Killingholme, in East Yorkshire, to ship high value vehicles out of the country”, explains Adrian Davenport, Police Liaison Manager for TRACKER. “Official figures show 53%* of stolen vehicles are never recovered and this case shows us why, as criminals hide the vehicles and ship them.”
 
“Thanks to our close working relationship with the Police, combined with TRACKER’s unique GSM, VHF and GPS technology, we can help them locate a stolen vehicle, even if it is underground, a garage or in a shipping container. In addition, TRACKER has just supplied additional Police Tracking equipment at strategic ports around the UK, so if a customer’s brand new Range Rover Sport ends up dockside, there is an even greater chance we will pick it up before it leaves the country.”
 
TRACKER has been reuniting car lovers with their vehicles for over 20 years, and it’s this expertise which makes TRACKER the leader in stolen vehicle recovery. TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there.

Whilst manufacturers and the motor industry are urgently working together to address the problem, an immediate layer of protection recommended by the SMMT* and the BBC is to invest in a stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) device. However, warns leading SVR expert TRACKER, car owners should be sure to invest in a tracking device that can’t also be beaten by technology - known as jammers – which are also easily available on the internet.  

Andy Barrs, police liaison officer for TRACKER says:  “The cars most commonly stolen and recovered by TRACKER were all featured in the Watchdog report. But as news spreads of the ease of which reprogramming devices can be bought online, so does the risk of theft of any car reliant upon keyless technology.  It’s not just luxury car owners who should be on their guard.

“Whilst having a tracking device won’t stop your car from being stolen, it will increase the chances of your car being located and recovered by as much as 95%.    However, it is crucial that people recognise that not all tracking devices are the same.   The most successful are those that don’t rely on GPS alone, as these are vulnerable to ‘jamming’ which uses technology designed to block the devices meant to track stolen cars.”

Unlike any other SVR provider, TRACKER combines VHF, GSM and GPS** technology to accurately pinpoint where a stolen vehicle is located.  This combination of technology makes it the most robust tracking device available today – and importantly – immune to GPS and GSM jammers.

“It is not illegal to import, sell, buy or possess systems such as key re-programmers or jammers, both of which can be used to bypass technology installed in most modern cars,” continues Andy Barrs.  “We strongly advise consumers to choose a system that provides  the most resilient SVR solution which uses unique VHF technology, offering motorists effective safeguards against theft, even if the GPS does fail as a result of jamming .” 

TRACKER, part of Tantalum Corporation Limited, is the only SVR solution to be used by all of the UK’s police forces which is why installing one of its units can significantly increase the chance of police locating and returning a stolen vehicle.  TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. Unlike other devices, TRACKER’s unique technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage, container or underground car park.

Top Cars Most Commonly Stolen & Recovered By TRACKER
 
1.  BMW X5 
2.  BMW M3 
3.  Mercedes C Class 
4.  Audi S4
5.  BMW M5 
6.  BMW 3 Series 
7.  Range Rover Sport 
8.  Range Rover Vogue, Audi S3 
9.  Mercedes E Class, BMW 5 Series, Porsche 911

With a portfolio of over 32,000 buildings to maintain, one of the biggest challenges for WDH is ensuring it utilises its fleet as efficiently as possible by allocating jobs to the relevant tradesperson. Telematics technology has allowed WDH to do more than simply identify where a vehicle is on the road.
 
Fleet Manager, Rick Young, says: “With electricians, plumbers, plasterers and general builders to manage it is vital that we deploy the right person for the job. Our tradespeople are not always assigned to one vehicle, which is why driver ID is so important to us. We can see exactly who is driving what vehicle and where they are, giving us the ability to respond to each job individually with the correct and nearest driver – vital if it is an emergency. We have also established health and safety guidance for lone workers to monitor their safety whilst out on the road and understand the length of time they spend at each job, whatever its nature.”
 
Giving WDH the ability to analyse its driving data retrospectively has been beneficial, enabling them to lower their insurance premiums.
 
“By utilising the telematics information since 2006, we have been able show our insurers how we are improving the performance and safety of our drivers.  As a result, we have been able to reduce our insurance claims by 39% in 2012 and 26% in 2013 by combining telematics data with a new claims management system - therefore helping us reduce our insurance premiums.”
 
“Over the next two months we will be replacing our current fleet of vehicles with a wide range of VW vans, and with business growth projections we anticipate to grow the fleet by 10% over the next two years.  Of course, TRACKER Fleet will continue to play an integral part in managing our fleet efficiency and growth,” concludes Rick Young.
 
David Wilson, Sales & Services Director for TRACKER says, “Investing in telematics can provide a business with much needed insight on how they can cut costs as well as ensure they are running a safe fleet.  As the case of WDH proves, telematics can be about more than cost-savings alone – it can help change the whole ethos of a company’s driver policy for the better.”

HBE has grown substantially over the past seven years. With over 100 employees operating out of offices in Manchester, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, the company required a system that could supply impartial and independent information to its clients, but also comply with HBE’s own audit information. With a fleet of over 80 vehicles, consisting of cars, 4x4 vehicles and LCVs, the aim is to have all vehicles fitted with fleet tracking technology, with approximately a dozen of them being fitted with TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery technology (SVR).   
 
Adrian Byrne, Managing Director, comments “As a health and safety environmental consultancy, we take care that our employees are working and driving safely. Our staff frequently drive long distances, therefore we need to be able to monitor them on how well they are driving and implement appropriate driver training if necessary. We also monitor the mileage per vehicle and fuel costs to ensure that our fleet is being run as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is also important that we can independently confirm the times and duration of a visit to a secure site to our clients, as well as evaluate our staff timesheets.
 
“An additional element of our work deals with emergency sampling where quick response times are required. The TRACKER system enables us to locate the nearest qualified member of staff to manage the emergency, allowing us to provide excellent response times at competitive rates.”
 
David Wilson, Sales Director of TRACKER, comments, “Working with HBE is a testament that our fleet telematics solution can be tailored to specific requirements to ensure we meet the needs of that business. The reality is that telematics can be used for various reasons and for some companies it may not be just about cost savings alone, as in the case of HBE. We will continue to work closely with HBE to ensure TRACKER Fleet maintains to deliver the next generation of fleet telematics solutions.

Coffee Nation a gourmet coffee vending solution was acquired by the Whitbread group and re-launched as Costa Express in 2011. Costa Express needs to ensure that its engineers are visible, allowing the best placed staff to attend service calls for their machines. TRACKER’s telematics system identifies mobile and stationary vehicles, allowing managers to use engineers more efficiently, rather than just choosing the nearest. The level of data available through TRACKER also helps the business manage the Brand Excellence Advisors, ensuring they meet KPIs and make site visits within the agreed 30 day cycle by monitoring the geographical location of each vehicle.

“Once we realised how quickly the business was growing, we knew we needed TRACKER’s telematics expertise,” explains Matthew McGrath, Helpline Advisor Project Support for Costa Express. “With the units from TRACKER we can quickly identify the location of our field-based teams. This helps our engineers attend sites to ensure that the machines are trading to our high standards. The telematics data means we can accurately say where our engineer or Brand Excellence Advisor is. This allows us to prioritise visits and calls, ensuring a seamless level of service across our growing network.

“TRACKER’s team offers us the support we need to tailor the system to our business, reacting quickly and resolving any issues to ensure we’re always getting the best out of the telematics units. We’ve also had excellent training, allowing us to get to grips with the system and stay in control of our fleet. This partnership with TRACKER is essential to ensure we can sustain and manage the growth of Costa Express. We will also be looking at a European option, working with TRACKER to boost our expansion capabilities.”

TRACKER’s cutting edge fleet telematics solutions incorporate unique features, such as patented Transient Voltage Detection technology.  This detects electrical noise to more accurately determine when an engine is running and eliminating false ‘idling’ readings, a concern prevalent in many of today’s alternative offerings.  It also examines driver performance, a growing trend in fleet monitoring, and boasts a flexible reporting suite that can be customised to meet the specific needs of each of its customers.  TRACKER even offers battery powered modules to ensure assets which have no built-in power supply, such as mobile units and trailers, can be monitored.

Stephen Doran, Managing Director of TRACKER adds, “The flexibility of our fleet telematics solution means Costa Express benefit from a tailor made system. The business is already benefiting from the level of data we can provide, allowing Costa Express to manage its fleet more effectively and boost the efficiency across the UK network. This is vital at a time of such rapid growth and we look forward to working closely with the team as the network continues to expand.”

Lysanda Ltd ("Lysanda") today announces its acquisition of TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd ("TRACKER"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Direct Line Group.  The combined companies intend to establish Tantalum Corporation Ltd ("Tantalum"), with approximately £20 million in revenues and some 500,000 telematics installations throughout Europe, and will combine Lysanda’s B2B customer base alongside TRACKER’s long-standing B2C sales reach.

The acquisition has been funded by the existing Lysanda investors, including the Sustainable Technology Fund, Rockhopper Investments Ltd and Disruptive Capital Finance LLP.

Commenting on the acquisition, Cédriane de Boucaud, said;  "Lysanda has been at the forefront of developing highly strategic and innovative solutions for fleet operators, OEMs, and their Tier 1 suppliers .  The technology has very broad applicability and we believe it is poised for rapid growth.  By acquiring TRACKER, we have immediate scale and extended infrastructure that gives our fleet operators, OEM customers and other prospects confidence that we can deliver both volume and support to major vehicle roll-out projects".

"TRACKER has tremendous depth and experience in managing a very large, real-time customer base and has a highly complementary product range that Lysanda can leverage, combining VHF and GPS-based technologies.  Our customers want both in-production and after-market solutions and TRACKER is very experienced in delivering to both the business and consumer market places".

Stephen Doran, Managing Director of TRACKER, comments; "TRACKER is a very well-known and respected brand in the UK, serving Consumers, Corporates and Insurance Customers and is recognised for providing the very best digital technology to deliver proactively the best stolen vehicle recovery technology available in the market.  This is a highly complementary merger as Lysanda has the innovation and OEM relationships we need to continue our recent developments in Fleet and Insurance telematics.  This will position the new entity as one of the UK’s most advanced and scalable telematics company".

As fuel continues to be the largest cost facing fleet operators, TRACKER is the first telematics provider to offer businesses a fuel saving guarantee or their money back. TRACKER's Fuel Savings Guarantee programme aims to ensure businesses see the benefits from lower fuel costs as quickly as possible. Harnessing the power of TRACKER's fleet telematics, firms can make changes to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, bringing them significant savings. TRACKER promises a minimum 10% fuel saving or ‘your money back’.

TRACKER's Fuel Savings Guarantee sees new customers, who don't achieve a minimum 10% saving in year one, get their subscription refunded. The programme aims to ensure businesses understand how to use telematics efficiently to achieve lower fuel bills as quickly as possible. TRACKER's fleet telematics offers firms the control they need to eliminate speeding, harsh acceleration and engine idling to reduce fuel consumption, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions.

"Businesses can't control the cost of petrol and diesel, but they can focus on the efficiency of their fleet to drive down those costs," explains David Wilson, Sales & Services Director for TRACKER. "Our Fuel Savings Guarantee is an exciting new programme, which promises our customers very real savings, designed to help them boost their bottom line and their green credentials.

"Fleet telematics offer businesses the key to controlling their costs and TRACKER is prepared to stand by our fuel-saving claims. In today’s challenging economy, rising fuel prices and other rising costs are taking their toll on business budgets. TRACKER’s fleet telematics systems give firms the information they need to make informed decisions, by monitoring their drivers and vehicles to drive up efficiency and customer service, while reducing fuel costs and CO2 emissions. And now TRACKER is the only provider to guarantee those savings to all our new customers, or they get their subscription refunded."