Developed by Ashwoods Automotive Ltd, the efficiency tool helps drivers improve their driving style, fuel efficiency and safety behind the wheel.
Autoglass is the first major UK fleet to pilot and roll out the Eco-Drive system, with the company’s trials indicating instant savings of 15% on fuel costs across the 1,100 strong Autoglass fleet, estimated to be equivalent to a CO2 saving of over 1,000 tonnes a year
The tool has been designed to help drivers to self-manage and automatically improve their performance, without feeling like they are under “big brother” surveillance. Different to telematics based solutions, Lightfoot is self-managing, providing drivers with real-time visuals and audible feedback on their driving style. Lights indicate how efficiently a vehicle is being driven and warnings (green, amber and red) are given, for example, when a driver accelerates too quickly, revs the engine or idles with the engine running.
An additional “idling” functionality operational within the device also indicates when an Autoglass van is running but not being driven, encouraging drivers to remember to switch-off the engine.
A simple weekly email is sent back to the fleet manager to give an “at a glance” report on how well drivers have been performing and confirms sustained fuel and CO2 savings, which means there is also minimal time investment for fleet managers.
Matthew Mycock, managing director, Autoglass, commented: ‘What we love about Lightfoot is that its sole focus is on improving driver efficiency from the moment they turn on the ignition. Within a couple of days of using the tool we see many of our drivers go from spending 55%-60% of their time in the green zone to hitting 90% and higher. Our savings in fuel costs speak for themselves.
‘Our technicians have really embraced the technology. We’ve even seen some light-hearted competitiveness emerging when the manager reports go up on the noticeboard every week.’
