Lightfoot will offer its suite of driver coaching and telematics systems to customers of Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet (VWFS Fleet) under a new collaboration.
As a Technology Partner, Lightfoot will provide in-cab coaching, diagnostic and reporting technology, EV transition software, AI cameras and its gamification app for drivers and telematics tools.
The partnership will enable customers of VWFS Fleet, one of the leading multi-marque leasing companies in the country, to maximise efficiency, improve road safety, enhance fleet management and decarbonise their fleet operations.
It will also mean that VWFS Fleet customers can access a consistent dataset for all makes and models of cars and vans.
Crucially, the portfolio of tools and technology can be fitted before vehicles are delivered, or during operation.
Paul Hollick, Lightfoot chief executive officer, said: “By offering the technology at the vehicle ordering stage, customers can specify exactly what each car or van needs, creating economies of scale with consistency throughout their fleet from perk cars to workhorse commercial vehicles.”
The partnership allows fleets to streamline the rollout of systems to leased vehicles and build a portfolio of bespoke technology solutions across differing vehicle types.
“Fleets will be able to fit various vehicles with the technology required for specific needs.” Hollick explained. “For a perk driver in an electric company car, you might just want to know their mileage, vehicle status and record charging data for reimbursement. Whereas for a driver of a commercial vehicle, you may want to install AI cameras, telematics that help them with routing and jobs, in-cab coaching to deliver safer and more efficient driving and reward them through gamification too.”
VWFS Fleet customers will also benefit from standardised data across their vehicles, solving a key issue for multi-marque fleets where data is delivered in a myriad of different formats depending on the make of vehicle.
“Lightfoot can deliver granular, actionable real-time data about the operational status of vehicles. This could be mileage reporting, alerts about technical problems or even monitoring of charge levels of EVs. By running this technology in every car and van, decision-makers can ensure their fleet is running as it should, and can act when there is an issue,” explained Hollick.
“The benefit of being able to do this with a leased fleet are huge, because you can be sure that vehicles are operating within contract parameters. That means no shocks when vehicles go back at end of contract, that all in-life services and maintenance are carried out when necessary, and you are aware of how the vehicles are being driven and looked after.
“This higher level of predictability and planning should all have positive impacts on leasing contracts and fleet operations.”
Commenting on the new deal, Jonathan Glenn, head of fleet operations at VWFS Fleet, said: “We’re dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their fleets. We know that safety, efficiency and sustainability are top priorities, and innovative telematics solutions play a crucial role.
“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Lightfoot – bringing their award-winning technology to our customers as an all-in-one solution. Together, we’re driving smarter, greener and safer fleet performance, delivering real savings and tangible benefits.”
