Category Archives: Automotive

Automotive, Logistics, News, Transport, Wellbeing

How delivery drivers became the centerpiece of the heatwave crisis

Written by Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes

This year, the UK has become subject to heatwaves of record-breaking temperatures, widely attributed to  climate change. Over the next week, parts of the UK are expected to hit highs of 30 degrees once again, encouraging many of the general public to stay indoors, work from home and choose their day outs in moderation.

However, for some there is no choice but to endure the heat, despite official warnings and the last few weeks have not been kind to last mile logistics, with some reports of negligence amongst retailers and their lack of air conditioning in vehicles, down to reasons seemingly as illegitimate as weight issues. During last month’s heatwave, one last mile delivery driver actually collapsed after enduring unbearable conditions.

Heatwaves in the UK are here to stay, so it’s time we looked at how we can adapt fleet management practices, and take better care of our drivers.

A duty of care

Despite a reluctance to implement solutions such as air conditioning in home delivery vans, retailers still have a duty of care when it comes to their workers. From an HR and legal perspective, this becomes even more concerning when there’s a driver shortage. 

If they think they’re being driven hard in extreme conditions, workers may be forced to leave their current company and seek employment elsewhere. These businesses therefore should look to retain their employees in any way possible and prevent them from adding detriment to their health when it could be easily avoided. 

On top of this, vehicles are more susceptible to issues in extreme weather; drivers have been warned of fires or exploding tyres, so vehicle safety checks need to be up to scratch. This includes checking the vehicle fluids and ensuring they are getting service checks regularly or if the driver suspects that something is wrong.

Embracing the night shift

Even during the peak of summer in the UK, most delivery drivers are expected to work during daylight hours – just as they would during any other month of the year. By comparison, in Spain it’s common for people to work after 4pm because of the temperatures. Perhaps one fleet management solution could be a complete reshuffle of what’s expected in the UK when we’re encroaching on a heatwave; if delivery drivers were enabled to work during the cooler hours of the day and into the evening, the domino-effect would include an easier, cooler environment alongside less congested roads and improved environmental impact. 

Since the pandemic, working habits have changed substantially, with many people still working from home or having access to flexible timetables or working hours. On the road, we live in an increasingly congested environment, where the working days could do with a complete overhaul. Not only does this make things easier for delivery drivers, but for each and everybody on the road. Less traffic means less pollution and accidents; and happier workers.

The intervention of innovations in crisis

Some retailers are still behind when it comes to extreme temperatures. If air conditioning isn’t a viable solution in a delivery van then perhaps there are other ways to reduce the struggle for delivery drivers working in these recent hot temperatures. 

Alongside factoring in the setbacks caused by such heat, including less productivity and the risks to health, these major players in retail need to be able to understand such complexities before they know how to address them. For example, self-scheduling technologies have been used to improve parts of the process like route density and delivery productivity. 

With access to more transport intelligence such as inventory, information, and assets that enable driver efficiency, companies will be able to respond to rapidly changing environmental factors as well as changing market and regulatory conditions, in turn adequately supporting their employees and better serve customers.

Automotive, News

Fleets at higher risk of VOR with MOT delays

Fleets that are not taking advantage of MOT forward booking options during the autumn surge are at higher risk of VOR, or vehicle off-road time, says Prestige Fleet Servicing.

Almost 10 million UK vehicles will require an MOT during September, October and November 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 testing suspensions implemented by the government (DVSA). Garages will see a forecasted 3.27 million vehicles for MOTs in September, compared with 2.64 million in the same month four years ago in 2018.[1]

With many businesses forced to hang onto ageing vehicles for longer than intended due to current new vehicle shortages, fleets are already under rising pressure to be more vigilant about vehicle maintenance and repair. Unexpected mechanical failures, especially from older models, can put a serious dent in profits when it comes to business downtime if vehicles are required to be off the road for a significant period of time. Annually, the unplanned repair and servicing of vehicles costs fleets an estimated £2.4 billion.[2]

But fleets can beat the forecasted backlog by planning ahead, says Penny Stoolman, managing director, Prestige Fleet Servicing. “Being unable to service a vehicle when it is off road for repair or is waiting for an MOT due to long waiting times is undoubtedly going to cost your business money. However, forward booking MOT and servicing work can reap rewards when it comes to reducing VOR time, especially during periods of uncertainty.

“Pre-scheduled downtime will lower your risk of VOR. Across the Prestige garage network, we offer a 90-day forward booking facility that fleets can take advantage of as part of a proactive approach towards servicing, maintenance and repair (SMR). Working in partnership with businesses such as ours, businesses can also access savings of up to 30% on dealership labour rates and parts.”

For more information, visit https://www.theaa.com/business/prestige-fleet-servicing.

Encompassing over 580 approved garages across the UK, Prestige provides service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) work, as well as MOTs, for vehicles UK-wide. Part of the AA, Prestige serves over 60% of the fleet sector, supporting companies of all sizes across B2B, B2C and the used vehicle warranty sector.  Prestige works in partnership with motor industry standards organisations such as the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and The Motoring Ombudsman, to make sure their garage network maintains a high standard with any issues reported and rectified quickly.

[1] DVSA MOT Test Volume Forecast for 2022, GIPA Aftermarket Intelligence

[2] https://www.commercialfleet.org/news/van-news/2019/04/02/van-downtime-costing-business-24bn

Automotive

Rockwell Automation Technologies To Power New EV Plant in UK

REE Automotive, a manufacturer of rolling chassis for commercial electronic vehicles, plans to build a highly automated assembly plant in the UK to supply customers in Europe. The Israeli-based startup said the manufacturing facility will be completed this year in partnership with Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) and Expert Technologies, which will provide robotics and automated assembly.

REE will make use of technologies from Plex, a Rockwell Automation company, to underpin its cloud-based manufacturing operations for its highly digitalized EV platform. The Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform will be rolled out at REE Automotive’s integration center at Coventry, which will have an initial capacity of 10,000 vehicle sets this year. The North American Integration Center in Austin, Texas, is expected to double global capacity to 20,000 vehicle sets in 2023 by replicating the highly automated cloud-based architecture of its European sibling.

“The automotive industry is evolving,” said Malte Dieckelmann, regional vice president, software sales, EMEA, Rockwell Automation, “and a complete ecosystem is needed to enable and accelerate commercial vehicle electrification. REE is here to lead the industry with a turnkey solution and mission-specific vehicles for greater fleet efficiencies.”

Learn more about REE Automotive’s commercial EV plant: https://www.usnews.com/news/technology/articles/2022-05-16/ree-automotive-to-build-commercial-ev-plant-in-uks-coventry

Automotive

MOVE – the world’s most important mobility event

London, UK, June 10, 2022 – MOVE – now well established as the world’s number one tech mobility and startup show – is back live and in-person at the ExCeL London next week (June 15-16).

The event has built a tremendous track record, and next week’s return will again be marked by a prestigious line-up of speakers and an exhibition packed with companies and organisations at the very heart of building and delivering the future of urban mobility.

MOVE will also feature the MOVE Start-up Village – a global stage for over 150 of mobility’s most exciting start-ups engineering the future, and connecting them with the world’s most influential companies, investors and media.

“Our industry is changing at an explosive rate – now is the time to be a part of that change,” said MOVE Project Director Cormac Martin.

“We look forward to welcoming back our industry colleagues and friends as we look once more to the future and all the promise and excitement that new technologies and solutions will bring,” he added.

The audience is a true cross-section of the global mobility market and 2022 will see thousands of attendees joining from OEMs, transport operators, tech companies, energy companies, fast growing startups, policy-makers and more.

The fantastic speaker line-up includes senior VPs and C-level representation from Aurora, Toyota, FREE NOW, NIO, Lyft, City of Zurich, Superpedestrian, Pronto.ai, Ford Motor Company, EnergyX, Nikola, Arriva, Volvo Group, WalkSafe, Go-Ahead Group, Wejo, Department for Transport, Dott, Afreecar, Financial Times, BBC, WWF and many more.

The packed conference schedule will cover topics including the latest tech designed to reduce emissions and congestion, cutting-edge transport technology, the future of the personal vehicle, sustainable living, the future of the cityscape, ride-sharing and multimodality, the new regulatory landscape, and much more.

For more information, including the full agenda, please visit: www.terrapinn.com/MOVE

To secure your press pass, please visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/move/Apply-for-Press-Pass.stm

Automotive, Driving

What is the Best Age for a Car When Buying Pre-Loved?

Second-hand cars have many advantages: economic, environmental, and even medical – the latter especially for those with vulnerabilities that might be an issue when using public transport. But what is the best age car to buy as a second-hand model? Let us take a look.

 

Too Young

For many people, choosing a second-hand car is a deliberate act, made in order to save money, or for environmental reasons. However, choosing too young a second-hand car can defeat this purpose. The cost of a car does drop as soon as it is driven off the shop-floor, but usually not by more than ten percent or so. So if you are wanting to make a big price saving on the purchase price, you will need to look at cars older than, say, eighteen months or two years old. Similarly, the environmental impact of a nearly new car is still quite high – with two or so years needing to pass before it has begun to amortise the resources mined to produce it.

 

Too Old

Cars over five years old are often very cheap, and can be great bargains. However, once a car has passed its third birthday, it begins to deteriorate a little more quickly than before. This is why cars in the UK must begin taking an annual MOT test on the third anniversary of their registration. Therefore, buying a car that is over five years old can be rather too much of a gamble: small defects and hitherto unnoticed issues can suddenly and quite dramatically worsen, leaving you out of pocket and without a car!

 

Just Right

The Goldilocks zone for second hand cars, therefore, lies between two and five years old. Cars of this age, especially if carefully looked after and lightly driven are likely to be in great condition, cost relatively little compared to the price of a new vehicle, and yet will still be new enough to benefit from the latest advances in technology. However, this band of ideal age can be narrowed still further!

 

The Sweet Spot!

The absolute best age to purchase a second-hand car is when it is between two and three years old. Two-year old cars have a full year left before they will need their first MOT, and are almost guaranteed to be in nearly-new condition, while three year old cars often sail through that first MOT without any issues. If you are looking for credible used car dealers in Brighton, visit KAP Motors and let them take care of the rest. As an added bonus, used car dealers often offer warranties with their used cars, so you will enjoy many of the benefits of a new car, with all the advantages of a second-hand car.

 

Finding your perfect car is easier than ever these days, and by choosing the right age of car to buy as a second-hand purchase, you can give yourself an easy ride and a clear conscience, as well as looking after your budget at the same time. And who could ask for more?

 

Automotive, Automotive Tech, Digital Transformation, News

Digitisation of the British automotive industry picks up speed

Pinewood DMS integrates with Scrive eSign

Scrive, European pioneer in automating contract-based business processes with electronic signature and identification solutions, is bringing momentum to the digitisation of the UK automotive industry by cooperating with Pinewood, one of the leading solutions for dealer management in the automotive sector.

Scrive is making a significant contribution to closing the gaps in digital manufacturer and dealer processes. They are already working with VW, KIA, Europcar and BMW Financial Services. The challenge of switching to digital processes in the automotive industry is great: Above all, compliance with manufacturers and the desire of customers for digital omnichannel processes require smart solutions.

 

Offering car buyers a better buying experience: digital, omnichannel, time- and cost-saving

Many customers today want a digital omnichannel process when buying a car. Not only is the digital showroom becoming increasingly important, but also the option of buying a vehicle partially or completely online. For this, dealers need an innovative digital system that enables a contemporary customer experience.

Pinewood is meeting this demand with its range of solutions, which includes digital signatures from Scrive. Businesses need to manage finance documents, vehicle orders, job cards and invoices. Without digital signatures, documents would need to be printed out, signed in person or through the post, and scanned back in or stored in a physical folder. E-signing simplifies the workflow, saves time, and reduces costs. Franchise operations, used car dealers, and truck and motorcycle distributors benefit from significantly simplified customer management and the complete digital purchasing process.

 

Pinewood chooses secure e-signing from European provider Scrive

Scrive is one of the few providers that meet all eIDAS requirements for a qualified electronic signature, which is fully equivalent to a handwritten signature in legal terms. Every document signed with Scrive is digitally sealed using blockchain technology, making it secure against fraud and forgery. It is also compatible with various hardware and software, can be used on all devices and from anywhere. Customers can sign financing agreements in the Pinewood DMS apps or remotely using Scrive, an integrated electronic signature service. Scrive eliminates manual steps such as data entry, printing, and scanning, and ensures that deals can be completed quickly and easily.

 

Neville Briggs, Managing Director of Pinewood, explains the background to the decision to work with Scrive: “Sending documents for signature via email was the main service we needed. In addition, we now also enable sending via SMS to give retailers multiple options for sending messages – depending on how their customers want to transact. Working with the team at Scrive was really easy. They know their product and the market extremely well. They also offer a competitive pricing structure that works for our customers. We look forward to getting more dealers on board and seeing the results.”

 

Victor Wrede, CEO of Scrive, also emphasises the importance of the collaboration: “Our goal is to provide our customers worldwide with a cost-effective and user-friendly way to send digital documents for e-signing, making the entire car buying and service process one hundred percent digital. We will see success when dealers provide their customers with the digital omnichannel experience they are looking for.”

Automotive, News

Codasip appoints Jaime Broome as its Automotive VP

Codasip presents car makers with a breakthrough in innovation and ownership of differentiation

Munich, Germany – 21 April 2022 — Codasip, the leader in customizable RISC-V processor IP, today announced it has appointed Jaime Broome as its new VP Automotive. Broome brings over 20 years of experience in semiconductors and complex IP, SoCs and the automotive supply chain, having recently led Imagination Technologies’ Automotive Business unit dealing with the entire industry, from manufacturers to tier 1 suppliers and ecosystem partners.

Broome brings significant experience of the ecosystem, industry contacts, as well as strategic insights into the market, technology innovations, opportunities, and the trends – all of which are ideally suited to Codasip’s technology and its ability to support and enable exactly the innovation the industry needs in 2022. The automotive market is arguably the hottest market today for developments in electronics and semiconductors. In the face of growing competition from new tech giants the ability to differentiate in this market is the key to success, or even survival.

Broome explains, “There are some rapid shifts taking place in the car market – a new marketplace forming in automotive innovation and technology, with a battleground between existing pillars, technology giants and new businesses and business models. The companies in this market are big and small, new and old, but all are crying out for what RISC-V is offering: the ability to easily innovate rapidly at the design level by reducing the complexity, cost and speed.

“Where Codasip stands out, is that we provide the access to rapid innovation, ownership of the ability to Design for Differentiation, and cost reduction. We deliver that straight into the hands of the players experiencing the pains from the entry of new tech giants into the market. Additionally, being centered in Europe, we are best placed to avoid geopolitical ‘challenges’ and we are surrounded by the world’s greatest concentration of automotive innovators and manufacturing giants.”

In Europe, Broome joins forces with Codasip European VP, Emmanuel Till-Vattier and recently appointed VP Functional Safety (FuSa) Dave Higham, both recent recruits from Imagination. Drawing on Higham’s significant experience, the team will ensure Codasip delivers on the automotive industry’s need for rapid innovation while ensuring technology never compromises the safety or security of vehicles and passengers.

Ron Black, CEO, Codasip, added, “Having known and worked with Jamie for many years, I was delighted he was keen to join the team at Codasip: I could see how his skills and experience will enable us to tap into the full potential of Codasip technology to increase the pace of innovation in the automotive supply chain, as well as enabling innovations in electrification; and safe and secure applications for connected and autonomous vehicles”.

Automotive, Midlands News, News

Garage becomes part of elite network

A Northampton garage has been selected to join an elite network of independent garages which is known for delivering high quality vehicle servicing, maintenance and repairs.

Service MOT Repairs Ltd is now an official Bosch approved service and repair centre, operating to a strict code of practice which ensure clients receive the highest levels of technical and customer service.

The garage, based on the Round Spinney Industrial Estate, is one of only 300 Bosch approved centres across the whole of the UK and Ireland.

Owner Alex Isherwood, who is a qualified motor vehicle technician with nearly two decades of experience in the motor trade, said: “We are thrilled to have been named a Bosch approved service and repair centre because Bosch only approves centres which deliver a first class service.

“In reality, it’s unsurprising that we’ve received this endorsement from Bosch because so many of our core values align with theirs.

“Bosch approved centres must be committed to treating all customers with fairness and respect, provide clear and uncomplicated billing and carry out work in a timely fashion.

“They must also never sell unnecessary parts, services or guarantees, only use like-for-like quality parts and ensure all their promotions are honest and truthful.

“Although we have only recently become a Bosch approved centre this is the way our business has operated since it launched nearly 10 years ago and is why we have built up such a loyal customer base.”

The Bosch Car Service code of practice, which Alex’s team adheres to, is one of the most long-established Consumer Codes and provides enhanced protection for consumers in the vehicle servicing and repairs market.

It includes that all Bosch approved centres must guarantee they will perform all repair and maintenance work to the manufacturer’s specifications, so the vehicle remains fully under warranty.

For more information, contact Service MOT Repairs on 01604 491011 or visit https://www.northamptongarage.co.uk/.

 

Automotive, News

V12 Vehicle Finance urging used car dealers to take stock of EV revolution

Used car dealers are being told to plan for the electric vehicle revolution and become forward-thinking businesses right now, working towards a 10% EV stock ahead of an inevitable rise in demand.

V12 Vehicle Finance, who assist in the sourcing, buying, selling and financing of used vehicles, is urging dealers to start planning ahead, after the highest number of new electric vehicle registrations were recorded in February 2022 (21,977 compared to 23,952 petrol and 3,922 diesel models for the same period)[1]

While diesel and petrol marques aren’t expected to disappear for some time, the growing trend for new EVs will result in stock funnelling through to used car dealers in the ‘near future.’

Tim Maffey, Finance Director said that ever-increasing fuel costs – which are predicted to hit £2 per litre despite a recent 5p-a-litre tax cut – were accelerating the change to EVs.

He said: “If there is one piece of advice we’d give to used car dealers, then it would be to picture a world where EVs will be commonplace and to start future-proofing now. At the moment, dealers aren’t selling many used EVs because there aren’t many on the market. But this won’t be the case for long and it’s important for them to be prepared with a robust digital sales function so that when more stock is available, they can sell them to a forward-thinking customer base.”

V12 Vehicle Finance has spent months researching the subject of EVs and is now in a position to issue its rallying call to used-dealers, with a significant amount of evidence pointing to imminent change, including:

· 59% of UK automotive executives say that by 2030 most vehicle sales will take place online; 56% say that EVs will make up between 70-100% of all new sales in western Europe[2]

· Fuel savings for switching to electric have hit a record high of £779 a year on average for petrol drivers – £738 for diesel drivers[3]

· A survey of 2,000 motorists by Bridgestone[4] has confirmed that UK consumers are beginning to accelerate towards electric vehicle travel, with 67% preparing to ditch their petrol and diesel cars for good

· Modern new EVs are predicted to hold their value more than petrol or diesel alternatives[5]

An increasing amount of industry evidence is pointing towards a significant shift in driver habits, while it’s common knowledge that sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2030. Further restrictions will be introduced from 2035, where all new cars being sold will be required to be completely zero emission.

Tim Maffey, Finance Director added: “Until recently, the second-hand market for electric cars was small, but this is beginning to change.

“The majority of electric cars to date have been bought by company car fleets and it was in about 2020 that we saw huge growth in the number of electric cars they were buying. On the basis that company car fleets typically hold cars for three years and vans for 4/5years, we expect those cars/vans to feed through to the second-hand market in the near future.”

“While focusing exclusively on EVs right now wouldn’t be a sensible strategy in isolation, changes are going to occur soon whether dealers like it or not. Being prepared is key. We would suggest that forward thinking dealers look to start with 5-10% of their stock being EV now. Just having one unit doesn’t give their customers much confidence – and confidence is key.”

V12 Vehicle Finance is offering finance solutions to its used car dealer customers as it extends its own EV solutions to become the stand-out lending partner in the UK. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) can now be financed on both its stock funding and hire purchase products.

VF12 VF said that the global economic challenges and uncertain times we live in shouldn’t cause its customers to fear the future and reassured them that they’re there to help them, every step of the way.

“Making changes to vehicle stock doesn’t have to cost the earth or be a daunting process. It can be done by replenishing sold stock with different options going forward.

“As technology progresses, the dealerships that continue to flourish will move with the wave of EV integration and through the journey to 2035 there will be dealers that aren’t able or are not willing to do so. We’re here to support dealers throughout this change and will continue to be a forward-thinking finance partner for our dealers.

“And because we’re part of the Secure Trust Bank family, we have the financial backing and stability to make our pricing, products and services work for our customers. Our highly experienced and friendly team, with a rich background from many areas of the used vehicle industry, is committed to helping independent and franchised dealers to sell more used vehicles, more often, more of which will inevitably be EVs.”

App News, Automotive, Automotive Tech, News

POCKET BOX LAUNCHES VEHICLE MANAGEMENT APP FOR THE MOTOR TRADE SECTOR TO BOOST CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT

Pocket Box has launched a partner version of its vehicle management app, so businesses within the motor trade can take advantage of an advanced digital customer engagement solution. Pocket Box+ will provide a unique way for those involved in the vehicle retailing, service and repair sectors to connect with customers, generate loyalty and better market their services, while providing a useful tool to the end-user motorist.

“Following the successful launch of our mobile app for motorists last year, we wanted to share the opportunity with partners within the motor trade,” explains Jim Finnegan, Founder and CEO of Pocket Box Ltd. “Our aim is to deliver a white label solution that helps overcome many of the headaches associated with vehicle ownership, but also acts as a highly effective marketing tool. Automotive businesses can now have their own branded app, with no upfront costs and an affordable monthly subscription model, so they can engage and build long lasting relationships with customers.”

Pocket Box+ enables motorists to upload or scan all the necessary paperwork for a vehicle – such as MOT, road tax, insurance, warranty, servicing, finance and ownership – so they are conveniently stored and accessible in one place. The app also enables the user to keep on top of key dates, with push and email notifications providing timely alerts for any approaching renewals and expiries. As a result, motorists can use Pocket Box+ to help ensure they are driving legally in the most simple and straightforward manner.

The app will have the ability to be customised with individual branding – including logo and corporate colours – and links to social media and website, as well as details of all relevant products and services. Partners will also be able to sell via the Pocket Box Marketplace, advertising offers and incentives at the click of a button to the entire Pocket Box user network, which is already made up of many thousands of motorists.

Partners will be able to use Pocket Box+ to refocus their marketing activity to new and existing customers with consistent and targeted communications, while reducing advertising and direct marketing spend. The app will also include a backend analytics system, providing customer engagement statistics and insight that will support social media activity and subsequent marketing campaigns.

“We believe that Pocket Box+ can assist with retaining customers and winning new business for a whole host of automotive organisations. Mobile apps are a proven way of engaging with customers, so the motor trade can use our solution, without the need for costly development, maintenance and ongoing investment. Our in-house team of developers are using the latest advances in app technology and security protocols on par with online banking systems, so we are best placed to meet the needs of the marketplace,” concludes Finnegan.