August 2008 - FLEET DEMAND FOR TELEMATICS PROMPTS NORTHGATE TO RELAUNCH FREE OFFER TO HELP COMPANIES CUT COSTS
Corporate demand for cutting-edge telematics technology that helps businesses to cut costs, has prompted Northgate Vehicle Hire, Britain's largest rental company, to relaunch its free Vehicle Monitoring trial.
The initial summertime offer led to more than 200 light commercial vehicles being hired by businesses after they opted to rent a vehicle on Northgate Vehicle Hire's, NORFLEX scheme and elected to trial a Vehicle Monitoring unit completely free of charge for three months.
The free trial of Vehicle Monitoring allows vehicles to be tracked by satellite while they are out on the road with the promise of helping companies make drivers safer on the road and cut costs in a range of areas - including fuel bills.
Leading telecommunications company BJ Communications has installed Vehicle Monitoring into 14 vehicles with director Mark Tarsey calculating that the move has so far saved the company £20,000.
Norfolk-based BJ Communications, whose clients include Cable and Wireless, Norwich Union and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, says its has:
- Reduced fuel consumption by 10%
- Cut staff overtimes claims by 10%
- Recorded productivity improvements of 15%
- Trimmed personal vehicle use by 15%
Mr Tarsey said: "The system has enabled us to control many aspects of spending and unauthorised vehicle usage. As Vehicle Monitoring is web-based, all I need is a computer with an internet connection to obtain information about our vehicles.
"I can follow the movements of the fleet, including the speed vehicles are driven at. Bad practices such as driver idling can be identified and dealt with. Overtime claims have reduced. Driver's time sheets can now be compared to the vehicle activity report which highlights exactly what drivers' movements have been and what hours have been worked."
BJ Communications' engineers have also benefited with Mr Tarsey saying: "Vehicle Monitoring empowers the company with indisputable proof that the driver was, for example, at the customer's premises at a specific time. Our staff have easily accepted Vehicle Monitoring and feel this is very useful to them, as well as the company."
Phil Moorhouse, managing director of Northgate Vehicle Hire, which operates a fleet of more than 68,500 vehicles from over 80 locations, said: "BJ Communications is just one example of a company that has adopted Vehicle Monitoring to cut costs.
"The economic slowdown, as well as this year's rising fuel price rises, has prompted an increasing number of fleet decision-makers and company directors to focus on cost control. Our Vehicle Monitoring technology enables businesses to slash bills and improve business efficiency to the benefit of customers.
"Interest in Vehicle Monitoring has been phenomenal following the launch of our initial offer which is why we are relaunching the deal into the autumn."
Vehicle Monitoring from Northgate Vehicle Hire uses the latest satellite technology to track the movements of a vehicle by picking up signals from a tiny transmitter and receiver box it is carrying.
Information is then relayed via the internet to any desktop PC with internet access, where it can be viewed in easy to understand reports by managers using a secure password system.
As the system is internet-based, vehicle information is always available from any web-enabled PC. Despite its hi-tech origins, users who have a basic knowledge of using a PC to access the internet can easily make use of the system. Training support is provided
While the technology helps ensure that the most direct routes are driven between two points, added benefits include the system acting as a vehicle tracking device in case of theft and being used to challenge time-based parking fines.
Mr Moorhouse added: "Thousands of companies throughout the UK already agree that tracking technology is an essential business tool, and our three-month trial for new and current customers ordering additional vehicles for their fleet, will allow many more to experience its benefits for free."
Companies requiring more information about the offer should call 0870 400 7574 or email info@northgateplc.com or visit www.northgateonline.co.uk/savefuel
ABOUT NORTHGATE PLC
Northgate plc, quoted on the London Stock Exchange and classed as a fully listed business, is Europe's leading light commercial vehicle rental business with extensive operations in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Spain.
In the UK and Ireland, Northgate has a network of 21 local hire companies operating from more than 80 rental locations providing nationwide coverage from Aberdeen to Plymouth. The fleet of 68,500 vehicles, most of which are light commercial vehicles, is the largest rental fleet in the UK.
The company's core business has been to provide business and corporate customers with NORFLEX - a completely flexible vehicle rental package which gives customers the ultimate freedom in managing their vehicle fleet without any contractual commitment or early termination penalties backed up by the largest support infrastructure offered by any UK rental company
Since developing NORFLEX as a market-leading vehicle rental brand, Northgate has also extended its service offering to include:
- Fleet Technique, which manages on behalf of fleet owners the maintenance and administration for more than 15,000 vehicles. More information can be found at www.fleet-technique.co.uk
- Van Monster, which operates from seven main sites offering retail and trade customers a wide range of quality used vans with some 1,500 vehicles in stock most of which are less than three-years-old. For further information go to www.vanmonster.com
- easyVan is a low cost van rental partnership between Northgate and easyCar providing more than 120 convenient locations through the UK. Visit easyVan.com for more details.
For more information on the Northgate Group please go to www.northgateplc.com or contact:
For further information contact: Ashley Martin (telephone 01733 390691) or Arthur Dalziel (0121 445 6633) AWD Communications Ltd.
Ross Clarkson, marketing director, Northgate, on 01325 467558 or 07850 588721 ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
