Europcar

Capitalising on connected car tech – without signing lengthy contracts

Debbie Wallace, Head of SME at Europcar Mobility Group UK, looks at how long-term rental is giving businesses access to new motoring tech to improve driver safety without having to commit to outright vehicle purchase or lengthy lease contracts.

The big dilemma for employers right now is how to ensure employees have access to the latest motoring innovation – from low emissions to telematics – without the business having to make long-term financial commitments to vehicle purchase or leasing.

With many firms hit at the start of lockdown with early termination penalty clauses on vehicle contracts, there is now an increasing trend towards alternatives that provide access to new motoring tech, with financial flexibility.

The current well-documented supply shortages are also delaying new vehicle delivery, forcing companies to extend contracts and hold on to company fleet that may well be past its best.

Putting new motoring tech to the test

There is, however, an alternative. And it’s one that is delivering much more than just cost savings, providing some businesses with the chance to discover how new motoring technology can support their drivers.

Europcar long-term rental solutions are giving employers access to brand new vehicles for three months+, with a range of models and mileage options, and all without the need for an upfront deposit.

And, these solutions give businesses the flexibility to test the latest automotive technology before they commit to vehicles for three years plus.

Building safety in

One firm that is reaping the rewards of this flexibility is BCS Group, part of the Barhale group of companies, and one of the UK’s leading suppliers of safety and construction products and services. With a network of drivers delivering to construction sites across the UK, the company recently capitalised on Europcar’s partnership with telematics specialist Geotab and dash cam experts, SureCam to enhance driver safety.

In an initial pilot, 50 Europcar commercial vehicles on long-term rent have been installed with dash cams and telematics. And BCS Group has set up reporting that monitors specific high risk driving behaviours such as hard acceleration, harsh braking and speeding, with tailored reports enabling the company to identify ‘good’ and ‘bad’ driver behaviours so that they can focus training on those drivers that most need support.

BCS Group is also able to edit each vehicle’s live device feedback to focus on specific areas of risk. For example, setting each device to beep when seat belts have not been used with the ignition running or for sustained periods of engine idling.

A fleet fit for purpose

“The combination of having vehicles on long-term rental with the integrated technology has been very useful in a number of ways”, explained Nathan Phipps, Fleet Supervisor, BCS Group. “Europcar’s long-term rental service means we have a fleet that is fit for purpose for our business needs without having to make the financial commitments typical of leasing. And, through the Geotab and SureCam partnership, we benefit from insight that usually would only be accessible in contract or owned vehicles.

“We have seen a marked improvement in driving styles as well as a reduction in light damage on vehicles, which otherwise would add to our business costs, plus a reduction in fuel usage. We have also been able to use the videos to support training programmes within the business. And, at a strategic level, having the ability to ‘test’ the technology in partnership with Europcar has helped us understand how we might use it in our owned vehicle fleet, too.”

BCS Group’s adoption of this new technology shows that there is a real value in gaining better insight into driver behaviour.

And combined with the Europcar long-term offering it’s a great example of how Europcar is innovating for the changing dynamics of the commercial vehicle marketplace.

For more information on how Europcar can help your business, visit www.europcar.co.uk/business or call the team on 0371 384 0140.