Volkswagen has launched a new telematics service targeting fleet customers across the UK.
VW says that the new service is suitable for fleets of any size and will work with all types of vehicle, enabling companies to manage mixed fleets with one system.
The firm says that the new telematics system is being offered in partnership with the RAC — suggesting to me that it could be a rebadged and tweaked version of the RAC’s own telematics service.
Volkswagen says the service will be available from February and will have a monthly contract fee of £12.50+VAT for each telematics unit. Features available from the new service include:
- Location tracking
- Driver behaviour
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Odometer
- Geo-fencing
- Fuel and CO2 monitoring
- ‘Driverline’ concierge service
Real-time data and reporting is available through a customisable online portal, which is compatible with smartphones, tablets and laptops.
The service is also intended to ensure that fleet vehicles are properly maintained: the Driverline concierge service will prompt fleet operators to book maintenance and scheduled service visits at Volkswagen Van Centres when required.
It’s interesting to see that by offering a universal solution suitable for all makes and types of vehicle, Volkswagen has taken a different approach to some other manufacturers, such as Citroën, which fits its own-brand telematics solution to vehicles.
As I’ve written before, I believe telematics will become ubiquitous in all fleets over the next 5-10 years.
Even in daily rental fleets, where fleet operators are not directly responsible for fuel costs or driver management, the benefits telematics can offer in terms of tracking, diagnostics and compliance are very useful. At least one major UK van hire company, Practical Car & Van Rental, has already taken the plunge and fitted telematics to its 7,000-strong fleet.