RAC telematics to be included in all Hitachi commercial vehicles
Hitachi will install RAC telematics devices into all of its newly produced commercial vehicles to collect data on vehicles’ conditions and ensure that parts are replaced efficiently. The telematic tech will provide customers with location and driver behaviour data, which has been shown to reduce fuel costs by 10-15%, accidents by 10% and wear and tear by 10-15%. The technology is hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform, and will connect automatically to the RAC Breakdown and Accident Management services.
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is installing RAC telematics devices in all of its new commercial vehicles to obtain data on vehicle condition and health.

The new technology will benefit the leasing provider’s customers who will receive the devices as standard on all contracts.

Customers will also have the option to enable the additional functionality of the telematics system. This includes services such as location and driver behaviour, which will bring further benefits to fleet customer operations. RAC Telematics customers have reported fuel cost savings of 10% to 15%, with similar numbers for wear and tear, and a 10% reduction in accidents.

The severity of accidents has also decreased in some cases as vehicles are being driven at lower speeds, and this is having a positive impact on insurance premiums.

The RAC Telematics solution, hosted by the Microsoft Azure platform, will connect the RAC Breakdown and RAC Accident Management services already in place for Hitachi Capital’s customers, enabling them to improve efficiency and bring down costs.

RAC Telematics devices provide information on the condition of key vehicle parts and components so that failing units can be changed before they cause a breakdown.

Nick Walker, managing director at RAC Telematics, said: “The benefits of telematics are well proven now, promoting safer and more efficient driving, which helps to bring down fuel costs and vehicle downtime as well as cut the number of accidents and reduce wear and tear on the fleet.

“We have also invested in leading edge vehicle diagnostics technology through the acquisition of Nebula Systems, to create what we believe will be a market-leading product.

“The power of Nebula’s technology in RAC Telematics is that it covers many vehicle systems, far beyond the standard diagnostic apps and tools. This provides full vehicle coverage for the fleet manager and for the driver it’s like having an RAC Patrol with you at all times.”

Jon Lawes, managing director at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, added: “We are delighted to have partnered with the RAC to provide their industry-leading telematics service to our customers, and we look forward to the continuing success of our strategic partnership.

“Telematics and connected vehicle technology is a critical part of our fleet and specialist asset proposition. Integrating the rich telematics feed with other sources of data, such as that collected from our national repair network, tyre management programme and even driver fines data, and combined with our industry expertise and knowledge, this new initiative will enable us to deliver even deeper insights and advice that will lead to improved fleet efficiencies and safer drivers and vehicles.”