Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced its Mercedes PRO connect vehicle drive style monitoring as standard for three years on all new Sprinter and Vito Tourer models.
This move has been influenced by research conducted by Mercedes-Benz Vans into connected vehicle trends shows that fleets are increasingly using software to monitor driving standards. Indeed, 64% of fleet and SME customers surveyed claimed that they want to use telematics or connected vehicle technology for this purpose.
To this end, Mercedes-Benz Vans is offering Mercedes PRO connect for free in the Sprinter and Vito from May 2019 production. In the case of the Sprinter, the feature can be remotely retrofitted to existing vehicles by the customer using “over-the-air” software updates.
The function enables a multitude of vehicle data for each individual trip and a holistic fleet view of the whole fleet of vehicles to be interrogated by vehicle managers. Data points include: acceleration behaviour analysis, anticipatory driving behaviour, coasting and smooth driving analysis. In addition, safety-critical data, such as harsh cornering and braking warnings, are shown instantly to the fleet manager.
Analysis of driving behaviour data can identify trends which can be addressed in order to maximise safe driving practices. Fleet managers can ascertain the safest depots, regions or individual drivers, using the Mercedes PRO connect driver’s app.
It’s also possible for drivers to maximise the longevity of certain wear-and-tear components, such as brake pads and discs if these parameters are known to them and vehicle managers put in measures to improve safe driving performance.
Steve Bridge, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, said: “Keeping their businesses moving is our priority, and with our new drive style monitoring solution software included as standard, company owners and vehicle managers can spend less time worrying about the vans and drivers, and more time therefore focused on their business and customers.”
This move has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA). “The drive style monitoring solution will provide businesses with the toolkit they need to analyse driver behaviour and identify areas where improvement is needed,” said Mark Cartwright, head of vans and light commercial Vehicles at FTA. “After all, safe driver behaviour plays a key role in keeping the UK’s roads secure and operations running smoothly and effectively. And by offering the solution free-of-charge, it shows how dedicated the team at Mercedes-Benz Vans are to safety, efficiency and innovation; where they lead, we hope others will follow.”
