Fleet briefs: Latest from Samsara, Targa Telematics, SVA, Autohorn, Central Car Auctions, Webfleet, G3 and RightLease

Targa Telematics announces fleet data partnership with Toyota 

Targa Telematics has announced that Toyota Motors Europe have joined as an OEM connected data-partner to expand its range of digital solutions for connected cars, integrating data from Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe.

The partnership with Toyota Motors Europe entails the direct integration of connected fleet data streams into the Targa Telematics platform, including mileage, fuel consumption, EV data, GPS position and other information without requiring additional installations. 

Targa Telematics says that these services will therefore be available in France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and in the Nordic countries.  

“The collaborations we are pursuing with car manufacturers are aimed at delivering innovative mobility services, developed through the integration of data streams from vehicles equipped with OEM devices, thereby reducing the operational impacts associated with the installations of aftermarket solutions,” said Alberto Falcione, vice president for sales at Targa Telematics. 

Targa Telematics has also secured first position in Berg Insight's ranking of providers of digital solutions for Fleet Management in Europe.

According to the 19th edition of the Fleet Management in Europe report, Targa Telematics leads the ranking with over 801,000 vehicles managed in our continent, increasing the gap from competitors by over 66,000 units from second place and 300,000 from third place.

Samsara joins Driving for Better Business

Samsara has joined forces with Driving for Better Business to improve road safety and help organisations better manage fleet risk. 

Driving for Better Business aims to improve work-related road safety by promoting good risk management practices and demonstrating the business benefits of managing drivers and vehicles in line with current industry good practice.

Samsara and Driving for Better Business will be partnering to showcase driver safety technology at key industry events this spring, including exhibiting at the National Highways Conference at the National Space Centre in Leicester on March 25, and the Health and Safety Conference at the NEC, Birmingham, from April 8-10. 

Philip van der Wilt (pictured), senior vice president and general manager of EMEA at Samsara, said: “By working with Driving for Better Business, we’re creating a world that is safer for all road users. We look forward to the work we can do together to push the important message of road safety even further.”

Simon Turner, engagement manager for Driving for Better Business, added: “Samsara is developing groundbreaking tools in HGV driver coaching using real time data combined with AI. 

“We are looking forward to sharing this via a hands-on simulator – the first of its kind – on our stand at the Health and Safety Conference in April. This is shaping up to be an exciting partnership.

“Our programme works to support employers in both the private and public sectors to reduce work-related road risk, control the associated costs, and improve compliance with current legislation and guidance – as well as make roads safer for all users.”

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions charity auction for Chestnut Tree Children’s Hospice

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) will be running its charity used car auction for the Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice on March 31, continuing its longstanding tradition of supporting the West Sussex-based hospice.

SVA is calling on dealers and drivers to donate any unwanted dealer part exchange, family car, or van to be auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to the hospice.

Already franchised car and van dealer Yeomans, which runs multiple dealers on the south coast has donated 10 vehicles, with more to come, while Tates Group, Birchwood Group, Hendy and Frosts Cars are continuing their long-term support for the charity auction again this year.

After raising £30,000 in 2024 and surpassing the £300,000 milestone in total contributions, SVA is setting its sights on another successful charity sale which is now in its 15th year.

“We are incredibly grateful for SVA and the south coast motor industry’s unwavering support,” said Becki Jupp, CEO of Chestnut Tree House. “Their generosity has had a profound impact on the families we care for, and we look forward to another successful year of fundraising together.”

Chestnut Tree House is a Sussex-based hospice providing essential care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. The funds raised through the auctions play a vital role in sustaining the hospice’s services, which include hydrotherapy, multi-sensory activities, and family respite care.

Webfleet launches new PRO X driver terminal for fleets

Webfleet has launched its new flagship driver terminal – the PRO X – a tablet designed specifically for truck and van fleets, which comes with enhanced performance and quick access to the Webfleet Work App and professional navigation. 

With the ability to be tailored to business needs, the PRO X is the perfect allrounder for fleets looking for a long-lasting device to increase operational performance and service reliability. 

With the Webfleet Work App pre-installed, fleets can use a range of advanced Webfleet features, including workflow management, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) and two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers. 

Additional Webfleet services – such as Cold Chain, Remaining Drive Times and OptiDrive rankings to let drivers see peer performance – can also be accessed. 

Annick Renoux, vice president of Webfleet Europe, said: “At Webfleet, we are always committed to delivering smart solutions that enhance the working conditions and safety of our customers and their drivers, power by the latest technology. 

“That’s why we are proud to introduce the new PRO X – now with even more functionality to help fleet managers streamline their operations, boost efficiency and strengthen their connection with field teams like never before.”

Autohorn Fleet Services extends vehicle partnership British Bobsleigh and Skeleton teams

Autohorn Fleet Services will continue to be the official vehicle partner to the British bobsleigh and skeleton teams for the 2024/2025 season. 

As part of the partnership deal, Autohorn provides vehicles to transport the athletes, staff, and equipment across Europe. 

Vehicles supplied have been matched to the requirements of the winter sports team. Scott Jenkins, Autohorn fleet services operations and sales director, explained: “We’ve supplied a mixture of vehicles - everything from long wheelbase Iveco vans to carry the four-metre-long bobsleigh, through to Renault Trafic nine-seat people carriers to transport the athletes in comfort. 

“Our goal is to ensure that the vehicle element of the team’s preparation is absolutely optimal. 

“I was lucky enough to see the teams in action in Winterberg in Germany recently and they are seriously impressive. We’ll be behind the team all the way.” 

Natalie Dunman, executive performance director at the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA), added: “We spend so much time on the road during the racing season so the partnership with Autohorn Fleet Services is vital for us at this crucial point in the Olympic cycle. 

“The majority of the season has been spent in Europe, with journeys from the UK and between race tracks predominantly overland, so knowing that we have comfortable and reliable vehicles gives us one less thing to worry about when we are trying to beat the best in the world.” 

The Bobsleigh and Skeleton teams are now preparing for the World Championships in Lake Placid in March, a key event ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

G3 Vehicle Auctions secures TCH Leasing remarketing contract

G3 Vehicle Auctions has secured a remarketing contract with contract hire and fleet management company, TCH Leasing.  

G3 will provide a nationwide collection and disposal partnership with TCH Leasing until at least 2026, with the option to extend.

TCH Leasing vehicles will go under the hammer alongside G3’s existing vendor roster of Motability Operations, Leasys, Novuna, Europcar and Evogo at the £12 million G3 Castleford facility in the weekly Monday Elite Sale, and at the recently launched 14-acre G3 Bedford facility in the weekly Wednesday Elite sale.

Sam Tomlinson, G3’s sales director, said: “This is the latest in a line of fleet and rental vendors choosing G3 to remarket their vehicles, reinforcing the growing reputation we are building in this sector.”

Chris Nightingale, divisional director at TCH Leasing, added: “We are pleased to agree a formal remarketing partnership with G3 for 2025 and beyond.  

“We have known the team at G3 for many years and we recognise that their family values align perfectly with those of the whole TC Harrison Group, so I look forward to TCH Leasing vehicles attaining strong results in their modern auction halls.”

Central Car Auctions launches new website 

Central Car Auctions has launched a new website with a fresh look and enhanced features to buy used car stock online. 

Users can search for stock in greater detail with new filter options, allowing them to narrow down their search to specific price ranges, NAMA grades or mileage, for example. and more. 

Users can now also set vehicle alerts to notify them when stock arrives that matches their desired stock profile/wishlist.  

Jason Miller, managing director at Central Car Auctions, said: “Thousands of vehicles pass through Central Car Auctions every week, and while we love our physical auctions, we appreciate the need for an online digital solution for those who can't make be there in person.

“We want to make sure our customers always feel confident using Central Car Auctions and our new-look website will make it easy and hassle-free for anyone looking to buy or sell stock online.” 

RightLease expands with new partnership with the Scaffolding Association 

Vehicle broker RightLease has signed a new partnership agreement with the Scaffolding Association, the UK’s trade body for scaffolding contractors. 

It marks the latest step in RightLease’s ambitious growth strategy, as the company looks to form further strategic partnerships with trade associations across multiple industries.

The scaffolding and access sector relies on a wide range of vehicles, from pick-ups and vans for transporting equipment to company cars for site and project management teams. 

Through this partnership, Scaffolding Association members will benefit from exclusive leasing offers.

RightLease specialises in commercial and personal vehicle leasing, fleet management, and salary sacrifice schemes. 

Gary Hodder, managing director of RightLease, said: "This partnership with the Scaffolding Association is an exciting milestone in our expansion. 

“But this is just the beginning - our strategy is to develop strong relationships with trade associations across multiple sectors, providing their members with outstanding leasing options tailored to their specific needs. 

“Whether it’s construction, logistics, manufacturing, or professional services, we know that consumers want flexibility, value, and expert guidance when it comes to vehicle leasing. That’s exactly what RightLease delivers."