NEWS ANALYSIS: Counting down to the CV Show

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2019 | Author: James Dallas

Fleetcheck

Software and fleet management firm Fleetcheck is introducing a new version of its Vehicle Inspection App at the CV Show, where the original app, now used for more than 3,000 UK vehicle checks a day, made its debut two years ago.

The new app features upgrades, such as support for languages commonly used among UK fleet drivers, a fit-to-drive declaration, enhanced damage, defect and collision reporting, and shift recording.

It now features an interface that allows users to access tyre pressure data for a wide range of vehicles to ensure drivers undertaking checks know the correct level for their vehicle.

Fleetcheck MD Peter Golding said: “Immediately from launch,the app found an important niche for fleets that needed a fast, accurate, DVSA-compliant digital safety check tool.

“Over the last year or so we identified several key areas for enhancements and took the decision to develop a completely new version, which we are proud to present for the first time at the CV Show.”

The app allows users to schedule, carry out, confirm, follow-up and audit all kinds of inspections, from daily walk-arounds to formal weekly or monthly checks.

It delivers a paper-free checking process, instant visibility of missed checks, uploading of relevant photos from drivers, bespoke checking for specialist equipment, and automated mileage collection to enable accurate forward maintenance planning.

It also integrates with Fleetcheck’s fleet management software.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

VW is to display a range of new electric products. The brand first exhibited the left-hand-drive plug-in LCVs at the IAA in Hanover last September but, focusing on the domestic market, a spokeswoman said: “We want to get the conversation going, not everyone is right for going electric and we need to understand where our customers are.”

Visitors will be able to see electric versions of the Caddy Maxi, Transporter and Crafter.

The brand is looking at moving into the blue light sector and will have a Crafter CR50 LWB Riot Van on display.

Other ‘Working With You’ conversions will include a Crafter CR35 MWB minibus and a LWB wheelchair accessible Caddy.

VW will have 14 vehicles on its stand – up from 10 last year and the highest number since the brand returned to the show four years ago.

CV Show Round-up . . .

The big news from Ford will be the UK debut of its performance-developed pick-up truck, the Ranger Raptor, plus a chance for visitors in the UK to get a first look at the revised 2.0t Transit, which features more fuel-efficient engines, including the addition of a mild hybrid-diesel powertrain, higher payloads and built-in connectivity facilities. Ford has also promised to demo further electrification of its LCV line-up.

Peugeot and Citroen will be giving UK show debuts to their new light vans, the Partner and Berlingo, respectively. The PSA brands will also be highlighting developments within their dealer networks while Citroen will display a historical van in celebration of its centenary.

Telematics firm Masternaut is to exhibit its Connect platform, containing maintenance data that allows fleet managers to remotely compile dashboard warning indicators and upcoming service requirements. Connect also now offers vehicle-check data collected by drivers with a mobile phone app. A new suite of features focuses on the job management of field-based staff, keeping track of job completion through assessing real-time vehicle positions, messaging work updates to staff, and informing customers of expected arrival times.

VW-owned MAN will unveil the latest version of its Crafter-based TGE – a 3.5t TGE flatframe chassis cowl that it claims provides an ideal base for low-height Luton and box body conversions. MAN will also reveal a 17-seat minibus based on a 5t TGE.

A highlight on converter Cartwright’s stand will be its new lightweight, rigid low-floor box van, which it will demonstrate on a 3.5t Vauxhall Movano. Cartwright says it’s designed as a low-entry delivery body that will withstand the rigours of a high-utilisation parcel delivery operation.

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