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A new collaboration between Verisk and Thatcham Research aims to help UK insurers identify new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Thatcham says that the lack of data regarding the varying features of newer vehicle models can ‘fundamentally’ affect an insurer’s understanding of vehicle risk.

Many insurers struggle to identify features that have become available in more car models and marketed under different product names, it explains.

Verisk, a global data analytics provider, is enhancing its motor insurance products with Thatcham Research’s Variant Code, a dataset that provides updated information on the growing variety of standard and optional features in UK vehicles.

“This is about accurate risk assessment at a uniquely granular level,” explained Dan Payne, chief digital officer at Thatcham Research.

“Variant Code offers a competitive advantage, empowering Verisk’s insurer customers to make more informed and intelligent decisions, and price according to the features present on a particular model variant.

“This is fundamental as vehicles evolve and technologies that were once the preserve of high-end models are increasingly made available at entry level.”

Verisk is also benefitting from the aggregated view of data that Variant Code provides, says Sean Moriarty, operations manager at Verisk.

“Carmakers have their own naming conventions for vehicle features, which can be problematic,” he said. “However Variant Code provides this information using a consistent nomenclature, ensuring the quick and easy identification of these features.”

Features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), expensive headlights, and keyless and connectivity systems, are ‘accurately’ captured, says Thatcham, addressing what has been a frustration for the insurance industry.

Moriarty said: “Variant Code addresses a long-standing challenge to the accurate underwriting of new vehicle models, benefitting both insurers and insureds.

“Until now, there has been a lack of clarity regarding the fitment of certain features across vehicle variants and their potential positive or negative impact on risk.

“ADAS have been a particular issue – with little information available to insurers on the presence of technology that can reduce accident risk.”

Variant Code enhances the vehicle risk data Thatcham Research has delivered for the past 20 years on behalf of its members and the Association of British Insurers (ABI)

It contains data for more than 50,000 vehicle variants, provides data on key systems such as ADAS, lighting, security and connectivity and covers 98% of the car parc released in the UK since 2015.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Fleets face delays of more than a year for company car orders as well as changes to original specifications as vehicle manufacturers grapple with the shortage of key components, including semi-conductors.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has warned leasing companies that lead times for 53 model variants are now in excess of one year.

The cars affected include versions of the 2022 model year Jaguar E-Pace, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Land Rover Defender.

“Although these can remain open for quoting and ordering on your systems if you choose, your supplying Retailer will not be in a position to accept orders for these derivatives due to extended lead times,” said the briefing note from JLR.

However, the manufacturer added that a large number of models are still available for order, including the Jaguar I-Pace and F-Type, as well as alternative derivatives of the delayed cars, including plug-in hybrid versions of the E-Pace, Discovery Sport, Evoque and Defender 110.

In an official statement, JLR said, “Like other automotive manufacturers, we are currently experiencing some Covid-19 supply chain disruption, including the global availability of semi-conductors, which is having an impact on our production schedules. We continue to see strong customer demand for our range of vehicles.

“We are working closely with affected suppliers to resolve the issues and minimise the impact on customer orders wherever possible.”

Fleet customers, said JLR, should address any questions to their local retailer.

Mercedes-Benz specifications removed

Facing the same supply issues, Mercedes-Benz has removed specification features from certain models “from late June production and until further notice,” in order to limit delivery time delays.

The wireless charging of mobile phones, hands-free access to the boot (by kicking under the rear bumper), multibeam LED headlights and certain audio systems are among the features to disappear from the standard specification of certain cars, with AMG-line derivatives particularly affected.

Read how a shortage of raw materials ‘threatens price and supply’ of new vehicles

A statement from Mercedes-Benz said that all customer groups are affected by the current delays.

“Regardless of the model, we take into account how long a customer has been waiting for their vehicle and try to prioritise accordingly,” it said.

“Nevertheless, handovers to customers are strongly dependent on the individual equipment and the short-term availability of parts.”

Customers can check the specification of their car can do so via the Mercedes-Benz Online Showroom (shop.mercedes-benz.co.uk), or by speaking to their retailer.

As a leading global manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz AG expects that the worldwide shortage of supply of semiconductor components will continue to affect its business in the second half of this year.

In its latest editorial, Cap HPI said component shortages of semiconductors, steel, rubber and even foam were affecting different manufacturers’ production to varying degrees.

“Manufacturers are prioritising registrations in their most profitable channels, namely retail, meaning less short-cycle rental, company cars and demonstrators are being registered,” it said.

“They are also diverting build slots to the most profitable models due to component supply issues and removing some items from cars, allowing fewer semi-conductors to be required.”

The impact to JLR and Mercedes-Benz from the semiconductor shortage comes as Toyota announced a 40% cut in worldwide production in September.

It had planned to produce almost 900,000 cars next month but has now said that will be reduced to 540,000 units.

Every car- and van-maker is being impacted by the computer chip crisis, with some delivery times for vehicles. Almost 95% of fleets responding to a Fleet News poll said they were experiencing vehicle delays.

Fleet decision-makers were warned at the start of the month that the global semiconductor shortage will have a greater impact on the automotive industry than the pandemic.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Four-in-five drivers mistakenly expect to be warned by their vehicle when advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are faulty, research from Autoglass suggests.

Despite a clear majority (72%) of drivers understanding that ADAS can help to reduce accidents, the research warns that millions of drivers could be relying on their dashboard to tell them when something is wrong.

However, ADAS technologies currently do not have the capability to alert the driver if they have not been correctly recalibrated or recalibrated at all, for example following a windscreen replacement, or if a minor accident has caused them to be knocked out of alignment, says Autoglass.

Chris Abbotson, national sales manager at Autoglass, explained: “Advanced driver-assistance systems are dramatically improving road safety, but they can only do so if the sensors are properly recalibrated by a skilled technician.

“It’s incredibly dangerous for a driver to be in charge of a vehicle if the onboard sensors are either not recalibrated or not recalibrated correctly, as they would likely be relying on safety systems that are unable to accurately identify hazards on the road.”

ADAS technologies, which include safety features such as blind spot warning, parking sensors and lane keep assists, are found on more and more fleet vehicles in the UK and are increasingly relied upon for the safety of drivers and other road users.

ADAS sensors need to be recalibrated correctly after a windscreen replacement to ensure they are functioning as the manufacturer intended them to. As it stands, only half (48%) of UK drivers realise this is the case.

Autoglass says it is important that fleet managers check that the ADAS sensors on the vehicles in their fleet are recalibrated after any windscreen replacement and that they are recalibrated correctly to minimise the risk of accidents.

Overall awareness of ADAS features amongst drivers also remains concerningly low, with only 33% having heard of advanced emergency brake systems, and only 21% aware that vehicles can automatically recognise traffic signs.

The research highlights that more must be done to educate drivers about managing the systems to ensure these advanced safety systems function correctly, says Autoglass.

“When choosing partners for any windscreen work, fleet managers need to ensure they are working with the best technicians who have received the latest training to ensure they are capable of correct ADAS recalibration and are aware of the latest technologies in vehicles,” said Abbotson.

“All technicians at Autoglass complete the IMI accredited ADAS training to ensure they can replace windscreens and recalibrate the ADAS sensors in one appointment, minimising downtime for vehicles and reducing the risk for drivers.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

If you are ordering a new car next year, you and fleet decision-makers are being urged to prepare drivers now for vehicles being fitted with intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology from next year, says FleetCheck.

The European Commission has provisionally agreed that all new vehicles sold in Europe will be fitted with a speed limiter as a legal requirement from July 2022.

The regulation also mandates all new cars that have already launched be fitted with ISA technology by July 2024.

The UK is likely to follow the new road safety regulations, despite leaving the EU, as it has retained most EU laws for new cars.

Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet management software specialist, says the move should be seen as significant opportunity to enforce a safety message on speed.

“Thankfully, macho attitudes towards speeding that were once quite common among drivers of company vehicles have reduced considerably in recent years,” said Golding. “However, speeding tickets are still pretty common, as any fleet manager will tell you.

“Our view is that the introduction of ISA technology is a moment that employers should be seizing as an opportunity to make clear that there is no corporate leeway when it comes to speeding and the dangers it represents.”

The speed limiter technology uses GPS data and/or traffic-sign-recognition cameras to determine the maximum speed allowed in an area.

It then limits the engine’s power and the vehicle’s speed to that limit, but it is possible to override the system by pressing hard on the accelerator.

Golding says that, with the first ISA cars, vans and trucks now less than a year away, this is a good moment to adopt a “zero tolerance approach” to excessive speed.

“With the long lead times currently being experienced by fleet operators, vehicles being ordered within the next few months will potentially arrive with ISA fitment, so this is very close to being a live fleet issue,” he continued.

“Our view is that this should be presented to drivers as a genuine benefit. Firstly, these are safer vehicles – reduced speed means fewer accident and fewer serious accidents. Secondly, it will potentially remove the chance of you picking up a speeding ticket.”

Research undertaken by the EU shows that drivers like ISA-equipped cars because, in everyday driving, sticking to the speed limit becomes one less thing to worry about. “We are sure that this will soon become the case among drivers of company vehicles,” said Golding.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The vast of majority of businesses (93%) replaced domestic business trips with virtual meetings during the pandemic, according to new research from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The survey, conducted by Ipsos Mori, reveals that almost half (44%) of firms had replaced all trips, 41% half or more and 8% less than half. Just one in 14 – 7% of businesses replaced none.

Business types most likely to have replaced any of their business trips with virtual meetings included large businesses (98%), medium sized businesses (97%) and businesses in London (84%).

Essential services businesses were most likely to say they had replaced all business trips with virtual meetings (55%).

Manufacturing and construction businesses were most likely to say they had not replaced any business trips with virtual meetings (16%).

AN ‘ADEQUATE’ REPLACEMENT

Half of businesses (50%) considered fully virtual meetings to be an adequate replacement for business trips; more than one-in-four (28%), however, did not.

A slightly higher proportion (57%) agreed that meetings with a combination of virtual and face-to-face attendees were an adequate substitute for business trips. One-in-five (20%) disagreed.

Large businesses (58%) were significantly more likely to agree that meetings with only virtual attendees are an adequate replacement for face-to-face meetings, those in Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland were significantly more likely to disagree (43%).

Large businesses (67%) and companies in the North (68%) were significantly more likely to agree that a mix of virtual and face-to-face attendees were an adequate replacement for face-to-face meetings – companies in the South (excluding London) were significantly less likely to agree (46%).

TRAVELLING FOR BUSINESS

The DfT survey suggests that proportion of employees travelling on business is expected to stay broadly the same post pandemic.

Companies expect an average of 38% of employees to be travelling for business, compared with 40% before the pandemic. Just 1% of the firms surveyed by Ipsos Mori said no employees will travel for face-to-face meetings.

The DfT data, however, suggests that the frequency of face-to-face meetings is expected to fall as virtual meetings will remain in the mix.

Two-fifths (41%) of companies said that they expect to make fewer business trips than before the pandemic (27% somewhat less, 14% far less) and more than a quarter (27%) expect to make more business trips (19% somewhat more, 8% far more).

Almost a third (30%) said they expected to make the same level of business trips.

Assuming restrictions are no longer in place, companies expect to be using a similar mix of main modes as before the pandemic, with a return to long-distance rail and domestic air travel, and a reduction in the proportion of car journeys compared to levels during the pandemic.

Companies said that they expect an average of 33% of trips to use car as their main mode of transport, compared with 29% pre-pandemic.

Meanwhile, 13% would choose to use long-distance rail as their main mode versus 15% pre-pandemic, and 11% would use domestic airlines compared with 14% before Covid-19 struck.

In terms of other modes, companies expect an average of 10% of trips to use local trains as the main mode versus 14% pre-pandemic and 11% during the pandemic.

The DfT says that 7% will use local buses, compared with 6% pre-pandemic and 4% during, and 5% will use taxis, which is an increase on the 3% pre-pandemic and 5% during.

Other modes, including cycling and walking will account for 3% of business trips, which is the same as proportion seen pre-pandemic and down from the 5% seen during Covid-19.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Nextbase has witnesses a 341% increase in the number of video clips uploaded to its National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDCSP).

The platform, which launched three years ago, allows users to upload footage of dangerous driving. To date, more than 68,000 clips have been uploaded.

The footage is passed to relevant police forces, with the aim to improve road safety.

As lockdown restrictions began to ease in April, the portal saw 5,457 road traffic offences over the course of three months. This rate is double the three-month average since the portal’s inception. The past three months has also seen a total of 19,565 videos uploaded to the platform – 341% higher than average.

Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, said: “These stats show that the portal is needed now more than ever and, as we name today National Dash Cam Day, I would like to remind the public of the fact that Dash Cam technology can help other road users, as well as you and your passengers.

“If we all work together, with the police, to continue to identify the worst of the worst – those dangerous drivers that, put simply, should not be allowed behind the wheel – then we will continue to see motorists from across the country interacting with the Portal.

“This is why it was built, to make the roads of this country safer for those of us that are just trying to get from A to B and go about our daily routines. We have watched this platform grow from both a public and police perspective and are hugely encouraged by its continued appeal.”

Currently, 37 UK police forces are signed up to the NDSCP, with more in talks to join. Nexbase says the initiative has saved police 263,240 hours – the equivalent of over 29 years of police time. Fewer than one in five cases have resulted in no further action.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

A new type of catalytic converter is being developed that accelerates the removal of harmful nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide from engine fumes.

Scientists at the University of Leeds are working in collaboration with catalytic converter manufacturer Cats and Pipes, to trial the new device.

The aim is to have a prototype fitted to a test vehicle by 2023, enabling its performance to be compared with current catalytic converters under real road conditions.   

The scientists believe the prototype, which uses a new synthetic materal, has the potential to revolutionise catalytic converter technology. 

Many conventional catalytic converters use platinum group metals as a catalyst, which convert harmful gases from an engine into nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

These metals are expensive, and they do not become effective until the engine is running with an exhaust temperature above 150 degrees centigrade. Traffic fumes in urban areas often come from vehicles operating at lower temperatures because they are either idling or moving at low speed. As a result, conventional catalytic converters under urban road conditions may be operating with less than 50% efficiency.

The synthetic material developed at Leeds is an effective catalyst at low and even ambient temperatures.

Dr Hu Li, associate professor in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Leeds, who is leading the project, said: “Among the biggest contributors to poor air-quality in urban areas are traffic fumes, from vehicles which are either stationary or moving slowly.

Current catalytic converters do an inefficient job in reducing emissions under those conditions. At Leeds, we are confident that the new catalytic material will out-perform existing technology.”

Called LowCat, development of the prototype will also investigate whether it is possible to commercially scale-up production.

Simon Clarke, Commercialisation Manager at the University of Leeds, said: “LowCat is a very exciting technology that appears to have significant commercial potential. We are very grateful for the support offered to us by the Science and Technology Facilities Council and we are looking forward to scale-up and prototype trials, with our industrial partner, Cats & Pipes.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Three-in-10 motorists avoid narrow country lanes and are prepared to take a detour to avoid them, according to new research Ageas and the RAC.

On average, people are prepared to add 16 miles – more than a half marathon – to their journey if it means they can avoid driving down this type of road. They would also be willing to add another 25 minutes to their drive.

More than half of drivers (58%) say they find using narrow country roads stressful, a figure that rises to 76% for drivers who live in urban areas.

More than a quarter (27%) of drivers from urban areas say they will always stick to wider main roads instead and would be willing to add 23 miles or 30 minutes to their journey to avoid them, 14 miles and 10 minutes more than their rural counterparts.

The two biggest causes of stress, according to the research, are the difficulty of squeezing past other vehicles in tight spaces (62%) and the fear of colliding with another vehicle head on (61%).

RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: “These figures show just how uncomfortable many drivers are using doing this, especially those who are used to wider city roads with much better visibility.

“For any driver less confident with tackling rural lanes the message has to be to plan a journey properly before setting out, and drive at the right speed according to the nature of the road, even if the official limit is 60mph.

“We’d also advise not becoming too reliant on a car’s sat-nav – while ducking off a main road to shave off a few minutes might seem like a good idea, if you’re then faced with having to carefully negotiate a tractor and queue of vehicles coming the other way, any advantage is soon lost.”

Having to try to reverse back to find a passing place (45%), the fear of meeting a tractor and not being able to pass (44%) and deciding who succumbs to back up to a passing place (37%) make up drivers’ top five stress factors.

More than a third (36%), meanwhile, say they think the default 60mph limit on country roads is just too fast to begin with, while 35% say they fear damaging their car.

The research also suggests that some motorists are more vocal than others when it comes to deciding who has to reverse, with one-in-10 drivers admitting they have had an argument with another driver over who should go back when driving on a narrow country road.

Robin Challand, claims director at Ageas Insurance, said: “Our research shows the type of roads we drive on can also be a cause of stress, with crashes and scrapes high on the list of people’s concerns, so we’re urging people to stay calm and – most importantly – stay safe this summer.

“Negotiating narrow rural lanes can be tricky, even for the most seasoned of drivers, but by following some simple tips and staying calm, you can avoid adding a damaged car to your list of things to get stressed about this summer.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Research by Northgate Vehicle Hire has revealed the ‘top motorway services in the UK’.

Extra’s Cobham services on the M25 claimed to the top spot of the research, achieving a score of 86.6/100.

Located at Junction 9/10, Cobham services scored highly due to its number of parking spaces (4,620) and choice of food outlets, including Nando’s, Leon and Starbucks, Northgate said.

Beaconsfield at Junction 42 of the M40 was rated the second highest, with a score of 83.9/100 for its facilities including KFC, El Mexicana, Greggs and Pizza Express and other shops.

Northgate said Beaconsfield lost points on the number of parking spaces it provides, as it has a quarter less than Cobham, with 1,210 spaces.

The midlands services of Peterborough round off the top three, with a score of 72.6. Located on the A1 (M), it has fewer eateries than the top two and has less room for drivers with 400 parking spaces.

Cambridge services on the A14 and Strensham on the M5 complete the top five, with scores of 69.5 and 69.4 out of a possible 100, respectively.

Best motorways for available service stations

The M40 ranked as the best motorway for available service stations with an average score of 72.4 points, according to the research.

London’s M25 placed fifth, and the motorway that connects London to the north, the M1 came in 13th position. The M23 in Surrey achieved an average score of 33.9.

According to the research, the average rank of all service stations was 55.10, but the Extra services come out on top as the most consistently high service station provider with an average rank of 67.5 across all sites.

The research also revealed that 97% of service stations offered EV charging points.

As part of the research, Northgate analysed the facilities of 100 locations across the UK, considering: parking cost, number of parking spaces, electric vehicle (EV) charge points, Wi-Fi, shops, food, showers, hotel and hotel rating, arcade and play area. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

There appears to be no respite for consumers, fleets and company car drivers as petrol and diesel prices continue to rise this summer.

The RAC reports that another 3.4p and 2.7p were added to a litre of petrol and diesel, respectively in July.

Last month saw the largest rise in the price of unleaded since January and means on average a litre now costs 135.13p – a price not seen since late September 2013 – up from 131.76p at the start of the month.

Diesel meanwhile now costs on average 137.06p per litre, up from 134.36p. The price rises meant that last month was the most expensive July to fill up with petrol since 2013, and for diesel since 2014.

A driver filling up a 55-litre car with petrol now pays on average £3.08 more to fill up than they did at the start of June, and £11.47 more than they did a year ago. The picture is barely better for diesel drivers; filling a similarly sized tank now costs £2.90 more than at the start of June, and £10.46 more than it did at the end of July 2020.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Right now it’s hard to see what it will take for prices to start falling again.

“While we’re not past the pandemic by any means, demand for oil is likely to continue to increase as economic activity picks up again, and this is likely to have the effect of pushing up wholesale fuel prices, costs which retailers are bound to pass on at the pumps.

“Unless major oil producing nations decide a new strategy to increase output, we could very well see forecourt prices going even higher towards the end of the summer.”

Although there was little overall change in the oil price from the start to the end of July, it almost hit the $80 a barrel mark near the beginning of the month, reports RAC.

At supermarket forecourts the price of a litre of petrol is around 3p cheaper compared to the average (132.34p compared to 135.13p) and more than 16p less than at motorway service areas (132.34p compared to 148.78p).

“If there is any good news at all, it is that prices would need to rise significantly further – by a further 3p – to reach the highest prices we saw in 2013,” continued Williams.

“But that’s no comfort for the millions of drivers who are faced with paying so much more for fuel than they have done in many years.”

Alfonso Martinez, managing director of vehicle leasing company LeasePlan UK, suggests that drivers and fleets need to pay close attention to the rising cost of petrol and diesel, as this will likely continue as economic activity picks up.

“Rather than simply shrugging this off in an act of resignation, they should see this as a call to action,” he said. “Electric vehicles present a viable solution to the rising cost of fuel, with the cost to charge a typical mid-size model around 2.27p per mile – which equates to around £9 a month if you were to commute 20 miles a day for work.

“We’re now at a point where switching to an EV is both a benefit for the environment and your wallet.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News