AA calls on businesses to embrace connected car data

Despite the potential benefits, just 33% of managers use connected car data to manage their fleets, according to the AA’s own research.

It is trying to promote the use of connected car data through its AA Fleet Intelligence service, which analyses live diagnostic information from the car and warns of issues that point to impending breakdowns.

Thomas said: “We are keen to help businesses and fleet managers make best use of the available connected car technology benefits.

“The AA’s Fleet Intelligence system generates invaluable data that can deliver huge improvements in risk management and efficiency.”

The system shows the average number of days that passed between fault development and breakdown, as well as identifying the total percentage of same day breakdowns.

He said: “Not only does this highly valuable data have the potential to decrease levels of downtime, it also allows fleet managers to prioritise employee safety by allowing them to swiftly respond to dangerous faults which arise, providing the data generated is regularly analysed.”

The AA said 2017 has seen substantial growth in connected car services, particularly car-based insurance policies, which combine vehicle usage and driving performance data to calculate insurance costs.

The number of users has risen by 30% to nearly one million throughout the UK, across consumers and businesses.

The AA is the UK’s most popular breakdown cover provider and supports 65% of the top 20 fleets in the UK.

In addition to connected car technology, it is working closely with manufacturers and its clients to implement route management, driving training, risk management and operational vehicle technology to help reduce the risk drivers face on UK roads.