Stoke-on-Trent – February 23, 2015
London’s leading minicab business, Addison Lee believes fleet managers are in danger of becoming too reliant on new technology for safety and fleet management.
Addison Lee’s Head of Fleet Rob Daniels, who looks after 5,000 vehicles, says he embraces new technology but believes the key to lasting success is to stay focused on the foundations of strong fleets – driver training and tyres.
Daniels, who has implemented a Michelin-only tyre policy, said: “The last two years have seen the biggest shift in technology in vehicles – more than in all of the rest of my time in the motor industry put together. From hybrid and plug-in technology to park assist steering, there have been so many new developments because we are living in a much more health and safety focused world.
“And yes, new technology is progress. But it must be used in addition to the basics that have stood the test of time, not instead of them.
“Ultimately, the most important factors that reduce accidents are the skill of the driver and the quality and condition of the tyres. It’s as simple as that.”
Fast-fit business Universal Tyres, a family-owned company that has looked after Addison Lee’s tyre supply since 2009, says that fleets are also missing out on huge levels of savings by focusing on the initial costs of tyres rather than the benefits they offer long-term.
Sales and Marketing Director, Simon Wright, says the tyre market in the UK is still heavily budget focused and does not look at tyres as a longer term investment.
He said: “People think the less they spend at the outset, the better – but it’s false economy because they end up paying more when the tyre wears more quickly or gets damaged.
“There are fleets today running new vehicles on budget tyres because they look at only the initial cost rather than the costs of the life of the tyre, the fuel saving potential, or the safety. That’s madness because the tyres are the only thing that keeps a car on the road.”
He adds: “Of course it’s easier for people to have a conversation around the cost of a tyre and nothing more, but conversations need to be much more focused about the benefits you get from premium tyres.”
Addison Lee, which in addition to minicabs, provides chauffeur services and van and bike couriers, began fitting Michelin tyres in 2013 after a successful three month trial which saw Michelin tyres offer a minimum 8% improvement in longevity per vehicle.
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About Michelin ( www.michelin.co.uk )
Michelin , the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle, including aircraft, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 111,200 employees and operates 67 production plants in 17 different countries. The Group has a Technology Centre in charge of research and development with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: d.johnson@uk.michelin.com
James Keeler or Sam Hargreaves, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: +44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com / sam.hargreaves@garnettkeeler.com
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