Digital security specialist Gemalto has partnered with Lightfoot to help Exeter City Council increase fleet car efficiency and improve driver behaviour.

The Gemalto Cinterion M2M modules support Ashwoods’ dashboard-mounted Lightfoot device

Under a pilot scheme to monitor engine performance, the council introduced the dashboard-mounted Lightfoot device. This offers drivers real-time guidance and feedback on the greenest, safest and most efficient driving techniques, with the aim to encourage and reward, better driving, improved fuel efficiency and reductions in CO2 emissions.

Gemalto supplied Ashwoods with Cinterion M2M modules to support its dashboard-mounted Lightfoot device enabling reliable mobile connectivity, communication and tracking between 100 private vehicles and the Lightfoot central server.

The telematics device was deployed under vehicle dashboards, plugging into the car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). with every participant’s driving improving each week, reducing the average time spent in the dangerous red zone (where harsh acceleration and risk are at their highest) by three quarters. Drivers also reported feeling safer, more confident and that they had more fun on the road.

Key results from the trial included:

• Car efficiency increased by around 16%, meaning equivalent average savings in fuel consumption and reductions in harmful CO2 emissions.
• 60% of drivers achieved ‘Elite Driver’ status every week (up from just 3% previously) – awarded for hitting target efficiency levels.
• Time spent in the dangerous red zone reduced by over three quarters.

“Lightfoot employs cutting edge technology to encourage and reward, better driving, improved fuel efficiency and reductions in CO2 emissions,” said Calum Roke, senior development engineer for Ashwoods. “Seamless wireless connectivity is a key element of the Exeter project, and Gemalto’s M2M modules and high quality support have helped us make an immediate impact on driving performance.”