Daikin UK has installed the TomTom WEBFLEET system across its 145-strong fleet to provide transparent reports detailing employees’ business and private mileage, providing proof that fuel paid by the company has not been used for personal use.

The solution includes TomTom LINK tracking units and dashboard-mounted privacy buttons enabling staff to toggle between business and private journeys as required.

‘It has proved more cost-effective for Daikin employees to pay for fuel used for personal journeys, rather than having to incur Car Fuel Benefit tax for fuel paid for by the company,’ said Daikin’s general affairs manager Richard Truttero.

‘This approach is also saving Daikin thousands of pounds annually in fuel and National Insurance costs. Accurate logs of the different mileages clocked up are crucial however to ensure errors in fuel usage are not made, VAT claims on fuel are correct and that inappropriate tax claims are avoided.’

In addition, the system has benefited Daikin’s day-to-day operations by enabling it to schedule appointments more effectively, with all customer site locations highlighted in TomTom’s WEBFLEET fleet management software.  This allows Daikin Sales Engineers to identify groups of customers to visit while in the area.

The system also allows for quick dispute resolution of customer or staff issues.

Giles Margerison, director UK & Ireland, TomTom Business Solutions, added: ‘HMRC is placing business mileage records under serious scrutiny and the penalties for non-compliance can have serious financial consequences.’

‘We welcome the opportunity to partner with Daikin, a forward-thinking company that has taken a proactive approach to ensuring accurate records are maintained.’

The deal was brokered by official TomTom partner Fleet Trak who also helped manage the implementation process, providing ongoing support.