The Smartdriverclub solution is intended to help firms, in particular SMEs, with the issues associated with grey fleet management such as verifying fuel expenses, meeting duty of care obligations and supporting environmental responsibilities.

Customers’ nominated grey fleet drivers are sent a Smartplug, which they insert in the OBD-II port in their vehicle. They can then use their smartphone to view all of their Smartdriverclub services using the free ‘Viewpoint’ Smartdriverclub app. Details are also available online for accessing via laptop or tablet. This information, with the driver’s consent, is also made available to the fleet manager or business owner.

The solution is available for vehicles made in or after 2010 and costs £6.60 per month.

Services offered include automatic emergency assistance, breakdown help that can see the driver’s location to find them faster, theft tracking and a digital mechanic that can identify faults to help motorists avoid worsening the damage or even prevent a breakdown.

Drivers can also access a smart driving history that helps them manage fuel use, details of where their car is parked and deals on everything from servicing to new tyres and – from June – club insurance that offers preferential rates for good drivers based on their driving behaviour.

The solution is the brainchild of motor industry expert, Penny Searles, CEO of Smartdriverclub, who said: “We see a real market for this service in the SME sector where resource for managing the grey fleet is scarce and therefore containing cost and managing risk is a major headache.

“Smartdriverclub works quietly behind the scenes enabling businesses to receive information directly from the car such as mileage, fault codes and battery low alerts so that they can just check in with the driver to ensure any maintenance issues are being addressed. By offering benefits such as crash alerts, theft tracking, fuel consumption and early fault warnings, Smartdriverclub can help businesses support their duty of care responsibilities and contain their costs. It also sends a positive message to employees that their welfare is the first priority.” 

The service can be provided as a white label offering (or Smartdriverclub branding can be used) and made accessible via the business’s website and social media channels.