TomTom Telematics’ OptiDrive 360 has received the Techies 2015 award on the modality of Telematics. Techies are the only dedicated technology awards for the fleet industry, recognising the modern systems and processes that impact business car operators’ daily lives.

Techies 2015 judges praised  the software for taking a clever approach to how it encourages users to change their driving style. They also valued the software’s ability to tell the driver exactly when to ease off the throttle when approaching traffic lights, roundabouts or other hazards, with the possibility of real economy improvements across fleets. 

OptiDrive 360 received as well the Fleet Innovation Award because the advantages for companies reach beyond cost reduction. “OptiDrive 360 makes your fleet drive greener and safer and drivers experience less stress behind the wheel”, according to the press release published on Link2Fleet’s website.

In this case, the jury praised how the application ensures efficient routing and is suitable for all types of fleets, including large and small cars and vans. The jury was also positive about the fact that OptiDrive 360 can be deployed with its default settings but is also customizable.

About OptiDrive 360

OptiDrive 360 was launched April 2015 and offers important insights to fleet managers and drivers alike. For example, OptiDrive 360 offers immediate feedback to drivers before, during and after their trip. Drivers driving responsibly reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs and insurance premium for their employer, lowering the total cost of ownership. 

“This innovation is the result of extensive client experience and years of research & development in collaboration with the EU ecoDriver project,”, said Jeroen Groenendijk of TomTom Telematics. 

Launched in March, TomTom’s new OptiDrive 360 telematics system uses vehicle and GPS location data to give motorists real-time driving advice aimed at boosting their fuel economy and improving how safe they are behind the wheel.
This predictive tech helps drivers to anticipate the road ahead better, even suggesting when they should ease off the accelerator – when approaching traffic lights or roundabouts for instance – when they should change gear and what speed they should travel at to reduce their fuel consumption most effectively.
The TomTom system was developed on the back of the EU’s Ecodriver project, which the navigation company was actively involved in. The project aims to cut emissions and fuel consumption by 20% in road transport, which could mean substantial savings across car fleets.
OptiDrive 360 actively coaches the driver, while users are also able to access snapshot data that gives them a rundown of their driving statistics. Fleet managers haven’t been forgotten either, with TomTom Telematics’ Webfleet platform offering managers both handy dashboards that highlight driving trends and in-depth reports on how their fleets are being used.
The software scores drivers across eight parameters: speeding, fuel consumption, gear shifting, coasting, idling, constant speed, green speed and driving events – including swerving or heavy braking incidents. This information can then be used by fleet managers to provide targeted training or performance reviews to high-risk drivers.
 
Despite only recently arriving on the market, the company claims OptiDrive 360 has already slashed fleets’ fuel use and emissions, with an early trial reporting a claimed fall in CO2 of 10% on average. Meanwhile, housing association DCH and snack manufacturer Tayto Group have each seen a 15% drop in fuel costs after adopting the TomTom system.
Our judges praised the software for taking a clever approach to how it encourages users to change their driving style. The software’s ability to tell the driver exactly when to ease off the throttle when approaching traffic lights, roundabouts or other hazards also won TomTom points against its rivals, with the possibility of real economy improvements across fleets