February this year saw Kettering-based Grosvenor launch its new company brand and a shift in strategic direction to meet the future needs of businesses with vehicle fleets.
Signalling its intent to spearhead innovation and change, just weeks later the UK’s largest privately-owned contract hire, fleet management and EV salary sacrifice specialist launched Advanced Remote Connectivity (ARC), developed in partnership with Targa Telematics.
Drawing data directly from each vehicle, this real-time connection feeds into Grosvenor’s award-winning OSCAR fleet management system to provide crucial information, including true odometer readings, service and maintenance countdowns, fuel or EV battery levels, and vehicle dashboard warning lights.
For most vehicles, the system can be activated remotely, eliminating the need for device installation and connecting via their onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems, providing instant data access. As a result, Grosvenor’s maintenance team has complete visibility of each vehicle’s health status, manufacturer-recommended service schedules and crucial driving behaviour metrics – all vital components in significantly improving the management of vehicle servicing, maintenance and repair (SMR) and reducing time off road.
The operational advantages delivered by ARC are tangible. It facilitates proactive SMR coordination, moving beyond reactive repairs. It also includes a full telematics solution.
Technology-driven transportation solutions
ARC is just the first of many new innovations planned by Grosvenor. Extensive customer and industry research found a shift towards sustainable, flexible and technology-driven transportation solutions, driven by environmental concerns as well as changing work patterns, and the preferences of a new generation.
Yet, despite the increased use of technology, Grosvenor’s research also reinforced the desire that software should enhance, but not replace, traditional customer service. The ability to talk to someone remains key, with customers and drivers not wishing to do everything through an app.
As a result, Grosvenor’s rebrand reflects its expanding portfolio of fleet funding and management solutions to meet the future needs of more agile workforces, offering greater choice as to how employees get from A to B. Customers demand leading digital soutions underpinned by people and personal service.
Lee Brown, Managing Director, said: “The move to electric vehicles, the importance of ESG (environmental, social and governance), wellbeing and CSR (corporate social responsibility) are all driving change, with AI also set to transform our lives. Younger and more tech-savvy drivers are poised to drive change and are far more environmentally aware than previous generations. As a result, we are readying ourselves for a future where flexible app-based, sustainable travel solutions will be used alongside, or even instead of, traditional company cars and grey fleet.
“However, our research confirmed our longstanding belief that we need to continue to uphold our values, by working with integrity, excellence and agility, plus prioritise the personal touch by offering even greater access to our staff and management in a market increasingly focused on digitisation.
“ARC is a great example of how we intend to drive forward a new era of fleet mobility solutions, and it marks an important strategic shift for Grosvenor as we enhance our proposition to use technology cleverly, supported by exceptional customer service.”
Grosvenor was established in Northamptonshire in 1981, and over more than four decades the group has continued to grow. It is made up of Grosvenor Leasing (contract hire, fleet management and electric car salary sacrifice), Interactive Fleet Management (its specialist fleet management business), York,Ward and Rowlatt (Vauxhall Dealership) in Wellingborough and Croyland Car Megastore in Rushden.
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