Over 100,000 Vehicles on Goodyear FleetOnlineSolutions Contracts

FleetOnlineSolutions, Goodyear’s internet-based truck and bus fleet tyre management system, has hit a significant milestone for the company. The system, which provides fleets with consistent high quality service and agreed pricing across Europe, now has more than 100,000 vehicles on contract – a ten-fold increase in just two years. The business has grown from just 10,000 vehicles in early 2005 to a sector now worth approaching 25 million euros, covering 23 countries and with 280 fleets on contract.

FleetOnlineSolutions integrates with Goodyear’s main computer systems. It works via the internet linking Goodyear, the customer and the service providers. Customers with FleetOnlineSolutions (FOS) contracts have all their vehicle data and contract details on the system. Goodyear TruckForce service providers, whether they are the fleets’ regular workshop or in another country providing roadside assistance, can access the FOS website. This provides information in their own language and enables them to carry out all necessary work, create invoices and update the system.

FOS ensures that the work is carried out exactly to the customers’ requirements and at the prices agreed. The system can also provide a guarantee of payment. The service provider updates the system as work proceeds and the customer can access relevant fleet records on line and follow the progress of the work. The payment system is very simple. The service provider is paid direct by Goodyear and the customer centrally invoiced, usually with one monthly bill, which dramatically reduces paperwork.

“FleetOnlineSolutions overcomes most of the problems that tyre contracts traditionally used to have. Its transparency for the customer, the simplicity of invoicing and its international flexibility are key selling points and puts Goodyear ahead of the competition,” said Henry Johnson, vice president commercial tyres for Goodyear’s European operations. “We are delighted to now have more than 100,000 vehicles on contract and this figure reflects the confidence that European truck and bus fleets have in the system.”

FOS was first introduced in 2003 with very ambitious goals set for the system. In early 2005 there were around 10,000 vehicles in the system but one of the elements that makes the system so popular today was still to be integrated – reporting to the customer. This is now included.

FOS was progressively introduced in the larger European markets and by the end of 2005 the number of vehicles on the system had doubled to 20,000. In 2006, GE’s TIP trailer rental business was won, bringing with it more than 55,000 vehicles. The implementation time for the TIP contract was only three months yet it was achieved on target in more than 10 countries.

This year the casing handling process and other system functions have been improved but the most important project in 2007 was the introduction of the Post Authorization process. This allows the customer to approve jobs via the internet. Post Authorization was successfully launched in the UK at the beginning of September and will be available in all countries by the end of the year.