Michelin Connected Fleet makes its UK debut at ITT Hub

Michelin Connected Fleet made its UK debut at the ITT Hub truck technology event in Farnborough on 11 May 2022. Michelin Connected Fleet is an evolution of Michelin’s 2019 acquisition of Masternaut and interfacing with other comparable systems in the Michelin portfolio. The technology, which is as much about service and support as it is technology, was launched in Spain and France in 2021. Next up are Germany and South Africa later in 2022, followed by markets such as Sweden and Benelux after that.

Michelin Connected Fleet collects data through “a range of…on-board telematics systems” to give fleet managers a real-time view of their goods, the trucks and trailers making up their fleet, and where they are located. Michelin Connected Fleet already receives and processes data from approximately 300 million journeys per year, comprising Masternaut in Europe, NexTraq in North America, and Sascar in South America – collectively responsible for 600,000 vehicles operated by 70,000 customers, spanning 48 countries.

In short, the system is designed to optimise fleet utilisation, which in turn reduces operating costs – something that is perennially attracted to fleet operators. Data can also be used to help anticipate maintenance requirements, leading to reductions in unscheduled downtime. Plus, the system can monitor tyre pressures and temperatures to considerably reduce the likelihood of roadside breakdowns, which can lead to missed deliveries, vehicle damage and increased tyre costs.

Such an approach also fits hand-in-glove with Michelin’s joined up approach to multi-life premium truck tyres. However, Michelin Connected Fleet customers don’t necessarily have to be Michelin tyre customers.

Effitrailer to be re-branded as Trailer Premium

On that note, the introduction and integration of Michelin Connected Fleet brings with it one or two changes in the positioning of the existing fleet solutions range.

The Michelin Effitires concept very much continues as it is. As we have seen, Effitires can partner with Michelin Connected Fleet, but it doesn’t have to. However, Michelin Connected Fleet does replace and supersede the Michelin Effitrailer set-up.

Speaking at the launch, Matt Childs, Michelin Connected Fleet Operational marketing manager UK & France, said: “We are focused on helping fleet managers to accelerate their business with performance analysis services, based on smart data and tools, which lead to better insights and better visibility. In turn this helps to make operations more cost-effective, safer, more predictable and sustainable.”

Highlighting Michelin Connected Fleet’s offer, Childs added: “We stand out for delivering personalised assistance from our team of Michelin Connected Fleet experts. It’s no longer enough just to provide access to fleet data; we have performance analysis embedded into our offering. This means we are perfectly placed to help customers master the management of their fleets and improve their operations. Our analysis can unlock savings and help define future fleet strategy. We’re focused on adding value, at every stage.”

Gilson Santiago, Michelin Connected Fleet CEO, concluded: “Data management is vital when it comes to running a fleet. As vehicle technology develops, our expertise in data analysis allows us to meet our customers’ requirements as precisely as possible to assist them in their activities. With Michelin Connected Fleet, we offer them the tools and expert support to help them transform the data from their vehicles into information with high added value. This will allow them to improve their company’s efficiency, reduce their environmental impact, and make their operations safer.”

Michelin Connected Fleet joins up a series of telematics data points to improve fleet efficiency. These incldue tyre pressures and temperatures. (Photo: Michelin)