Lightfoot (connected car technology)
Lightfoot is a connected car technology company based in Exeter, Devon. Originally launched to support business fleets in reducing costs and accident rates, Lightfoot’s technology provides responsive feedback to drivers[1], encouraging them to maintain a smoother driving style in real-time with the goal of achieving ‘Elite Driver Status’ - unlocking access to weekly rewards and prizes.[2]
History[edit]
A sister company to electric motor manufacturers Ashwoods Electric Motors, Lightfoot was founded by Lloyd Ash and Mark Roberts (who remains CEO) and incorporated in November 2012.[3] Lightfoot was founded in response to growing customer demand for an interactive driver solution from Ashwoods' customers.[4]
In March 2017, Lightfoot was featured on BBC South West’s Inside Out.[5]
Lightfoot launched a consumer version of their technology in September 2018.[6] This product was built on an enhanced version of their fleet system with added features, including a vehicle tax tracker, service alerts, and vehicle health reports.[7] The company had been running beta tests in the vehicles of 200 local drivers[8] and MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw, has spoken in support of Lightfoot’s benefits for the city and its drivers.[9]
Both Lightfoot and Ashwoods Electric Motors relocated to new premises ‘Innovation Valley’ at Harcombe Cross, off the Devon Expressway, in Summer 2018.[10]
Technology[edit]
Lightfoot connects directly to the vehicle’s engine via the on-board diagnostics port.[11] Vehicles report individually to a central server via M2M SIM connectivity.[12]
Rewards for Drivers[edit]
Lightfoot run a ‘Fleet Driver of the Week’ prize to reward ‘Elite Drivers’ - those who achieve a score of 85% or above for smooth driving.[13] Alongside this platform to reward drivers, Lightfoot also partner with Activa Contracts to run their Fleet Manager of the Week prize.[14]
Perks and prizes for Elite Drivers and Fleet Managers have included a year’s supply of pies, discounts on vehicle hire from Thrifty Car and Van Rental[15], and a track day with Nigel Mansell.[16]
Perks for all drivers using Lightfoot include discounts on gym memberships, supermarkets, cinemas, restaurants, and days out.[17]
Recognition and Awards[edit]
Lightfoot has received numerous awards and grants for their work in the cleantech sector. In 2017, the company was awarded roughly half[18] of a £1.8m grant from Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles as part of a drive to reduce air pollution through connected car technology.[19] Following this, Lightfoot was the first company to receive a £1m Innovation Loan from government-backed Innovate UK in April 2018.[20]
Industry Partners[edit]
Lightfoot’s driver and fleet manager awards have been sponsored by Allianz and Activa, respectively.
Lightfoot is also partnered with Arnold Clark Vehicle Management, one of the largest fleet vehicle leasing companies in the UK.[21]
The Institute of Advanced Motorists was the joint beneficiary of the previously mentioned £1.8m grant from Innovate UK and CCAV. Together with Lightfoot, they offer a training package that combines IAM’s specialist driver coaching with the use of Lightfoot to maintain newly-learned best practice.[22]
Lightfoot has a partnership with and is a sponsor of British racing driver Callum Hawkins-Row.[23]
As an Associate Member of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme[24] and a FITAS Patron[25], Lightfoot is part of a wider push for safer driving and engineering in the UK commercial vehicle industry.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Lightfoot – making our roads safer, cleaner and less expensive by rewarding better drivers". greenfleet.net. Public Sector Information Limited. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Fleet drivers in line for weekly prizes with Lightfoot". transportengineer.org.uk. MA Business Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "ASHWOODS LIGHTFOOT LIMITED". gov.uk. Companies House. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Ashwoods Automotive: Lightfoot Case Study". New Technology CADCAM.
- ↑ "Lightfoot features in BBC Inside Out program about air pollution". youtube.com. Google LLC. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ Feldberg, Alan. "Lightfoot launches to general public". bodyshopmag. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
- ↑ "Connected car firm Lightfoot receives £1 million innovation loan". gov.uk. Government Digital Service. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot joins Exeter City Futures network and launches further local beta devices to tackle congestion in the city". theexeterdaily.co.uk. The UK Daily Limited. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Bradshaw Backs Exeter Driving Pilot". absoluteprandmarketing.com. Absolute PR and Marketing Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "We're moving!". ashwoodselectricmotors.com. Ashwoods Electric Motors. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot". themilesconsultancy.com. The Miles Consultancy Limited. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Driver behaviour technology optimises fleet performance". wirelesslogic.com. Wireless Logic Group Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot gives good drivers the chance to earn £5 a week during 2018". fleetnews.co.uk. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Activa Contracts backs Lightfoot's Fleet Manager of the Week initiative". activacontracts.co.uk. Arnold Clark Finance Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Smoother drivers to get discounted vehicle hire with new partnership between Lightfoot and Thrifty". theexeterdaily.co.uk. The UK Daily Limited. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot's in-vehicle fleet driver improvement technology shortlisted for 2017 Design in Innovation Awards". drivetime.co.uk. Driven Marketing Services. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot Drivers". lightfoot.co.uk. Ashwoods Lightfoot Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Lightfoot to increase staff amid influx of fleet contract wins". commercialfleet.org. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Connected and autonomous vehicle research and development projects (p.34)" (PDF). gov.uk. gov.uk. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ Jack, Torrance (23 April 2018). "'Fitbit for cars' telematics firm Lightfoot bags first £1m loan from government's Innovate UK". Telegraph Media Group Ltd. The Telegraph. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Arnold Clark Vehicle Management partners with Lightfoot". acvm.com. Arnold Clark Finance Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "IAM & Lightfoot team up for fleet driver behaviour solution". fleetworld.co.uk. Stag Publication Ltd. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ Hawkins-Row, Callum. "Had a great time today catching up with the @Lightfoot_UK team. Happy to extend our partnership for 2018. More exciting news to come!". twitter.com. Twitter. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Driver behaviour specialist Lightfoot becomes FORS associate member". commercialfleet.org. Bauer Consumer Media. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ↑ "Fitas Patrons". fcs.org.uk. Federation of Communication Services. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
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