Wondle announces launch of AI damage solution platform

Wondle has announced the launch of its new platform which uses artificial intelligence (AI) powered detection for damage-related processes.

The platform can capture vehicle condition through its image-capture tool and customers can produce condition reports supported by time and location stamped photographs, the company said.

The capability enables processes including delivery condition, end-of-contract damage and delivery driver/in transit damage to be fully digitised, Wondle said.

Wondle was founded by Matt Cranny (LeasePlan and Holman) and Simon Carr (LeasePlan, BMW Group).

Cranny said: “From years on the inside of the automotive industry we knew that minor damage on vehicles is the cause of so much time, cost and customer unhappiness.

“We wanted to fix that, for everyone involved; with the launch of Wondle, we can truly promise that. Damage does not have to be damaging.”

Carr said: “Many mobility businesses, large and small, feel the pain of minor and cosmetic damage. It wasn’t working for anyone involved, including customers, and it needed a good answer. Wondle is that answer.”

Auto Windscreens targets net zero by 2045

Following its commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) earlier in the year, Auto Windscreens has announced its targets to achieve net zero by 2045.

As part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment, Auto Windscreens has published its action plan which includes deliverables in Scope 1 and 2 (emissions controlled or owned by the company) as well as Scope 3 (emissions which the organisation is indirectly responsible for, up and down its value chain).

Key activities include having a fully electric fleet by 2035, removing all fossil fuelled heating systems in its buildings, engaging with its supply chain to ensure best practices are being adhered to and continuing its carbon offsetting programme.

The targets are to be net zero in its Scope 1 and 2 by 2035, 82% reduction in Scope 3 by 2040 and net zero as a business by 2045.

Shaun Atton, business support director at Auto Windscreens, said: “Putting in place tangible environmental plans quickly has been a key focus for me and announcing they’ve been prepared for submission to the SBTI is an important milestone in our journey.

“We will be championing the importance of the initiative with our partners, customers and suppliers and will be further embedding the ethos and culture with our own colleagues.

“ESG has been firmly on our agenda as a business for several years, in 2017 we were recognised as a carbon neutral business, but it’s also important that we think what we as individuals can do to help beat climate change. Together we can make a huge difference.”

Silvey Fleet achieves IIC Gold accreditation

Silvey Fleet has been awarded Gold Investor in Customers (IIC) accreditation in recognition of its customer service.

The IIC carried out assessments of Silvey Fleet’s customers and staff, as well as undertaking their own independent research, to evaluate the company’s performance.

The assessments included testing principals such as ‘understanding and meeting the customer’s needs’, ‘delighting customers’ and ‘building loyalty’.

James Edmonds, customer experience director at the IIC, said: “We’re delighted to see Silvey Fleet awarded Gold accreditation in their 2022 assessment with us.

“The award is a testament to all the hard work they and their employees put into delivering customer outcomes of the highest standard. To receive this prestigious mark of trust on Silvey Fleet’s first attempt is note-worthy as fewer than 30% of companies achieve this accolade.

“The customer clearly runs through everything they do, and we look forward to working with this great organisation for many years to come."

Miriam James, managing director at Silvey Fleet, said: “Of greatest importance is receiving the invaluable feedback from our customers on, not only how we are perceived today, but also how they see the future.

“This enables us to respond proactively to the ever-changing environment and ensure that our future plans remain aligned with our customers, and we continue to deliver customer excellence.”

Prohire helps improve customer service with TNS 365

Prohire Group said it has improved customer service through a new partnership with TNS 365.

The group said it wanted to further enhance the customer experience for van and truck operators who rely on Prohire for emergency breakdown and repair and has brought in TNS 365 to provide additional support.

TNS 365 provides Prohire with an overflow call centre service during office hours, handling calls when Prohire’s own operators are experiencing high demand.

TNS 365 also acts as Prohire’s out of hours breakdown and repair service from 6pm to 7am.

Gary Banister, group operations director at Prohire Group, said: “Call handling was an area of operations we felt we could further improve by working with a third party and this has proved to be the case.

“In fact, TNS 365 has enabled us to significantly reduce call handling times both during office hours and out of hours. This has been especially helpful while we roll out a new phone system in our offices.”

Sapphire Vehicle Services launches HGV maintenance course

Sapphire Vehicle Services has launched a course for car and van technicians to equip them with skills to look after HGVs.

The candidates will complete six one-week blocks across a 12-month period before a final assessment.

The company’s first intake of six candidates are nearing the end of their training, which began in February.

All are working full-time in Sapphire workshops across the country – in Bedford, Dartford, Northampton, and East Kilbride in Scotland.

Dave Williams, group operations director at Sappire, said: “We’re always on the lookout for competent and experienced truck technicians but there’s a shortage of qualified people across the country. So, we decided to be proactive and train our own.

“We’re taking car and van technicians who are already level-three qualified, and giving them an intensive, one-year course to equip them with the specialised knowledge and skills to work on heavy vehicles.”

Sapphire also runs an apprenticeship programme aimed at candidates entering the industry for the first time, which the new scheme runs alongside, and aims to provide a “quicker fix”.

One of two trainee technicians based at Sapphire’s Northampton depot is 31-year-old Isaac Adusei, who has eight years’ experience working on cars and vans.

Williams added: “Isaac and fellow Northampton trainee Tom Saunders have really grasped the opportunity we’ve given them – but so have all six of the guys we recruited for this initiative.

“We’ll continue to look for imaginative ways to boost our staff with top-quality people, but the upskilling programme has certainly been a success.”