Future Fleet Forum goes global

The world's first truly international forum dedicated to best practice and future technologies in fleet management returns to London this month. Supported by cities across the world and with an exceptional array of speakers, Future Fleet Forum is also the place to find the latest and most advanced vehicles and technologies at the accompanying exhibition.

New York City announced in December 2018 that it would transition to high-vision trucks to better protect pedestrians and cyclists, demonstrating the positive impact that Future Fleet Forum is already having around the world.

The announcement from the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services cited research carried out by fellow Future Fleet Partnership member City of London on reaction times in traditional versus high-vision vehicles. The Future Fleet Partnership was first announced at Future Fleet Forum 2018 and brings together the City of London, LAPV, and The City of New York in a collaborative effort to advance best practice, and now the City of Montreal is joining this unique initiative. Philippe Saint-Vil, Head of Rolling Stock at the City of Montreal, will announce this in his keynote address at the Future Fleet conference, where he will be joined by many other big hitters from the NYPD, Stockholm, Iowa, and many more.

The event will take place in the Guildhall in the City of London on January 23-24 2019.

The move towards high-vision by NYC is an example of exactly why LAPV founded Future Fleet Forum in the first place. This year, we are organising it on behalf of the City of London, and as the speaker and exhibitor line-up for 2019 clearly demonstrate, the event has gained a momentum that could shape the future of fleets around the world for many years to come. From safety to sustainability, the environment to vehicle crime prevention, we have once again brought you the very best international speakers and interactive workshops, covering the latest research, developments, and technology to help fleet managers advance the agenda of cleaner, greener, and safer fleets.

Then, of course, there is the exhibition. Sitting alongside the conference, the exhibition brings together the very latest in vehicles, vehicle technologies, and software solutions. Considering going electric? Head to the yard at the Guildhall to see your options up close. Need to upgrade your fleet’s safety systems? You will find a number of companies who can talk you through the various systems. From improving the cost efficiency of your purchasing or day-to-day fleet management to cutting fuel use or reducing risk to vulnerable road users, you’ll find plenty to think about at Future Fleet Forum. Here is a mere taster of the companies and products on show.

AVA/Brigade Electronics, stand 1

Visitors to the stand of London-based Advanced Vehicle Alarms will see a number of vehicle safety solutions from Brigade Electronics. The company provides installation of Brigade’s systems in commercial vehicles ranging from cars to RCVs and mobile plant.

Among the systems that will be showcased to visitors are Backeye 360, bbs-tek white sound reversing alarms, camera monitor systems, 4G live access mobile digital recording, Sidescan ultrasonic sensors, and the Backsense radar detection system. Visitors to the will also be offered advice on meeting FORS, CLOCS, and Skanska specifications as well as the new Direct Vision Standard for vehicles operating in the capital from 2020. Further advice on how to meet GDPR regulations when using camera systems will also be available.

Visitors can also find out about Brigade’s lease scheme package, which can help businesses save in corporation tax when equipping vehicles with safety features.

Allison Transmission, stand 15

Future Fleet Forum is an opportunity to preview the first nine-speed transmission from Allison Transmission. Due for launch in 2020, the nine-speed transmission aims to deliver significant fuel savings via its deep first gear ratio and integral engine stop-start system that provides immediate transmission engagement and vehicle hold while the engine is restarted.

Fuel economy is also the focus of Allison’s new Fuelsense 2.0 software package. Launched last year, the software is currently being trialled by a number of fleets and OEMs. ‘Fuelsense 2.0 has demonstrated the highest potential fuel savings in the most demanding stop-start duty cycles of the type that will be familiar to many of the visitors to Future Fleet Forum, particularly those operating in cities and congested urban areas,’ says Allison’s market development manager Nathan Wilson.

Nathan will be on the company’s stand throughout the event to meet delegates and discuss the transmission specification decisions facing public sector fleet managers across fire, construction, refuse, road maintenance, and distribution.

Assetworks, stand 6

Main sponsors Assetworks will be demonstrating the company’s Capital Asset Management software at Future Fleet 2019. CAM is an integrated asset management solution that supports the common tasks and decisions made by asset managers. It can help determine the optimal lifecycle of an asset, assist with budgeting and ordering new assets, and manage disposal at end of life.

In addition to CAM, Assetworks will also be on hand to discuss its customised solutions for fleet, fuel, hire, vehicle pool, and GPS requirements that bring together all vehicle, workshop, plan and driver management activities into one system. This includes scheduling, work management, labour tracking, and inventory management and a suite of supporting mobile apps. The Fleet Focus system for larger fleets enables the creation of custom workflows, approval processes, and key performance indicators and integrates with the Assetworks Smart Apps suite of mobile applications.

‘Future Fleet Forum provides the perfect platform for showing our next generation of fleet and integrated products,’ says Assetworks UK sales director Nick Hill. ‘CAM is an industry first and provides an opportunity for both fleet and asset managers to walk through some easy steps to building long-term strategic capital forecasts and operational replacement plans and we will have staff on hand to demonstrate this.’

Brightorder, stand 3

The future of fleet maintenance will be the focus of the Brightorder stand. The company has spent 20 years designing fleet maintenance solutions via a combination of software and system design services, and currently supports more than 1,500 companies worldwide manage the maintenance of more than 1.5 million assets.

EMDECS is Brightorder’s flagship maintenance management system, which currently helps some of the world’s most advanced fleets manage their vehicles to ensure they remain operational and compliant with national and international regulations. The system manages around 10 million repair events every year. Find out more about the system, and how it could help your fleet, on stand 3.

CMS Supatrak, stand 16

The new Jobtrak system from CMS Supatrak will be on show at Future Fleet this year. It uses NFC tag technology and a hand-held Garmin device to ensure that vehicle checks are carried out correctly and in accordance with DVSA rules. Connected navigation devices integrate CMS telematics with Garmin’s range of vehicle navigation devices and reduce driver distraction by providing one in-cab screen for vehicle telematics, navigation, and workforce management.

CMS will have a range of demonstration devices available at the exhibition and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the service improvements and savings that its various solutions can offer to local authorities.

‘Future Fleet Forum is always a great event for CMS and one that we look forward to every year,’ says managing director Jason Airey. ‘The event allows us to exhibit alongside our many business partners and to meet both our existing customers and to develop new business opportunities.’

Epic Media Group, stand 11

Local authorities looking for vehicle advertising solutions should visit the Epic Media stand. The company will be showcasing its Kwikzip changeable graphics system that is designed to make on-vehicle marketing campaigns easy and efficient.

The system is made from a lightweight aluminium frame that is secured to the side of vehicles and guaranteed for the usable life of the vehicle. Installing and changing graphics can take place with minimum vehicle downtime, and Epic’s in-house design, production, and fitting teams can manage the process from concept to installation.

The company will also be introducing its new EL system at the event, which consists of lit chevrons and cycle safety signs.

‘We like to exhibit at Future Fleet Forum as it is good to be seen in the busiest square mile in the country,’ says Kevin Murton. ‘Come along and visit our stand and we will be happy to demonstrate our systems for you.’

Faun Zoeller, stand 12

Returning exhibitor Faun Zoeller is looking forward to the chance to discuss its latest innovations with visitors the 2019 conference and exhibition. With a number of new developments launched last year, the company can offer both tailored and off-the-peg waste and street cleansing solutions.

Faun Zoeller’s product range includes refuse collection vehicles, road sweepers, and bin-lifting devices. The company launched 18 product innovations at IFAT 2018 and representatives will be available at Future Fleet Forum to talk existing and prospective customers through the various new developments and whole-life costs of its products.

‘Faun Zoeller enjoys exhibiting at Future Fleet Forum as it gives us a professional and friendly platform to engage with forward-thinking clients, who are genuinely striving to enhance their fleets and discover the best and most cost-effective fleet solutions,’ says commercial director Stewart Gregory.

Geesinknorba, stand 4

Geesinknorba is sponsoring Future Fleet Forum for the fourth time as the company believes the future focus of the event aligns perfectly with its own innovative agenda.

The business is excited to be back at Future Fleet after a very successful year, as UK business director Mick Hill explains. ‘Not only have we launched our new N4 rear loader, but our first all-electric vehicles have commenced operation in the UK.’

Geesinknorba’s Li-On Power Pro battery technology, which makes all-electric RCVs possible, is the culmination of work begun in 2001 when the business began work on hybrid technology. Combined with its GPMIV body, Geesinknorba believes that this technology represents the future of the industry.

The company also launched the new N4 in 2018, which it described as ‘a picture of simplicity’. ‘It’s an upgrade of our very popular N3, which we have redesigned for improved operational efficiency. It can be run on either our hybrid or all-electric technology.’

On Geesinknorba’s return to the event Mick says: ‘We’re taking a stand at Future Fleet Forum to show visitors how our innovative approach to waste management continues to pave the way for operators in the UK and how we can use our expertise to address their individual needs.’

Johnston Sweepers, stand 9

Johnston Sweepers will be exhibiting its first full-size, electrically-powered, zero-emissions, truck-mounted sweeper at Future Fleet Forum 2019.

Part of the company’s drive to develop alternative fuel technologies, the Johnston VE651, known as Evie (electric vehicle/intelligent electronics), is a proof-of-concept vehicle. The full-size truck sweeper is mounted on a specially modified 16t chassis. It is driven by a high-performance 350kW electric motor, powered by a 200kWh Lithium-ion phosphate battery pack.

Evie is a zero-emissions, low-maintenance sweeper with a six-tonne payload that is ideal for municipal use. It has been designed to cope with a full sweeping shift with overnight recharging at the depot and is virtually noise-free.

‘Future Fleet Forum is a fantastic launch pad for our latest sweepers and developments. It is an important date in the municipal calendar for anyone interested in alternative fuel technologies,’ says Graham Howlett. ‘We welcome the opportunity to meet with customers and network with colleagues to share ideas on the latest advances in municipal vehicle design.’

NRG Fleet Services/Electra Commercial Vehicles, stand 7

‘NRG Fleet Services is once again supporting Future Fleet Forum and we are proud to sponsor the event in conjunction with Electra Commercial Vehicles,’ says commercial director Russell Markstein. ‘This year we will be exhibiting the Electra based on a Dennis Eagle Elite narrow chassis with an Olympus body and Terberg Omni-Del bin lift, and a Mercedes Econic urban tractor unit.’

The all-electric Electra, which recently won a Green Fleet Award for Industry Innovation of the Year 2018, was first shown at Future Fleet Forum 2018 and has already made an impact in the municipal sector. The truck has since been on trial in the City of London, Manchester, Sheffield, Stockton-on-Tees, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Leeds, operating on standard collection rounds. ‘The Electra has demonstrated that it can meet the demands of trade and domestic refuse rounds and, most significantly, has proven that high-polluting vehicles that visit homes, businesses, schools and public buildings every week can be replaced by a zero-emissions truck.’

Further Electra vehicles are currently in build at the company’s Blackburn factory, including a Mercedes Econic refrigerated 26t, two Isuzu refrigerated 7.5t, seven Dennis Eagle narrow RCVs (18t and 26t) for the City of London refuse contract, a skip loader, and a 3.5t box van for urban delivery.

Russell believes that Future Fleet Forum is the ideal event to showcase Electra. ‘It is now the premier event in this sector, not just for exhibiting vehicles but also for the genuine networking opportunity it offers, with an excellent conference and relevant subject matter up for debate.’

Quartix, stand 28

Find out about how the Quartix vehicle tracking system can help streamline processes, reduce costs, and lower mileage and carbon emissions as the company showcases its technology at Future Fleet.

The Quartix system enables transport and operations managers to manage fleets more effectively, improve the safety of drivers, and reduce fuel consumption via intuitive dashboards and reports that help pinpoint ways to drive down operational costs and deliver a more efficient service.

Using Quartix, local authorities can monitor fuel consumption, vehicle movements and driver behaviour to cut carbon emissions, enhance the responsiveness of customer service, improve risk management through driver education, and support green agendas and improve road safety.

Specialist Fleet Services, stand 27

First-time exhibitor Specialist Fleet Services is attending Future Fleet Forum 2019 alongside its municipal hire division CTS Hire.

Together SFS and CTS provide a comprehensive range of services from short-term vehicle hire and spot hire, to long-term contract hire, complex fleet solutions and workshop provision as well as asset finance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the services offered by SFS, which already numbers a number of local authorities among its customers, including Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Kettering Borough Council, Lichfield and Tamworth Joint Waste Service, Hambleton District Council, Teignbridge District Council, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

CTS Hire stocks a wide range of municipal and specialist vehicles, all available for short or long-term hire. The hire fleet includes 3.5t to 32t RCVs, specialist recycling vehicles, self-drive hire sweepers, hook loaders, skip loaders, and caged tippers.

SFS managing director Bob Sweetland says: ‘We are excited about exhibiting at Future Fleet Forum 2019 and we are looking forward to the opportunity to network with customers and colleagues.’

Thomas Group, stand 31

Thomas Group is making the switch from visitor to exhibitor at Future Fleet 2019. The contract hire and vehicle rental specialist has attended every event since its launch to take full advantage of the networking potential of the event.

In fact, the 2018 edition led to an emissions-reduction pilot project involving Thomas Group and Wakefield Council. The Future Fleet initiative resulted in a reduction in emissions for all vehicles and real-time fuel cost savings, and the business is keen to discuss the potential for future such projects with attendees this year.

‘We are extremely excited to be exhibiting at Future Fleet Forum, which is always an engaging and informative two days with industry experts,’ says Kevin O’Sullivan. ‘At a time when cost savings and emission targets are at the forefront of fleet managers’ priorities, we can provide a robust solution in the form of Fuelbright Diesel 1000 fuel additive, and we look forward to discussing this with visitors.’

Truck Align, stand 22

Truck Align is hoping to use Future Fleet Forum as a platform to demonstrate just how effective an additional window in the lower passenger-side door of a truck is for improving a driver’s vision of the danger area for HGVs.

The company, which designs and manufactures driver visibility aids for HGVs, will be showcasing its Truck Door Window range that has been designed to provide an unobstructed view of the area to the front left of a vehicle, where the majority of incidents between HGVS and vulnerable road users occur.

The windows are available in both fixed or lowerable options. They feature a single-glazed unit, bonded into the door using type-approved glass to retain the structural integrity of the door. They provide a clear, unobstructed view even when the window is lowered.

‘Many fleet operators across the UK are now mandating such windows in recognition of the role they can play in helping to reduce accidents and fatalities and cut down on any potentially costly liability for their business and drivers,’ says Tony Rodwell. ‘Future Fleet Forum provides an ideal opportunity to showcase these products to the relevant target audience and appropriate decision makers.’

Vehicle Weighing Solutions, stand 2

Vehicle Weighing Solutions will be showcasing its integrated bin-weighing and waste management software system at Future Fleet.

Purgo is an enterprise resource planning waste management and recycling software system that manages all waste collection and management processes end to end. When used with the company’s weights and measures-approved Enviroweigh bin-weigher, operators can monitor collections, calculate the profitability of rounds, and receive live updates on any issues with access or overweight bins.

VWS will also be showing its VOP2 (vehicle overload protection system). This can be fitted to most commercial vehicles ranging from 3.5t gross vehicle weight and doesn’t rely on springs or transducers. Instead, load sensors are installed between the axle and body of a vehicle to detect the load applied to the axles. VWS managing director Julian Glasspole says: ‘Future Fleet Forum is a lively and dynamic event, and key on our annual calendar. We are looking forward to a busy few days, meeting customers and networking with colleagues as well as enjoying the speakers.'

WNV Systems, stand 5

Find out more about heavy vehicle cleaning facilities at the WNV Systems stand. The company designs, manufactures, supplies, and installs cleaning systems for the bus and coach industries and local authorities. These installations cover automatic and manual systems, including WNV’s patented automatic under-chassis wash system, which will be on show at the event.

The automatic under-chassis wash system can clean commercial vehicles to MOT standard and has been successfully installed at more than 40 UK local authorities. The system eliminates some of the common health and safety concerns associated with manual chassis washing – no one needs to be under the vehicle during the cleaning operation, for example – and is also more cost effective.

The automated under-chassis wash is normally installed with a DEFRA-approved water reclamation system designed by WNV Systems to process the effluent from the cleaning operation reclamation. It can also be integrated into rain-water harvesting systems, helping to save on water costs.

Other services offered by WNV include water testing for Legionella programmes in line with HSE guidelines.

Sales manager Darren Bright says the company is delighted to be back exhibiting at Future Fleet Forum. ‘We had a very successful show in 2018, meeting with engineering managers, and we are extremely pleased to be back again for 2019.’

YPO, stand 29

It’s not just about what you buy but how you buy it. YPO has been helping public sector organisations buy more effectively through a range of legally-compliant frameworks for more than 40 years, and the not-for-profit company will this year have a stand at the exhibition to talk visitors through the most suitable options for their operations.

‘I attended in 2018 as a delegate and realised that the event would be an excellent exhibitor opportunity for YPO,’ explains Ian Reed, YPO category manager for fleet. ‘It has the perfect mix of local authorities and companies in the fleet, transport, and logistics sectors.’

YPO has a range of frameworks that can help local authorities buy everything from specialist vehicles to vehicle telematics, and even tyres, saving both time and money. A team of experienced staff will be on hand to explain the various frameworks and the organisation can even tailor solutions to meet specific needs and requirements. Visit the team on stand 29 to find out more.

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