Tyres & telematics: Webfleet and Bridgestone join forces to deliver a full mobility solution

Since Bridgestone’s acquisition of Webfleet in 2019, then known as TomTom Telematics, the two companies have leveraged their DNA in tyre management and telematics respectively to form a full mobility solution for commercial vehicles and fleet operators. So what does that actually mean? While speaking to leading Australian transport magazine PowerTorque at the Brisbane Truck Show 2021, Webfleet and Bridgestone gave an insightful rundown on the two companies’ joint development and future roadmap. “Bringing together the joint capabilities, we will bring further smart telematics innovations to market in the coming months to deliver cost-saving efficiency improvements to business fleets and accelerate the move to connected mobility,” said Christopher Chisman-Duffy, Sales Director, Webfleet. Using data generated by Webfleet’ telematics software, and tyre management, Bridgestone is able to make more informed decisions around tyre requirements and maintenance. For instance, if a truck is recorded by the telematics to be travelling 80 per cent of the time on the open highway and 20 per cent in urban environments, this information is useful to Bridgestone in tailoring their tyre selection for that truck. It gives Bridgestone a better picture of what the tyre they supplied is expected to do.

Webfleet’ vehicle tracking technology also enables Bridgestone to get real-time alerts on moving vehicles and monitor driving behaviour. This means Bridgestone can harness predictive analytics to schedule vehicle maintenance before a major tyre problem occurs, therefore improving driver behaviour and safety. Over time this can bring down fuel usage and total running costs for the vehicles in question. “The impact of COVID-19 continues to accelerate digital adoption across almost all sectors and markets, with transport at the fore,” Chisman-Duffy said. “Evolving telematics technology is at the heart of this trend, becoming increasingly vital for managing fleets efficiently and promoting green and safe driving.” Speaking of the joint development, Sales Director at Bridgestone Australia Heath Barclay added, “We have a commitment to working with our business partners and customers to solve and provide tyre and tyre-centric solutions, and our collaboration with Webfleet bolsters this capability.” “We’re in the infancy of our collaboration, but already we’re seeing the great potential for our customers in terms of utilising Webfleet for better insights into tyre requirements and scheduled tyre maintenance, helping them make more sustainable decisions for their business,” Barclay said. Read the full article in PowerTorque magazine here.