Minorplanet helps Gentoo Group drive down vehicle costs

Sunderland-based Gentoo Group, the ambitious people and property business, is driving down the cost of vehicle leasing and purchasing by using vehicle tracking systems from telematics specialists Minorplanet.

By maximising the use of every vehicle in its 345-strong fleet, Gentoo Group is reducing the need to add vehicles to its fleet unnecessarily – thereby cutting tens of thousands of pounds from its capital expenditure.

Minorplanet landed the £340,000 contract to supply and maintain telematics systems for Gentoo Group’s vehicle fleet in February. The contract is for three years and covers driver and operator training and full maintenance and support.

Minorplanet’s vehicle tracking and reporting systems enable managers to constantly monitor the length of time vehicles are in use and the mileage they cover.

“This information is invaluable for us,” said Gentoo Group transport manager Ian Bell. “In simple terms, if there’s a request from any area of our organisation for an additional vehicle, before making that capital expenditure we can examine the usage of all our vehicles, identify one that is not fully utilised, and that can be redeployed to save the purchase or leasing expenditure on obtaining a new vehicle.

“By constantly monitoring vehicle usage, we can instantly move underused vehicles to locations where they can be used more effectively, so ensuring that every single vehicle in the fleet is fully utilised all the time. This brings about a significant reduction in the number of new vehicles we have to purchase or lease. And that in turn drives down the cost of fuel, servicing, maintenance and all other associated vehicle costs.”

Gentoo Group is a people and property business which provides a variety of services, including repairs and maintenance, to 36,000 homes on behalf of the tenants in Sunderland. It is also responsible for newbuild developments. In recent times it has landed contracts to supply similar services to neighbouring local authorities in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Newbiggin, Ashington (Northumberland) and Crook (Durham).

“The control over vehicle utilisation that Minorplanet brings us is even more important now that our vehicles are spread out over a wider geographical area,” said Ian.

Other benefits of the Minorplanet VMIgreenlight installation are being enjoyed by Gentoo Group. For example, large savings in insurance costs have been achieved. The detailed reports on vehicle location at any given time generated by the Minorplanet system enables Gentoo to challenge false third party insurance claims.

The ability of Minorplanet’s web-based and centrally hosted communications system enable Gentoo Group to monitor instances of driver behaviour which can include speeding, harsh accelerating or braking, and sharp cornering.

“All our drivers are assessed every three years to check their driving techniques, so this facility from Minorplanet gives us early warning of any drivers who may require retraining in the meantime.”

Gentoo press release