Tag: vehicles

Irish Motor Insurance Database Implemented to Help Detect Uninsured Vehicles and Drivers – Each year insurance claims for uninsured vehicles cost €60-€70 million

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) in cooperation with Insurance Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport, has implemented a central insurance database which is referred to as the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will help identify uninsured vehicles and drivers. This database is underpinned by Legislation under Section 78A of the Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) which requires all insurers to provide motor policy information to the database.

TEKenable, MIBI’s solution provider, working closely with the insurance industry, through Insurance Ireland and the MIBI, identified the need to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for insurers and the Gardai to meet the obligations placed on them by the legislation.  Tekenable designed and developed the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will assist the Gardai in enforcement of the insurance requirements in the Road Traffic Act. This will ultimately help to reduce uninsured driving which in turn will reduce premiums and help to improve road safety.

“In Ireland, it’s compulsory for all vehicles to have motor insurance.  If any person suffers physical injury and property damage that’s caused by an uninsured vehicle, MIBI will deal with the claim and pay compensation to the victim.  MIBI, as a not for profit organisation, is financed by levies on the insurance industry. These levies are ultimately paid by law abiding insured motorists with €30-€35 included in the premium paid by drivers,” explains Tom O’Brien, Technical Claims Manager at MIBI.  “This puts an extra burden on law abiding drivers and motor insurance companies while the person with an uninsured vehicle attempts to get away without paying anything.”

The IMID integrates with the underwriting platforms at approximately 40 insurers and collects data on a nightly basis from each insurer. This data is processed overnight and then shared with An Garda Síochána who make it available to front-line Gardai via their internal systems and mobility devices. The MIBI also plans to share the data with the National Vehicle & Driver File (NVDF) at the Department of Transport.

The IMID is one of the largest financial services databases in Ireland today as it contains details on over 3 million vehicles and over 5 million drivers that are insured to drive those vehicles.

The complex and sensitive data in the database will allow Gardai, the Department of Transport and the MIBI to see real-time insurance data pertaining to motor vehicles and their drivers.

“The new system delivers a secure database that connects insurers, MIBI, the Department of Transport and the Gardai, giving them highly secure access to motor insurance data at any time,” concludes Tom.  “The data in IMID facilitates live access to insurance data by Gardai at the road side through their mobile devices.  This is a gamechanger as it allows the Gardai to check the insurance status of both vehicles and drivers that they have stopped.  This will help reduce uninsured driving and improve road safety.”

Bank of Ireland Finance Announced as Exclusive Finance Partner of All-Electric Smart Vehicles in Ireland

Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner of the all-electric motor franchise Smart – with two new Smart electric vehicles (EVs) now available on the Irish market.

Both new cars, the Smart#1 and Smart#3, feature a premium design fitted with advanced technology, with a range of both four-door and five-seater models available. The new Smart cars are exclusively distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) and sold nationwide through their Smart dealer network.

Following a period of steady rather than spectacular EV sales performance over the past couple of years during market reconfiguration, interest in EVs and applications for EV financing are trending higher again with the latest Bank of Ireland figures revealing;

  • Used EV purchase applications up 125% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • New EV purchase applications up 41% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • Overall, 56% increase in EV purchase funding in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • 9 out of 10 EV drivers move into another EV after their original PCP contract ends

Bank of Ireland Finance, which works with 23 motor franchises nationwide to provide low-rate APR offers for EVs, is the largest provider of wholesale finance for both battery electric and plug-in hybrid EV purchases. The EV market continues to evolve as the number of owners with range anxiety falls due to improved charging infrastructure, and awareness levels surrounding EV choice and value rise as motorists become more environmentally conscious.

John Feeney, Head of Property, Project and Asset-backed Finance, Bank of Ireland said: “It’s an exciting time for Smart to introduce these two new models to the Irish market, and Bank of Ireland Finance has an extensive range of flexible finance options available to customers looking to purchase a Smart car.”

 “The switch to EVs is an important part of Ireland’s overall green transition, and with more than €11 billion in sustainable lending already extended, and a target to reach €30 billion by the end of the decade, our focus is on helping consumers and businesses on their green journey. We look forward to supporting customers in making a plug-in or hybrid EV purchase as the market develops further and the sustainable motoring transition gathers speed.” 

EasyGo Reaches Landmark Milestone of One-Million Charges

Erapid Charger Company Limited, trading as “EasyGo”, the largest private electric vehicle charging network operator in Ireland has today announced it has reached a landmark moment with its one-millionth charging session since the company was founded in 2018.

To mark the occasion, EasyGo customer Marcin Owocki from Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, who made the one-millionth charging session, was awarded a €250 EV charging credit on his EasyGo account, the equivalent of one year’s free charging based on his current usage. Marcin made the charge at the Midleton Park Hotel and was also gifted a lunch for two at the hotel.

Commenting on the milestone, Oliver Chatten, CEO of EasyGo said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we reach one-million charges. Mr. Owocki makes use of a prepay contract with EasyGo and currently uses both our mobile application and an EasyGo fob to charge his electric vehicle and we are delighted to award him for using our services.”

He continued, “There are over 60,000 registered subscribers on the EasyGo mobile app and we are on track to see this increase with plans to roll out over 3,000 fast DC chargers by 2032. We’re committed to continually delivering enhanced services to existing and new customers across Ireland, staying in-line with our mission of decarbonising transport, providing accessible and efficient EV charging solutions for them.”

Anais Gilles, Sales and Marketing Manager of Midleton Park Hotel added: “The demand for EV charging facilities has grown significantly in recent years among visitors to our hotel, and we are delighted to partner with EasyGo to provide EV infrastructure for customers.

We’re proud that the one-millionth charge took place here at Middleton Park Hotel, it’s great to see customers such as Mr. Owocki – who has clocked 158 sessions at the Middleton Park Hotel – use these facilities.”

The one-millionth milestone comes after the announcement of Oliver Chatten as CEO of EasyGo and recent investments of €30 million by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc and an increased investment from Rubicon Capital Advisors.

EasyGo is Ireland’s fastest-growing and largest privately owned EV charge point operator and turnkey solutions provider. Its EV charging network provides access to over 4,000 charging points in 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland. The EasyGo mobile application grew by approximately 2,000 users each month in 2023.

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

Pinergy & Kearys driving an electric future for Munster Rugby

Energy specialist Pinergy, in partnership with Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, was joined by Munster Rugby players Simon Zebo, Niall Scannell and Patrick Campbell at Musgrave Park for the announcement of the installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging technology and the distribution of electric vehicles to Munster Rugby staff.

The new initiative sees Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group working alongside Munster Rugby to begin migrating their car fleet to electric, supporting Munster Rugby’s ambitions to reduce staff emissions in their day-to-day travel. Pinergy will also install the latest Easee EV charging technology in Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes, to help power their battery every morning. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from players, coaches, Development Officers, and administrative staff. Based on their needs, staff members availing of the new charging solutions will also be supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs.

Pinergy has supported Munster Rugby since 2017, through the provision of renewable energy as the province’s Official Energy Partner and through the offering of essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy use.

In November 2021, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008 – first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Munster Rugby pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.

Pinergy is serving as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park to help achieve their Net Zero ambitions by reducing their carbon footprint through a range of energy supply & solutions.

Speaking at the launch at Musgrave Park today, Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is fantastic to see the tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy, Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, who all share the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership allows Munster Rugby staff members to drive change in their everyday lives, ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future. The new EV charging solutions showcases Pinergy’s commitment to helping Munster Rugby become one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the world, with our focus over the past six years remaining in innovation, collaboration, and a collective determination to make positive changes. We are delighted to support Munster Rugby on this journey and have no doubt that our long-standing partnership with the province will continue to lead towards a brighter, greener future for all at Munster Rugby.”

Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits for a greener future.

“We are delighted to have Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group supporting our staff in making a difference first-hand to our carbon footprint and contributing to our greener ambitions.

“This EV project partnership is an inspiring step forward in our sustainability commitment as we continue to target reaching Net Zero by 2040.”

Brendan Keary, CEO, Kearys Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munster Rugby and Pinergy to contribute to Munster Rugby’s vision of a more sustainable future, not just for rugby in the province, but also life in the community. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation makes this partnership a truly exciting one, and through providing electric vehicles to some of the dedicated staff members of Munster Rugby, we are not only supporting the club’s journey towards Net Zero carbon emissions, but also setting a new standard for responsible, sustainable living nationwide.”

Committed to Munster Rugby, Pinergy is also proud sponsor of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir as well as being title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.

Drivers in the Republic of Ireland can now claim up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of Indra’s EV home chargers

Indra, leading British electric vehicle (EV) charging provider and smart energy technology company, has announced today that its range of smart EV home chargers has achieved Triple E certification from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This means that EV drivers can now claim up to €600 off their Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ purchase and installation through the Irish Government’s Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme, which is designed to encourage the transition towards EV adoption in Ireland.

The Triple E certification is an important step for Indra as the British manufacturer continues to scale its operations and enter the Irish market.  With 75,000 EVs currently on the road in Ireland, the market has shown impressive growth, including a 49% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

Leighton King, Chief Commercial Officer at Indra, said:

“We are delighted that EV drivers in Ireland are now able to access the government grant scheme to purchase and install Indra EV home chargers, making the transition to EVs more affordable.

“But that is not the only potential cost saving for EV drivers as our chargers come with the latest charging technology, giving users access to the greenest and cheapest energy tariffs.”

Compatible with any energy supplier, the Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers work seamlessly with Indra’s intuitive app, helping users to minimise both their carbon footprint and energy bills.

All Indra chargers are equipped with industry leading, proprietary, and patented PESTTM technology and water and dust protection, making them the safest EV chargers on the market. The Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers automatically receive remote over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep them getting smarter every day.

Indra’s class-leading smart EV chargers are available for purchase via its website. To find out more about Indra, please visit: https://www.indra.co.uk/

Bank of Ireland and Nevo Announce Finance Partnership Agreement

Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner for Nevo, Ireland’s first dedicated electric vehicle platform. The Nevo platform offers a comprehensive range of services for people who want to learn more about electric vehicle ownership, and those looking to make the switch to electric motoring.

The latest insights from the Irish motoring industry revealed that 26% of all new cars licensed in the first five months of 2023 were electrically chargeable vehicles (PHEV or EV), while 18% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric – compared with 13% in the same period in 2022.

The timing of the new agreement is key also, with sales figures from the first quarter of 2023 revealing that new fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales by-passed diesel car sales for the very first time.

As dedicated finance provider Bank of Ireland Finance will work with Nevo to support customers as the EV transition gathers pace and Ireland enacts its Climate Action Plan aiming to achieve the Government’s stated target of having 945,000 electric vehicles on our roads by 2030. This is the latest step taken by Bank of Ireland as it makes progress across its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars. It also signifies another funding milestone for an indigenous Irish business, following Nevo’s growth since its launch in early 2022.

Speaking at the formal launch of the partnership in College Green Derek McDermott, Managing Director at Bank of Ireland Finance said: “Our recently published Sustainability Report sets out the steps that Bank of Ireland is taking in supporting our customers in making the green transition, and this Nevo partnership is another important stage on that journey. Bank of Ireland Finance is now working with Nevo in providing consumers with the information they need to make the right choice in this area, as the sales of plug-in and fully electric vehicles continue to increase.”

Derek Reilly, Nevo General Manager added: “Nevo is delighted to partner with Bank of Ireland Finance, and we have a shared goal of supporting Irish consumers and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles and a greener future. Bank of Ireland Finance is uniquely positioned within the Irish automotive industry, already partnered with 22 of the motor manufacturers and OEMs operating here. All of these brands and franchise dealerships are available on Nevo, which allows consumers access every fully electric and plug-in model in one location. Nevo also provides the latest electric vehicle reviews, advice and technology news to help consumers make the switch with ease”

The Importance of Having a Tracking Dash Cam in Your Fleet Vehicles

Are you a fleet manager and worried about the safety of your drivers out on the road? If so, equipping your vehicles with a tracking dash cam should be one of your top priorities.

Dash cams are becoming increasingly commonplace in many commercial fleets due to their ability to monitor driver behavior and provide visual evidence of any type of incident. Why is having a tracking dash cam an important part of keeping your employees safe while also improving overall operations efficiency in your fleet? Read on to hear our answer.

What is a tracking dash cam and why is it important for fleet vehicles?

A tracking dash cam is a video camera designed specifically for use in vehicles, providing a continuous recording of the road ahead.

For fleet vehicles, such cameras are essential for a number of reasons. They can improve safety by monitoring driver behavior and identifying hazardous driving practices and also serve as a powerful tool for fleet management. By providing real-time location data for each vehicle, as well as detailed information about driving speeds and routes taken, the right dash cam for your semi truck can help fleet managers optimize schedules, reduce fuel consumption and increase overall efficiency. Additionally, these cameras can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident or other incident, helping resolve disputes and protect against fraudulent insurance claims.

All in all, a tracking dash cam is an important investment for any fleet looking to improve safety, streamline operations, and protect their assets.

The Benefits of Installing a Tracking Dash Cam in Your Fleet Vehicles

Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among fleet vehicle owners and for good reason. These innovative devices offer a wide range of benefits that can greatly improve the efficiency and safety of any fleet operation. Let’s take a closer look.

Monitor Driver Behavior

Tracking dash cams has revolutionized the way we monitor driver behavior. With advanced features such as GPS tracking and G-force sensors, these devices are capable of capturing every detail of a driver’s journey. By analyzing this data, fleet managers and business owners can gain valuable insights into their drivers’ behavior and identify areas for improvement.

Not to mention, dash cams reduce the risk of accidents, as drivers are more likely to behave responsibly when they know they are being monitored. As technology continues to improve, there has never been a better time to invest in a tracking dash cam to keep your drivers safe and accountable on the road.

Improve Fleet Safety

A tracking dash cam like CameraMatics fleet camera systems is a great tool to improve fleet safety for companies with a large number of vehicles on the roads. This technology offers real-time monitoring of driver behavior to ensure they are following all traffic laws and driving safely.

With a tracking dash cam, fleet managers can easily identify and address any issues, including speeding or distracted driving, before they escalate into more serious problems. In addition, the footage recorded by the dash cam can serve as evidence in the event of an accident or insurance claim, which can save time and money for both the company and the driver involved. Pretzel City business owners can review the incident and work with Truck Accident Legal Experts in Reading, PA to understand liability and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. This collaboration can be crucial in mitigating legal repercussions and protecting the company’s interests.

Reduce Operating Costs

Dash cams are a smart investment for any business looking to cut operating costs. This innovative technology not only helps to retain valuable company assets and reduce insurance premiums, but it also promotes safer driving habits among employees.

Tracking dash cams capture and store footage of driving activity, allowing business owners to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and protect against false claims. With the ability to track mileage, location, and speed, businesses can manage their fleets more efficiently and take corrective action when needed.

Identifying the Right Dash Cam System for Your Business

Every business owner wants to ensure the safety and security of their vehicles and drivers on the road. That’s why dash cam systems have become an essential tool for many companies. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to identify the right one for your business.

You need to consider video quality, storage capacity, GPS tracking, and ease of use. By doing your research and carefully evaluating your needs, you can find the dash cam system that will provide the best protection for your business on the road.

Installation and Maintenance Tips For Tracking Dash Cams

If you’re considering investing in a tracking dash cam, know that proper installation and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your device. First and foremost, make sure your dash cam is mounted securely on your windshield or dashboard and that it has a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead. Regularly reviewing your footage and setting your camera to overwrite old files can help ensure that you’re always capturing important information.

Keeping your device clean and regularly checking for updates can prevent technical issues down the line. By taking these simple steps, you can feel confident that your tracking dash cam is working at its best level possible.

 

Tracking dashcams are becoming valuable tools for fleet business owners as they provide a host of benefits, from monitoring driver behavior and improving safety to reducing operating costs.

By acknowledging the advantages that these devices offer, companies can create an optimum level of safeguard for their fleet vehicles while making informed decisions in regard to operational expenses.

Metaverse Operations Autonomous Electric Vehicles And The Digital Economy Set To Transform The Travel Industry

Several powerful megatrends – from young, highly connected travelers to the arrival of electric air taxis – will exert an immense influence on air travel over the next decade, forcing industry, governments, and technology to adapt rapidly. This is according to “Meet the Megatrends,” a new report from SITA that examines 12 emerging technological, societal, traveler, and economic trends that will significantly morph the travel landscape by 2033.

These megatrends do not exist in silos but operate in an evolving ecosystem where emerging technologies interconnect the trends and help drive them forward. Data is at the heart of this ecosystem. The increasing willingness of providers to share data across the wider travel industry will help further accelerate these trends and pave the way to the more connected, seamless travel experience that passengers want.

Ilkka Kivelä, VP Strategy and Innovation, SITA, said: “The air transport industry is at a post-pandemic crossroads, facing challenges from all sides. While the travel recovery accelerates globally, airports and airlines are scrambling to provide the seamless travel experience passengers expect, often with slashed workforces and squeezed budgets. The climate crisis demands swifter and more decisive industry action to make travel more sustainable. We now have an opportunity to reimagine the world of travel, connect the dots and transform travel with bold solutions that cross sectors and exploit the latest technologies.”

One of the key trends identified in the report is Gen Z and millennial travelers driving a digital transformation of the transport industry, demanding a more integrated digital journey, and accelerating the digital way of life. Privacy, digital identity rights, and controls for passengers will be a priority for passengers opening the door to a future where we can travel from everywhere to anywhere without the need for physical documents or being stopped for identification.

Another power trend is the automation and emergence of smart airports, which will reshape the workforce, give rise to a new flattened business organization, and streamline operations through technology. By 2030 metaverse operations will be commonplace at leading airports and play a vital role in optimizing processes, avoiding disruption, and facilitating intuitive, immersive control of intelligent airports. This in turn will require new skills and create new opportunities for employees in the industry.

Meanwhile, electric air vehicles are expected to be ubiquitous at major international airports by the end of the decade, operating as an effective auxiliary service and revenue stream for airports and airlines. This year alone, investment in the Urban Air Mobility industry has skyrocketed, with $4.7 billion committed to the development of eVTOL vehicles.

Ilkka Kivelä said: “These trends are shaping SITA’s own innovation agenda. We’re excited to be working across many of these areas and look forward to collaborating with partners to drive positive change across the industry.”

The report was spearheaded by the SITA Lab innovation team and draws upon insights from across the transport industry, SITA’s global research, and the latest cutting-edge proof of concepts to identify the most powerful shifts that will drive the travel industry’s evolution by 2033.