National Coach Network auto-quote function extended across UK
National Coach Network extended its lead generation platform’s new auto-quote system for coach hire across the UK from 17 October and says that the approach is “revolutionising” the way it works with clients and operators.
Auto-quote was initially launched in March. So far over 250 operator partners are signed up, with 170 already using the functionality. The supplier also has a new ‘instant price’ client-facing brand that it will debut on a region-by-region basis from November.
The approach delivers what National Coach Network says is “instant and accurate quotes with ease,” and automates the pricing process for operator partners. That will reduce their workload and deliver real-time rates to clients to give a better service and enable faster decision-making.
National Coach Network says that the auto-quote system integrates into an operator’s pricing structure to give them control “of all variables such as vehicle-specific costs, seasonal price changes, job type surcharges, or discounts and profit margins.”
Because of that, it uses neither predictive pricing and historical data to forecast future rates, nor fixed prices. Managing Director Matthew Atkinson (pictured, left) says that National Coach Network initially explored the predictive pricing model but decided against using it.
“Historical data cannot be used in times of economic instability or when accessing new markets,” he explains. “And it is just not possible to accurately meet individualised or specialist requirements using predictive pricing models.”
The alternative approach deployed “empowers operators to maintain control over their pricing and quotes,” the supplier continues.
Notes Mr Atkinson: “Auto-quoting takes an operator’s actual pricing structure, which can differ from vehicle to vehicle and with all parameters set and controlled by it, to auto-calculate its quote.
“We calculate the intricate operator variables such as operator-specific mileage and driving hours, including what time the driver needs to arrive at the yard, how many breaks will be required, and whether they would return to base between movements.” The system also adds any Clean Air Zone, Low Emission Zone or parking charges, along with airport fees.
National Coach Network has been working on the auto-quote product for over two years, it adds. Mr Atkinson says that came with “endless” challenges and that the supplier has rebuilt its systems to provide the data needed.
Auto-quote generates prices for all suitable vehicles from over 30 operators within a second to give up to 100 quote options.
Steady rollout of the auto-quote platform since March has allowed a controlled deployment before moving to mass market, Mr Atkinson continues. “We are currently seeing an increase in booking conversion of up to 8% when utilising auto-quote response to get back to our clients quicker,” he says.
“Year-to-date, we are up 28% on bookings and this could mean approximately 10,000 additional bookings per year for our operators once we have rolled out nationwide.”
Stotts Coaches takes delivery of a pair of Yutong GT12s
Stotts Coaches of Milnsbridge has added its first Yutong coaches in the form of a pair of PSVAR compliant GT12s, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
Each is to the standard GT12 specification with 53 seats in half-leather and a centre sunken toilet. USB and 240-volt charging points are fitted. Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 449bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
The deal was completed for Pelican by Area Sales Manager Amelia Crump. UK Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins notes that the dealership was able to quickly service the West Yorkshire operator’s demand when it presented itself.
“We know that situations have changed substantially in the coach industry, and this has opened the door for us to be ready to supply. We were delighted with this order," says Mr Collins.
“The GT12 has proved that it can deliver for any operator. It is a mature vehicle with a very high specification and proven components that is fast becoming a first choice for most.”
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Meet the Brand: VEV
We catch up with Simon Cubitt from VEV to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 397
Tell us a bit about your company?
VEV helps organisations deliver on their carbon reduction ambitions with an end-to-end fleet electrification solution integrating across vehicles, charging infrastructure, power, and finance. VEV is owned by Vitol, a world leader in energy.
Founded two years ago, CEO Mike Nakrani brought together a team of experts from two converging industries - automotive and energy. His vision was to help fleets decarbonise faster and make the transition to EVs a positive and profitable undertaking while keeping mission-critical fleets running at scale.
The team is now 60-strong, working closely with customers to understand how their businesses work and map out and build the best electrification transition for each fleet. This laser focus on each fleet’s requirements is one of the reasons VEV is now working with multiple fleets in the public and private sectors.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Buses lead the way in electrification. In our first year, we started working with sustainability visionary, Tootbus to develop its overall fleet electrification plan. It’s now a reality at the Wandsworth depot, with Tootbus able to power its EVs with 100% renewable energy, newly installed charging infrastructure, onsite solar generation to power 60,000 KM of bus travel per year and the VEV-IQ platform as the control centre.
Another notable installation is the opportunity charging at Kent County Council’s Fastrack Thameside BRT (bus rapid transit). Kent is using huge pantograph chargers – learn about pantographs in our project director’s blog.
One of the first questions we must answer for our customers is “do I have enough power for my EV fleet?”. Energy is a huge consideration requiring a robust energy strategy to reduce demand from the grid with micro-grids utilising solar power, battery storage and smart charging scheduling.
VEV anticipates the complexities of fleet electrification, working with all stakeholders to set businesses up for success in an electrified future.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo offers a unique opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders and stay informed about the latest trends in the bus and transport sector. It's also the perfect platform to highlight VEV's role in driving bus electrification forward.
For us, events like this are about meaningful conversations - learning about the business challenges and goals with fleet electrification and importantly exploring how we can collaborate to address them.
Euro Bus Expo provides an excellent opportunity to gather valuable market insights, share our expertise, and showcase our successful case studies.
We're excited to meet and network with like-minded individuals who share our vision for advancing the decarbonisation of the bus and passenger transport industry.
We look forward to meeting you.