Intangles Predictive AI Launches in the UK
"Intangles’ predictive AI systems alerts fleet operators to vehicle issues before a vehicle fault code is triggered. This creates substantial savings in operating costs by improving fuel efficiency, reducing downtime, decreasing maintenance costs, and often results in cheaper repairs.
Intangles, a young but already very well established and heavily backed tech company, has developed a world leading AI product that can predict when a vehicle is going to fail with 96% accuracy. Customer fleets in the US are reporting a reduction in fuel use of up to 10%, reduction in maintenance costs of up to 10%, and a reduction in breakdowns of up to 75% - figures that represent enormous savings.
The Intangles system monitors all the data that is processed in a vehicle’s CANbus in real time - this equates to millions of data points every day. Their algorithms then use physics-based modelling (i.e. how an engine functions in different conditions) to produce a digital twin (i.e. a digital replica) of each individual vehicle’s systems. This is then used with the information from the live vehicle to create an accurate model of current vehicle health and then raise alerts to the fleet manager where there are causes for concern, along with the ordered recommendations to address the problem. A vehicle could therefore be on a run and a minor predictive alert could be raised informing the maintenance staff of work that can be scheduled upon the vehicle’s return. Alternatively, in the case of a critical alert, the vehicle could be diverted to avoid breakdown and costly recovery. Note that the in-vehicle device operates passively - in “listening mode” only - and does not interfere with the CAN Bus or vehicle systems.
The Intangles system has been installed on over 250,000 vehicles worldwide and so the dataset is incredibly rich – they hold over 60 TB of curated (i.e. directly relevant and usable) data – a figure that increases daily. When new engine platforms are introduced to the AI, accurate new models are created in just a few days of vehicle operation. Furthermore, because of the climatic data that Intangles have gathered (ranging from the Canadian Rockies to the deserts of Rajasthan at 50°C) they have an incredibly rich dataset to enhance the quality of the digital twins.
The Intangles solution is OEM and powertrain agnostic and currently supports over 3,000 different engine specifications across multiple vehicle classes and fuel sources (ICE, alternative fuels, and Electric). The Intangles InRoute platform also contains a full suite of telematics and driver behaviour monitoring features, allowing fleets to maintain awareness of all aspects of their operations from in a single view. Easy to use and simple to learn, the platform comes with a convenient iOS and Android mobile app which can keep you informed on critical alerts while on the go. Device installation can be done in just a few minutes and is guaranteed to not interfere with any other existing systems in the vehicle.
Overall, the Intangles solution offers fleets unparalled value through multiple areas of benefit. Fleets will experience lower maintenance and fuel costs along with increased availability thanks to the accuracy of the insights that the system provides.
UK Launch. Intangles is currently looking for UK partners to come on board and trial the equipment (free of charge) as we enter the UK market. Partners will also benefit from an early partner discount when they choose to subsequently subscribe.
Contact – If you would like more information on Intangles systems, visit the team at Euro Bus Expo on stand 429.
You can also visit www.intangles.ai – or email [email protected] because our UK team would love to hear from you."
Coach Hire Comparison Adopts Innovative Automated Pricing System
"Coach Hire Comparison is set to transition to an automated pricing system, moving away from the current method where operators manually submit quotes for individual customer requests. This change comes after a significant six-figure investment, positioning the company for more streamlined and efficient service.
The website, which connects customers with over 250 independent minibus and coach operators across the UK, will generate instant quotes, ensuring that a suitable operator will always be found to fulfill customer requirements.
At present, operators spend an average of 24 days per year submitting quotes, with “no guarantee of success”, explains co-founder James Stokes. The new system provides a ""Book It Now"" feature, allowing operators to log in daily to view and accept opportunities that match their fleet and location. This system ensures that operators are fully paid for every booking they take on.
The transition will occur in phases, with the goal of automating 80% of inquiries by the end of the year. The pricing model will rely on over a decade's worth of data, including metrics such as search trends, conversion rates, and historical pricing behaviours. Factors like time of day, day of the week, seasonality, and specific onboard amenities will all be considered when calculating quotes.
Not only will this shift save time for operators, but it will also improve the customer experience, says Stokes. ""Currently, there are instances of overpricing by significant margins, as well as underquoting, which can result in delays in getting average quotes. This leaves many customers underserved and significant revenue potential untapped.""
He adds that the ""Book It Now"" system will address these issues by providing accurate, instant quotes and securing fully paid bookings for operators. This, in turn, will offer them more certainty, better cash flow, and reduced administrative burden. Customers, on the other hand, will benefit from a faster, more seamless booking process and a clearer understanding of journey costs.
With customers increasingly expecting a digital experience, Stokes believes investing in technology is crucial to maintaining their position as a market leader. Coach Hire Comparison, which was acquired by CMAC in June 2023, provides around 5,000 quotes per month for various events, including school trips, corporate bookings, airport transfers, travel to music festivals and sporting events.
Looking ahead, the company is targeting significant growth, aiming to double its size over the next year. It also plans to expand its services internationally, with Ireland and Portugal slated for 2025, and Spain and Greece also under consideration.
Describing the move as the biggest enhancement in the company’s 14-year history, Stokes says, ""We believe 'Book It Now' will be transformative for operators and customers alike. It represents a new, more efficient way of working and will bring a host of benefits, from increased earnings for operators to a better overall experience for customers.""
The company is confident that the automated pricing model will become a standard of excellence within the industry, with webinars planned to help operators adapt to the new system."
Westway Coaches is first private owner of Yutong U11DD electric
Westway Coaches of West Molesey has taken delivery of the first privately-operated Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker to be supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It continues an established relationship between the two businesses, with Westway having been the first purchaser of battery-electric coaches from Pelican in 2019 when it took the first of several Yutong TCe12 models. The U11DD made its debut in 2023.
The new arrival is a 72-seat model with each position trimmed in leather. It is finished in Westway’s distinctive understated livery and is PSVAR compliant.
422kWh of battery capacity is fitted, which is protected by the Yutong Electric Safety Standard.
The bus is air-conditioned throughout, has a camera monitoring system in lieu of rear-view mirrors, and comes with a cherished 74-plate registration mark.
Westway Coaches Managing Director David West says that being the first operator of a privately-owned Yutong U11DD “marks an important milestone” for the business.
“This investment highlights our commitment to reducing emissions and providing a superior, eco-friendly travel experience for our passengers,” Mr West continues.
Adds Pelican Bus and Coach Managing Director Richard Crump: “This delivery represents a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future and demonstrates our dedication to offering innovative electric vehicle solutions.”
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