News: fleet logistics/driver training company guarantees 5-10% MPG gains

[MetroMPG]

It was just a matter of time.

PeopleNet has launched the MPG Guarantee Program, aimed at helping fleets to improve their fuel efficiency by 5% to 10%. The program offers a full money-back guarantee that the miles per gallon benefit will exceed the cost of the program within one year.

Source: http://thermokingquadcities.blogspot...teed-fuel.html

I met up for lunch with my old boss (franchise owner of a defensive driving school) a couple of months back and asked why they weren't offering a "gas saving" class/in car training for experienced drivers.

The company has already done a study that showed its normal curriculum saves fuel ("mild" fundamentals like looking well ahead & anticipating traffic changes; choosing the lane of least resistance; not tailgating ; etc...). I forget what the number was - I think it was about 15%.

So to go along with this post, a poll...

Do you think "ordinary" (non professional/fleet) drivers would pay money if they were promised 10% fuel savings through brief in-class/in car training? It would be easy enough to document with a ScanGauge on board.

[Whoops]

Nope. I think what will happen is that the driver training companies will have to start advertising that a part of their training process is that they will train the drivers to get the better mileage. I don't think the market will tolerate or support anybody who doesn't include it with an existing package and I don't think anyone will pay for it as a separate package on it's own.

The real problem is that it is a cash out now, maybe return on investment, maybe not. That is I think going to be a really tough sale.

[MetroMPG]

But the market already tolerates companies that don't include efficiency training as part of the package. At least in North America. In parts of Europe, ecodriving training is commonplace as part of the normal curriculum.

Just to be clear, I'm talking about private individual students, not fleet drivers.

[Lazarus]

I don't think there would be a high enough demand. When people take the course and learn that "I have to slow down and I have to check my own tire pressures and maintain my car" they will feel ripped off. It really not hard to do folks just don't care. Then again I though bottle water would never make it.

[RH77]

I'm not sure that the average driver is willing to put any effort (or cash) into saving fuel. Most would rather trade for a vehicle that does it for them. I think we have a unique group of folks here that care, and would sign up for such a course. Otherwise, the Average Joe or Jane probably wouldn't...

RH77

[dremd]

It could work for individuals no doubt, would have to be marked just right . . .


For fleets, it would have to accompany a $ incentive for employees.

[Twerp]

Let me put it this way: It is well known that driving 55mph on the highway is more fuel efficient than driving 70 to 80mph. Gas is getting close to $4.00 per gallon. I go 55 to 60mph on the highway and most people are still whizzing by me with barely enough time to shoot me a dirty look for going so slow. I guess it's much easier for people to complain, go broke, or buy a Prius than to alter their driving habits. Going slower is very simple, but if people aren't even willing to do that, do you think they are going to pay for a course that teaches more complicated techniques, such as not tailgating? Am I being too cynical?

[trikkonceptz]

Gains in this area have to come with incentives ... If I had the means I would lobby the oil companies to help. Meaning, set up device like a scangauge that record MPG's by trip and stores them. Then each night the car would upload the info, wireless, bluetooth, whatever to a central database. Oil company's would then set up a weekly, monthly or quarterly standard of x% above epa. Those that reach the goal get a gas card mailed to them for each period.

By working in the car business I have learned that no one does anything without incentive and for all the *****ing going on saving $10 - $80 a month in gas still isn't enough to get anyone in any great number to care.

It is frustrating, but believe I talk to people everyday and update them on my spaceship. And every week, some one comes to me quietly to ask how they can do it too. It will simply take time ...

We are fighting the good fight, battle on.

[GenKreton]

I don't think it's going to happen either. Those that care tend to do their own research. Look at our own boards for example. Now moving this into some driver's ed courses before you get a license could have a substantial impact. It's value added to the package, could help in marketing, and eventually could truly get at the roots of the problem and get people thinking about it before they are in the habit of doing 80 mph everywhere. Maybe that's too idealistic still.

[getnpsi]

I think the best way to do it, would for a company to buy a whole bunch of gas cards in bulk, and give them out at the end of the class/seminar. If you pay $50 bucks to get in and leave with some gas cards that they bought under face value, everyone wins.