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HALFORDS DRIVESMART SOLUTION TARGETS EXPANDING TELEMATICS MARKET(Cision Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Halfords has developed a nationwide telematics installation service that expands on its existing WeFit offer and places an affordable, fixed location fitting solution at the disposal of fleet operators and insurers. ‘Drivesmart’ is a natural progresson for the UK’s leading automotive retailer – which carried out over 3 million fits last year including audio products and consumable items like car batteries. Halfords has initially rolled out Drivesmart to 160 of its 460+ store estate, with a plan to extend fitting to 300 stores by early 2015, where IMI trained installers can undertake fits 7 days a week - delivering an unparralelled level of flexibility and convenience for customers. Drivesmart manager Clair Allen said: “Halfords’ strength in fitting, combined with our store footprint, allows us to offer companies large and small access to the largest technology installation network in the UK. “Our long store opening hours enable Drivesmart customers to minimise vehicle downtime and driver inconvenience. We have already begun working with a number of partners and anticpate the growth in the telematics market will drive further demand for professional and affordable installation solutions.” As part of its Drivesmart service Halfords offers a range of additional benefits to ensure a smooth journey for customers, including a dedicated telematics account team to handle individual enquiries promptly and a bespoke Halfords telematics application created by software specialists Data Driven. The ‘app’ enables fitters to confirm booking dates/times with end users and collect data on both the vehicle and driver using hand-held devices. Halfords fitters can verify vehicle information and perform pre as well as post installation vehicle checks and the app can also be used to capture images of driver documentation, log odometer readings and gain a customer signature – all of which is accessible to its clients in real time via a dedicated customer portal. With data security of paramount importance, Halfords has developed a secure information transfer process that communicates seamlessly with the business’ CRM system (Salesforce.com) and is audited by the BSI and certified to meet the ISO 27001 standard. Meanwhile the customer portal is accessed via an encrypted website and every fit is covered by a 12 month warranty – giving customers complete confidence in Drivesmart’s end-to-end delivery. To find out more about Drivesmart from Halfords contact Clair Allen on 01527 513092 / 07753 809525 or e-mail [email protected] Ends Media contact: Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: [email protected] Chloe Stewart, PR Coordinator, T: 01527 513315, E: [email protected] Halfords Group plc Halfords is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, cycling and leisure products and, through Halfords Autocentres, also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operators. Halfords customers shop at 465 stores in the UK and ROI and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices. The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars: Supporting Drivers Of Every CarInspiring Cyclists Of Every AgeEquipping Families For Their Leisure Time The Getting Into Gear strategy for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience: Service RevolutionThe H FactorStores Fit to Shop21st Century InfrastructureClick with the Digital Future Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 9,000 product lines in store, increasing to around 160,000 Retail products online. The Retail offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling products, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes and camping equipment. Halfords’ own cycling brands include Apollo, Carrera and Boardman cycles, augmented by a range of other brands of cycles and accessories, including Kona, Mongoose, Raleigh and Pinarello. In Auto, the Halfords Essentials and Halfords Enhanced ranges are sold alongside brands such as Generic Electric, Bosch, Garmin and TomTom. The Retail Auto offering was recently augmented by the introduction of Car Parts Direct, a service delivering rapid customer access to around 130,000 car parts. In Travel Solutions, Halfords sells a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Vango and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called ‘wefit’ for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a ‘werepair’ service for cycles. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.comhttp://news.cision.com/halfords/r/halfords-drivesmart-solution-targets-expanding-telematics-market,c9643201The following files are available for download:http://news.cision.com/halfords/i/halfords-fitter-in-action-2,c1545473 Halfords Fitter in Action 2http://news.cision.com/halfords/i/halfords-fitter-in-action-1,c1545474 Halfords Fitter in Action 1 (c) 2014 Cision. All Rights Reserved. |