AfMA Fleetdrive Issue 15 | Page 23

FLEETDRIVE POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP MAGIC MATILDA SALES SLUMP Automotive Software Solutions (ASS) has announced a new partnership with Perth start up OviDrive, to help its overall growth within the UK and EU. A smart transit hub nicknamed Matilda has been launched in South Australia to test the integration of autonomous vehicles into daily life. OviDrive, whose origins become in the bustling suburb of Leederville has been searching for a UK and European to accelerate their global growth aspirations and seem to have found a suitable suitor in the form of ASS. Developed by SAGE Automation, the mobile Matilda transport hub aims to work with any driverless vehicles while providing users with an interactive experience to aid in their commute. Tasmania is starting to catch up with the rest of the country in the pattern of declining new car sales, according to the latest figures from the motor industry’s VFACTS. At its core OviDrive products seek to automate boring repetitive task and daily complexities so that fleet managers and others users can focus on other more important aspects of their operations. OviDrive’s co-founder Irwan Iriks said: “Choosing ASS was an easy decision – they have already established remarketing/reselling partnerships with other automotive software providers, in addition to developing and enhancing their own products inhouse. Their (Tim & Sarah) industry expertise, experience and knowledge is second to none.” Automotive Software Solutions’ director Sarah Easton said: “OviDrive’s vehicle management platform is innovative and visionary and we are delighted to be representing them in the UK and Europe” SAGE Chief Executive Officer Adrian Fahey said the hub was designed for first mile, last mile transport or special events and would open up transport options for people with disabilities. “Matilda provides a seamless, tailored transit service by autonomously communicating with any driverless vehicle and the people who want to commute,” said Fahey. “This type of integrated technology trial has never been done anywhere in the world before, and we look forward to giving people an interactive, personalised experience, including real- time travel updates and route assistance through Matilda, and testing how this exciting technology interacts with the Local Motors driverless shuttle.” Tasmanian sales for December 2018 fell 20.6 per cent to 1719 vehicles, the largest fall of any state or territory, however that was against a backdrop of a 3.3 per cent growth in new vehicle sales for the year to December. Tasmania was the only state with growth in vehicle sales for the year, as buyers elsewhere in Australia shied away from purchases. Nationally, new vehicle sales fell for December by 14.9 per cent from the corresponding month in 2017 to 87,528 vehicles, which took sales for the year to 1,153,111 vehicles. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the 2018 result was down three per cent from the record year of 2017. “New vehicle sales in 2018 reflect a challenging climate across the Australian economy, including a slowing housing market, tightening of money lending and the drought.” ISSUE 15 2018 / WWW.AFMA.NET.AU 23