Renault-Nissan deal for Sheffield tracking firm

A Sheffield driver tracking company is claiming a global first after striking a deal with Nissan and Renault - which between them sell 8m vehicles a year.
Paul Blomfield MP, second left, with The Floow founders, Paul Ridgway, Dr Sam Chapman and Aldo Monteforte.Paul Blomfield MP, second left, with The Floow founders, Paul Ridgway, Dr Sam Chapman and Aldo Monteforte.
Paul Blomfield MP, second left, with The Floow founders, Paul Ridgway, Dr Sam Chapman and Aldo Monteforte.

The manufacturers have agreed to allow The Floow to receive data about the way cars are being driven and sell it to insurance companies.

It is believed to be the first deal of its type in the world - up to now the Sheffield firm has worked with insurers, who receive data from equipment in vehicles or from a driver’s smartphone app.

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Information is used to set premiums and give discounts for safe behaviour.

David James, chief operating officer, said it was a “foundation deal” for them.

He added: “We are really excited, we see it opening a lot of new doors for us. We believe it is the future of motoring, this capability will eventually be in all new cars. ”

The Floow, based on Joiner Street on the Wicker, was set up in 2012 and now has 40 staff.

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James said the firm would only receive data from Nissans or Renaults if the owner allowed it and data protection was “paramount.”

Aldo Monteforte, The Floow chief executive, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to announce our partnership with one of the leading car manufacturers in the world. Renault-Nissan is going to equip a growing proportion of vehicles with sophisticated sensors and connectivity.

“As Renault-Nissan telematics data partner, The Floow is ideally placed to deliver proven predictive analytics and digital end-user services that cater to the needs of the motor insurance industry. This crucial partnership sees our organisation move one step closer to the vision of safer and cheaper mobility for all.”

Renault-Nissan, which reported record vehicle sales of 8.5 million in 2014, has enjoyed rising sales in the United States and Western Europe.

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Thierry Viadieu of Renault-Nissan said: “As a leading car manufacturer operating on a global scale we are committed to exploring ways in which we can improve our product and continue to appeal to the consumer.

“Working with The Floow, we are now looking to introduce the Renault-Nissan telematics solution to a number of insurers willing to offer integrated usage-based insurance.”

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