EROAD News

EROAD and RTA Announce Closer Business Relationship

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

EROAD and the New Zealand Road Transport Association (RTANZ) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Business Relationship Agreement.

Under the agreement EROAD becomes a preferred supplier to the RTANZ and EROAD will provide sponsorship and technical support to promote the RTA’s activities on behalf of their members.

EROAD CEO, Steven Newman says “EROAD is delighted to support the objectives of the RTANZ, one of the key stakeholders in the transport industry, and work with them to promote training and education initiatives for the betterment of the industry.”

RTANZ General Manager, Dennis Robertson, says that his organisation “is proud to confirm EROAD as a preferred supplier of advanced technology services to the transport industry. Everyone recognises that technology has become central to operating a successful transport business. Our members will benefit from EROAD’s world leading solutions that generate better commercial, safety and compliance outcomes.”

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CONTACT
Steven Newman
CEO
EROAD
0800 4 EROAD (0800 437623)

Dennis Robertson
General Manager
0800 FOR RTA (0800 367 782)

EROAD Launches First Mobile RUC Application

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD has developed an innovative mobile RUC application that allows clients to manage and purchase RUC for their vehicles using most web-enabled mobile devices. Mobile RUC has been specifically designed for mobile users to enable EROAD clients to experience easy navigation and an improved user experience. EROAD’s mobile RUC application can be used on Android, iPhone and Blackberry phones and tablets.

EROAD’s Commercial Manager, Peter Batcheler says “The smart phone is fast becoming an essential part of the transport industry. Mobile RUC means EROAD clients can manage their RUC, and enjoy operational visibility and enhanced control from virtually anywhere.”

Mr Batcheler says “EROAD’s end-to-end technology platform has been built with the most advanced tools available to ensure it is flexible and future proof. Our mobile RUC application is a further example of EROAD’s commitment to our customers that they will never be left stranded with out-of-date technology.”

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CONTACT

Peter Batcheler
Commercial Manager
+64 21 847 517
peter.batcheler@eroad.co.nz

EROAD gets a VIP visitor

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

The Labour leader the Hon Phil Goff visited the EROAD offices to get a better understanding of how systems like EROAD’s can help solve some of the challenges facing the transport industry in New Zealand and internationally.

Article from the North Shore Times:

EROAD and Kiwirail work together to improve productivity and safety

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD has won a major tender to supply KiwiRail with an advanced GPS Fleet Management System for their fleet of light and heavy commercial vehicles.

EROAD’s technology platform will assist KiwiRail to manage their large commercial fleet more effectively, with a special focus on RUC optimisation, fuel efficiency, compliance, workplace safety, vehicle utilisation and environmental performance.

EROAD’s CEO, Steven Newman says “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with KiwiRail on their Turnaround Plan for a viable and efficient rail industry. A partnership with EROAD will increase business productivity and support KiwiRail’s goal to develop a sustainable rail business.”

EROAD is a New Zealand owned company that has implemented the world’s first GPS/Cellular Eruc system for commercial vehicles. EROAD has also developed a comprehensive suite of fleet tracking and driver support tools.

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CONTACT

Steven Newman
CEO
+64 21 424 493
steven.newman@eroad.co.nz

EROAD Launches Service Module to Lower Maintenance Costs

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Repairs and maintenance are a significant component of transport business expenses representing upwards of 10% of vehicle operating costs.

EROAD has developed an innovative Service Module to provide operators with a powerful tool to improve transparency around vehicle costs and better control service and maintenance expenses. The web-based Service Module allows operators to plan maintenance, monitor suppliers and benchmark vehicles to expose what’s really going on in their fleets.

EROAD’s Commercial Manager, Peter Batcheler says “Every trucker knows that high workshop costs and unforeseen maintenance bills have the potential to seriously hurt their cashflow and business. The EROAD Service Module will allow operators to proactively manage the maintenance and repair of their vehicle fleet helping to eliminate nasty surprises and identify cost trends.”

Service Module key features:

Operator and workshop vehicle service alerts, including COF, WOF and Rego.
Standard and custom service scheduling by date and/or distance.
Ability to record supplier, service details, costs, invoice number and details, and notes.
Ability to record unforeseen service events such as emergency repair work.
Service history reports by vehicle, date and/or category.
Ability to benchmark and monitor trends by vehicle, category, and supplier.
Ability to provide service suppliers with web access to selected vehicles and fleets.
Full service history archive functionality.

Impending changes introduced by the Road User Charges Bill will require transport operators to create and keep records for up to 6 years including records and invoices relating to the maintenance of vehicles. EROAD’s Service Module helps clients to effortlessly meet the more stringent compliance requirements introduced by the new legislation.

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CONTACT

Peter Batcheler
Commercial Manager
+64 21 847 517
peter.batcheler@eroad.co.nz

TR and EROAD working to make trucking easier

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A Heads of Agreement has been signed between TR Group and EROAD to work together in providing and developing Eruc options for the industry.

TR Group are presently the main provider of the Navman Wireless vehicle telemetry system to transport operators, through their subsidiary Vehicle Tracking Solutions (VTS).

Through the co-operation with EROAD, the options around also providing Eruc via VTS are being reviewed. This would be a TR Group customised Eruc service, available to all operators (irrespective of whether their vehicles may be hired or owned). The offering would complement TR Group clients’ existing Navman Wireless systems and relationships.

TR Group’s General Manager – Strategic Development, Neil Bretherton says, “We are constantly looking to improve our service offering by ensuring we provide all the options and deals to help customers operate their vehicles efficiently and profitably. EROAD has already gained international and local recognition for its innovative Ehubo and Eruc service, and we believe, combined with our existing tracking option, this will be a highly appealing offering for transport companies. The recently announced changes to the RUC Act now leave little doubt that the future of RUC will be an electronic one. It is attractive technology and we should embrace it. This will make life just that little bit easier for the operators of trucks and trailers”.

EROAD’s CEO, Steven Newman says “We are delighted to partner with the TR Group, a recognised leader in the commercial transport industry, who seeks to establish long term relationships based on trust, integrity and partnerships. Like EROAD, TR Group promotes innovative solutions that deliver improved services and real cost reductions for clients”.

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Contact

Neil Bretherton
General Manager – Strategic Development
TR Group Ltd
DDI - 09 526 6395
M - 0274 987 705
E - neil@trgroup.co.nz

Brian Michie
Manager Business Development
EROAD Ltd
DDI - 09 927 4712
M - 021 376 964
E - brian.michie@eroad.co.nz

Navman Wireless partners with EROAD to provide electronic RUC

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Navman Wireless, New Zealand’s leading vehicle tracking and telematics provider, has partnered with EROAD to provide transport industry customers with electronic road user charge (ERUC) functionality.

This means fleet owners who currently use Navman Wireless technology to monitor the location and usage of their trucks will also be able to manage their road user charges as part of a single system.

“Our aim has consistently been to offer transport industry customers a comprehensive telematics-based solution,” says Ian Daniel, Vice President Navman Wireless Asia Pacific. “New Zealand transport operators are looking to streamline their business operations while capturing accurate information about their fleets.

“This agreement means they can now run a fleet management system with an integrated ERUC module, so they can to manage their vehicles using industry-leading hardware and software and, at the same meet regulatory requirements by accurately assessing and paying road user charges electronically.”

“EROAD has already gained the necessary Government approvals and international and local recognition for its innovative Ehubo and Eruc service. We believe that when combined with our existing vehicle track and fleet management technology this will be an appealing offering for transport companies,” says Ian.

Steven Newman, CEO EROAD, says, “We are delighted to partner with Navman Wireless to offer our Eruc solution to transport operators throughout New Zealand.”

The integrated Navman Wireless / EROAD offering will initially be available through TR Group’s subsidiary business Vehicle Tracking Solutions (VTS). VTS is the leading provider of the Navman Wireless vehicle telemetry system to transport operators.

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Contact

Ian Daniel
Vice President Asia Pacific
Navman Wireless
P – 09 481 0500
M – 027 588 8322
E - Ian.Daniel@NavmanWireless.com

Brian Michie
Manager Business Development
EROAD Ltd
DDI - 09 927 4712
M - 021 376 964
E - brian.michie@eroad.co.nz

iCOS LiVE and EROAD Launch Ehubo Integrated Online Vehicle and Transport Management System

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300

iCOS and EROAD have launched an Ehubo powered transport management system that provides an unprecedented combination of services to transport operators, with the best and most extensive set of business tools available.

Operating a transport business is a complex and demanding task, with drivers and managers required to cope with growing customer and regulatory requirements, in an environment of increasing competitive pressures. The ability to attract and retain customers is a key goal for all transport operators, who recognise that clients require high levels of service delivered for a reasonable price.

With iCOS LiVE, operators get a cutting edge web-based transport management system that provides visibility of customer requirements and the tools to plan and manage client fulfilment while offering transparency and communication to their customer base. When integrated with EROAD’s revolutionary web-based RUC management system, they have the complete package to deliver the best solutions to their customers, in the most cost-effective way.

iCOS LiVE Managing Director Kathy Ross says, “iCOS is constantly seeking a better understanding of our customer’s needs and looking for ways to help them streamline and grow their businesses.iCOS LiVE uses the certified distance and location information recorded by the Ehubo against the consignments to provide total visibility. Operators require a self-funding Eruc system and iPhone/iPad/Android device for driver communication and signature capture and that’s it. No data terminals or other expensive and inflexible installed hardware are required.”

EROAD’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Peter Batcheler says “EROAD actively seeks out commercial partnerships to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients. We are delighted to partner with iCOS, a recognised leader in the logistics and supply chain industry. iCOS LiVE promotes online solutions that automate processes, reduce errors, and facilitate faster delivery and pick up times.”

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Contact

Kathy Ross
Managing Director
iCOS LiVE
P 09 634 0882
M 021 954 779
www.icoslive.com
E kathy@icos.net.nz

Peter Batcheler
Sales & Marketing Manager
EROAD
P 927 4700
M 021 847 517
E peter.batcheler@eroad.co.nz

EROAD Chairman appointed CEO Ports of Auckland

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300

EROAD’s chairman, Tony Gibson, has been appointed Chief Executive of Ports of Auckland Ltd. Mr Gibson will continue in his role as chairman of EROAD’s Board of Directors.

Mr Gibson has 30 years’ experience in shipping and logistics, first with Seabridge in Wellington, and then with Nedlloyd and P&O Nedlloyd. He worked in various roles in Africa, Asia and Europe, before being appointed Managing Director, New Zealand and Pacific Islands in 2002. Following a take-over by Maersk, Mr Gibson served as Managing Director of Maersk, New Zealand for three years.

Prior to joining EROAD, Mr Gibson was appointed by the Minister of Transport to the Road User Charges Review Group.

EROAD is a privately owned company that has implemented the world’s first autonomous GNSS/CN (Global Navigation Satellite Systems/Cellular Network) Eruc system for heavy vehicles.

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CONTACT

Brian Michie
Business Development Manager
M +64 21 376 964
E brian.michie@eroad.com

Eruc Turns One Today

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

New Zealand technology company EROAD is delighted to announce its innovative electronic road user charging (Eruc) service turns one today.

The EROAD Eruc system allows HV fleets to buy and manage their road user charges online thanks to EROAD’s Ehubo, the first approved electronic distance recorder, and its web based payment and RUC management service.

CEO Steven Newman said EROAD had collected in the order of $10 million of RUC since launching a year ago, and is on target for $50 million in 2011. The Eruc system has achieved 100% charging accuracy and 100% transaction performance, generating significant benefits for its HV clients and the government.

With 350 HV clients, ranging from large corporate fleets to individual owner/operators, EROAD is the fastest growing technology company operating in the land transport sector.

Mr Newman thanked the Transport Minister, the Hon Steven Joyce, and his officials at the NZ Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport, for all their assistance in approving and supporting the EROAD Eruc service.

"Moving to Eruc is a win-win for the New Zealand economy, improving productivity in the transport sector and lowering agency costs with a move to an internet based RUC system." says Mr Newman. EROAD is a privately owned company that has implemented the world’s first autonomous GNSS/CN (Global Navigation Satellite Systems/Cellular Network) Eruc system for heavy vehicles.

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CONTACT
Brian Michie Business Development Manager
M +64 +21 376 964
E brian.michie@eroad.com

EROAD Appoints Independent Chairman

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Technology company EROAD has appointed independent director Tony Gibson as chairman of its Board of Directors.

CEO Steven Newman said the company invited Mr Gibson to join its board in October 2009, and was delighted he had now agreed to take up a role as chairman.

EROAD is a privately owned company that has implemented the world's first autonomous GNSS/CN (Global Navigation Satellite Systems/Cellular Network) electronic road user charging (Eruc ) system for heavy vehicles.

The EROAD Eruc system allows heavy vehicle fleets to buy and manage their road user charges online thanks to EROAD's Ehubo, the first approved electronic distance recorder, and its web based payment and RUC management service.

Internationally, EROAD was the top performer in the Swedish government's Eruc trials, successfully competing against all of the major European tolling providers.

Mr Newman said that the company had recently completed another successful round of capital raising and had sought to appoint an independent chairman as part of its evolving governance in line with company growth.

Mr Gibson is a former New Zealand managing director for Maersk Line, following a long career in the transport industry with P&O Nedlloyd. Prior to joining the EROAD board, he was a member of the government's RUC Review Group.

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EROAD Welcomes RUC Reforms

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD supports the Government’s latest moves to simplify and modernise the road user charges (RUC) system, saying proposed changes mean that it makes more financial sense than ever for truckies to switch to electronic RUC. The proposed changes will:

modernise and simplify the RUC system through a new approach to calculating RUC licence weights and discontinuing time licences
reduce evasion which will give the system greater integrity
provide for an improved regulatory framework to enable the adoption of modern technology
provide for a fairer and simpler structure in relation to offences and penalties.

“Any initiative to make the system simpler and to encourage the take up of new technology and electronic RUC is welcome,” says CEO Steven Newman.

“The manual and paper-based RUC system is well founded but characterised by significant compliance costs and high levels of evasion,” he says.

Mr Newman says that it now makes more sense than ever for truck fleets to switch from mechanical to electronic hubodometers, and to manage their RUC electronically. In addition managing changes and adjustments to the system now and in the future is a lot easier using the EROAD electronic RUC system,” says Mr Newman.

EROAD became the world’s first fully wireless Eruc provider when it launched its innovative online RUC service in September 2009. In February 2010 the Government approved EROAD’s Ehubo and Tubo devices as the first official electronic distance recorders, meaning that EROAD customers no longer have to fit mechanical hubodometers to their trucks and trailers. The Ehubo and Tubo approvals also enable the use of electronic RUC Licences, removing the need to display paper RUC licences.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the EROAD Eruc Management System has been specifically designed to increase the efficiency of the RUC system, enabling savings for both transport operators and the government, and wider productivity gains for New Zealand.

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CONTACT
Brian Michie Manager Business Development
E brian.michie@eroad.com
M +64 21 376 964

EROAD Top Performer At Swedish Eruc Trials

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD was the top performer in the Swedish Eruc trials, achieving 99.6% worstcase charging accuracy and 100% charging compliance. In addition EROAD demonstrated full interoperability and 100% compliance with the proposed Swedish and European Electronic Tolling Service charging interfaces.

The trials were part of a three year government funded project, known as ARENA, aiming to develop an electronic km based RUC system for heavy vehicles to replace fuel and registration taxes. The six month field trial and test track assessed potential suppliers for reliability and accuracy under a range of challenging real world scenarios. ARENA participants included all the major European tolling providers.

"The Swedish trial results prove that the EROAD technology could be successfully deployed in any jurisdiction looking to introduce a low cost and proven electronic tolling system," says EROAD CEO Steven Newman.

EROAD is a privately owned company that has implemented the world’s first autonomous GNSS/CN (Global Navigation Satellite Systems/Cellular Network) electronic road user charging (Eruc) system for heavy vehicles. The EROAD system does not rely on dedicated roadside infrastructure like gantries, and could be applied to any road network to implement distance, mass, time, location and emission based road charging.

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CONTACT
Brian Michie Business Development Manager
M +64 21 376 964
E brian.michie@eroad.com

EROAD Wins Two Hi-Tech Awards

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD has won two Hi-Tech Awards, which recognise excellence by New Zealand's producers of high-technology products, services and software solutions. EROAD won both the HIFX Innovative Service Product Award and the Dell Innovative Hardware Award.

There were 130 entries in the awards, now in their 17th year. The judging panel was made up of six international luminaries including Michael Dell, founder of Dell Computers, as well as 35 high-profile local industry experts.

“We are very proud and humbled to be recognised by our peers for our technical and business achievements,” says EROAD CEO Steven Newman.

When EROAD implemented its innovative electronic Road User Charge (eRUC) system in September 2009, it became the world’s first fully wireless GPS/GSM tolling provider. Mr Newman says that EROAD and its shareholders are dedicated to building an internationally successful technology company in the emerging global road charging industry using the New Zealand business as the beachhead for international expansion.

EROAD designed, developed, manufactured, installed, and implemented its fully integrated end-to-end eRUC System. The EROAD platform encompasses a secure electronic distance recorder and a bank grade web-based payment gateway to purchase and manage RUC and monitor vehicle activity.

The EROAD technology platform was designed to modernise New Zealand’s existing manual and paper-based RUC regime. Beyond New Zealand, EROAD has already gained international recognition for its innovative and low cost wireless tolling platform, and is a key participant in the Swedish Government’s eRUC trials.

Mr Newman thanked the Hi-Tech judges and organisers, and the company’s customers and suppliers, including Vodafone and Fronde, for their ongoing support. Mr Newman also thanked the Transport Minister, the Hon Steven Joyce, and his officials at the NZ Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport, for all their assistance in approving the EROAD eRUC service. “New Zealand has a wonderful opportunity to build a high technology sector based on electronic tolling and services, with significant export potential,” says Mr Newman.

New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards

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CONTACT
Brian Michie
Manager Business Development
E    brian.michie@eroad.com
M   +64 21 376 964

EROAD and Vodafone make trucking easier

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Anyone with a truck knows all about the hassles associated with managing the requirement to pay road user charges. The dreaded mechanical hubodometer is inaccurate and prone to sudden failure, always at the most inconvenient time and place, while the paper-based RUC regime is now well past its use-by date.

Vodafone has recently signed a strategic alliance agreement with EROAD, which effectively creates a single source for the transport industry that can provide electronic road user charge purchasing (eRUC), along with an extensive set of advanced telephony and technology services designed to improve both business productivity and profits.

Using Vodafone's nationwide mobile network, EROAD's approved electronic distance recorder, the eHubo device not only displays the RUC licence in electronic form, but provides advanced fleet tracking capability, This means that EROAD clients can move to a completely paperless RUC system and no longer have to fit mechanical hubodometers to their vehicles.

EROAD's CEO, Steven Newman, says the relationship with Vodafone is key to the success of eRUC in New Zealand.

"We are confident that Vodafone is the right partner because of their in depth understanding of advanced mobile data applications and their commitment to support common sense solutions using the best technology available".

"Like EROAD, Vodafone promotes innovative technology that delivers improved services and real cost reductions for clients", says Newman.

EROAD already has 150 customers deploying their eRUC solution across their fleets, and the ability to buy RUC online at any time of the day or night means they're better able to manage both their costs and the vehicles themselves.

'Once you have seen the technology, there is no going back!", says Tony Milham from A One Movers Limited. Last year we installed the EROAD system throughout our fleet and we have never looked back. From day one we got brilliant vehicle tracking, online electronic RUC services direct to the truck and automated off-road claims. This is like going from a black and white TV to a colour flatscreen'.

Vodafone is delighted to be able to partner with EROAD and to be part of the future of New Zealand's core infrastructure capability.

Vodafone's Transport Sector Manager Helen Sprenger says. "Vodafone is constantly looking to partner with world-class companies that can benefit our customers. EROAD has already gained international recognition for its innovative eHubo product, and we believe that EROAD represents the future face of technology in the land transport sector"

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Matt East
Vodafone New Zealand
Email matthew.east@vodafone.com
Mob 021897647

Brian Michie
EROAD
Email brian.michie@eroad.com
Mob 021 376 964

Ehubo Approved

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +1300

The New Zealand Government has approved EROAD’s innovative Ehubo and Tubo devices as the first official electronic distance recorders under the Road User Charges Amendment Regulations. This means that EROAD customers will no longer have to fit mechanical hubodometers to their trucks and trailers. The Ehubo approval also enables the use of electronic RUC Licences, removing the need for EROAD customers to display paper RUC licences.

“The approval of the first electronic distance recorder is a breakthrough for the transport industry in New Zealand. As every truckie knows, the dreaded mechanical hubodometer is unreliable, inaccurate and prone to sudden failure, always at the most inconvenient time and place. They are an outdated technology that is undermining the credibility of the RUC regime. By comparison the Ehubo is reliable, accurate and secure, and with no moving parts, could last the lifetime of a vehicle,” says EROAD CEO Steven Newman.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Ehubo is part of EROAD’s end-to-end electronic RUC Management System that allows transport operators to manage their RUC online, via a bank grade web-based payment and services gateway. The Ehubo is the first device to be approved as part of the Government’s move towards a simplified, more modern RUC system.

Mr Newman is confident that the adoption of the Ehubo, when combined with EROAD’s innovative online Eruc system, will deliver an outstanding financial return for customers and take the stress out of RUC compliance for both owners and drivers.

Mr Newman thanked EROAD customers for their ongoing support, and NZTA and MoT officials for all their assistance in approving the Ehubo and Tubo products. “Introducing new technology is never easy, but New Zealand needs to embrace the opportunity to move to Electronic Distance Recorders and a web based RUC system. Over time the move to an Eruc regime will generate significant productivity gains for the transport industry and wider economic benefits for New Zealand.”

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CONTACT
Brian Michie Manager Business Development
E brian.michie@eroad.co.nz
P +64 9 970 4708
M +64 21 376 964

Electronic Distance Recorders Approved

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300

The New Zealand Government has amended the Road User Charges Regulations to allow for the use of Electronic Distance Recorders and the electronic display of RUC Licences. The amended regulations allow the Ministry of Transport to approve EROAD’s innovative eHubo product as a recognised Electronic Distance Recorder, and also provide for EROAD’s electronic licence display to be recognised as an official RUC Licence. The RUC Amendment Regulations come into force on 1 January 2010.

“The RUC Review Group confirmed what everybody in the industry already knew, mechanical hubodometers are an outdated technology that are undermining the credibility of the RUC regime. By comparison the Ehubo is reliable, accurate and secure, and with no moving parts, could last the lifetime of a vehicle,” says EROAD CEO Steven Newman.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the eRUC Management System encompasses a secure Electronic Distance Recorder, the Ehubo, and bank grade web-based payment and services gateway. The Ehubo is expected to be the first device approved in January 2010 as part of the Government’s move towards a simplified, more modern RUC system. The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that the Ehubo meets all of the requirements to be approved as an Electronic Distance Recorder under the amended regulations.

Mr Newman says that the adoption of the Ehubo, when combined with EROAD’s innovative online Eruc system, will dramatically increase industry productivity and profitability, and generally take the stress out of RUC compliance for both owners and drivers. The EROAD system allows clients to move to a fully electronic and paperless RUC system, inline with other best practice eCommerce applications.

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Brian Michie Manager Business Development
E brian.michie@eroad.co.nz
P +64 9 970 4708
M +64 21 376 964

Eruc trial in Sweden

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300

New Zealand technology company EROAD has begun road trials in Sweden of its electronic Road User
Charge (Eruc) platform. The trials are being conducted as part of ARENA, a Swedish R&D project
investigating the area of road user charging. The trial will evaluate how different equipment for the
collection of distance based road user charges for heavy vehicles perform in practice in order to
evaluate and verify the ARENA concept's viability and attractiveness.

Equipment will be tested and demonstrated in continuous testing under normal conditions in the
vehicles of hauliers based in Southern Sweden. Through the equipment the trucks can pay road
charges, road tolls and gain access to telematic services coordinated with road user charging. In
addition to Sweden, several other countries in Europe, France, Hungary, Denmark, Slovenia, Poland,
Slovakia and the Netherlands, are looking to implement distance-based road user charging.

"As the world's first commercial wireless Eruc provider, I like to think EROAD can play an important
role in the growing international direct road charging market. At the moment the market is
dominated by a small number of large players, but over time opportunities will emerge for smaller
companies like EROAD," says CEO Mr Newman.

Mr Newman says that the EROAD product has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from
international stakeholders looking to implement cost effective electronic road charging. EROAD was
one of only four companies selected to provide road charging demonstrations at the recent World ITS
Congress in Stockholm. Opportunities in Australia and North America are also being pursued.

"The New Zealand government's initiatives to introduce online RUC and electronic distance recorders
provide a substantial opportunity to develop a local high technology sector with significant export
potential, and should ensure we regain our place as a transport innovator," says Mr Newman.

View video item on SVT

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CONTACT
Brian Michie Manager Business Development
E brian.michie@eroad.com
P +64 9 970 4708
M +64 21 376 964

EROAD launches export drive

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

New Zealand technology company EROAD has launched an export drive based on the sale of its fully wireless electronic Road User Charge (Eruc) platform.

International developments indicate that the Heavy Vehicle Eruc and road pricing industry are poised for unprecedented global growth as governments develop alternatives to fuel excise charges to finance infrastructure, control congestion and improve community and environmental outcomes.

“The EROAD Eruc solution is secure, evidential, and low cost. The system does not rely on specialist enforcement architecture or gantries, and could be applied to any road network to implement distance, mass, time, location and emission based vehicle charging,” says EROAD CEO Steven Newman.

Mr Newman says that the EROAD product has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from international stakeholders looking to implement cost effective electronic road charging, and it has elected to develop its first export market in Scandinavia. EROAD was one of only four companies selected to provide road charging demonstrations at the recent World ITS Congress in Stockholm, and is a key participant in the Swedish Eruc trials. Opportunities in Australia and North America are also being pursued.

Engineered to deliver an integrated end-to-end solution, EROAD’s Eruc Management System encompasses the Ehubo (a secure OBU), and a web-based payment gateway, to purchase and manage RUC, and provide fleet tracking and other value-add services. EROAD’s technology platform has been specifically designed to modernise the New Zealand RUC system, enabling cost savings for both transport operators and enforcement agencies.

“The New Zealand government’s initiatives to introduce online RUC and electronic distance recorders provide a substantial opportunity to develop a local high technology sector with significant export potential, and should ensure we regain our place as a transport innovator,” says Mr Newman.

Looking to the future some commentators have suggested that the intelligent road charging industry will form the vanguard of the next industrial revolution, with an estimated international market size in excess of $100 billion per annum.

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CONTACT

Brian Michie
Manager Business Development

E brian.michie@eroad.com
P +64 9 970 4708
M +64 21 376 964

Two world firsts for Wellington: Ehubo and Hino hybrid truck demonstration

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1200

EROAD has organised with HINO NZ to provide a demonstration in Wellington of its Ehubo, the world's first secure electronic hubodometer, using HINO's new hybrid, the world's first production diesel/electric hybrid light truck.

The demonstration will run over three days, and will give stakeholders the opportunity to see first hand how EROAD's Ehubo product and innovative Eruc solution can modernise the Road User Charges regime, and have a test drive in HINO's ground-breaking low emissions diesel-electric hybrid truck.

EROAD CEO Steven Newman says that together the Ehubo and HINO represent the future direction of land transport in New Zealand. The adoption of a low cost internet-based electronic RUC regime, in combination with the widespread use of hybrid vehicles, will lead to a significant lift in transport productivity and improved environmental outcomes - a win/win for New Zealand, notes Mr Newman.

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For further information:
Brian Michie
Manager Business Development EROAD Limited
E brian.michie@eroad.co.nz
M 021 376 964

Jamie Lockwood
Sales Development Manager Hino Distributors (NZ) Ltd
E jamie.lockwood@hino.co.nz
M O27 622 6822

EROAD

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the eRUC Management System encompasses the world's first secure electronic hubodometer, the eHubo, and a bank grade web-based payment gateway, to purchase and manage RUC, and monitor vehicle activity. An extensive field trial demonstrated that the eHubo was significantly more accurate and reliable than the mechanical hubodometers fitted to the trial fleet. Moving to an eRUC system will improve productivity and compliance, and reduce evasion and enforcement costs.

HINO HYBRID

The Hino Hybrid is a 6500kg-capacity vehicle best suited to urban application. The Hino Hybrid combines a 4.0-litre 110kW diesel engine with a 23kW electric motor which runs in parallel. Hino claims a fuel saving of 20 percent compared to a similar conventional truck and a reduction in CO2 emissions of better than 25 percent and particulate emissions by 85 percent. The Hino Hybrid has a range of advanced features, including an ultra-thin electric motor/generator and an automatic diesel engine idle-stop feature when the vehicle is stationary.

Eruc Launch

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 +1200

CEO Steven Newman says that EROAD has received approval from the NZTA to launch its online Eruc service. Details around the RUC Agency are still being finalised but EROAD expects the system to go live in the next couple of months.

Mr Newman endorses the NZTA who have stated that they are "very interested in Eruc technology and think it's definitely the way forward, when we talk about charging for road use."

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Eruc Management System encompasses the world's first secure electronic hubodometer, the Ehubo, and a bank grade web-based payment gateway, to purchase and manage RUC, and monitor vehicle activity.

Mr Newman notes feedback the company was receiving from the industry on the EROAD product was overwhelmingly positive. Operators want to use the internet to help manage RUC, improve transparency and lower administration costs. EROAD's online Eruc service is in-line with the recommendations of the RUC Review Group, and the rapid global move towards internet based
commerce and electronic ticketing.

Moving to an Eruc model is a win-win for the industry and the government states Mr Newman. An Eruc system will improve productivity and compliance, and reduce evasion and enforcement costs.

In a related development, EROAD has recently completed an extensive field trial involving 100 vehicles travelling a total of 1.6 million kms. The field trial demonstrated that the eHubo was significantly more accurate and reliable than the odometers and mechanical hubodometers fitted to the trial fleet. The company has submitted its eHubo to the Ministry of Transport for regulatory approval, and is confident it will be accepted as a cost effective and superior distance recorder, says Mr Newman.

Download Media Release (PDF 68k)

CONTACT:
Brian Michie
Manager Business Development

E brian.michie@eroad.co.nz
M 021 376 964

NZTA Statement on EROAD Eruc Trial

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +1200

In an interview with Truck & Driver, reported in the May 2009 Issue, NZTA Policy Manager, Delaney Myers, has stated that a commercial trial of EROAD's online RUC service is expected to begin shortly. The Eruc trial will allow EROAD to offer its innovative electronic Road User Charge (RUC) Management System to HV customers.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the EROAD RUC Management System encompasses the world's first secure electronic hubodometer, the eHubo, and a bank grade web-based payment gateway, to purchase and manage RUC, and provide other value-added services.

CEO Steven Newman said that feedback the company was receiving from the industry on the EROAD product was very encouraging. Operators want to use the internet to help manage RUC, improve transparency and lower administration costs. EROAD's online RUC service is in-line with the rapid global move towards internet based commerce and electronic ticketing.

Moving to an Eruc model is a win-win for the industry and the government states Mr Newman. An Eruc system will improve productivity and compliance, and reduce evasion and enforcement costs. Mr Newman endorses the NZTA who have stated that they are "very interested in Eruc technology and think it's definitely the way forward, when we talk about charging for road use."

In a related development, EROAD has recently completed an extensive field trial involving 100 vehicles travelling a total of 1.6 million kms. The field trial demonstrated that the Ehubo was significantly more accurate and reliable than the odometers and mechanical hubodometers fitted to the trial fleet. The company has submitted its Ehubo to the Ministry of Transport for regulatory approval, and is confident it will be accepted as a cost effective and superior distance recorder, says Mr Newman.

Download Media Release (PDF 70k)

CONTACT:

Brian Michie
Manager Business Development
M 021 376 964

Electronic Solution to RUC Evasion

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +1200

A more accurate, secure and fairer electronic road user charge (Eruc) system - rather than a backwards move to additional fuels taxes - is the best way to tackle the problem of truck drivers evading paying their way, says technology company EROAD.

CEO Steven Newman said ONE News was right to highlight the serious problem of RUC evasion under New Zealand's current mechanical and paper-based system in its special investigation last night (TV One, 6pm), but the answer lay not with increasing fuel taxes, but in modernising the country's road user charges system to utilise an electronic hubodometer and payment system.

Countries using electronic RUC had achieved substantial reductions in evasion. Switzerland, which introduced its Eruc system in 2001, enjoyed a revenue evasion rate of less than 1% compared to New Zealand's 10%, said Mr Newman.

EROAD has designed an electronic RUC management system which has the potential to eliminate hubodometer fraud, reduce RUC evasion, and dramatically reduce compliance costs for both the government and heavy vehicle users.

Recent field trials that have shown that EROAD's electronic hubodometer is more accurate and more secure than mechanical hubodometers. The company is in the process of submitting its eHubo for regulatory approval.

Mr Newman said that New Zealand was a world leader when it introduced its weight and distance charging for heavy vehicles in 1978, but that a failure to modernise this paper-based RUC regime meant the system urgently needed bringing up to date.

Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic already operated successful electronic RUC regimes and other countries moving this way included Australia, France, Sweden, Holland, Slovakia, Denmark, Hungary and Belgium.

Mr Newman said this trend reflected a concensus that fuel excise taxes were no longer as effective because of increasing fuel efficiency, the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles, the trend towards alternative fuels and a poor ability to link road use to road damage, congestion and environmental costs.

EROAD was recently invited to take part in a Swedish government sponsored Eruc trial. Mr Newman said that the company's experience in Europe confirmed that electronic RUC solutions were the preferred policy approach for tackling these issues. This represented an economic development opportunity for New Zealand technology companies able to prove Eruc solutions in New Zealand based on its existing regulatory regime - technology that could become a valuable export industry to the rapidly growing global electronic road pricing market.

Download Media Release as PDF (61k)

For further information:

Brian Michie
Manager Business Development
EROAD
021376964

EROAD joins Eruc trial in Sweden

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +1300

New Zealand technology company EROAD is to deploy its eHubo product in a government sponsored field trial to develop an electronic Road User Charge (Eruc) system for Heavy Vehicles (HVs) in Sweden. Participation in the Swedish Eruc trials will demonstrate the EROAD technology to a global audience with the potential for substantial export sales, says EROAD CEO Steven Newman. New Zealand is ideally placed to develop a local high technology sector based on road pricing and related services. An Eruc industry would create highly skilled jobs, generate significant export revenues, and contribute to productivity growth, he said.

The Swedish trial will give EROAD an opportunity to demonstrate its RUC Management System which encompasses its eHubo, and a bank grade web-based payment gateway for online RUC purchase. In addition EROAD will get the opportunity to present its technology solution at the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress, to be held in Stockholm in September 2009.

Sweden has initiated a major project to develop an electronic kilometre based Eruc system for HVs within a three year time horizon to replace fuel excise and registration taxes. Known as ARENA, the project has been initiated to improve environmental and economic outcomes, and support an extended development of the railways by 50% to 2020.

To overcome problems and costs stemming from a single monopoly toll provider, the ARENA project is proposing a multiple toll provider model and does not prescribe any technical solutions. Heavy vehicle users will have a contract with a toll service provider and can choose the one that best fits their needs. System requirements will be flexible to meet the dynamics of technical innovation and provide strong incentives for innovation, and lower development and operating costs.

As a participant in this field test EROAD will get the chance not only to get an early and detailed understanding for how the Swedish kilometre tax will be implemented, but also an opportunity to give feedback and influence its design. The Swedish trial is part of a worldwide movement towards electronic HV charges and road pricing to finance infrastructure, control congestion, and improve community and environmental outcomes.

Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and the rapid growth of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, have also contributed to a developing consensus that a major shift in transport funding is required away from fuel excise and registration taxes towards distance, time, location, and emission based charges. Looking to the future some commentators have suggested that the intelligent road charging industry will form the vanguard of the next industrial revolution.

Ehubo trials are now underway

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1200

Extensive field trials of the Ehubo, the world's first secure hubodometer product, are now underway, with 100 Units currently being trialled in major HV fleets throughout New Zealand.

EROAD will launch its Ehubo and integrated RUC Management product during Q1 2009.