The Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned SBD to conduct research into the case for deploying the European Commission’s promoted eCall system in the UK. This focussed on benefits of potential reductions in road fatalities and injuries and cost of deployment. Based on SBD’s research, conducted from April to October 2006, the benefits to the UK for eCall deployment are around half of the estimates originally predicted by an EC European study and SBD were able to present three options to the DfT.
- Agree the EC’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) despite the open technical and business issues
- Decide not to sign at all and avoid potentially exposing UK drivers to extra costs
- Delay the agreement until the technical issues and business case becomes more reliable
Commenting on the eCall research, David McClure, SBD’s Director of ITS & Telematics stated, “SBD were pleased to be approached by the DfT to conduct this research. It shows SBD is a trusted source to provide knowledge, insight and understanding to develop successful telematics products and services for the automotive industry and in this case, provide the best solution for the UK public. We look forward to working with the DfT again in the future.” Since 2001 and the inception of EC’s eCall activities, SBD have been at the forefront of eCall with technical research and market intelligence. In addition, SBD have worked closely with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers on client focussed workshops to help those stakeholders obtain a competitive advantage in the market.
SBD_final_eCall_report_to_the_DfT__1100a_.pdf (1.29 mb)