Continental has announced a significant upgrade to its well-regarded Lowest Overall Driving Costs (LODC) simulation tool, designed specifically for the aftermarket. This updated tool is now optimised to assist fleet customers in lowering their operating costs, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing overall sustainability.
Frank Eckelmann, Head of International Fleet Business EMEA at Continental, highlights the importance of this upgrade: “Our innovative Lowest Overall Driving Costs (LODC) consultancy approach aims to offer our customers significant added value by providing comprehensive after-sales advice.” This consultancy strategy not only helps fleets optimise their tyre strategy but also offers a way to foster long-lasting customer relationships.
The upgraded LODC tool goes beyond traditional parameters, expanding its scope to evaluate crucial aftermarket considerations, such as reducing operating costs and fuel consumption. This allows fleet operators to make informed decisions about their tyre strategies and ultimately save on fuel expenses. "Our customers face the daily challenge of running their fleets as efficiently and economically as possible," Eckelmann adds. “The enhanced version of our simulation tool doesn’t just make it easier for them to select the right tyres, it significantly reduces their operating costs too.”
This enhanced simulation capability reflects Continental’s emphasis on tailoring its digital offerings to meet the specific needs of fleet operators. The LODC simulation tool now incorporates factors influenced by Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO) regulations, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of fuel consumption and emissions, helping fleets to align with industry regulations while saving costs.
Continental’s upgraded tool aligns with its broader ContiLifeCycle approach and digital services like ContiConnect, which together provide a complete package for fleet customers. By helping fleets select optimal tyres, Continental enables them to minimise total operating costs while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
As Eckelmann explains, “Our goal is to utilise digital tools and our consultancy concept to assist fleet customers in their day-to-day operations – with the aim of making a significant contribution to achieving the LODC target. This makes them more competitive and ensures both economic success and greater sustainability in the long term.”
With this upgrade, Continental positions itself as a comprehensive solution provider that goes beyond tyre products, offering bespoke digital tools and services that help customers maintain an edge in a competitive market.
