SmartDrive Systems looks to grow truck and bus business

SmartDrive Systems, a US-based company specialising in commercial vehicle in-cab video recorders and data analysis, is looking to increase its stake in the burgeoning UK truck and bus telematics market with two new senior appointments.

Penny Randall, SMMT Vice President and formerly UK Marketing Director at Renault Trucks UK, has been appointed SmartDrive Marketing Manager EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa division). During her time at Renault Trucks, Randall also chaired SMMT’s commercial vehicle group.

Phil Morrell is the new SmartDrive Regional Sales Manager. Prior to his appointment, Morrell worked for Middlesex-based telematics company Tracker Network (UK).

Randall and Morrell will report to Aidan Rowsome, SmartDrive Vice-President EMEA. Rowsome previously headed up European sales at GreenRoad Technologies from 2007 to 2012 and was Managing Director of RAC Software Solutions (the former Tranman fleet management software business) between 2005 and 2007.

Rowsome said, “The UK market is really starting to blossom in its adoption of video to meet safety and security needs, to drive down fleet operating costs and save lives. Penny and Phil will play key roles in helping to drive and shape the delivery of our solutions and go-to-market plans.”

The total annual value of the global commercial vehicle telematics market is predicted to grow by 22% year-on-year to US$40 billion (£26.5 billion) this year, according to Statista, a German multinational research and statistical analysis firm.