Bridgestone’s global fleet management solution, Webfleet, has announced a new alliance with Direct Track Ltd to increase service and support for commercial fleet operators across New Zealand.
The partnership underscores Webfleet’s ongoing commitment to local operators at a time of rapid change in connectivity and fleet management requirements.
Expanding Capability for NZ Fleets
Webfleet already supports more than 50,000 fleets worldwide, providing tools to manage drivers, vehicles, and assets. For New Zealand operators, the platform includes features tailored to emerging needs such as:
- EV health and status monitoring
- Charger availability and usage reporting
- Driver optimisation for electric fleets
- Electronic Road User Charges (eRUC) integration, ensuring accurate and transparent tracking of private road use
These capabilities are now backed by Direct Track’s local expertise, ensuring that fleets can deploy world-class technology with on-the-ground support.
Local Expertise, Global Technology
Direct Track has been working with New Zealand fleets for more than five years, assisting operators across both the North and South Islands to remain efficient, competitive, and profitable. The company now brings this experience to Webfleet customers.
Francis Wynne, Fleet Solutions Lead at Direct Track, said:
“We are delighted to bring Webfleet’s world-class vehicle data capabilities to the New Zealand market. Working with Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility, helps us to ensure New Zealand receives access and support to tackle emerging challenges to fleet management.”
Ensuring Continuity Amid Connectivity Changes
The alliance comes at a critical time for fleet operators. New Zealand’s 2G and 3G mobile networks are scheduled to be shut down between late 2025 and early 2026. Without preparation, operators risk losing connectivity for vehicle tracking, telematics, and safety systems.
“With the upcoming volatility within the connectivity space from both the network and incumbent providers, our partnership with Webfleet ensures we can provide stability, surety, and operational continuity to New Zealand fleet operators,” Wynne added.
Jonny Clarke, Webfleet’s ANZ Director, said the collaboration would give operators confidence as the transition approaches:
“This affiliation with Direct Track demonstrates our commitment to supporting New Zealand and Trans-Tasman operators. With the impending 2G and 3G network shutdown, we want to ensure vehicle operators remain supported and able to manage their vehicles, continuing business uninterrupted. Direct Track is here, on the ground, and ready to further assist NZ operators with additional resources, local expertise, and intimate knowledge of New Zealand’s connectivity requirements.”
What it Means for Fleet Operators
For New Zealand fleets, the alliance offers:
- Access to Webfleet’s telematics and safety technologies including dash cams, driver behaviour insights, and mobility solutions.
- Local support through Direct Track’s established presence across New Zealand.
- Connectivity assurance ahead of the 3G shutdown, reducing the risk of service interruptions.
- Future-proofing for EV adoption with tools designed to optimise charging, monitor battery health, and integrate with eRUC systems.
The move is expected to give operators greater confidence in navigating upcoming regulatory and technology changes while maximising safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Heritage Plates Fetch Millions at Victorian AuctionVictorian motorists and collectors have again shown the value they place on distinctive number plates, with VicRoads’ August Heritage plates auction generating more than $1.64 million in sales from just 10 rare combinations. The standout result was plate 620, which sold for $365,000 following competitive bidding. Other strong results included plate 9.118, which sold for $170,000, 8.585 at $155,000
- Driver inductions matter more as vehicle technology changes
Fleet safety has always involved choosing the right vehicle, maintaining it correctly and making sure drivers understand their responsibilities behind the wheel. But as new vehicles become more sophisticated, there is another part of the safety management system that deserves more attention: driver induction. Modern cars are arriving with new safety systems, different control layouts, - One fleet, many applications: why tyre management can’t be one-size-fits-allFrom passenger cars and utes to buses, trucks and waste vehicles, fleet applications can vary dramatically. Bridgestone Australia says the starting point for effective tyre management is understanding what each vehicle is being asked to do. There is no such thing as a single fleet application – and Bridgestone Australia says there should not be
- Why Blacktown created new fleet roles for analytics, innovation and zero emissionsBlacktown City Council is a finalist in the Fleet of the Year category in the 2026 Fleet News Group Awards. In the fourth article in our six-part series, we look at how the City Fleet team has changed its structure to build the capability required for a more data-driven and technology-focused fleet. Fleet management has
- People Moves in AugustThe fleet and automotive industry is always moving — and so are the people helping to shape its future. Each month, we recognise the professionals stepping into new roles, taking on fresh challenges and bringing new ideas, experience and leadership to organisations across the sector. Here’s some of the latest career moves and appointments across
