Future Fleets
Keeping on top of an evolving fleet industry According to research, 38 per cent of fleet managers find it hard to stay informed about new developments in the fleet sector. Shell has released a report identifying the future trends affecting the industry and how fleets can stay on top of them While sixty-two percent of fleet managers in the UK are excited about the role new technologies will play in their sector, over a third (38 per cent) find it hard to stay informed about new developments, according to a Shell study. With forty-one per cent say that staying competitive in a changing industry is their biggest challenge, fuel giant Shell has released a report covering the main areas of change within fleet management and how fleets can adapt. The Future of Fleet report looks at alternative fuels, driverless vehicles, mobility, data and smart infrastructure. It highlights how alternative fuels, new technology and services are reshaping the sector and creating new opportunities for companies to enhance their operations, boost efficiency and stay competitive. “In the UK, the pace of change in commercial fleets is accelerating rapidly and we believe the industry will look radically different within the next 20 years” said Katya Atanasova, vice president of Shell Fleet Solutions. “Alternative fuels, data analytics, automation and greater connectivity will require new business models, skills and partnerships between fleet operators, manufacturers, energy and technology providers and start-ups. “For those responsible for managing fleets, there is also a need to engage drivers and the senior management in their organisations, to help test and capitalise on these new developments.”
transition to new fuels and vehicle types, A changing industry and you may find yourself burdened with In its foreword, the report likens changes to the cost and disruption of an unnecessarily the fleet sector to the radical evolution that rapid whole-fleet transition.” has taken place in retail, entertainment and It says that businesses that start travel, with new players like Amazon, future-proofing their fleets now Netflix and Expedia shaking up “will be able to do so from traditional ways of working. For a stronger position of It says: “A convergence of most fl eets, organisational competence new technologies, services a variet and readiness, rather and greater connectivity y o d f ifferent than finding themselves is set to reshape the will be fuel types forced to rush through sector, requiring new changes at the last skills as well as creating cater forequired to minute in response new industry players r d i f f types o e to the advantages and business models. f vehicl rent ea gained by their better “By 2040, the usage s cenario nd prepared competitors.” fleet industry could s The report also calls transform almost on fleets to recognise that beyond recognition.” one fuel will not necessarily To help UK fleet managers suit all operations. “A range of new understand these changes, and innovative fuel types exists or are in the report examines some of the most development, each of which is best suited to interesting new ideas in the industry. different types of vehicles and use cases.” The report adds that only with a range of Acceleration of alternative fuels fuels can fleet managers meet the needs of For most fleets, a variety of different fuel types all users, from short urban delivery drivers will be required to cater for different types to long-haul heavy-goods hauliers. of vehicle and usage scenarios. Electricity, hydrogen, liquid natural gas (LNG), gasVehicle-less fleets and mobility to-liquid (GTL) and biofuels can all play a Ride-hailing and sharing apps are booming role and so comparing, benchmarking and in the consumer market but there is huge partnering to provide the right infrastructure potential in the commercial sector. This could will be key for companies to deliver the see fleet professionals using technology to best value and vehicle performance. share loads, manage deliveries on demand The report says: “As the market shifts and remove the capital and operational costs away from traditional fuels, no one can of owning vehicles themselves. Aggregation E afford to stand still. Leave it too late to
Volume 118 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE
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