A third of fleets find it hard to keep up with tech change

Sixty-two percent of fleet managers in the UK are excited about the role new technologies will play in their sector, however, over a third (38%) find it hard to stay informed about new developments.

According to a new study by Shell, a further 41% say that staying competitive in a changing industry is their biggest challenge. The speed of these new developments makes it hard to predict what will come next.

To help those working in the industry plan their strategies, Shell has launched the Future of Fleet report. It highlights how a convergence of alternative fuels, new technology and services is reshaping the sector and creating new opportunities for companies.

“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.”

To help UK fleet managers understand these changes, the report examines some of the most interesting new ideas in the industry.

This includes an acceleration of alternative fuels. Comparing, benchmarking and partnering to provide the right infrastructure will be key for companies to deliver the best value and vehicle performance.

The report also includes a advice on vehicle-less fleets and mobility services, such as ride-hailing. This could see fleet professionals using technology to share loads, manage deliveries on demand and remove the capital and operational costs of owning vehicles themselves.

There’s also a section on downloadable diagnostics and maintenance, the power of data, and programmatic infrastructure.