Pandemic sparks dramatic shift in fleet management approach

One in four fleets are managing more vehicles today than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Following new research from Vimcar, UK SMEs running company vehicles have successfully adapted to uncertainty and economic pressure during Covid-19.

This is backed by an Opinion Matters survey, where eight in 10 SMEs said they have had to adapt their businesses since the first lockdown was introduced in March 202.

Further to this, 46% of respondents said that as a result, they have implemented a new vehicle management software system and 30% have digitalised their fleets.

What’s more, 25% of companies confirmed they had needed to increase their fleet size, 25% again claimed that the overall costs of managing their fleets had increased since March 202.

UK country manager at Vimcar, Ronald Clancy, commented that the last year has changed the way businesses function forever. “This data shows us just how resilient and adaptable UK SMEs have had to be to ensure the continuation of their businesses – and the reliance that these businesses have on the effective running of their fleets.”

He continued; “when we look to the future and the roadmap to recovery there are still challenges ahead, but it is positive to see that the digitalisation of fleets is an ongoing commitment for SMEs and their future success.”

That survey results hugely support this, with an overwhelming 94% of SMEs saying not only that the impact of technology on their business has been positive since the beginning of the pandemic, but also that investment in new technologies is going to be an increasingly important initiative for them, especially within the next 12 months.

From the respondents, 33% of businesses owning vehicles said they plan to install a fleet tracker or to invest in a fleet management solution, whilst 29% plan to increase their fleet size over the next 12 months. This came from 25% saying they would willingly increase to meet customer demand or because their customer has changed since the pandemic began.

Interestingly, the results also showed a spike in regional digital adoption, with 53% of businesses in the East of England, implementing new software. This was then followed by the North West with 33% and Greater London with 31%.