Fleet management is becoming too complex to be treated as an administrative function, with vehicle choice, electric vehicles, telematics, compliance, safety and cost pressures increasing the demands on fleet managers.
Speaking at an online event last week, Eugene Herbert, president of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and group CEO of MasterDrive, said research undertaken by AFP showed a need to professionalise fleet management and raise standards in the market.
“In markets such as the UK, Australia and parts of Europe, fleet managers are recognised as operational and risk professionals, rather than simply vehicle administrators,” Herbert said. “We are in an era where the landscape is dynamic, competitive and more complex than it has ever been.”
Fleet managers must now navigate a far broader vehicle market, with more than 70 brands across the SUV, light commercial vehicle and bakkie segments and about 20 truck and commercial vehicle brands. This included about 16 locally produced models, he said. “And, of course, we have ongoing new entrants from Asia.”
At the same time, new electric vehicles are entering the market rapidly.
“Alongside this, we see a dynamic fleet ecosystem, with an estimated 30 to 50 telematics and fleet management service providers operating locally,” Herbert said.
The use of onboard systems is forecast to grow from about 47% of commercial fleet vehicles to 70% by 2028. “This growing diversity of vehicle brands, technologies and operating models means fleet managers need access to credible information, professional collaboration and a trusted platform now more than ever before,” Herbert said.
