A quarter of fleets have added new vehicles since the start of the pandemic
UK SMEs that operate fleets have ‘successfully adapted’ to uncertainty during the pandemic, with one-quarter adding to their fleet since March 2020.
The data comes from research conducted by Vimcar and Opinion Matters, which found that eight in 10 businesses have had to adapt since the first lockdown.
The impact on fleet operators
Fleet operators have had some tough decisions to make, with 46% implementing new vehicle management software and 30% going digital.
The pandemic has presented a unique set of circumstances for many, which has meant that while businesses have adapted, there’s also been the opportunity to make big changes.
Pent-up demand has had an impact over the last year or so, with various easing of lockdown measures resulting in a surge in enquiries, business and demands across the economy.
We’re back there again as lockdown 3.0 continues to gradually ease for what is hopefully the final time. And a third of businesses have adapted operations because of an increase in demand, which is GREAT news!
On the other hand, costs are increasing. In fact, 25% of fleet operators have said that the cost of managing their fleet has increased since March 2020.
What does it mean?
The research reveals two things;
- How resilient businesses have been
- How much businesses rely on the smooth operation of their fleets
It tells us that the way businesses function has changed, maybe forever.
The focus has been on the recovery for so long that business owners have become increasingly savvy, taking advantage of technological advances to reposition their business.
The increase in the digitalisation of fleets is a significant commitment and one that will ensure future success for businesses that have updated in line with the market trends.
In total, 94% of SMEs surveyed say that the impact of technology on their business has been positive during the pandemic.
The future
Investment in technology is a key aspect for many businesses currently, and none more so than fleet operators.
A third of businesses that own vehicles plan to install a fleet tracker or invest in a fleet management solution in the next 12 months to resolve current issues.
Additionally, 29% of businesses plan to expand their fleet in the next year, with 25% stating they’d increase in size to meet rising customer demand or because their customer base has altered in the last year or so.
There’s a bit of a regional split in the data, though.
The East of England, the North-West and Greater London were the three areas that came out top for expansion plans. In fact, those areas also came out on top for digitalising fleets too.
Are you planning on expanding your fleet in the next year? Or is it time you stepped in line with the rest of the industry and upgraded your digital management solution?
If you want to take advantage of new improvements in technology and make fleet management a breeze, talk to us about implementing Driving Monitor software in your operation. Start the conversation at [email protected].
