ARTICLE: Options to help your fleet as supply shortages continue
Due to continued shortages we know these are challenging times and we’d like to share some tips to help you manage your fleet and update your drivers.
We also continue to work hard to reduce the impact and your Business Manager is always available to help in addition to the following information.
- Planning ahead is making a difference
For new vehicle needs, revisit your choice list
Consider enabling your drivers to order new vehicles up to 12 months ahead of their renewal date and opening up your choice list to include more manufacturers, particularly where lead times are known to be shorter.
This approach helps because a number of manufacturers are now reporting lead-times of more than one year and some of the newer entrants to the market have shorter lead-times, particularly for electric vehicles. Take the opportunity to review the whole life cost of vehicles and ensure employee grades retain a suitable choice of models.
For servicing, MOTs and repairs
Book scheduled servicing, MOTs and non-urgent repairs as early as possible and encourage your company vehicle drivers to do the same for their vehicles, if possible.
Currently, availability of courtesy cars and short term rental vehicles for less than 28 days is particularly challenging. Therefore, consider opening up some of your fleet vehicles to enable your drivers to remain mobile or allowing them to work from home when their vehicle is off the road.
- Keep your vehicles on fleet for longer
Because it’s currently taking longer for new vehicles to be produced and many vehicles covered less miles during the lockdown period, where possible consider re-contracting your existing vehicles to keep them on fleet for longer.
Your Business Manager will be able to discuss your specific needs and revise contracts, if it’s a suitable option for you.
- Consider reallocating vehicles within your fleet
If your drivers are particularly keen to switch to an electric car or LCV, consider reallocating their petrol or diesel models to create driver ‘advocates’ for electric vehicles within your fleet. This approach is particularly useful for electric LCVs or job need cars which may travel within clean air zones, where an electric vehicle may not incur charges.
- Let your drivers know about vehicle supply challenges
If you decide to make changes to your vehicle choice list and enable your employees to order vehicles at an earlier stage, then let them know about the changes so they can revisit the portal, review their choices and order earlier.
In light of the ongoing supply challenges, we would like to thank you and your drivers for their ongoing patience and understanding.
Our global consultancy team has created a whitepaper which focuses on the impact of the semiconductor shortage to the automotive industry which has more tips for fleets here.
Should you have any further questions or need support, your Business Manager will be available to discuss your specific needs.
Yours faithfully,
Shaun Sadlier
Head of Consultancy, Arval UK
