Security and safety drive the use of connected van technology

When asked “What are the main reasons why your fleet is connected by telematics?”, the responses were to locate vehicles or improve security (41%), improve driver safety or behaviours (34%), improve operational efficiency (28%), reduce fleet costs (27%), reduce environmental impact (7%), avoid ‘not allowed’ usage (4%) and optimise vehicle sharing (2%).

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “Connected technology can bring a whole range of advantages for van fleets and our research provides an interesting insight into the decision making process for adoption.

“Improving security and knowing the location of vehicles is the leading reason by some distance and this is perhaps the most obvious and immediately useful aspect of telematics. Being aware of where your vehicles are at any moment brings very clear operational advantages in terms of real world operational efficiency and minimising security issues.

“However, there is also strong recognition of the role that the technology can play in helping to keep drivers safer by monitoring how they behave in real world conditions. Knowing everything from how long drivers are spending behind the wheel to whether their driving style could increase the risk of an accident or increase wear on the van is a real advantage.

“At the other end of the scale, it is noteworthy that just 7% of respondents say that connected vehicles can help them to reduce their environmental impact. This would seem to be an obvious use of the technology in terms of monitoring, for example, fuel use across difference routes, drivers and vehicles - and its subsequent impact on your corporate CO2 footprint.”

A related question in the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer looked at fleet penetration, with a total of 41% using connected van telematics, ranging from 26% of companies with fewer than 10 employees to 44% of those with more than 1,000.

Shaun added: “Connected van penetration remains relatively high in UK fleets, with more than four out of 10 making use of the technology. As in previous years, there is a marked difference between larger and smaller employers. This variance is relatively easy to account for, with larger concerns adopting a more structured approach to gathering accurate data about their fleets as part of a generally more sophisticated approach to fleet management, which may be due to the employment of dedicated fleet professionals.”

Arval Mobility Observatory carries out its authoritative research of key trends in the fleet and mobility sectors every year. The 2022 Barometer talked to fleet decision makers in 26 countries and the figures shown here cover UK responses to this section of the survey. Sign up to receive research packs at arval.co.uk/amo-insight

Is your fleet connected to a telematics tool?

What are the main reasons why your fleet is connected by telematics (choose two options)?