Major fleet and vehicle rental operators in the UK say they are ready to adopt new digital technologies – but they expect the car manufacturers to pay for it.
Findings from the Fleet Technology survey, conducted by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing association (BVRLA) suggest connectivity and smartphone integration are set to soar in importance over the next five years.
Just 20% of fleets believe connectivity and smartphone integration is very important at the moment, but three times as many (61%) say it will be very important in five years’ time.
Fleets highlighted that driverless cars and alternatively-powered vehicles are the technologies that have the potential to have the greatest positive impact on the industry. Fatigue warning devices were cited as the most important safety technologies for fleets.
But fleet operators believe the costs should be absorbed by manufacturers. Some 55% of respondents said they wouldn’t be willing to pay for extra safety technology in their vehicles, with a further 27% saying they would only do so if it was under £500.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “This survey shows that the automotive environment is set to be transformed by technology over the next few years.
“Our findings suggest that some of the things that used to drive vehicle choice, such as driving performance, comfort and design, are rapidly becoming less important as fleets focus on technology and safety.”
Source: Dealer Update
