Large companies with fleets cannot rely on outsourcing vehicle management if they are to navigate the ever-evolving automotive landscape effectively.

The auto landscape is becoming increasingly complex, necessitating dedicated fleet managers

That’s according to a new article from Lorna McAtear, deputy chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals, who has also warned that fleets and central government are not moving fast enough in the current transition to alternative fuels – and called for OEM action to address operational issues.

Writing in Cox Automotive’s Insight Quarterly, McAtear, who is head of fleet at National Grid, said the role of the fleet manager had changed significantly in the past few years and that those in the position were being “pulled in every direction” as the role became increasingly complex.

She elaborated: “Fleet management gets more complicated daily; therefore, those running fleets without a fleet manager struggle even more. Gone are the days of outsourcing to a company to do the basics for you. If an organisation wants to save money, remain compliant, and be prepared for the future, it can do no wrong in employing a dedicated fleet manager.”

But she also said that industry players and the Government had not been moving fast enough in the current transition to alternative fuels.

“Transitioning from early adopters to mass market means that much more must happen quickly,” she said. “The time for doing so is now. We will ultimately fail unless we push ourselves to step outside our comfort zones to change, grow and transform. Waiting it out isn’t an option.”

According to McAtear, a whole raft of measures will be needed in the coming years to hasten the change that’s already happening.

“Everything from better labelling of vehicles – WLTP in all seasons and AC/DC up-to charging speeds; simplifying regulations around vehicle weights, MOTs and licence categories.”

She also called for far greater support from the incoming government for EV sales, Benefit-in-Kind rules and much more besides.

“None of these appear to be included in the political party manifestos I’ve seen. And they don’t touch on vans, HGVs, niche vehicles or hydrogen-powered vehicles.”

In addition to the needed governmental support, OEMs should be making more significant strides to make operationally efficient vehicles if they want fleets to purchase greater numbers of alternatively fuelled fleet units.

McAtear added that she had been made aware of 12v battery issues being experienced by many fleets.

She continued: “On a positive note, a few OEMs have remained proactive in this space despite the pandemic, and some that fell short have started engaging and promising to improve things and address the challenges fleets have. And, of course, many new Chinese manufacturers are entering the field of play and asking fleets, ‘How can we help you?’.”

Cox Automotive’s insight director Philip Nothard said the role of a fleet manager was undoubtedly changing.

He explained: “Fleets remain crucial to the future growth of the industry as a whole, and addressing the issues that lie in that area is key to ensuring a smoother transition to a more sustainable future.”

Nothard added: “The central role of fleets in automotive registrations can’t be denied. That’s why any new government should listen to and act on what sector leaders are saying. That is especially true when it comes to the many issues around charging infrastructure.”

The full article from Lorna McAtear is here.