Fleet Management Predictions for 2022 Chevin Fleet The pandemic has resulted in several changes to how fleet operations are conducted. Many businesses have been forced to adopt new methods and technologies to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. As we move further into 2022, we examine this year’s anticipated fleet management trends. Increased Purchasing Tendencies Product and parts supply was a major issue for fleets in 2020 and 2021. When the pandemic hit, virtually every industry’s supply chain was disrupted, resulting in the low availability of vehicle stocks and skyrocketing prices. Many businesses were forced to cut costs and downsize, but we expect an uptick in fleet expansion as the economy rebounds. This can be in the form of new vehicles or upgrading existing ones with the latest technology. In particular, companies will be looking for heavy-duty vehicles that can handle large workloads and new technologies that help improve fuel efficiency and safety. Skyrocketing Maintenance Expenses The pandemic has also resulted in increased maintenance expenses for fleets. The prices of many replacement parts have gone up, thanks to supply chain disruptions from 2020 to 2021. Experts say that this will continue through 2022. Increased vehicle complexity in recent years also plays a significant role in increased maintenance costs as workshops are short of trained technicians who can handle more sophisticated fleet technology. Businesses will need to carefully manage their budgets and consider how these changes could impact their bottom line. For instance, an automotive inventory management software will enable them to keep track of their vehicle parts and budget for maintenance accordingly. Increased Use of Dash Cams Despite fewer drivers being on the road in 2020 (and early 2021) owing to the pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that nearly 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents. This is considered the highest number of fatalities since 2007. As a result, more businesses are set to integrate dash cams into their fleets to help manage risk and improve driver safety. Not only do these devices provide visual evidence in the event of an accident, but they can also help identify risky driving behavior. This data can improve driver training and help reduce accidents and injuries on the road. Increased Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) While not an option for all businesses, we expect to see a continued rise in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in 2022. Countries and states are introducing laws and incentives to encourage businesses to switch to EVs. The benefits of EVs are numerous, including lower fuel and maintenance costs and a smaller environmental footprint. As battery technology continues to improve, we anticipate that more businesses will switch to EVs as their primary mode of transportation. Conclusion By keeping up with these changes and investing in new solutions, businesses can continue optimizing their operations and remain competitive in this rapidly changing landscape. Sources: https://www.chevinfleet.com/en-us/ https://www.chevinfleet.com/inventory-management-software/ https://info.rastrac.com/blog/commercial-fleet-management-trends-2019 https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2020-fatality-data-show-increased-traffic- fatalities-during-pandemic