While I do wonder at the government’s inability to publish some shorter-term guidance – such as benefit-in-kind taxation beyond 2021 – this briefing from the Department of Transport is welcome. It offers a valuable insight into how the government sees the future; the future of simply getting from A to B.
How will this be achieved without increasing congestion? What advances can be made in travel against a background of digitisation, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and greater connectivity?
At its most basic, the government wishes to encourage ‘active travel’. It wants walking, and cycling to be at the core of urban transport.
And in a wider sense, all future mobility solutions must lead towards the zero emissions of active travel. But without creating additional congestion.
Mobility is certainly a good buzz word at the moment; it can mean many things to many people. So it’s useful to gain an insight into how the government understands mobility, as well as its potential for good and an understanding of the potential issues such mobility may raise.
I see mobility as a staged affair, with fleet managers gradually morphing into mobility managers. It’s a more complex role – if managing a fleet wasn’t difficult enough, of course – because you will be dealing with the travel arrangements of individuals across a variety of modes.
But it certainly won’t be by spreadsheet, that’s for sure. Technology really helps and AI will increase that ability to deliver driver solutions in real time.
Mobility for fleets will be about finding the optimum travel answer for each journey. That might be a car by the hour; it could possibly be by the week. A suite of blended solutions will be the starting point for repositioning fleets to take advantage of mobility solutions.
The result will be more appropriate transport for each journey; smoother and reduced journey times; the opportunity to increase efficiency across the business; and a lower carbon footprint overall.
All benefits that I believe fleets will be able to enjoy as we step forward into the new era of mobility.
While I do wonder at the government’s inability to publish some shorter-term guidance – such as benefit-in-kind taxation beyond 2021 – this briefing from the Department of Transport is welcome. It offers a valuable insight into how the government sees the future; the future of simply getting from A to B. How will this be … Continued
In many ways I thought Chancellor Hammond was brilliantly skilful in the way he tiptoed through the minefields and political debris of the previous night’s vote on Brexit. It was certainly one of those jobs for someone else. And the thing that really resonated with me was when the Chancellor announced that “We are addressing … Continued
How do you improve on excellence? What’s the driver to keep on improving? It’s a good question. Take tennis player Roger Federer, for example. The 37-year-old Swiss player, a veteran of 19 years in the sport, has just taken his 100th title. At that age – with younger players continually challenging him – and with … Continued
A bit of scene-setting first before I hit the afterburners. Because this has been aggravating me for some time. Personal contract hire – or PCH – has seen a surge in growth over the last few years. And this is to be welcomed. According to figures from the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), … Continued
Over the air updates to increase performance? Or, perhaps, to provide new features? Nowhere has car-met-tech so obviously as in the Tesla Model S. Little wonder it is often referred to as a computer on wheels. Certainly, much of Tesla’s appeal and elegance is down to its seamless integration of electronics within the car’s overall … Continued
Have you seen the media reaction to the latest car sales figures? Such is the negative spin you might wonder why we’re still in business; bothering to get up in the morning; or, at the very least, why we’re not working out a quick exit strategy. But you would be wrong. Wrong to believe the … Continued
As we step into the brave new world of 2019, I thought a fleet almanac of sorts might be in order. So, to greet 2019, here are 19 issues or products that will be facing fleet this year. So let’s go. And in no particular order… 1. Leasing becomes more attractive. Why? From the new tax … Continued
It’s not often you see an automotive headline that takes you aback. But in the last fortnight we’ve had two: the arrest of Carlos Ghosn, the infamous ‘Le cost cutter’ chief at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and one of the most significant automotive players in the world. And, closer to home, the announcement by Volkswagen and … Continued
The government has done its best to give the company car a good duffing. A bit of a sort out. Show who’s boss. That sort of thing. With its gloves laced with a bit of extra lead for additional follow-through, here are some of the highlights: 4% surcharge on diesel cars – boof! Withdrawal of … Continued
Earlier this year we announced that as a result of our relationship and investment with AquAid Water Coolers and the Africa Trust we were given the opportunity to have our very own water pump installed on our behalf in Africa. With each purchase at AquAid Water Coolers an automatic donation is made to the Africa … Continued