2020 was probably the biggest fiasco we’ve experienced collectively, at least in our lifetime. Even though the ANZ region is faring reasonably well compared to the rest of the world, cultural and economic pressure points have been pushed uncomfortably close to submission.
We might be a little bit biased here at Fleetyr, but we believe the transportation and mobility industries have been integral in helping Australian and New Zealand communities mitigate the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
From the closing of public transport causing the greatest second-hand car sales spike in Australian history (up 30%), to more home deliveries than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined, it’s safe to say our reliance on transport and mobility services has grown exponentially.
As with many other sectors, the pandemic has forced the transportation and mobility industries to quickly shift their focus from planning for the future to delivering unexpected demands now. But for an industry built on the foundations of innovation and creativity, this wasn’t impossible.
Yet with so much change happening fast, it’s easy to lose sight of which changes are here to stay – or just a fleeting fad.
Here are our four key trends and predictions that will affect fleet management in 2021.
1. Fleet data fuelling smart city initiatives
You would have probably already heard your local lawmaker talk about smart cities. To create smart cities, there needs to be efficient means for collecting vast pools of data as well as systems designed to visualise and communicate that data. Data collected from telematics systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices is the best way to analyse traffic and mobility issues, significantly fuelling smart city projects.
The ANZ region is a bit behind the eight ball on smart cities compared to other parts of the world, but this is not necessarily a bad thing as other smart cities have realised the high costs associated with installing their own infrastructure.
These realisations have created opportunities for lawmakers pushing for smart city projects to look to telematics providers, big courier companies and even vehicle manufacturers who already gather that data.
With smart city projects turning from rhetoric to reality in places like Logan, Darwin, Perth, Randwick and even Byron Bay, the demand and value for fleet data will become even more powerful.
2. Collaborating on data for shared insights
With mobility data becoming more sought after and the economy still on the mend, it would not surprise us if the transportation and mobility industries start to share their data to create more significant insights for savings and efficiencies.
The scaling of 5G networks across the region, combined with massive growth and continued trust in the sharing economy may see the emergence of technology services that can safely and effectively make these data collaborations a reality.
3. The end of micromobility fleets
Micromobility providers like Lime, Beam, Ofo and Neuron swiftly wheeled themselves into the ANZ region before there was a demand or trend for such a service, and they are likely to disappear just as fast.
With a sharp surge in personal ownership of micromobility vehicles combined with a business model that simply won’t work in the ANZ region (e.g. wages, tax, and all the rest), it will be challenging for these types of businesses to survive – especially after the economic beating and hygiene concerns brought on by 2020.
We would assume that legislation will also start to catch up, for instance with the ACCC’s investigation into Lime’s e-scooters. Although some local governments such as have embraced private micromobility fleets, some might suggest that this is a relatively safe way to work out the kinks in the market before rolling out their fleets.
4. The emergence of cargo e-bikes
More and more companies are becoming environmentally conscious. A novel way to do this is by offering employees vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.
We believe this could take shape in the form of cargo bikes for deliveries in urban centres. 75,000 cargo bikes were sold in Germany in 2019, and this European trend is undoubtedly about to hit our shores. With delivery packages becoming smaller and lighter, we expect green-based alternatives like deliveries using cargo bikes to start being seen in the market. This type of mobility will likely be embraced at home as well. The 2nd car for Mum and Dad might be replaced in the future.
Did we get it wrong or did we miss something? Let us know.
Fleetyr is the ultimate analytical tool to improve fleet performance. We use data science and machine learning to find efficiencies and opportunities for businesses. Keen to know more?
