Fleet Forward: Trends and Highlights from EROAD Fleet Day 2023

EROAD Fleet Day is more than just a car show or a fleet management conference; it’s an annual event bringing together transport industry professionals, exhibitors, and experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in fleet management. The 2023 event, held in Hamilton on 26 July, focused on three crucial aspects of modern fleet management: Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability. Let’s dive into some of the key takeaways from this ‘must-attend’ event.

1. It’s the people, it’s the people, it’s the people

As Sir Graham Henry emphasised during his keynote speech, successful fleet management is all about people. It’s not just about adopting advanced technologies; it’s about cultivating the right culture, selecting the right team members, and supporting them to perform effectively under pressure. Technology is an enabler, but a strong, connected team that embraces the fleet’s culture is essential for long-term success.

2. Building collaborative partnerships with other fleets

Josh Hedley from Downer New Zealand and Brian Yanko from NZ Police highlighted the immense value of fleet businesses collaborating with non-competitive partners. By sharing knowledge and learning from one another, fleets can uncover innovative solutions to common challenges, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.

3. Embracing emission reduction strategies

Kathy Schluter, GM of Sales & Customer Experience at Keith Andrews, stressed the importance of preparing for emissions reduction now. With low and zero emission transport rapidly gaining momentum, fleet managers must proactively assess their fleet operations and start planning how they’ll transition to low emission vehicles. Scania and Hyundai also shared how the EV and Hydrogen share of the heavy truck market is only heading in one direction. With 3 in 5 fleet businesses already being asked to share sustainability performance during vendor selection, early adoption of green technologies is the key to staying ahead.

4. Technology as an enabler

The transport sector has witnessed remarkable technological advancements in recent years, from vehicle tracking and cameras, to advanced safety features, and most recently alternative fuel options. During Fleet Day 2023, over 50 exhibitors showcased various technology-driven solutions aimed at improving safety and efficiency, reducing costs and curbing emissions. Embracing these innovations can pave the way for more sustainable and productive fleet operations.

Conclusion

Events like EROAD Fleet Day enable fleet professionals to come together and discover the latest advances in vehicles and fleet management technology, and importantly, to connect and learn from each other. The event was a resounding success, leaving more than 800 fleet management professionals inspired and motivated to drive positive change in their operations. Attendees praised the event’s organization, with 99% stating that it either met or exceeded their expectations. Many even expressed their intention to implement significant changes in their fleets, such as transitioning to electric vehicles or incorporating advanced safety features like AutoSense.