Chris Brown, executive editor of Business Fleet, Auto Rental News, and Fleet Forward, offers his perspective on fleets, auto rental, and the new mobility ecosystem. Along with related publications and online newsletters, Chris produces the International Car Rental Show and the Fleet Forward Conference. Chris is relied on as an industry resource in matters by major media outlets such as the Washington Post, New York Times, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio.
Per new regulations, if you operate a fleet in California and you’re using drivers on a contractual basis, be prepared to make fundamental changes to your business.
You could call it a glorified livery-slash-rental service — or you could see it as a step toward what an autonomous shuttle system might look like.
Hertz and Avis Budget Group are working on process initiatives that purport to improve pricing, reduce shuttling expense, collect more ancillary revenue, and take on ride hailing.
These days, it’s not easy to be in fleet.
Technological solutions are finally moving from reality to theory, peer-to-peer platforms are being redefined, China has the biggest room for growth, while Sixt’s U.S. aspirations have only just begun.
Sure, any company would jump at the chance to use technology to reduce labor costs. But it also comes with some big, red, flashing warning lights.
An analysis of the conference calls of Avis Budget Group and Hertz Global Holdings reveal trends and initiatives involving fleet right sizing, pricing, ancillary revenue opportunities, and renting to ride-hailing drivers.
Storylines that emerged from the 2018 Work Truck Show include the increasing need for on-site productivity, inclusion of active safety systems in trucks, DPF frustrations affecting product decisions, data management, and the growing link between fleet management and company revenue.
Uber and Lyft drivers make far less when factoring vehicle expenses, though the actual numbers are now in dispute. A proper lifecycle cost analysis would’ve helped, and shows the benefit of collaboration with fleet professionals.
Counter bypass is just the beginning. The promise of a “data-driven ecosystem” that connects renters with the rental agency, retail services, and even the city is a better managed fleet, an improved user experience, and new revenue opportunities during the rental itself.
The question is central to the City of San Francisco’s lawsuit against Turo for operating without a permit at San Francisco International Airport.
The hottest segment today is facing a glut of models and volume in tomorrow’s wholesale market.
While media reports concentrate on the sting and the “outrage,” where’s the empirical evidence that fleet vehicles are less mechanically sound than vehicles sold from private owners?
With the ELD rule finally in effect, small fleet operators need to hunt for new efficiencies. In transportation logistics, Internet of Things (IoT) systems could have similar lasting impacts as telematics.
The cars are still the stars, but this year’s L.A. Auto Show revealed an auto industry at a crossroads.