Report shows data ‘gap’ holding back SME van fleets

Ford Pro has warned that many businesses are failing to unlock the value of vehicle data, despite the potential to save time, money and reduce downtime.

Its new report, “Closing the Commercial Vehicle Data Gap”, found that small businesses in particular are not making full use of connected vehicle technology, with concerns around both expertise and data security acting as barriers.

Based on a survey of 3,000 van drivers and 150 fleet managers across Europe and the US, the research identified three gaps.

On value, 46% of van drivers and 25% of fleet managers do not make daily use of vehicle health data, despite citing it as a key priority.

On education, only 32% of van drivers and 57% of fleet managers said they know “a lot” about how data can help save time and money, dropping to 10% for small businesses. On privacy, 94% of drivers and 97% of managers expressed concerns.

Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe, said: “Connected vehicle data is the lifeblood of commercial vehicle efficiency.

“Like a fitness tracker for your fleet, it helps optimise vehicle and driver performance by providing both real-time updates and cumulative data for deeper analysis and richer insight.

“This new research has shown that there is a gap which separates the savviest in our business, who have seized the opportunity presented by connected data to save time and money, from those still relying exclusively on traditional management tools and not unlocking its potential. As an industry, we need to close this gap – and fast.”