Planning your next move
Five simple ways to help your fleet thrive in 2022
WORDS BY DANIEL BRAID
If there ’ s one thing we have all been starved of in the past couple of years it would definitely be enjoying genuine face-to-face networking opportunities . The 2022 Australasian Fleet Conference & Exhibition helped to solve that and more , with record numbers and increased engagement from both delegates and exhibitors alike .
While every fleet will have its own unique challenges , there were common issues that came out of this year ’ s event that we can all consider to assist our fleets for the next 12 months and beyond .
Here are five easy takeaways you can bring to your organisation right away .
1 . Together Everyone Achieves More ( TEAM )
I ’ ve never been a huge fan of cheesy acronyms , but when it comes to fleet management the idea of working in a team really holds up . When we work together everyone really does achieve more .
For fleet managers the challenges you face are more than likely challenges that are also faced by other like-minded organisations . We are all trying to reduce our emissions , improve our efficiencies , and most importantly keep our drivers safe while they ’ re on the road .
The conversations had across the two days are an integral part of why these Conferences exist . Learning from others who are further along in their EV journey can make it less daunting to enact positive change within your own organisation . Talking to a variety of Suppliers all in the one place can help streamline the purchase of new vehicles and products that fit your own operational needs . Connecting with other organisations is a great way to build the networks if you ’ re looking for a new role , or to simply boost your professional development in your current role .
“ I hadn ’ t been to the Conference in four years , so I ’ ve come back just to see what ’ s out there , and what ’ s new in fleet ,” UGL ’ s Fleet and Facilities Manager Julie Dredge said .
“ It ’ s important for UGL to be here to benchmark from other companies and find out if we are keeping up with what ’ s happening in the fleet industry .”
2 . Embrace alternate fuels
The use of alternate fuels presents an immediate challenge for fleet – both in starting a transition and getting the best value from it if you ’ ve already started the journey .
A huge focus of this year ’ s conference was about turning conversations into action among our fleets , with exhibitors , speakers and our 2022 Environmental Award winner ( the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment ) highlighting the benefits .
Pleasingly prices , availability and appetitive for electric , hydrogen and other clean powered vehicles is growing in Australia year by year .
The Electric Vehicle Council lists
36 passenger vehicle models that are available for purchase in Australia at time of writing . Competition among big manufacturers and emerging players is big news for fleet – offering greater variety and healthy market competition .
Australia recorded 20,665 EV sales in 2021 , a significant increase on 2020 which saw just over 6,900 sold . This means electric vehicles now make up approximately two per cent of total Australian vehicle sales , up from 0.78 per cent in 2020 .
30 ISSUE 34 MAY 2022 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU