5 key takeaways from Fleet & Mobility Live 2024

by Shane Pierangelo

While EV charging remains a hot topic, EV repairs are an overlooked challenge

The pros and cons of using specialised platforms vs. AMCs

The UK fleet and repair management industry is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by key trends such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Fleet managers face mounting pressure to optimise operations, reduce vehicle downtime, and ensure compliance with evolving safety standards. As the market shifts, businesses are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to manage vehicle repairs and maintenance, particularly with the rise of digital solutions and AI-driven innovations.

Fleet & Mobility Live 2024 took place on 8-9 October in Birmingham where Fixico’s team was on the ground to meet current and potential customers as well as to gather valuable insights from industry leaders and experts. Our colleagues engaged with fleet operators, suppliers, and many more automotive professionals to better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of UK fleet management. Here are the top five learnings from the event that highlight the trends and solutions driving the UK fleet and repair management landscape forward.

1. The importance of addressing repairs and services in the transition to EVs

This year’s edition of Fleet & Mobility Live was packed with charging solutions, reflecting the industry's focus on electric vehicles (EVs). However, a critical gap remains in the conversation: EV repairs. While many companies are racing to provide charging infrastructure, the challenge of repairing EVs has been largely overlooked. Attendees we spoke to acknowledged this issue, pointing out that without an effective repair solution, the transition to EVs could slow down.

As fleets increasingly incorporate electric vehicles, the complexity of maintaining and repairing these advanced systems grows. EVs require specialised knowledge, equipment, and safety protocols, particularly in managing high-voltage components and battery systems.

2. One-stop-shop vs. specialised solutions

Another hot topic at the event was the ongoing debate around whether fleet operators should adopt a one-stop-shop solution or opt for specialised services to meet specific needs, such as vehicle repairs. While one-stop-shop solutions offer convenience by consolidating various aspects of fleet management under one platform, some fleet operators are now questioning whether this approach is always the most effective, particularly when it comes to complex areas like repairs.

Many fleet operators rely on Accident Management Companies (AMCs) for repair support. However, this can sometimes lead to AMCs cherry-picking repairs that suit their own business model. Specialised solutions can bring a more focused and data-driven approach. One such example is Fixico’s repair management platform which is connected to a marketplace of independent repairers. This approach allows fleet managers to significantly reduce their repair costs and cycle times. Our UK customers have experienced the following since working with Fixico:

  1. 30% Average Vehicle Off Road time reduction
  2. 20% Average repair cost saving

3. AI continues to revolutionise industries

AI was another significant topic of discussion at the event, with companies showcasing innovative tools for damage tagging and tire quality assessments. Many fleet managers are excited about the potential of AI to transform operations, but it’s crucial to consider how AI can make a tangible impact on day-to-day activities.

We received many questions on the way Fixico enriches the damage intake process with AI. To do this, we leverage AI damage tagging to automatically create work orders from photos of a vehicle’s damage.

4. Repair delays are a growing concern

One issue that frequently arose during discussions was the time lag between scheduling repairs and getting vehicles into the shop. This delay not only contributes to increased vehicle downtime but also negatively impacts overall fleet efficiency. Additionally, many fleet managers pointed out the lack of visibility in the repair process. Without clear, real-time updates, it's difficult to know the exact status of each vehicle, leading to uncertainty and delays in decision-making. This lack of transparency often results in inefficient scheduling and extended periods of downtime, ultimately affecting the fleet's productivity and operational costs.

5. How new safety regulations are causing a shift for fleet operators

With increasing regulations surrounding driver safety in the UK, many fleet managers are considering the benefits of outsourcing their aftersales services. Ensuring driver safety goes beyond mere compliance; it involves leveraging data to prevent accidents and enhance overall safety.

As fleet operators navigate the complexities of modern vehicle management, including the increasing adoption of EVs and the challenges of aftersales services, Fixico offers a comprehensive solution designed to address these needs effectively. Here’s how Fixico can help with five critical areas:

  1. Specialised EV repair expertise: Fixico provides access to a network of specialised repair shops equipped to handle the unique requirements of EV repairs. Our platform connects fleet managers with technicians who have the necessary training and expertise to work with high-voltage components and advanced battery systems, ensuring that EVs are maintained efficiently and safely.
  2. Enhanced operational efficiency through a specialised solution:  Using a specialised solution to manage repairs allows fleet managers to streamline operations, identify inefficiencies, and enjoy rich data insights to effectively manage their total cost of repairs, ensuring greater operational efficiency.
  3. AI-driven repair allocation: Fixico leverages AI through our smart matchmaking engine to analyse historical repair data, vehicle conditions, and service requirements. This allows for intelligent repair allocation, ensuring that the right repairs are assigned to the most suitable repair shops in our extensive network or customers’ preferred repairers. By optimising this process, fleets can minimise downtime and enhance operational efficiency.
  4. Streamlined repair scheduling: Our digital platform simplifies the repair scheduling process, allowing for real-time vehicle repair status updates and significantly reducing the time between scheduling repairs and getting vehicles into the shop. By leveraging our extensive network of over 3,000 repairers, we minimise waiting times, allowing fleets to keep their vehicles on the road longer and optimise repair planning.
  5. Data-driven insights: Fixico's solution offers valuable insights into repair history and trends, enabling fleet managers to identify safety patterns and proactively address concerns. By utilising centralised data storage, fleets can analyse historical data to enhance driver safety, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations while reducing the risk of accidents.

Fleet & Mobility Live 2024 revealed how quickly the fleet industry is evolving, from the rise of EVs to the promise of AI. But amidst all this innovation, it's clear that managing repairs efficiently remains a critical part of the puzzle. Fixico’s specialised digital repair solution empower fleet operators, insurers, leasing companies, and accident management firms to navigate this fast-changing landscape effectively. By embracing a data-driven approach to repair management, fleets can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and ensure their vehicles stay on the road longer, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.