Fleet operators have been frustrated by the responses of carmakers to product issues and limited scope for repairs within their dealer networks.
This is leading them to collaborate with other major fleets to better lobby carmakers about the issues.
Members of the Association of Fleet Professionals have been fobbed off by some OEMs when they raise issues, being told theirs is a unique case. But now they’re increasingly proving otherwise.
And some are holding stocks of crucial parts required because they’ve found the franchised network hasn’t the capacity to get their cars back on the road quickly.
Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals, said: “We’re living through a period when vehicle faults are becoming ever more common, largely as a result of increasing complex design and technology, increased levels of specification, and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
“Problems range in scope but frequently raise safety issues or take cars and vans out of service. As a result, some fleet managers spend a disproportionate amount of time talking to dealers and manufacturers about how to resolve them.
“Increasingly, our members share issues through a variety of AFP channels and, based on the responses received, are able to approach OEMs armed with information that shows their experiences are common across a number of fleets.”
Hollick revealed that there is an AFP member which is having its own workshops install replacement EV and hybrid traction batteries, supplied by the OEM under warranty, because it found the franchised network did not have the skills or capacity to do the work.
At a recent AFP megafleets committee, major fleet operators highlighted vehicle faults in areas such as handbrakes, tyres, windscreen sensor software, alarms and EV traction batteries.
Hollick added: “This is very much a transitional moment for vehicle technology, not just electrification but the amount of software found on modern cars and vans. With greater frequency, things are going wrong, and availability of parts and technicians is often lacking.”
AFP members have found that the attitudes of OEMs has varied. “To an extent, almost all cars and vans supplied to today fleets suffer from at least some problems, so the degree of willingness the manufacturer shows to resolve issues is key. Fleets want to see decisive, timely and effective action – and not to be told their issue is a one-off when it is clearly not the case.
“In recent months, we have noticed that some manufacturers have improved considerably but others remain apparently disinterested. We have certainly seen cases where AFP members have exited relationships because support was inadequate, something which has a very real impact on brand reputation.”