Entry of Autonomous Vehicles and Disruptions in the Fleet Market

Abstract 

Introduction 

Historically, a fleet is considered as an early adopter of any technology or business practice. It has undergone revolutionary changes to reach the current stage. Hence, it is essential to track the changes happening outside the fleet management market to predict the future of fleet management. 

Driverless cars are making headlines across the globe. Companies like Google, Tesla, BMW, and Uber have already started pilot tests on driverless vehicles in North America and Europe. 

Self-driving car can prove to be a game changer for fleet operators in the next few years. The transition to driverless vehicles will be gradual. However, it would be essential for fleet managers to familiarize themselves with the different kinds of autonomous technologies before they are potentially available for use as company vehicles. 

Problem Statement

Company cars provide mobility to sales personnel and executives. They are either provided as a benefit or as a tool of trade.  
Currently, an average employee spends approximately 2 hours driving own vehicle The travel time is much higher for sales employees who spend 6–8 hours driving a company-owned car. 

As the time spent on driving is unproductive for the company, organizations are looking at various alternatives to reduce the unproductive driving time. 
Accidents involving company cars, traffic violations, and fines, among others, together comprise 7–8 percent of the cost structure of a company car.  

This whitepaper focuses on how autonomous technologies can address these challenges faced by organizations and introduce positive changes  to the fleet market by focusing on the following:
 

• Considering various autonomous technologies, current progress, test markets, market feedback, and government regulations
• Considering potential benefits and addressing challenges before implementation
• Changing the role of fleet managers.