September/October 2013
www.bvrla.co.uk
BVRLA News The bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
Fewer cars, more tech: the future of mobility By Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive
avoiding traffic hotspots and locating the best available parking spot.
Over the past 20 years, the internet and digital communications have revolutionised the way we work. This technology has taken its time to filter through to the automotive world, but it is due to have a major effect on the way we use and access road transport.
All this technology is becoming cheaper and is being offered as standard with the latest range of affordable electronic vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3. It is already beginning to usher in a new range of smarter, safer and more efficient road transport options that are easier to integrate with other forms of mobility.
Photo: © Iain McGillivray / Shutterstock.com
The catalyst for much of this change is the growth in urbanisation and the rising cost of motoring, which have led to a decline in car ownership, particularly among the young. Many people have found they are able to rely on public transport, walking or cycling for many of their journeys, paying to use a car or van as and when they need them. Elsewhere, business fleets are under ever more pressure to reduce costs and take a more sustainable approach to their mobility needs. There is an increased focus on travel planning and choosing the right form of transport for the job. The rapid rise of smartphones and vehicle telematics is making it easier for people to adopt this approach to travel. There is already a range of apps that can tell people which train or bus to catch and where to find their local car club or rental depot. There is also no shortage of digital assistance to help drivers make safer and more sustainable journeys – finding the nearest electric vehicle charging point,
The vehicle rental and leasing industry has pioneered the development of pay-asyou-go motoring and will be at the heart of this rapid transformation. It won’t be alone because it will face competition from technology companies, vehicle manufacturers and transport operators. Luckily, our members are used to working in this kind of environment, where they add value by applying their finance, knowledge and expertise. They continue to thrive because they stay focused on the requirements of their customers. This approach should stand the industry in good stead as we enter a ‘brave new world’ of smart mobility and connected cars. u The Future of Mobility is the theme of this year’s BVRLA Industry Conference on Thursday 5 December, which will also include a break-out session looking at the impact and potential of the ‘Connected Car’. For further information see the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk
Rental brokers join BVRLA for first time Solihull-based Fownd becomes our first rental broker member, making the BVRLA more industry-inclusive than ever before. page 3 DVLA outlines online plans The BVRLA has been working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to help it develop new services for the fleet sector. page 5 The Peoples champion Alastair Peoples, Chief Executive Officer of both the DSA and VOSA has a big task as the agencies get set to merge. He told us all about it. page 6 Carbon reporting gets serious Find out about the major changes being proposed for the way fleets’ carbon emissions will be measured and reported. page 7 Under the FCA’s eye The Financial Conduct Authority is applying closer scrutiny to how firms identify and reduce risks. page 9 Sun shines for Golf Day 2013 Summer held out long enough for another great BVRLA Golf Day. But who took home the trophies? page 10
• Promoting responsible road transport since 1967 •