New technologies are continuing to transform the fleet industry. Following discussions of self-drive technology, the concept of the ‘connected car’ is the latest innovation to capture the imagination.
Unlike self-drive tech, which is a long way off becoming a commercial reality, over the relative near term every new car will be connected to the web.
Web connectivity will surely be a desirable specification when buying a new car, but to what extent will this development shape the fleet industry? Certainly, there is great potential for web-connected vehicles to improve productivity for all fleets.
The possibilities of the technology are seemingly limitless. Weather updates could change the temperature control inside the car, impatient drivers could be advised of how long they have left while sitting at a set of traffic lights, and drivers could sync their vehicle to their office network and, using voice recognition, compose emails while on their way into the office.
With all devices connected, your phone could remotely control your car, effectively eliminating the panic of leaving your car unlocked.
Of course, the connected car also poses its own risk, and hacking is a serious issue that no doubt vehicle manufacturers will be doing all they can to protect against, ensuring we are not vulnerable to attack.
Meanwhile, for the light commercial vehicle driver, the technology could perform practical functions that would encourage increased efficiency in their day-to-day job.
The vehicle would know a driver’s preferred route, locate available parking spaces and connect with
other devices to advise other drivers’ navigation systems in real time to avoid congestion. Drivers could also be guided to the cheapest fuel station on their route.
A digital record of a car’s service history could also be stored, enhancing existing services and further minimising vehicle downtime.