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Vehicle list prices have become an additional source of fleet uncertainty as the industry moves into 2023, according to Alphabet GB.
The leasing company has published its Fleet Report 2022, covering the trends and challenges the fleet industry has faced this year, along with predictions for the year to come.
The report warns that the backlog created by car industry supply problems is expected to continue well into 2023, and will be reflected in total fleet numbers as a whole.
Adding onto this, it notes that with demand outstripping supply, rising inflation, and the increasing cost of raw materials, manufacturer list prices have become an additional source of uncertainty.
The report states: "A reduction in manufacturer discounts and regular price increases have presented both businesses and employees with challenges when it comes to budgeting for and planning vehicle requirements. And while we have come to expect the unexpected, a return to 'normal' is not on the horizon just yet.
"It is essential that fleet managers are aware of and understand the impact of these market forces in order to guide their business and drivers through 2023 in the best way possible."
To mitigate the vehicle supply problems, the report states: "Leasing companies have been working closely with customers, manufacturers, and retailers to help manage the impact
of these supply shortages by expanding vehicle choice lists to include options that are more readily available, leveraging relationships to gain access to pockets of stock, and crucially, anticipating disruption and planning ahead to get orders in as early as possible - factoring in longer lead times and the need for rental vehicles to help plug any gaps."
Regarding its own data, Alphabet has reported strong interest in plug-in hybrids, which make up 31% of its 2022 order bank, just behind petrol vehicles on 33%. Pure EVs account for 27% of the order bank, for a 19% year-on-year increase, with the report noting that salary sacrifice schemes have been "welcomed by both businesses and employees as an appealing, cost-efficient way for drivers to gain access to EVs".
Among the other topics covered by the report is the implementation of EV charging infrastructure, and the potential opportunities this provides for businesses.
It states: "For those businesses that get ahead with the set-up of their charging infrastructure, there's the added benefit of being at the front of the queue when it comes to embracing innovation and finding new ways of bringing in additional revenue.
"This could include introducing technology that enables charging facilities to be extended for public and wider community use, with reduced rates for public charging outside of business hours, for example."
Commenting with the release of the report, Alphabet GB consultancy and channels development manager Caroline Sandall-Mansergh said: "2023 follows an action-packed year of advancements being made in terms of both EV adoption and technology and new products and services being introduced to better support drivers and fleet managers.
"Although global supply chain issues, fluctuating costs, and changes in taxation and legislation will continue to challenge and shape mobility, we're focused on leveraging the opportunities for innovation and added value that this evolving landscape presents to our business and our customers."
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