International. A study by Continental highlights the growing economic pressure, the shift towards e-mobility and digitalization as the main challenges and priorities for commercial fleets.
In a survey of 850 fleet operators in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, nearly three-quarters (72%) acknowledge the need to make substantial changes to their fleets to meet the industry's current challenges.
This research, commissioned by Continental and carried out by Dataforce, highlights how rising operating costs, economic uncertainty and pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions are driving the urgent transformation of the sector.
Rising costs are the top challenge identified by 76% of respondents, followed by risks associated with economic shocks (46%) and the need to comply with emissions regulations (40%). Faced with these challenges, more than half (56%) of global fleet managers express concern about losing competitiveness if they do not adapt to changes in the next five years. The concern is even more pronounced in the United States, where 81% of respondents agree that the lack of adaptation will affect their competitiveness.
Digitalisation as a key driver of sustainability and profitability
Clarisa Doval, Head of Digital Solutions at Continental Tires, underlines the importance of digital solutions to help fleets in this transition. "Tires are a key factor in total operating expenses, and our digital tools, such as ContiConnect, enable fleets to operate more cost-effectively and sustainably, improving their competitiveness," he said. Digital tire condition monitoring solutions offer significant long-term savings, a dire need for operators facing tighter profit margins.
While economic costs and pressures are global issues, the survey reveals significant regional differences in challenges and priorities. In Germany, 58% of fleet managers consider the transition to electric mobility to be a significant obstacle, compared to only 23% of managers in the United States. In terms of staff shortages, 48% of respondents in Germany report this problem, compared to 34% globally.
Tech Innovation: The U.S. Leads in Adoption
Globally, 25% of respondents consider themselves pioneers in the adoption of new technologies, while 44% adopt innovations only when they are already well established. In the U.S., however, the adoption of new technologies is more prominent: 63% of U.S. fleet managers identify themselves as early adopters of innovations, compared to 20% in Europe. In particular, the use of digital tyre management is notable in the US, with 62% of respondents already investing or planning to invest in this technology, compared to 19% in Europe.
Electric mobility is presented as one of the key technologies for the future of fleets. 41% of respondents have already invested or are implementing this technology, especially in Germany, where 50% of fleet managers have taken this initiative. In addition, 34% of respondents globally have already invested in or are developing fleet management software capabilities, with a prominent share in the United States (67%).
Profitability, safety and sustainability: fundamental objectives
The results of the study, which are available in the full Future of Fleets report, indicate that cost reduction is the top priority for 65% of fleet operators. Improving the safety of drivers and road users is also a key objective (44%), followed by improving sustainability through emissions reductions (43%).
The full report reveals a clear picture: fleets must adapt quickly to new market challenges, driving sustainability and profitability through the adoption of innovative and digital technologies.
