MOBILITY is likely to be the biggest new challenge for fleet managers during the next decade, according to The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) as it attempts to define and broaden out mobility management for industry.
AFP has released a document “designed by fleet operators for fleet operators”, that sets out a consensus view of what constitutes mobility management in 2021 and the years ahead. It outlines the aims, benefits and boundaries of the subject for employers and employees, especially explaining the cost and environmental advantages.
Called ‘The Definition of Mobility’, the document provides a potential framework within which all interested parties can discuss the subject and its impact in its entirety, said Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP.
The document has been created by the organisation’s Mobility Committee after wide-ranging discussions lasting several months that included gathering views from across the AFP membership as well as soliciting wider contributions.
‘The Definition of Mobility’ states that mobility can include travel types such as company and private cars, parking, fuel and charging, tolls, rental, car sharing, lift sharing, bikes and e-bikes, walking, public transport of all kinds, boats, flights, taxis, ride hailing, chauffeur hire, hotels, and commutes and business trips. It also looks at areas such as mobility from the point of view of technology, environmental impact, employee use of mobility services, cost management and tax efficiency, as well as providing a comprehensive glossary of terms.
Paul Hollick: “It’s all about promoting conversations about mobility and the opportunities that it creates to bring new thinking to business travel”
“We’re in a situation where many fleet managers are evolving into becoming mobility managers, taking on responsibility for a range of new and existing employee transport options alongside the company car. However, it’s clear that when people across the industry talk about mobility management, those conversations often lack focus,” said Hollick.
“Our aim with the document, as the leading industry body in the fleet sector, is to scope out the range of mobility as a subject. It’s all about promoting conversations about mobility and the opportunities that it creates to bring new thinking to business travel.
“Through the AFP’s Mobility Committee and other activities, we’ll be aiming to be at the heart of those dialogues, supporting fleet managers through this evolution. To some extent, this is a subject that is still a blank page and there is an opportunity to seize the moment. It’s an exciting but challenging area.”
Earlier this month Kia announced ‘Plan S’ a mid- to long-term strategy takes the company toward a broader business portfolio to redefine the entire mobility ecosystem. See: Kia Redefines Mobility Ecosystem With Growth Strategy Announcement.
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