Uncertainty drives CV operators towards flexible solutions

Added: 17 February 2020

The BVRLA has published its 2020 Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles report, charting the main challenges faced by the sector and providing some insight into how they are being overcome.

The association, whose 1,000+ member organisations are responsible for over five million vehicles, including 20% of all trucks and vans on UK roads, collaborated with Motor Transport and ten automotive leaders to provide a collective industry view.

The 22-page 2020 Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles is focused on seven key areas:

1. Operator behaviour – evidence suggests that operator demand for rented or leased commercial vehicles is increasing.

2. Brexit – Brexit-related uncertainty continues to dog all areas of the road transport supply chain.

3. Clean Air Zones – devolving the introduction of air quality strategies to local government has created inconsistency and uncertainty.

4. Road to Zero – electric vans and some form of gas for long haul trucks is the industry’s consensus for delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals.

5. Last mile – the reality is some way behind the excitement when it comes to technology-driven innovations for ‘last mile’ logistics.

6. Big data – capturing and analysing data is big business and becoming increasingly important.

7. Skills and talent – Retaining and recruiting skilled staff while tackling skill shortages is crucial.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said operators were looking for flexible and adaptable support with their fleets. “Many truck and van operators are delaying re-fleeting decisions, largely due to a lack of confidence in their ability to forecast as a result of continuing uncertainties,” he said.

“Cost remains a major concern, as knowing what a vehicle will cost post-Brexit is still an unknown. When you combine this with the confusing array of local air quality initiatives, the landscape becomes even more uncertain.”