A new Ford Pro report warns that many companies are failing to maximise the potential of connected vehicle data, losing out on major efficiency gains. The study, based on 3000 van drivers and 150 fleet managers across Europe and the US, found a third of drivers and a quarter of managers do not monitor data daily, citing privacy concerns and lack of expertise.
‘Closing the Commercial Vehicle Data Gap’ identifies three key issues: value, education and privacy. Almost half of drivers and a quarter of managers are not using vehicle health data for tasks such as scheduling urgent services, despite its importance.
Knowledge levels are also low, particularly among small businesses, with just 10% understanding how data could save time and money. Privacy concerns are widespread, affecting 94% of drivers and 97% of managers.
Hans Schep, general manager at Ford Pro Europe, said: “Connected vehicle data is the lifeblood of commercial vehicle efficiency. Like a fitness tracker for your fleet, it provides real-time updates and deeper insights. But too many businesses are not unlocking its potential.”
Ford Pro, which recently achieved ISO 27001 certification, stresses that data security is a core principle. The company estimates businesses could reduce van downtime by up to 60% through smarter use of connected data.
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