Published Tuesday 14th May 2019

For many businesses, fleet represents a key pillar of day-to-day operations. Whether it’s heavy goods vehicles, company cars or something in-between, the reliability and continued performance of these transports is a vital part of any successful business. New technologies have gone a long way towards introducing new levels of efficiency into the system, from simple tools such as satellite navigation to more modern advantages, such as fleet telematics.

Whilst these technologies have helped businesses increase their production, they have also presented new issues that firms must overcome to maximise their potential. ADAS is one such technology that is becoming increasingly popular for major UK businesses. However, many industry experts are concerned about how vehicles with these technologies are being repaired, which could pose new challenges to companies that rely on efficient fleet management.

The Growing Popularity of ADAS Systems

Advanced driver assistance systems are becoming an increasingly popular feature, particularly on executive and company cars. Put simply, this umbrella term concerns any intelligent vehicle feature designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents resulting due to human error. ADAS can include rear parking sensors and anti-lock brakes and goes all the way to modern systems such as adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.

Only a handful of years ago, the majority of these systems were premium add-ons on most company cars. However, in the space of a few years, such technologies have become almost commonplace. This uptake means that many modern fleet systems, particularly concerning executive vehicles, have such technologies at their centre.

ADAS Repair Concerns

Research suggests that advanced driver assistance systems will, throughout a vehicle’s use, reduce the likelihood of accidents. Safety is one of the reasons why such additions have become so popular in modern cars and why some examples are set to become compulsory in the EU by 2022. However, many ADAS technologies are so accurate and ingrained in the vehicle that they create a relatively new problem when it comes to repairs.

Rupert Armitage, managing director of Auto Windscreens, has warned that ADAS is “an accident waiting to happen” with regards to windscreen replacements. This concern is because of the necessary recalibrations of certain ADAS systems following parts replacements. Due to their unique and delicate nature, specialist recalibrations often have to be made by the manufacturer or trusted partner before ADAS is effective with new car parts.

Rupert Armitage warns that many businesses are not doing enough to ensure driver safety after repairs to ADAS-fitted vehicles. This could be due to companies trying to reduce costs or time off the road, or a simple lack of knowledge concerning the necessary repairs.

Modern Fleet Management

As previously mentioned, ADAS systems are becoming quite common in many company cars. Future developments in ADAS systems could make them an even more integral part of a vehicle’s operation. However, many fleet management systems are yet to account for the full effect ADAS can have on vehicle performance, not just on the road but off it, also.

The main issue with ADAS repairs for fleet management is the time it can take to get the vehicle back in operation. Even a minor repair may require a detailed vehicle recalibration at a trusted dealer before it is once again reliable. As ADAS becomes compulsory, unreactive management systems could see efficiency drop due to repair delays and unexpected costs. Therefore, businesses must begin looking at their fleet operations, putting measures in place that can help their system continue to perform efficiently in the future.

Here at ERA, we are experts at helping major UK businesses save money through effective fleet cost management. Our experts have years of experience in the industry and pride themselves on building long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that their fleet systems remain cost effective into the future. With ADAS just one of many technologies set to transform the fleet industry over the next few years, there is no better time than now to begin evaluating your current systems. So, why not get in contact with our team today and see what money we could save for your business?