The car fleet management market - Italy (2023)

Since 2020, the global fleet management market has faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a downturn in the automotive and transportation sector, with short-term rentals particularly impacted, witnessing a 43% reduction in rental days. Despite these setbacks, demand for fleet management services is driven by factors including cost reduction, regulatory compliance, and advancements in technology, such as IoT and real-time data monitoring software, which are facilitating the management of the energy transition and corporate mobility. There's a growing preference for pay-per-use mobility services over car ownership, highlighted by the increase in long-term rentals among private individuals. In the Italian market, despite the challenges, there's a strong confidence in fleet growth, with 72% of companies expecting stability or growth, and emphasis on flexibility in fleet solutions.

New regulations have mandated the presence of mobility managers in larger firms, promoting sustainable corporate travel plans. Companies are extending vehicle fleet durations, averaging 5.3 years in Italy. The transition towards more sustainable fuel options is underway with electric and hybrid vehicles gaining traction within corporate fleets. Overall, the market is recovering with a cautious but progressive approach towards more sustainable and efficient fleet management practices.

Trends and Dynamics in the Italian Fleet Management Market

Over the past few years, Italy has witnessed a dynamic shift in fleet management operations, with a considerable emphasis on technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fleet management market is showing signs of resilience and adaptation. Fleet management in Italy, serving as an outsourced function, has increasingly leaned towards the use of remote systems, thus enhancing real-time data monitoring and control through advanced software solutions. Market statistics indicate that fleet management agencies continue to play a crucial intermediary role, accommodating the interests of various companies with differing scales of fleet operations. The increasing necessity to balance company requirements, legal requirements, and market offerings has made the role of fleet managers and mobility managers pivotal within corporations. Post-pandemic recovery has seen a mixed response, with some sectors like short-term rentals experiencing a significant hit due to limited travel and commuting activities.

However, an interesting trend has emerged where more drivers are moving towards pay-per-use mobility services, potentially influenced by the economic effects of the pandemic and technological advancements in the automotive sector. The Italian market, aligning with a global trajectory, shows growth potential, with an estimated majority of companies expecting their fleets to remain stable in the coming three years. A smaller proportion anticipates fleet expansion, reflecting corporate growth aspirations and a response to creating safer employee transit environments in light of the pandemic. In terms of sales channels, there has been a noticeable decrease in car registrations. However, an uptick in long-term rentals indicates a shift in preference towards more stable and predictable forms of vehicle leasing. The market reveals a clear decrease in traditionally fuelled cars with a spike in electric and hybrid vehicles’ registrations, indicating an environmentally conscious approach towards corporate fleet composition.

Flexibility remains a crucial factor for fleet management companies, with many seeking solutions that offer ready delivery of vehicles, penalty-free returns, and adaptive fleet sizes to respond to fluctuating business demands. Motivations driving companies towards fleet expansion are largely anchored in overarching corporate growth and a desire to meet employees' evolving needs post-pandemic. Regulatory considerations are at the forefront of fleet management, with the role of mobility manager becoming a regulatory requirement for larger organizations. Compliance with privacy regulations, tax protocols, environmental standards, and vehicle usage laws is now a staple in fleet management operations. In summary, the Italian fleet management market, with a size estimated to be between $15 and $20 billion in recent years, is adjusting to new realities by embracing technological solutions, sustainability practices, and regulatory.

Key Players in the Fleet Management Ecosystem

The fleet management landscape is a rich tapestry of diverse players, each contributing their expertise and services to the nuanced domain of fleet administration and mobility. These key actors not only help businesses streamline their operations but also adapt to the ebb and flow of market demands, regulatory landscapes, and the latest technological advancements. Here we delve into the notable contributors to this sector.

• Arval Mobility Observatory Arval Mobility Observatory stands out as a pivotal source of market insights and trends within fleet management. Providing detailed analytics and predictions, Arval offers companies a clear understanding of prospects and the evolving dynamics of fleet management. Whether it's identifying the trajectory of fleet sizes or shedding light on the motivations behind fleet expansions, they are instrumental in lending strategic clarity to businesses.
• ANIASA (Associazione Nazionale Industria Automobilistica Servizi Associati) ANIASA represents a crucial association in the automotive services industry, offering valuable annual reports that give an overview of the market performance, particularly in car registrations and preferences for fuel types within corporate fleets. They provide a comprehensive picture of the market, including the impact of short-term rentals and shifts towards more sustainable and flexible mobility options.
• Deloitte As a renowned professional services firm, Deloitte contributes to the fleet management sector by producing in-depth analyses on operation and the value chain. Deloitte's expertise lies in understanding the financial nuances of asset financing, remarketing of vehicles, and the profitability linked with various services offered by fleet management companies. Their analysis aids businesses in optimizing their strategies for greater profitability and sustainable growth.
• MotoriVirgilio MotoriVirgilio acts as a knowledge hub for those involved in the corporate fleet management sector. From exploring innovative solutions like corporate car sharing to discussing the roles of different managerial positions within the industry, such as fleet and mobility managers, MotoriVirgilio assists companies in keeping abreast of operational best practices and emerging trends.
• ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association) As the voice of the European auto industry, ACEA provides essential data and advocacy, playing a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and policies. Their work is integral to understanding industry-wide economic impacts, technological evolution, and the environmental footprint of vehicle fleets.
• SIfA Operating in the realm of compliance and regulation, SIfA offers guidance on the intricate web of legalities that fleet managers must navigate.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 21/07/2023

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