The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has released a new document in which it aims to define mobility management to enable wider discussion across the travel, fleet, payments and mobility sectors.

The AFP’s document sets out a consensus view of what constitutes mobility management in 2021 and the years ahead

Its work on ‘The Definition of Mobility’ comes on the back of wide-ranging discussions by the organisation’s Mobility Committee, including gathering views from across the AFP membership as well as soliciting wider contributions.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, explained: “This is 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.

“It does not attempt to define ‘mobility’ in a few words but provides a potential framework within which all interested parties can discuss the subject and its impact in its entirety.”

‘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.

The new guidance also explores 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.

Hollick added: “Having these discussions is crucial, we believe. Alongside the arrival of EVs, mobility is likely to be the biggest new challenge for fleet managers during the next decade, despite the potential negative impact of the pandemic on asset-sharing, and they need to look at areas ranging from learning the new skills required through to how to share best practice.

“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.”

To access ‘The Definition of Mobility’ AFP document, click here.