While the battle for the generation and control of vehicle data plays out between automakers and internet technology giants, the fleet sector has an opportunity to help OEMs unlock new business models.

The BVRLA worked with connected vehicle consultants SBD Automotive for its new report

So says the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) as it publishes its latest Fleet Technology Report to give new insight into the status of the connected vehicle market and the impact it is having on the vehicle rental and leasing industry.

The report says that connected cars bring some significant strengths and opportunities for the fleet industry, including on-demand mobility and increased vehicle health visibility, but adds that vehicle rental and leasing firms are being hit by a number of challenges.

This includes a lack of harmonised or standardised approach to embedded connectivity on the part of OEMs. It adds that most OEMs still view their connected vehicle platforms as a retail offering and take a global ‘one-size fits all’ approach to working with fleets.

However, if vehicle manufacturers and their fleet customers can work together to eliminate the uncertainty and lack of trust surrounding the provision of connected vehicle services and data, there is huge potential for the automotive and mobility sectors to innovate and deliver new business models.

The goal is a ‘win-win-win’ solution that enables OEMs to recoup the cost of developing their connected vehicle platforms; provides fleet operators with fair and competitive access to data; and allows end customers to manage their personal privacy while enjoying an evergrowing range of connected services and mobility options.

The report, published to coincide with the association’s annual Fleet Technology Congress, sets outs how fleets can work more effectively with manufacturers.

“Connected vehicles and data are already having a massive impact on our members and the association is determined to help them thrive in this exciting new environment,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.

“The whole automotive industry is grappling with the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology and the introduction of new data protection rules has added even more uncertainty.”

To access the full report, click here.