So says In-Car Cleverness, a provider of white-label telematics solutions, which adds that research amongst 20 of the leading contract hire and leasing companies shows that uncertainty about how best to adopt and apply this new technology within their customer offering has also emerged as a clear issue.

‘For some, it is a simple matter of telematics not being seen as a priority today; for others, it is a challenge to determine the most appropriate technology solution currently being offered,’ says Tim Eaves, commercial director of In-Car Cleverness. ‘But what they all recognise is the ever-increasing focus from corporate customers and fleet managers wishing to embrace telemetry to better manage their fleets and thus reduce cost.

‘Importantly, they all understand the risk of doing nothing in such a competitive and rapidly-evolving market.’

Respondents said the real challenge is how to effectively manage an often diverse mix of customers with differing needs, operational requirements and timings.

‘It is clear that those who have made delivering the right solutions a priority in 2013 see telemetry as a lynchpin supporting their new business drive and the key to protecting their existing customer base,’ said Eaves.

‘The risk of being out-paced by a rival is driving the progressive contract hire and leasing companies. They recognise that, after years of telematics talk, we are finally moving into an era of vehicle relationship management with the ability to listen to what the vehicle is reporting and then acting upon it, in order to help manage the asset more effectively and efficiently.’

Eaves added his view that this is not a time for “heads in the sand”, saying: ‘In the on-going economic climate, in which managers are being asked to squeeze ever greater cost reductions and efficiency from fleets while, at the same time, providing improved safety and support to drivers, technology has a pivotal role to play. Against this backdrop, pressure from corporate customers is only going to increase.’