MARK McKenna of Bluedrop Services advises on car-sharing as part of a complete solution to establishing the most flexible and efficient fleet.
Car-sharing is on the rise
Many Fleet Management Companies are now beginning to look at car-sharing services in response to enquiries from fleet customers. Corporate car sharing schemes aim to reduce travel costs, cut emissions and ease pressure on the roads and parking. Car-sharing can provide financial benefits when compared to car ownership due to a reduction in number of vehicles and maintenance and insurance, however there are concerns with some employees to overcome who are used to car ownership and the added status, comfort and ease that goes with this. Car ownership of a company-provided vehicle is seen as a perk and a recruiting tool, and most owned fleets will provide personal usage privileges which are normally not possible with a shared fleet.
Show your commitment to sustainability targets
However, a shared fleet is a popular option for those looking to make serious commitments to their sustainability targets. In particular larger organisations with commitments towards ESOS targets, college and University campuses, and public sector organisations should look to consider car sharing, particularly for those companies that experience dramatic boosts in recruitment and need a quick and flexible solution. Car-sharing means that vehicles within a fleet are no longer assigned to a certain individual or department full time.
Once car-sharing schemes are sold in to employees correctly by outlining the substantial financial and environmental benefits as well as often saving more jobs that may otherwise need to be cut, you will often find that they are completely behind the programme and proud to be part of a forward-thinking and green organisation. Often car sharing across a business and departments means that employees can benefit from greater flexibility and a choice of vehicle types for different situations. Ultimately however, the most efficient and flexible fleets will comprise of a mix of company-provided vehicles, a reimbursement programme, rental vehicles and car-sharing services.
Car-sharing service providers manage the burden
If using a car-sharing service provider you will find that fleet insurance, and maintenance of the vehicles is often included in the service as well as access to an online booking system, and therefore costs are dramatically reduced in addition to the savings versus leasing or buying the vehicles for employee ownership. In addition to these benefits you are also more likely to have access to newer, cleaner, safer models of vehicle which will be top-ranked for fuel and emissions efficiency. Vehicle sharing allows you to reduce costs and rightsize your fleet whilst also preserving jobs that otherwise may need to be cut whilst maintaining service levels to customers.
