Fleet vehicle movements reduced to meet net zero targets

In an effort to minimise the carbon footprint of their remarketing activities, major fleets are increasingly seeking to reduce vehicle movements, says Epyx.  

The business, which works with several large vehicle leasing companies through its 1link Disposal Network platform, says that the issue is starting to be considered in disposal policies.

“Cars and vans going through disposal processes can travel surprisingly large distances,” explained Debbie Fox, commercial director at Epyx.

The vehicle’s collection from the original customer, undergoing a condition assessment, preparation for sale, photography for online sales and transportation to auction all play their part.

However, she said: “As an increasing number of fleets, especially leading leasing companies, adopt corporate policies that commit them to work towards net zero targets, there is a growing realisation that these types of operations may no longer be sustainable and that better solutions need to be found.

“Initially, there is a focus on using facilities whereas much of the sale preparation process as possible can be undertaken at one location, as well as potentially moving more sales online.

“Fleets are talking to us about this because it is something that we are able to help facilitate.”

The 1link Disposal Network can be used to manage the entire remarketing process but is supplier agnostic – fleets are free to use whoever they want with automatic event scheduling covering actions such as inspections, movements and repairs – and so changes in policy such as those necessary to reduce their carbon footprint are relatively easy to enact, explains Fox.

The 1link Trade Buyer, the vehicle auction platform, had enjoyed its best ever year in 2020 in terms of sales volumes despite ongoing used car and van stock shortages.

“Overall, the number of vehicles sold was 8% ahead of 2020 and also exceeded 2019, which was the previous record year, by 2%,” continued Fox.

“We are seeing use of the platform by major fleets increasing and this is because of its flexibility and effectiveness in a remarketing sector that has been characterised by rapid change in recent years, something that looks set to continue.”