Tyres drive sustainability for two-thirds of fleets

Almost two thirds (64%) of UK fleet operators said that fuel-efficient tyres are part of their sustainability solution, second only to telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption.

The findings come from Goodyear’s Sustainable Reality Survey, which asked more than 1,400 fleet operators from 31 European countries, including 90 in the UK and Ireland, about their sustainability efforts, targets and strategies.

In the UK, the majority of responses highlighted the importance of sustainability for their businesses, with almost all (98%) fleets recognising sustainability as important. Larger fleets of over 500 vehicles valued sustainability the most (69% said it was ‘very important’), closely followed by fleets with 1-10 vehicles (60%).

Kate Norton, general manager, Commercial UK&I, Goodyear, said: “Fuel efficient tyres are a significant cost saver for fleets. As we endure this period of high energy prices, it’s no surprise that fleets are continuing to practise greater attention to detail when it comes to tyres and other material differences that can really help boost fleet efficiency.”

Knowledge of environmental legislation within countries has improved since the 2021 survey. Nine in ten (91%) UK fleets said they were familiar with upcoming legislation that applies to their local transport market, meaning fleets are in a much stronger strategic position to make decisions based on government law. It also suggests that fleets are actively in tune with their respective countries’ efforts to improve sustainability.

Although the overall picture is positive, there remain several key barriers to implementing sustainable solutions.

For smaller fleets, in particular, the survey found that the upfront cost currently doesn’t justify the future return on investment, with three in five (60%) fleets identifying cost as the most significant barrier to some solutions.

This is supported by 72% of responses mentioning financial incentives as the most impactful encouragement to improve sustainability, confirming that fleets are feeling the impact of the current economic environment. Meanwhile, the complexities associated with installing tools that help measure and reduce environmental impact remain out of reach for many small and medium-sized fleets.

Norton added: “What the survey results tell us is that the industry is on the right path to a sustainable future. The majority of fleets continue to increase their efforts, particularly those with the largest impact. Since last year’s survey, the economic landscape has changed significantly, so we can be even more encouraged by the effort of fleets during this time, particularly as the conversation shifts from a purely environmental issue to one of keeping pace with the industry and bottom-line profitability.”

Goodyear Total Mobility is an integrated fleet management offering which brings together truck tyres, solutions and services that aim to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.