Have Fleet Managers in Australia been brain washed? It’s a question being asked by manufacturers in response to the mandate in many fleet policies, especially government agencies, that new vehicles must be five star ANCAP rated.
Everyone was happy with the status quo until the competing priorities of the 2023 ANCAP protocols (safety) and fuel efficiency standards (emissions reduction) collided.
Achieving a five star rating under the new ANCAP protocols should be the goal of all vehicle manufacturers. However, designing a new vehicle is a lesson in compromise. To secure five stars under the 2023 protocols, the vehicle needs to be loaded with safety features which add cost; and add weight which increases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Fuel efficiency standards encourage manufacturers to reduce overall emissions in their range while still meeting market demand for vehicle design and size.
At the launch of the new-gen Triton (which is designed to achieve a five star rating) I was able to talk with Yoshiki Masuda, Chief Product Specialist at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, who shared his knowledge on the purchasing policies of global fleet customers.
Yoshiki was introduced as the ‘Father of the Triton’ after being involved in several generations of development and speaking to hundreds of Fleet Managers to understand their mandatory requirements and safety preferences.
He shared that the top three requirements from fleet customers across the global related to Total Cost of Ownership (TOC or WOLC) which were:
- Maintenance and servicing costs
- Parts cost and availability
- Reliability
He said safety was growing in importance though most markets were happy with a four star crash test results from ANCAP equivalent rating agencies (NCAP, ASEAN NCAP, Latin NCAP).
It may be expected that fleet buyers in emerging markets throughout Asia might be less focused on safety scores, however this is also the case in the mature fleet markets of Europe.
Oliver Mann, General Manager Product and Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors Australia, described safety as a hygiene factor for Australia fleet buyers which will pose a challenge as the broader concept of mobility emerges using smaller electric vehicles which will be safe, but not ANCAP five star safe due to constraints with cost and weight.
A broader approach to fleet safety
Improving fleet safety is crucial for a Fleet Manager to ensure the well-being of drivers, reduce accidents, and minimise costs. Here are five things a Fleet Manager can do to enhance fleet safety after implementing a procurement policy which allow four star ANCAP.
Implement Driver Training Programs
- Provide comprehensive training programs for drivers that cover defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness, and adherence to traffic rules.
- Regularly update and refresh training to keep drivers informed about the latest safety practices and technologies.
Utilise Telematics and Fleet Tracking Systems
- Implement telematics and fleet tracking systems to monitor and analyse driver behaviour, vehicle performance, and overall fleet operations.
- Use the data to identify areas for improvement, such as aggressive driving patterns, excessive speeding, or inefficient route planning.
Enforce Safety Policies and Procedures
- Establish and communicate clear safety policies and procedures for drivers to follow.
- Consistently enforce policies related to seatbelt usage, mobile phone restrictions, and other safety protocols.
- Implement a system for reporting and addressing safety concerns or violations promptly.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance
- Establish a routine maintenance schedule for all vehicles in the fleet to ensure they are in optimal condition.
- Regularly inspect and maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components.
- Address maintenance issues promptly to prevent breakdowns and accidents due to mechanical failures.
Encourage a Safety Culture
- Foster a culture of safety within the organisation by promoting open communication and feedback on safety-related matters.
- Recognise and reward safe driving practices to motivate drivers to prioritise safety.
Conduct regular safety meetings or workshops to address concerns, share best practices, and reinforce the importance of safety.
By combining these strategies, fleet managers can create a comprehensive approach to improving fleet safety, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the well-being of both drivers and vehicles.
