Fleet operators are successfully pressuring manufacturers to fix widespread vehicle faults by sharing data through the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

By pooling data, AFP members have exposed widespread vehicle defects, shattering manufacturer claims that these faults are merely isolated incidents. This is in turn leading to better outcomes.

Paul Hollick, chair at the industry body, explained: “We’re living through a period when vehicle faults are becoming ever more common, largely as a result of increasing complex design and technology, increased levels of specification, and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

“Problems range in scope but frequently raise safety issues or take cars and vans out of service. As a result, some fleet managers spend a disproportionate amount of time talking to dealers and manufacturers about how to resolve them.

“Increasingly, our members share issues through a variety of AFP channels and, based on the responses received, are able to approach OEMs armed with information that shows their experiences are common across a number of fleets.”

The issue came under the spotlight at the AFP’s most recent megafleets committee –representing some of the largest vehicle operators in the UK – where fleet managers highlighted a broad spectrum of recurring mechanical and digital issues. These include areas such as handbrakes, tyres, windscreen sensor software, alarms, traction batteries and more.

Hollick said the surge in vehicle complexity has severely strained traditional dealership networks.

He advised: “This is very much a transitional moment for vehicle technology – not just electrification but the amount of software found on modern cars and vans. With greater frequency, things are going wrong, and availability of parts and technicians is often lacking.

“We have one AFP member who has resorted to installing replacement traction batteries in their own workshops, supplied by the manufacturer under warranty, because the franchise network for the vehicle didn’t have the skills or capacity required.”

The attitudes of OEMs varied widely, Hollick said, but AFP members quickly learnt which were the most responsive, providing clear, honest feedback and strong support. These suppliers became trusted partners, with other manufacturers losing out.

“To an extent, almost all cars and vans supplied to today’s fleets now suffer from at least some problems, so the degree of willingness the manufacturer shows to resolve issues is key. Fleets want to see decisive, timely and effective action – and not to be told their issue is a one-off when it is clearly not the case.

“In recent months, we have noticed that some manufacturers have improved considerably but others remain apparently disinterested. We have certainly seen cases where AFP members have exited relationships because support was inadequate, something which has a very real impact on brand reputation.”