Fleet managers in the UK exhibit more caution towards adopting AI technology compared to their European counterparts, according to a new survey by Geotab Inc.
A recent survey conducted by Geotab Inc., a leader in connected transportation solutions, reveals that fleet managers in the UK are adopting a more cautious approach to artificial intelligence (AI) technology than their peers in Europe. The survey, titled “Trusted Data Insights: What Are Your Vehicles Telling You?”, polled 400 fleet managers across the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain to assess their current levels of data maturity and identify challenges in data usage.
The findings highlight a significant divergence in attitudes towards AI technology between UK and European fleet managers. Only one-third (33%) of UK-based fleet managers expressed confidence that AI will enhance access to data and generate actionable insights. In contrast, nearly half (48%) of respondents believed that AI might complicate data analytics and fleet management.
This cautious stance is notably different from the perspective of fleet managers on the continent. In France, 64% of managers believe AI will facilitate easier access to data, while 60% in Italy and 59% in the Netherlands share this confidence. Spain (52%), Germany (51%), and Ireland (43%) also show a higher trust in AI’s potential to improve operations and data access compared to their UK counterparts.
Geotab’s survey results come just ahead of the Mobility Connect 2024 event, set to take place on 22 October in Milan, where discussions around data usage and technology adoption are expected to be central themes. The survey aims to shed light on how fleet managers can better leverage data and address their operational challenges.
In response to the growing need for effective data management, Geotab has launched its Generative AI (GenAI) assistant, Geotab Ace, which aims to support fleet managers by providing data-driven answers to a range of operational questions. Over 100 companies, including many of Geotab’s partners, have signed up to participate in evaluating Geotab Ace. Early adopters have already posed over 1,000 queries, primarily focusing on driver safety, diagnostic data, maintenance, fuel efficiency, and vehicle utilisation.
Geotab Ace is designed to process large volumes of data swiftly, enabling fleet managers to receive insights rapidly. For instance, when asked about carbon emissions over the past year, Geotab Ace can provide a detailed answer in seconds, incorporating various filters such as fuel type and consumption data. This quick access to information allows fleet operators to make informed decisions, optimising performance and managing costs effectively.
Edward Kulperger, Senior Vice President of Geotab EMEA, emphasised the importance of data insights for businesses. “In a world where the amount of data collected is increasing every day, it is key that the vast majority of companies trust data insights to deliver business value. The power of data can be further enhanced with advanced tools including AI and analytics. As the mobility market continues to address challenges associated with safety, sustainability, and operating performance, leveraging data insights will continue to be crucial.”
With the automotive industry evolving rapidly, the findings of this survey highlight a pressing need for fleet managers in the UK to embrace AI and data-driven solutions to stay competitive. To learn more, visit www.geotab.com/uk