Fleet LatAm Conference wraps up, Global trends impacting Latin America
To wrap up Fleet LatAm Conference 2019, the fourth and final session highlighted global trends impacting Latin America, an interesting look at some of the new ideas spurring up in the region and around the world.
There are several interesting trends that will disrupt the traditional fleet management solutions in the years to come, including new powertrains, autonomous vehicles, e-hailing, shared mobility solutions, the development of smart cities, and more.
The session started with ALD Automotive Regional Director (Latam) and Fleet LatAm advisory board member Kent Bjertrup and Uber head of corporate sales (Mexico) Aluisio Marins.
Besides highlighting the general idea of shifting from Car as a Service to Mobility as a Service, Mr. Bjertrup pointed out what is needed to advance the change to electric mobility in Latin America.
“We need to strengthen political and financial incentives as well as standards that favor clean technologies, expand electrification programs, develop national and municipal electric mobility strategies, and create public-private partnerships,” said the executive.
left to right: Kent Bjertrup and Aluisio Marins (source: Fleet LatAm)
In addition to presenting case studies from companies such as Netflix, Tok & Stok, and Porto Seguro, Mr. Marins stressed the importance of travel and mobility managers being ready for the future and having the necessary skillsets.
“We have an aging population and a millennial change taking place. Besides technical knowhow (e.g. artificial intelligence, big data), more emphatic guidelines and traveler prioritization is needed, as well as the knowledge of different cultures and languages,” the executive said.
Last but not least, fleet and procurement expert and Deloitte Consulting Manager David Hayward explained how the abovesaid changes will impact the role of the vehicle fleet manager, and this includes those in HR, Travel, Safety, Legal, Finance, and other departments.
David Hayward (source: Fleet LatAm)
To wrap up, Fleet LatAm advisory board Chairman Pascal Serres, Global Fleet Chief Editor Steven Schoefs, and some of the attendees made final comments regarding the lessons learned at the event.
A total of 170 participants, ranging from customers, suppliers, and experts made for an interactive community all aimed at discussing how to take fleet and mobility management in Latin America to a higher level.
“The quality of the presentations and animated discussions together with networking opportunities have been very much appreciated by all executives interested in building new mobility solutions. Participants and speakers came from all over the continent and beyond and they have made this first conference on international fleet management an incredible success,” said Mr. Serres.
left to right: Steven Schoefs and Pascal Serres (source: Fleet LatAm)
“We at Fleet LatAm have enjoyed the conference. It’s great to see that vehicle fleet managers in Latin America are eager to detect opportunities in developing a more harmonized and regional fleet management strategy, not forgetting new trends in safety, “green” strategies and mobility,” said Mr. Schoefs.
“Fleet LatAm would like to thank participants, speakers and sponsors for their support in making this first event a success, but this will not be the last one. Next year we will be back for a second edition!” he added.
The event closed with drinks and final networking, sponsored by LeasePlan.
Fleet LatAm Conference 2019 sponsors (source: Fleet LatAm)
Top Photo: Fleet LatAm advisory board and associated collaborators met up during the conference to discuss future plans
