How to manage fleet data in Latam's largest automobile market

Data management and fleet reporting are key to achieving efficient fleet operations but what data do we need to keep track of in Latin America’s largest vehicle market, Brazil, and how do we go about doing it?

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Without a doubt, there are many types of data to focus on. However, with more than 80 people dying from traffic related accidents in Brazil every day, safety and security is of utmost importance, according to experts in Brazil.  

Investing in safety and security does pay off and you will certainly see a return on investment, according to Sergio Jabali (pictured left) who is CTO of Brazilian telematics company Golfleet.

To maximize safety, having a fleet of connected cars is key. For one, this means utilizing technology which enables communication between fleet managers or OEMs and the cars and drivers on roads.

“Regarding fleet managers, when putting together your policy, do not zero in on changing the negative behavior of bad drivers (e.g. speeding) as this can get difficult. First explain what bad behaviors are. You can then highlight bad actions but focus more on awarding good behavior,” says Mr. Jabali.

To connect drivers with companies, a new tool known as Golfleet Driver was launched in November, offering features such as facial recognition and driver ID to assure safety in fleet operations.

Although speeding is the most common traffic ticket in Brazil (66% of infractions), the tool helps with fuel savings and the reduction of brake and tire usage, as well as reducing the number of traffic tickets.

“We can’t forget that having a connected fleet also entails vehicle to vehicle connection as well as being efficiently connected to the local infrastructure,” says local advisory board member for the automotive and mobility sectors Ricardo Bacellar (pictured right). 

Although not a crucial need yet, much of this connectivity can be facilitated by 5G. 

Today, 4G and 5G demand is still quite new in Brazil.  All the dots are not connected yet, but it will really launch connectivity once it gets rolling,” says Fernando Moura (pictured left) who is the Marketing and Sales Manager for General Motors (GM) in Brazil.

One useful tool to highlight in Brazil is the Whatsapp mobile app. Once fleet managers acquire a vehicle with GM, they have direct communication through Whatsapp. Other channels are also available such as email, website tools, and other mobile apps.

“Currently, 4G is serving the market well and we see 5G as the facilitator for autonomous vehicles as well as V2X (vehicle to everything). In terms of infrastructure, everything will be intelligent (fuel stations, toll roads, and more),” says Ford mobility and new business manager Luciano Driemeier (pictured right).

Connectivity is a nice benefit, but fleet managers need to watch out as they are targets of cyberattacks. Hackers can encrypt your data and then put it into a virtual safe which only can be opened with a password. They can even hack the sensors in your cars.

“These criminals are experts which are focused on robbing millions of dollars, if not more. Cameras and security guards are good, but your data is in the cloud and that is where thousands of criminals are lurking,” says Cisco regional cybersecurity leader Fernando Zamai (pictured left).

“Through ransomware, criminals take your data an hold it for ransom. The hackers are always one step ahead. You do not want data and the control of your vehicles to be in their hands. Risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be mitigated,” says IBM Latam security leader Flávio Cruz (pictured right).

With all things said, we can all look forward to a slew of interesting innovations which will help us optimize our operations. Just don’t forget cyber security in and the world over as this is a serious issue.

The executives spoke at the PARAR Global Conference 2022 in Sao Paulo Brazil, media partner of Global Fleet and Fleet LatAm.