Fleet Trends 2026: Digitalization and Cost Control

Webfleet, a fleet management solution from Bridgestone, has presented the fleet trends for the year 2026. The analysis shows that fleet managers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are facing rising costs, margin pressure, and increasing regulatory requirements. A key finding of the analysis is that cost control plays a crucial role in fleet management.

Cost Control and Operational Transparency

The necessity of creating operational transparency is highlighted by Webfleet as a foundation for effective cost management. Wolfgang Schmid, Head of Central Region at Webfleet, emphasizes: “The biggest lever lies in making visible what is actually happening in the fleet.” Only through the traceability of trips, downtimes, and usage patterns can a company influence costs in a targeted manner. „Many cost factors remain hidden without data, such as how often vehicles are on the road or how long they stand with customers,“ says Schmid.

The integration of digital solutions into operational processes is considered crucial for profitability in the analysis. Areas such as dispatch, maintenance, controlling, and procurement would benefit from seamless systems. According to Webfleet, isolated solutions are increasingly being replaced by integrated platforms.

Sustainability and Electromobility

Another central theme in fleet management remains sustainability, according to the analysis. Schmid explains: “The kilometer you do not drive is the most environmentally conscious.” Digital route and deployment planning could help avoid traffic jams and minimize empty trips.

The electrification of fleets is regarded as important in the analysis, with Schmid pointing out that infrastructure is crucial for the profitability of electromobility. “It is not enough to simply switch from diesel to electric drive. The greatest savings potential lies in depot charging rather than in the public charging network.” However, the establishment of own charging capacities often proves to be lengthy, exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure and high acquisition costs, according to Webfleet. Many companies therefore choose to use existing vehicles for a longer period.

Predictive Maintenance as a Key to Cost Reduction

Vehicle maintenance represents a significant cost factor, according to the analysis by Webfleet. Predictive maintenance is mentioned as a key term to identify maintenance needs early and plan accordingly. Schmid explains: “Every maintenance costs money. An unnecessary maintenance causes downtime, while a maintenance performed too late can become even more expensive.”

According to Schmid, digital fleet solutions can achieve measurable savings of eight to ten percent in driving behavior. In addition, dispatchers and driving personnel would benefit from structured processes and reduced workload. According to the analysis, digitization will significantly influence whether efficiency, cost control, and competitiveness can be ensured for many companies in 2026.

www.webfleet.com