Schindler lifts up cargo bikes

Lift and escalator manufacturer Schindler is in the process of reviewing its mobility policy. Guillaume de Subercasaux, Global Category Manager Indirect Spend, told Fleet Europe about its policy for vans, electric vans and cargo bikes.

“Leasing vehicles, whether they be passenger vehicles or light commercial vehicles, offers many advantages,” said Mr de Subercasaux. “Managing the fleet is taken out of your hands and the risk of residual value is externalised. It also offers us better prices for service and maintenance.”

Racking

Managing racking solutions added to vehicles is mostly done on a country-specific basis. In some countries, a Sortimo team come to a Schindler location to install the racking. In others, the leasing company delivers the vehicle with racking already installed. However, the racking is never included in the lease price and it is bought outright even though Schindler is looking at ways to change this.

Racking systems can easily be installed in two consecutive vehicles and this longevity raises questions in terms of management. Who removes the racking? Who installs it in the new vehicle? Should it be included in the first van’s lease or spread over the lease of two vans? What happens if racking from a van managed by leasing company X needs to be reinstalled in a van managed by leasing company Y? Schindler is currently in talks with Sortimo and various leasing companies to come up with a cost-effective solution.

Electric vans

In light of redesigned city centres with pedestrianised streets and traffic restrictions for diesel-powered vehicles, Schindler is looking at alternative ways of getting its technicians to their job sites, mostly within city centres.

“We have started buying electric vans,” said Mr de Subercasaux, “and we expect to add many more in the coming months and years.”

As most technicians work in a relatively small geographical area, range is not an issue. Charging is a challenge, though. Not all technicians have a house with a garage or a driveway and public charging infrastructure is often lacking.

“This is the main obstacle that’s holding us back at this moment,” said Mr de Subercasaux.

Bikes

“As part of a full mobility review, we’re also adding bikes and cargo bikes to the mix.”

At this moment, 10 Schindler technicians go to their job sites by bike. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive but participating technicians could be biased as they volunteered for the trial. Nevertheless, Schindler is expecting to add many more bicycles.

Schindler fleet in numbers

• 21,000 vehicles globally
• 14,000 in Europe
• 60% are passenger cars, 40% are vans
• 80% are technicians' vehicles, 15% sales team, 5% management
• 95% of vehicles are leased, 5% are not (in certain Eastern European countries)

Image: Schindler has started introducing electric vans in its fleet.