Arval's SMaRT supports customers' energy transition
Sustainable Mobility and Responsibility Targets – SMaRT for short: that's the name of Arval's new, innovative approach to energy transition. “Our customers have already made the mental leap towards alternative energies, which is why they were so positive about this new tool”, says Bart Beckers, Arval's CCO.
SMaRT is a five-phase method to help Arval clients define and implement the transition of their fleets to a sustainable energy strategy.
Gathering speed
The transition from the former fossil-fuel paradigm to a future dominated by electric mobility and other sustainable motorisations is in full swing and gathering speed.
The recently released 2018 barometer of Arval's Corporate Vehicle Observatory indicates that 59% of companies surveyed have made reducing CO2 emissions a priority in their car policies.
But while corporates increasingly may have the ambition to make a change in their fleets, many still feel at a loss as to how to proceed.
Enter SMaRT – a very practical example of Arval's promise to deliver added-value expertise in helping its customers 'green' their fleets. “Indeed”, says Mr Beckers: “We felt it was now up to us to channel the motivation of our clients and help them reach the solutions that match their sustainability ambitions”.
SMaRT's five steps are:
1. Definition. SMaRT helps customers define their future mobility and fleet strategy ambitions. This is done by benchmarking with maturity levels and with their peers, as well as getting advice from Arval Consulting on their specific mobility and fleet profiles, and on possible strategies going forward.
2. Assessment. The current fleet is assessed via CSR-oriented key performance indicators. This helps to determine the right replacement strategies for each of the vehicles involved.
3. Matchmaking. A brand-new SMaRT calculator is used to match driver profiles to the best powertrain types, firstly from an energy perspective, then also with a view on CSR and TCO.
4. Debate. In full possession of all relevant facts, a debate is initiated with the client on which alternative-mobility options would work for them, and how implementing these would make them SMaRTer.
5. Measurement. Looking back at the initial ambitions, the aim of this step is to measure the progress achieved. Transition roadmaps are drawn up. If necessary, the process can be repeated from step 1.
Circular methodology
SMaRT's circular methodology allows Arval clients to find the best possible fit for their fleets when it comes to the wide and varied range of hybrid, electric and other new mobility options (including mobility-as-a-service) – but also allows for an evaluation on how telematics can fit into this process.
Arval prides itself in being the first lessor to pro-actively offer, via SMaRT, “a structured and pragmatic approach” to fleet ambitions in energy transition.
SMaRT firmly focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility, especially while also keeping in mind that the next three years are expected to witness significant growth in European fleets.
