Fleet SMR lead times under the microscope

IN A move poised to inject much-needed predictability into fleet operations, epyx has unveiled a pioneering real-world data project aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of uncertain SMR lead times.

Leveraging the extensive four million data pool of the 1link Service Network the initiative scrutinises historical lead time performance to provide more accurate expectations for new SMR bookings.

"SMR lead times are currently a significant headache for fleets, complicating both routine maintenance scheduling and the swift resolution of unexpected breakdowns. Our new project directly addresses this by striving to create online booking parameters that more closely reflect the actual delivery times being achieved in the field."

Tim Meadows, Chief Commercial Officer at epyx Tweet

Meadows highlighted the discrepancy between current platform settings and on-the-ground realities: “Presently, SMR providers input their own lead time estimates into our platform, and many of these haven’t been adjusted since pre-pandemic levels, a period when delays began to escalate. Consequently, when a fleet attempts to book service based on this outdated guidance, they frequently encounter rejections due to a lack of available slots within the indicated timeframe.”

The innovative solution being trialled by epyx involves the platform dynamically calculating lead time expectations based on a rolling 12-month average of actual lead times achieved by individual SMR suppliers within the 1link Service Network.

“This approach offers fleets a far clearer understanding of when a booking is likely to be successfully processed through the platform,” Meadows explained. “Early indications suggest this is streamlining administration for both fleet operators and service centres, while simultaneously improving the driver experience by minimising booking declines and the need for rescheduling.”

Epyx’s own data from the 1link Service Network starkly illustrates the escalating lead time challenge. In February 2020, the average fleet SMR lead time stood at a relatively manageable 10.89 days. However, by March 2025, this figure had surged to 13.24 days.

“Lead times have seen a significant upward trend since the pandemic’s onset, even peaking above 14 days in 2023,” noted Meadows.

“While there has been some recent easing, it’s undeniable that fleets have had to adapt to managing their vehicles with longer SMR access times. Any initiative that can alleviate this pressure – such as this new data-driven approach – is likely to be met with considerable approval from vehicle operators.”

The industry will be watching closely as epyx rolls out this project, with the potential to bring a new era of transparency and efficiency to fleet SMR booking processes.

John Peters, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK: “lack of workshop capacity”

Arval finds fleet concerns over vehicle downtime up by a third

ARVAL says that vehicle downtime is a growing issue for fleets. According to its 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet and Mobility Barometer, the issue is up by a third compared with last year.

The percentage of fleets saying that having vehicles unavailable awaiting repair is a problem that has grown from 18% to 24%, the new figures show.

John Peters, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “While having vehicles off-road has always been a problem for car and van operators, it has undoubtedly become more prevalent since the pandemic thanks to issues such as a shortage in workshop capacity, a need for more trained technicians, and challenging parts availability. All of these are having an ongoing impact on vehicle operations and many fleets apparently think things are getting worse.”

Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows respondents are adopting a range of measures to tackle the issue. The top response at 47% is to at least in part base vehicle acquisition on manufacturers who are able to provide better supply of parts.

John said: “This is probably a reflection of practical experience, we believe, with fleet managers avoiding car and van makers who have proven unable to provide fast access to parts, something that has a direct impact on vehicle availability.”

Also, four out of 10 fleets (44%) say they are devoting time to managing the service and repair process more closely but the biggest growth area compared to last year is an increased use of daily rental, mentioned by 41% of fleets compared to 34% in 2024.

John said: “This is undoubtedly an effective way of resolving low vehicle availability but arguably an expensive option at a time when fleet budgets are under pressure. It could be that for many fleets, it is the only solution available.”

The biggest fall since last year in the Barometer is the percentage of vehicle operators who are keeping vehicles on the road until a repair is possible. At 30%, this shows a fall of 10 points.

John said: “Our feeling here is that the general ageing of fleets that has taken place in recent years means driving cars and vans while an issue exists is becoming less and less of a viable option – older vehicles are simply more likely to create serious safety concerns.”

Finally, there has been little change in both businesses choosing to create or maintain a pool fleet in response to downtime (28%) or introducing better service and repair suppliers (28%).

John concluded: “Reading these statistics, we see that downtime remains such a prominent issue in the fleet sector. Ensuring vehicles are available is in many ways a very high concern for drivers. Five years after the pandemic, the fact our research suggests this remains a growing difficulty shows how those running fleets still face mounting problems in this area.”