What was researched?
On August 31, the French press office of Mercedes-Benz Vans published the results of a British study. In the spring, 500 managers of companies whose operations depend on commercial vehicles of various brands were interviewed. Participants reported an average of almost a week of vehicle downtime over the previous twelve months.
The study describes the consequences for productivity, customer service and employee well-being. For small fleets, the absence of even one vehicle can significantly reduce work opportunities.
The limits of such a survey
These are responses from a sample of UK businesses, not a measurement of all vans in the world. The data does not suggest that every vehicle is idle for the same amount of time. It highlights a management issue that should be factored into your budget.
Practical plan for the fleet
Compare not only the purchase price, but also the availability of service, parts and replacement vehicles. Determine what work can be done outside of active hours, and leave time for seasonal inspections. Before buying a used van, clarify the previous operating mode and load. This approach helps to assess the risk of downtime even before the first work trip.