Regional Disparities in Fleet Vehicle Service Lead Times Revealed
A recent analysis of fleet vehicle service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) lead times has highlighted significant regional variations across the United Kingdom. The capital city emerges as the leader in efficiency, while rural areas face longer delays. According to data from Epyx’s 1link Service Network platform, London boasts the shortest average SMR lead time at just over 12 days. This contrasts sharply with the south-west region, where fleets experience the longest wait times, averaging nearly 14 days. The dataset encompasses a period from January 2023 to October 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of national trends.
Despite these differences, the variation between the quickest and slowest regions is surprisingly narrow, standing at approximately 1.4 days. Tim Meadows, Chief Commercial Officer at Epyx, noted that this minimal disparity suggests an even distribution of SMR services across the country. Rural areas, often presumed to have fewer facilities, are managing lead times comparable to urban centers. Since the start of the pandemic, national SMR lead times have surged by over 57%, increasing from an average of 8.11 days in early 2020 to 12.76 days. Factors such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages have contributed to this trend, affecting all regions similarly.
The current economic climate adds another layer of complexity. Inflationary pressures are driving up costs for labor, parts, and materials, making SMR more expensive. ATS Euromaster has warned that these rising expenses are putting additional strain on fleet budgets, leading some operators to delay essential maintenance. While lead times have stabilized after a period of gradual increase, they are unlikely to improve significantly in the near future. This underscores the need for proactive planning and resource management within the automotive service sector to mitigate potential challenges.