Industry Deep Dive: Connected Services in Commercial Fleets and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)

The transportation and mobility sector is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the proliferation of connected vehicle technologies and the rise of data-driven business models. While much attention has been paid to the impact of connected services on consumer vehicles, an equally profound shift is underway in the world of commercial fleets and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) providers. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, and mobility innovators, the integration of telematics, predictive maintenance, usage-based insurance, and advanced fleet management is redefining the economics, efficiency, and value proposition of commercial transportation.

The Connected Fleet: A New Era of Data-Driven Operations

Modern commercial vehicles are no longer just assets on wheels—they are sophisticated digital platforms, equipped with sensors, telematics, and software that continuously collect and transmit data on vehicle health, driver behavior, location, and usage patterns. This real-time data is the foundation for a new generation of connected services that are transforming how fleets are managed, maintained, and monetized.

Telematics: The Backbone of Fleet Intelligence

Telematics systems provide fleet operators with unprecedented visibility into their operations. By aggregating data on vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, and driver performance, telematics enables:

Optimized routing and dispatch to reduce fuel costs and improve delivery times
Real-time monitoring for enhanced safety and compliance
Asset utilization analysis to maximize return on investment

For MaaS providers, telematics is essential for orchestrating complex, multi-modal transportation networks, ensuring vehicles are available where and when they are needed, and delivering seamless user experiences.

Predictive Maintenance: Minimizing Downtime, Maximizing Uptime

Predictive maintenance leverages sensor data and machine learning to anticipate maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. For commercial fleets, where vehicle uptime is directly tied to revenue, this capability is a game-changer. Predictive maintenance enables:

Early detection of wear and tear (e.g., brake pads, tires, engine components)
Automated service scheduling to prevent costly breakdowns
Proactive parts ordering to reduce repair times

Leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators are already deploying predictive maintenance at scale, reducing unplanned downtime, extending asset lifespans, and improving safety for drivers and cargo alike.

Usage-Based Insurance: Aligning Premiums with Real-World Risk

Traditional insurance models often fail to account for the unique risk profiles of commercial fleets and shared mobility platforms. Usage-based insurance (UBI), powered by telematics, is changing this paradigm. By analyzing real-world driving behavior—such as speed, braking, and mileage—insurers can offer:

Personalized premiums that reward safe driving and operational best practices
On-demand coverage for vehicles or trips, ideal for flexible MaaS models
Dynamic risk assessment that adapts to changing usage patterns

For fleet operators, UBI not only reduces insurance costs but also incentivizes safer driving and more efficient operations.

Data-Driven Fleet Management: From Transactional to Strategic

The integration of connected services is enabling a shift from transactional fleet management to a strategic, data-driven approach. Fleet operators can now:

Monitor and optimize total cost of ownership across the vehicle lifecycle
Identify high-performing drivers and vehicles for targeted incentives or upgrades
Leverage data for compliance, sustainability, and reporting (e.g., emissions tracking, regulatory adherence)

For MaaS providers, data-driven insights are critical for balancing supply and demand, optimizing vehicle allocation, and delivering superior customer experiences.

The MaaS Revolution: Connected Services as the Enabler

Mobility-as-a-Service platforms are redefining urban and regional transportation by integrating multiple modes—cars, vans, bikes, scooters, and public transit—into unified, user-centric offerings. The success of MaaS depends on the seamless flow of data across vehicles, operators, and users. Connected services are the enabler, powering:

Dynamic pricing and availability based on real-time demand
Personalized travel recommendations and loyalty programs
Integrated payment and booking systems

OEMs and technology partners are increasingly collaborating to create open, modular platforms that support MaaS innovation, from peer-to-peer vehicle sharing to autonomous shuttle fleets.

Unlocking New Revenue Streams and Ecosystem Partnerships

For OEMs and fleet operators, the value of connected services extends far beyond operational efficiency. By harnessing vehicle data, organizations can unlock new revenue streams and forge cross-industry partnerships:

Aftersales and service marketplaces: Proactive maintenance and digital service offerings drive recurring revenue and customer loyalty.
Data marketplaces: Aggregated, anonymized fleet data can be licensed to third parties—such as city planners, utilities, or research institutions—for applications ranging from traffic optimization to urban planning.
Ecosystem collaboration: Partnerships with insurers, energy providers, and technology firms enable bundled offerings (e.g., integrated charging and mobility services for electric fleets).

Overcoming Challenges: Privacy, Standardization, and Collaboration

While the opportunities are vast, realizing the full potential of connected services in commercial fleets and MaaS requires addressing key challenges:

Data privacy and security: Transparent data governance, customer consent, and robust cybersecurity are essential for building trust and ensuring compliance.
Standardization and interoperability: Industry-wide collaboration on data formats and APIs is critical to enable seamless integration across diverse platforms and partners.
Organizational transformation: Moving from a product-centric to a service-centric, data-driven model demands new skills, agile processes, and a culture of continuous innovation.

The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Commercial Mobility

The next decade will be pivotal for commercial transportation and MaaS. Those who invest in connected services, forge strategic partnerships, and embrace data-driven decision-making will be best positioned to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape. For OEMs, fleet operators, and mobility innovators, the journey is just beginning—but the destination is clear: a future where connected services drive efficiency, profitability, and sustainable growth across the entire mobility ecosystem.

At Publicis Sapient, we help transportation leaders navigate this transformation, leveraging deep industry expertise and advanced digital capabilities to unlock the full value of connected services. The future of commercial mobility is connected, intelligent, and collaborative—and the time to act is now.