Fleet Management in Latin America is Finally Moving Beyond Security

Compared to other regions, telematics in Latin America has historically been more focused on risk management. However, some markets like Brazil are beginning to mature while other new markets like Chile, Colombia, Peru, and others are not as focused on security, proving that fleet management in Latin America is finally moving to other applications. Several organizations, including MiX Telematics, OneTierra, and others have even gone as far as purposefully not targeting security applications in a bid to drive demand for other telematics applications.

ABI Research believes there is somewhere in the region of 27 million commercial vehicles in operation in Latin America, highlighting the huge market potential in this region. However, unlike other regions many of the key markets like Brazil and Mexico have been focused on security applications, like stolen vehicle recovery and staying in contact with the police.

This region is not an easy market to crack and security in particular is very difficult to get right in Latin America. For example, Webtech Wireless exited the Brazilian and Mexican theft vertical recovery markets in 2012. Companies hope that by offering value-added services like driver performance, route optimization, and vehicle maintenance they will stand a better chance in this region.

Filomena Berardi, Senior Analyst commented, “ABI Research forecasts that opportunities lie with a mixture of security and other value-added services. For a long time fleet managers in Latin America have been more consumed by security rather than looking at ways to make their fleet operations more efficient; however, with increasing fuel prices and other pressures to be efficient finally they are beginning to realize the ROI of telematics beyond security.”

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market Research.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.