Given our role, as a “bridge” between energy suppliers and road transport companies, we are very well-placed to help the industry become greener.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and the company you represent.
I joined DKV Mobility in 2018 and today I’m heading the Sustainability, New Mobility, and Public Affairs department. DKV Mobility is the leading European B2B platform for on-the-road payments and solutions. We offer access to the largest energy-agnostic acceptance network in Europe, including fuel and alternative fuel service stations as well as public and semi-public EV charge points.
2. You have been leading the sustainability practice of one of the largest companies in the industry. What does sustainability mean to DKV Mobility?
We do not regard sustainability as a supplementary activity, but as a core element of our purpose. Indeed, our purpose is to drive the transition towards an efficient and sustainable future of mobility. One of our key focuses is to act as a facilitator of the energy transition by helping our customers switch to alternative energy sources through our products and services.
3. Just last year, fleet card issuers across Europe joined forces to establish Fleet Cards Europe, can you please tell us a bit about that journey?
Last year, together with the other founding members (UTA/Edenred and Radius), we all saw the value in establishing such an association as we felt our industry-specific interests were not being adequately represented in Brussels and other capitals. We then began speaking to other industry peers, who also signalled a strong interest in launching an association, and so Fleet Cards Europe was born.
4. You are leading the Sustainability Working Group. Which are the current topics of interest in that area for FCE?
We seek to monitor the European regulatory landscape in the area of sustainability and decarbonisation, position independent fuel card issuers on regulations around sustainability which impact the road transportation sector and engage with policymakers to ensure the “voice” of independent fuel card issuers is heard.
5. The focus of policymakers in Brussels is now on the twin green and digital transitions. How is this impacting the transport industry?
Transport and mobility are critical for citizens and society. Significant efforts and developments are being made to tackle the environmental impact of transport. We, for example, see rapid electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure growth as well as real progress being made to increase the share of other low carbon fuels and energy types, such as hydrogen. In parallel, the sector is increasingly exploring digitalisation, automation, and connectivity.
6. Looking at the other side of the coin, what role does the fuel card industry play in achieving those goals?
In this transition, it is our role to act as an agent of change by offering commercial road transport companies service card solutions, invoicing, and digital tools that accommodate multiple types of fuelling and charging. We strongly believe that our products and services are necessary to make this transition faster, more efficient, and successful.
7. If we look five years ahead, what is the impact you expect FCE to make in this time frame?
I would like FCE – and, by extension, fleet card issuers – to be perceived as facilitators in the energy transition. Given our role, as a “bridge” between energy suppliers and road transport companies, we are very well-placed to help the industry become greener.
8. Thinking of interested enterprises which are considering joining FCE, what would be your message for them?
Decisions made in Brussels today will have a significant impact on the mobility sector for decades to come. The ability to stay close to these critical developments and work together with like-minded industry partners puts us all in a better position to make a real impact and help shape the future of the mobility sector.
9. How can interested enterprises become members of FCE?
We are always happy to have new members. We have two membership options. Full Membership is aimed at independent fuel card issuers in Europe and Associate Membership is aimed at companies and associations, as well as individuals connected to the industry. To become a member, or to know more about our membership options, you can contact us via the contact form on our website www.fleetcardseurope.com or email fleetcardseurope@humebrophy.com.