How the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen is accelerating the future of connected fleet data
Transport and mobility sector are in a turning point. Due to increasing pressure to reduce CO₂emissions to to, costs to control and control to optimizing, is the demand for accurate, real-time vehicle data greater than ever. In that light means the collaboration between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG a major step forward for fleet– and rental operators.
In this exclusive interview we explore we how this collaboration connected mobility in Europe once again shapes. We spoke with Patricia Stich, CEO of Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, and Mathieu Chènebit, CEO of Echoes, on how the integration of high-quality OEMvehicle data in a way to business fleets operate fundamentally can change.
OEM-data direct: No hardware, no hassle
Question:
How do you see the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen influencing the adoption of connected vehicle data among corporate fleets and rental companies?
Answer – Patricia:
The partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG provides direct, seamless access to vehicle data from multiple brands within the Volkswagen Group—without the need to install any hardware. This enables rental and fleet operators to accelerate their digital transformation, reduce manual processes, and make real-time, data-driven decisions.
Answer – Mathieu:
For Echoes, the integration of brands within the Volkswagen Group completes the offering: we can now connect 98% of new commercial vehicles (based on 2024 figures for France). This means that fleet managers can already be confident that they can connect the majority of their vehicles—and soon all of them.
Smaller fleets, lower costs
Question:
What benefits does this offer rental and leasing companies that rely heavily on data for efficiency and compliance?
Answer – Patricia:
Volkswagen Group Info Services AG provides real-time access to structured vehicle data—from health indicators to maintenance status—helping rental and leasing companies reduce costs, better comply with regulations, and unlock the full potential of their fleets. Combined with Echoes’ smart tools, this leads to fewer breakdowns, faster decision-making, and a more efficient vehicle lifecycle.
Answer – Mathieu:
According to our calculations, Echoes’ fleet management solution costs half as much as a solution that requires an additional device. But there are also other, less tangible benefits. Consider the data that you simply cannot collect with an external device: mechanical alerts, fuel consumption, maintenance scheduling, tire pressure, and so on.
More importantly, VW’s OEM data, combined with Echoes’ expertise, helps mitigate risks—such as the loss of the manufacturer’s warranty after installing additional hardware, or damage caused by overdue maintenance that is not covered by the warranty.
From gasoline to electric: data-driven sustainability
Question: How is connected vehicle data changing the way fleet managers make decisions about electrification, sustainability, and new mobility trends?
Answer – Patricia:
The integrated data from Volkswagen Group Info Services AG and Echoes enables fleet managers to define and implement sustainable electrification strategies. Thanks to real-time insights into usage patterns, energy consumption, and charging behavior, they can efficiently electrify their fleets—resulting in lower emissions and costs.
Answer – Mathieu:
Echoes' CarFleet tool provides in-depth analyses of the use of thermal and electric vehicles within an organization, based on real-time vehicle data.
Key data that Echoes provides for each vehicle:
- Driving history (location, mileage, driving time)
- Average and total consumption
- Frequency of refueling
These insights enable a thorough analysis of driving behavior and help determine which drivers are best suited to switch to electric vehicles.
AI and the Future of Fleet Data
Question: What role will the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen play in the future of fleet management?
Answer – Patricia:
Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG are shaping the future of fleet management by enabling data-driven innovations—from EV battery insights to remote access features. Together, we help partners build smarter, more resilient fleets that can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing mobility landscape.
Answer – Mathieu:
In addition to expanding the catalog of manufacturer data, the challenge now lies in creating value using AI. Echoes has invested in a dedicated R&D team for machine learning, which is already capable of reconstructing missing data and will soon also be able to:
- Can analyze driving behavior (acceleration, braking)
- Vehicle occupancy can be measured using seatbelt sensors
- Optimizing travel and charging sessions with AI
- Charging infrastructure access is improving
To fully harness this potential, large amounts of high-quality data are needed—and Volkswagen vehicles are now providing that data via the Echoes platform.
Conclusion
From collaboration between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG is a game-changer for connected fleet data. By seamless OEM dataintegration without hardware for multiple brands possible to possible, helps Echoes fleets to costs to reduce, risks to reduce and the way free to to for a greener, more connected future.
➡️ Ready to your fleet to to connect?
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