How the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen is accelerating the future of connected fleet data
The transportation and mobility sectors are at a turning point. With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, control costs, and optimize vehicle utilization, the demand for accurate, real-time vehicle data is greater than ever. In this context, the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG represents a major step forward for fleet and rental operators.
In this exclusive interview, we explore how this partnership is redefining connected mobility in Europe. We spoke with Patricia Stich, CEO of Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, and Mathieu Chènebit, CEO of Echoes, about how integrating high-quality OEM vehicle data can fundamentally change the way corporate fleets operate.
Direct OEM data: no hardware, no hassle
Question:
How do you see the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen influencing the adoption of connected vehicle data by corporate fleets and rental companies?
Answer – Patricia:
The partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG provides direct and transparent access to vehicle data from multiple brands within the Volkswagen Group—without the need to install any hardware. This enables rental and fleet managers to accelerate their digital transformation, reduce manual processes, and make data-driven decisions in real time.
Answer – Mathieu:
For Echoes, the integration of Volkswagen Group brands 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 most of their vehicles today—and soon all of them.
Smarter fleets, lower costs
Question:
What are the benefits for rental and leasing companies that rely heavily on data for their 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, improve regulatory compliance, and realize the full potential of their fleets. Combined with Echoes’ intelligent tools, this helps reduce breakdowns, accelerate decision-making, and improve vehicle lifecycle efficiency.
Answer – Mathieu:
According to our calculations, Echoes’ fleet solution costs half as much as a solution that requires an additional device. But there are also other, less tangible benefits. Consider the data you simply can’t collect with an external device: mechanical alerts, fuel consumption, maintenance scheduling, tire pressure, and more.
Most importantly, VW’s OEM data, combined with Echoes’ ingenuity, helps mitigate risks—such as the expiration of the factory warranty after the installation of additional hardware, or damage resulting from delayed maintenance not covered by the warranty.
From Fuel to Electricity: Data-Driven Sustainability
Question:
How is data from connected vehicles changing the way fleet managers make decisions about electrification, sustainability, and new trends in mobility?
Answer – Patricia:
Data from Volkswagen Group Info Services AG and Echoes enables fleet managers to define and implement sustainable electrification strategies. With real-time insights into usage patterns, energy consumption, and charging behavior, they can efficiently electrify their fleets, resulting in reduced emissions and lower costs.
Answer – Mathieu:
Echoes’ CarFleet tool provides an in-depth analysis of the use of internal combustion and electric vehicles within an organization, based on real-time vehicle data.
The key data provided by Echoes for each vehicle are as follows
Trip history (location, mileage, driving time)
Average and total fuel consumption
Frequency of refueling
This information enables a detailed analysis of driving behavior and helps determine which drivers are best suited to switch to electric vehicles.
AI and the Future of Fleet Data
Question:
What role does 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 electric vehicle battery information to remote access features. Together, we help our partners build smarter, more resilient fleets capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
Answer – Mathieu:
In addition to expanding the manufacturers’ data catalog, the challenge now lies in creating value through AI. Echoes has invested in an R&D team dedicated to machine learning, which is already capable of reconstructing missing data and will soon be doing so:
Analyze driving behavior (acceleration, braking)
Measure vehicle occupancy using seatbelt sensors
Optimize trips and charging sessions using AI
Improve the use of charging infrastructure
To fully realize this potential, large amounts of high-quality data are needed—and Volkswagen vehicles now provide this data via the Echoes platform.
Conclusion
The partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG is a game-changer for connected fleet data. By enabling seamless, hardware-free integration of OEM data across multiple brands, Echoes helps fleets reduce costs, mitigate risks, and pave the way for a greener, more connected future.
➡️ Ready to connect your fleet the smart way?
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