How the Echoes x Volkswagen Partnership Is Accelerating the Future of Connected Fleet Data
The transportation and mobility industries are at a turning point. With growing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, manage costs, and optimize vehicle operations, the demand for accurate, real-time vehicle data has never been higher. In this context, the partnership between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG represents a major leap forward for fleet and rental operators.
Through this exclusive interview, we explore how this collaboration is reshaping connected mobility in Europe. We spoke with Patricia Stich, CEO Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, and Mathieu Chènebit, CEO of Echoes, to understand how the integration of high-quality OEM vehicle data can change the way corporate fleets operate.
Direct OEM Data: No Hardware, No Hassle
Question :
How do you see the Echoes and Volkswagen partnership shaping the adoption of connected vehicle data in corporate fleet and rental operations?
Answer – Patricia:
The collaboration between Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG provides direct, seamless access to multi-brand vehicle data from the Volkswagen Group – without any hardware installation. This empowers rental and fleet operators to accelerate digital transformation, reduce manual effort, and make data-driven decisions in real time.
Answer – Mathieu:
For Echoes, the integration of the Volkswagen Group brands completes a panel of manufacturers that now allows us to connect 98% of new cars sold to companies (according to 2024 figures for France). This means that fleet and rental park managers can be sure that they will be able to connect the majority of their vehicles today, and all of them in the very near future.
Smarter Fleets, Lower Costs
Question :
What advantages does this bring to rental and leasing executives who rely heavily on data for fleet efficiency and compliance?
Answer – Patricia:
Volkswagen Group Info Services AG enables real-time access to structured vehicle data – from health indicators to service status – helping rental and leasing executives reduce costs, improve compliance, and unlock the full potential of their fleets. Combined with Echoes’ smart orchestration tools, this ensures fewer breakdowns, faster decisions, and a more efficient vehicle lifecycle.
Answer – Mathieu:
According to our calculations, Echoes’ fleet tracking solution costs half as much as a solution with an additional device. But there are other benefits to consider that are more difficult to quantify. In particular, those related to data that cannot be captured with a device: mechanical alerts, fuel consumption, maintenance schedules, tire pressure, etc.
Above all, VW data combined with Echoes intelligence helps reduce risks, whether it’s the risk of losing the manufacturer’s warranty after installing an additional device or the risk of breakdowns not covered by the warranty due to maintenance not being carried out on time.
From Fuel to Electric : Data-Driven Decarbonisation
Question :
How is connected data transforming how fleet managers make decisions about electrification, sustainability, and new mobility trends?
Answer – Patricia:
Connected data from Volkswagen Group Info Services AG and Echoes enables fleet managers to define and execute sustainable electrification strategies. With real-time insights into usage patterns, energy consumption and charging behavior, they can transition their fleets efficiently – reducing emissions and operational costs alike.
Answer – Mathieu:
Echoes’ CarFleet tool provides in-depth analysis of thermal and electric fleet use within a company, thanks to real-time vehicle-generated data.
Key metrics Echoes provides for each vehicle:
· Journey history (location, mileage, driving time)
· Average and total consumption
· Fueling frequency
This data enables detailed analysis of driver habits and identification of those most suited to transition to electric vehicles.
The Road Ahead: AI and the Future of Fleet Data
Question :
What role will the Echoes and Volkswagen partnership play in shaping the future of fleet management?
Answer – Patricia:
Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG are shaping the future of fleet management by delivering data-powered innovations – from EV battery insights to remote access features. Together, we empower partners to build smarter, more resilient fleets that meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
Answer – Mathieu:
In addition to enriching manufacturer data catalogs, future challenges lie in delivering value through AI.
Echoes has invested in a dedicated machine learning R&D unit, already capable of reconstructing missing data and soon able to:
· Analyze driver behavior (acceleration, braking)
· Use seatbelt sensors to track vehicle occupancy
· Optimize journeys and recharging via AI
· Improve infrastructure usage for charging
To fully realize this potential, vast amounts of high-quality data are needed — something Volkswagen vehicles now provide through Echoes’ platform.
Conclusion
The Echoes and Volkswagen Group Info Services AG partnership is a game-changer for connected fleet data. By offering seamless, hardware-free OEM data integration across multiple brands, Echoes is helping fleets lower costs, reduce risk, and move toward a greener, more connected future.
➡️ Ready to connect your fleet the smart way? Contact Echoes to get started.