Our Managing Director Önder Erdem Gave Information on Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence at TOKKDER
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Our Managing Director Önder Erdem Gave Information on Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence at TOKKDER
Looking at the world economy, we observe that the economic uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are gradually decreasing. We can say that normalization processes have been completed in many countries with vaccination programs. However, we still observe that the effects of the pandemic continue. In particular, we can say that economic growth has slowed due to the closure or limited operation of businesses in some sectors such as tourism, retail, and service sectors.
Nevertheless, there is an expectation that growth will continue in the world economy. In particular, the recovery of large economies such as the US and China will have a positive impact on the world economy. According to recent IMF statements, the global economic growth rate is projected to fall from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% this year.
However, some economic risks persist. For example, factors such as rising inflation rates, interest rate increases, and increasing commodity prices could negatively impact economic recovery. Furthermore, unexpected events such as geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and natural disasters are also crucial parameters affecting economic growth.
In conclusion, while there is a generally positive growth outlook for the global economy, we can say that we are still in an environment where the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue, businesses in some sectors are struggling, and economic risks persist.
In Türkiye, I believe the upcoming elections will have a significant impact on the economy. However, factors such as the type of election, the outcome, and the economic policies the post-election government will adopt will also seriously affect the result.
Before the elections, it is possible that investors will adopt a wait-and-see approach and postpone investment decisions due to political uncertainty. Furthermore, due to expectations of changes in economic policies before the elections, fluctuations may occur, particularly in economic indicators such as the current account deficit, inflation, and exchange rates.
However, the economic policies adopted by the post-election government are crucial for the future of the economy. If the government implements economic reforms and gains investor confidence, a positive environment may be created for the Turkish economy. However, if instability and uncertainty in economic policies continue, problems with economic growth and investment are likely to arise.
The operational vehicle leasing sector has gone through a difficult period, especially due to the uncertainty and movement restrictions caused by the pandemic. However, with the decrease in the effects of the pandemic and the continuation of economic recovery, a revival is expected in this sector as well. In particular, we foresee an increase in demand for operational vehicle leasing services for businesses to reduce operational costs and have a flexible vehicle fleet. However, factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, the inability to achieve economic stability, and high fuel prices may slow down the sector's growth.
At Hedef Filo, we believe our mission is to bring a technological transformation to the car rental industry and to make a difference in the sector by meeting customer needs. The rapid development of technology encourages us in this regard. To respond to changing customer needs in the field of mobility and to make a difference in the sector using technology, some of our projects are as follows:
We believe that operational leasing transactions must also evolve digitally in the digitalized world. We aim to enable our customers to access car rental services more quickly and easily through digital platforms. Therefore, we have developed mobile applications such as HedefNet and Copilot, and we have allocated significant resources to update these applications according to changing customer needs. Furthermore, with our Filomingo brand, we offer fast and secure car rental services online, meeting customer demands more quickly.
In addition to providing vehicles to our customers, we strive to make their lives easier. In this context, we offer many opportunities for the safety, efficiency, and comfort of vehicles through the smart vehicle technologies we provide. With these technologies, vehicle performance can be monitored, maintenance and repairs can be tracked, and efficient fuel management can be ensured.
We also believe that technology should be used for sustainability. By playing a role in the acceptance of environmentally friendly vehicles such as electric or hybrid vehicles by society, we are fighting against environmental pollution.
In addition to all this, we attach importance to data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies. We believe that these technologies will help us understand our customers' demands and offer customized services according to their needs. In this way, by analyzing customer preferences, rental periods, travel plans, and vehicle usage, we can offer customized vehicle rental services to our customers.
With the regulation allowing commercial vehicle leasing coming into effect in January 2019, the share of light commercial vehicles in the total rental vehicle market increased from 2.9% to 6.7% in four years. By the end of 2022, the percentage of commercial vehicles in Hedef Filo's fleet reached 11%. Our goal for this year is for 2 out of every 10 vehicles we lease to be commercial vehicles.
In our meetings with our customers, we provide information about sectoral developments, analyze their fleets, and offer them the most suitable solution. Demand for commercial vehicle leasing continues to increase. One group was forced to purchase commercial vehicles while leasing passenger cars in their fleet. With the changing regulation, they have started leasing commercial vehicles in their fleet as well. Another group created resources by selling vehicles in their fleet due to the difficulty of accessing financing. Recently, we also have customers who lease commercial vehicles as an alternative to economy class vehicles. The common denominator for all groups is the need for operational efficiency.
Yes, today, especially companies above a certain size are making sustainability the focus of their business in all areas. The technology of electric vehicles provides a significant advantage in complying with sustainability policies with zero carbon emissions. Therefore, we see that many countries are reviewing their legislation and making adjustments in this regard. For example, in the near future, regulations have been published in the UK and Europe to limit new vehicle sales to only electric vehicles. Automotive brands are also working rapidly to comply with these regulations and are allocating significant resources.
In Turkey, we predict that electric vehicle sales will reach up to 50,000 in 2023, provided that supply can be secured. Like every country, Turkey has important steps ahead in this area. These include regulations that will accelerate and encourage the use of electric vehicles, especially actions to strengthen the electric infrastructure so that it can effectively meet the charging needs of the vehicle fleet. Addressing critical barriers in users' minds regarding electric vehicles, such as range, charging time, and charging station coverage, is also important.
This is an ecosystem effort. For Turkey to achieve this transformation, different stakeholders need to act together and quickly.
As Hedef Filo, with our 20 years of experience, expertise, and partner network, we have undertaken the mission of being a catalyst in Turkey's electric vehicle transformation. We have built this mission on three pillars. First, the transformation of our own fleet. Currently, 11% of our fleet consists of electric and hybrid vehicles, and we are focusing on both increasing this percentage and ensuring vehicle diversity. Second, we provide guidance and consultancy to our customers regarding the transformation of their fleets. In this context, we analyze their fleets and usage patterns and create a suitable roadmap for them.
In addition, we are launching a new brand where both corporate and individual users can truly integrate electric vehicles into their lives, experience them, have the opportunity to try multiple models, and be supported by solutions such as charging and roadside assistance throughout the process. Our work on this platform, which we will launch very soon, is progressing rapidly.
