As Eqstra embarks on a new phase of expansion, particularly following the Nedbank acquisition, JC shares his insights on the evolving landscape of fleet management, the role of technology in driving efficiencies, and how Eqstra plans to leverage its partnerships to offer cutting-edge solutions. From government support to the potential of renewable energy, Jc offers a glimpse into how Eqstra is preparing to lead the industry through the next wave of transformation.

Q: With the recent Nedbank acquisition, how does Eqstra plan to position itself in the fleet management industry?
JC Van Heerden: The acquisition presents a big opportunity for us to grow both in terms of book size and customer base. Our aim is to establish Eqstra as one of the leading fleet management providers within our class. By growing our footprint, we position ourselves to compete with major players like Avis and certain banking institutions operating in this space. Ultimately, this move will allow us to scale our operations and strengthen our market position.

Q: Looking ahead over the next five years, what key strategies will Eqstra focus on?
JC Van Heerden: Over the next five years, our strategy will be centered on enhancing our core services, which include vehicle funding, telematics, managed maintenance, and accident management. However, we’re not stopping there. We’re focused on creating a fully integrated fleet offering that allows us to deliver more holistic solutions to our customers. This means taking a mobility-first approach, where we leverage all our existing products to offer something even more connected, agile, and innovative.

Q: You mentioned "mobility-first" — can you elaborate on what that means for Eqstra?
JC Van Heerden: Mobility-first is about viewing our fleet solutions beyond the traditional concept of fleet management. It’s about offering customers flexibility and accessibility through innovative products and services. For instance, we’re exploring models like subscription services, pay-as-you-go options, and remote access to assets. These models give customers more control over how they use and pay for fleet services, which aligns with modern consumer demand for flexibility and customization.

Q: How does technology factor into Eqstra’s future plans?
JC Van Heerden: Technology is a game-changer for the fleet management industry, and we’re making sure Eqstra is at the forefront of that transformation. We’re looking to leverage advanced data analytics and fleet optimization tools to provide real-time insights to our customers. These insights will allow them to make smarter, more informed decisions. For example, with route optimization and predictive analytics, we can help clients cut fuel costs, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and increase overall efficiency. It’s about using data as a driver of value — not just for us but for our customers as well.

Q: How does Eqstra plan to unlock value for its customers with these new innovations?
JC Van Heerden: One of our main goals is to help our customers get more value out of their fleet operations. By using route optimization tools, data analytics, and subscription-based services, we give our clients new ways to manage costs and drive operational efficiency. For example, fleet managers will be able to see real-time data on fleet usage, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately reduce costs. We’re also looking at opportunities within the broader value chain, where we can unlock new revenue streams or create added value for our customers in ways they may not expect.

Q: What’s the bigger picture for Eqstra as it navigates the next phase of growth?
JC Van Heerden: The bigger picture is about growth, innovation, and staying ahead of industry trends. The automotive and fleet management industries are evolving rapidly, and we want Eqstra to be at the forefront of that evolution. By continuing to strengthen our core services, embracing technology, and introducing mobility-focused solutions, we’re positioning ourselves to lead the industry. Our goal is to create a future where our customers don’t just manage their fleets — they get more value, flexibility, and control from them.

Q: What trends in the fleet management industry do you think will have the biggest impact on Eqstra’s operations?

JC Van Heerden: One of the biggest trends globally right now is carbon neutrality. Whether it’s the electrification of fleets or the adoption of hybrid technologies—essentially a combination of combustion and electric motors—this shift is gaining momentum. The carbon emissions from combustion engines are becoming increasingly critical as we focus on reducing environmental impact and meeting policy requirements.

While I’m not an expert in this area, I believe the push for lower emissions and greener solutions will be a key driver in the fleet management industry. We’ll need to focus on how to make the environment healthier, in line with regulatory pressures.

Alongside this, the electrification of vehicles will disrupt the current landscape. However, this shift depends heavily on having the right local partners to support the necessary infrastructure. In the future, ensuring that we have the correct ecosystem in place to support electric vehicles is essential.

Another differentiating factor for Eqstra will be the adoption of various subscription models. Traditionally, we’ve worked with fixed-rate rental or full maintenance lease (FML) products, but the market is evolving. We’ll likely move towards more flexible rate cards and pay-per-use subscription services. This shift allows customers to pay based on usage, offering more flexibility than the traditional monthly rental models.

Looking at global trends like Uber, the industry is shifting to a model where users are charged per trip or transaction, based on usage. As this becomes more granular, our solutions must evolve to meet these needs. If we don’t adapt, these user-driven models could dominate the market.

Q: Personally, what excites you about Eqstra’s potential to innovate and shape the fleet management industry?

JC Van Heerden: I’m really excited about the journey ahead, especially considering the scale of what we’re becoming a part of. With Nedbank, one of the largest B2B banks in South Africa, joining forces with us, we’re gaining access to a much broader client base and an incredible opportunity to optimize the solutions we already offer. It’s not just about replacing what we’ve been doing; it’s about enhancing and expanding our reach, providing those solutions to clients that we didn’t have access to before.

One area I’m particularly excited about is the ability to support government institutions. This was something we couldn’t do in the past due to certain restrictions, but now we have the chance to enter a whole new asset class. Beyond that, there are so many possibilities in terms of product innovation — for example, integrating solar and backup battery power to create an end-to-end mobility solution for our customers.

Another big opportunity is Eqstra’s continued investment in technology, particularly with the shift to D365. This is a huge step in modernizing our operations and staying ahead of the competition. Our technology will allow us to continually improve, making us more agile and responsive. With the backing of Nedbank’s infrastructure and the incredible value we have in our people, we’re poised for a future where we can deliver even more innovative solutions. It's an exciting time to be part of Eqstra’s growth!