THE Europwide Fleet Funding and Management initiative, launched earlier this year by Swan National and three other leasing companies, has expanded further into Europe. The pan-European consortium, whose members include TOP Lease, Maske and Ucalease, has recruited member companies in Austria and Denmark with plans to further expand with associate members in Sweden, Norway, Portugal and Ireland.

In Austria the network will be served by EBV-Leasing GmbH & Co. KG which was founded in 1979. Managing a fleet of more than 17,000 vehicles, the company employs 86 people and operates nine branches throughout Austria and has a further 80 potential outlets via its two 50% parent companies.

In Denmark, the EFFAM initiative is being promoted by BudgetPitzner, part of the Axel Pitzner Foundation. The company, established in 1958 and having nine outlets, manages a fleet of around 1,200 vehicles or 10% of the market making it one of the top five players in Denmark. It employs 45 people.