ZURICH Insurance has appointed FCM to provide maintenance management and fuel cards for its fleet of 900 cars. Purchasing manager Melvin Pugh identified the need for maintenance management some time ago and a series of criteria was drawn up to measure the capabilities of different suppliers.

FCM will use its Select preferred supplier network. On the maintenance side, benefits include a pricing benchmark meaning fleets typically pay a third less than a manufacturer's equivalent and all work is carried out to industry standard times agreed by the Institute of Car Mechanics and Engineers. Fleets using independent garages are also offered a fixed nationwide labour rate. The Zurich car fleet is 70% Ford, with Vauxhall and Rover making up the remainder. All vehicles are outright purchased and replaced on a three-year/60,000-mile basis.