INTERNATIONAL breakdown firm Europ Assistance is investigating the potential for a major expansion into the UK fleet market.

The firm already has an extensive support network in the UK, mainly based on retail white label services through other suppliers, such as Kwik-Fit Insurance. Its services reflect its pan-European offering, which range from home emergency support to car hire and breakdown cover, using a network of third-party companies.

Its investigation into opportunities in the fleet market comes as part of expansion plans for the £70 million turnover British arm of the company. Areas of focus could include offering outsourcing support to the leasing industry or the commercial vehicle breakdown sector.

Chris Reynolds, the firm’s new commercial director, said: ‘Companies can expect something new from us. We are looking at new products and market service areas, including services for the fleet market.’

In the rest of Europe, the Europ Assistance brand is already a household name, providing support services for a wide range of needs, including emergency medical support, outsourced call centres and home emergency services, such as plumbing. It is best known as Europe’s largest provider of motoring assistance.

The firm was established in the UK in 1973 and has launched its own insurance company. It runs two customer assistance centres, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex and Navan, Eire.