Fleet Assist extends partnership with Total

Fleet Assist has extended its six-year partnership with Total, enabling garages belonging to its network to buy a range of engine, hydraulic and transmission oils and greases at competitive rates and benefit from special promotional offers.

The Fleet Assist nationwide network of independent and franchise garages delivers to contract hire and leasing companies approved aftersales providers without the cost and challenges of setting up and managing such an operation themselves.

Vincent St Claire, commercial director at Fleet Assist, said: “We are delighted that our new contract with Total UK enables our network, and principally the independent garages, to buy oil and other lubricants at preferential member rates, which in turn helps keep fleet operating costs in check.

Karen Sykes, sales development executive, lubricants division, Total UK Limited, who negotiated the extended arrangement with Fleet Assist, said: “As the fourth largest global automotive lubricants supplier, we are able to give garages complete peace of mind.

"We also have OEM approval to ensure the garages have no issues with warranty claims.

“The purchasing terms Total UK is able to offer the Fleet Assist network of garages gives them a unique selling point which they can then reflect in their vehicle service, maintenance and repair costs.”

A regular buyer of oil through the special deal is Andrew Johnson, general manager of family-owned garage Edward Johnson (Otley) Ltd, which has been a member of the Fleet Assist network for two years.

He said: “The business relationship we have with Total enables the garage to regularly buy lubricants across required grades at competitive and preferential prices, and we are then able to pass on the savings to our customers. That, in turn, makes the garage more competitive.

“Oil is a commodity that seems to be increasing in price so to be able to take advantage of the special prices and promotional offers that Total UK is able to provide through Fleet Assist helps our business.”

Picture caption (left to right): Robert Parry, business development manager, lubricants division, Total UK; Karen Sykes, sales development executive, lubricants division, Total UK; Vincent St Claire, commercial director, Fleet Assist; and Mike Smith, joint managing director, Fleet Assist; at the 2014 Fleet Assist Open Day where the new contract was announced.