Fleet Assist has won a new long-term agreement with Alphabet for the provision of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) network management services.

Alphabet, the UK’s third largest vehicle leasing and fleet management company with more than 140,000 company cars and vans on its books, has used the Fleet Assist network for more than a decade.

Fleet Assist provides clients with a nationwide network of more than 7,000 service outlets which undertake SMR work on vehicles supplied to customers across the UK.

Alphabet was one of the first leasing and fleet management company clients to sign up to use the Fleet Assist network of franchise and independent garages following the latter’s launch in 2003.

Vincent St Claire, commercial director, Fleet Assist (pictured), said: “Both companies have worked together for many years and our new extended agreement further underpins the benefits that Fleet Assist delivers not only to Alphabet, but all of our contract hire and leasing company customers.

“The benefits extend far beyond just the provision of preferential network terms and service levels. They reflect the value and scale of the investment by Fleet Assist in dedicated systems as well as the resources provided to manage and develop the company’s market-leading SMR network and services.”

St Claire added: “Managing a network is more than just agreeing labour rates; it is about defining what capabilities each member of that network has. Fleet Assist invested significant additional resource into an enhanced audit process in 2015 to ensure the information held about each garage is accurate. It is this information that allows our customers to make informed decisions on where to direct their SMR work to ensure maximum cost control combined with superior customer service.”

Glyn Watkin, sourcing manager, Alphabet, said: “Fleet Assist have been the supplier of SMR network management services to Alphabet since 2004, and continue to be the leader in this market. We benchmark the Fleet Assist network and the signing of a new long-term agreement underpins the satisfaction we have with the quality of outlets available, the range of services offered and the fact that the network is truly nationwide.” 

The Fleet Assist network benefits Alphabet because it does not have the logistical challenges of setting up and managing such an operation itself. The key benefits include pre-agreed terms and conditions, pricing and service standards with quality management and performance monitoring focused on delivering to Alphabet customers the high standards of service they expect.

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