Daikin UK outsources 175-vehicle fleet to Alphabet

Daikin UK has outsourced its 175-vehicle fleet to business mobility and leasing specialist Alphabet.

The agreement will see Alphabet, which was named as leasing company of the year (more than 20,000 vehicles) in the 2018 Fleet News Awards, work on a sole supply basis, operating a two-marque company car choice list with BMW and Lexus brands.

In addition to contract hire with maintenance, Alphabet is also supplying additional products and services, including daily and extended rental services, accident management and driver risk.

Daikin UK is the national division of the air conditioning, heating, ventilation and climate control solution provider.

Based in Weybridge, Surrey, it has offices throughout the country including central London, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester. Its fleet comprises of approximately 150 cars and 25 light commercial vehicles.

Simon Carr, chief commercial officer for Alphabet (GB) said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Daikin UK to the Alphabet family.

“It’s always pleasing to successfully conclude detailed commercial negotiations but for me one of the most positive things about our relationship with Daikin is that the two businesses share many of the same cultural approaches and beliefs.”

Richard Truttero, general affairs manager at Daikin UK, added: “Like many corporate fleets, we don’t have a dedicated ‘fleet team’ – hence we needed to find a partner to who we can say: ‘Here’s our vehicle fleet and our employee drivers, please look after them with the care and attention that we expect’.

“Looking ahead, we’re keen to bring more hybrids into the fleet because we’re serious about our environmental responsibility and ensuring that business operations are carbon neutral.

“Over the past few years we’ve worked in partnership with the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands to ensure that for every tonne of carbon we create, we plant a tree.

“More than 80,000 trees have now been planted in harmony with the landscape in Scotland as a result of Daikin UK’s commitment.”