Ford and ALD Automotive have signed a deal to create an integrated leasing and fleet management service for European customers.
The new company, Ford Fleet Management, will offer vehicles through Ford’s dealer network as well as via direct contact and online platforms.
It will provide a comprehensive package of products and services, from leasing and maintenance to digital fleet management systems and mobility solutions, and is said to be targeting best-in-class vehicle uptime.
The new announcement follows a long-standing arrangement, in which ALD Automotive has been providing Ford Lease services for more than 15 years in Europe.
UK operations will start this autumn, subject to approval by relevant authorities.
Ford of Europe president Stuart Rowley said: “This new business marks a significant step in strengthening our position as Europe’s leading commercial vehicle brand by providing new opportunities for us to serve our customers through fleet management.
“With ALD Automotive’s scale and experience in the full-service leasing market, Ford Fleet Management offers a one-stop shop for our customers, helping them more efficiently run their businesses by saving both time and money.”
ALD Automotive chief executive officer Tim Albertsen said: “ALD Automotive is pleased to be extending the reach of its services with Ford which will notably support the development of full-service leasing for commercial vehicles in Europe.
“This initiative, which leverages our leading position in the full-service vehicle leasing segment in Europe, fully reflects our capacity to create long-standing leasing partnerships and is a natural extension of our successful relationship with Ford.”