ALD reaches 50,000-vehicle fleet landmark

ALD Automotive’s fleet has reached the 50,000-vehicle landmark as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The leading leasing and fleet management company reached the 50,000 mark with the delivery of a Ford Focus to long-time customer Cummins Ltd. The company is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of diesel engines and related components and has 10 facilities in the UK.

Cummins has been an ALD Automotive customer for 15 years. The company currently operates a fleet of 509 vehicles, which are supplied under a solus contract hire with full maintenance deal. The company also uses ALD Automotive for the supply of short-term vehicles.

ALD Automotive managing director Keith Allen said: “A lot has changed in the past 50 years and the range of services and vehicles we provide has grown beyond recognition, but our absolute commitment to offering the best customer care and the highest standards of service in the industry remain the same.

“We have half a century of experience when it comes to serving the needs of our customers and that enables us to provide every business we serve with the best range of services, the best products and the best support available.

“That has never been more important than in the current economic climate where cost management should be the watchword for all businesses. As a result of our expertise built up over 50 years we are able to provide the optimum solution for organisations such as Cummins.”

Marie Raine, sourcing specialist - corporate indirect purchasing at Cummins, said: “The company relies on ALD Automotive for a complete 24/7 one-stop fleet solution. Over the years the service we have received has been first class and that ensures our fleet operates at optimum efficiency.”

From launch in 1958 when ALD Automotive was known as Bryan Brothers Contract Hire - the first car to be leased was a Ford Prefect De Luxe costing £456.10 - the company has expanded to become one of the world’s largest car leasing companies. Now owned by Société Générale, ALD operates a global fleet numbering more than 765,000 vehicles.

Mr Allen added: “Our totally integrated approach to vehicle management enables ALD Automotive to justifiably call itself a ‘total solutions provider’ for all fleet vehicle funding and management requirements. Testimony to that philosophy is our successful relationship with Cummins, which has contributed to the company expanding to now running a fleet of 50,000 vehicles.

“And in the years to come, I can promise we will maintain that same commitment to innovation and customer service that has made us the fleet provider of choice for Cummins and many other companies for the past five decades.”