Toyota makes its mark at Abena UK

Continence-care company Abena UK has adopted a new company car policy - and Toyota, its first-choice brand, has got off to a good start.

Abena Group is a major manufacturer of continence-care products distributed worldwide, and its UK subsidiary has its head office in Coventry and distribution centres both there and in Littlehampton. The fast-growing company has 37 staff and a fleet of 25 business cars.

The company previously bought or leased its cars on an ad-hoc basis. "This was OK when we had a small fleet but it got harder as the fleet grew," says Financial Controller Ash Zackaria. To restructure the fleet, the company reviewed six manufacturers. "Abena expects high standards from its suppliers, which includes vehicles," says Mr Zackaria. "We looked for a good product in the marketplace, reliability, choice, service levels, customer service teams and local commitments at dealer level.

"The first choice was Toyota, because of the reputation and quality of the cars, but as we needed to give our UK staff a little choice, we decided on a dual policy," says Mr Zackaria. VW was the other manufacturer selected. The decision to use Toyotas was also based on the satisfactory experiences of the parent group, which uses them at its head office in Denmark.

Abena staff are grouped in three bands up to senior-management level, with Nurse Advisors now qualifying for a Toyota Corolla or equivalent, Account Managers an Avensis T2 and National Account Managers an Avensis T3. "We've made the policy simple for the staff and in terms of administration," says Mr Zackaria.

"Initially drivers were a bit apprehensive of the change, but now they're pleased with the policy and the vehicles." Abena UK has bought two Toyota Avensis T2s since the policy change came into force. "The Avensis is a good buy for the staff for tax purposes."

The cars are supplied by Listers Toyota, Nuneaton and are all now bought outright, to be replaced after three years or 90,000 miles. "In the past we did have some cars on contract hire, but there were too many clauses and restrictions, especially on mileage," says Ash Zackaria. "This way we can just run the cars to Abena requirements."

With its new generation of engines and body styles, Abena's Financial Controller considers Toyotas "extremely good cars in the marketplace. I know that with the Toyota brand you'll never lose out."

And he has praise for both Toyota Fleet and the dealership: "I'm pleased with the attitude at fleet and local level - Listers Nuneaton has been very good, as I've built up good relations with the fleet team. Well done to both of the teams."