We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
In a landmark agreement leasing giant Masterlease has switched its servicing for its Ford vehicles back to manufacturer approved outlets, rather than using typically cheaper independent service centres.
Masterlease has a fleet of 7700 Ford vehicles for which the service and maintenance bill amounts to more than £2.5 million a year.
Although a 2700 minority are already worked on by the Ford repairer network the decision means an extra 5000 units will be looked after by the manufacturer's 620-strong dealer network.
Car manufacturers' official servicing and dealer networks have traditionally lost fleet and leasing company maintenance business because independent networks were able to significantly undercut them on price, while offering equivalent standards.
Speaking to BusinessCar earlier this year, Duncan Wilkes, boss of independent service network Nationwide Autocentres, said: "We're half the price of premium brands, 30 or 40% cheaper on Renault and VW and 20% cheaper than Ford and Vauxhall. We'll always offer double-digit savings."
Despite this, head of in life services and contracts at Masterlease Anthony Dowdall said the deal is not going to cost the leasing company more.
"Labour rates may be cheaper at independents, but financially this deal makes sense.
"It is not just down to labour rate, it is down to overall value. Down time is a key factor, Ford convinced us they are trying to get vehicles in and out as quickly as possible."
Downdall did not rule out the signing of deals with other car brands, saying: "Other manufacturers could come and talk to us, we haven't closed the door."
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
