Arnold Clark Vehicle Management has acquired the fleet software solutions provider, Towquest, in a bid to further strengthen their IT proposition.

Based on their long-standing partnership in providing fleet data solutions, Towquest is set to maintain a ‘business as usual’ attitude.

Established in 1988, Towquest supply software solutions to vehicle leasing, fleet management, vehicle finance and car rental market sectors, delivering modular and bespoke development services.

The decision behind the purchase was based on Towquest’s irrefutable fleet experience and reputation to deliver pioneering Internet and Intranet based products for a variety of market applications.

Providing contract hire, vehicle leasing and fleet management at its core, with initiatives such as salary sacrifice and risk management, Arnold Clark Vehicle Management maintains over 100,000 cars and light commercial vehicles.

Since the early 90s the partnership between Towquest and Arnold Clark Vehicle Management has delivered a number of initiatives including an 18-month re-development project of Arnold Clark Retail’s solution ”Omega” that optimises company finance commissions.

In addition to a full suite of online fleet management tools, they have also achieved the delivery of a comprehensive manufacturer incentive solution, a customer relationship management and prospecting system, and a stand-alone car hire module for daily rental companies amongst other projects.

It is through this joint approach, and their unwavering commitment to customer service, that has seen Arnold Clark Vehicle Management grow from strength to strength.

Maintaining Towquest’s stability is high on the agenda as they continue to provide services to other fleet companies.

Arnold Clark Vehicle Management is set to provide significant investment into the company to support its on-going operation, whereby all staff will remain based at its head office on Gloucestershire.

Dave Bowell, managing director of Towquest, said: “This comes at an ideal time for both businesses.

“We look forward to continuing to provide all of our services to all aspects of the market, especially in a demanding and ever-changing landscape such as fleet. We are all incredibly optimistic about what the future holds.”

Whilst Towquest is not set to become an internal resource, the new relationship has secured a dedicated pool for Arnold Clark Vehicle Management’s aggressive IT investment programme.

Commenting on how this will allow timely launches of new developments into the marketplace Hugh Wallace, managing director of Arnold Clark Vehicle Management, said: “Towquest has played a large part in the delivery of our IT solutions to date, offering in-depth fleet knowledge and guidance throughout.

“We have exciting times ahead of us and the strengthening of our IT proposition will definitely be ‘one to watch’ over the coming months.”