Spie UK, a multi-technical services provider, has signed a three-year sole supply partnership with ALD Automotive for its fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles.

As well as managing the fleet, which is two-thirds vans and a third cars, ALD is providing accident management and a number of other fleet services.

During implementation, ALD Automotive worked with Spie UK (a subsidiary of Spie Group), to develop a new vehicle policy that offers increased vehicle choice along with a focus on a more cost-effective proposition for drivers. This included a move to using total cost of ownership (TCO, also known as wholelife costs) for vehicle selection, which provides the group with a much more detailed overview of vehicles’ costs across their lifetime on the fleet.

Moving to a TCO-based policy has also enabled Spie UK to weigh up the benefits of ultra-low emission vehicles. In line with the group’s eco focus, the new choice list includes CO2 caps on all vehicles as well as a number of hybrid models, the first of which will be three Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrids.

All new cars supplied through ALD Automotive will be fitted with the company’s ProFleet2 telematics solution, which offers mileage capture and environmental management delivered through its portal.

The new fleet agreement includes a focus on electric commercial vehicles in line with the group’s trials of the technology. Spie UK has been running a Renault Kangoo Z.E. van for the past 18 months and is looking to replace diesel models in select locations with Renault electric vehicles through ALD Automotive.

In other locations, LCVs from Vauxhall and Renault will be used by operatives and technical grades, and a number of vehicle orders have already been placed.

Spie UK has also re-evaluated its car allowances to bring them in line with its peers and overhauled its risk management procedures.

ALD will provide a number of other services, including its PoolFleet Solutions product to offer a  flexi-lease programme for new starters.

Pat Nolan, fleet manager at Spie UK, said: “The support from ALD has been fantastic. We have a very demanding programme of integrated projects that focus on delivering significant benefits from both our car and commercial fleets. We are looking to deliver significant savings to the business, improve our driver road risk and reduce our fleet’s CO2 emissions. The timescales for this are challenging and ALD has helped develop our plans, supported us where we struggled and continue to drive through the changes into the business.”

Mel Dawson (pictured), managing director of ALD Automotive, added: “We’re delighted to work with Spie UK on enhancing its fleet offering to drivers while driving down its emissions."