According to Kwik-Fit Fleet, service, maintenance and repair is the largest controllable cost for fleets. And as the amount of electronically managed systems in cars increases, so this cost will also rise.

Fleets can reduce these costs by working with partners who can offer fixed price servicing and national labour rates.

Kwik-Fit is positioning itself as an alternative to the franchised dealer. It is investing in facilities and staff training, including reception staff, to better prepare itself to handle fleet business.

And with an estimated 80% of car failures down to lights/bulbs, tyres, wipers/windscreens, brakes and steering/suspension, the company believes it can secure a growing slice of business, in particular from fleets on a with-maintenance leasing contract.

Gary Ralph, Kwik-Fit Fleet UK business development manager, fleet SMR and MOT, moved to reassure fleets about the company’s credentials. “Less than 3% of vehicles we see have to go to the dealership for further diagnostics work once it comes to us,” he said.

“We can do almost all the work, but if it does have to go onto a dealership, we will call the client and we can transfer the car ourselves.”