THE Interleasing alliance of international car leasing and fleet management companies has lost six key members from its European network.

The dramatic changes follow the decision of Societe Generale to withdraw its new car leasing and fleet management subsidiaries from the Interleasing partnership with effect from January 1, 2002.

This will leave Interleasing without representation in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The move follows Societe Generale's acquisition of the ALD Group of leasing companies earlier this year from Deutsche Bank.

The Interleasing alliance has pledged to replace the partners it has lost, promising that 'services to present Interleasing clients in all countries will continue uninterrupted before and after this date (January 1, 2002) since both the Interleasing and ALD organisations are firmly committed to honouring all programme and pricing agreements, meeting fleet reporting requirements, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.'

An official statement added: 'Interleasing is already interviewing potential new partners in all countries affected by the ALD group withdrawal. New partners will be chosen based on Interleasing quality standards for customer service, financial stability, market experience, and the ability to offer state of the art vehicle fleet programmes and IT support.'

The alliance has recent experience of replacing a partner when its UK operation (called Interleasing) was acquired by General Motors Acceptance Corporation in 1999 and resigned from the partnership to be replaced by BCH Vehicle Management.