ALD Automotive has opened a new business in Slovakia. The company said the move was part of its aim to help grow its customers' business in the EU's new member state and to reinforce parent company Société Générale in the enlarged EU.

Slovenia is one of 10 countries which joined the EU earlier this month.

ALD will work closely with SKB Banka, a Slovenian bank member of Société Générale, the country's fourth largest bank with an 8% market share.

ALD currently operates in 20 countries throughout Europe and North Africa and manages 520,000 vehicles.