Fleet Logistics’ new operation in Turkey has gone live with the implementation of the first international fleet customer and the planned introduction of a number of new services.

Two months ago, the independent fleet management provider announced its continued expansion across mainland Europe and the Near East with the opening of new fleet management operations in Istanbul to service new and existing fleet customers.

The Turkish operation, based at the local headquarters of its parent company, TÜV SÜD, has now gone live and the first major customer, global bio-pharmaceutical giant UCB, has been implemented with a national fleet of 79 Volkswagen branded cars.

Elvan Akalin, purchasing and fleet services manager at UCB Pharma AS, said the implementation in Turkey was important to ensure the management of all UCB fleets were in global alignment.

“The main objective of this project is to align UCB fleet management to a global template in terms of strategies and approach through obtaining the same level of services in all European countries,” she said.

“The implementation in Turkey was one of smoothest I have ever experienced, and the Fleet Logistics’ performance exceeded my expectations.

“Although a new company in the region, it was obvious that they had analyzed both the market and the customer profile in Turkey.

“They also had a well-structured project plan with clear definitions of requirements and timelines. They were also very customer-focused and supportive before and after the go-live.”

Fleet Logistics’ move into Turkey has been in response to requests from fleet clients with existing businesses in the region with no supporting fleet management structure to facilitate them.

Fleet Logistics chief executive officer, Rainer Laber, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to implement UCB, our first customer in Turkey, so quickly, so smoothly and on time.

“The opening of our first operation in Turkey, using the existing TÜV SÜD network and infrastructure, puts more pieces in the Fleet Logistics’ jigsaw of mainland Europe and the Near East.

“By using the TÜV SÜD network in this way, we can expand quickly into other countries in which our customers want us to service their local fleet.

"It also allows us to provide other automotive services from TÜV SÜD’s local product portfolio which will add significant value to our customers’ fleets in the region.

“We do have other countries in mind for further expansion, and more details will be made available soon.”

Fleet Logistics was acquired by TÜV SÜD Group in 2012 and is targeting strong growth in terms of its managed fleet, product range and country scope this year.