ALD Automotive has signed a new deal with Mazda to supply its dealer-based contract hire scheme for SME sales through the manufacturer’s 156-strong network.
Placed at fifth in the BusinessCar BC50 leasing list, ALD will provide a range of contract hire and personal contract leasing services by working “with Mazda dealers and its four regionally based business development managers to further support franchises in maximising local business opportunities in their respective areas”, said Mazda.
The deal marks the end of a seven-year partnership between Mazda and Lex Autolease, after ALD won the business through a competitive tender. Lex has so far declined to comment.
The agreement started at the end of May although Lex Autolease will continue to manage all existing agreements with Mazda Contract Hire.
ALD refused to comment on the Mazda deal but its business grew by 20% from 2009 to 2010, with the company telling BusinessCar late last year that following a strategic review, it “embarked on a growth strategy focused on developing third-party sales channels through both manufacturer white label schemes and the development of a broker channel”.
The leasing company already has white label leasing schemes with Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet and Kia, which accounted for around 50% of its growth in 2010, said ALD. It also won Ford business in February after the brand moved the supply of its Ford Lease fleet financing arm from Lex Autolease to ALD.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director Steve Jelliss said: “The imaginative and creative approach that Mazda is adopting, particularly to the SME fleet sector through our business development programme, which was launched 12 months ago with the appointment of the development managers, is matched by ALD Automotive.”
Jelliss added: “ALD won the Mazda contract in a competitive tender due to their quality of service, flexibility, approachability at a senior management level and an overall hunger for the business.
“Mazda has a growing presence in the UK market.and the ability of our franchised dealer network to work with their team to offer customers a vehicle leasing opportunity with budgeted monthly motoring costs will, we believe, further increase sales.”
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