Ogilvie are providing a total fleet management solution for Flakt Group and have already delivered the first batch of cars alongside a bespoke fit out of their engineer’s new vans.

The Ogilvie Fleet solution started with a deep dive into Flakt’s current policy, which was based on monthly rentals, to see where changes could be made to make savings and improve the fleet’s efficiency.

The new policy has been rewritten from scratch, based on Ogilvie’s ‘True Cost’ approach, which factors in total costs of ownership over the life of the vehicle.

This, says Ogilvie, has resulted in a movement of driver grades but also allowed the introduction of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles for company car drivers, resulting in significant benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax savings.

John O’Leary, purchasing manager at the Flakt Group, said: “We were impressed with Ogilvie’s approach to driver support from the start, with drivers’ comms, online ordering and a bespoke driver portal set up to help our drivers select their next car and navigate the world of electric vehicles – for the first time for many of them.

“The Happy Drivers App is extremely impressive and has everything our drivers need whilst out on the road.”

O’Leary explained that its light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were also ready for an upgrade, so Ogilvie worked closely with its engineers to find out what were the critical features and nice-to-haves in a new van, ensuring that they would be fit for purpose to replace its existing fleet.

Ogilvie’s partnership with van racking solution providers System Edstrom delivered a bespoke racking system.

The process involved a site visit and tour of Edstrom’s facilities in Corby, followed by driver surveys to establish the exact requirements of the vans.

A prototype was then built to this specification – which included a fully kitted out conversion. Final feedback was then gathered from drivers before putting the racking into production alongside new van liveries.

Jo Clark, of Ogilvie Fleet, said: “It was a very detailed process talking to a variety of stakeholders, but it results in a fleet management solution that is built to last and enables Flakt to concentrate on their core business whilst leaving the fleet side to Ogilvie.”

Ogilvie Fleet’s solution is expected to make "high six-figure savings” over the life of the new vehicles via a switch to the Ogilvie True Cost model: a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with a reductions in fuel costs and employer NIC ; a telematics solution that has improved efficiency of job scheduling for van drivers; driver monitoring and training; and accident management services that reduce downtime, rental costs and insurance premiums.

The company vans have been fitted with Webfleet technology supplied by Vtec Solutions.

Ogilvie will also be providing fleet solutions for Flakt Group’s sister business Flakt Woods including the electric vehicle scheme MiSalarySacrifice.