Fleet Assist has launched a new garage certification programme for its network, which includes more than 5,200 garages, plus 380 mobile units.

The certification will show that the garage is part of Fleet Assist’s annual audit to capture its services and capabilities.

Checks on facilities and technician competency, including for electric vehicles (EVs), are included in the audit.

Garages will be required to undergo the programme on an annual basis for as long as they continue to be part of the network.

Fleet Assist is encouraging garages to display the certificate alongside other certificates of professional competency as it provides customers with a visible reference the garage is part of its network that is subject to ongoing monitoring of its capabilities and operational delivery.

Nikos Kotrozos, Fleet Assist’s supply chain director, explained: “Our new certification programme aims to provide the benchmark for high achieving garages across the UK and ultimately provide peace of mind for drivers that their vehicle is being worked on by one of the UK’s leading SMR suppliers.”

The Fleet Assist network is currently used by more than 40 leasing companies to provide service, maintenance and repair (SMR) to a combined fleet of 1.3 million-plus cars and vans that are on contract hire, rental, on salary sacrifice or subscription services.

“Our leasing customers and their customers in turn have responded very favourably to this certification initiative,” added Kotrozos.