New white paper for procuring fleets published

News

A new white paper from Venson Automotive Solutions, a fleet management and leasing service, has been published to help fleet managers understand and navigate fleet procurement for a successful tender process. Venson Automotive Solutions offers solutions to transition towards a more sustainable fleet and decarbonise.

This white paper coincides with fleet managers transitioning to decarbonised solutions while also dealing with higher energy prices, and so effective procurement is essential when looking into a low-carbon fleet.

The white paper, ‘Tackling fleet procurement challenges head-on’ aims to help fleet decisionmakers, alongside their procurement partners, to navigate the right fleet provider. The white paper covers everything from establishing a solid foundation for the procurement process, such as drafting a successful tender document and finalising a formal contract. 

Simon Staton, client management director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “Too often fleet is viewed as just another commodity purchase, with the focus solely on price. Unlike buying office stationery, for example, fleet procurement is a ‘financial deal’ that includes vehicles and often a range of in-life services. It’s certainly not black and white. So, it is crucial that anyone involved in the procurement process fully understands what they are buying, and that the variables that make up the price are dynamic and can change during the lifetime of a contract.”

The white paper understands the expenses of fleet procurement, highlighting that: “Fleet, for the most employers, is the second biggest expense after staff. It is therefore critical that the procurement of vehicles and related products and services is undertaken along best practice lines.” The publication explains clearly the steps decision makers should take in order to procure the best deal, and features advice such as undertaking market analysis, issuing tender documents, and conducting an asset management assessment.

The white paper draws attention to potential hidden costs in fleet procurement, and warns fleet managers to manage these effectively. Hidden costs in fleet procurement include: end-of-contract charges, vehicle downtime, damage waiver fees, and even the cost of poor customer service.