Fleet Auto News: Tim, how did you first get into fleet industry?
Tim: After deciding not to be an Accountant before finishing high school, I decided to follow my gut so I visited almost every dealership across Sydney handing in my CV and introducing myself. Over two weeks I introduced myself to 43 dealerships by simply walking into each showroom with my CV.
There was one interview at Phil Gilbert Motor Group which really caught my attention. Edwina Gilbert (Dealer Principal) asked if I’d thought about a role working in the fleet arena. At the time I didn’t know what fleet was however it sounded like a unique area which had some future scope.
After meeting with Marijana Kikic (Group Fleet Manager) on a few occasions they created a Trainee Fleet Sales Consultant position which I accepted (Hooray!). I started in 2009 focusing on growing Hyundai fleet sales when Getz was their best-selling car.
Fleet Auto News: What does your current role entail?
Tim: Currently I work for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK (FCA Group) who represents the Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Abarth brands nationally across the UK. I’m one of the Zone Fleet Managers and manage the fleet activity across London and South East England (Minuscule distances compared to Australia!).
My focus is to grow our end user fleet client database that have between 25-500 vehicles. Along with this my role includes managing and working with our dealer fleet specialists to ensure we achieve our regional monthly / quarterly objectives.
Fleet Auto News: You have worked in Australia and are now in the UK. Have you noticed any significant differences between the fleet industries in each country?
Tim: Fleet across the European market including the UK plays a far greater role in comparison to Australia. Fleet makes up for over 50% of overall sales which highlights why there is so much research and development done for the European markets.
Another key difference has been the attention to detail around emission levels on vehicles. The level of CO2 a vehicle emits plays a major role in the selection process for a fleet manager / driver.
Fleet Auto News: Does the UK fleet industry set the pace and lead innovation for the rest of Europe?
Tim: The UK is the largest European market and does set the pace in many areas however still operates in a very different way to the rest of Europe.
Since the UK is one of the only right hand drive markets this can at times delay the introduction of particular models / new technology. The UK fleet market though still has a major influence for most manufacturers.
Fleet Auto News: Are the challenges for UK fleet managers the same as Australia? What are the top three in 2015?
Tim: In many ways they are, however there tend to be more variables that need to be considered in the UK. The top three in the UK would have to be:
1. Selecting vehicles for each company vehicle banding – Almost all manufacturers tailor their models for the fleet market. Fleet managers / drivers are spoilt for choice which can make this process quite challenging.
2. Monthly Leasing Rentals – Like Australia, this very much comes down to each vehicle WOL cost and residual value especially.
3. Aftersales network and capability – Like Australia again, fleet managers need to ensure they have an easily accessible national dealer service network to ensure limited downtime for drivers.
Fleet Auto News: What is it about fleet industry that you enjoy?
Tim: No day is the same. You meet so many different people from various industries and backgrounds which makes it so interesting. I’ve been on such a journey since joining in 2009.
Fleet Auto News: What has been your biggest challenge in fleet to date?
Tim: Out of all the challenges I’ve faced there would have to two that really stick out. The first is establishing myself in the Australian fleet market with a brand that was new to potential fleet buyers. And the second is the first six months working in the UK and a number of other international markets.
