The name change, which came into effective this month, comes almost 10 months after Chippenham-based FSG was acquired by United States-headquartered ARI in December last year.
In the months since acquisition, developments have taken place that will increasingly enable ARI Fleet UK’s client-base to benefit from ARI’s long-established record of significant investment in sophisticated IT solutions to further improve vehicle, driver and journey management.
Privately-owned ARI was established in 1948 and is the fastest growing fleet management company in North America, having seen the number of vehicles on its books increase to 930,000 this year from 290,000 in 2001.
The company has more than 2,400 employees and is ranked number one for customer service in the fleet industry in North America, with an enviable track record of delivering customised fleet management solutions to drive continuous client fleet improvement with boosts to efficiencies and operational effectiveness.
A number of ARI Fleet UK’s existing fleet customers – including Home Retail Group – are already starting to benefit from the raft of hi-tech online fleet management solutions already in use in North America which will gradually be rolled out to more British customers.
Specifically, ARI is the only fleet management provider – and one of the first 100 companies in the world working with SAP – to use leading-edge ‘in-memory’ technology to speed reporting that is 3,600 times faster than any other available data processing system.
Faster, more in-depth data analysis and reporting means more effective vehicle management, accident management, driver safety, and maintenance service programmes.
Geoffrey Bray, who founded FSG 25 years ago and is the chairman of ARI Fleet UK, said: “It remains business as usual, although existing and new customers operating cars, vans and trucks will benefit from an even more in-depth range of fleet management services.
“FSG has prided itself over 25 years on delivering financial savings to its customers and that will continue with ARI Fleet UK. The game-changing technology that ARI is bringing to its UK customers will deliver significant benefits in driver, vehicle and journey management resulting in major savings in terms of total cost of ownership.”
Mark Bryan, who has a 20-year career in the United States fleet industry behind him, has been appointed Managing Director.
He said: “While it is the end of one era, today marks the start of a new one with the official launch of the ARI name in the UK. ARI’s family culture means that the company has a very similar ethos and approach to FSG, so there will be continuity.
“However, technology is a major differentiator for ARI and its significant financial resources mean that there is a considerable opportunity for our customers and prospects in the UK to embrace a raft of new solutions to aid operating cost reduction.”
ARI can count some of the UK’s best-known organisations among its client-base, including Autoglass, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, Clancy Docwra, Michelin, NATS Ltd (formerly National Air Traffic Services Ltd.), Network Rail, Office Depot, RWE npower, Warburtons and WHSmith.
Chris Conroy, executive vice president and chief operating officer ARI Canada, and managing director of global operations, said: “Today is a proud day for ARI as it marks the arrival of the company’s name in the established UK fleet market.
“We believe the comprehensive range of industry-leading fleet management solutions now available to our UK clients and available to prospects will further help to expand our service capability and our geographical reach.
“We have many North American clients where our unique ability to deliver customised solutions has provided exceptional results and that trend will continue in the UK where companies are starting to benefit from the power of our investment in technology, highly sophisticated data and analysis tools and processes.”
Pictured left to right: Geoffrey Bray, Chairman ARI Fleet UK, Chris Conroy, executive vice president and chief operating officer ARI Canada and managing director of global operations, and Mark Bryan, managing director, ARI Fleet UK.
