Ford and ALD Automotive have signed a shareholder agreement to launch a new integrated fleet leasing and management solution in Europe.

The deal will see Ford and ALD Automotive provide a new integrated fleet leasing and management solution across Europe, dubbed Ford Fleet Management

Dubbed Ford Fleet Management and intended to support fleet growth, the new company will offer a one-stop shop for European private and corporate customers, from leasing to fleet management, bringing claimed savings in both time and money.

It will cover both cars and vans and will launch first in the UK, arriving in the autumn, subject to regulatory approval, and expand to other markets.

The new initiative build on the firms’ long-standing relationship – ALD Automotive has been providing Ford Lease Services for more than 15 years in Europe – and will draw on their respective strengths; Ford’s product expertise and connected vehicle capability and ALD Automotive’s global scale and know-how in full-service leasing and fleet management.

As such, it will offer an holistic solution focused on keeping customers on the road and providing a comprehensive package of products and services, from leasing and maintenance to digital fleet management systems and mobility solutions.

Ford said the launch of the new business supports its vision to expand its commercial vehicle leadership in Europe by providing customers with innovative services to help their businesses thrive.

“This new business marks a significant step in strengthening our position as Europe’s leading commercial vehicle brand by providing new opportunities for us to serve our customers through fleet management,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. “With ALD Automotive’s scale and experience in the full-service leasing market, Ford Fleet Management offers a one-stop shop for our customers, helping them more efficiently run their businesses by saving both time and money.”

It also furthers ALD’s ongoing expansion into mobility and connected solutions.

Tim Albertsen, chief executive officer at ALD Automotive, said: “ALD Automotive is pleased to be extending the reach of its services with Ford which will notably support the development of full-service leasing for commercial vehicles in Europe. “This initiative, which leverages our leading position in the full-service vehicle leasing segment in Europe, fully reflects our capacity to create long-standing leasing partnerships and is a natural extension of our successful relationship with Ford.”