Fleet Logistics will now work in partnership with FleetCompany, the TÜV SÜD subsidiary operating in Germany, to support over 100,000 vehicles throughout Europe and thus become the leading independent supplier of fleet services in this region. This strategic investment continues the TÜV SÜD Group's growth path in the vehicle fleet business with the target of international market leadership. Plans provide for doubling the vehicle inventory in the next three years.

By acquiring Fleet Logistics, TÜV SÜD has taken over one of the best-known international suppliers of fleet services, thus re-aligning its strategy in this sector. Fleet Logistics looks after 65,000 vehicles at present, while the TÜV SÜD subsidiary FleetCompany has around 35,000 vehicles on contract in Germany.

Chairman of the Management Board of the new TÜV SÜD company will be Rainer Laber. In this function he will be responsible for overall fleet business at TÜV SÜD. Laber plans to increase the number of managed vehicles significantly over the coming years, while also developing new markets at the same time.

'The acquisition provides us with a firm foundation, immediately giving us the capability of looking after the European fleets of international companies. Together with our clients, we will grow in their high-volume markets – including those outside Europe', said Laber.

'We will invest a significant amount in order to further build upon the success of Fleet Logistics over the past years. This investment will focus upon growth in additional countries and services, strengthening IT, processes and highly capable team members. Our goal is to serve our customers in the fullest manner with the highest quality,' he said.

'TÜV SÜD has built a reputation of quality, financial strength and solidity over the past 150 years. We will inject these values into the FL business. We will maintain Fleet Logistics’ philosophy of independence, neutrality and transparency. The business will continue under the Fleet Logistics name, complimented with the statement: "Member of TÜV SÜD Group".

'We believe in the strength of the existing Fleet Logistics team, thus maintaining current contacts within the business. We honor and respect the accomplishments of the team led by Peter Soliman in building the leading fleet management company in the industry,' he added.

The acquisition is an important step for the company's key account management, given that the leading German and international companies with global presence operate their fleets across all borders.

'By pooling expert knowledge, controlling suppliers and applying our purchasing expertise, we can support our clients even more effectively in reducing and controlling their costs', said Simon Spremberg, new Head of Business Development.

TÜV SÜD has a 150-year history of bringing safety and quality to the European automotive industry. In 2011, TÜV SÜD generated revenues of €1.7 billion across 50 countries, employing 17,000 staff.

TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, the division which has purchased Fleet Logistics, employs 4.600 staff and has revenues of €500 million. Services offered range from periodic technical inspections and consulting over damage inspections to support for automotive dealers.

In one of its first external activities following the acquisition, TÜV SÜD will premiere its complete portfolio of truck services at the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hanover, under the motto "Think differently. Develop the future". At Stand F18 in Hall 13, TÜV SÜD Auto Service will showcase comprehensive solutions and innovative concepts for the commercial vehicle and logistics industries.