The Romanian operational leasing market deserves a thorough analysis as it has several interesting moments in its development. If we look back we will see that this segment has been the only vehicle financing method constantly growing in Romania, even in the past couple years. We have discussed with Shane Dowling, General Manager ALD Automotive, on the opportunities for large and small companies derived from working with an expert in fleet management and on the trends in 2015 in this field. We have also obtained some insights on the profile of the Romanian customer – a premiere brought in the operational leasing market in Romania by ALD Automotive.
How would you describe the full operational leasing and fleet administration market in Romania, at present time?
We are a very young market, as 9 years ago, when we first started working in Romania, ALD Automotive was the first player in this field. In the years that followed competition strengthened, the level of services has increased significantly and last, but not least, customers have come to understand and appreciate the true value of the operational leasing services. The market showed 2 figures increases year by year, between 10 – 17%, except the last couple of years when the growth rhythm slowed down up to 3.5%. It is a market that still needs some time to clear and mature, but a market with great potential, competitive players and very useful services. For instance, at the end of Q3 2014 there were over 47,000 vehicles on the market managed in operational leasing, a 13% increase compared to Q3 2013. We are predicting growth for 2015 as well, but we need to take into consideration all factors that influence this market, such as the local legislative framework, which can sometimes represent a setback.
What are the most encouraging trends for your company, taking into consideration the solutions ALD Automotive can offer for local and multinational companies?
I can proudly say that ALD Automotive has been right from the start a market leader and educator, a fact proven by the integrated services that we develop for our clients. First and foremost, we act as consultants, during the entire process, starting with the cars selection, the services needed and continuing throughout the entire contract with TCO solutions and contract optimization.
We pay close attention to trends and the constantly evolving needs of our customers so we are one step ahead in developing new services and tools that offer valuable support to drivers constantly on the go.
For example, one of the major trends on the market right now is full mobility, which has become a focal point in the services provided by ALD Automotive. Due to our first profiling of the operational leasing client, a study that explores the attitudes and opinions of over 400 companies operating in Romania towards the operational leasing services, we now know for a fact that full mobility is one of the most attractive benefits perceived by the operational leasing clients.
At ALD Automotive, this trend reflects in several solutions, starting with basic services such as non-stop assistance for vehicle and driver, replacement vehicle in case of immobilization, Pre-runner vehicle before the contracted vehicle is delivered, and continuing with new online tools. The ALD mobile application for instance, which provides quick access to essential information, enhancing the users’ mobility. Using the GPS function of the smartphone, each user can find a list of the needed services and geo-locate the ALD agreed service suppliers: gas stations, PTI stations, workshops for damage and repairs, workshop for windshields and windows, changing tires shops, maintenance and mechanical repairs. The application is also a great help for ALD customers who can contact the call centre if they need assistance, complete forms for requesting services such as changing the tires, extend the policy or request the replacement of a vehicle.
Another useful application we’ve developed in 2014 is ALD carselector, an online application that allows users to set up, compare, and select their car, choosing from a database of over 4,700 multi-brand vehicles. For fleet managers, the tool is a real support in optimizing TCO (total cost of ownership), reducing the time spent on the car selection process and focusing on the strategic management of their fleet.
Last, but not least, due to European and international influence, Romania starts to be more eco conscious and eco-friendly. Thus, there is an increased demand for less polluting cars and a bigger interest in protecting the environment and lowering the negative footprint of the cars. This is where ALD’s know-how is a very important asset, as our consultants become real partners in choosing the right vehicles which can satisfy the most demanding clients. Furthermore, we have providing a series of driving courses, in partnership with Titi Aur. These are the defensive driving course and the eco driving course, a long term commitment we took towards protecting the environment. The eco driving program was introduced in 2014 and is designed so that all drivers adopt a set of safer, environmental friendlier driving skills, improving their driving behavior while maintaining a low gas emission, reduced fuel consumption and protecting the environment.
ALD Automotive offers solutions for various industries and fields of activity. What are the sectors you find most attracting in Romania in the energy industry? (electricity, renewable, petrol and gas, mining, large industries). Why?
Protecting the environment has become a trend adopted worldwide, so companies nowadays truly understand its value and the long term effects that their actions have at a local and global level. Therefore the most promising energy sector in our view is the renewable one with an immensurable potential. Global investments in this field are increasing year by year, even more after companies have started to become aware of how limited and scarce traditional resources are. Renewable energy use has started to replace traditional energy consumption, but this transition takes time, although there are some countries that are inclined to stop using traditional energy resources in all activities.
Download FIRST PROFILE OF ROMANIAN CUSTOMER FOR OPERATIONAL LEASING
