The new Inchcape Fleet Autobid solution, which replaces the firm’s previous long-established competitive tendering model, is intended to more completely address the needs of fleet decision makers.

The product has been developed after independent research on fleet decision-makers commissioned by Inchcape Fleet Solutions, part of the FTSE 250 global automotive company Inchcape plc, found that 94% of respondents confirmed that price is important or very important in sourcing vehicles, yet over a third of those polled requested quotes from only one or three companies. The biggest cause of this seems to be time pressure, with over half of respondents spending less than two hours per month obtaining quotes. Amongst those responsible for very large fleets, another issue limiting cost savings is that they are tied into long-term contracts with one provider and have no ability to select a better deal.

In response, Inchcape Fleet Autobid provides real-time quotes on each and every vehicle required, with one click. The platform connects directly to the quoting systems of a panel of market-leading funders who will automatically provide their best quote for that chosen vehicle.

The system is accessed through a dedicated client portal; an intuitive web-based system which can be tailored to client’s vehicle policies. In addition to fleet decision makers, drivers can optionally be given access to create quotes in line with their company policy, further removing administrative burden from decision makers.

Inchcape Fleet Solutions manages the whole process so that our client has one point of contact regardless of the funder. This provides all the benefits of having one trusted long-term fleet management partner, coupled with the benefits of obtaining competitive pricing on every vehicle.

‘Clients won’t have to call multiple contract hire companies to get competitive quotes”, said Matthew Rumble, commercial director, “Based on competitive tendering with Inchcape Fleet Solutions, one of our clients has saved an average £346.32 per vehicle over a 3 year term. For a company with a fleet of 300 vehicles, this would amount to over £100,000 of savings on financing the vehicle over the period, before any other fleet management savings are factored in.’