ATS Euromaster rewarded for van fleet service development

Birmingham-based ATS Euromaster has been presented with the Innovation Award for the second year in succession at the Van Fleet World Honours 2012. The company was commended by the publication for its “highly progressive approach” to van fleet servicing, reacting to a “constantly changing” market. The trophy was presented today at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on Wednesday 16 May.

The company has invested more than £10 million in expanding its service offering over the last two years, helping it to implement new technology and training alongside a comprehensive centre refurbishment programme. Peter Fairlie, group sales director at ATS-E, said that it has diversified its services offered from its fast-fit tyre base, with 136 of its centres now offering a range services for cars and vans. The network will extend this figure by a further 50 locations in 2012, he said.

Van Fleet World editor, John Kendall, said: “The landscape for vehicle servicing, repair and maintenance is constantly changing, both as a result of the pull from fleets wanting services to be provided in a different way, and from service providers looking for new areas into which they can expand.

“Over the last two years ATS-E has demonstrated a highly progressive approach to the provision of fleet services, expanding well beyond the traditional fast-fit arena into areas such as air conditioning recharging, engine diagnostics, scheduled maintenance servicing, cold weather tyres and nitrogen tyre inflation. The company has capitalised on its excellent distribution network to reach fleets with the widest possible range of services,” he adds.

Accepting the award on behalf of ATS-E’s 2,680-strong UK-based team, Peter Fairlie, group sales director, said: “As the demands of the market have changed, so has our service offering.  It’s important for any successful business to keep innovating, particularly in a tough economic environment.

“As a result we’re driving a 20 per cent growth in key van fleet accounts taking advantage of our non-tyre capabilities. The plan is to continue introducing these new services to more locations within our network.”

ATS-E already has 136 centres offering a range of menu driven servicing for cars and vans – with 50 more locations planned during 2012. The company is also continuing to extend its MOT capability.  Currently, 98 centres offer Class IV MOTs and 27 centres Class VII MOTs – with plans to introduce a further 14 Class IV and Class VII MOT stations this year.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Fleet World managing editor, Ross Durkin, said: “We are delighted to recognise the excellent quality of some of the industry’s key fleet service providers in this year’s awards.”

The Van Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The judging panel is chaired by John Kendall, editor of Van Fleet World, and includes Steve Moody, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team.

Twelve months ago ATS-E won the Van Fleet World Innovation Award for the first time, after becoming the first national fast-fit provider to launch a fully managed cold weather tyre service for UK fleets. In December 2011 it was also named Fleet News Van Equipment Supplier of the Year – in recognition of the company’s van-based expertise, and success in growing its service offering beyond the traditional fast-fit market.

ATS Euromaster can accommodate high-roof, long-wheelbase van and minibus models in 95 per cent of its 370 centres.