Tell us about what the Asset Alliance Group does?
As a group, we operate across five UK sites and are headquartered in Wolverhampton.
Asset Alliance Group has redefined the way companies acquire transport and logistics vehicles and occupies a unique position in the market, as we use our own funds and significant buying power to supply multi-brand truck, trailer, bus and coach vehicles on any combination of contract hire, operating lease, finance lease, hire purchase or rental. This flexibility, combined with a transparent and consultative approach, helps customers drive maximum efficiency from their fleets.
We also stand out for maintaining full control of residual risk through our retail arm, which protects customers from overly strict return conditions commonplace in the industry.
Describe your remit and responsibilities as National Rental Manager
I stepped into the role of National Rental Manager early this year to spearhead Asset Alliance Group’s renewed focus on commercial vehicle (CV) rental. This is part of a refocusing of key business activities led by Andrew Morley, Head of our Commercial Vehicle Division, who joined the business last year. I am actively building both our rental fleet and the dedicated team to drive our proposition forward nationally.
What is the state of play in CV rental market?
With the economy flat, cost pressures increasing and many industrial sectors in a wait-and-see mindset ahead of November’s Budget statement it’s a challenging environment for investment. Operators are holding off on new vehicle purchases and looking to extend the life of their current fleets. However, there are still opportunities out there for road transport firms, seasonal peaks to manage, and older vehicles can suffer reliability issues too, so the rental market is having a bit of a moment and it’s a rare area where demand has grown.
What impact is the challenging backdrop having on the makeup of vehicle fleets?
One notable point is that whereas operators may have previously operated commercial vehicle fleets with some additional capacity, this is rarely the case now. This is resulting in an increased rental requirement to satisfy peak demand or new logistics contracts.
How has the rental offer developed at Asset Alliance Group?
We now have a pure CV rental fleet of around 1000 assets, so we are well placed to support our existing customers when needed and to attract new business. As well as building my team, we will be adding new vehicle types to make our rental offering even more appealing, with brand-new DAF, MAN and Mercedez-Benz ProCabin Tractor units as well as DAF and Mercedes rigid vehicles now available.
What role does the rental sector have to play in supporting decarbonisation?
Rental provides operators with a try-before-you-buy option for technologies from gas to battery electric vehicles – without the considerable outlay of buying something new outright, or questions over residual value that are still being explored as products move through their lifecycle.
Zoe Maudsley
National Rental Manager at Asset Alliance Group
