MT. LAUREL, NJ - Automotive Resources International (ARI) has appointed Tony Elliott as director of European sales and consultation, based at ARI's new offices in Zurich, Switzerland.

Elliott will offer expert consultation for multinational companies with a Pan-European or global fleet. Together with ARI's global strategic consulting team, he will work with clients to analyze vehicle supply contracts and develop a unified recommendation that ensures the most advantageous fleet solution.

"The current weakness in the customer and supplier relationship is that period before the RFP is launched," Elliott said. "Lease companies have to accept RFIs and RFPs that are not designed to achieve the best results."

"By coordinating this effort, both the customer and the lease provider will benefit in saved time, less risk and greater savings. This new function will allow ARI to provide a critical link between the customer and providers."

"We're very excited to have Tony join ARI," said Jim Creighton, vice president global strategic services. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in European fleet management and will be a great addition to our global staff of highly-skilled and dedicated professionals.  More importantly, his reputation in the European fleet community strengthens ARI's presence."

Elliott joins ARI from the International Business & Consulting Office of Arval, where he served as director for over four years.  A veteran of thirty-three years in the vehicle leasing industry, he has been in senior sales, CEO, and COO positions in Daimler Services Fleet Management and Leaseplan.  He attended St. Stephen's College, Zimbabwe, and Capetown Business College.