Milestones in the Fleet Leasing Industry

Over the years, the fleet leasing industry has experienced some major milestones, from acquisitions and mergers to invention and recognition.

Lauren Fletcher・VP of Content

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March 8, 2016

13 min to read

ARI
Founded in 1948
www.arifleet.com
ARI offers supply chain management, licensing services, mobile and driver communications, fleet policy, garage management, maintenance and repairs, fuel management, compliance, driver management, remarketing, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, strategic consulting, account management, data integration, telematics, safety training and driver behavior, and global fleet management.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1948	ARI was founded.
1955	Became charter member of American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA).
1958	Acquired first franchise offered by Ford Authorized Leasing System.
1968	Installed first mainframe computer.
1980	Acquired Interlease Corp. (7,000 vehicles).
1982	Purchased Fleet Body Equipment (FBE) in Kansas City, Mo.
1983	Acquired McLarty Leasing (5,000 vehicles).
1989	Acquired Lend Lease Cars, Inc. (U.S. and Canada).
1993	ARI opens its Caribbean Sales and Operations office in Puerto Rico.
1994	Founded Global Fleet Services (GFS).
1995	Formed joint venture in Mexico with Groupo Zapata to create ARIZA.
1999	Introduced Web-based fleet management systems.
2005	Introduced ARIAutoDirect.com for used-vehicle sales.
2007	Launched ARITruckDirect.com.
2008	Opened Western Operations Center and second U.S.-based call center in Grapevine, Texas.
2009	Expanded European operations with locations in Brussels, Belgium, and Zurich, Switzerland.
2009	Introduced Web-based driver tool.
2010	Acquired Auto Truck Group, Inc. (ATG) and merged it with FBE.
2011	Acquired UK-based Fleet Support Group.
2011	Opened third U.S.-based call center in Houston.
2013	Acquired Fleetlevel+ and HPIFleet & Mobility in Germany, expanding the company's footprint in continental Europe.
2013	ARI joined the FORTUNE "Best Companies to Work For" list.
2014	Acquired German technology company netcar24.
2014	Acquired online driver training company DriveFleet.
2015	Received the Fleet Europe Industry Award as an innovative international fleet supplier.
2015	Recognized with a 2015 CIO 100 Award from CIO magazine for its driver safety program.

BBL Fleet
Founded in 1967
www.bblfleet.com
BBL Fleet offers total fleet management solutions including acquisition, lease, financing, fuel and maintenance management, remarketing, accident, driver safety management, analytics, transactional data management, driver/fleet admin tools, reporting, and telematics.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1967	BBL fleet was founded.
1969	Introduced a national accounts maintenance program.
1973	Introduced one of the first executive lease programs.
1980	Extended offerings to include equipment financing.
1985	Assumed assets from Edgar Leasing.
1986	Company expanded focus on emerging technology.
1987	Opened an office in Detroit, providing on-site administration.
1992	Continued expansion in total fleet management solutions.
1994	Acquired McKean Leasing; a spin-off from LMV Leasing.
1997	Became the first fleet management company to join PNC Capital Markets under securitized financing.
2000	Introduced Lease Central online fleet management tool.
2000	Bud Behling, president & CEO, was named a finalist for "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young.
2005	BBL Fleet headquarters moved to its new and current location.
2009	First fleet management company to utilize Vincentric for third-party total cost of ownership reporting.
2012	Enhanced technology suite with the addition of apps and Android driver tools.
2015	BBL developed accident management program to complete a full suite of client offerings.

Donlen
Founded in 1965
www.donlen.com
Donlen offers fleet leasing, accident management, administrative services, fuel management, remarketing, transportation services, upfitting services, vehicle acquisition, and vehicle maintenance.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1965	Company founded by Donald Rappeport & Leonard Vine.
1987	Grew from 5,000 to 30,000 vehicles.
2009	CEO Gary Rappeport honored as 2009 Executive of the Year, Services, by the American Business Association.
	Donlen releases fleet management tools for the iPhone on iTunes.
	Donlen launches DonlenDriver, dynamic new driver portal.
2010	Donlen and Environmental Defense Fund collaborate on Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action.
	Tom Callahan, Donlen president and chief operating officer, elected to AFLA Board of Directors.
2011	Gary Rappeport inducted into AF's Fleet Hall of Fame.
	Hertz completes acquisition of Donlen Corporation.
2013	Tom Callahan succeeds Gary Rappeport as president.
	Made "supercharged" updates and upgrades to FleetWeb.
2014	Partnered with Jim Pattison Lease (in Canada).
	50th Anniversary Celebration Kick-Off at NAFA Institute & Expo.
	Launched DonlenPass, fully-integrated toll management system.
	Enhanced Driver Management System launched.
2015	Official 50th Anniversary of Donlen in April.
	New Mission Statement unveiled at NAFA Institute & Expo.
	Released "Intelligent Fuel Find" in Donlen mobile apps.
	"No Limits. No Boundaries" global approach announced with Athlon.

Element Fleet Management
Founded in 2007
www.elementfleet.com
With total assets of approximately $23 billion, Element Financial Corporation is one of North America’s leading
fleet management and equipment finance companies. Element offers end-to-end fleet management solutions, from financing and acquisition through operations and resale, with strategic consulting and technology support for car, truck, and equipment fleets. Element acquired PHH Arval in 2014 and GE Capital Fleet Services in 2015.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1946	Peterson, Howell and Heather form partnership in Baltimore to found a new industry: fleet management.
1951	Introduced nation's first finance lease plan for corporate auto fleets.
1987	D&K Financial and GELCO Leasing acquired to form GE Fleet Services.
1995	Alliance formed with Arval to provide global fleet services.
2007	Element Financial Corporation founded.
2011	Element Financial Corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under EFN.
2012	Acquired TLS Fleet Management in Canada from Scotiabank. TLS Fleet Management was founded in 1980 and acquired by Scotiabank in 2009.
2013	Acquired GE Fleet Canada and entered into a strategic alliance with GE Capital Fleet Services for the U.S.
2014	Acquired the PHH fleet business.
2015	Acquired GE Fleet Services in North America (U.S. and Mexico) and Australia/New Zealand; GE established this business in 1987.

EMKAY, Inc.
Founded in 1946
www.emkay.com
EMKAY, Inc. is a privately owned fleet management company that is a one-stop-shop for all fleet solutions. Being the second-oldest fleet management company in the industry, EMKAY offers decades of experience in customizing the fleet process while providing strategic consulting to its clients.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1946	EMKAY Car Leasing Co., Inc. begins.
1952	Relocates and is renamed EMKAY, Inc.
1978	Gary Tepas joins as VP of sales.
1979	First in industry to utilize a "Network Based Computer System."
1980	Gary Tepas named president.
1988	EMKAY, Inc. relocates headquarters to Itasca, Ill.
1992	EMKAY Canada is incorporated.
1996	EMKAY, Inc. celebrates 50th anniversary.
1996	Gary Tepas named chairman and CEO.
1997	Industry first to offer 100-percent customizable vehicle policy and driver handbook.
2004	EMKAY purchases leasing portfolio from Auto Rental Corp from AMI.
2005	EMKAY Mexico is Incorporated.
2006	EMKAY acquires PHD Leasing from Penske Truck Leasing.
2007	Greg Tepas named president and CEO.
2011	EMKAY, Inc. acquires JPL in Canada.
2014	EMKAY is first lessor to implement Auto Integrate.
2016	EMKAY Inc. celebrates 70th anniversary.

Enterprise Fleet Management
Founded in 1957
www.efleets.com

Owned by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Enterprise Fleet Management supplies most makes and models of cars, light- and medium-duty trucks, and service vehicles across North America. The business provides full-service management for companies, government agencies, and organizations operating medium-sized fleets of 20 or more vehicles, as well as those seeking an alternative to employee reimbursement programs.
Enterprise Fleet Management and its affiliate, Enterprise Holdings, together offer a total transportation solution. Through an extensive network of regional subsidiaries and franchise locations, Enterprise Holdings operates more than 9,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport branch offices worldwide. Combined, these businesses, which include car rental and car sharing services, truck rental, corporate fleet management, and retail car sales, accounted for $19.4 billion in revenue and operated more than 1.7 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal-year 2015.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1957	Founded as Executive Leasing Company with a fleet of seven cars.
1962	Executive Leasing Co. adds a rental car business division with a fleet of 17 vehicles. The company also starts a car sales division.
1969	Executive Leasing expands beyond St. Louis and changes its name to Enterprise Leasing.
1989	Company's name changes from Enterprise Leasing to Enterprise Rent-A-Car to reflect the enormous growth of its rental car business.
1992	Enterprise's leasing division becomes Enterprise Fleet Management, focusing on serving businesses with small- to mid-sized fleets.
1997	Becomes first fleet management company to win the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) "Blue Seal of Excellence."
2004	Manages fleet of 135,000 vehicles.
2005	Manages fleet of 150,000 vehicles.
2008	Launches comprehensive environmental platform.
2009	Enterprise Holdings is created as the parent corporation for its growing portfolio of car rental and transportation services.
2010	Enterprise Fleet Management is financially restructured to become an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings.
	Opens its first location in Canada.
2013	Manages fleet of 250,000 vehicles.
2014	Manages fleet of 300,000 vehicles.
2015	Announces investment in information technology solutions, totaling $100 million.
	Receives ASE Blue Seal of Excellence for the 19th consecutive year, an industry record.
	Opens 53rd full-service location in North America.
	Manages fleet of 425,000 vehicles.

[PAGEBREAK]

LeasePlan USA
Founded in 1983
www.us.leaseplan.com
LeasePlan is a fleet management provider operating in 32 countries and managing 1.5 million vehicles worldwide.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1983	LeasePlan USA becomes wholly owned subsidiary of LeasePlan Corporation, N.V.
1990	LeasePlan's Truck Division established.
1994	First document imaging system installed, beginning LeasePlan's paperless operations.
1995	Accident management team becomes I-CAR Gold certified.
1997	FleetDesk driver contact center introduced.
1998	LeasePlan USA receives its first ASE Blue Seal Certification.
1999	Online fleet management tool ePlan launched.
2000	Acquired Consolidated Service Corporation (CSC).
2003	Launched Network vehicle management services.
2003	reDrive, driver sale program, launched.
2005	Introduced eRepair online maintenance and repair tool.
2006	GreenPlan program introduced.
2007	LeasePlan Cares community outreach program begins supporting the Atlanta Children's Shelter and Shelter, Inc. in Chicago.
2007	LeasePlan launches telematics.
2008	Michael Pitcher appointed president and CEO of LeasePlan USA.
2008	Auto insurance product launched.
2008	10 million+ imaged documents in ePlan.
2008	ePlan for Drivers goes live.
2009	Introduced PartnerPlan, an open-calculation lease to the U.S.
2009	First LeasePlan account manager completes CAFM certification.
2009	SafePlan comprehensive risk management program introduced.
2011	LeasePlan USA named No. 1 Workplace in Atlanta by AJC.
2012	LeasePlan launches ePlan mobile and MyDocs.
2013	LeasePlan USA once again named No. 1 Workplace in Atlanta by AJC.
2014	LeasePlan expands in North America with addition of Canada.
2015	LeasePlan offers 3D coverage, a bundled risk management program.
2015	LeasePlan N.V. reaches 1.5 million vehicles worldwide.
2015	CIO Nancy D'Amico named Georgia CIO of the Year 2015.

Merchants Fleet Management
Founded in 1962
www.merchantsfleetmanagement.com

For more than 50 years, Merchants Fleet Management has been providing customized, total fleet management and leasing solutions for businesses and government agencies. Merchants provides leasing terms that fit a fleet’s risk level and help provide the maximum return on investment.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1962	Irving Singer opened Merchants Motors in Manchester, N.H., with 50 used cars and a philosophy based on customer service and philanthropy.
1964	Merchants opened National Car Rental franchise.
1967	Offering automotive sales, services, and rentals led Merchants to begin statewide fleet leasing.
1974	Merchants Automotive Group created flagship location in Hooksett, N.H.
1983	Drops National Car Rental and becomes nation's largest nonaffiliated rental company.
1984	Gail Singer passed away. First annual blood drive held in her honor.
1991	Irving Singer passed away. Sons Stephen, Robert, Alan, Jeffrey, Gary, and son-in-law Michael Sydney take over the business.
2003	Expanded from regional to national by bringing in seasoned and successful executive leaders and expanded sales force.
2004	Merchants Automotive Group sold rental division and created Merchants Van & Truck Rentals.
2004	Merchants Leasing acquired Myrick Leasing.
2008	Acquired OneFleet Source in Kansas City, Kan.
2008	Merchants Van & Truck became Merchants Short-Term Solutions.
2010	Merchants Leasing acquired ALD Automotive USA.
2012	Glen Villano became CEO.
2012	Alan Singer retired from Merchants.
2012	Robert Singer became president of Merchants Automotive Group.
2014	Chicago office grand opening.
2015	Merchants Fleet Management release TotalView, the latest in analytics driven technology.
2015	Merchants Fleet Management forms a strategic alliance with Alamo Leasing.

Mike Albert Fleet Solutions
Founded in 1957
www.mikealbert.com

Mike Albert Fleet Solutions provides fleet management programs and consultation that help turn a fleet of vehicles into a strategy that can support company goals. Mike Albert offers open- and closed-end leases, purchase/leaseback options, and a comprehensive list of fleet management services all tailored to help businesses maximize cash flow, lower total cost of ownership increase productivity, and build brand awareness.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1928	Opened first used car lot in Cincinnati.
1957	Mike Albert Leasing established as Mike Albert Autos leases its first car.
1960s	Mike Albert Service department opened for business.
1971	Mike Albert launched truck leasing department.
1972	25,000 square-foot truck terminal converted to sales, leasing, and service facility.
1977	Mike Albert Leasing opened first satellite office in Columbus, Ohio.
1984	Mike Albert relocated its corporate office to a 30,000 square-foot building in Cincinnati.
1984	Launched its full suite of fleet services.
2000	Marty Betagole named president of Mike Albert Leasing.
2007	Mike Albert celebrated 50th anniversary.
2011	New Customer Development Manager roles introduced to better service and support clients with dedicated advisors.
2012	Mike Albert repositioned as Mike Albert Fleet Solutions.
2013	Acquired vehicle rental assets of D&L Leasing.
2014	New "POD" structure implemented to improve customer experience via a team approach.
2015	Implemented new Client Satisfaction surveys and scoring for validation and process/product improvements.

Union Leasing
Founded in 1955
www.unionleasing.com
Union Leasing offers a comprehensive suite of fleet management solutions including vehicle acquisition, leasing, fleet management & consultation, maintenance & fuel programs, vehicle remarketing, and flexible-term truck rental solutions. Union serves a broad range of small- to mid-size fleets in commercial, industrial, and rental car industries.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1946	Lawrence Faul opened his first automotive showroom in Harvey, Ill.
1955	The Faul Group's first commercial lease deal signed for two 2-axle trucks.
1958	The Faul Group's growing leasing business is named "Union Company" as it originally caters to the leasing needs of Chicago labor unions.
1969	The leasing business is renamed "Union Leasing" to better reflect the nature of the business.
1976	Union Leasing began offering open-end leasing options.
1984	Union Leasing acquired the lease portfolios of ABC Leasing, Carlisle Leasing, and Cadi Leasing.
1989	The Faul Group sold Union Leasing to Chicago Freight Car Leasing putting Union under the ownership of the Sasser family and diversifying their portfolio of rail-based businesses.
1989	Union Leasing moved headquarters to Schaumburg, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.
1994	Original Union Leasing founder Lawrence Faul passes away.
1996	Union Leasing expanded into leasing to rental car companies.
1999	Union Leasing expanded into leasing to the government segment.
2007	Kent Boskovich named president of Union Leasing.
2007	Kent Boskovich accepts appointment as director of lessors for AFLA.
2007	Mark Conroy, VP of Sales and Marketing accepted appointment as the president of AFLA.
2007	Union Leasing launched in-house maintenance management and fuel services department.
2010	Union Leasing launched web-based fleet management portals, myFleetLink and myDriverLink.
2011	Sasser Family Holdings, Inc. established to realign the global organization and to better support the needs of the individual businesses.
2013	Union Leasing, and its sister companies celebrated the 85th anniversary of the founding of its fourth-generation family-owned business.
2013	Union Leasing acquired Express 4x4 Truck Rental and begins offering flexible-term truck rental solutions.
2015	Team Union recognized for the third-consecutive year as a Top Corporate Team in Illinois by the National MS Society for fundraising more than $100,000 for the NMSS since 2010.
2015	Rhonda Zielinski named senior vice president of sales and marketing at Union Leasing.

Wheels Inc.
Founded in 1955
www.wheels.com
Wheels is an experienced automotive fleet leasing and management company that provides organizations
around the world with company cars and trucks along with state-of-the-art services and support.

YEAR	ACQUISITIONS/OWNERSHIP CHANGES, MILESTONES
1939	Zollie Frank founded Wheels, Inc.
1953	Helped found American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA).
1954	Offered cost-plus leasing.
1956	Began conducting business in Canada.
1957	Developed courtesy delivery system.
1959	Created industry's first leasing program for trucks.
1960	Introduced computerized fleet vehicle ordering.
1965	Began conducting business in Puerto Rico.
1972	Began issuing fuel credit cards.
1972	Introduced maintenance management for open-ended leases.
1974	Jim Frank named president and CEO.
1974	Began electronic transmission of vehicle orders to manufacturers.
1975	Developed nationwide vendor network with maintenance and collision repair shops.
1979	Created fleet industry's first client electronic reporting tool.
1982	Initiated commercial paper financing, achieved A-1 rating from S&P.
1985	Introduced vehicle registration renewal service.
1995	Entered global fleet consortium covering more than 30 countries.
1996	Established first online accident management system.
1998	Began conducting business in Mexico.
1998	Launched DriverView online driver ordering system.
1999	Released FleetView online fleet management tool.
2000	Introduced fleet's first online motor vehicle record (MVR) system.
2003	Invented fleet's first automated vehicle replacement decision tool.
2004	Developed online upfit equipment ordering tool.
2004	Created WheelsDirectonline used-vehicle sale program.
2006	Invented online violations payment system.
2007	Introduced Paperless Office, first truly virtual fleet office.
2008	Introduced collection of guided analysis tools including expense comparison and budget projection capabilities.
2009	Introduced Application Coding.
2009	Formed strategic partnership with ALD Automotive.
2010	Introduced EcoWheels green driver challenge.
2010	Daniel Frank named president of Wheels Services.
2011	Introduced Selection Modeler online tool.
2012	Introduced ChangeDriver online driver motivation tool.
2013	Invented Sentinel, procurement-focused performance tool.
2014	Celebrated its 75th anniversary.
2014	Wheels Recall Program released.
2015	Introduced updated online fleet management tool, FleetView.

Topics:Fleet Management Companies Anniversary Lessors Milestones Operations

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