Milestones in the Vehicle Leasing Industry

The article chronicles the significant milestones and historical fleet growth of 11 vehicle lessors.

by Staff

April 1, 2011

10 min to read

■ Automotive Resources International (ARI)

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

Founded in 1948

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1948	Company founded.
1955	Becomes charter member of AALA.
1958	Acquired first franchise offered by Ford Authorized Leasing System.
1968	First mainframe computer installed.
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).
1994	Founded Global Fleet Services (GFS).
1995	Formed joint venture in Mexico with Groupo Zapata to create ARIZA.
1998	50^th anniversary; 725 employees.
1999	Introduced Web-based fleet management systems.
2005	Introduced ARIAutoDirect.com for used-vehicle sales.
2007	ARITruckDirect.com launched.
2008	Opened Western Operations Center and third North America call center in Grapevine, Texas.
2009	Expanded European operations with locations in Brussels and Zurich. Web-based driver tool introduced.
2010	Merged FBE with Auto Truck Group, Inc. (ATG).

■ Donlen Corp.

Fleet leasing, accident management, administrative services, fuel management, remarketing, transportation services, upfitting services, vehicle acquisition, and vehicle maintenance. www.donlen.com

Founded in 1965

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1965		Company founded by Donald Rappeport & Leonard Vine.
1970-1987		Grew from 5,000 to 30,000 vehicles.
2006		"Top 100 Global Outsourcing Leader" by International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (2006-2009).
2007		National Association for Business Resources "101 Best and Brightest Places to Work For in Chicago" (2007-2010).
2009		CEO Gary Rappeport honored as 2009 Executive of the Year, Services, by American Business Association. Crain's Chicago Business "List of 20 Best Places to Work in Chicago" (2009-2010).
2010		Stevie Awards Finalist as "Best Use of Technology in Customer Service" and "Most Innovative Company."

■ Enterprise Holdings

Financial consulting, fleet management, licensing and taxes, risk management, and maintenance management.
www.efleets.com/fleets/

Founded in 1957

Year	Aquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1957	Jack Taylor founds Executive Leasing in St. Louis.
1961	• Opened first branch office in South St. Louis. • Enters car-rental business.
1966	National Car Rental first to bring computers into daily reservation operations.
1969	• Jack Taylor named the company Enterprise as a salute to WWII aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise. • Opened first out-of-town office in Atlanta.
1970	Enterprise rental fleet reaches 500 vehicles.
1971	Jack Taylor acquires controlling interest in company.
1974	Alamo Rent A Car founded with four locations in Florida, pioneers concept of unlimited free mileage.
1980	• Acquired AirCar Rental in Southern Calif. • Enterprise fleet surpasses 6,000 vehicles.
1983	Opened 100th Branch Office
1987	• Opened 250th branch office. • National introduces “Emerald Club,” first comprehensive frequent renter program.
1990	Enterprise fleet surpasses 90,000 vehicles.
1991	Jack Taylor’s son, Andy Taylor named Enterprise CEO.
1995	Alamo first in car rental industry with realtime Internet booking capabilities.
2000	Enterprise fleet nears 500,000 vehicles.
2005	• Alamo launches industry’s first Online Check-In System • Enterprise fleet surpasses 665,000 vehicles.
2006	Enterprise celebrates 50 years in business, commits to plant 50 million trees over next 50 years.
2007	Acquires Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental
2008	• Fleet surpasses 1.1 million vehicles (including Alamo, Enterprise, and National) • President & COO Pam Nicholson named one of Fortune Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women In Business” (2007-2008)
2009	Taylor family of companies adopts Enterprise Holdings name as parent brand.
2010	Adds first all-electric vehicles to fleet.

■ LeasePlan USA

Fleet management, leasing, and fleet services. www.leaseplan.com

Founded in 1983

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1983	Wholly owned subsidiary of LeasePlan Corporation, N.V.
1990	LeasePlan's Truck Division established.
1994	First document imaging system was installed, beginning LeasePlan's paperless operations.
1995	Accident management team becomes I-CAR Gold certified
1997	FleetDesk driver contact center introduced.
1999	Online fleet management tool ePlan launched.
2000	Acquired Consolidated Service Corporation, a Chicago-based fleet management company.
2003	Launched Network, an independent brand of vehicle management services. First fleet management company member of the Automotive Maintenance Repair Association's Motorist Assurance Program. reDrive, driver sale program, launched.
2005	eRepair online maintenance and repair vendor authorization tool introduced.
2006	Client Activation Team selected as finalist in "Best Customer Service Team" category of the American Business Awards. GreenPlan program introduced.
2007	First FMC to offer services through Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers. LeasePlan Cares community outreach program begins supporting the Atlanta Children's Shelter and Shelter, Inc. in Chicago.
2008	Auto Insurance product launched. Surpassed 10 million imaged documents in ePlan. ePlan for Drivers went live.
2009	Introduced PartnerPlan, a new lease type to the U.S. First LeasePlan account manager completes CAFM certification. SafePlan comprehensive risk management program introduced.
2010	LeasePlan's Government Fleet Services launched.

■ Merchants Leasing

Total fleet solutions, including "No Risk" closed-end lease option. Additional services include: insurance and maintenance programs, fuel cards, roadside assistance, accident and risk management, telematics, local and nationwide delivery, and fleet management and administration. Merchants leases a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks and vans, law enforcement vehicles, handicap-equipped vehicles, and more.

www.merchantsleasing.com

Founded in 1962

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or 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.
1977	Merchants Rent-A-Car begins expansion in Salem, N.H.
1983	Drops National Car Rental and becomes nation's largest non-affiliated rental company.
1984	Gail Singer passed away. First annual blood drive held in her honor.
1985	Merchants Nissan dealership opened in Concord, N.H.
1988	Merchants Automotive Group purchased Patriot Motors in Keene, N.H.
1991	Irving Singer passed away. Sons Stephen, Robert, Alan, Jeffrey, Gary, and son-in-law Michael Sydney toke over the business.
1992	U.S. Secret Service used Merchants cars for presidential primary elections.
1995	Merchants Automotive Group teamed with Salvation Army to become the No. 1 bell ringer.
1999	Singer Family Park opened.
2000	Merchants Automotive Group opened first CARQUEST store.
2003	Salvation Army retired "Bell Award" after Merchants Automotive Groups' seven straight years of winning. Expanded from regional to national by bringing in seasoned and successful executive leaders and expanded sales force. Phil Ryan named CEO of Merchants Automotive Group. Dennis Cavagnaro appointed Merchants Leasing's director of marketing.
2004	Merchants Automotive Group sells rental division and created Merchants Van & Truck Rentals. Merchants Leasing acquired Myrick Leasing.
2005	Gary Scanlon appointed national sales manager.
2006	Merchantsauto.com stadium built in Manchester, N.H.
2008	Glen Villano appointed COO of Merchants Automotive Group. Acquired OneFleet Source in Kansas City, Kan. Merchants Van & Truck becomes Merchants Short-Term Solutions.
2009	Paul Barkworth appointed CFO of Merchants Automotive Group. Diana Holland named Merchants Leasing's director of fleet services.
2010	Merchants Leasing acquired ALD Automotive USA. Merchants Automotive Group's 15^th year as No. 1 Salvation Army bell ringer, raising more than $26,000 in the 2010 holiday season.

■ GE Capital Fleet Services

Commercial car and truck financing and integrated fleet management services that help customers save time and money, while also reducing their fleets' impact on the environment. Tailored solutions address the total fleet lifecycle - from business planning and vehicle financing through remarketing - so customers get the maximum return on their fleet investment. www.gefleet.com

Founded in 1987

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1984	Acquired Kerr Leasing.
1987	Acquired D&K Financial & GELCO Leasing, GE Fleet Services established.
1988	Acquired Sherwood Industries.
1989	Acquired The Leasing Emporium.
1990	Acquired McCullough Leasing & Major Leasing.
1991	Acquired LMV Leasing, American Auto Leasing Corp., Hansen Leasing Corp., and Ballas Leasing.
1993	Acquired Main Auto Leasing.
2002	Acquired Wells Fargo Leasing.
2003	Acquired CitiCapital Fleet Leasing.
2005	Acquired Walden Leasing.

■ Mike Albert Fleet Solutions

Fleet management (vehicle acquisition and remarketing), financing, truck leasing, and government fleet.

www.mikealbert.com

Founded in 1957

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or 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 sq. ft. 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 sq. ft. building in Cincinnati. Launched its full suite of fleet services.
2000	Marty Betagole named president of Mike Albert Leasing.
2007	Mike Albert celebrated 50^th anniversary.
2008	Patt Stull named chief operating officer.
2011	Mike Albert repositions as Mike Albert Fleet Solutions.
2013	Mike Albert Leasing acquires vehicle rental assets of D&L Leasing.

■ PHH Arval

Asset management, operating cost management, risk management, consulting services, and truck fleet management. www.phh.com

Founded in 1946

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1946	Peterson, Howell and Heather form partnership in Baltimore to found new industry: fleet management.
1951	Peterson, Howell & Heather introduced the nation's first finance lease plan for corporate auto fleets.
1954	Partnership develops into a Peterson, Howell & Heather, Inc. (PH&H).
1955	Peterson, Howell & Heather Canada, Inc. is formed.
1957	Peterson, Howell & Heather Limited (United Kingdom) is formed.
1958	Founders sell 24 percent of their PH&H stock for initial public offering.
1978	Common stock of PHH is listed on NYSE (PHH).
1992	Renamed PHH Corporation.
1997	Acquired by HFS, Inc. (now known as Cendant Corporation).
1999	PHH Vehicle Management Services was acquired by Avis Group.
2000	Rejoined the Cendant family of companies. The name of the company changed to PHH Arval as result of joint venture with Arval, a subsidiary of banking leader BNP Paribas in Europe. Now a strategic allowance.
2005	Spun off by CendantCorp., with sister company Cendant Mortgage, to form PHH Corp., listed once again on the NYSE (PHH).
2010	PHH Arval operates offices in the U.S. and Canada with strategic alliances that provide global fleet management capabilities in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.

■ Union Leasing
Fleet leasing, open-end lease, closed-end lease, used-car financing, government programs, remarketing, insurance, fuel management, license & title, maintenance, and taxes.
www.unionleasing.com

Founded in 1955

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1955	Established by Lawrence Faul — first orders place for two two-axle trucks.
1958	Established the name Union Company.
1963	Moved to a bigger location in the Chicago Loop.
1969	Changed name to Union Leasing.
1976	Began offering open-end lease options.
1984	Joined with ABC Leasing to better serve customers.
1989	Moved to Schaumburg, Ill.
1996	Began leasing to rental car companies.
1999	Began offering government services.
2005	Rebranded with launch of new logo and website.
2008	Expanded location in Schaumburg, Ill., to accommodate growth.
2010	Launched myFleetLink and myDriverLink.

■ Sutton Leasing
Car, trucks, equipment, and fleet management.
www.suttonleasing.com

Founded in 1989

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1989	Sutton Leasing is incorporated with Clyde J. Sutton as President and Owner.
1993	Sutton Leasing grows to be licensed in every state.
1995	C. J. Sutton joins SLI as VP of sales.
1997	Sutton announces the opening of its West Coast Division in California.
2001	Sutton opens East Coast division in Massachusetts.
2002	• Amy Sutton Blair joins Sutton as CFO. • Sutton Establishes South East division in Florida.
2003	Sutton acquires DALCO Auto Leasing in Dayton, Ohio.
2004	Sutton fleet increases significantly with several accounts over 1,000 units.
2010	Sutton establishes two additional South East offices in Florida.

■ Wheels

Comprehensive services include; leasing, acquisitions, remarketing, maintenance, safety & regulatory services, fuel, and collision management.

www.wheels.com

Founded in 1955

Year	Acquisitions/Ownership Changes or Milestones
1939	Zollie Frank founded Wheels, Inc.
1953	Founding member of 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 issuingfuel credit cards. Introduced maintenance management for open-ended lease vehicles.
1974	Jim Frank named president and CEO. Began electronic transmission of vehicle orders to manufacturers.
1975	Developed nationwide vendor network with maintenance and collision repair shops.
1979	Created the fleet industry's first client electronic reporting tool.
1982	Initiated commercial paper financing and 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. Launched DriverView online driver ordering system.
1999	Released FleetView online fleet management tool.
2000	Introduced industry's first online Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) system.
2003	Invented fleet industry's first automated vehicle replacement decision tool.
2004	Developed online upfit equipment ordering tool. Created WheelsDirectonline driver and employee used-vehicle sale program.
2006	Developed French-language driver ordering tool.
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. Formed strategic partnership with ALD Automotive.
2010	Introduced EcoWheels green driver challenge.
2010	Daniel Frank named President of Wheels Services.