Global fleet and automotive giant Holman has finalised a huge deal to take over the management of BT Group’s 37,000 commercial vehicles.

The vehicles form part of the telecom giant’s fleet of light commercial and specialist vehicles, HGVs , plant and ancillary equipment, many of which sit in BT Group’s Openreach division, which is dedicated to rolling out full-fibre broadband across the U.K.

The agreement — which covers seven years — includes service, maintenance and repair, portfolio management, glass replacement, and pool vehicle/rental management. Full management of the fleet is effective September 30.

Holman — previously ARI Fleet UK before rebranding in March 2022 — has won the contract from long-standing BT Group provider Rivus, which bought out the in-house BT Fleet Solutions business in 2019.

Cyril Pourat, BT Group chief procurement officer, said: 

“We regularly review our contracts with suppliers, and we’ve made an agreement with Holman to transfer the maintenance of our commercial fleet to them later this year. As we move the majority of our fleet to electric or zero emission vehicles by 2030, these changes will ensure we can continue to give the best service to our customers across the U.K.

“One of the core strategies of the partnership will be to bring enhancements for BT Group and its drivers, with a particular focus on EV and sustainability initiatives and investment in technology to streamline and enhance service delivery.”

Holman said it was expanding its operations in Birmingham with a new facility to support the BT Group fleet, which it said would set the benchmark for fleet management in the U.K.

Nick Caller, Holman U.K. managing director, added: "We are delighted to have been selected by BT to win what is arguably, the largest fleet management contract ever awarded in the U.K.

“Our flexible and transparent solutions will ensure we maximise BT Group's investment in its commercial fleet, supporting the business to achieve its objectives and business commitments.”

Management of BT Group’s company cars has been passed to Arval U.K., which also manages mobile provider EE’s company cars. EE merged with BT Group in 2016.