"The key to success is knowing the needs for each specific region"

"The key to success is knowing the needs for each specific region," said Tom Callahan, CEO, Donlen. Marchel Koops, CCO of Athlon agrees: "Rules and regulations change as soon as a business crosses a border." Together, Athlon and Donlen are sponsors of the 2021 Global Fleet Conference, an online trip around the world of fleet and mobility.

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How will the global FMC landscape benefit from new investments in Donlen from Athene? What is the benefit to international fleets that will result from the acquisition?

Tom Callahan, Donlen: "Athene is excited and eager to invest in Donlen. They have devoted significant access to capital to invest in the Donlen business and the Donlen team. The investment will bring new products and programmes such as autonomous delivery vehicles, EV and mobility solutions, and improved connectivity programmes to name a few, which will benefit fleets. With a focus on investing in innovative solutions that solve complex fleet challenges, international fleets will have more options to drive down costs and serve their customers more efficiently."

How can international fleet managers succeed in regional areas?

Tom Callahan, Donlen: "The key to success is knowing what your fleet goals are and the needs for that specific region. Understanding the difference in fleet products and programmes is essential as well. All too often, larger companies want to manage their fleet in a single, uniform way across multiple geographies rather than looking at their local needs. International fleet managers should partner with a fleet management company to learn and understand the different nuances and the regional options available. We recommend partnering with a strong, experienced fleet management company that understands the global landscape, has regional expertise and robust technology."

Do fleet partnerships make sense, and what should you look for in a fleet management partnership to succeed?

Marchel Koops, Athlon: "If you are an international fleet manager/have an international fleet, you will come to realise there is not a one-size-fits-all model across the globe. Rules and regulations change as soon as a business crosses a border. We have seen fleets succeed best when they receive local expertise on an international level. In other words, partnering with an organisation that is an expert in the markets relevant to you. This way, they can tie in your data to give you complete fleet insights from every market. And your fleet expert can give you customised attention because they know the nuances of each region. This will help you succeed no matter where your fleet is located."

Photo: Tom Callahan, CEO, Donlen (left), Marchel Koops, CCO, Athlon (right)