Pictured: Bart Vanham and Hans Damen
Founders Will Remain as Managing Directors of TCOPlus and FleetVision Units
By Michael Sheldrick, Senior Editor
One of the leaders in global consulting and consolidated fleet reporting systems and software, TCO Forecast Solutions, comprising TCOPlus and FleetVision — has been acquired by TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, and will operate within the TÜV SÜD fleet unit Auto Plus.
Bart Vanham and Hans Damen, the founders of the two companies, will continue as Managing Directors of TCOPlus. Both have spent a major part of their careers in consulting to the automotive and automotive-fleet industry. A former director of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Vanham is an acknowledged expert in fleet tax systems worldwide linked to the Automotive and Fleet Industry. Damen brings long-term experience in fleet finance and management. He has been the CEO of Fleet Synergy, now Athlon Car Lease International.
In an exclusive interview with Fleet Management Weekly, the two founders said that the backing of TÜV SÜD — a highly respected $2.5 billion dollar a year international testing, certification and consulting company — will help accelerate the growth of TCOPlus and FleetVision.
“TÜV SÜD stands for financial solidity and a neutral position in the industry,” says Damen. “Moreover, the move is complementary. We are combining the DNA of both companies to benefit our customers by providing enhanced services. At the same time, we insisted on being carved out as a separately run entity in order to make it clear to our customers that the business will continue just as before, now including synergies and guaranteed solidity.”
The synergy of the deal is apparent. TCOPlus has contracts with major international clients whose fleets total more than 120,000 vehicles. FleetVision provides consulting services for worldwide clients.
TCOPlus provides fleet operators powerful overview of cost and other key data of their international fleet such as procurement opportunities. It enables simulation of local and international fleet cost reductions, including power train optimization including hybrids and EV’s, respecting tax systems of more than 30 countries – covering all typical fleet markets worldwide.
“The Dashboard tools of TCOPlus will complement the TÜV SÜD Auto Plus’ product portfolio perfectly and will support our customers in identifying and realizing cost-savings potential,” Vanham said.
