230-01-Fraikin-A1-Automotive

Car transport business A1 Automotive has taken delivery of three new car transporters from Fraikin to support its transport services division in Livingston.

In a move which signals the firm’s transition away from outright purchase, the six-year deal with Fraikin includes three 44-tonne DAF XF 6x2 tractor units with three trailers from Transporter Engineering.

The purchase is a like-for-like replacement for three older assets in the company’s 80-strong transporter fleet, with the new additions able to carry a maximum of 12 cars each.

Ian Carter, director at A1 Automotive, said: “Before the pandemic, we routinely put down large deposits for new vehicles, but we needed an alternative option that would give us some financial flexibility and provide a clear picture of the cost of each asset over time.

“Fraikin’s contract hire solution was a perfect fit; it has allowed us to add three new transporters to the fleet, with zero disruption to the business and with the added reassurance of consistent cost control.”

The deal includes all servicing, maintenance, repairs, road fund licencing, regular safety inspections, annual MOT testing, tyre management and 24/7 roadside assistance.

The new vehicles are expected to be on the road seven days a week, clocking up around 62,000 km a year, moving new, classic or private cars, as well as light commercial vehicles, for a number of major manufacturers and car rental companies across the UK from its bases in Scotland and England.

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