Do SMEs Really Need Fleet Solutions?
Most SMEs in Turkey handle vehicle needs through individual purchases. The owner buys under their personal name, assigns to employees, and maintenance and insurance are managed haphazardly. This approach works for 1-2 vehicles but creates serious inefficiency beyond 3.
Fleet solutions aren't just for fleets of 50-100 vehicles. Small fleets of 3-10 vehicles can also benefit from professional fleet advantages.
"Fleet management isn't exclusive to large corporations. Even a 5-vehicle fleet, properly managed, can save tens of thousands annually."
Common Mistakes in Small Fleets
Buying different brands: Variety is nice for personal preference; in fleets, it increases maintenance costs. Working with one or at most two brands provides bulk purchase discounts and service management simplicity.
Managing insurance individually: Insuring each vehicle separately means missing fleet discounts. Even with 5 vehicles, bulk fleet policies can provide 15-20% savings.
No renewal plan: Using vehicles "until they break" is the most expensive strategy. A planned renewal cycle minimizes residual value loss.
Starter Guide for 3-5 Vehicle Fleets
Step 1 — Needs assessment: Define each vehicle's usage profile. Urban or intercity? Average daily km? Passengers or cargo?
Step 2 — Budget planning: Calculate 3-year TCO, not just purchase price. Include fuel, maintenance, insurance, tires, and estimated residual value.
Step 3 — Single-source solution: If possible, buy from one dealer, one brand. You'll get bulk discounts, special service agreements, and relationship advantages.
Step 4 — Simple tracking: No need for complex software. Excel or Google Sheets tracking per-vehicle km, fuel, maintenance, and insurance is sufficient to start.
SME-Specific Fleet Advantages
Many automotive brands offer SME-specific fleet campaigns. Dealers can apply bulk discounts even to small fleets. Some banks also provide favorable fleet credit terms for SMEs.
Operational leasing companies now offer packages starting from just 3 vehicles, allowing small businesses to benefit from advantages previously reserved for large corporations.
Conclusion: Start Small, Think Big
Transitioning to a fleet solution as an SME is an important step in your growth journey. Professional fleet management delivers not just cost savings but also corporate image, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
For personalized fleet solution recommendations for your SME, feel free to reach out.