LeasePlan, a Car-as-a-Service provider, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles entered an operational lease partnership in several European markets. Under the agreement, LeasePlan will become the preferred partner to FCA’s European dealer network in the markets where FCA does not operate its own captive arm, offering LeasePlan operational lease solutions to FCA’s customers. A key focus of the partnership will be on the small and medium enterprise (SME) segment.

Unlike traditional white label agreements, the LeasePlan-FCA partnership is based on a referral model via which FCA will provide the vehicles to customers, with the operational lease being directly managed by LeasePlan. This is the first partnership of its kind for LeasePlan with a major European OEM.

The partnership is designed to meet the needs of customers for flexible, cost-effective solutions delivered in a short space of time. For example, LeasePlan will offer customers pre-configured FCA vehicles, meaning they can receive their selected vehicles within two weeks.

Berno Kleinherenbrink, LeasePlan’s senior vice president Commercial, said, “SME is LeasePlan’s fastest growing segment and a crucial element in our strategy to lead the European Car-as-a-Service market. I’m therefore delighted to announce our new partnership with FCA, which gives us an additional route to serve the important SME segment. These customers want flexible, hassle-free and fast solutions — and that’s exactly what we provide.”