FIAT is getting serious about fleets again.

The company has just appointed Francis Bleasdale to the newly created role of Fleet and Used Car Director.

The company has wavered between being a fleet company or just a retail brand in the past. But that’s all changing it seems.

Originally from Ulverston in Cumbria, Francis Bleasdale will report to Commercial Director Karl Howkins, with the target of developing fleet business and sales of used cars across the Fiat Group: which means Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Jeep and Chrysler brands.

Francis brings with him considerable fleet experience in both cars and vans, having held senior positions in both disciplines at Nissan prior to his most recent position at Impetus Automotive.

“The fact that Fiat Chrysler is taking fleet so seriously was a natural draw for me. The group is clearly evolving and I look forward to growing our fleet share in the industry on the back of our current line-up and including new Fiat and Jeep launches in 2015,” commented Francis on his appointment.

“I am delighted to welcome Francis to the Fiat Chrysler Group,” added Karl Howkins. “Over the last year we have completely overhauled the fleet team bringing in key personnel specifically from outside the company to deliver a much better customer experience.

“We know we still have work to do to improve our fleet appeal to Corporate and User Chooser fleets, but I’m extremely confident that with our huge new product offensive and, more importantly, Francis on board, we will deliver that.”