Shiftmove, the German-Swiss digital fleet management platform, has announced its acquisition of Optimum Automotive, a French fleet management company. This strategic move aims to solidify Shiftmove's position in the European market and enhance its service offerings to corporate clients managing commercial vehicle fleets.

Shiftmove was formed in 2023 through the merger of two leading fleet management providers, Avrios and Vimcar. The acquisition of Optimum Automotive, which boasts a strong presence in France, Portugal, Spain, and Africa, allows Shiftmove to penetrate Europe’s largest fleet market. With 107 employees and 7,500 clients, Optimum Automotive manages approximately 200,000 vehicles, bringing Shiftmove’s total workforce to over 350 and its client base to more than 18,000, covering a combined fleet of over 550,000 vehicles.

Driving Innovation in Fleet Management

Shiftmove is committed to revolutionizing fleet management by developing hardware-free connected vehicles. The company employs a robust blend of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced software and telematics to optimize the efficiency of fleet operations, ultimately reducing emissions for commercial fleets across Europe. This innovation comes at a critical time as rising costs for fuel, insurance, and repairs, coupled with stringent sustainability regulations, put significant pressure on the fleet management industry. Currently, only 30% of European companies utilize fleet management software, highlighting a substantial opportunity for digitalization in this sector.

Francine Gervazio, CEO of Shiftmove, articulated the company’s vision, stating, "We aim to manage over one million vehicles through our cloud-based software solutions by 2027. The pressure on businesses is escalating, necessitating rapid action. Our advanced software and telematics combination simplifies fleet management, allowing companies to enhance their competitiveness while meeting sustainability objectives."

Market Expansion and Strategic Goals

With over 10 million commercial vehicles on the road, France represents a lucrative market for fleet management solutions. The acquisition of Optimum Automotive aligns with Shiftmove's objective to become the industry leader in Europe by 2027. Daniel Vassallucci, CEO and Founder of Optimum Automotive, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting that it positions the company for accelerated growth. He stated, "The merger takes Optimum Automotive to the next level, with the ambition of becoming the European market leader in integrated telematics and software solutions for corporate fleets. Our complementary product offerings provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge solution for our combined fleet customers throughout Europe."

The strategic acquisition signals a growing trend of consolidation and digitalization within the European fleet and mobility management landscape. By integrating Optimum Automotive's capabilities, Shiftmove enhances its service portfolio, enabling small, medium, and large enterprises to manage their vehicle fleets more efficiently. The company's clients include notable names such as Hotpoint UK Appliances, Actavo, All Saved, DB Schenker, McMakler, and flaschenpost.de, demonstrating its broad appeal across various industries, including construction, healthcare, and technical support.

The Road Ahead

Shiftmove's forward-thinking approach focuses on automating labor-intensive processes and conducting detailed data analyses. This enables businesses to save costs and resources while effectively planning the transition to alternative drive types. Gervazio emphasizes that the digitalization potential within the fleet management sector is immense, particularly given that only one-third of European companies currently leverage fleet management software.

With the backing of Battery Ventures, a global technology investment firm based in Boston, Shiftmove is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market opportunity. The acquisition of Optimum Automotive not only expands its geographical footprint but also enhances its product offerings, solidifying its commitment to innovation and sustainability in fleet management.

The acquisition of Optimum Automotive by Shiftmove marks a significant step towards establishing a market-leading presence in the European fleet management sector. With a robust vision for the future and an emphasis on sustainability, Shiftmove is poised to meet the evolving demands of businesses seeking efficient fleet management solutions. As the company integrates its operations with Optimum Automotive, it aims to create a formidable alliance that can address the challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of fleet management.