FLEET leasing and mobility experts Alphabet has announced the launch of the next phase of development for the Alphabet icon SME technology platform to enhance the overall leasing experience for Alphabet’s SME customers, retailers and brokers.
The ‘icon’ platform – a bespoke system originally developed for the launch of Alphabet Partner in late 2014 – has been significantly upgraded and now provides an easy-to-use quotation tool for both brokers and the Alphabet’s Business Partnership Programme retailer channel.
The new approach simplifies and streamlines the increasingly complex leasing options for SMEs. By putting dynamic, real-time pricing information from Alphabet at the fingertips of brokers and retailers, ‘icon’ provides business leasing customers with an experience more akin to that of a retail customer.
We’re providing business customers with the full spectrum of vehicle and leasing options they are looking for, with specialist support and advice – Gavin Davies
‘icon’ allows brokers and retailers to virtually walk a customer around the car to build both the vehicle and the leasing contract to the customer’s precise specification and requirements.
Once a customer has chosen their vehicle and options, the advanced calculation engine at the heart of the ‘icon’ system performs literally thousands of quotes per second which are then visualised in the unique ‘Deal Selector’.
These are graphically displayed so that the broker or retailer can see the full spectrum of options including initial and monthly payment, contract term and mileage options available to help the customer choose which best suits their needs.
In addition, the ‘icon’ system features a visual ‘Carousel’ displaying exclusive, limited, real-time vehicle offers and provides brokers and retailers with a completely trackable, end-to-end sales platform from quote through to paperless invoice.
There is even the ability to easily compare vehicle quotations between all types of powertrain or solely electric and PHEV ones. All of which gives brokers and retailers the tools to meet SME customers’ needs and stay in touch more easily, as well as enabling them to help customers make better, more informed decisions on business vehicles.
Gavin Davies, Alphabet’s general manager, SME sales & distribution, commented: “Following the fantastic feedback we received with the launch of ‘icon’ from our UK broker partners, we did not want to rest on our laurels.
“We have been constantly developing and improving the ‘icon’ system since its introduction in 2014, but this is a really significant upgrade across the board. It seemed a natural step to enhance the technology to meet the specific needs of both our Alphabet Partner brokers and retailers via our Business Partnership Programme.
“This launch of the next phase of ‘icon’ is a real game changer for the contract hire and leasing experience for SMEs. It takes things to a whole new level and delivers the functionality and speed demanded. The enhancements we have introduced to ‘icon’ through this significant investment will improve an already market-leading contract hire and leasing platform.”
Davies continues: “The UK leasing market is increasingly competitive and so customers are, rightly, ever more demanding. Adding value to a relationship through service and expertise are the key differentiators in a business customer’s choice of provider and it will only become more important moving forward.
“By introducing these improvements to ‘icon’ we can help meet the needs of SME customers both now and in the future. We’re providing business customers with the full spectrum of vehicle and leasing options they are looking for, with specialist support and advice.
“Through the ‘icon’ platform, Alphabet Partners and retailers can deliver a better, more proactive service while at the same time helping SME customers make more informed decisions about their business mobility.”
Peter Clarke, head of BPP Development for Alphabet added: “This is a really exciting development for Alphabet, the Business Partnership Programme and most importantly for the UK’s SME customers whom we serve every day.
“The ‘icon’ system brings real innovation into this market and fully supports the bespoke, customer-centric approach at the heart of everything we do. ‘icon’ helps Alphabet and the retailer provide customers with an unparalleled business leasing experience – delivering a vehicle to their precise specification, in conjunction with a lease contract tailored specifically to their businesses’ requirements.”
