To be nothing less than the best in terms of efficiency and sustainability for their customers: this is the clear goal that international process industry service provider Bilfinger has set itself. And, of course, such a mission statement also needs to be practised consistently within the company. The best example of this is the vehicle fleet – the electrification of which the company is resolutely driving forward throughout Europe.

Vehicle handover at the Bilfinger site in Mannheim, Germany.

Step by step, instead of all or nothing

From the outset, the fleet managers at Bilfinger knew that they would not be able to achieve this fundamental transformation to climate-friendly electric mobility simply by flicking a switch. “We see the whole thing as a process in which everyone involved has to be on board,” emphasises Fleet Manager Michael Kurda. This is why, for example, they initiated pilot projects with smaller vehicle pools at an early stage at local level – to gather experience, obtain opinions, reduce reservations and refine plans. “That has helped us significantly. You simply have to find out together how well electric mobility works in the respective country for the respective application requirements,” says the fleet manager.

Successful partnership: Daniel Stulik, International Key Account Manager, Volkswagen Group Fleet International and Michael Kurda, Global Category Manager Fleet, Bilfinger.

“With our broad portfolio of electric vehicles and the opportunity to position this as a global concept, we can jointly advance Bilfinger’s international fleet electrification.“

Daniel Stulik

International Key Account Manager, Volkswagen Group Fleet International

“Here in Norway, for example, our project managers use the ID. Buzz for inspections of customer installations. The vehicle is also well suited for foreign assignments across the border in Sweden thanks to its long range and high level of driving comfort.“

Karl Arne W. Norstøm, Fleet Manager in Norwegen

“I was very excited about the new technology. The Enyaq is my first electric car and I have to say that driving an electric car is really fun – the acceleration is particularly impressive! Of course, electric driving also means that you have to change your everyday habits a little, if only because of the matter of charging. But once you’ve got into habit, it’s very easy to integrate charging into your everyday life.“

Simone Hesse-Motsch, Global Category Manager Professional Services Group Procurement

“Electric mobility was never really an issue for me, but when I took the test drive, I was immediately enthusiastic. With the attractive tax benefits, I don’t mind drinking an extra coffee at the motorway service station.“

Lara Lang, Director Group SSO Reporting & Analytics

“Having three children, I initially had my doubts as to whether the ID.7 would offer the necessary space. Today I can say that the vehicle has completely won me over. The ID.7 is big, it’s a great car with a very modern infotainment system, it has a great range – I’m very happy with the car.“

Martin Engelhardt, Director Group Treasury

“Before we opted for electric vehicles, AUTOSCHMITT provided us with several electric cars for extensive test drives. These practical tests played a key role in increasing the acceptance of electric mobility in our company. We are now looking forward to adding more electric vehicles to our fleet.“

Jürgen Wagner, Leadbuyer

“The Enyaq is really great. The space, the workmanship … everything is fantastic. For me, this is the end of the combustion engine issue, even if I don’t have charging facilities at home.“

Martin Heuchemer, Senior Manager Group Treasury

“Overall, the Enyaq offers a successful combination of style and functionality. I am particularly impressed by the Enyaq’s progressive design.”

Ata Safak, Global Category Manager Subcontracting & Temp Labor Group Procurement

“The switch to electric mobility is an important lever for reducing emissions in our own business activities. Combined with the use of renewable electricity to charge the electric vehicles at our sites, the advantage over the combustion engine is clear and can be reported transparently. Lower emissions from our vehicle fleet not only means that we are working on achieving our own targets, but also that we are supporting the decarbonisation goals in our customers’ value chain.”

Dina Abels, Senior Manager Group Controlling & Sustainabiliy

“It was important for Bilfinger to test the electric vehicles extensively before deciding on individual models. This enabled the company to ensure that the respective vehicles met both Bilfinger’s requirements and the needs of its employees. For us as a car dealership, it was only natural to provide the vehicles for this test and to support Bilfinger in this important step.”

Mark Karpinski (2nd from right)

Management, AUTOSCHMITT

Pictured (left to right): Hella Straßner, Category Manager Fleet Germany, Bilfinger, Thomas Gräfe, Key Account Manager, AUTOSCHMITT, Jürgen Wagner, Leadbuyer, Bilfinger, Michael Kurda, Global Category Manager Fleet, Bilfinger, Mark Karpinski, Management, AUTOSCHMITT, Daniel Riedl, Business and Sales Management, AUTOSCHMITT

“Success in fleet business is based on professionalism, mutual trust, and strong products – these factors make the decisive difference, provide our customers with real added value, and set us apart from the competition.”

Patryk Lyczywek (1st from right)

Head of Sales International, Volkswagen Group Fleet International

Pictured (left to right): Dirk Pietsch, Regional Manager, Sales Fleet Customers, Škoda Auto Germany, Christian Heinrich, District Manager, Sales Fleet Customers, Volkswagen Germany, Michael Kurda, Global Category Manager Fleet, Bilfinger, Daniel Stulik, International Key Account Manager, Volkswagen Group Fleet International, Patryk Lyczywek, Head of Sales International, Volkswagen Group Fleet International