The MCE Group, the specialist in business lighting, is in the process of structuring its growing fleet of vehicles, and has chosen GAC Car Fleet to modernise its fleet management. Marie Lemeiter, Executive Assistant, talks about how they reached this decision, the deployment stages and the tangible benefits observed since the software was introduced.
“GAC Car Fleet has boosted our efficiency and brought additional peace of mind. Thanks to centralised data and the support of the team, we have structured our fleet management using an appropriate tool.”
Marie Lemeiter, Executive Assistant, MCE Group
MCE Group key figures
| Fleet size | Type of fleet | Employees | Sector |
| 120 vehicles | Long-term and short-term leased vehicles | 150 (in 2024) | Experts in business lighting |
How do you manage a vehicle fleet when business is booming?
The MCE Group has recorded strong growth since 2022, with new branches opened in France. This rapid expansion has considerably increased the complexity of managing the vehicle fleet, which currently comprises 120 vehicles including 80% commercial vehicles (Trafic, Kangoo, Clio Société) and 20% company vehicles (Renault, Tesla, Skoda, etc.).
Prior to 2023, we managed the fleet using an Excel file, manually extracting data from supplier applications in order to track expenditure on fuel, electronic toll collection and maintenance.
“Excel was no longer sufficient: we wasted too much time extracting, cross-referencing and sorting data. We needed to structure and digitise all of our processes, including vehicle fleet functions.”
Why are conventional tools no longer sufficient to manage a growing fleet?
Disconnected tools and limited management functions
Despite using telematic tools and Intermarché fuel applications, several limitations remained:
- No direct link between certain alerts, e.g. consumption/actual tank volumes
- Difficulty cross-referencing data on speeding, warnings and parking charges
- Management broken down between several parties (suppliers, agencies, internal services)
“We needed a tool offering connectors to our suppliers to allow us to centralise information and automate reporting.”
How can group-wide fleet management software be deployed effectively?
Setting up GAC Car Fleet as part of a structured process
The project was broken down into two key phases:
- Installation and supplier connectors
Setting up automatic connectors with the various suppliers (fuel, electronic toll collection, financing) for seamless invoice imports.
- Training and personalised support
Four half-days of distance learning between July and November, with weekly monitoring by a GAC referent.
“The GAC team supported us every step of the way. Thanks to their support, we were able to customise the dashboard to meet our needs from the very outset.”
What changes can a centralised tool bring for managers on a day-to-day basis?
Tangible results: visibility, time savings and responsiveness
GAC Car Fleet is now a central management tool for the MCE Group. It allows:
- real-time monitoring of fleet status (consumption, offences, etc.);
- simplified management of awareness campaigns (speeding, roadworthiness test reminders, etc.);
- significant time savings identifying drivers (ANTAI);
- improved maintenance planning thanks to reminders.
“Our employees will be able to receive information on due dates for servicing, roadworthiness tests, etc. directly on their phones.”
How can you involve the whole company in a shared fleet management drive?
The tool is gradually being rolled out in a number of departments: central management, network management, finance, accounting, HR, purchasing, etc. It is also being rolled out at the various regional branches.
“Everyone will have access to information within their assigned scope: providing real leverage for autonomy and responsiveness.”
What are the next challenges for ensuring a better managed and more sustainable fleet?
A challenge for the future
With its fleet still predominantly diesel, MCE is already looking to the future. The consumption statistics integrated in the software will help identify which vehicles are eligible for conversion to electric or hybrid power.
“The software will help us consolidate all financial data relating to the vehicles and plan for the energy transition of our fleet.”