Ten independent fleet card issuers from across Europe have joined forces to create Fleet Cards Europe (FCE), launched beginning of July. Based in Brussels, FCE has been engaging proactively with and educating EU policymakers on the features of fleet cards and on industry-related issues since its founding in 2021. FCE also provides members with first-hand intelligence on key topics, giving much-needed insights into regulatory changes.

FCE is a not-for-profit organisation representing a significant share of the market, founded by DKV Mobility, Edenred/UTA and Radius in 2021. The other full members of the association are: E100, Eurowag, FLEETCOR, Tankpool24 and WEX. The primary objective of FCE is to advocate on behalf of its members and the industry, monitoring and responding to relevant policy initiatives, and making a positive contribution to the policy debate. It also provides a forum for members to share research and best practice. Membership of FCE is open to independent players in the fleet cards market which are headquartered and operate in Europe.

We meet Sven Mehringer, Managing Director Energy & Vehicle Services at DKV Mobility and the first President of Fleet Cards Europe (FCE):

Newsroom:Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Sven Mehringer: "As Managing Director at DKV Mobility, I am in charge for the business unit Energy & Vehicle Services, and a member of the company Executive Board. Overall, I have been working for DKV Mobility for 17 years in various management positions."

Newsroom: What is FCE?

Sven Mehringer: "Fleet Cards Europe (FCE) is the voice of independent fleet card issuers as well as their customers in Europe. It was established in 2021, as a non-profit association to represent the interests of its members."

Newsroom: For those who aren’t familiar, what is a fleet card?

Sven Mehringer: "Fleet cards are like a multifunctional tool for every commercial driver, for the purpose of accessing vehicle-related goods and services, such as conventional and alternative energies, roadside assistance, toll charges, security services, parking, and ferry fees. They are available as classic fleet cards – i.e. as a physical card – but also increasingly in digital form so that products and services can be settled via an app."

Newsroom: DKV Mobility, is one of the three founders of FCE. What were the main drivers behind creating a European association?

Sven Mehringer: "We created a European association that acts jointly and promotes our common interests and those of our customers as we want our industry being represented at Brussels level. While EU regulation such as the Payment Services Directive and the Fit for 55 package are increasing, early engagement is the key to our ability to participate in debates on priority topics."

Newsroom: Tell us a little about the members?

Sven Mehringer: "With DKV Mobility, Edenred/UTA, E100, Eurowag, FLEETCOR, Radius, Tankpool24 and WEX we have currently eight full members, and with MultiTankcard & RMC Service two associate members who represent a significant share of the fleet cards market."

Newsroom: How is FCE membership benefiting DKV Mobility organisation?

Sven Mehringer: "It gives us a forum to share knowledge and best practice around key industry issues with other independent fleet card issuers. FCE membership also allows us to better monitor, evaluate and react to initiatives which affect our sector and our customers."

Newsroom: What are the main issues that FCE is looking at right now?

Sven Mehringer: "Topics with potential impact on the mobility sector. To us that is payments, VAT and sustainability. And for each topic, we have established a separate working group. Our Payments working group is looking at the harmonisation of the supervisory practices by national competent authorities (PSD2). Our VAT working group is concerned with the treatment of supplies and vehicle-related services by fleet card issuers from a VAT perspective. And our Sustainability working group is committed to being an agent of energy transition and working with the European road transport sector and policymakers to deliver on the ambitious emissions reductions."

Newsroom: If we look five years ahead, what do you hope to have achieved?

Sven Mehringer: "Five years from now, we want to be recognized as the voice of independent fleet card issuers in Europe, acting as a partner for policymakers on key topics that impact our customers, our industry and road transport in general."

Newsroom: What are the most exciting developments you expect to see in the fleet cards industry?

Sven Mehringer: "The impending energy transition will transform commercial road transport in Europe. Our task is to advise the decision-makers in this transformation and to shape the change positively so that our customers can continue to benefit from the advantages of a fleet card in the future and its use remains suitable for them in their everyday business."

Newsroom: How can interested parties become members of FCE?

Sven Mehringer: "We are always keen to have new members and have two membership options. To become a member, you can contact us via the contact form on our website www.fleetcardseurope.com or e-mail fleetcardseurope@humebrophy.com. "