Our Managing Director, Önder Erdem, Evaluates the Sector for TOKKDER
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Our General Manager, Önder Erdem, answered questions in the May-June issue of TOKKDER Magazine, offering a broad perspective ranging from digital solutions reshaping customer experience to environmentally friendly fleet strategies. Enjoy reading…
2025 will be a year in which the global economy continues its search for stability. Due to the fight against inflation, the effects of tight monetary policies, and geopolitical tensions, growth expectations are expected to remain at a cautious level. In this environment of uncertainty, the business world is increasingly turning toward more flexible, efficient, and sustainable models.
In Türkiye, despite ongoing uncertainties, the economic outlook points to a controlled rebalancing process. Access to financing, cost management, and predictability continue to play a decisive role in business decision-making processes. During this period, companies are seeking alternative business models to use their resources more efficiently and reduce operational burdens.
2024 was marked by strong growth for the operational vehicle leasing sector. According to TOKKDER data, the sector expanded its fleet by adding 69,700 vehicles through new vehicle investments totaling TRY 95.8 billion, increasing its total asset size to TRY 280.2 billion. These developments clearly demonstrate the rapidly growing interest of companies in operational leasing models. Today, operational leasing is no longer only a model that provides financial advantages for businesses; it is also becoming a strategic preference that supports operational efficiency. Rising vehicle costs, limitations in access to financing, and uncertainties in the markets are driving companies toward models that allow them to manage their resources in a more flexible and predictable way instead of taking on major investment burdens. In this context, we foresee that the transition from purchasing vehicles to leasing models will become even more widespread in the coming years.
We do not see digitalization merely as a technological transformation. For us, it is a strategic area that transforms the way we do business and redefines the relationship we build with our customers. We have implemented many digital investments that both improve customer experience and increase our internal operational efficiency.
Over the last two years, we transformed our website into a user-oriented, simplified, and easily accessible platform while also renewing Hedefnet, our web-based application that enables fleet managers to manage operational and financial processes more effectively. During the same period, we redesigned our mobile application Copilot to simplify daily processes for vehicle users and provide ease of use along with a strong user experience.
Most recently, we went beyond integrating technology into our processes and launched a new step designed to make customer experience smarter and more efficient: Bilge. Our AI-powered digital assistant Bilge was designed not only as an assistant, but also as a guide for our customers throughout every stage of the leasing journey.
For us, digitalization is a living process. We see it as a transformation tool that touches customers, simplifies our work, increases efficiency, and creates value. With this perspective, we continuously improve all our digital channels by considering both technological developments and user feedback. Our goal is to make life easier for our customers while increasing our company’s efficiency. In line with this vision, we continue to invest and evolve.
According to TOKKDER data, the share of light commercial vehicles in the operational leasing sector increased from 6.9% in 2023 to 7.4% by the end of 2024. This increase clearly demonstrates companies’ growing preference for leasing models in this segment. The main reason behind this trend is businesses’ tendency to act more cautiously in response to economic fluctuations. In particular, rising vehicle purchase costs and increasing maintenance and operational burdens are driving companies toward alternative solutions that help preserve cash flow.
Just as operational leasing provides financial flexibility for passenger vehicles, the same approach is now becoming valid for light commercial vehicles as well. Companies that prefer receiving services through variable costs instead of making fixed investments are able to manage their budgets more effectively while also reducing operational risks. This trend is not limited to large-scale companies; SMEs are also increasingly adopting this model.
As Hedef Filo, we closely follow this transformation. In response to growing demand, we continue to expand the capacity of our light commercial vehicle fleet and offer solutions that address different segment and equipment needs. We make a difference by providing more flexible leasing periods, rapid maintenance support, and alternative plans that ensure operational continuity specifically for these vehicles.
We anticipate that the importance of light commercial vehicles within fleet management will continue to grow in the coming years. As Hedef Filo, we are strengthening our service infrastructure in this area accordingly.
Leaving a livable world for future generations is not only a responsibility but also one of the core elements of our business model. With this understanding, we integrate sustainability into both our operational processes and our service portfolio.
One of the key milestones in our electric vehicle transition journey was the addition of 400 electric vehicles to TikTak’s fleet in 2021. These vehicles represented a remarkable example not only for the scale of our fleet but also for the sector as a whole. In fact, this purchase accounted for more than half of the related automotive brand’s electric vehicle sales in Türkiye that year. This experience paved the way for further investments that would strengthen our sustainable mobility vision.
Another important step we took in line with this vision was Voltify, our subsidiary focused on environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Established in 2023 with the aim of creating a sustainable and innovative mobility ecosystem while also contributing to Türkiye’s transition to electric vehicles, Voltify today serves more than 300 corporate customers with a portfolio exceeding 1,000 electric vehicles. We currently manage 30% of all rental electric vehicles operating in Türkiye.
Through Voltify, we make access to electric vehicles easier for both individual and corporate users while also contributing to the widespread adoption of this transformation across society.
In the coming period, we will continue to work on projects aimed at reducing our environmental impact and involving our customers in this transformation. Green transformation is no longer just a preference; it is a necessity for the business world. As Hedef Filo, we remain committed to being one of the pioneering institutions taking responsibility in this transformation.
Fleet management is no longer only about supplying vehicles; it has evolved into a strategic service that reduces companies’ operational burdens. The continuous increase in the number of vehicles in the sector is encouraging companies to leave these processes to expert hands. We observe a similar trend among our customers: they no longer want to deal with the daily operations of their fleets and instead prefer to focus entirely on their core business.
At this point, as Hedef Filo, we step in by offering end-to-end fleet management solutions. From vehicle selection and procurement to periodic maintenance and tire replacement, from fuel and penalty management to damage and motor vehicle tax processes, we manage all operations under one roof.
By providing all these services through a single point of contact and integrating them with our digital infrastructure, we maximize operational efficiency for companies.
As a result, our customers achieve a more predictable and efficient workflow while saving both time and costs. We offer not only vehicles, but also expertise, operational convenience, and peace of mind.
Today, keeping pace with the speed of business requires not only the right vehicle, but also the right management approach. As Hedef Filo, we continue to be a reliable business partner at this very point.
