Strong 2005 Results

6 February 2006

Alphabet has had a successful year in 2005. The international provider of fleet services increased its units under management by 39.8% to over 138,487. Reasons for growth include the expansion o account management and customer service, close customer co-operation, and a strong international network.

Alphabet, an international provider of fleet services, re-ported strong year-end results in 2005. Having delivered the 100,000th car under man-agement in the first half year, Alphabet’s units grew steadily to a fourth quarter total of 138,487 units under management. This 39.8 percent growth rate compared to 2004 helps Alphabet solidify its position in the fiercely competitive fleet market and makes it one of the fastest-growing international fleet service providers.

“Overall, I am pleased with our progress in 2005”, said Karl-Heinz Kral, Head of Alphabet. “Because of our professional, motivated team, we have won new customers and strength-ened relationships with existing customers in all countries. We harmonised our products and services across markets, and with e-business extensions, we have laid the path for innovations to serve our customers even better.”

One such e-business extension is an upgrade to AlphabetOnline, a web-based tool that allows fleet managers to download consolidated international and national reports. Online car configuring and ordering has been added to AlphabetOnline in Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Germany and Italy. In France, a new contract management system was implemented that allows more product flexibility as well as access to AlphabetOnline.

“Another reason for our continuous growth is our close international teamwork and coop-eration among countries. Our sales and marketing organisation is a good example. The local teams are the in-country knowledge experts and provide local account management. The international team streamlines communication, and supports the countries, and pro-vides account management to customers with global fleets. Customers benefit from a lo-cal-to-international overview of their fleets,” said Karl-Heinz Kral.

Alphabet places great importance in learning from customers and providing them with fleet intelligence. During 2005, the company held its fourth annual Fleet Intelligence Forum in Barcelona to bring international fleet managers together to discuss fleet trends and share best practices. Through events like this, Alphabet learns its customers needs and creates tailor-made solutions. One such product is AlphaDrive, the first international employee car scheme for employees entitled to cash allowances that was launched in 2005 and is cur-rently available in the UK, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

In closing, Mr. Kral stated, “It’s because of our people that we have made good progress over the past year. Every Alphabet team member makes the difference in how we perform and their skills, talents and determination are the driving force behind our success, both now and in the future.”

Alphabet International Contact: Catherine Lindner on +49 89 382 52141