Fast & flexible: DLL & Degrocar rethink the rules of forklift financing

Industry: Industrial

As an important supplier in a crowded market, Degrocar, an exclusive Mitsubishi forklift distributor in Italy, has built a strong business around its dedicated dealer network. Keeping this network happy often requires thinking beyond industry conventions. “The Italian forklift market is massively competitive,” says Degrocar owner Giuliano De Grossoli. “We needed a fast and competent financial solutions partner to support us and help us grow our network. DLL has been that partner.”

“As the need for flexible financial solutions in Italy has grown, so has the need for operating leases,” says Roberto Savini, Sales Manager at Degrocar. “In addition to their expertise and wide range of financial solutions, DLL has been a proactive and helpful partner. They have worked closely with us to create market-specific proposals that cover all of our customers’ needs.”

Together with DLL, Degrocar has introduced two specific game changers to its extensive dealer network.The first, an operating leasing solution, offering competitive residual values and the best value for assets at the end of the leasing term. The second solution is a zero financing campaign developed in cooperation with Degrocar’s dealer network that enables its dealers (85% of which sell or rent forklifts to their customers) to purchase on credit with Degrocar paying the interest. After jointly analyzing the campaign with impressive results, it was made continuous. The campaign is adjusted each year to adapt to customer needs.

“Operating leasing requires investing a lot of time in the relationship with both manufacturers and dealers,” says Stefano Rebughini, Account Manager at DLL. “But it enables us to attract partners like Degrocar.”

Guiliano De Grossoli (left), Roberto Savini (center) and Gianluca Menni (right)

Like-minded partners
The collaboration between DLL and Degrocar began in 2011 and has since expanded yearly to more than 15 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

“From the start, it was clear that Degrocar wanted a different commercial approach,” adds Gianluca Menni, Country Sales Manager CT&I. “They have always been interested in new ideas and opportunities. Above all, they have sought out innovative and local financial products.”,

The partnership between DLL and Degrocar expanded recently to include a solution, designed by DLL’s Commercial finance experts, that focuses on financing the stock of Degrocar’s dealers.

“We were the first to introduce this financial tool to the Italian forklift market,” says Rebughini. “It is a labor-intensive solution, which is why a lot of financers avoid it, but it has clearly made Degrocar more competitive in the market.”

We were the first to introduce this financial tool to the Italian forklift market. It is a labor-intensive solution, which is why a lot of financers avoid it, but it has clearly made Degrocar more competitive in the market."

Broader scope
In its drive to innovate, Degrocar will continue to offer its dealer network unconventional solutions and ideas.“We have a more open approach than other players when it comes to financing: less restrictive, more personal,” says De Grossoli. “DLL has always been there for us, adding value and generating innovative and competitive offers that appeal to our customers and enable us to grow.”

De Grossoli paints a picture of a not-so-distant forklift industry future that offers the flexibility of a parking garage-both in the variety of vehicles offered and the terms of finance. This picture includes short-term rentals and low-threshold dealer contracts.

De Grossoli: “Degrocar and DLL share common desires: to grow and explore.”