We don’t just manage cars - we solve problems

An interview with Laura Lukács, CEO of KÉSZ&GO, our fleet management company

Let’s start with the basics: many people still think of a company car merely as a perk or a tool. What does a well-run corporate fleet actually mean today?

A well-managed fleet is a key component of efficient operations within a larger company. On the one hand, it’s a work tool, as it’s indispensable for many employees’ daily work. On the other hand, it’s also part of the employee experience: for many people, a company car reflects how they’re valued within the organization and how comfortably, safely, and predictably they can work.

The true value of a car often becomes apparent when it’s out of commission. If a colleague can’t make it to a meeting, a construction site, or a client, this can have business consequences. Fleet management is therefore not simply about cars, but about operational reliability, time, and predictability.

It’s a perennial question: When does a company reach the point where fleet management can no longer be handled as a side task, but should instead be entrusted to an expert partner?

This isn't necessarily just a matter of size. Many people think that fleet management is only necessary when there are dozens or hundreds of cars, but that's not always true. In certain industries, such as construction, even with just a few vehicles—as few as two or three—expert support can be a huge help, because a delay, a maintenance issue, or an ill-timed breakdown can immediately impact the work. Let me give you an example from our own experience: the KÉSZ Group works at special construction sites, one of which is an airport, where the process of obtaining permits to register even a single vehicle is very rigorous; however, due to tight deadlines, downtime is simply not an option. We solved this by having multiple cars from the fleet go through the authorization process in advance, so that if any car becomes unavailable, we can immediately provide a replacement; and as long as this isn’t needed, we can utilize them in other areas.

If a company executive, HR professional, finance specialist, or administrative staff member is already regularly occupied with sending cars to the shop, handling insurance matters, tracking tire replacements, coordinating accident claims, or monitoring upcoming vehicle inspections, it’s worth considering entrusting this task to a specialized partner. The goal is for the company to be able to focus on its core business while ensuring that its mobility infrastructure operates reliably. I believe this is a win-win situation for everyone.

Compared to large fleet management companies, how can KÉSZ&GO be a more flexible, personalized, or responsive partner?

One of KÉSZ&GO’s key advantages is that we don’t think in terms of templates. Large fleet management companies often have very rigid processes that are efficient but don’t fit every situation. In contrast, we work closely with our clients, understand their practical needs, and can respond quickly.

With our strong team of experts, nationwide partner network, and our own experience, we’re equipped to handle a wide variety of vehicle needs. We don’t just focus on passenger cars: whether it’s a light truck, construction equipment, a specialty vehicle, or even a unique procurement request, we’ll find a solution that works. We’ve already sourced LEVC vehicles from the UK market, Ferraris, Dakar Porsches, and MAN trucks for our partners.

For us, flexibility means not only speed but also expert advice. We help clients choose the vehicle that best suits their specific tasks, usage patterns, and budget. We have locations in both Budapest and Kecskemét—with our own service facilities in Kecskemét—and our nationwide partner network ensures that clients don’t have to go through unnecessary hassle.

What burdens does KÉSZ&GO take off the shoulders of company executives, HR, finance, and administrative teams?

Fleet management involves a multitude of back-office tasks that may seem minor on the surface but, taken together, require a great deal of time and attention. These include scheduling service and technical inspection appointments, handing over and picking up vehicles, managing fuel cards, handling claims, dealing with comprehensive and third-party liability insurance matters, handling company car tax administration, and even arranging for a replacement vehicle.

The essence of KÉSZ&GO is that these tasks are managed by a single point of contact in an organized and transparent manner. The customer doesn’t have to deal separately with service providers, repair shops, insurance companies, and administrative deadlines; instead, they have an expert partner who coordinates the entire process.

What do customers value most: predictable costs, fast service, comprehensive operational support, or the fact that fleet-related matters simply run smoothly?

I think it’s all of these things together. Of course, predictable costs, quick response times, and professional support are important, but ultimately, what customers value most is that fleet-related matters don’t take time and energy away from their own operations.

With us, clients have a dedicated fleet manager partner they can turn to for vehicle purchases, during the lease term, for service-related questions, or in the event of unexpected problems. In everyday life, it’s often these situations that really matter: for example, when someone notices that their car is showing a service warning but plans to drive it abroad in a few days. In such cases, the client doesn’t need to panic or make a flurry of phone calls—they just need to let us know, and we’ll find a solution.

One unique aspect of KÉSZ&GO’s operations is that you don’t just manage a car fleet—you also operate a sailboat on Lake Balaton that’s available for rent. How does this service fit into the company’s profile?

For us, mobility doesn’t stop on land. The sailboat rental in Lake Balaton is a unique but very popular part of KÉSZ&GO’s operations. On the one hand, it clearly demonstrates the diversity of our group of companies; on the other hand, it offers a genuine experience to partners, colleagues, and even private renters.

The boat is suitable for corporate team-building events, client programs, and outings with friends or family. It can also be rented with a captain, making the Lake Balaton experience accessible even to those without sailing experience. The feedback has been excellent: it’s popular both within our corporate group and among external partners because it offers an exclusive yet accessible program option.

This is really just a small, colorful addition to our fleet management activities, but it clearly reflects the approach we take: we seek solutions in mobility, service, and experience alike.

For more details, browse through our brochure (PDF).

Finally, a personal question: You’ve worked in fleet management before, including in a government setting. What did you bring from that experience to your role leading KÉSZ&GO?

Previously, I led the Vehicle Operations Department at Nébih, where we managed roughly 300 vehicles: passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and even the boats of the State Fishery Guard Service. This involved a wide variety of operational situations, often requiring quick decisions, strict regulations, and a strong focus on costs.

What I definitely took away from that experience is the importance of disciplined, cost-effective operations, quick response times, and teamwork. Fleet management works well when everyone behind the scenes knows exactly what they’re supposed to do, and the customer or vehicle user feels safe, knows they have someone to turn to, and is confident their problem will be resolved.

Within KÉSZ Group, what does it mean to have our own fleet management company? How does this benefit our colleagues more than an external service provider?

The biggest advantages of having our own fleet management company are proximity and flexibility. We have an inside-out understanding of KÉSZ Group’s operations, projects, geographic presence, and internal needs. This is a huge difference compared to a large external fleet management company, where operations are often restricted to rigid, predefined processes.

For example, we don’t just send our colleagues an email reminder about a vehicle inspection or service appointment—we also help them find a time and location that’s most convenient for them. When a new project launches anywhere in the country, we reach out to service partners in the area so that our colleagues spend as little time as possible traveling and handling administrative tasks.

Of course, we’d also like it if, in the long run, all requests came through the designated internal processes, but in reality, urgent situations do arise. For example, it might come to light on a Friday afternoon that a new employee needs a car by Monday morning. These aren’t ideal situations, but our job in such cases is to find a solution.

How important is direct contact in day-to-day operations—the fact that colleagues know the fleet team, can ask them for advice, and can call them directly if needed?

It matters a great deal. Colleagues know who to turn to, and they’re not talking to a faceless customer service department, but to people who know how the group operates and understand the technical aspects of fleet management. Their names are synonymous with KÉSZ&GO, and I’m very happy about that—this directness adds a lot on a personal level.

The team is professionally competent, flexible, and solution-oriented. In many cases, we don’t just handle requests—we also offer advice: what kind of car would be suitable for a specific task, what to do in the event of an accident, how to quickly schedule a service appointment, or what administrative details to keep in mind. This direct connection relieves a great deal of stress and uncertainty for our colleagues.

In everyday car use, where is KÉSZ&GO’s role most evident: in maintenance, tire replacement, claims settlement, insurance, loaner cars, roadside assistance, or simply in providing faster, more personalized service?

I think it’s in all of these areas, but perhaps the personal touch is the most important. We don’t just manage processes—we resolve situations. We book service appointments, arrange tire changes, assist with claims, provide a loaner car when needed, and, if necessary, walk our customers through exactly what they need to do.

An accident, for example, is a very stressful situation. In such cases, the driver may be so flustered that they suddenly can’t find their registration, or don’t know how to fill out the blue-and-yellow accident report form. If they call our fleet manager in such a situation, they’ll get help: we’ll tell them what to look out for, what information to record, what photos to take, and what the next step is. Sometimes a few kind words, a cup of coffee, and quick follow-up can make a huge difference.

Learn more about our fleet management service on our website: Fleet Operation