Karmo gains exclusive spot in Queensland’s Local Buy fleet scheme

Karmo has been approved as a pre-qualified supplier under the Queensland Government's Local Buy procurement program, enabling councils, educational institutions and state departments to access vehicle subscription services without undertaking the usual tender process.

Procurement access

Karmo is now listed in the Fleet Management Solutions (LB339) category as the first and only provider offering fleet subscription solutions. Organisations can now engage Karmo directly, avoiding the time and administrative burdens typically associated with open tenders. Direct engagement is expected to reduce both costs and procurement complexity for users.

The Local Buy programme is designed to facilitate easier procurement for Queensland government bodies by connecting them with pre-approved suppliers who have met standards covering financial stability, compliance, and capability. Pre-qualification under this scheme provides risk mitigation for councils and government bodies when contracting services.

Subscription benefits

Karmo's inclusion allows eligible organisations to access its fleet subscription model, supporting flexible and scalable fleet management strategies. Councils and agencies can trial electric vehicles (EVs), scale their vehicle numbers to fit changing operational requirements, and reduce exposure to large capital expenditure or residual asset risks often associated with vehicle ownership.

The company's approval helps organisations implement policy priorities, such as local and regional procurement, by accessing services aligned with government objectives. It also supports sustainability goals through easier EV trials and adoption. The Local Buy vetting process ensures suppliers like Karmo are compliant with insurance and regulatory requirements.

Market momentum

This development follows Karmo's continued expansion across Australia, with the company serving clients in corporate, fleet, and novated leasing sectors. Its car subscription approach replaces large upfront purchases or long-term leasing with regular payments and fleet flexibility, addressing a growing preference among organisations for adaptable access to vehicles.

"This is a major milestone for Karmo and an exciting step forward for the future of fleet management in Queensland. Government and local organisations can now access our subscription model easily and with confidence, knowing we are a pre-qualified supplier. While councils can still run a tender or EOI process if they wish, our pre-qualification helps streamline procurement, reduce costs, improve utilisation, and support sustainability goals, all without the usual administrative burden," said Nick Boucher, CEO and Co-Founder, Karmo.

Category creation

Karmo is also the first supplier to operate under Local Buy's new 'Subscription' category within fleet management. The company worked with Local Buy to enable this service model, reflecting growing interest in non-ownership-based mobility solutions within the public sector.

"We're proud that Local Buy recognised the value of subscription-based fleet models and even added a new 'Subscription' category following our discussions. It's a strong sign that flexible fleet access is becoming an essential part of how organisations, including the government, think about mobility," said Craig Corrigan, Sales Director, Karmo.