Driving Dynamics has acquired the Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) from Element Fleet Management in a deal that will expand its own fleet driver training and preserve the fleet management company's safety offering to its own clients, Driving Dynamics has announced.

Under the terms of the deal, the two companies are forming a strategic alliance that seeks to provide continuation of CTS services for Element customers. CTS' general manager, Tony Vinciguerra, has joined Driving Dynamics' executive leadership team as the company's chief operating officer. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are thrilled to welcome CTS into Driving Dynamics," said Art Liggio, president and CEO. "It was a natural fit and represents an exciting step forward for our business. The move illustrates our confidence in the future of the fleet safety industry and provides us with the added scale to accelerate our plans for expansion."

Driving Dynamics will relocate CTS to Newark, Del. from its headquarters in Denver, but will maintain a small office in that city.

"Driver safety is a key pillar of Element’s fleet management offering, and we are innovating in safety with our in-house team and our partners to deliver advanced services to our customers," said Michele Cunningham, Element's senior vice president of products and services. "Driving Dynamics is singularly focused on the fleet safety market and a leader in behind-the-wheel training. With the CTS business under the Driving Dynamics banner, our customers can access a more robust behind-the-wheel driver training to meet a wide range of needs."

The acquisition expands Driving Dynamics' training offerings by beefing up behind-the-wheel and online training, as well as classroom instruction for various segments in the fleet industry. CTS' light-duty training will be added to its own portfolio. CTS also adds an training that allows drivers of heavy-duty trucks to qualify for their Commercial Drivers License.

As a result of the partnership, Element will now be able to offer its training at twice the number of locations.

As the company's new COO, Vinciguerra will be responsible for day-to-day operations. He will report to Liggio. They will work closely together to develop and direct Driving Dynamics' services, initiatives and resources in support of long-term growth, according to the company.

Vinciguerra began his career at PHH in 1992 and was named vice president of innovation and product management.