Shepherd Facilities Management has reduced its fleet costs by around 20% by opting for Lex Autolease’s ‘Driveaway’ vehicles.

The move follows Shepherd Facilities Management's recent contract win to deliver mechanical and electrical maintenance to TNT Express, the global express delivery company.

Noel Clancy, CEO of Shepherd Facilities Management, said: “Winning a contract with TNT Express was a real achievement for us, but meant we had to quickly re-evaluate our commercial vehicle assets.

"The process of ordering vehicles and then having them fitted out separately can be lengthy and costly, so Lex Autolease’s ‘Driveaway’ offering proved the perfect solution.

"The vehicles were ready to be driven as soon as they were delivered, meaning our drivers were out on the road doing their job as quickly as possible. 

“Not only have ‘Driveaway’ vehicles saved us time and money – we’ve calculated around 20% – but the standard of the fit out is superb. Our mobile engineering team rely on the best equipment, and the industry-standard racking is perfect to transport it safely.”

The nine ‘Driveaway’ vehicles are Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive models and have been taken on a four-year sole supply agreement. They will be used by the mobile engineering team to travel between TNT Express’s 70 UK sites.

The racking has been designed in partnership with industry bodies to transport essential kit and equipment safely.

Lex Autolease launched its ‘Driveaway’ product last April, with industry-specific models currently available for construction, facilities management, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

David Roe, relationship manager at Lex Autolease, said: “Our ‘Driveaway’ product was designed with precisely companies like Shepherd FM in mind.

"The availability of professional commercial vehicles, with a quick turnaround time and representing good value for money, is essential for businesses looking to expand and capitalise on the economic recovery."