A new product launched by Epyx enables vehicle leasing companies to offer an off-the-shelf service, maintenance and repair (SMR) solution for customers who lease cars and vans without maintenance.

It is integrated into the company’s 1link Service Network platform and offers an online vehicle maintenance booking, authorisation and billing tool, connected to a national network of garages.

For leasing companies, it is designed to provide a new revenue stream and increase the number of touch points with customers thus aiding customer retention. 

Adoption is straight-forward for leasing companies already working with Epyx, it says, as it utilises existing 1link processes, garage network and data formats. 

For customers leasing cars and vans without maintenance, the new pay-as-you-go offering allows them to control SMR on their fleet.

They can manage all work online, approve or decline any recommendations made by garages, and benefit from pre-agreed labour rates and parts discounts negotiated by leasing companies, says Epyx.

It also enables them to diarise when actions such as servicing and MOTs are needed, find the most suitable garage, make bookings through the platform, have invoices checked through Epyx’s rules engine and then receive a single monthly invoice for vehicle finance and maintenance.

Tim Meadows (pictured), commercial director, said: “Some leasing companies see up to a third of their vehicles leased without maintenance, with the trend seemingly increasing.

“By offering a maintenance solution for these clients, leasing companies will be able to give control to the customers and build an ongoing relationship.

“Importantly, as well as accessing a new revenue stream, the new product provides a greater opportunity to retain these customers at end of contract whilst protecting the vehicle residual value.”