KWIK-FIT Fleet has taken the lead in the race to provide fleets with fixed cost tyre policies. The fast-fit giant has won what is believed to be the first ever outsourced tyre management contract for a car fleet, in a three year deal with Lex Vehicle Leasing.

The solus contract will see Lex pay Kwik-Fit Fleet a fixed, pre-determined monthly payment for tyres on a per vehicle basis, for its near 80,000 strong fleet. The payment is based on tyre size and the length of the car's fleet contract, and will allow Lex to budget for the precise cost of its entire tyre replacement policy.

Other major fleet operators have shown keen interest in the programme, and Kwik-Fit Fleet expects to have signed over 200,000 vehicles to the service within the next month. The initiative is similar to one announced by ATS a fortnight ago, although ATS has yet to sign up a customer.