KONICA Business Machines (UK) is to replace its 400-strong mixed-badge fleet with Vauxhalls. Konica group facilities manager Keith Smith said the company would continue to use existing contract hire suppliers Masterdrive Leasing & Rental and Lex Vehicle Leasing, choosing between the two according to which offered the best deals at any one time.

The initial 26 Vauxhalls - a mix of Astra and Vectra estates and hatchbacks for the company's engineers - have been supplied by Masterdrive Leasing & Rental, through Vauxhall Business Centre Toomey Motors of Basildon.

The Masterdrive vehicles are on three-year contract hire agreements incorporating Masterdrive's MasterShare open accounting service. The deal includes full maintenance and Masterdrive's MasterAssist accident management programme, with replacement vehicles in the case of accident or breakdown supplied by Masterdrive Vehicle Rental.