GE Capital Fleet Services' 'satellite revolution' has received the backing of transport minister Lord Whitty. The ground-breaking product will see GECFS track vehicle mileages, and give its customers the chance to monitor their vehicles' locations and journey routes using global positioning satellite technology and GSM communication technology.

'Products such as this are valuable in helping to ensure that cars on the road are used as efficiently as possible,' said Whitty. 'With benefits for the environment, productivity, and UK competitiveness, these types of technological advances are to be applauded.'

GECFS has now equipped 50 demonstrator cars with the satellite technology for fleets interested in better management control of their vehicles. Route-mapping applications of the satellite technology enable fleets to monitor their drivers' journeys, raising the possibility of better safety and environmental management. Exception reporting, for example, will identify how many times a driver exceeded the national speed limit.