DETAILS of ways to give more companies access to the fleet and leasing industry's universal business language system are to be revealed at a FleetNet open day next week. The aim is to enable a massive expansion of the system's capabilities to allow input from companies not currently involved.

FleetNet is a collaborative venture of more than 100 automotive companies under which a unique code number identifying every vehicle model on the road has been developed. Its goal is to enable paperless instant communication and business transactions between companies while minimising risks of misunderstanding or error as vehicle ranges and derivatives increase.

Since 1993, CAP Motor Research, the technical developer of the project, has assigned more than 24,000 vehicles with a unique 23-digit FleetNet code identifying critical details, from engine size to door configurations and technical or mechanical information.

However, according to Alan Senior, CAP technical editor, concern exists across the industry that too many companies remain excluded from the FleetNet communications system whether for technical reasons or lack of awareness of the benefits. Senior said: 'To enable everybody who needs to transact or communicate in this way to be brought on board could risk making a single universal model code massively cumbersome. The new emphasis is on the maintenance of a basic code into which can be added plug-ins to suit even the most specialised participants.'

FleetNet is holding an open day/annual meeting at the Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield on March 4. For further details call FleetNet on 01606 892478.