LEASE Plan has launched a new area of its internet service for fleets called Lease Plan Driver as part of a rapid expansion of its e-commerce services.

The new online magazine has been designed to enhance the level of service the company can provide to drivers and fleet managers.

It will be available through the Lease Plan website but the service can also be 'plugged in' to companies own intranet sites.

The service includes an exclusive driver loyalty programme, offering discounts on areas including servicing and windscreen replacement, not only to fleet drivers, but their families and friends as well.

It is an extension of the site that won Lease Plan the Supplier Website Of The Year Award at the Fleet News Awards.

Drivers will also be able to purchase ex-lease cars from the site, generate personal leasing quotations on a new vehicle and see the effect of the new CO2-based company car tax system on their tax bill.

For drivers heading abroad, there is also a service which provides information on documentation drivers might need, while a vehicle launch section is also included.

A news section also allows the fleet manager to add important messages for staff if necessary to keep them informed and the service includes a question and answer section which can deal with the most common queries from drivers, saving the fleet manager from numerous calls from drivers.

Jianni Geras, Lease Plan's head of marketing, said: 'Over the past few months, we have seen a significant increase in the number of visits by drivers to our website.

'By launching this new service and making it available to customers through their intranet sites, we feel we have provided fleet managers with an important platform for reducing fleet administration and paperwork and improving efficiency, while enhancing communication with drivers.

'Lease Plan's strategy has been to establish and maintain long-term

partnerships with its customers through the delivery of innovative fleet management solutions and technology is a critical part of this strategy.'

• To access the Lease Plan site click on the Buyers' guide menu button (left) and go to the Lease Plan section.