OIL and gas giant Shell has launched an initiative to offer vehicle finance to fleet drivers opting for personal motoring schemes instead of company cars.

The multinational's financial services arm, Shell Capital, will offer PCP and hire purchase funding through new and used car dealerships under the venture.

Retail buyers will be the core focus of the service, branded Shell Auto Finance, but the company is not ruling out future fleet developments. Shell will not initially offer servicing as part of the package, but customers can opt for other extra products, through Shell Executive Plan.

This offers early termination insurance, GAP insurance and payment protection, along with breakdown cover from Green Flag. Shell Auto Finance will also offer incentives to potential customers through the new Shell pluspoints programme.

At a number of participating dealerships, customers will be guided through their finance decision-making via direct contact with Shell using video conferencing screens.

Richard Whitton, Shell vice-president of vehicle finance, said: 'Shell is in a strong position to offer relevant motoring packages to the customer. There are no current plans to launch full service leasing, but we are a large and well-resourced financial services company and we continue to research possibilities in many areas.'