SPORTSWEAR manufacturer Reebok has taken a step towards controlling fleet costs more efficiently with a new three-year deal with Whitechapel, the car ownership specialists of Lloyds TSB autolease.

The £1.5 million contract will see Reebok take 120 vehicles through Whitechapel under an employer-sponsored car ownership scheme. Drivers will effectively own their cars, so they will not incur benefit-in-kind tax for receiving a vehicle.

Barry Leach, financial director at Reebok, said: 'Whitechapel listened and responded to our company requirements, providing us with a tailored car ownership scheme enabling our employees to benefit from tax savings, which they can bank or use to invest in a higher specification vehicle.

'There is also the option for employees to upgrade or downgrade to a vehicle that suits their individual requirements, whilst avoiding any unnecessary increases in cost.'

Emma Richardson, relationship manager at Whitechapel, who played a key role in developing the scheme, said: 'Whitechapel realises that there is no unilateral car ownership scheme that applies to every organisation.

'Reebok's individual requirements were first and foremost in developing a tailored scheme, which has already been implemented and is to be rolled out across the whole fleet over the next 12 months. The contract win with Reebok is significant as it demonstrates Whitechapel's ability to supply and service the fleet needs of a wide and diverse customer base.'