THE re-branding of Fleetlease to Hitachi Capital was marked with a purple extravaganza at the group's headquarters in Newbury.

Staff chose to wear purple for the day to mark the occasion which has seen Fleetlease become Hitachi Capital in a bid to consolidate the trading divisions of Hitachi Capital under one umbrella organisation.

Oliphant said: 'Unifying all the businesses under one brand better enables us to offer customers the combined knowledge, expertise and resources of the group. We had also out-grown the name Fleetlease, which no longer reflects the diversity of corporate and driver services we provide.'

Hitachi Capital has also become the latest group to join the 1link Service Network. Martyn Gallop, operations director at Hitachi Capital, said: 'This will enable us to communicate in a more efficient and effective manner with our customers and service providers.

'We expect the 1link service to provide real competitive advantages for us, saving us both time and money.'

Hitachi Capital will use the service network to notify, book and confirm its fleet service requirements via the internet for both its drivers and service outlets.