FLEET managers are to get a revolutionary new 'instant' information service from Volkswagen.

The electronic system, due to be launched in July, is claimed to dramatically cut the time it takes staff at the company's fleet business centre to deal with enquiries.

Called FIRST – for fleet instant response solutions tool – the computer gadgetry will also reduce the cost of running the Milton Keynes-based business operation.

The brainchild of communications manager Tracey Nolan, FIRST has been designed to replace the system of dealing with customer information enquiries by sending brochures in the post. Instead, extensive computer data will be accessed and emailed in seconds.

Fleet marketing manager Cheryle Kateley said: 'We think this is unique in Europe. It has obviously entailed an investment in setting up, but in the long term, it will save us money as well as allowing us to offer customers a major improvement in service.

'Sending brochures is no longer relevant to the people we deal with. Fleet managers are busy people for whom time is precious. They no longer have the time to wait for the post to arrive.'

  • Subscribe to Fleet News.
  • Get the news delivered to your desktop