MOBILE communication giant Orange has launched a massive new employee benefits scheme that offers its thousands of UK staff access to cut-price cars whether or not they are entitled to a company car or cash allowance.

Employees can get a quotation, gain credit approval, order a new car online and at the end of the contract they can pay the guaranteed future value and keep the car or return it with the choice of taking out a new scheme.

Called Driveaway, it is open to Orange's 14,000 staff and is launched in conjunction with vehicle management specialist Leasedrive Group, which has had a vehicle leasing and rental agreement in place with Orange since 1995.

Orange executives say the move is part of its philosophy of offering staff 'novel ideas' that attract people to work for the company and ensure staff retention.

Cathy Devereux, head of UK reward at Orange, said: 'As a company with a strong reputation for product and service innovation, we are constantly looking at novel ideas that make working for Orange even more enjoyable and attractive. We are sure it will prove to be extremely popular among all our employees.'

Leasedrive commercial director Roddy Graham said the company had been in discussion with Orange for some time about how it could introduce new employee benefits.

'This new scheme widens the employee benefits package for all employees and, by giving Orange staff access to great fleet deals, encourages them all to drive cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles,' Graham said.

Employees can choose from Renault or Mercedes-Benz vehicles as part of the arrangement and these are supplied with specially-negotiated manufacturer discounts.

Graham added: 'Unlike the majority of schemes, no deposit will be required. And as employees will be entering into a credit sale agreement, they will not be liable for benefit-in-kind tax.'

Driveaway has its own special website available through the Orange intranet site.