Toyota and Lexus have signed up to use the 1link Service Network e-commerce platform to enable increased levels of menu pricing across their franchise network as part of their new fleet strategy.

The move is designed to provide greater price transparency and enhanced service levels – and is as part of a new Fleet Charter outlining commitments in both sales and after sales which fleet customers can expect to receive from Toyota and Lexus.

The Fleet Charter was announced to fleets at a conference held in December at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. At present, there are 233 locations in the Toyota and Lexus network of which 90 are Business Centres specialising in fleet.

Ewan Shepherd (pictured), general manager of fleet and remarketing at Toyota and Lexus, explained: “Delivering a great after sales experience to fleet customers is key to Toyota and Lexus and our new Fleet Charter is designed to ensure that we are providing pricing and service levels that meet and exceed customer expectations.

“Using 1link e-commerce technology for menu pricing is an important element of this, providing the means for us to take complete control over service and maintenance content.

“Our strategy is to offer maximum capped labour and oil rates with a guaranteed parts discount and maximum MOT charge out. It is all about being as transparent with fleets as possible.”

Signing up to menu pricing with Toyota and Lexus does not place restrictions on fleets which may conflict with existing agreements.

Gary Gibson, head of customer services at epyx, the company behind 1link, said: “Using our technology to take control of menu pricing in this way is a proven way in which epyx can help manufacturers to increase the attractiveness of their franchise networks to fleet customers.

“We are very pleased to be working with Toyota on this project and look forward to achieving strong results.”