The scheme comprises two fleet management webtools designed for tablets, two free smartphone applications for drivers  and a substantial new social media presence covering the full breadth of its customer base, including small and large fleets.

Arval said the Smart Experience is designed to recognise the rapidly growing usage of mobile technology in the UK, with over 50% now using smartphones and tablet use expanding from 5% in 2012 to 43% of the population now.

The social media platforms that underpin the service are now online, including a consumer-like Facebook page and Twitter feed to communicate with and build relationships with drivers, a LinkedIn page containing advice for fleet operators and a YouTube channel containing advice videos for fleets.

The webtools will follow shortly. Arval Connect offers fleet operators quick access to useful information such as vehicle deliveries, local garages, invoices and fuel prices, while Arval Fleet View gives a top-down view of the way the fleet is operating. It can work out costs per vehicle, average CO2 emissions and how cars and vans are being used, with the ability to compare to past results.

For drivers, the Arval Mobile+ app replaces the traditional information pack and provides smartphone access to contracted services and their fleet policy, allows servicing to be booked from the handset and documents such as a driving licence and insurance details to be stored within the app.

A second app, named Arval Drive Challenge, is aimed at improving driver behaviour by providing feedback about braking, acceleration and speed on their journeys. Open to all drivers, not just Arval’s customers, scores can optionally be shared on a leaderboard and the company is planning prizes for the best performers.

Robert Pieczka, business development and marketing director at Arval, explained: ‘I think traditionally leasing companies have focused on a B2B relationship and provided a good service on a functional level, but nothing more.

‘What we’re trying to do is provide a new experience and, for drivers, go beyond providing good service and try and engage and communicate with them. In smaller companies the driver is often the decision maker, it’s the FD or the MD who drives the vehicle but they’re the decision maker as well.’

The Arval Smart Experience will continue to roll out during the second and third quarters of this year, not only in the UK but across the company’s 25 subsidiaries. As the service can be continually updated, additional functionality, including e-billing, can be added later.