As well as the management of Centrica’s 13,000-strong van fleet, the new contract covers the supply and management of 2,000 company cars, with Hitachi Capital’s Daily Rental team handling the daily rental requirements too.

The new contract follows Hitachi Capital’s complete overhaul and upgrade of Centrica’s Driver Risk Management System to identify and target support and intervention to its “higher risk” fleet drivers who were incurring higher maintenance costs or involved in accidents.

The new system offers real-time insight for Centrica’s 1,000 line managers; enabling them to obtain individual driver ratings, helping Centrica transform its road safety record by reducing work-related accidents in 2012 by 10% and delivering significant accident damage savings.

As part of the relationship, Hitachi Capital and British Gas are also working together with Nissan on the development of its 100% electric eNV200 van that promises to reduce CO2 and running costs for fleet operators.

British Gas fleet manager Colin Marriott said: ‘The partnership has been great for us and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Hitachi Capital. We run a large fleet and its smooth operation supported by Hitachi Capital allows us to continue to deliver a great service to our customers. We’re now looking forward to building on the relationship in the next five years.’

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions chief executive Simon Oliphant added: ‘We’re delighted to have signed this new contract and to maintain a partnership with a flagship organisation. We’re strongly committed to delivering on-going cost savings and driving cutting edge innovative fleet solutions to ensure continuous contract performance and we look forward to carrying on this work throughout this contract.’