Developed by Mycompanyfleet, the automotive division of global HR solutions provider NorthgateArinso, the Vehicle Condition Profiler online solution allows fleet managers to send vehicle condition reports, typically 6-12 monthly, to leasing companies, matching vehicles to photographs they upload onto the system. This enables the leasing company to then assess their condition and identify any vehicles that may be subject to higher-than-expected end-of contract charges.

At the same time, the new solution also allows leasing companies themselves to log on to the system and rate the condition of the vehicles against their scale of end-of-contract charges to ensure there are no hidden surprises for fleet managers.

Business development manager Paul Jackson explained: 'Typically, we find that the type of vehicles most likely to face end-of-contract charges is one that has been passed on to one driver from another who has left or moved within the business.

'These are not cars that the drivers really want so they don't look after to them as well as some of their colleagues who actually have their preferred vehicle.

'By using Vehicle Condition Profiler, these vehicles can be easily identified and the drivers who are causing the problems accurately pinpointed. This allows the fleet manager to make a more informed decision on what work needs to take place before the contract expires and to ensure excessive charges are not incurred,' he said.

'This can take the form of carrying out any necessary repairs required, or even switching drivers into different vehicles,' he added.