Inchcape Automotive has invested £1m in a new customer care initiative, which will see it offering a vehicle handover service direct to drivers.

The new service, due to be launched early next year, is the latest development in the comp-any’s aim to offer a cradle-to-grave business to business vehicle management service.

Part of the service will see drivers ‘talked through their car’ with attention drawn to vehicle safety and security features to help improve corporate drivers safety on the road.

As part of the new scheme, Inchcape has recruited 20 new staff, which, along with existing staff will undergo training to offer this service to drivers. The company has also purchased 40 new two-car transporters, which will enable staff to deliver cars direct to drivers’ destination of choice.

“The training programme being undertaken by existing drivers as well as new recruits will set new standards of customer service in the logistics industry,” says Graham Howes, sales and marketing director of Inchcape Automotive.

“Our vehicle delivery staff will be trained to demonstrate a variety of features fitted to vehicles to the driver. All cars are different and it is important that drivers have a knowledge of the fitted features before they take to the wheel.”

The addition of the new smaller car transporters will also enable staff to drive the vehicles without the need for an HGV licence.

Up until now Inchcape has been limited to just carrying out pre-delivery inspections on vehicles before transporting them in bulk to the dealer, contract hire and leasing company or rental business.

While Inchcape will continue to undertake the inspections, around 50,000 a year, the new service will see cars handed over direct to drivers.