NATWEST has become the latest high street bank to launch a branded fleet finance and management operation. The establishment of NatWest Vehicle Solutions follows the launch of Lloyds Bank's Black Horse Vehicle Management Services, Barclays' creation of Barclays Vehicle Management Services, while HSBC, owner of Midland Bank, operates Swan National.

NatWest Vehicle Solutions is headed up by senior executive David Abernethy, and is responsible for satisfying the vehicle finance and management requirements of the bank's business customers. Services offered include a straight forward loan, hire purchase, finance lease, contract hire and fleet management.

The contract hire services will be provided by Lombard, which already owns or part-owns the UK's two largest contract hire companies, Lex Vehicle Leasing and British Car Contracts, which count some 150,000 vehicles between them. It also has its own branded leasing operation Lombard Contract Hire.