HIGHWAY Vehicle Leasing has taken over operational responsibility for the 4,000-strong White Arrow external contract hire fleet. The move, according to Highway Vehicle Leasing managing director Colin McLean will significantly improve customer support and provide the added benefits of on-line technology.

Highway Vehicle Leasing, which operates 14,000 vehicles was bought by General Guarantee, the finance division of retail giant General Universal Stories earlier this year . At the time of the acquisition, estimated to have cost GUS around £35 million, the company said Worcester-based White Arrow Contract Hire would remain completely separate from Highway.

The Highway Vehicle Leasing computer system will be used provide operational and administrative support for the White Arrow fleet, and White Arrow customers will have immediate access to Highway Vehicle Leasing's sophisticated systems and on-line technology to deliver an improved range of quotation and information services.

Worcester-based White Arrow will retain its sales force, but as a result of day-to-day vehicle management and driver support functions moving to Highway Vehicle Leasing's Stirling operations centre a new company, Highway White Arrow, has been formed.