THE world's largest online grocer Tesco.com is to evaluate a fleet management system from Fleetstar Information Systems. Tesco.com will investigate the potential benefits of using the technology to improve on-time delivery to its 250,000 customers while maintaining the operational efficiency of its 600-plus van fleet, one of the largest direct home delivery fleets in the UK.

Tesco is to trial the latest Fleetstar fleet management system, launched in 2000 with GPS tracking technology in addition to a specially developed GSM module, supported by the Trafficmaster telematics platform. Peter Johnson, managing director, Fleetstar Information Systems, added: 'We hope that this trial could be the start of a lasting relationship as we work together to help improve the control and management of the vehicle fleet utilised within this service.'

Meanwhile, Tesco has introduced a new vehicle to its home delivery fleet after complaints from wealthy customers about its fleet of vans. The firm is trialling the use of a Range Rover, complete with a fridge in the back, to avoid embarrassing customers by providing Tesco food from the back of a van.

A spokesman for the firm said: 'We had some feedback from customers saying that they did not want a white van outside their home. We had a word with Range Rover and they supplied us with a vehicle with a fridge in the back. It is just at the testing stage at the moment and we will make a decision based on the benefit to the customers.' The firm has fleet of 600 vans, manufactured by Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.