The Highland Council has selected Automotive Leasing, the specialist public sector division of fleet management company LeasePlan, to provide 350 commercial vehicles across its fleet.

Following an extensive procurement process, Automotive Leasing was chosen to provide vehicles in two out of three tendered lots, with the supplier for the third lot to be decided in early 2014.

As well as providing a range of commercial vehicles, including buses, dog warden vans and tippers, Automotive Leasing will also provide full maintenance services through an established network of 70 dealers located around the Highlands and islands.

This commercial vehicle contract follows the successful trial of two fully electric Vauxhall Amperas, provided by Automotive Leasing in 2012.

The appointment represents a shift in council commercial vehicle policy, with their focus moving from outright purchase to contract hire. Previously the council had maintained the multi-spec fleet of commercial vehicles itself.

The Highland Council said it was Automotive Leasing’s competitive prices and comprehensive regional service network that were key factors behind the contract win.

Tim Meadows, brand director at Automotive Leasing, said: “This contract award and completion of the commercial vehicle deal is testament to the hard work our team has undertaken to ensure we can deliver best-in-class service to clients in some of the most remote regions of Scotland.

“We look forward to exceeding expectations with our ongoing work with The Highland Council, and I would like to commend Automotive Leasing’s Scottish account team on securing this fantastic opportunity.”  

Willie MacPherson, fleet manager at The Highland Council, said: “Throughout the tendering process Automotive Leasing showed they had a full understanding of the geography and demanding conditions within the Highlands, which spans an area comparable to Belgium.

“This coupled with the previous experience of Automotive Leasing with NHS Highland and the enthusiasm and attention to detail from Judith Eadie, Rob Sutton and the rest of the team ensured the implementation was seamless.”