Britvic has launched an online company car modeller to enable staff to choose the most cost-effective car option. The online system, which was piloted to 15 employees last month, is available to the 850 staff who are eligible for Britvic’s user-chooser car scheme via its intranet site. It will enable them to browse a selection of car types and assess the tax implications their choice could have on their salary.
Although the cars are company-funded, employees are eligible for benefit-in-kind tax on their vehicle. Rebecca Hill, purchasing manager, explained the move is intended to simplify the process for staff. "We wanted to move away from the heavily admin-based system that we were using. It involved faxing orders and we wanted something that was faster and slicker."
Staff will also be able to model the costs of added extras on their car. "Employees can sit at home with their families, decide on a car, and which ‘add ons’ they may need," said Hill. The tool will also make it easier for employees to see which vehicles they are entitled to.
"In the past, problems were caused by employees being able to see cars that their job did not permit them to drive, but this scheme only shows staff cars that they can select," said Hill. She hopes the system will help to recruit and retain staff. "One of our greatest assets is our sales force and having a nice car can make or break a decision to stay or join. It certainly makes a difference." Non-office-based employees who do not have access to the intranet can take advantage of the system via a dedicated helpline.