After a successful trial, fleet lessor Alphabet has launched its ‘Virtual Handover’ service to all customers receiving new vehicles via its preferred dealership network.

The new service provides the driver with a video guide for their new vehicle from the supplying dealer, approximately two weeks before the vehicle is delivered. According to Alphabet, this is a pioneering service for the leasing industry.

The videos are created by the dealers themselves and customers receive an email with a link to a ‘virtual handover’ film.

"Drivers get an experience as close to that of going into a Retailer, without the inconvenience of having to visit a dealership," said Tony Long, network development manager at Alphabet UK.

Virtual Handover is available for all makes and models of vehicles delivered via Alphabet’s preferred dealer network of 26 dealer groups and over 80 retailers nationwide, with further films being created as new models are launched.

Although Alphabet’s Virtual Handover is currently only available for passenger cars, Long confirmed that a similar service was in development for commercial vehicle customers and drivers.

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Long said: "While some leasing companies have trialled video technology for vehicle handovers, Alphabet are the only company providing a Virtual Handover across all manufacturer vehicles and for all new car deliveries fulfilled by our Preferred Dealership Network.

"We worked closely with our Network over the past 12 months to create a library of over 200 Virtual Handover films, providing guidance and feedback to Dealers on the content that customers really value and want to see."

Matt Sutherland, chief operating officer at Alphabet UK said: "Increasingly modern consumers turn to videos such as via YouTube when they need guidance on anything today – whether that’s to cook a recipe, change a fuse or replace a tyre. So it seemed a natural progression for us to provide a video handover which builds drivers’ excitement and anticipation about their new car being delivered, as well as being a handy reference guide to ensure their vehicle stays in in tip-top condition in future.

"While there’s a significant driver benefit in this, fleet managers are supportive too as it helps to ensure that they are meeting their duty of care obligations in the handover of new vehicles to their employees."