BANKER: RBS vans help remote communities
Hitachi Capital are partnering with RBS Group in a unique contract to help communities in remote and rural locations meet their banking and financing needs.
The UK’s leading vehicle specialist will manage RBS’s fleet of 27 specially-converted vans, which provide a mobile banking service to rural customers.
RBS – who have run the service for 65 years – have appointed Hitachi to also manage the fleet’s downtime and provide a 24hour helpline.
The helpline will deal with any issues surrounding the 27 converted long-wheel base Ford Transits, ranging from 3.5tonnes to the latest disability-friendly 4.2tonnes with rear tail lift.
Hitachi’s contract is part of a 5,684-strong vehicle deal which sees them manage, finance and supply the entirety of RBS Group’s fleet needs.
Norman Davenport, Mobile Branch Banking Manager of RBS Group, said: “It is essential that our mobile branch banking service goes ahead every day as our customers in remote and rural locations depend on us being there to meet their financial needs.
“With expanding the service to these communities, over the last 65 years, it was critical we worked with a fleet management company that could provide us with the best possible service.
“Hitachi Capital provides a highly professional service bringing a level of knowledge, experience and expertise to the partnership, which covers areas that are not normally found within the financial services sector.”
Originally started in November 1946, the mobile branch banking service covers more than 7,000 miles a week.
It makes more than 500 stops, serving more than 360 different communities in 19 different areas of Scotland, England and Wales.
The service also provides support to existing branches in time of crisis, such as the Cockermouth flooding in November 2009.
Simon Oliphant, CEO of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, added: “We provide vehicles for a diverse range of requirements but the partnership with the RBS Group is unique as the customers are depending on the service in order to carry out their daily lives.
“We take for granted our access to our banks and cash points but for those living in remote and rural communities they simply may not have access to money.
“The service is a vital one which many depend on.”
