Pictured above: Andrew Leech, MD, Fleet Evolution

Fleet management specialists in the Midlands have warned of a potential backfire of the digital revolution on owners of company and private vehicles.

As television viewers join the digital revolution in droves, with many bemoaning the initial cost, Derby-based Fleet Evolution is advising managers and owners of company and private vehicles not to be caught unawares by the future impact on them.

Andrew Leech, Managing Director of Fleet Evolution advises:

"The digital revolution won't be forced upon motorists until 2015 at the very earliest, but many vehicles ordered today will still be in use when the old signal is switched off. Unlike home television, a simple £40 box won't get drivers over this obstacle. Most stereos are built-in to sophisticated entertainment units and costs of replacing these run into the thousands."

Fleet Evolution is a leading Midlands lease company priding itself on providing an exemplary service by anticipating future trends. Leech continues:

"This could be as big an impact as buying a leaded vehicle a few years before fuel outlets stopped stocking leaded fuel. We've recently had to replace a customer's stereo unit on an inbuilt dash and the costs were huge. Companies buying vehicles now, which will remain with them for five years or more, need to take action. We expect that resale values where DAB is not installed will plummet once a firm deadline is announced."

All Midlands-based businesses are being offered free DAB radios with any vehicle supplied by Fleet Evolution.