Around 100 UK dealers - including several Lancaster Group outlets - are selling NavTrak telematics systems. The retail price of £450 (inc VAT) includes a gross margin of more than £150 to cover the cost of fitting that takes no more than two hours.

Marketing director Dave Bown said: “We have a contract in place for a leasing company to equip 25,000 vehicles with NavTrak. We expect 30,000 other sales to leasing companies and 30-40,000 retail sales in the next year.”

NavTrak software uses a GPS/GSM based system to track a vehicle's position and recent movements to assist after theft.

The system's 'breakdown companion' facility notifies a motoring organisation and gives a precise location. The 'Back on Track' facility allows users to phone NavTrak from their mobile phone, give a password and discuss the best route with an operator referring to an onscreen mapping system.

The service is covered by a monthly subscription and the only other charge is the national rate call charge. Similar advice on traffic problems and alternative routes is available to subscribers to Orange mobile phones and those who access the www.navtrak.com website.

If a NavTrak-equipped car is stolen and cannot be recovered within four hours NavTrak guarantees to find a replacement hire car of a similar standard within a maximum of 24 hours. The company will pay for its use while the insurance company makes arrangements to replace the vehicle.