LeasePlan UK is aiming to expand its light commercial vehicle business following the signing of a new contract with Northgate Vehicle Hire, Britain’s largest vehicle rental company, to the end of 2009.
For the past 20 months, Northgate Vehicle Hire has provided a range of light commercial vehicle solutions to LeasePlan UK customers through FlexiVan – the vehicle management company’s flexible van rental solution that provides medium term LCV leasing without any early termination penalties.
LeasePlan UK, which now operates a UK fleet in excess of 130,000 vehicles including just under 34,000 commercial vehicles, is looking to increase its light commercial vehicle business and believes that in a slowing economy flexible vehicle rental provides a major business opportunity. As a result, it has reappointed Northgate Vehicle Hire, which operates a fleet of more than 68,500 vehicles, as its preferred light commercial vehicle daily rental supplier, which now also includes spot hire as well as longer term hire.
Currently, LeasePlan could have up to 200 light commercial vehicles on hire at any one time. This partnership with Northgate means LeasePlan will be able to build on that, with this figure set to rise dramatically.
Through its FlexiVan solution, LeasePlan UK customers can hire a wide range of vehicles from car-derived vans through to panel vans, Lutons and specialist units.
Rental lends any fleet a very flexible tool. Known monthly budgeted costs can be blended with the ability to increase the number of vans they require in the event of business levels rising or, in the event of a slowdown, cut their fleet size without any financial penalty.
Sarah Easton, head of product development at LeasePlan said: “Commercial vehicles are integral to many of our customers’ businesses. Having access to a wide range of good quality LCVs can mean a vital competitive edge in a number of industries. Ensuring those vehicles are available in a flexible way means we are able to add a great deal of value for our clients. This partnership with Northgate is an important piece of that puzzle.
“The LCV side of our business has been one of the success stories in the company over recent years. This deal means we’re now able to build on that strength and ensure we continue to exceed our customers’ expectations as we move forward.”
Phil Moorhouse, managing director of Northgate Vehicle Hire, said: “As the UK’s largest and most experienced light commercial vehicle specialist, we have proved to LeasePlan that we can provide a dedicated bespoke service to meet the requirements of their customers.
“Over the coming months we look forward to further developing our partnership and helping LeasePlan’s customers with their commercial vehicle fleet requirements.”