A new business drive into the corporate fleet market is being planned in 2019 by medium-term rental specialist Meridian Vehicle Solutions.
So far, the company has worked almost entirely through leasing and fleet management companies as intermediaries, white labelling their product for more well-known brands.
Phil Jerome, managing director, explained, “While we expect that working these sectors will always form the core of our business, it is essential to our future growth that we start to develop our own direct sales customer base.
“The fact is that the vast majority of potential customers for medium rental are almost certainly unaware that the product even exists, so we are very much starting at the beginning by creating awareness.
“Our belief is that the current fleet market, where the economic uncertainty created by Brexit is a growing issue, company car taxation remains in flux and problems caused by WLTP are persisting, is very much one that will be receptive to what we offer.
“Essentially, our model is to offer cars for periods of 3-12 months with a monthly rate that is broadly the same as a contract hire rental but without the long term commitment or penalties for early termination. This has enormous appeal for fleets who are keen to defer vehicle replacement decisions until the longer term picture is clearer.”
• epyx has unveiled plans for a 1link Disposal Network Christmas online car and van auction that will run from 21December 27 December.
The event is being held very much in response to demand from trade vendors and buyers, the company said, with stock available from Volkswagen Financial Services, the AA, Multifleet, Robins and Day, Agility, SG Fleet, Global GO and Trade Sales Centre.