3

Hyundai is to put the brakes on the number of sport utility vehicles it supplies to rental companies.

The South Korean firm won more than 6,500 fleet registrations for the popular iX35 model last year and expects its more upmarket Tucson replacement to be equally successful when it arrives later this year.

However, moves to restrict rental numbers should pay dividends with improved residual values, believes Hyundai Motor UK head of fleet Martin Wilson.

"This car will win instant traction because it represents a step change and takes us into a different sales area. We're looking to achieve better residuals and want the Tucson to give us the edge in this respect as we seek to be more competitive in PCP offerings, salary sacrifice schemes and other key business areas.

"We have a good balance at present, but I think that moving more cars into buyback rentals will improve our level of control," he said.

Visually more impressive than the iX35, the Tucson features high levels of standard specification, high grade detailing and a choice of two or four wheel drive.