A new long-term car hire company has signed up to use Epyx’s 1link Hire Network e-commerce platform.

Ignition Leasing, based in Elstree, aims to fill a niche in the market between traditional daily rental and contract hire products by offering contracts typically lasting between 3-12 months.

The company currently has 140 vehicles but is aiming to build its fleet to between 1,500-2,000 units within 12 months.

Phil Jerome, commercial director, said: “We have a real opportunity to deliver a differentiated product to our target customer base, which includes both corporate fleets and leasing companies.

“Where there is a need for lead-in vehicles while an order is fulfilled, temporary vehicles for a new employee on probation or just to fulfil a transport requirement on a short term contract, we can help.

“Our customers can choose from a range of models from Volvo, Mercedes and BMW in a variety of specifications and colours. They are delivered by a supplying dealer as a brand new car and the driver will receive a full handover, where the controls are explained. In effect, they receive the full new car experience.”

Jerome explained that 1link Hire Network would provide Ignition with the means to reach a large number of corporate fleets and contract hire companies that used the platform and manage bookings online.

He said: “The technology gives us the tools to introduce our proposition to thousands of potential customers across the country and to fulfil resulting business quickly and efficiently.

“For a new company like Ignition, 1link Hire Network enables us to deliver industry leading customer service from the very start.”

Launched in 2005, 1link Hire Network has become among the most widely used rental platforms in the fleet sector, adopted by more than 40 vehicle hire companies supplying thousands of fleet operators of all sizes across the UK.