THE Ministry of Defence has named a total of five approved suppliers of short term rental cars in a contract potentially worth £8 million a year. Avis Rent a Car, British Car Rental, United Kenning, Smith Self Drive and Arnold Clark are the named companies, although the deal does not exclude business with other hire companies.

As well as supplying cars for MoD personnel for short term business use, several other Government departments will make use of the arrangements, which makes cars available at agreed rates. The arrangement comes into force on March 1 and the contract is renewed every three years.