VEHICLE funding and fleet management company Axus UK has become the latest contract hire operation to launch a specialist commercial vehicle arm. Following in the wake of first Lex Vehicle Leasing and then GE Capital Fleet Services - both of which have launched specialist van operations in the past year - Axus UK has formed a light commercial department offering potential and existing customers advice on leasing vans.

The company claims many firms could choose the wrong light commercial vehicle for their requirements resulting in unnecessary costs and inconvenience. Alan Locke, manager of the new service, said: 'Many companies do not appreciate how important it is to commission the right vehicle for the job required. Those who do not understand the differences between payload and wheelbase, for example, may then select a vehicle of the wrong height or capacity causing inconvenience and time-wasting - and with all companies time is money.'

Axus UK has added a number of demonstration vehicles to its fleet and expects to extend the range shortly. Clients will be able to test drive vans to help them decide the best option for their requirements.