MARKET-leading fleet service companies are backing this year's Fleet Show, delighted that the event is returning to its business forum roots. Among the major players who have announced they will be taking part in this year's show at the NEC, Birmingham, is PHH Vehicle Management Services, returning after its absence at the 1998 event.

Other big names signed up to attend include the AA, Esso, Kwik-Fit Fleet, the RAC and Shell, while manufacturers Audi, Daewoo Cars, Jaguar and Nissan have all signed up in the past week, joining BMW, Fiat, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Skoda and Volkswagen as exhibitors at the fleet industry's premier event. To date, some 60 companies have committed themselves to the Fleet Show, and a host of others are on the verge of signing.

Jeremy Hay, managing director of PHH Vehicle Management, said: 'I believe that an industry as large and dynamic as the fleet business must provide an annual showcase event for its customers. PHH has been at the Fleet Show from the event's Wembley days, then at Olympia and on to Silverstone. 'The new location and format for the 1999 show were important factors in our decision to attend. We see the Fleet Show as an occasion to meet our customers, whether they have hundreds of vehicles or a couple of fuel cards. The move to a purely business-focused show at the NEC will meet the needs of genuine fleet buyers, so we feel that this year's show will provide the right environment for PHH.'

Emap Automotive group events manager Chris Lester said: 'The show is now looking in great shape. It is obviously important to the event to have the backing of such pre-eminent companies in the fleet sector. Such companies are clearly attracted to the new concept of the business focus of the Fleet Show at Birmingham's NEC complex. We are in discussions with many other high profile companies who look like committing themselves to the 1999 Fleet Show within the next few weeks.'

This year's Fleet Show will take place on April 27-29. For details telephone Matthew Weight on 01733 467035.