PLUNGING residual values have created a wave of interest in alternative ways to dispose of fleet vehicles. The days of simply using a local auction for all sales are dead, and instead fleets must use every means at their disposal to maximise the value of their stock.

Vehicle remarketing specialist T2 Logistics is opening new avenues to the used car buyer and building a growing fleet following in the process. Until earlier this year, the firm was using its expertise to sell up to 20,000 cars a year from the NatWest fleet, until the perk car fleet was disposed of. T2 is expecting to dispose of 6,000 cars this year, for clients ranging from major contract hire groups to large daily rental companies, and is hoping it will become the route for 15,000 car disposals next year.

The firm operates from Normanton airfield, near Grantham and provides consultancy on acquisition and in-life management of vehicles, along with its disposal expertise. Defleeted cars are brought in for refurbishment and disposed of within a maximum of 30 days.

According to the firm's managing director, John Buxton, who founded it in 1990, flexibility means finding the right place at the right time for disposing of a vehicle. T2's service begins with the offer of a full refurbishment, including minor repairs if necessary. The company has a mailing list of 250,000 potential customers contacted through email at their desks, direct mail campaigns or staff magazines.