A YEAR of expansion is being planned by Thrifty Car Rental which will boost its entire fleet, including the luxury and commercial vehicle sector. Since the start of this year, the firm has already agreed major supply deals with Renault for 400 Kangoo vans worth £4.2 million and 2,000 Vauxhall Corsas, Astras and Vectras which will make up a quarter of its fleet.

Discussions are taking place with Rover over supply for the 7,300 fleet, which is expected to grow by 15% this year to nearly 9,000 vehicles, operating from 86 locations. Thrifty plans to increase its van fleet from 1,000 to 1,250, while the luxury fleet will grow by 40% to more than 200 cars, including Lexus, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz.