A REVAMP at Audi's fleet sales department will improve relations between the firm and key business customers. Led by Ian Holmes, the new head of corporate sales who was previously responsible for sales to the dealer network, the changes were implemented at the start of this year.

The fleet sales department has been expanded from 10 to 16 staff in the last two months and a new system has been set up to more accurately record dealer sales to fleets. Kevin Rose, managing director of Audi UK, said: 'The key difference for fleet managers will be more proactive contact from Audi. We did not have enough of a consistent approach to our customers and that had to change.'

A new network of local business development managers is in place in dealerships, which are being encouraged to change their thinking away from traditional retail approaches.