PEUGEOT has launched 'Peugeot Corporate' in a bid to secure additional fleet business from the sub-100 sector. The new programme, designed to facilitate direct relationships with small fleet operators, has seen a team of 10 experts in the small fleet arena recruited, supported by a manager and the Peugeot Corporate Centre.

Under the new initiative, the dedicated field team will be able to offer fleet customers in this sector - typically those running between 25-99 vehicles - a full support network, including advice on maintenance costs, disposal, wholelife costs and guidance on the implications of the impending carbon dioxide company car tax.

John Taylor, Peugeot's fleet and leasing director, said: 'Peugeot is very successful in the fleet sector with a 9.36% market share and an increase in volume of 9.37% year-on-year. But this business is predominantly in the plus-100-vehicle sector because this has traditionally been the most targeted sector of the market. But we are the first to admit that we probably haven't been as proactive as we should have been in working with smaller fleets, which explains why we have underperformed, securing just 4-5% of this market.

Key to the success of the launch will be the link with Peugeot Contract Hire. Taylor explained: 'Over 70% of the company cars in the sub-100 sector are purchased with contract hire and leasing packages, so not only does Peugeot Corporate have the ability to offer a full range of cars and light commercial vehicles to its customers, but also a range of competitive finance options as well.'

Through the new programme, Peugeot aims to increase its share of the sub-100 market from the current 5% level to 12% within three years.

The national go-ahead for the scheme follows a pilot scheme in the west country and west midlands.