DEALER group Pendragon is using new found buying power created by the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 to launch an assault on the contract hire market. The firm has prepared a three-pronged battle-plan for business with brands aimed at the retail, small fleet and large fleet market. Pendragon

Contracts will be renamed Pendragon-i later this year and will target fleets of about 500 vehicles and above. A new firm, c.2K onLine, will launch on February 1, aimed at sub-500 car fleets and concentrating predominantly on the sub-200 sector. The move marks the relaunch of c.2K, which closed to new business in July while the online concept was developed and became part of Tins.co.uk, which will remain as the third arm of the firm, aimed mainly at the retail market.

Ken Trinder, former managing director of c.2K, has become managing director of Pendragon Automotive Services, the new parent group to the three firms.