FLEET remarketing firm Cars Direct is offering fleets and leasing companies a service to independently assess vehicle damage before disposal in a bid to improve residual values.

The firm has joined forces with Leslie Reeson Assessors to examine clients' end-of-contract vehicles before they are collected for sale.

Qualified engineers undertake a full inspection of each vehicle, providing the fleet operator with a report encompassing an estimate to rectify damage.

Among firms already using the service is Venson Automotive Solutions, a specialist fleet solutions provider, which anticipates that 1,000 vehicles will be remarketed annually through Cars Direct.

Blaine Colston, procurement and disposals manager with Venson Automotive Solutions, said: 'The new service identifies and provides an estimate for any required repair work considered to be unfair wear and tear at the clients premises prior to vehicle collection.

'This avoids any potential conflict with clients over the cost of repairs and saves us valuable time by ensuring the necessary repairs are completed immediately.'

Cars Direct managing director Roger Woodward said it was now more important than ever for fleets to ensure their vehicles are in top condition when they reach the auction floor.

He said: 'Buyers of ex-fleet vehicles are expecting more for their money and demanding a higher standard of vehicle. If we can offer them a vehicle that has been repaired and reconditioned following an independent assessment by qualified engineers, we will gain a higher price.'