THE leasing sector has got off to a flying start in Belgium in 2000, following a very successful 1999.

Last year car sales into the business sector reached 200,000 units, of which more than 50,000 were financed by operational leases.

This positive trend has carried over into 2000, with market leader Lease Plan signalling new contracts for 1,778 new fleet cars, KBC Autolease selling more than 700 contracts and CW Lease in excess of 500.

Overall, the total Belgian leasing market is estimated to account for 500,000 leased vehicles, of which 150,000 are on operating leases.

2000 has also started well for Volvo's Hadelin d'Hoop, voted Fleet Manager of the Year 2000 by 27,000 readers of Fleet Management - Belgium's leading fleet magazine.

Award-winning d'Hoop said: 'The success and the quality brand image of Volvo in Belgium is also due to our open policy towards leasing companies and car hire firms.

'We treat our partners as equals, simply because they help us to sell cars.' Volvo's fleet success in Belgium is especially ascribed to the V40 1.9 and S80 2.5 diesel models.

Philippe Quatennens is general manager of Fleet Management. Tel. +32 (02) 4676167. (April 2000)