A LEICESTERSHIRE Lexus centre is one of a limited number of Lexus dealers across the UK to spearhead a new programme aimed at the corporate market, with specific focus on used car programmes and maximising residual values.

The manufacturer has spent more than £500,000 launching its Corporate Matters initiative that puts UK fleets at the top of its agenda. Heading the initiative at Lexus Leicester will be newly-promoted corporate sales manager Jim McKechnie, who has completed specific training to 'provide local businesses with the whole concept of Lexus'.

McKechnie said Lexus Corporate Matters also aims to protect the residual values of its cars. 'To achieve this, we are in discussions with the UK's top leasing companies urging them to dispose of all end-of-contract vehicles at closed electronic auctions,' he added.

'The move is particularly important for vehicles ending their three-year fleet cycle in September 2002, when the IS200 starts to enter the market.'

McKechnie's role will also include advising businesses on the 'the most appropriate Lexus vehicles to fit their motoring requirements, which provide cost effective solutions to their company car policies'.

Lexus last year sold 11,335 cars in the UK of which 30% were purchased by fleets. It is aiming for corporate sales of between 35 and 40% with a future plan to achieve 50%.