THE Ryland Group has announced it is re-entering the contract hire and leasing market after an absence of five years.

Until it sold its Ryland Multifleet business five years ago, the company had been in the contract hire industry since the 1950s.

The car dealer group has now launched Ryland Unity Vehicle Solutions, which is based at the group’s head office near Birmingham.

Executives say the company will offer a range of premium products, ‘based on advanced technologies and a high level of personal service’.

The group has appointed Stephen Dilley, who previously headed Perry Contract Hire and Motor Consulting & Management, as managing director. John Phenix, who was formerly with Ryland Multifleet before moving with the company when it was sold to Arval, is the new operations director.

Ryland Group chairman Peter Whale said: ‘We are delighted to be re-establishing ourselves in the contract hire market, utilising not only our wealth of experience, but also exciting and leading edge technology in an innovative vehicle management system.

‘Over the last five years, the industry has witnessed a consolidation in the contract hire market by the major players, who are now almost exclusively bank-owned. This has created an opportunity for us to deliver our traditional levels of customer service with close personal relationships even more effectively.’

Commenting on plans for Ryland Unity, Dilley added: ‘Our research has shown a demand for a consultative approach to satisfying client needs. Customers want advice and help, easy access to information and, of course, real value for money.

‘While not turning back the clock to Ryland Multifleet days, we are combining a traditional customer-focused approach with advanced internet technology.’

The company officially launches this month to coincide with the 05 registration plate change.