FLEET management and rental group Ryder has announced plans to replace its van rental fleet this year as part of a £36 million replacement and upgrading programme.

The group is to boost its rental fleet by 900 during 2005, which will give Ryder a 3,000-strong fleet by the end of the year.

Plans to increase its fleet size are part of a wider scheme to modernise the fleet.

Peter Backhouse, vice-president and managing director for Europe at Ryder, said: ‘Half our rental fleet is less than three years old and it is essential that we bring even more new vehicles into the fleet to ensure that our reputation for the best quality service is maintained.’