LEASING company Arval has opened a Russian subsidiary in Moscow, with the aim of becoming the leader player in the country.

The company says the Russian market offers ‘real opportunities’ for long-term corporate leasing with more than 45,000 registered business vehicles in 2005.

Russia has a population of 143 million people and more than 24 million cars.

Sergei Dianin, who previously worked for Moscow-based Rolf Leasing, has been appointed managing director.