Suzuki is launching a contract hire and leasing operation to see it expand into the fleet market.

The Japanese manufacturer currently has little involvement in the corporate sector, but is dipping its toe in the water by offering the service through 35 of its dealers.

It has entered into agreements with 20 as-yet-unnamed contract hire and leasing companies.

David Seward, Suzuki’s sales and marketing director, said the corporate sales programme would focus on long-term rentals, rather than a “buy-back daily rental type of marketplace”.

The company aims to hit 2,500 rentals a year.

“We have no aspirations to be big-time fleet,” Mr Seward said.