Suzuki is launching a contract hire and leasing operation in 35 of its dealerships.

Agreements with 20, as yet unnamed, contract hire and leasing companies will see Suzuki expand into the fleet market, an area it has never focused on before.

The corporate sales programme will avoid a “buy-back daily rental type of marketplace”, said David Seward, Suzuki sales and marketing director, and focus on longer term rentals.

Reaching 2,500 rentals per year would be “excellent”.

Seward added: “We have no aspirations to be big time fleet.”

There will be no dedicated staff or specific training.

“Most of the dealers are urban-based and have experience with other franchises in rentals,” said Seward.

The only other Suzuki fleet scheme is Motability, which has increased by 57% year-to-date, to 570 units.

Suzuki is currently pursuing aggressive growth in its network with around 155 dealers, having taken on more than 10 sites in the past few months.