Foxtons, operates a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles, which are predominantly Minis and BMWs. The estate agent leases vehicles on three-year/30,000 mile non-maintenance contracts through three contract hire companies.

Cars are ordered directly through the BMW Group and when vehicles are available Foxtons requests a contract hire quote from each provider. The company providing the most cost effective quote then funds the vehicle.

ALD Automotive, which now runs a fleet of 57,000 vehicles was selected by Foxtons’ fleet manager Ken Needham to fill a vacancy which occurred on its list of chosen vehicle providers.

He said: “I had met with ALD Automotive on a number of occasions over the years and was aware of the company’s service and ability to deliver. When a vacancy came up on our vehicle leasing supplier panel I was delighted to appoint the company.”

ALD Automotive managing director Keith Allen said: “ALD specialises in delivering vehicle solutions which focus on tight cost control. Unlike many in our market, ALD Automotive - as a wholly owned subsidiary of French bank Société Générale - has maintained competitive funding lines to finance new business.

“As a result, the company has been able to successfully expand and secure good quality business in a tough environment, whilst some competitors have struggled to borrow money at competitive rates and have had to take more of a back seat.”