LEADING members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association - including Hertz Leasing managing director Len Clayton and VELO managing director David Voss - have initiated a second round of talks with the principal car makers in a bid to foster better understanding between the two sectors.

The initiative is an extension of the 'task force talks' last autumn, when a team from BVRLA attempted to address, among other issues, the problems of oversupply and distress marketing (Fleet News November 10, 1995). Since then, the big three fleet manufacturers have cut back on supply with a resultant reduction in nearly new car availability and a strengthening of residual values. BVRLA leasing committee chairman Len Clayton, who is again heading the delegation, said the BVRLA could claim some of the credit for this year's more orderly market.

Following a meeting with Peugeot, fleet and leasing director David Brookman said: 'I think all meetings between the BVRLA and the major manufacturers are always useful and constructive and should continue on a regular basis.' Rover fleet operations director Steve Harris said: 'We need to work together with the leasing industry. It is in our mutual interests to make our customers happy. Dealers and contract hire companies need to be involved in the way we do business.'

Meanwhile, Rover has launched its own contract hire and leasing panel composed of leading industry figures who will discuss key issues with Harris and Rover's national contract hire and leasing manager Nigel White, following initiatives by Volvo and BMW.