ONE of Britain's largest dealer groups has launched a new central fleet operation under the direction of ex-Fiat fleet director Mike Porritt. Porritt has joined the Worthing-based Caledonia Motor Group - Britain's eighth largest dealership group with 40 sites and 48 franchises including all the major manufacturers - with the target of transforming it into a major fleet player.

Caledonia's move comes at a time when fleet sales are at a record high, but some dealer groups have turned their back on fleet business claiming a lack of profitability. The reasons behind such a move were disputed by Porritt who said: 'Our focus of attention has predominantly been on the retail buyer but the company is making a conscious effort to look at the fleet market. We think that if the business is properly organised, well structured and controlled through a central team then fleet business can be done very profitably.'