BRITISH Car Contracts has launched a new contract hire and maintenance package geared specifically for the light commercial vehicle market. The new multi-marque leasing operation uses a 'one-stop shop' approach designed to meet the widely differing needs of van users large and small.

Headed by former Lex Vehicle Leasing lcv specialist Bill Strang, the new operation will cover lcvs up to 3.5 tonnes, including car-derived vans, 4x4s, minibuses and pick-ups, and offers flexible pricing and a clear wear and tear policy. The light van market has seen rapid growth over the last 12 months and BCC is anticipating continuing strong demand.

New lcv registrations are now running at more than 200,000 a year - 20% of the total fleet market - and BCC is forecasting the total to reach 230,000 by the year 2000, particularly after the Chancellor's decision to proceed with a windfall tax which could prompt the huge privatised utility fleets to switch from outright purchase to sale and leaseback to convert their assets to cash.