LEXUS'S launch of the IS200 will see it make huge inroads into the fleet market and mark its total separation from Toyota as a brand. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that by the time the IS200 goes on sale at the end of May next year there will be a network of 55 new solus Lexus dealerships, not connected to Toyota.

And the launch of the vehicle - it will make its world debut at next week's British International Motor Show in Birmingham - will also see the company for the first time, attempting to make significant sales in the fleet market. Fleets will be offered contract hire deals direct from Lexus, with financing no longer in the hands of Toyota.

Lexus says that with the IS200 it expects to see its fleet sales increase from about 30% at present with the GS300 and LS400, to about 70% of total sales. The new vehicle is expected to cost between £20,000 and £25,000 and Lexus is targeting the C-class and 3-series.