A MAJOR expansion in the courtesy car fleet operated by Acoat Bodyshop Services is scheduled to take place in the next eight months. More than 70% of members of the Acoat Bodyshop Services Network have made use of its courtesy car programme since its launch a year ago.

The arrangement - among the latest in a series of ABS buying initiatives designed to drive down costs for its 107 member bodyshops - could ultimately be worth more than 7,000 cars annually. Managing director David Wallace attributed the success of the programme to keen pricing made possible by the group's buying power. ABS members currently buy 4,500 cars a year and Wallace says by the time the network reaches 135 outlets in the second quarter of next year the fleet will total more than 7,000 units.

The courtesy car programme is negotiated and managed by Paul Heffer of Manna Investments - a member of the ABS network. So far deals with Nissan, Ford and Fiat have been negotiated with the vehicle supplied through Vardy Contract Motoring.