MULTI-franchise car dealer Currie Motors has launched a push to clinch a chunk of the outright purchase fleet car market. The 19-dealership firm is creating a centralised fleet sales service for its group which is targeting sales of about 5,000 units a year.

Initial trials of the fleet dealership, which will be marketed under the Currie Motors banner and based centrally at the group's headquarters in Twickenham, Middlesex, have built up 1,000 sales in the past six months. It is building up a five-member fleet sales department in a further push for new business. Staff will back up fleet enquiries from dealerships in and around the capital. The new department will also liaise between manufacturers and customers to organise fleet leasing requirements, although the group will not run its own leasing fleet.

Currie Motors built its reputation in private car sales after being formed in 1975. It traded under a Ford franchise until 1992, when it became multi-franchise. It employs about 600 people in and around London, with annual private car sales of more than 11,000. On-target fleet sales would boost this to 16,000 a year.