FLEET decision-makers will get an early look at some of the most exciting cars to hit UK roads this year at the Fleet Show in April. Honda will be displaying its new budget-priced, four-wheel-drive HR-V (High Rider Vehicle) which is due for launch in March with a price tag starting about £13,000.

The event, at the NEC, Birmingham, on April 27, 28 and 29, will also give fleet operators a glimpse of the facelifted Civic for 1999, and will represent for some visitors their first opportunity for a close-up inspection of the new Honda Accord which is going head-to-head with mainstream giants such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.

Nicholas Phillips, Honda's national corporate sales manager, said the Fleet Show presented a very important opportunity to see quality fleet decision-makers in one arena.

Having stormed to fourth position in the 1998 fleet manufacturers' league, with annual fleet sales of almost 100,000, Renault is delighted with the business approach of the revitalised Fleet Show. Martin Hillman, Renault's manager, national fleet sales, said: 'The Fleet Show is recognised as the fleet industry showcase. We pushed for a more businesslike environment, which is what is going to happen this year. It's an opportunity to launch new products and review all the peripheral fleet services. It provides a good introduction to new potential customers, and gives us a good opportunity to gain the broad-brush opinions of customers towards future trends, products and services.'

Other manufacturers which have confirmed their attendance at the 1999 Fleet Show include BMW, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda and Volkswagen, while Audi, Daewoo, Lexus, Nissan and Volvo have made firm verbal commitments that they will be exhibiting. For exhibitor details contact Matthew Weight on 01733 467035.