THE absence of driving at the 1999 Fleet Show is having virtually no impact on fleet decision makers' intention to attend the industry's leading trade event.

A specialist poll by research consultancy Farrugia & Leo questioned 300 potential Fleet Show visitors, 100 of whom had attended the 1998 event at Donington Park and used the test drive facilities, 100 of whom had attended Donington and not driven, and 100 who did not go to Donington.

The survey found that 81% of visitors who had driven at Donington said the absence of driving at the Fleet Show's new NEC venue would have no impact on their decision of whether to attend, while this figure rose to 97% for Donington visitors who had not driven. Equally significantly, 75% of the fleet decision makers contacted said they would attend the 1999 Fleet Show, and 58% of those who did not go to Donington said they would go to the NEC.

This highlights the pure business emphasis of the new Fleet Show - which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from April 27-29 - a focus which has convinced the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association to sign a new five year sponsorship agreement with the show.

For further Fleet Show information click here.