NEWCOURT Automotive Services has been renamed Associates Fleet Services in preparation for a massive expansion drive which is set to triple its fleet size. AFS plans to expand its UK fleet from 11,000 vehicles to more than 35,000 following its acquisition by Associates First Capital Corporation, the fourth largest fleet leasing company in the US.

The aggressive drive to become one of the UK's top 10 contract hire firms, both through organic expansion and take-overs, was set out by the firm this week. Colin Tourick, who remains managing director, said: 'We have the backing of a huge financial organisation and one that fully understands our market. That understanding will be invaluable when we begin to grow our UK operation and we want a top 10 place among the UK fleet leasing companies. We believe this is something we can achieve quite quickly.'

Hard on the heels of UK expansion will come European growth, as Associates First Capital Corporation has said one of the key factors in the purchase of the UK leasing firm was to provide a springboard for business on the Continent.