THE rental and leasing industry is unsure over the benefits of 'super-sites' in meeting customer needs, with Lex Transfleet and TLS moving in opposite directions in their attempts to cater to commercial fleets. Lex says fleet rental requirements are being alienated by the effects of down-sizing and rationalisation whereas TLS has this month closed two branches to form its third 'super-site'.

Lex Transfleet's operations director, Phill Wood, says the trend towards centralisation is leaving some smaller firms with no option but to choose alternative sources to meet their vehicle needs. 'In today's 'just-in-time' environment, the need to connect vehicles with clients is paramount to the successful operation of their business. We believe the best way to respond to most customers' rental requirements is to deliver them on their doorstep. This is why we are about to open four new customer service points -in Cardiff, Portsmouth, Widnes and Swindon.'

TLS has this month linked two branches two miles apart to form a 'super-site'. It has left its Heathrow Vehicle Rental site, where the lease had expired, and moved the operation in with neighbouring Truck Rental branch at Feltham. Over 1,000 vehicles are available at the new-look site, making Feltham TLS's third 'super-site'. Regional director Bob Farrow said: 'A single site makes far more sense, giving customers the whole range of TLS vehicles at one site.'