FURTHER consolidation in the contract hire industry is guaranteed over the next year after debis Car Fleet Management revealed plans for acquisitions to more than double its size in three years. The firm intends to have a fleet of 63,700 vehicles by 2003 as part of its ambition to be a top five player while it has also revealed plans to become one of the first total mobility providers in the contract hire market.

Already it has launched a consultancy service offering fleets advice on key fleet issues, including alternative transport, and Geoff Robinson, managing director of debis Car Fleet Management UK, said in future it could provide access to a holistic service covering cars, planes and trains. He revealed the plans as part of an aggressive growth campaign that began with the purchase of the majority of Hartwell Motor Contracts' vehicle portfolio.

Two further acquisitions are likely in the next year to create a fleet with 36,300 units, compared to the current fleet size of 25,000 units. Robinson added: 'Hartwell had a very good customer base and strong loyalty and we know we have a lot to offer them as customers of debis. Our expansion will bring increased purchasing power.'