LEX Vehicle Leasing, the UK's largest contract hire company, added more than 2,000 vehicles to its nearly-new fleet last year. In 1999, the firm delivered 2,180 vehicles, taking the total fleet to 3,629.

One customer, who is not being named, recently had an urgent need for 20 vehicles on high-mileage contracts for a 12 month period. The customer's choice of nearly-new enabled it to meet the mobility requirements of the contractors, while halving the costs normally incurred with new vehicles.

The firm claims its success is a direct reflection of its understanding of the changing needs of customers. A spokesman said: 'Through our customer surveys, feedback has shown that a requirement exists to provide drivers with a higher standard of vehicle while keeping costs under control.

Typically, LVL's nearly new product enables a Vauxhall Astra driver to move up to a Vectra, or for a manager to swap a Volvo V40 for a V70. However, the vehicles are considered new for benefit-in-kind taxation unless they are more than four years old.