RENAULT is to launch a one-stop support shop to serve the needs of fleet and contract hire customers - and free up fleet account managers' time to build stronger customer relationships. The centralised call centre will go online in June to administer fleet contracts, process tenders and provide increased support for the manufacturer's 42 dealer-based business centres.

The initiative is an expansion of Renault's Motability centre, which currently deals with 30,000 calls a year and administers a 16,000-strong fleet. Three new departments are to be created - one to handle Motability, driving schools and export inquiries, another for public sector and health authority fleets, and the third to provide general support for fleet account managers. Keith Hawes, Renault UK's director of fleet and commercial vehicle operations, said the Fleet Support Centre would act as 'the engine room' to reduce fleet account managers' administrative duties.

'The fleet business is all about maintaining good relationships with clients and this is done most effectively through regular contact,' he said. 'We are getting back to that essential ingredient by freeing our account managers from the administration that takes up so much of their time.' Customers and prospects will have a 'shadow' contact at the centre whose responsibilities will include arranging account manager visits.