THE break-up of Rover and continued residual value uncertainty is driving fleet customers towards Toyota. The manufacturer claims it has 'almost daily' approaches from contract hire firms looking to dilute their fleet with Toyota product and reduce RV risk exposure.

The car manufacturer has seen total sales increase 22% year-on-year to 26,064 units year-to-date compared with 1999.

Mark Hall, general manager fleet sales, said: 'The Rover situation has increased nervousness over some of the volume brands. We are being approached almost daily by contract hire companies looking to remove some RV exposure.

While new products like MR2 and Celica will deliver some much-needed sex appeal to the range, the environmental impact and running cost element of all vehicles are being emphasised in discussions with all corporate customers.

Hall said: 'We are building a brand that people respect on a rational level and which they will also buy into with their emotion. We have got exciting cars with exciting wholelife costs.'