A TOTAL of 70 companies are currently exploring the opportunity of implementing a pan-European supply deal with Citroen's international fleet department.

But the Paris-based department admits that not all of those enquiries will turn into signed deals and expects about 20 to be successful.

Department head Thierry Peugeot said one obstacle common to many of the companies involved is that they are not ready or able to implement such a deal.

'Some companies operating across Europe have no idea how many cars they operate,' Peugeot said, 'so of course we are not in a position to carry on any discussions as we cannot really help companies which cannot provide us with such vital information.'

Since launching the fleet department a year ago, the six-strong Citroen fleet sales team has signed four pan-European supply deals - some for up to 15 countries.

The manufacturer has noted an increase in quotation requests for pan-European supply deals over the past four months - a trend Peugeot believes could stem from companies preparing their budget requirements for next year.

'There has definitely been a notable increase in the number of companies contacting us to talk about their fleet requirements,' Peugeot said.

He added that discussions are more likely to reach an advanced stage if the company is attempting pan-European consolidation for the second time.