THE use of rental as a long-term solution to commercial vehicle acquisition is increasing, with around 60% of vehicles on rent now falling into this category, according to TLS Vehicle Rental.

This represents a significant rise in rental vehicles being taken for periods of longer than six months compared to the company’s last research into this area two years ago.

Sean Welham, marketing director at TLS, said: ‘There is sometimes a perception that rental is mainly a short-term solution to a vehicle need but this is less and less true.

‘While spot rental will always be an important part of our business, a shift has taken place over the last few years and it has become a smaller element.’