We list the country’s 10 largest van rental companies in the second annual FVR10.

This list covers the rental companies’ fleets of sub-3.5-tonne vehicles.

Rental companies were asked to supply key details about themselves, including name of MD and contact information.

Each company provided details which were initially used to create the FN20 listing in the Daily Rental Guide, published by Fleet News in March this year.

Companies also provided details of their van fleet sizes and this has been used to produced the list here in Fleet Van. If you have any comments on this year’s guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

You can email us at: fleetnews@emap.com.

1. Northgate

Van fleet size: 52,075
Total fleet size: 65,300
Rental locations: 87
MD: Phil Moorhouse
Owner: Northgate plc
HQ: Darlington
Tel: 01325 467558

Northgate plc is the leading LCV rental business in both the UK and Spain and has been operating in the sector since 1981. Our core business is flexible vehicle rental, which gives customers the ultimate freedom in managing their vehicle fleets without a long-term commitment. The business in the UK and Ireland comprises 20 hire companies operating from 87 sites with a fleet of over 65,300 vehicles.

2. Avis UK

Van fleet size: 24,000
Total fleet size: 42,500
Rental locations: 124
MD: Kevin Bradshaw
Owner: Avis Europe
HQ: Hayes
Tel: 0208 268 5632

Over the past few years Avis has focused on offering its customers more choice, clarity and transparency. The company launched its programme of Inspired Change in 2006, following research on what customers want, need and expect from car rental firms. The programme has revolutionised the industry in managing their vehicle fleets without a long-term commitment.

3. TLS Vehicle Rental

Van fleet size: 20,000
Total fleet size: 20,000
Rental locations: 26
MD: Andrew Way
Owner: GE
HQ: Sale
Tel: 0870 4588588

TLS Vehicle Rental operates one of the UK’s largest commercial vehicle hire and rental fleets with more than 20,000 vehicles operating from 26 locations across the country. A wide range of commercial vehicles from car-derived vans to 7.5-tonne tippers are available for rental covering periods from a day to three years, with an expansive customer base.

4. Sixt

Van fleet size: 16,000
Total fleet size: 26,000
Rental locations: 150
MD: Roger Freeman
Owner: Privately owned
HQ: Chesterfield
Tel: 01246 220111

As one of the leading mobility service providers, Sixt is on a successful expansion course all over Europe and worldwide. Sixt is a brand name that stands for the most advanced fleet of modern vehicles for the best possible terms. We offer innovative solutions for online-services and e-commerce, efficient marketing and powerful communication tools.

5. Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental

Van fleet size: 5,750
Total fleet size: 6,000+
Rental locations: 15
MD: Richard Metcalfe
Owner: Burnt Tree Group
HQ: Shrewsbury
Tel: 01743 457600

Burnt Tree is much more than just a rental company. Whatever your vehicle requirements are, we are confident that we have a solution to suit. While it is not our goal to become the biggest operator in our market, our focus on customer and employee satisfaction is the reason that we have been able to grow our fleet to in excess of 6,000 vehicles.

6. National Van Rental

Van fleet size: 5,000
Total fleet size: 45,000
Rental locations: 158
Senior vice-president: John Leigh
Owner: Vanguard Rental Group (USA)
HQ: Uxbridge
Tel: 08705 565656

A focus on the fleet and corporate sector has driven every aspect of National’s business. By listening to our customers we have continued to develop high quality, fit-for-purpose car and van rental solutions to improve the driver experience, increase efficiencies and support duty-of-care responsibilities

7. Thrifty Car & Van Rental

Van fleet size: 4,000
Total fleet size: 16,000
Rental locations: 87
MD: Roger Hancock
Owner: Scot Group
HQ: Marsh Barton
Tel: 01392 411171

Over the past five years Thrifty Car & Van Rental has grown from 68 to 87 locations in the UK and doubled its fleet size. It acquired the master franchise for Dollar Rent a Car in 2004 and the majority of the airport locations are dual-branded Dollar Thrifty. In April 2006 the company was bought by Scot Group and the Thrifty locations are managed 70% corporately and 30% by individual franchisees.

8. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Van fleet size: 3,021
Total fleet size: 35,179
Rental locations: 325
MD: Brice Adamson
Owner: Privately owned
HQ: Egham
Tel: 01784 221300

Over the past five years Enterprise has focused on providing rental solutions tailored to what customers want. This has involved enhanced IT support, management reporting and additional initiatives such as pick-up and consultancy on rental and fleet policy. This is all underpinned by a quantifiable dedication to service.

9. Salford Car & Van Rental

Van fleet size: 2,300
Total fleet size: 3,700
Rental locations: 4
MD: Rafaello Bacci
Owner: Privately owned
HQ: Manchester
Tel: 0161 8330771

In the past five years, Salford Van & Car Hire has grown year on year thanks to the continuing application of competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Last year the company celebrated its 40th anniversary and it is now looking forward to continuing to serve both public and industry in the vehicle rental sector.

10. Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Van fleet size: 2,238
Total fleet size: 5,310
Rental locations: 39
MD: Hugh Wallace
Owner: Arnold Clark Autos
HQ: Glasgow
Tel: 01786 468700

Arnold Clark Finance is one of the UK’s leading providers of vehicle management solutions, including car contract hire, van contract hire, personal contract hire, contract purchase and daily car rental and van rental. We can supply any make or model you require on a variety of car lease schemes, delivered free of charge right to your door anywhere on the United Kingdom mainland.