A TRING company has seen the first eight franchisees in its new franchise network hit the roads.
Commercial vehicle leasing company Autorama Group, in Cow Roast, has launched the Vanarama network to complement its online business.
The first eight Vanarama franchisees will cover Basildon, Ilford, Romford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Barnet, Dunstable and Northampton.
The company hopes to expand its network to 25 franchises by the end of the year.
Vanarama has launched a franchise network because it says “there is still a huge proportion of the target market reluctant to deal on-line when looking to acquire a big ticket item, such as a van or pick-up, for their business.”
Vanarama says the decision to franchise comes at a buoyant time for the commercial vehicle market. It has seen growth of 13 per cent in each of the last three years in purchases using some form of leasing contract.
Andy Alderson, MD of the Autorama Group said: “There are franchised dealers out there who have commercial vehicles as part of their range, but their focus is often diluted by car sales. They simply may not have the time or budget to focus on vans. Our whole philosophy and business focus is dedicated to offering impartial advice on vans from a number of the leading manufacturers.”
He added that leasing ensures reliability and can be off-set against tax while the finance company’s loan is secured against an asset.