Commercial fleet and mobility services provider, Fraikin, is investing £35m in 400 new vehicles, including HGVs, to support its national short-term rental fleet.

The new additions, which are all compliant with DVS and equipped with Fraikin’s connected technologies package, now means that 80% of the company’s total rental fleet will be under 12 months old.

Spread across a range of major manufacturers, the trucks, LCVs and vans feature refrigerated, dropside, curtainside and box bodies, as well as specialist equipment. Fraikin has also added a number of fully electric 3.5-tonners to the fleet.

Peter Backhouse, Fraikin UK chief executive said: “Adding extra EVs to the fleet means we’re in a position to help businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, alongside supporting those who may want to test the EV market before making longer-term fleet decisions. This commitment to sustainability allows us to meet the needs of today but also contribute to a greener future across the industry.”

Every rental vehicle features vehicle tracking, route optimisation, digital vehicle checks, tachograph downloads, driver behaviour reporting and EV suitability assessments to help improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, as well as enhance fleet sustainability.

Vehicles also benefit from 24/7 customer service support; a fully managed preventative maintenance and repair service via Fraikin’s UK-wide network; rapid roadside response; replacement vehicle cover; tyre management; online access to vehicle records; as well as a professional inspection and valet on every vehicle delivery.

Jackie Headon, Fraikin’s head of rental, added: “Our goal is always to meet the wide-ranging needs of our clients, and this investment allows us to do just that. Through this investment we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering flexibility and scalability to customers, helping them remain compliant with new legislation and to meet the evolving needs of their busines.”

Fraikin offers comprehensive short- and medium-term rental packages, alongside a longer-term Fraikin Xtend solution that combines the financial benefits associated with contract hire with the flexibility of short-term rental. All the new vehicles are accessible via the company’s strategically placed Northern, Midlands and Southern rental hubs, located in Bellshill, Coventry and Enfield respectively.

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