Lex Autolease is making a bid for a greater share of the LCV contract hire market, targeting SMEs with its new Driveaways product.

Launched at the start of April, it offers customers a range of type approved converted vans, initially from four manufacturers  - Vauxhall, Ford, Fiat and Mercedes-Benz – and is targeting 2,500 units in 2014, rising to 7,500 in 2015.

While the scheme launched with a choice of panel vans fitted with racking and a number of chassis cab conversions, Lex plans to add further options this year, including welfare buses, minibuses and refrigerated vans.

Last year Lex announced plans to increase the size of its fleet by 100,000 vehicles to 370,000 by the end of 2017.

More than half of the 100,000-unit increase in fleet size (55,000) of the 100k growth in fleet size will come from commercial vehicles. Its commercial vehicle fleet has increased by 8% in the last six months to 75,600.

Marcus Puddy, commercial vehicle director at Lex Autolease, said the company’s presence at the CV Show should help raise awareness of Driveaways, and believes it has strong appeal for SME customers.

He told Fleet Van: “We can offer customers crash-tested, EU type approved converted vehicles without adding extra time or parties to the ordering process.

“We can deliver them within 14 working days of ordering because we have been able to back-fill that stock. The pricing is competitive because we have negotiated good terms with the manufacturers.

“Driveaways covers 90% of what the market wants in van conversions, and making this available to our customers makes it easier for them to choose a converted van.”