Sixt’s big order for big Citroen Relays

The first major order for Citroen Relay vans has just been delivered to Sixt Rent a Car. The Company has just taken delivery of its first batch of 20 Relay 35 L4H2 120 panel vans – one of the largest models available in the new Relay range.

Strong residual values, standard fit sat nav, a very long, 4,070mm load deck, a large 15cu.m load compartment and high payload were key reasons for Sixt Rent a Car’s decision to order Relay vans.

Richard Hague, Sixt Rent a Car’s head of fleet, explains, ”Sixt’s initial experience with smaller Relays has shown that these vans are easy to drive, own and very popular with our customers. We liked the look of the big Relay, which we consider to be a good substitute for a Luton van. Our Licensee network, United Rental System, has been using the new Citroen Relay since UK launch and we’ve had excellent feedback regarding its performance on fleet.”

“But, prior to specifying these larger vans, we looked closely at residual values, a critical factor in our business. CAP figures showed that the Relay’s residual values are directly comparable with its premium rivals, which clinched the deal for us.”

The Company has a policy of fitting all its cars with sat nav, so the Relay’s standard-fit Trafficmaster Smartnav - and its ease of driving - will appeal to the rental company’s retail customers, many of whom have not driven a large panel van before.

The new Relay Heavy 35 L4H2 120 panel vans will be based primarily at Sixt Rent a Car’s branches within the Greater London area. Supplied by Citroen dealer Evans Halshaw, Mansfield, the new vans will have a two year life in Sixt Rent a Car’s spot hire fleet. During this time these vehicles are expected to cover up to 50,000 miles. From its 150 UK branches Sixt Rent a Car operates some 26,000 vehicles in the UK, over half the fleet consisting of commercial vehicles.