THUS extends ties with Toyota

Telecommunications services provider THUS plc has extended its relationship with Toyota, following an extensive review of its fleet requirements. THUS has upgraded and enhanced what had for the past five years been a limited-badge agreement with Toyota. It will take delivery of a number of Avensis, Auris and Prius models for operational staff over the next three years, with Avensis 2.0-litre D-4D diesel hatchbacks likely to predominate.

In parallel, THUS has placed Toyota on its preferred list to supply cars from its entire range on a user-chooser basis for around 100 senior members of staff. Western Toyota of Edinburgh will continue as the chosen supplying business centre. Toyota vehicles for the 400-strong THUS fleet will be supplied through Lex, which has been appointed to source all the company’s cars and light commercials.

“Our relationship with Toyota has strengthened on the back of our drivers enjoying the characteristics, safety and environmental features of the cars, in addition to the Toyota vehicles being very cost-effective,” said Ken Moncrieff, Head of Procurement for THUS plc. He added that driver safety, satisfaction, vehicle reliability, environmental impacts and total-life value for money had been among the key factors considered in awarding the new contracts. “The Toyota and Lex brands are both highly regarded, which sits well with the reputation and aspiration of THUS to become the pre-eminent alternative provider of telecommunication services to business customers in the UK,” said Mr Moncrieff. THUS brands include Demon, one of the UK's biggest and most successful Internet Service Provider brands for business and professional customers.

Lex supplies all cars to THUS on three-year/60,000 miles full-maintenance agreements, as well as meeting its accident management, credit hire and daily rental requirements.

“THUS is a very dynamic company, and we plan to stay one step ahead of its needs,” commented Linda Rivett, Lex key account manager for the telecoms services provider. “We are always looking at ways in which we can improve their fleet efficiency, whilst saving money and keeping drivers happy – which is where the Toyota relationship comes in.”