Inchcape Motors Retail is set to expand its fleet business with the appointment of Alan Waldie as corporate sales director.

Mr Waldie, until recently corporate sales director of BMW (GB), takes up the new post reporting directly to Robert Hazelwood, managing director of the 60-strong dealership group.

Historically Inchcape's eight-strong team of franchise directors – in charge of the 18 different vehicle franchises within the retail network – have been responsible for corporate business.

But, Mr Waldie's appointment signals a change of strategy and a strengthening of the company's small and large fleet business ambitions.

He said: “The corporate market has always been a key sector for Inchcape, but I want to build on what has happened to-date and from a customer viewpoint provide a more responsive service.

“Previously corporate sales has been part of the job of the franchise directors but with my appointment Inchcape has shown how serious its intentions are by making the sector one person's total responsibility.”

Mr Waldie's appointment coincides with an announcement earlier this week that Inchcape had also secured a deal with Fiat Auto to handle the remarketing and fleet management of its used vehicles in the UK for the next three years. (December 12, 2001)