Rental of vehicles from marques including Higer is set to be available from importer Harris Group via its newly-formed Harris Rentals arm.
Mike Williams (pictured, below) has been named Managing Director of Harris Rentals. He will lead its creation and future development and brings 40 years’ experience with Dawsongroup. There he helped to turn its rental business from a small operation into a diversified, nationwide commercial vehicle and equipment rental undertaking.
Establishment of Harris Rentals is part of Harris Group’s strategy to build its commercial vehicle offering as it pursues annual revenues of €1 billion by 2030. The business is primarily targeting rental periods of several months and upwards.
Its debut follows a relaunched and well-resourced assault on the coach and bus market with Higer products, with the existing line-up of those models due to expand soon. Vehicles from the Maxus, Isuzu and Sinotruk ranges will also be part of the rental offering.
Diversification into rental is a response to what the group says is growing demand from commercial vehicle operators for greater flexibility, reliable fleet support and access to modern vehicles without the commitment of ownership.
While the primary focus is on terms of several months and more, the business will retain “the flexibility to offer daily and weekly options,” it says. Operation will be from a number of strategic locations across the UK and Ireland, supported by the wider Harris Group infrastructure and dealer network.
Mike Williams brings more than four decades’ experience in vehicle rental to lead the Harris Rentals undertaking
Speaking about the work, Mr Williams says: “The market is ready for a substantial new entrant that has the OEM-scale backing and support to offer a full range of products. Customers are becoming more demanding than ever; they are looking for service, reliability and support, rather than simply a competitive price.
“If we can provide modern vehicles, supported properly and backed by outstanding service, there is every expectation that customers will see Harris Rentals as a compelling proposition.
“It is a marathon, not a sprint. There is a lot to get ready in terms of administration, legal requirements, rental agreements and more besides; all the elements have to be right from the beginning. That is critical, and that is what I am here to do.”
Harris Group CEO Brian Patterson adds that rental is “fundamental” to the business’s growth plans to 2030 and beyond.
“We see significant potential in the rental market. We have the scale, infrastructure and commercial vehicle expertise to build a strong proposition,” he believes. “Mike’s experience especially will be invaluable as we develop the business over the coming months and years.”
