Harris Group has officially launched Harris Rentals, a new dedicated commercial vehicle rental business designed to deliver nationwide fleet solutions across the UK and Ireland. 

Harris Rentals has been created to deliver a nationwide commercial vehicle rental offering from Harris Group’s complete portfolio. This includes Maxus, Higer, Isuzu and its newly launched Sinotruk premium-duty truck brand.

The company will primarily focus on long-term rentals spanning several months and upwards, while maintaining flexibility with daily and weekly options.

Harris Rentals will operate from a number of strategic locations across the UK and Ireland, supported by the wider Harris Group infrastructure and dealer network. The model will allow Harris Rentals to provide a regionalised service with the capability to deliver vehicles directly to customers.

To lead the creation and future development of the operation, the group has appointed Mike Williams as managing director. Williams is a 40-year truck rental industry veteran and former Dawson Group executive.

Williams said: “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’re 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’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Williams added: “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’s critical and that’s what I’m here to do.”

The creation of Harris Rentals forms part of the Harris Group’s wider strategy to expand its commercial vehicle offering as it pursues its growth target of €1bn by 2030.

Brian Patterson, chief executive officer at Harris Group, elaborated: “Harris Rentals represents an important new opportunity for the group and extends our ability to support commercial vehicle customers beyond the traditional sales and aftersales model. We see that as fundamental to our growth plans for 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. Mike’s experience especially will be invaluable as we develop the business over the coming months and years.”