SMALL businesses are driving the uptake and popularity of flexible leasing, reports Avis, which has seen its Avis Flex service increase by 50% since its launch last year.

The flexible solution for long-term car rental offers companies a minimum commitment of just 28 days, without incurring any charges or penalties if the contract has to be cancelled unexpectedly early.

Daily rental company Avis says it has over 600 cars on Flex rent each month and it continues to rise.

Not being tied to a long-term contract has appealed to a diverse range of business sectors, and offers a more cost effective alternative to leasing, where contracts are often a minimum of two years, said Anthony Ainsworth, the company’s sales director.

Mr Ainsworth added: “The popularity of Avis Flex is a reflection of the current instability among business customers. It goes without saying that the recession has forced organisations to reassess expenditure in every aspect and car rental is no exception.

“Business can be very unpredictable,” Mr Ainsworth added. “This flexibility and reassurance that their business is protected against the unforeseen is very significant for our customers and we believe accounts for its popularity.”

Avis said that among the cars available on Avis Flex were low emission cars, with reduced company car tax exposure, such as the VW Bluemotion range of cars.

Companies beginning to understand benefits of short-term leases