The Harris Group has announced the launch of Harris Rentals, a new dedicated commercial vehicle rental business to provide long-term solutions to customers across the UK and Ireland. Harris Rentals will offer vehicles from Harris Group’s complete portfolio; including MAXUS, HIGER, Isuzu and its newly-launched SINOTRUK premium-duty truck brand.
Harris Rentals has been created in response to growing demand from commercial vehicle customers for greater flexibility, reliable fleet support and access to modern vehicles without the commitment of outright ownership. The business will focus primarily on rental periods of several months and upwards, yet retaining the flexibility to offer daily and weekly options. The business 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.
Harris Rentals is being headed-up by the renowned Mike Williams, one of the truck rental industry’s most experienced figures, who has been appointed Managing Director and will lead the creation and future development of the operation. With roles with Hertz and Avis on his early CV, Williams spent 40 years with Dawson Group, where he helped develop its rental business from a small operation into a diversified, nationwide commercial vehicle and equipment rental business.
Commenting on Harris Rentals, 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,” he said. “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 €1 billion by 2030.
Brian Patterson, Chief Executive Officer at Harris Group, added, “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.”
