The group, which operates 78 outlets across the UK representing Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Iveco, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Peugeot, as well as its Bristol Street Motor Nation used car supermarkets, saw fleet and commercial sales in the previous financial year reach 17,863 units – a 4% increase on the same period in 2011 and accounting for 41% of the total new vehicles Vertu sold.

The fleet and commercial sales brought in revenue of £270.1 million in the year to February 29, 2012, up from £258.9 million in the same period in 2011. The company said new car fleet volumes had declined by 2.4% in the period in question, while commercial vehicles were up 11.6% on last year.

A spokesman said: ‘The group’s car fleet activities have historically been dominated by large volumes to the daily rental sector and this has made Bristol Street Motors one of the strongest fleet operators in the UK for many years.

‘As manufacturers have sought to regain profitability in the wake of currency movements, volumes to the low margin daily rental sector have been successfully reduced. Supplies to the contract hire and corporate market increased in the year, but did not off-set the fail in daily rental volumes.’

As part of its ongoing investment in digital operations, Vertu has bought Compare Click Call which operates a number of websites promoting leasing offers to customers. The main site – leasecarsdirect.co.uk – will generate lease enquiries which will be shared with franchised dealerships both within the Vertu group and beyond.

The spokesman added: ‘The board believes that further development of the acquired digital real estate will drive further sales of new vehicles.’