The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is implementing a Three-Year Plan to help it address the “unprecedented” range of challenges facing the sector.

Matt Dyer, BVRLA chairman

Speaking last night at the association’s annual dinner in London last night, chairman Matt Dyer highlighted how issues including ‘diesel demonisation’, motor finance and vehicle terrorism were under focus by the media and government/regulators while connected vehicle data, motoring tax regimes and the market for EVs also remain high on the BVRLA agenda.

“We need a stronger and better resourced trade association that can really fight the industry’s corner,” he added.

Dyer went on to outline some of the key investments the BVRLA is making in staff, external support and infrastructure, including increasing investment in research and digital platforms and working with external agencies to increase its constructive engagement with MPs, policymakers and local authorities.

The investment comes as the BVRLA announced that 2017 had been another positive year for membership, with growth in all its core categories. The association ended 2017 with 931 members, who together own and operate almost five million cars, vans and trucks.