More than 300 high-specification Lexus cars are being made available to drivers who are involved in motoring accidents on UK roads through no fault of their own.

The vehicles have joined the 19,000-strong vehicle fleet of Bath-based Helphire Group plc. The company works with leading insurers to provide replacement vehicles for blameless victims of accidents until their own cars can be repaired or, in the case of a write-off, a  cheque is received.

Helphire can go on to organise and fund repairs for its clients, and assist with compensation claims for injuries or losses. 

The company’s purchase of 338 Lexus IS 250 and a number of GS saloons reflects the popularity of the marque in the UK. “The decision was customer-driven, because we always provide like-for-like replacement and, wherever possible, will also replace cars on a marque-for-marque basis,” says Rupert Llewellyn, Managing Director – Helphire Fleet Services.

“That said, we have confidence in the quality of the product and in Lexus’ residual values and whole life costs relative to market segment.” Mr Llewellyn added that the new cars were being “very well received” by Helphire’s clients.

Serving around 11,000 motorists a month, Helphire’s fleet ranges from scooters to heavy goods vehicles but includes 17,500 cars, of which some 3,000 are prestige models. The company aims to provide replacement vehicles within two hours from its nationwide network of 30 branches.

The 2.5-litre V6 Lexus IS 250 is available in both automatic and six-speed manual versions, while the GS saloon range includes V6 300 and V8 430 models as well as the high-performance hybrid saloon the
GS 450h.