Cambridge based vehicle tracking specialist Quartix is bidding to replicate its UK growth across the Channel.

The company more than doubled its new fleet tracking installations in the UK in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year and is now targeting France.

Managing director Andy Walters said the company would step up its Cross-Channel activity this autumn.

He said: “We expect to increase our output again in the autumn as we invest in further growth in France and in telematics for insurance applications. Over the past 12 months we have established a strong network of distributors in the UK, and intend replicating this model in France.

“Although it is still early days for us we have already won some significant French customers. We will maintain our focus on organic growth, which has served us well over the first 10 years of our company’s existence.”

Following its stunning UK growth in the first half, Quartix is confident of registering further strong growth in both sales and installations in H2. It expects sales growth of at least 60 per cent over the full year. Turnover is expected to reach £8 million.

Walters said: “Response to our pay-as-you-go and 12-month rental contracts has been astonishing, boosting our fleet installations by 124 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“We have installed more than 10,000 tracking systems in the UK in the first half, and are gaining at least 100 new fleet customers every month.

“Customers no longer want to sign third-party finance agreements over multiple years, because they are aware of the risks and costs associated with them.

“We still appear to be unique in the industry in having the financial strength and confidence to promote this direct rental approach, based on contracts of 12 months or fewer.

“Many of our competitors have been wrapped up in the completion of mergers and acquisitions over the past few years, which often leads to a degree of uncertainty among staff and customers alike.

“The effects of this, coupled with the removal of weaker players, create real market opportunities for organic growth, and we certainly believe that this is part of the reason we are growing at six times the market rate.”

• Photograph shows: Quartix managing director Andy Walters