New vehicle brands changing fleet make up
More than a quarter of businesses have added models from new vehicle brands to their fleets, according to new research.
The 2026 Arval Fleet and Mobility Observatory found that 26% of fleets now include new entrants, while 21% are considering adding them in the future.
A further 23% said they would do so when these manufacturers become more established.
Meanwhile, just 12% of fleets do not plan to include models from new manufacturers and 18% have not considered the issue.
New entrants
John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “The arrival of new entrants to the UK car market, largely from China, has been one of the most visible trends in the industry over recent years. These companies have quickly established not just a substantial market presence but in some cases have also created large dealership networks.
“Generally, they have concentrated on a high value proposition in the electric and hybrid sectors, which can make them very attractive to fleets, with relatively low pricing and lease rates for the models on offer.
“Our research shows this approach is already having a significant impact in the fleet sector, with one in four businesses surveyed adding them to choice lists. Also, we know anecdotally from our experience at Arval UK, that drivers opting for these cars tend to be happy with their decisions.”
