LEASING continues to grow in popularity across Europe. Indeed, it has experienced strong growth over the past four years, from 6.4 million cars in 1997, to almost 7.5 million cars in 2000.

This rise in company car leasing is forecast to continue over the five years, from almost 7.9 million cars in 2001 to more than 9.5 million cars by 2006.

The operational leasing market has also accelerated over the past few years, from 3.1 million cars and vans in 1997, to almost 4.2 million vehicles in 2000.

The operational leasing market is forecast to continue experiencing strong growth over the next five years, from 4.5 million cars and vans in 2001, to more than 6.3 million vehicles by 2006.

In the UK operational leasing market the majority of funded contracts are associated with full services attached. One of the key elements that make operational leasing such an attractive product for fleet managers is the added value that the services provide their fleet. In 2000, only 8.7% of all car operational leasing contracts were funded only.