The majority of fleet operators have not considered a sale and rent-back arrangement for all or part of their commercial vehicle fleet, according to a new survey.

The survey of 507 fleet users, carried out by Northgate Vehicle Hire, found that 81% of them have not considered the option.

“In a slowing economy businesses are less likely to either buy vehicles or enter into fixed, long-term contracts,” explained Northgate’s managing director Phil Moorhouse.

“Therefore, rental is more beneficial to companies needing to reduce their exposure to any possible economic downturn.

“A sale and rent-back arrangement gives companies a double benefit of an initial cash injection into their business and the bonus of rental flexibility.”