Academy Leasing has announced a 40% growth in new vehicles leased for the year to October 2013.

The upsurge has seen the North West company outperform the UK market for new car registrations.

According to the SMMT, nationwide registrations for the year to October rose by 10.2%t on the corresponding period for 2012.

"The strength of our leasing industry relationships and competitive manufacturer deals has seen us make great strides this year, with more businesses turning to Academy than ever before," said Mark Anderson, Academy Leasing’s vehicle finance director.

"Furthermore, firms are increasingly realising the cost benefits of vehicle leasing over fleet purchases.

"Leasing allows firms to retain fleet flexibility, enabling them to keep pace with the latest developments in vehicle technology, minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to optimise cost efficiencies."

Thevehicle leasing figures have helped buoy wider company growth for the leasing and asset funding specialist. Academy Leasing, which has reported record half-year results, is now predicting a 38% increase in pre-tax profits of in excess of £1 million for the year to March 2014.