New entrants being added to choice lists by one-in-four fleets

New entrants to the UK car and van market are being added to choice lists by almost a quarter (23%) of fleets, according to new research.

The 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet and Mobility Barometer shows that 23% are already offering these vehicles to their employees, while 25% are considering adopting them.

John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “We are in an unprecedented time in terms of the numbers of new manufacturers entering the new car and van market, with the majority coming from China but also from the US and elsewhere.

“Most of them appear to be offering mainly electric cars and vans that are at least credible and, in some cases, very good – and are often keenly priced with strong equipment levels."

He added: “For fleets and their drivers that are looking to achieve maximum value in an electric vehicle market where prices often remain high, there are obvious attractions and at Arval UK, we have certainly seen quite a high level of interest from our customers and a steady stream of orders.”

However, the research also reveals that a quarter (25%) of fleets plan to wait until the new entrants are more established and 12% will not be adding them to choice lists in the foreseeable future.

“Many of the new entrants are seeking to establish a UK presence, particularly with electric cars and vans but it remains to be seen which of these manufacturers will feature significantly in the long-term fleet market, ” continued Peters.  

“This stability is crucial for fleets when it comes to everything from predicting residual values to long-term parts and repair availability. No one wants to be left with vehicles if a new entrant decides that the UK market isn’t for them and withdraws. ”

The same question was asked in the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer last year, with the results across all questions for 2025  almost unchanged, except for a small rise from 21% to 25% in fleets who want to wait to see which manufacturers become established, perhaps indicating a slightly increased sense of caution.