Used cars and vans deployed by 'more than half of fleets'

Used cars and vans are being adopted by more than half (52%) of UK fleets, with a further one-in-four (27%) saying they expect to do the same within the next three years.

The new research, from the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer also reveals that used vehicles are most often used for pool fleets and their acquisition is more common among smaller operators.

John Peters, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “Our experience is that new car and van shortages during the recession caused more companies to look at used vehicle options and many have found it works for them as part of their operating fleet mix.

“This trend is something largely made possible by the high quality and resistance to wear of modern vehicle designs. Cars and vans today remain safe, financially viable to operate, and in good condition for much longer than in the past.”

Smaller companies, with fewer than 100 employees, are more likely to adopt second-hand cars and vans, with 54% already using them and 29% planning future implementation, compared to medium-sized companies at 47% and 28%, and larger companies (those with 1,000 employees or more) at 53% and 19%.

Peters said: “Used vehicles tend to fit more easily into smaller business needs. If a large company wants to order 50 units of the same model at a year old, it’s unlikely the used market will be able to meet their needs but, if a small company requires three units, it’s quite likely they can find what they want.”

The research also asked about the uses for which fleets are buying used cars and vans, with responses of 79% as pool vehicles, 74% for job need, and 53% for benefit drivers.

“This suggests that fleets tend to identify clear roles for used vehicles, with a preference for uses where a car is an essential transport tool, rather than part of a benefit package,” continued Peters. “A used car is a utility vehicle in most cases.”

He added that more fleets in the UK were currently buying used vehicles compared to a European average and global average of 39%

“Again, this might be an effect of pandemic production shortages, when availability of right-hand drive vehicles tended to be worse globally, meaning those markets had to take a more improvisational approach to car and van acquisition.”

Earlier this year, Ogilvie Fleet joined other leasing companies in making used vehicles available on business lease. 

Ogilvie ReLease offers companies nearly new vehicles to new and existing customers on leases between 12 and 36 months.