The fleet management and leasing giant leased a total of 785,000 vehicles worldwide last year, with 255,444 vehicles ordered – 9% up from 2014 – and 189,200 vehicles sold – 3% more than in 2014.

Growth was driven in particular countries like the United Kingdom – which saw 19% increase, Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia), Turkey, Switzerland and Luxemburg, with two-figure growth rates. Arval said the performance is in part due to the success of offers via SME Solutions that grew by 14% and now represent 17% of Arval’s global fleet, as well as cross-selling with the Bank, and BRICT countries.

Arval also reported strong external growth, with the acquisition of GE Capital Fleet Services’ activities in Europe adding more than 160,000 leased vehicles, bringing its total leased fleet up to 949,000 units and consolidating Arval’s position in 11 countries, including Germany, where Arval says it’s now the leader in multibrand full service leasing, and established its presence in Sweden.

Last year also saw Arval finalise its Arval Jiutong joint-venture in China, and has as of February 2016 signed an agreement with Relsa, a key player in corporate vehicle leasing in South America, which covers a joint-venture in Chile and Peru, and the take-over of activities in Brazil. Arval now has 30,000 vehicles in the region.

“All of these operations are carried out in the context of the Element-Arval Global Alliance, the major actor of our industry at a global scale,” said Arval CEO Philippe Bismut.

Arval also reported increased strength for the Element-Arval Alliance. In parallel to external growth operations conducted by Arval, Element Financial has taken over GE Capital Fleet Services in the USA, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, allowing the Alliance to consolidate its presence on the five continents. The alliance is now present in nearly 50 countries with three million vehicles.

Following the launching of numerous offers and recent acquisitions, Arval said it's now entering a phase of consolidation for 2016.

“Being number one in the market is not an end in itself. It’s a challenge. We must be exemplary in terms of service quality and continue to differentiate ourselves through our innovative spirit,” added Philippe Bismut.

Growth in 2016 will be underpinned by its offers – Arval Active Link, Arval Outsourcing Solutions and Arval Mid-Term Rental – the cross-selling with BNP Paribas to pursue its development in the SME segment, and the consolidation of its presence in the Asia and South America regions.