Despite difficult economic conditions, especially in Europe, Arval’s leased fleet of 687,000 vehicles continued to progress in 2011 (3% up from 2010), supported by the thriving activity of its recently established subsidiaries. 

Vehicle purchases slightly exceeded the previous record achieved in 2008, with 210,700 units. The number of vehicles sold (191,000) showed strong growth, up 28% compared to the previous year. 'Despite economic upheavals in Europe, the impact of the tsunami and the Fukushima disaster in Japan on the delivery times of new vehicles in particular, as well as the significant slowdown in prices on thesecond-hand car market in the last quarter, Arval met its goals in terms of growth as well as profitability,' said Arval chief executive officer, Philippe Bismut (Inset).