LeasePlan’s global fleet grew 8% in 2016, helped by strong performances in the SME and private lease markets.

Leaseplan’s global fleet increased to 1.67 million vehicles last year.

Headline annual results published by the leasing giant show its global fleet increased from 1.55 million units in 2015 to 1.67 million last year. Although continued growth was seen in all major markets and through all segments, the majority of the fleet growth was realised in Europe, and more specifically in the Central and Eastern Europe geographies. 

For the corporate market, LeasePlan grew both its number of leased cars and take-up of its consultancy services, with a focus on lowering CO2 emissions, decreasing costs of ownership and improving driver security.

SME growth was fuelled through broker networks and telesales while private lease was primarily driven through direct sales as well as through retail partners, with particular growth in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. 

LeasePlan also reported that the underlying net result for 2016 grew by 7% year-on-year to EUR 455.3 million, fuelled by continuing strong margins on lease services.   

Looking ahead, Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, said: “We have a strong track record of over 50 years of market leadership and we are well positioned to further capitalise on the opportunities the mobility landscape offers. We are shifting from a multi-local organisation to become a fully integrated organisation: One LeasePlan. We are focused on leveraging our scale, creating global centres of excellence to improve efficiencies and developing a consistent and aligned approach across our entire organisation. We aim to target the most attractive and profitable regions and customer/product segments. Acting as One LeasePlan, we want to unlock the full potential of the group and deliver more value for customers and our investors.”

LeasePlan also announced changes to its managing board, including the appointment of Daniëlle Pos as the company’s new chief legal and compliance officer and Yolanda Paulissen as chief strategic finance and investor relations officer, both of which are newly created positions.

In addition, chief commercial officer Nick Salkeld has decided to step down from his position in order to focus on his other business interests. Mr Salkeld has been with LeasePlan for over 30 years, becoming LeasePlan’s first CCO in 2014.

Mr Gunning commented: “Nick has been instrumental in helping to build LeasePlan to the company it is today, playing a key role in developing LeasePlan’s reputation for product innovation and customer service excellence. As CCO Nick has brought great momentum to LeasePlan’s efforts to grow the fleet and to introduce new service concepts. On behalf of the Managing Board I would like to express our gratitude for Nick’s contribution to LeasePlan during his many years with the company.”

Nick Salkeld will continue to provide advice and support to LeasePlan’s managing board until the end of 2017.