More than a quarter of UK fleets (net 27%) expect to see growth in the number of vehicles they operate during the next three years, showing clear confidence in the fleet sector.

The 2022 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows that company cars and vans remain central to business growth strategies moving forward.

That’s according to the findings from the 2022 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, which underscores that company cars and vans remain central to business growth strategies moving forward.

The main reason for growth plans was company expansion (cited by 81% of decision-makers), but human resource-related needs (21%) and plans to offer vehicles to employees without a company car (21%) were also major factors.

The net 27% of organisations predicting expansion of their fleet operations was slightly down on the 29% figure reported last year but significantly stronger than the 21% recorded in 2020.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said that businesses clearly expect a strong rebound in 2022.

“One of the most surprising findings in last year’s research was the high degree of optimism surrounding future fleet growth, despite the potential impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns at that time. Even though we are now emerging from the pandemic, this year brings a different set of risks – ranging from conflict to a rapidly rising cost of living – but fleets still remain notably positive about the future.”

The research also showed that confidence about growth was biased towards smaller companies, with a 36% of those with fewer than 10 employees predicting growth, compared to 15% of those with more than 1,000. In 2021, it was typically larger organisations that foresaw significant expansion.

Sadlier said this year’s change may be because smaller companies have been able to adapt rapidly to changing conditions.

“However, the actual reasons for optimism across all company sizes are relatively straightforward – organisations are increasing in size, they need to attract and retain staff, and want or need to offer cars to a wider range of employees. Factors that are Covid-related, such as providing a safe commute to work, are conversely falling away as the threat is perceived to be receding.

“One central fact is clear – as we emerge from the pandemic, company cars and vans remain core to business growth strategies moving forward.”

Founded in 2002, the Arval Mobility Observatory carries out research of key trends in the fleet and mobility sectors every year. The 2022 Barometer talked to fleet decision-makers in 26 countries and the figures shown here cover UK responses to this section of the survey.

In the next three years, do you think that the total number of vehicles in your fleet will increase, decrease or stay the same? Results show the net change percentage.

Why do you think the number of vehicles in your fleet will increase?