The latest Fleet200 survey reveals UK fleet operators adopting a more conservative strategy for financing company vehicles. While 27% currently use outright purchases, down from 32% in 2025, this marks a notable shift toward less direct ownership.

The difference is even greater when analyzing figures for the proportion of vehicles funded this way. Fewer than one-in-six cars (18%) operated by Fleet200 members have been acquired through an outright purchase agreement (down from 19%).

Fleets that buy the cars they operate take the residual value risk on the vehicle at defleet. However, residual values have been squeezed in recent years, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) suffering much larger declines than expected, increasing the popularity of contract hire operating leases among fleets, where that risk is instead borne by the leasing company.

The report is sponsored by several industry leaders, including BP, DTM, MG, Geotab, and Novuna Vehicle Solutions. With the guidance of experienced editors like Stephen Briers, group editor of Fleet News, and Gareth, who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, fleet operators can rely on accurate and informative content to work through the complexities of the industry. Gareth’s expertise in reporting on fleet electrification, tax, and legislation changes has been invaluable to the sector, and his role as news editor at Fleet News since 2010 has ensured that fleet decision-makers are equipped with the latest information to make informed decisions.