SMALL to medium-sized fleets are leading a move away from traditional 'mainstream' manufacturers by offering their company drivers a varied multi-badge choice list. Leasing companies say they are increasingly finding sub-200 fleets giving drivers a wide variety of vehicle choice while the 200-plus operations continue to operate solus badge fleets and benefit from discounts offered by the major manufacturers.

A spokesman for GE Capital Fleet Services says: 'There is a definite trend for the small and medium fleet operator to shift away from the solus and dual-badge fleets and instead look at all makes. We have already seen the end of the Top 3 manufacturers and it is more like a Top 5 or even Top 8 as the market shares come down for what were traditionally the "mainstream" manufacturers.'

Tim Rankin, of Dial, adds: 'The market is becoming more fragmented with manufacturers who traditionally focussed on the retail customer making significant inroads into the fleet sector.' And at Lex Vehicle Leasing, a spokesman said: 'This is a process we have seen for some time. Generally speaking, there is a feeling among smaller fleets that company car drivers should be given more choice and it no longer comes as a cost premium to the company.'