Diesel cars made up three quarters (76%) of leased vehicles from Vantage Leasing in 2018, with hybrid and electric cars accounting for almost 7% of orders.

Petrol cars accounted for less than one in five leases.

“Many drivers are keen to take advantage of the performance offered by diesel cars, but are looking to leasing to avoid falling residual prices, due to the increasing environmental concerns associated with diesel motoring,” said James Buttrick from Vantage Leasing.

Vantage Leasing suggests that the slow uptake of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) is due to the current concern over residual values for the cars. They also predict a swift increase in hybrid and electric leases once values have become more stable due to the increase in popularity when future emissions rules come into effect.

“Manufacturers are moving away from petrol and diesel cars to produce more environmentally friendly alternatives,” continued Buttrick. “Once sales of these cars increases it is expected that lease increases will follow.”

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