The leasing sector has reported improved relationships with its OEM partners, as emerging brands begin to challenge established manufacturers across multiple aspects. That is according to the association’s latest Member OEM Relationship survey, now in its second year.
Following the inaugural report in 2024, this year’s results show a small increase the overall satisfaction leasecos feel towards their OEM partners, with the average score improving to 7.1 out of 10 (vs 6.6 in 2024). While the overall trend of the 2025 report shows small increases, the introduction of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) metric underpins the variance that is being seen across the sector.
The overall NPS of the 27 manufacturers featured was +3.7, despite the top five performers all achieving scores of 40.0 or more.
A small number of categories saw relationships between leasing companies and OEMs go backwards since 2024. Among those, access to vehicle data and availability of connected services saw the biggest decline.
Although emerging and ‘up and coming’ brands have strengthened their position – and grown in number – year on year, the best-performing OEM across the board was BMW. This is a repeat of the performance in 2024 and underpins the value leasing companies place in OEM partners that offers strong products and service across multiple categories.
Speaking to Fleet News, BVRLA head of research and insight, Phil Garthside said: “Some OEMs are clearly setting the standard, while others have an opportunity to improve by adopting best practices.
“The new entrants are working hard to get on leasing company radars and it’s paying off. They’re not just adding variety to choice lists; they’re competing on service and ease of doing business.”
