June 2025 | 7 “And these are exciting times for the vehicle leasing market in general as we look to offer our customers the most affordable deals possible while providing a seamless and stress-free experience. “One of the leasing market’s big drivers for 2025 is the abundance of new manufacturers and models. “Hybrid and electric cars from Chinese brands like BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo are now competing with the established German, Italian and American manufacturers – and they’re generating a real buzz with both existing lease customers and those who are new to the trend. “With more vehicle availability and shorter lead times, our processes are more streamlined than ever before, while rapid turnaround times means we’re always in position to offer unique pricing opportunities. “And all of this contributes to exemplary customer service – something we’ve always placed at the forefront of everything we do and which has been recognised once more through this new award from Corporate Vision.” Driving the Electric Revolution All motorists in the UK are on the road to full electrification. The ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) Mandate will phase-out the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and with a ban on plug-in hybrids and full hybrids following in 2035. Select Car Leasing is already ahead of the curve when it comes to ZEV Mandate targets, particularly when it comes to electrifying corporate and business fleets. Mr Tongue explains: “Around 30% of the vehicles we lease are fully-electric. If you include vehicles with a plug, the figure goes up to 39%. That’s significantly ahead of the industry trend, with BEVs and PHEVs representing around 27% of new car registrations in 2024 as a whole. “We’re extremely proud of that fact, as it means we’re plugged-in to the electric revolution and in the industry driving seat. “It’s important to say that there is still reticence from some customers about EVs. We recognise their concerns and we’ll continue to help them to make the right choices when it comes to their leasing decisions. “From my perspective, we have an obligation as a business to educate people about the benefits of EVs while helping them journey into a greener and more efficient motoring future.” Community and Commitment The leasing market is fast-paced and demands constant change. Which is why Select Car Leasing has also recently deployed a technology-focused ‘war room’ to plot-out its tech journey for 2025 and beyond. Mr Tongue adds: “It’s an aspect of the business that’s of paramount importance to us. It impacts on how a customer engages with us, from initial website visit to delivery of a vehicle, and covers everything from quoting up-to-date prices and self-serving, to the customer account linked to our portal system. We’re constantly looking to improve those processes - which, again, is all part of our efforts to improve the customer experience - and they’ll continue to be reviewed over the next 12 months.” Besides its focus on enhancing customer trust, Select Car Leasing is also doing its bit to enhance the local community, with a number of new charitable initiatives launched in recent months. Select has been the Principal Partner of Reading Football Club since 2021. That sponsorship was expanded at the end of 2024 to include the Women’s First Team and the associated youth pathways while channelling extra funds into the Reading FC Community Trust. Mr Tongue adds: “We’re proud to be able to support a number of different charities, providing vehicles to Sue Ryder, St Michael’s Hospice, the Whitley Community Development Association (Whitley food bank) and the Reading FC Community Trust. “In 2025 we also partnered with Beder, a charity that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention. We’ve given a significant number of free kits to underprivileged grassroots football teams and continue to provide free tickets to watch Reading FC play at home as part of our ongoing ‘Tickets For Kids’ initiative. “At a national level, we support Children with Cancer UK, a charity dedicated to raising money for research into childhood cancers while providing care for unfortunate youngsters and their families.” Select is also now sponsoring Reading Rugby Club as well as Dave Kitson Coaching – a youth soccer training service provided by exPremier League football star Dave Kitson. Select also backs No5, a charity that offers free, confidential counselling and mental health support for young people aged 11-25 who live, work or study in Reading. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Select aims to increase its number of vehicle leasing contracts as it goes from strength to strength by constantly striving for excellence. Contact: Neil Goodwin Company: Select Car Leasing Website: https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/
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