Liquid Fleet is reporting a 25% growth in its rental fleet so far this year, to more than 2,000 vehicles.
Demand has increased from both its corporate and retail sectors, with customers sourcing more cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
Liquid Fleet has also expanded its purchasing agreements with OEM brands in response to rental customers being more flexible about the type of car they are prepared to add to their fleets.
Martin Potter, Liquid Fleet’s commercial director, said: “We have benefited from being able to offer a much wider variety of brands and models to our rental, corporate and subscription company customers.
“Since Covid they have been all about getting the right cars for their different types of customers rather than because they fit within a specific rental band or group.”
He explained: “Cars like the Corsa, Juke, Ceed and 2008 are still in high demand but they are now also taking various sizes of SUVs, more premium cars and are trialling models from some of the new Chinese brands.
“The only fuel type they approach with caution is electric because of a lack of customer demand and through their own infrastructure limitations that restrict onsite charger installations.”
Instead, Liquid Fleet has added more hybrids to its fleet as its customers are prepared to onboard them as they are devoid of the potential challenges of electric vehicles (EVs).
Another recent trend which Liquid Fleet has experienced is for companies to onboard their cars in Q2 and then keep them until September the following year, which covers two seasons of rental activity.
This 15-18-month contract approach is changing Liquid Fleet’s used vehicle stock profile which is driving demand for its new end of contract damage contribution product.
In 2024, Liquid Fleet’s average mileage at disposal time for cars was 16,457 miles and in 2025 out of the 775 vehicles disposed so far, the average car mileage reduced to 13,717 miles.
The car de-hire recharges have fallen from £393 in 2024 to £326 in 2025 in line with a lower average mileage.
Despite the overall reduction in average damage charges, Liquid Fleet says it has seen a big take-up from customers using its damage contribution product to manage whole life costs and cashflow from the outset and duration of their contract.
“The two rental season approach is mixing up the age and mileage of vehicles we are selling into the used market which is much better from a remarketing perspective,” said Potter.
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