Press Release Paris 08/04/2011
2010, a year of strong growth for the Arval group
The Arval group showed a strong upturn in its activities for 2010. Its performance significantly outstripped that of the market with a 10% increase in the leased fleet to reach a total of 667,500 vehicles, compared to the market’s limited growth of 1%. The group now holds 10% market share in Europe, thereby consolidating its n°2* position[1].
Despite an economic climate that remains difficult, Arval’s leased fleet progressed steadily from 2009 (10% up), partly due to the impact of external growth operations. Vehicle purchases rose with 180,600 units (27% up from 2009). In turn, the number of vehicles sold (149,800) increased by 7% compared to 2009. “After 2009 in which Arval enabled its customers to limit the impact of the financial crisis on their vehicle budget, 2010 was a year of upturn for us both in terms of activities and performance,” says Arval CEO Philippe Bismut.
2010 saw the fulfilment of several partnership and external growth operations:
Arval Spain now represents the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s brands in the marketing of full service leasing products, and has taken over La Caixa’s full service vehicle leasing activities in the scope of a strategic partnership. These operations position Arval Spain as a leader in its market with a fleet of 80,000 vehicles on the 31st of December.
In Germany, Arval has obtained authorisation from the German Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the German Cartel Office for the takeover of Commerz Real Autoleasing GmbH, previously known as the leasing subsidiary of Commerz Real Mobilienleasing GmbH. The purchase will be effective from early May 2011, expanding Arval Germany’s vehicle portfolio by more than 50% to 36,000.Arval’s recently established country subsidiaries have registered promising growth rates: 58% in Brazil,60% in India, and 66% in Turkey.
Strong growth forecasts for 2011
Barring economic and industrial consequences arising from the worldwide geopolitical situation that are still difficult to anticipate, 2011 should see a continuation in this growth, particularly in the so-called emerging markets. In Europe, Arval will participate in the Group initiative “One Bank for Corporates in Europe”, a banking offer launched by BNP Paribas at the beginning of the year to provide a harmonised service range through an integrated network of 150 business centres in 23 countries. In this way, Arval isconsolidating its presence with existing BNP Paribas Group customers throughout Europe.
Arval moreover reinforces its VSE-SME approach in Europe. This market represents a sizeable growth potential: the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and France alone count more than 20 million very small and small-to-medium enterprises. This type of enterprise will be approached through a multi-channel offer combining Internet and telephone, but also through a variety of indirect channels. Car manufacturers,dealers, and retail bank networks such as those of the BNP Paribas Group will all be partners in this endeavour.
“Our offer is already starting to attract this target, with 115,000 Arval vehicles used by SMEs in France,Spain, Italy and the UK. We are currently developing our offer to adapt to their specific needs and demands,” Philippe Bismut points out. 2011 will also be a year of quality. “Many initiatives will be launched, and existing projects rolled out, to improve the quality of our service to customers, because their satisfaction is vital to us,” he underlines.
Press contacts:
H&B Communication
Armelle Amilhat – a.amilhat@hbcommunication.fr
+33 (0)1 58 18 32 47 / +33 (0)6 82 92 94 47
Arval
Christelle Paillès – christelle.pailles@arval.com
+33 (0)1 57 69 53 69 / +33 (0)7 60 63 19 82
About Arval
Founded in 1989, Arval specialises in full service vehicle leasing, offering companies tailored solutions that optimise their employee’s mobility and outsource the risks associated with fleet management. Expert advice and service quality, which are the foundations of Arval’s customer promise, are delivered in 22 countries by over 4,000 employees, and in 12 other countries through its network of partners. Arval’s total leased fleet adds up to 667,500 vehicles throughout the world (December 2010). Arval is part of BNP Paribas Retail Banking “Equipment Solutions”.
www.arval.com
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is one of the six strongest banks in the world*. The Group is present in more than 80 countries and has more than 200,000 employees, including over 160,000 in Europe. It ranks highly in its three core activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions, and Corporate & Investment Banking. In Europe, the Group has four home markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg), and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model across the Europe-Mediterranean zone and boasts a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Investment Banking and Investment Solutions activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys a top position in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas, and solid and fastgrowing businesses in Asia.
www.bnpparibas.com
* Rated AA by Standard & Poor's, i.e. 3rd score on a scale of 22.