Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions says that, in the face of increasing pressure to reduce costs and headcount and to streamline processes, more businesses are turning to outsourcing.

The leasing firm is reporting a sharp rise in new business wins as a result: the latter part of 2009 saw Hitachi Capital win new contracts worth nearly £22m, comprising the management and funding of more than 12,000 cars and commercial vehicles across all sectors including utilities, healthcare, and mobile phones.

Simon Oliphant, CEO, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said: ‘Pressure on companies to reduce headcount and minimise spend has encouraged many businesses to start exploring alternatives to internal management and administration of their fleets.

‘This is evident in the significant interest we’ve had from prospects over the past few months in our range of outsourcing services. Our ability to work with customers to identify cost-reduction opportunities and implement them has been a compelling factor.

‘Fleets still have a vitally important role to play in business but, as a significant area of spend, can be under even more focus in the current economic climate. It’s encouraging for the fleet industry to see that customers are acknowledging the increased role fleet providers can play in key areas of cost, administration, environment and duty of care. We expect to see this trend continue for both the car and commercial vehicle sector over the coming year.’