Talking to dealerships, Fleet Managers and novated leasing companies, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid is the hardest car to get in 2022. There is limited supply which has been covered by every media outlet, high retail demand because hybrid is suddenly popular, and lots of forward orders from fleets that plan their purchase programs years in advance.
And it’s not just the hybrid that’s taking 9-12 months to deliver. Every manufacturer is experiencing the same issue with different levels of availability depending on the model. In an extreme move, Toyota has stopped taking new orders on the popular (and brand new) Landruiser 300 Series. And you may never see a new Camry hybrid again.
Despite all the hype and hysteria about delivery delays, there are still cars coming into the country each month and not everyone ends up in the hands of the person that placed the order.
At Fleet News Group we’ve worked out the hacks to get a car into your driveway quicker. Here’s our top 5 tips for Fleet Managers and novated lease buyers.
Fleet Managers
- Prepare a five year replacement plan and stick to it
- Work with one manufacturer and build some loyalty so you get allocated any spare cars
- Forget about hybrids for the next two years
- Change the fleet policy so you can order mid-spec or high-spec models
- Don’t complicate the order with accessories that can be added later
Fleet Managers with annual replacement plans have cruised through the pandemic with minimal disruption. They have worked with their suppliers to plan orders by quarter and replace vehicles on time.
Organisations without strong fleet management practices are accepting different makes and models which will ensure the memory of the pandemic continues for many years because a diversity of vehicles wreaks havoc with the Fleet Policy.
Having multiple brands in the fleet is not recommended for several reasons:
- Dealing with more suppliers increased the amount administration
- The purchasing power is diluted which will increase WOL costs
- Increases risk for drivers switching vehicles with different safety technology
- Creates car park envy amongst employees when they don’t have the brand they like
Novated Lease Buyers
- Buy the top of the range model
- Order from your local dealership
- Pick a popular colour
- Order it as a retail buyer than get it financed as a novated lease
- If the dealer rings you and says they have a car, take it regardless of the colour or specification
It’s best not to set your heart on a dream car in 2022. The way things are working out in the automotive industry your next novated lease may be any car you can get. Then in 2025, when your lease expires, buy your dream car which may also be an electric vehicle.
Several novated lease companies are encouraging customers to find their own cars then come back to them for finance. This is because retail customers are getting priority with manufacturers and dealerships.
In 2019, 46% of new cars were sold to retail customers. So far this year, retail buyers have purchased 56% of all new cars while order pipelines for fleet buyers are triple the pre-pandemic average.
Hopefully some of these life hacks work for you. If not, second hand vehicles are a good option to get the car you want when you need it.
