The security of working with an OEM-neutral fleet company

By SG Fleet | 09 July 2025

Red car protected under a glass dome, symbolising the security of OEM car parts, car manufacturing quality and fleet company support.

When looking for the right fleet solutions, businesses face a lot of questions. How can I access the right vehicle at the right time? How do I manage growing maintenance and part costs? Am I still compliant with shifting regulations? A manufacturer-neutral fleet company like SG Fleet offers the answer.

What does OEM-neutral mean?

If a fleet management company is OEM-neutral, it means it’s not tied down to one car brand. Remaining neutral allows the fleet company to bring you security in your planning, flexibility in vehicle choice, and stability in cost. That’s exactly the support that modern organisations need.

 

Handwriting the term OEM with arrows showing original equipment manufacturer, linked to car parts and car manufacturing.

 

Freedom of choice and freedom from bias

Because manufacturer-neutral fleet management companies can source vehicles from a broad range of different OEMs, you aren’t dependent on the availability of that manufacturer’s car parts and/or pricing trends. It gives you a real choice between EVs, hybrids, and traditional petrol and diesel cars. You pick the vehicles that work for your business, not someone else’s agenda.

 

Resilience against supply chain disruption

Manufacturing challenges have persisted into 2025. OEMs continue to wrestle with car part shortages, logistical bottlenecks, and changing regulations. The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, for instance, has encouraged many businesses to innovate in order to remain competitive and avoid fines.

This means that a manufacturer-neutral fleet company minimises risk associated with supply chain disruption, as if one OEM struggles to deliver, you can still access alternatives.

 

Better value through competitive pricing

Because neutral fleet companies can source from across different OEMs, they’re often able to get better pricing and package deals. They aren’t locked into one car manufacturer’s pricing structure and can negotiate across brands. For your business, that can mean savings on vehicles, car parts, and maintenance plans.

 

Nurturing an innovative approach

Telematics, AI-driven maintenance, and real-time tracking are boosting efficiency and safety across the automotive sector. A recent report has shown us that systems offering real-time data and route optimisation can reduce fuel use and downtime, all without relying on one OEM’s ecosystem.

 

A manufacturer-neutral fleet partner can integrate with the most advanced tools available, irrespective of brand origin, to support smarter fleet operations.

 

Easier transition to low-emission fleets

The trend toward decarbonisation is always intensifying, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of the change with award-winning EV solutions. Last year, nearly one in five new cars registered in the UK were battery electric. In 2025, that number has risen to one in four new cars.

 

The flexibility you get from a manufacturer-neutral fleet company makes it much easier to capitalise on and adapt to the shift towards EVs. It gives you the chance to mix EVs and hybrids by sourcing from the car manufacturers best positioned to deliver each segment, rather than being bound to a single OEM’s range.

 

Adaptability to regulations and tax changes

2025 brought with it changes to VED, as well as new compliance demands. The Sustainability Disclosure Requirements are set to start in 2026, which mandate detailed corporate emissions reporting. At the same time, government incentives (which can include tax advantages) sometimes apply variably to different vehicle models or types.

 

An OEM-neutral fleet company is well placed to monitor these changes across different car manufacturers. We can then recommend adjustments like shifting to EVs or more fuel-efficient models to help you yield better value and smoother compliance than single-brand plans allow.

 

Better continuity in parts and maintenance

A diverse fleet management company gives you access to a wider ecosystem in terms of car parts. If one OEM experience a parts shortage, you’re not left stranded. Maintenance contracts can be delivered from multiple suppliers or repair centres, so you’ve got better continuity and potentially less downtime, too.

 

White car displayed in a showroom with customers in the background, representing fleet company access to multiple car manufacturers and OEM options.

 

Enhancing driver satisfaction and retaining talent

Like all benefits, the vehicles you offer your staff play a big role in attracting and retaining the right staff. An OEM-neutral fleet company gives you the opportunity to offer your staff a choice from a much wider pool of company cars. Employees are more likely to find themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle that suits their professional needs and their personal preferences.

 

Industry research backs this up.

Vehicles and mobility benefits are increasingly important factors as demand in the UK for flexible vehicle access is growing. This is shown by an uptick of around 80,000 in the usage of company cars since 2023/24. Employees want perks that match their lifestyle and sustainability values. For employers, being able to offer that choice through a varied fleet can directly strengthen appeal in competitive labour markets.

 

Ready to secure your fleet with choice, flexibility, and confidence?

Working with SG Fleet means you’re not locked into one car manufacturer. You get the freedom to choose vehicles from across the UK market, so you get the option that truly fits your needs. Our fleet management offerings handle everything from bespoke leasing options to maintenance cover, telematics, downtime management, and even EV transition support with our award-winning eStart solution.

Employees can also feel these benefits through our salary sacrifice schemes. They’re award-winning, fully managed, and zero-risk, helping you attract, reward, and retain employees with tax-efficient car benefits that save money for your staff and your business.

You can find out more about how we can help here or by getting in touch with our team.

 

FAQs

 

How does neutrality affect maintenance and parts supply?

You benefit from multiple supply channels. If one OEM has delays or shortages, your fleet isn’t stranded; others can step in to maintain service continuity.

 

Can a neutral fleet company still offer EVs at scale?

Absolutely. By sourcing across multiple OEMs, they can mix and match EV, hybrid and conventional models, scaling up electric vehicles based on availability or your business priorities.

 

How does this help with changing regulations or incentives?

Neutral providers monitor the evolving regulatory and incentive landscape, ensuring your fleet can adapt whether through model selection, vehicle funding options, or tax-efficient rentals.