Forget the idea of company car drivers being stuck with uninspiring-looking motors, as new research suggests big alloy wheels are growing in fashion.
Data supplied by automotive ecommerce provider Epyx, has found that more that more than half (56 percent) of company cars are now equipped with alloy wheels 18 inches or over.
This trend for big wheels amongst fleet users is attributed to the rise in popularity of electric and plug-in hybrid cars, which are more likely to ride on larger rims.
EV and hybrids leading the trend
The growth in alloy wheels beyond 18 inches has increased substantially across the past three years. In 2021, some 42 percent of company cars came with wheels 18 inches or over.
By 2022 this had increased to 47 percent, followed by 52 percent in 2023.
A link with electric and hybrid vehicles is likely to be contributing to the upward trend. During 2023, almost half (48.8 percent) of all fleet cars registered were battery models, with plug-in hybrids accounting for 19.1 percent.
Further research by Epyx found that almost three-quarters (74 percent) of electric cars come with 18-inch plus tyres.
In comparison, 63 percent of hybrid cars come with alloy wheels more than 18-inch in size, and 52 percent of diesel and petrol models.
More costs, questionable benefits
Tim Meadows, CCO, Epyx, said: “What the data shows is that there’s been a rapid increase in company car tyre sizes over a relatively short period of time, and the trend line suggests that is probably likely to continue.
“Bigger tyres are almost always fitted for cosmetic purposes, filling the wheel arch of the car. Some would argue that they offer marginally improved handling but that’s not really applicable when it comes to the kinds of models and motoring seen on most fleets.”
Meadows adds: “There are certainly downsides. They are more expensive and more prone to damage, which adds up to additional bills for fleets.
“That’s quite a price to pay for something that just looks a little better.”
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