Why operational leasing is so popular in Belgium and what we can learn from the rest of the world
If you drive a company car in Belgium, chances are it’s financed through operational leasing. It’s become so commonplace that we rarely stop to think about it. But why does this model work so well here? And what makes the Belgian and European system so unique in the world?
Let us take you behind the scenes of fleet management.
Operational leasing: much more than long-term rental
Many people think of “leasing” as a form of long-term rental. But operational leasing goes far beyond that. For businesses, it’s a complete solution: financing, maintenance, tyres, insurance, taxes and often a fuel card or charging pass, all included. And for one fixed monthly cost.
That’s exactly why fleet managers love it. No surprises, no hidden costs, no hassle with garage invoices or tyre changes. Everything is predictable and handled by specialists.
At HertLease, we understand that need better than anyone. Our clients want to focus on their core business, not on managing their vehicle fleet. That’s our job.
Belgium: European leader in company cars
Belgium is one of the countries in the world with the highest proportion of company cars relative to the total vehicle fleet. That’s no coincidence. The tax system has long strongly encouraged operational leasing: lease costs are (partially) tax-deductible, CO₂ standards play a major role in the taxation of the benefit in kind, and the transition to electric vehicles is actively supported through tax incentives.
The result? A professional leasing market with major players, competitive rates and a wide range of services. And a fleet manager like HertLease that knows exactly how to get the best out of this system for its clients.
One fixed cost, zero worries
Imagine: an employee drives to a client in the morning, gets a flat tyre and calls the helpdesk. Ten minutes later, everything is sorted. No invoice, no discussion, no hassle. That’s what a well-managed lease contract delivers.
That’s precisely why HertLease continuously invests in its network of partners for maintenance, repairs and tyre service. Because a vehicle that’s off the road isn’t just an inconvenience, it costs money. Every day a vehicle isn’t running is a day of lost productivity.
Our new partnerships with AutoGlass Clinic, Q Team, Euro Tyre and Mobivia Group are a concrete example of this. More locations, more availability, less downtime.
What can we learn from other markets?
In countries like the United States, fleet management works in a fundamentally different way. There, leasing is more of a financing instrument than a complete solution. Companies manage their own maintenance and risks, or do so through specialised Fleet Management Companies. The residual value risk stays with the client.
That model fits a different culture and a different tax system, but it also shows that there is no universal solution. What is universal: businesses want control, predictability and as little operational complexity as possible.
And that is precisely what makes operational leasing in the European form so powerful.
The future: electric and flexible
The leasing world is evolving at a rapid pace. Electric vehicles are taking up an increasingly large share of business fleets and rightly so. But they also bring new challenges: longer maintenance cycles, specific tyre types, charging infrastructure, software updates and a different driving experience for the driver.
At HertLease, we follow this evolution closely. Our partners are ready for electric and hybrid vehicles, with certified technicians and the right equipment. Because the transition to a green fleet should never come at the expense of the service provided to your employees.
In short
Operational leasing in Belgium isn’t a trend, it’s the standard. And not without reason. The model offers predictability, convenience and tax optimisation in one package. But the quality of that package depends on the partners you choose and the network that stands behind you.
At HertLease, a strong team is ready for you - Better. Faster. Always On.