A growing number of fleet managers are being given more control over fleet suppliers, goods, services and overall policy.

According to fleet provider GE Capital Solutions, 68.8% of fleet managers now have final choice on goods and services compared with 37% last year, and 43.7% have the final say over fleet policy compared with 39.7% in 2008.

Gary Killeen, commercial leader at GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services, said: "This supports anecdotal feedback from the market showing fleet managers are enjoying greater influence at the expense of HR departments, as cost, safety and green concerns overtake the need to offer the best car possible in order to aid staff recruitment and retention."

The survey shows 30.5% of fleets are still offering cash options to company car users who need the car for work purposes and 12.2% of companies offer fleets without restrictions over badge and vehicle choice.