Indians are getting upwardly mobile and how! As salaries continue to skyrocket, a craving for the better things in life is only a logical extension of people’s aspirations. So rather than be seen driving around in simple inexpensive cars, CEOs of companies would much rather do the trip around town only if they are provided with gleaming BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes.

According to India’s leading car leasing company, LeasePlan India, companies are slowly veering around to acquiring topnotch models through lease for their top level management. And as more and more luxury brands begin to surface on Indian roads, the writing on the wall is clear. There is a growing preference for expensive leased cars.

Says Veerle Behets, managing director of LeasePlan India, “When I started business in India, the top level car sought was the Opel Astra. Now we see requests for BMWs, Camrys and Mercedes Benzes. I see the trend increasing significantly in the coming years.”

The company has, as part of its lease management fleet, over 300 upmarket cars which include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Camry, Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Accord, CRV, Skoda Superb, Hyundai Sonata and Terracan.

“A couple of years ago, we did not have a single Mercedes in our fleet but now have quite a few. We also have BMWs coming in. SUVs like the Ford Endeavour, Grand Vitara and the Honda CRV are also in demand,” she adds. It is also her view that once Audi, Volkswagen and BMW begin manufacturing vehicles, they will obviously become more affordable and sought after.

LeasePlan India crossed 10,000 cars in end-June 2006 and has internally fixed a target of 50,000 cars by 2010 or so. It recommends what models companies should go in for based on the kind of use. Hence, SUVs would be the best bet if it means travelling in the interiors often. Similarly, fuel options are also decided based on the quantum of use. LeasePlan India is associated with nearly 700 car dealerships which become a critical link in its operations given that it caters to a large section of corporates.