Since the first leased car made its appearance in Spain in 1985, the professionalism of the market has continued to increase, reports Jose Luis Criado in the latest edition of C.A.R. From representing around 6% of all new car sales in Spain in 2000, the leasing companies are estimated to have doubled this figure now, arriving at a forecast 14% in 2013. There is still a strong link between dealers and leasing companies in the country, rather than leasing companies obtaining their vehicles directly from manufacturers through global agreements. This situation is preferred by the manufacturers. Leasing accounts for some 50% of company cars in Spain, a proportion which is growing. Company cars also continue to be popular as a way of compensating employees who would not be able to buy a new car from their salaries.