MMS expands strategic automotive ecosystem as novated leasing accelerates
McMillan Shakespeare Group
McMillan Shakespeare Group (ASX: MMS) is one of Australia's most influential automotive ecosystem partners, counting leading global automotive brands including BYD, Denza, Volkswagen Financial Services, GWM, MG Motor and GAC Group within strategic relationships.
As consumers increasingly seek cost-effective alternatives to traditional vehicle financing, novated leasing has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pathways to vehicle ownership, particularly for electric vehicles, driven by the Australian Federal Government's Electric Car Discount and growing demand for lower cost mobility solutions.
MMS's novated leases grew 7% in 1HFY26, reflecting continued market momentum and increasing consumer demand for flexible and affordable vehicle ownership solutions.
Partnerships with leading global automotive brands position MMS at the centre of Australia's fastest-growing vehicle ownership channel
McMillan Shakespeare Group (ASX: MMS) is strengthening its position as one of Australia's most influential automotive ecosystem partners, expanding strategic relationships with leading global automotive brands including BYD, Denza, Volkswagen Financial Services, GWM, MG Motor and GAC Group as demand for novated leasing continues to accelerate.
Through its market-leading novated leasing brands Maxxia, RemServ and Oly, MMS connects vehicle manufacturers, dealer networks, finance providers and customers through a fully integrated vehicle ownership ecosystem, helping automotive brands reach more buyers while making vehicle ownership more accessible and affordable for Australians.
As consumers increasingly seek cost-effective alternatives to traditional vehicle financing, novated leasing has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pathways to vehicle ownership, particularly for electric vehicles, driven by the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount and growing demand for lower cost mobility solutions.
"Our strategy is simple, create stronger connections between automotive brands and customers while making vehicle ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible," said Antonia Albanese, Chief Customer Officer, McMillan Shakespeare Group.
"Novated leasing is becoming an increasingly important growth channel for automotive brands, particularly as consumers look for smarter ways to purchase vehicles and reduce cost-of-living pressures."
Unlike traditional finance arrangements, MMS works directly with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to generate demand, educate consumers, support dealerships and deliver a seamless end-to-end ownership experience through the market's only fully integrated digital novated leasing platform.
The result is a connected ecosystem that brings together vehicle manufacturers, finance providers, dealers, digital channels and customers within a single customer journey.
Among MMS's most significant automotive partnerships is its longstanding relationship with Eagers Automotive, Australia's largest automotive retailer and leading distributor of the BYD brand in Australia.
Now entering its third year, the partnership has spanned customer acquisition, dealer engagement, digital integration and vehicle financing, helping accelerate the adoption of new energy vehicles across Australia.
MMS recently formalised a direct partnership with BYD during a visit to the manufacturer's headquarters in China. The expanded relationship strengthens collaboration across demand generation, customer acquisition, dealer engagement and integrated ownership solutions, while supporting BYD's continued growth in the Australian market.
The relationship is also expanding through MMS's appointment as a preferred leasing partner for Denza, BYD's premium electric vehicle brand, supporting its introduction to the Australian SME market.
Ms Albanese says the scale of BYD’s manufacturing, the pace at which new models are brought to market and innovations such as new consumer charging stations, designed with the look, feel and convenience of a traditional service station, will see more BYD’s on the road, facilitated by MMS and Eagers.
"What we saw in China reinforced what three years of partnership had already told us. BYD is building for the future at extraordinary scale and speed.
"Our direct partnership with BYD marks an exciting new chapter, building on the strong foundations established through our longstanding relationship with Eagers Automotive. Together, we're creating greater access to world-class vehicle technology while delivering exceptional value and affordability for Australian customers."
Paul Warburton, Executive General Manager Financial Services at Eagers Automotive, said the partnership demonstrates the growing importance of integrated automotive ecosystems in supporting customer choice and vehicle accessibility.
"As Australia's largest retail partner of BYD we are committed to making vehicle ownership more accessible and convenient for customers,” said Mr Warburton.
“MMS has become an important strategic partner, connecting OEMs, dealers and consumers through a highly effective novated leasing platform that continues to support growth across the automotive industry."
MMS continues to expand partnerships across a growing network of global automotive manufacturers, helping customers access greater choice, competitive pricing and seamless ownership experiences.
Its expanding ecosystem includes:
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BYD - One of Australia's fastest-growing EV brands and MMS's most established OEM partnership.
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Denza - BYD's premium electric vehicle brand, combining advanced technology, luxury design and intelligent mobility solutions.
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GWM - A global automotive manufacturer and one of Australia's fastest-growing automotive brands, driving significant consumer demand across multiple vehicle segments.
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MG Motor - Part of SAIC Motor, one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, and one of Australia's leading automotive brands.
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GAC Group - One of China's largest automotive manufacturers with a growing international footprint and expanding Australian presence.
These partnerships are complemented by MMS's strategic finance relationships, including its partnership with Volkswagen Financial Services Australia, representing brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda and CUPRA.
Together, these relationships provide customers with greater access to competitive financing solutions while supporting integrated dealer and customer experiences across some of the world's most recognised vehicle brands.
MMS's novated leases grew 7% in 1HFY26, reflecting continued market momentum and increasing consumer demand for flexible and affordable vehicle ownership solutions.
Industry momentum remains strong, with novated leasing now accounting for approximately 92% of all EV finance volume in Australia, according to the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA). The National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) estimates the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount has helped place more than 100,000 EVs on Australian roads, contributing to battery electric vehicle market share increasing from 1.4% in 2021 to 8.3% in 2025.
As demand continues to grow, MMS remains focused on expanding its automotive ecosystem, creating stronger connections between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), dealerships, financiers and customers.
"Automotive manufacturers are increasingly looking for partners who can do more than simply provide finance,” added Ms Albanese.
"They want partners capable of generating demand, supporting dealer networks, improving customer experiences and accelerating growth. That is exactly where MMS is uniquely positioned.
"By bringing together OEMs, dealer networks, financing solutions and digital capability within a single ecosystem, we are helping automotive brands grow while delivering greater choice, convenience and value for Australian customers.”
For more information visit www.mmsg.com.au.
ENDS
About McMillan Shakespeare Group
McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS) is a leading provider of salary packaging, novated leasing, fleet management and disability support services across Australia and New Zealand.
Through trusted brands including Maxxia, RemServ, Oly, Interleasing, Plan Partners and Plan Tracker, MMS helps individuals and organisations achieve better financial wellbeing and everyday outcomes.
Guided by its purpose to make a difference to people's lives, MMS delivers innovative solutions that simplify complexity and create meaningful value for customers, clients and communities.
Visit www.mmsg.com.au.
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