Digital-first dealer platform, direct BYD relationship and expanding OEM ecosystem place MMS at the centre of Australia’s growing EV and novated leasing market
McMillan Shakespeare Group (ASX: MMS) is strengthening its position as a digital-first automotive growth partner, connecting global vehicle manufacturers, dealer networks, finance providers and customers through one of Australia’s most integrated novated leasing ecosystems.
At the centre of this approach is MMS’s dealer digital platform, which gives dealers a simple pathway to identify novated leasing opportunities, refer customers, track progress and support faster conversion, while giving OEM partners greater visibility across demand generation, dealer engagement and customer outcomes.
As electric vehicle demand continues to grow and customers seek more affordable ways to access new vehicles, novated leasing is becoming a significant growth channel for automotive brands, supported by the Federal Government’s Electric Car Discount, changing vehicle preferences and increasing customer demand for lower-cost ownership options.
"MMS is building the connective tissue between OEMs, dealers and customers at a time when novated leasing is rapidly becoming a mainstream vehicle ownership channel," said Antonia Albanese, Chief Customer Officer, McMillan Shakespeare Group.
"Our digital-first platform helps dealers participate more easily, helps OEMs reach high-intent customers, and helps Australians access greater vehicle choice, value and affordability through novated leasing."
Unlike traditional finance referral models, MMS works directly with OEMs and dealers to create demand, educate customers, support dealership activation and manage the end-to-end novated leasing experience across its Maxxia, RemServ and Oly brands.
This gives automotive partners a scalable growth channel that combines digital dealer workflows, customer education, employer and employee reach, finance capability and integrated campaign activity within a single connected ecosystem.
MMS’s direct partnership with BYD is a key example of this model in action. Recently formalised during a visit to BYD’s headquarters in China, the relationship deepens collaboration across demand generation, customer acquisition, dealer engagement, digital integration and ownership solutions, while supporting BYD’s continued growth in the Australian market - growth that has seen BYD overtake Tesla as Australia’s largest EV brand by volume in 2026.
The relationship also extends to DENZA, BYD’s premium new energy vehicle brand, with MMS appointed as a strategic leasing partner to support its introduction to the Australian SME market through Oly’s digital-first novated leasing model.
Ms Albanese said BYD’s scale, speed to market and commitment to new energy vehicle innovation aligns strongly with MMS’s ambition to make EV ownership easier and more affordable for more Australians through novated leasing.
"BYD is one of the clearest examples of how the automotive market is changing," said Ms Albanese.
"Its growth reflects the shift toward new energy vehicles, and our partnership gives MMS an important role in helping more customers access that technology through a simpler, digital-first novated leasing experience."
Wing You, General Manager of BYD Australia said the partnership with MMS supports BYD’s ambition to make new energy vehicles more accessible to Australian customers.
"BYD is committed to making innovative, high-quality new energy vehicles available for all Australians," Wing You said. "Our partnership with MMS creates another important pathway for customers to access BYD vehicles through novated leasing, supported by a seamless ownership experience and strong customer education."
Beyond BYD and DENZA, MMS continues to expand its automotive ecosystem, partnering with leading manufacturers including GWM, MG Motor, Polestar and Tesla. MMS provides OEM partners with access to high-intent customers, integrated dealer engagement and established finance pathways, while expanding vehicle choice across electric, premium and mainstream segments.
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 FY26 results demonstrate the commercial strength of this approach, with novated leases increasing to 90,000, up 13.5%, group novated lease sales growing 8.4%, new Battery Electric Vehicle sales up 113%, and BEVs representing 61% of all new novated lease sales in FY26.
Importantly, MMS achieved this growth while outperforming the broader market, with internal FY26 benchmarking showing new novated sales growth ahead of the market in the second half, reinforcing the effectiveness of its digital-first, partnership-led model.
The results also show the benefits of MMS’s investment in partner experience and digital capability, with a 42% increase in users of the MMS dealer platform and continued growth in partnership-led demand generation, demonstrating how stronger OEM and dealer integration is translating into measurable commercial momentum.
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 1.7% in 2021 to 8.7% in 2025.
Together, these results reinforce MMS’s confidence in its partnership model: combining OEM relationships, dealer activation, digital leasing capability and customer education to create a more connected, scalable pathway to vehicle ownership.
This momentum supports MMS’s ongoing focus on expanding its automotive ecosystem and deepening partnerships with manufacturers such as BYD, enabling automotive brands to reach high-intent customers through MMS’s novated leasing brands, employer networks and digital channels.
"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.
Contact details:
Jemima Doer| Account Director | 0437 528 598 | [email protected]
