All You Need to Know About a Factory Order Lease Car

If it’s your first time leasing a car, you might have come across the term ‘factory order’ and felt a little unsure about what it actually means. 

Maybe you’ve noticed that some cars are available almost straight away (in-stock cars), while others come with longer delivery times and cryptic terms like ‘build week’ attached. 

However, you don’t need to worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds. 

In this guide, we’ll explain all things factory order related, including what one is, how long it typically takes a factory order to be delivered, what a build week means, and why some lead times are longer than others. We discuss: 

A factory order is a car that is built to a customer’s exact specifications. As we all know, all cars are built in factories, but a ‘factory order’ is a specific type of order where the customer’s requirements are passed on to the factory. 

This allows the customer to get exactly what they want. They can pick and choose from the options available to tailor the car exactly to their needs. Common choices include paint colour, dashboard trim, engine, and any add-ons like technology packs or advanced safety features. 

This is different from the usual method of ordering a ‘stock’ car from a manufacturer, where the manufacturer produces popular car variants based on past and predicted needs. If you order a stock car, it’s ready to go much earlier than a factory order. 

As mentioned above, a factory order takes much longer than a stock car to be delivered. The reason for this? Simply because a factory order car hasn’t been built yet. 

In times gone by, a rule of thumb was that a factory order would roughly take around 12 weeks to be delivered. However, thanks to logistical changes in recent years, there’s no real ballpark figure to go on. 

Semiconductor shortages and shipping issues have meant that lead times have increased.  It’s commonplace to see factory orders taking 20 to 30 weeks to arrive, but as you can expect, exact times vary based on the manufacturer and model. 

Recently, it has been looking better, and lead times are coming down, which is good news for all. 

For more information on lead times, check out our guide, Understanding Delivery Lead Times. 

This depends on how far along the order is. Car leases come with a cooling-off period of 14 days, where you have the right to cancel your purchase for any reason and receive a full refund. 

Not always. It depends on the circumstances. Manufacturers may offer good deals on factory orders that might not be available on stock vehicles. However, the more options you add to a factory order, the more the price goes up. 

That said, stock cars offer incredible value. In some cases, you might find a stock car with a similar spec at a lower monthly rate simply because it’s ready to go. 

Build week is another term that not many are aware of and is something you’ll need to understand. Build weeks usually start in the first week of the year, although this can vary depending on the manufacturer. 

Whatever week you are given, you’re provided with an estimated lead time, which is the time it takes from placing the order to starting production on the car.  

It’s important to note that build week slots can vary. Despite all the automation that is now involved,  delays can occur, and even the smallest delay can set car production back days or weeks, which is why delivery dates should be taken with a pinch of salt and why ordering early is encouraged. 

By delays, we are talking about unavailability of parts, changes in manufacturing processes, amends to features, and even changing priorities when it comes to model production by the manufacturer.

You may be wondering why it can take so long to produce a car when all the basic planning has been done?

Yes, some cars aren’t as customisable as others and can be whisked through the production line at a rate of knots. But when you consider just how much manufacturers are introducing nowadays, even a single optional extra could make a big difference. 

On top of this, there’s a range of factors that influence delivery, such as: 

• Build week 
• Volume of orders 
• Geographical location 
• Shipping issues 
• Damaged or missing parts 
• Driver availability 

However, if all is good with your car, then this is the sort of timeline you’d expect: 

• Week 1 - Order placed with dealer/leasing company, who then orders it from the factory.
• Week 2 - Order slot is confirmed with the factory. 
• Week 3 - Waiting for a build slot.
• Week 4 - Waiting for a build slot.
• Week 5 - Vehicle put into production. 
• Week 6 - Vehicle comes out of production (depending on future driver/owner specifications). 
• Week 7 - Vehicle transported to a holding yard near the dock. 
• Week 8 - Awaiting boat to be loaded. 
• Week 9 - Vehicle transported from the country of production to the UK. 
• Week 10 - Vehicle arrives in the UK and placed in a holding yard.
• Week 11 - Vehicle transported to a local dealer. 
• Week 12 - Vehicle then has an all-over valet and Pre-Delivery Inspection before being delivered (or collected) by the new driver/owner. 

NOTE: This is just an estimate. The exact times may be subject to change. 

As always, what you go for depends on personal preference. Here’s a quick comparison to help:

If you want a car that’s built just for you, including the perfect colour, the right trim, and all your favourite gadgets, then a factor order is worth it. Just be prepared to wait a little longer, and keep in mind that delivery times can change. 

If you’re after speed and convenience, there are loads of in-stock leasing options available and ready to go. 

Whether you’re happy to wait for your perfect factory order or you’d rather get behind the wheel sooner with an in-stock deal, we’ve got plenty of options to suit your needs. 

Check out our latest leasing deals, offering great value across a wide range of makes and models. 

Not sure what’s best for you? Our leasing consultants are here to help you weigh up your options and find the perfect solution. Drop us a call on 0345 811 9595.