FORD is to withdraw its free servicing offer for fleet customers from February 1 and contract hire rates are expected to increase by up to £15 a month on some models as a result. All existing contracts on vehicles purchased before then will be honoured.

Launched two and a half years ago, the free servicing scheme attracted a massive response from small to medium fleets and contract hire companies. Ford has already ended the offer on Transit vans, but is replacing it with a £1,000 rebate for fleets which do not receive special Ford terms. Support of £200-£650 will be placed behind the rest of Ford's model range, although the Mondeo will be left without any subsidy.

Ford insisted that the withdrawal would have no impact on contract hire rates, but leasing companies are predicting a rise in monthly rates.

FORD is supporting pre-1997 model year Mondeos by £1,000 to speed up the run-out of the old model. Additionally, special edition Escort gets £500 support, pre-1997 Mavericks up to £1,500 and pre-1997 Probes £1,000 until the end of January 1997.