THE joint British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association-RAC guide to wear and tear has been received with an unprecedented level of enthusiasm throughout the fleet industry and is being adopted as the industry's benchmark.

Just two months after its launch, the guide has already sold out its initial 15,000 print run and is already being adopted by contract hire companies as the standard they expect ex-contract cars to meet. The guide is designed to stamp out the practice of cut-price contracts being loaded with penalty payments at the back end.

Some fleet and leasing companies are funding volume reprints of their own for distribution with cars and in the long term, the BVRLA estimates the guide could find its way into 1.2 million vehicles nationwide. Both the BVRLA and the RAC see the guide as having relevance for fleet managers as well as the contract hire industry. Copies are available from Doreen Lear at the BVRLA on 01494 434747.