A MIDLANDS-based company is launching a product it says will cut smoke emissions from diesel vehicles by at least 40%, cut fuel consumption by at least 8% and boost vehicle performance.

While Fleet News has always been sceptical of such claims, one manager with a major fleet, which asked not to be named but operates several hundred diesel cars in the construction industry, is convinced the product represents a major breakthrough.

The device was first fitted to the fleet manager's Peugeot 405 GLDT on which it increased fuel economy from 39 mpg to 43 mpg. Now the trial has been extended to cover 50 vehicles - Peugeot 405s or Citroen Xantias. All show similar fuel saving and emissions have been cut by 40% as measured on a smoke test.

The system - which looks rather like a bicycle pump and costs around £200 is the brainchild of former West Indies cricketer Ron Headley whose company is called Headley Diesel Surgery.