FLEET and motor industry leaders have united behind a major new report which underlines the importance of the company car and stresses the role businesses are playing in cleaning up the environment. 'Driving Business Forward - the future of the company car and business transport' - was launched at the House of Commons this week and received immediate support from MPs and peers of all parties.

Amid widespread speculation that the company car is a Budget target of Chancellor Gordon Brown, the report calls on the Government to consult with the fleet industry prior to introducing legislative changes. And with a white paper on an integrated transport policy for Britain to be published in the spring, the report makes clear that the Government must work with fleets to solve Britain's transport problems and not make kneejerk reactions.

Sponsoring the launch of the report, Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East and secretary of the House of Commons Motor Club, said: 'The report strikes a real chord. As a former 25,000 miles a year company car driver I well understand the points and the concerns raised.' He raised hopes that the forthcoming Budget may not contain the widely-speculated tax attack on the company car when he said: 'I think it's unlikely that the Government will do anything to damage business interests. We got elected because company car drivers voted for us, so we are not going to penalise those people. I think the report will find support with ministers and backbenchers.'

Fleet News editor Ashley Martin said: 'With the Budget due to take place on March 17 and widespread speculation that the company car is a target of Chancellor Gordon Brown it is absolutely vital for the fleet industry to unite and ensure its voice is heard in Westminster.'