FLEET managers risk being hit by poor residual values after taking on alternatively-fuelled vehicles, according to the Association of Car Fleet Operators. Its adds that used car buyers need to be educated that there is nothing to fear from using 'green' transport.

Fleet buyers and decision makers must work with the motor industry and dealerships on a structured programme to show the public the benefits of opting for cleaner technology, such as compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles, said ACFO director Stewart Whyte. He believes only sustained work to eliminate suspicion among a cautious market will protect residual values.

Whyte said: 'There are some people who might be prepared to pay a premium for a used bi-fuel car, but that number is small in relation to the people who have said it is just one more thing to go wrong. Used buyers are a bit suspicious of changes.'For the next four years, there is a tremendous selling job to do on behalf of the industry. Manufacturers, fleets and dealerships need to invest in making sure that awareness of this technology builds up, so that when the first wave of bi-fuel vehicles comes on the market, there are buyers ready to pay, instead of staying away because they are suspicious.'