THE UK's largest leasing and fleet management company has called for greater freedom to disclose to its customers the prices it pays for cars. PHH Vehicle Management has petitioned the Competition Commission's New Cars Inquiry calling for the right to reveal net transaction prices to its clients.

Graham Rixon, PHH Vehicle Management's operations director, said: 'Whichever pricing information that manufacturers choose to make available should be available to all customers, both business and private.' He was referring to certain manufacturers who discount their cars to leasing firms to secure more competitive rentals, but insist that the terms must be kept secret for 'political' reasons, because in certain instances the prices may be lower than those available to franchised dealers.

PHH wants the right to disclose the net transaction costs, a freedom which would increase the pressure on manufacturers to offer the same terms to retail as well as business customers.