FLEETS have gained a vital ally in the European Parliament who has vowed to create a 'better level of understanding' of the industry. Malcolm Harbour, one of the founding directors of the Independent Car Distribution Programme, a leading co-operative research programme in car distribution and after-sales became an MEP in last month's elections.

He is one of four Conservative MEPs to win seats for the West Midlands, representing a constituency of more than four million people which is a haven for the car manufacturing industry. From August he will be taking up his place in Parliament and said he would use his knowledge and experience to spread the word about the importance of the motor industry and the lead it was taking in improving the environment.

Harbour, who will remain as a non-executive director of ICDP and of his consultancy Harbour Wade Brown, said: 'I am looking to create an informed opinion and better level of understanding on industry and fleet issues. Our responsibilities have not been decided yet, but I will be looking to put my knowledge and experience to good use and provide an informed opinion on industry issues, for both manufacturers, private car buyers and particularly fleets.'