UP to 100 Vauxhall fleet customers have complained that company car transaction prices have increased following price and dealer margin realignments as a consequence of the Government's Supply of New Cars order.

However, with 5,000-6,000 'live' fleet accounts, Vauxhall believes that it has been true to its word that dramatic price changes following the conclusion of the Competition Commission's inquiry into the supply of new cars in the UK has not disadvantaged fleet customers.

'Once the issues surrounding price cuts, volume-related bonuses, three year warranties and specification enhancements have been explained most customers have been satisfied but I am still dealing with 30 to 40 customers.

'We don't believe transaction prices to fleets have increased as a result of the changes we have made, but if fleets feel they have been disadvantaged we will talk to them and come to an arrangement with them.'

Parfitt said once the 'new' regime had been explained fleet chiefs understood they had not been penalised. However, he declined to comment whether fleets had been compensated with cash payments.

'The biggest issue is that residual values are hurting the people Mr Byers was trying to help. He didn't count on the importance of part exchanges and finance terms when people bought a new car. He was just looking at list price.

'Transaction prices on vehicles have increased and we have had to work hard to help customers - fleet and retail - overcome that problem.'