FLEETS which choose Volkswagen cars ahead of their Ford and Vauxhall rivals stand to cash in following the launch of a new running cost guarantee scheme by the German. The guarantee, based on CAP Motor Research figures for servicing, maintenance and repair over three years/60,000 miles, is being introduced in a bid to dispel the view that Volkswagen cars are expensive to operate.

Under the guarantee, Volkswagen will give cash payments to fleet operators who find their Volkswagen running costs are worse than Vauxhall and Ford products. Vince Kinner, Volkswagen's head of fleet, said: 'We are not the cheapest and do not claim to be, but we are close enough and want to show people that high servicing and maintenance costs are no longer a reason not to buy a Volkswagen.'

All models are covered by the guarantee, which will operate until the end of the year, except where there is no direct Vauxhall or Ford competitor.