LEGAL problems have held up the launch of Volkswagen's fleet running cost guarantee, which is designed to dispel the view that its cars are expensive to run. The manufacturer stands to lose tens of thousands of pounds under the guarantee, which is based on CAP Motor Research figures for servicing, maintenance and repair over three years/60,000 miles, according to calculations carried out by Fleet NewsNet.

The calculations showed that under the scheme, unveiled at the Fleet Show at the NEC in Birmingham in April, 64 Volkswagen models are more expensive than their Vauxhall or Ford rivals with Volkswagen cheaper in just 22 cases. Sam Roach, Volkswagen fleet marketing manager, said: 'Our legal department has been looking at the final details and we have also been checking the figures with CAP.'

Roach hopes the guarantee will be operational within the next couple of weeks. Volkswagen says cash payments will be paid immediately to fleet operators who find their Volkswagens are worse than Ford or Vauxhall products. Operators must be registered with Volkswagen to qualify. A token payment will be made to operators who find their running costs are the same as Ford or Vauxhall.