VAUXHALL is to launch 20,000-mile one-year service intervals throughout its range in a move that could slash fleet servicing costs by thousands of pounds. The move towards extended intervals, for both petrol and diesel engines, will be pioneered in the new Corsa in October.

It comes after the Lex Fleet 2000 Report showed Peugeot's gamble to offer 20,000-mile servicing on its range had paid enormous dividends. Figures based on 1999's top-25 selling fleet model ranges show three of the five cheapest cars to service on Lex's fleet are Peugeots.

Already speculation is rife that Ford is preparing a similar extension above its 10,000 mile intervals when the new Mondeo arrives later this year, potentially signalling a move to longer service intervals throughout the range.

A Vauxhall source said: 'Longer service intervals are being introduced on the new Corsa to reduce running costs. Standard servicing levels are something we are looking at for the entire range. There is no reason why it could not be introduced in all models.'

However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders sounded a warning note, saying: 'This increases the importance of having vehicles serviced at the correct intervals.There is little flexibility to go beyond these intervals and this is very important for fleet customers, whose drivers are covering high mileages.'