The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and the National Franchised Dealers Association as well as fleet managers have backed the growing campaign to abolish delivery charges. The call follows a letter last week from ACFO - representing 640 fleet managers - to Britain's 30 top car manufacturers demanding the move.

ACFO said delivery charges had increased by 54% since 1990 while car prices rose by 28%. Over the same period the retail price index had risen by just 18%. Len Clayton, chairman of the BVRLA's leasing committee said his association's view was unanimous but they recognised the manufacturers' difficulties.

'They have to wait for everyone to do it at the same time and on this basis I don't suppose it will ever happen', he said. 'But we strongly recommend it to the 'big four'. They should take action to remove this anachronism which has no rationale for existence as a separate charge. It is a separate profit opportunity for dealers and they should make their profit on the car - full stop.'