VAUXHALL'S efforts to protect the residual value of the new Vectra are paying dividends to the benefit of fleet managers opting for Vectra over its closest rival, according to Chris Barry, managing director of Greenhous Vauxhall in Hanley, the manufacturer's largest volume dealership.

Figures from Greenhous Group's disposal arm, Greenhous Remarketing, show the Vectra is averaging 80% of its cost new after six months, compared to the Ford Mondeo's 70%.

The company claims the comparison between M and N registration cars is even more revealing. It says the price of a 1995 N-registered 1.8 LS Vauxhall Cavalier shows a £925 increase over the 1994 version, while the equivalent Mondeo showed a rise of £175. The dealership sold 13,000 new Vauxhalls last year.