NISSAN has announced average price increases of 1.5% across its range with immediate effect. The move follows a similar announcement by Ford. However, Nissan's move was immediately attacked by National Franchised Dealers Association director Alan Pulham who said manufacturers and importers should think twice about automatically indulging in the tri-annual round of price rises.

'Everyone positions against Ford - and if importers feel their products stack up well against the Fiesta, Escort and Mondeo, they set prices to what they think the market will stand,' said Pulham. 'Prices should reflect the economics of the situation. After dramatic revaluation, the Japanese Yen has progressively become much weaker against Sterling than it was two years ago. I'm sure the companies would argue that they are now making up ground which was lost because they were never really able to pass on the full effect of the revaluation, but the latest rises do fuel the argument that UK prices are overstated.'

Micra prices increase by an average of 1.8%, Almera goes up by 1.8% and the new Primera is subject to a 1.2% price hike, while commercial vehicles like the Vanette Cargo and Cabstar increase by 1%. All new prices are on-the-road and include delivery and 12 months' road fund licence.