AUDI is negotiating with major fleet and leasing customers to ensure sales and service are handled by the local dealer. Audi boss Len Hunt said: 'Some fleet customers were saying that they only wanted to use two or three dealers across the country. This meant important customers would go to a local dealer for test drives, and then buy the cars elsewhere. Now we are meeting with leasing companies to agree a new strategy which focuses on local dealers for all fleet business in their territory.'

'The fleets and leasing companies we have spoken to are in total agreement with us,' said Hunt. 'Fleets have to be able to depend on their dealer - and that can only happen if there is a close relationship based on mutual respect and trust - a situation which will result from this 'local' approach.'