BUYING British has been superseded by value for money as the driving force behind fleets' company car policies. Traditional calls for 'home-grown' cars barely exist among UK companies who are simply on the lookout for the best deal.

Stewart Whyte, director and membership secretary of the Association of Car Fleet Operators, said: 'Fleets are no longer interested in buying British. Just 10 years ago it was a major concern for a fleet to be seen to be buying 'home-grown' vehicles. We no longer care about the source of vehicles, purely about value for money. The desire to cut costs and save money has pulled down all the borders.'

His comments and the 'buy British' arguments have resurfaced following the announcement from Rover and Vauxhall that they are turning to Europe for cheaper components, leaving many British suppliers facing closure and ruin. Roger King, acting chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said that Europe is now one community and no car could any longer be considered British. King said: 'The motor industry no longer looks at a British anything. There are no more British cars. As far as possible all sourcing is done in Europe - this is now the one community.'