AN increasing number of fleets are looking to source cars from overseas, according to Newcastle-based Fleet Technique. Recently, it has sourced two or three vehicles from the continent at a time, typically executive models, for a wide range of companies.

In the last two months it has sourced at least 20 company vehicles from abroad. Fleet Technique's sales director Kevin Harkin said that controversy surrounding the disparity between UK and European car prices was increasing interest. 'We're not marketing our ability to source vehicles from outside the UK - customers are approaching us regularly because they want to reduce costs,' he said.

'They're willing to accept the four-month lead times, particularly if they have set replacement policies, and fluctuations in currency rates, although they have remained stable recentlyWith this happening manufacturers will eventually have to drop their prices, even if it's gradual.'

A survey by Lease Plan in the summer, however, found that UK companies were largely opposed to sourcing vehicles in Europe because it presented an unacceptable administrative burden - but they too were convinced that list prices would fall eventually.