MANUFACTURERS claim to have beaten the millennium bug - but they have been attacked for leaving fleets in the dark over their achievements. A survey of the major vehicle manufacturers in the UK has shown that all say they have taken action to beat the date-change problem. But although manufacturers say they are certain their vehicles will start on the first day of the year 2000, the fleet industry says it is not being kept informed.

John Stubbs, head of technical policy at the AA, said: 'Manufacturers must be more forthcoming. They may say their vehicles are fine, but they should put their money where their mouth is and offer a free back-up service in case there are problems.'

Roger King, deputy chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: 'It is important not to get too paranoid about the problem. There is not a problem with year 2000 compliance for any of our members, but you can never be 100% certain. However, vehicles are not just going to stop when midnight comes.'