FLEET managers expect the introduction of carbon dioxide-based company car tax to radically alter the fleet industry, an internet-based survey of fleet managers' opinions has revealed. Nearly 90% expected at least some effect on the industry from the launch of the new tax system in 2002, with 70% saying the changes would be 'significant or very significant'.

The results of the survey come as fleet managers are under increasing pressure to act - from drivers, employers and the Government - to ensure their fleets are both efficient and cost effective.

The survey - carried out by National Fleet, the fleet operation of National Tyres and Autocare - also discovered that 41% of fleet managers said the arrival of such models, including the Toyota Prius, was unlikely to affect their car buying decisions, although 41% said a change could be likely in future.

More than half of fleet managers said plans to introduce new laws to make companies as well as drivers responsible for causing fatal accidents were completely unfair, although 40% said it depended on the case.