BMW has pledged to hold 3-series prices for fleets that ordered cars before April 3 and will be delivered before the end of August, despite raising on-the-road prices for its 3-series saloon, coupe, Touring and convertible cars by an average of 1%.

The price rise comes into effect on May 1, and previously BMW would have passed the increase on to outstanding orders. However, Bernard Bradley, general manager of BMW corporate sales, said the firm has changed its policy after consultation with corporate customers. The rise, which does not affect Compact or any other BMW models, is part of a Europe-wide price escalation of 1.8% on 3-series models. The entry- level 316i saloon is now £185 dearer at £18,635 on- the-road, a 320d SE saloon rises £220 to £22,655 OTR, while a 325 Ci Sport jumps £320 to £27,560.

Trisha Dyson of LVL, Jon Morton of Peugeot and Geoff Wright, fleet manager at Lloyds Pharmacy.