MINDFUL of tightening rules on the use of mobile phones and employers' duty of care responsibilities, Sixt rent a car has launched a chauffeur service aimed at the corporate market.

The firm believes there is a need for companies to have senior executives working at their most efficient throughout the day. While those employees are driving, they are not producing for the company – unable to make calls or do other work – and also are at risk because they are too busy thinking about what they have to do, and not concentrating on driving.

It believes the chauffeur service will fulfil an important need. A spokesman said: 'If you are a senior executive and your time is worth £500 an hour, you cannot afford to be stuck in traffic.'

All cars come with air conditioning and telephone and Sixt will also run some private errands. Prices range from £17.60 per hour plus £1.56 per mile.