EUROPEAN fleets can save still save money by buying abroad, especially German companies, as they are in the most expensive country to buy a new car in the 12-nation eurozone.

Despite the European Commission finding that prices are continuing to converge across Europe, it says buyers such as pan-European fleets can still source some cheaper cars from another country. The price of a Fiat Punto can differ by 30% between the cheapest and most expensive country – savings that equate to hundreds of euros.

The European Commission has found that although new member states are responsible for the convergence of prices, the difference for certain models between countries remains ‘significant’. In its study, the EC said: ‘In the euro zone, pre-tax prices are generally lowest in Finland and most expensive in Germany. Looking at the EU as a whole, Denmark is least expensive on average followed by Estonia, which is the cheapest market among the new member states.’

Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: ‘Price convergence for cars continues to improve in the EU, especially in the new member states. However, price differences for certain models remain significant and consumers should not hesitate to make competition play so as to benefit from the good deals that still exist when buying abroad.’

The study found that Germany continues to be the most expensive market overall in the EU for the models surveyed.

Within the euro zone, Finland is the cheapest market while outside the zone Denmark is cheapest, with prices 5.7% below those in Finland.