COMPANIES could be missing out on new business because staff turning up for meetings in dirty company cars are creating a bad impression.

Not taking care of a vehicle could also have an impact on its residual value at defleet time as minor damage could be hidden by dirt and, if left, could cost more to put right.

A poll of almost 2,000 company car drivers found that 43% do not clean their car as often as they should.

The survey also found that 75% of companies do not have a policy on car cleaning and that only 3% will cover the cost. It was carried out by Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance.

New business director Sean Bingham said: ‘A dirty car can hide minor damage which, if not repaired swiftly, can lead to greater repair costs after time has elapsed.’