THE number of franchised dealers will fall by almost half over the next decade, according to industry experts at Sewells International. Market watchers at Fleet News' sister publication predict the total number of franchised dealerships will drop from 7,430 at the end of last year to 4,660 by 2005.

THE RAC has launched a new flexible European motoring assistance scheme for company car drivers. At the same time the motoring organisation has warned that driving in Europe without comprehensive cover could become a 'budget-breaking Euro-nightmare' for the 450,000 UK registered company cars which are driven abroad each year.

OASIS Global Systems has put its electronic trading initiative onto a commercial footing by signing Lease Plan as its first major customer.

CITROEN is aiming to breathe new life into Xantia fleet sales by making air conditioning standard in all but three models. Citroen UK managing director Jean Marie Walch announced the move at the Fleet Show. Exceptions to the move are the entry level 1.9D hatchback and 1.9TD estate and hatchback.

FLEET operators could save millions of pounds following an historic tax victory by accountants over HM Customs & Excise. Tax specialist Ernst and Young successfully challenged Customs' stance on the deductibility of VAT on the delivery of company cars - paving the way for recovery of VAT potentially back as far as 1978.

VAUXHALL launched a new contract hire product aimed at smaller business users. The All For One scheme is targeted at small fleets emerging from recession and looking to expand while keeping one eye on the budget.

FLEETS are at the centre of a political row over the attitude of a future Labour Government towards company car taxation. The Labour Party has refuted national newspaper speculation that the company car will be a primary tax target under the party's new transport policy.

ONE of the UK's largest dealership groups is reporting 'sensational' demand for the Renault Megane with almost 400 orders for the Ford Escort/Vauxhall Astra rival within hours of the new car going on sale.

THE convertible version of Jaguar's stunning new XK8 sports car has broken cover for its world debut at the New York International Automobile Show.

BCH Vehicle Management has held a special safety course for ten nurses who specialise in Parkinson's Disease patient care.

NORWICH-based leasing company MEVC has become the latest contract hire company to add BSM Qualified Driver Training courses to the services it offers to fleets.

AN electric version of the new Citroen Saxo will go on sale in France within the next 12 months - and Citroen UK is considering requests from fleets, particularly local authorities, to sell the cars in Britain.

PROTON is offering two new engine options - a diesel and a higher performance 1.8 16 valve - and improved levels of standard equipment for 1996.

THREE companies have launched schemes to cut out the hassle faced by accident victims. Perry Contract Hire has launched an accident repair management scheme for its customers. Car, van and truck rental company Willhire/Hertz has launched 'WILLHELP' in East Anglia and the Home Counties.

AUDI has announced prices for the Audi A4 saloon and Avant - estate - models powered by the new five cylinder 2.8 litre 193 bhp engine.

MOTORENT has won the contract to supply almost half of mobile telecommunications company Cellnet's cars.

USED prices experts have predicted high residual values for Volvo's new S40 and V40 range - available in the UK next month.

VOLKSWAGEN is toasting a 30-vehicle fleet deal with international wine importer Pieroth. The company confirmed its confidence in Volkswagen by replacing a third of its 100-vehicle Volkswagen fleet with new Golf CL TDs purchased on contract hire from Volkswagen Financial Services.

JERSEY has become the second place in the world to ban metal bull bars from vehicles. The island - which will now only allow mock-bars made of soft materials - has instigated the ban because it is not a member of the European Union.

DEALER representation for Fiat and Alfa Romeo throughout Greater London - within the M25 motorway system - has been awarded to dealership group Pendragon and will result in the development of 15 new retail locations over the next two years.

YORKSHIRE dealer group DC Cook was fined £17,000 after it admitted selling 'clocked' cars. Two of the group's Barnsley dealerships were prosecuted by Trading Standards at York Crown Court after selling cars whose odometers were subsequently found to have been tampered with.

UNITED Dominions Trust's new contract hire and fleet management company will be called First Service Management and be based in Harrogate.

FLEET Cost Management has won the contract to supply fuel and maintenance management to office equipment distributors the Danwood Group. The deal covers Lincoln-based Danwood's nationwide 150-vehicle fleet which is mainly cars but also features several commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. FCM will authorise all maintenance for the fleet from its Solihull headquarters and drivers will buy all fuel through the company's fleet card.

MAZDA is bidding for a residual value premium with its new 121 supermini over the near-identical Ford Fiesta by restricting fleet business.

THE Government is hoping to reintroduce the new emissions test to the MoT in July following its suspension in February.

A BOARDROOM shake-up at United Kenning Rental Group has seen David Hardman relinquish his position as group managing director.

THE British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has relocated to new premises in Amersham.

SECURITY specialist Tracker has reported increased sales and turnover but recorded an overall loss of £1.6 million in the year to December 31, 1995.

VELO, the UK's leading provider of fleet accident and insurance management services, has won a major contract with chartered accountant and management consultant Coopers & Lybrand.

THE newly-elected chairman of Fleetnet has had to give up the position after being recruited to a new position outside the fleet industry.