Pat on back for carmakers

The quality of relationships between fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers is improving, according to a new survey.

A total of 29% of fleets believe their relationships with manufacturers are getting better, while only 5% believe they are getting worse, suggests the Fleet Operator Attitude Survey produced by AM sister-title Sewells Information & Research.

The report found that two in five fleet operators have a direct relationship with the manufacturer whose vehicles they operate. It adds: "Six of the nine fleet manufacturer areas saw their ratings fall in 2005. Effectiveness of demonstrators and effectiveness of fleet programme were down but quality of written communication and frequency of contact made good progress this year."

Vehicle manufacturers interested in finding out more about the report should contact Berta Collins at Sewells on 01733 468270 or email berta.collins@emap.com