Moves by some vehicle manufacturers to reduce service intervals could affect low-mileage fleets with increased lifetime costs, according to Derwent Management Services (DMS). In recent years improvements to vehicle reliability, along with reduced wear and tear of car parts has meant vast numbers of fleets have been able to run for up to two years or 20,000 miles-plus in service intervals. However, DMS has moved to alert fleet operators about the possibility of manufacturers slashing the length of service intervals with the PSA Group _ including Peugeot and Citroen _ opting to reduce service intervals from 24 months to 12 months on many of its models. Many low mileage company cars may have only been previously serviced once or twice in their fleet life cycle, but some operators may have to brace for annual vehicle checks. Steve Chambers, research director for DMS, said: "We are perhaps witnessing the start of a more widespread move by some motor manufacturers to cut the time intervals between vehicle services, although mileage intervals seem to be remaining unchanged. "On high mileage company cars there is likely to be little impact because if a vehicle's service intervals was two years/20,000 miles and the car was clocking up 20,000 miles or more a year then it would be serviced annually. "However, for fleets where company car mileage may be 12,000-15,000 miles a year reducing services intervals to one year, even if still linked to mileages of 18,000 or 20,000 miles, costs will inevitably rise. Chambers continued by suggesting that if an average fleet contract lasts three years or 60,000 miles, it could mean one or even two extra services than previously, which could hit businesses hard in the pocket. "We calculate that it adds a minimum of an extra service to vehicle wholelife costs at a cost of £100-200 depending on model," added Chambers. Operators can get the full picture of the condition of their fleets using our own industry-leading vehicle appraisal techniques. At IT Fleet Automotive we invest heavily in providing a cost-effective, detailed vehicle assessment conducted by fully-trained vehicle inspectors. Don't hesitate to give our friendly team a call today on 01473 313057 if you would like to discuss your fleet requirements further.