The Retail Motor Industry Federation has taken the fight against DaimlerChrysler's recent decision to terminate dealer contracts to Westminster.

Alan Pulham, RMI franchised dealer director, and John Graves, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealer council, have met with MPs in an attempt to gain support for their campaign to launch a legal challenge against DaimlerChrysler's decision.

MPs lobbied included David Heathcoat-Amory, shadow secretary of state for trade and industry and Christopher Chope, Lindsay Hoyle and Bob Laxton, all members of the trade and industry select committee.

Mr Pulham said: “We will continue to lobby Government and Parliament to enlist as much support as we can for the Mercedes dealers. We are also due to meet with our legal advisers later this week and hope to have more information on the legal action then.”

DaimlerChrysler UK gave its 156-strong dealer network 12 months' notice of contract termination last month as part of a nationwide shake-up of its retail operations.