Hometune, Kwik-Fit's mobile vehicle servicing and repair operation, is to cease trading on December 31, 2003.

Following a strategic review of the Group's activities, the conclusion reached was that the delivery of routine maintenance and mechanical repair through a mobile service would not prove to be a viable long-term option.

Kwik-Fit Hometune operates a fleet of more than 120 mobile units, the majority of which are franchised.

The existing free phone booking number 0800 169 9603 will remain in place in order to avoid any disruption in service to fleet drivers.

Kwik-Fit Fleet sales director Mike Wise said: 'Over the last six months the Kwik-Fit Group has invested considerable time in studying our mobile services and particularly the delivery of routine maintenance and mechanical repair.

'We have concluded that in the longer-term with the increasing complexity of vehicles, maintenance and mechanical work is best carried out at one of our 750 Kwik-Fit centres nationwide. However, mobile tyre fitting continues to remain a major part of our business.'