European consumer groups yesterday urged tougher measures to bring down the price of cars and end national differentials.

From tomorrow dealers will be able to open showrooms wherever they like in the EU when the final stage of new rules - banning location clauses imposed by car makers - come into effect.

But BEUC, the consumer body, said Germans still pay 28% more for a VW Polo than Slovenians while the French pay 33% more for a Peugeot 206 than Hungarians. The commission is threatening court action if manufacturers flout the new rules.