The company said the inspection forms part of an investigation among a number of companies active in the Italian long-term renting industry.

The news comes a week after LeasePlan announced it has been acquired by a consortium of investors for €3.7bn as VW and Dutch company Fleet Investments BV divest themselves of their 100% shareholding.

The company said in a statement: “LeasePlan takes the investigation by the competition authority very seriously and fully cooperates with the AGCM. LeasePlan’s policy is to conduct business in full compliance with all applicable laws, committed to providing high quality fleet management and driver mobility services to its clients. The company will refrain from further comment.”