FLEET diesel sales began 1997 on a high note with sales of 22,213 units up 5.1% on January 1996 levels when fleet sales were 21,129. The total diesel car market also increased - 2.3% - to 38,425 up from 37,577. The monthly year-on-year rise in fleet diesel sales came after a year in which monthly fleet diesel sales increased just three times year-on-year - May, July and December.

Top ten best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in January were: Ford 5,600, Peugeot 4,602, Vauxhall 4,082, Citroen 2,024, Rover 1,870, Renault 948, Volkswagen 870, Audi 643, Nissan 343, Land Rover 335.

Top ten best-selling fleet diesel models in January were: Ford Mondeo 3,137, Peugeot 306 2,211, Vauxhall Astra 1,972, Ford Escort 1,490, Vauxhall Vectra 1,479, Peugeot 406 1,266, Citroen Xantia 1,211, Rover 400 1,010, Peugeot 106 882, Volkswagen Golf 645.