FLEETS must be patient for the new Volkswagen Passat with the manufacturer anticipating demand to outstrip supply at least until the end of August. The Passat goes on sale in the UK this month - four months behind schedule - and demand for the car, particularly from fleets, has been spectacular, according to Volkswagen UK managing director Robin Woolcock.

German supply of the car is not expected to meet demand until at least August so that in 1997 Volkswagen expects to sell around 30,000 Passats in the UK. Volkswagen has delayed the introduction of the estate into the UK until the autumn to allow the saloon to become established.