HONDA fleet sales will overtake its retail sales next year buoyed by the introduction of an improved warranty. This year Honda's UK new car sales will reach almost 61,000 units with the manufacturer predicting a 'minimum' 10% increase in sales next year which would take the company close to 70,000 units.

Presently sales are split 51%-49% in favour of retail, but next year increased corporate business - both to the sub-25 fleet sector and large fleets - will see that split reversed. And with a string of new models as well as facelifts on existing models planned the whole Honda line-up will be boosted with the introduction of three-year/90,000-mile warranty cover.

Currently only the Accord four door, launched on October 1, benefits from such a warranty, but by next May Honda says its entire model range will have the cover as standard in place of the present two-year/60,000-mile warranty. 'We are increasing warranty cover due to fleet demand,' said corporate sales manager Nicholas Phillips.