DIESEL sales fell last month, although top-selling manufacturer Peugeot bucked the trend as it continued to meet strong demand for 306 and 406 common rail diesel-engined models. Fleet diesel sales last month totalled 14,095 (April 1999: 15,823) in a total diesel market of 24,451 (April 1999: 26,878). This year fleet diesel sales are down 3.1% at 62,063 (1999: 64,016) in a total diesel market down 0.3% at 113,422 (1999: 113,731).

However, the leading fleet diesel manufacturer, Peugeot, saw sales increase 10.1% last month to 3,271 units. Fleet and leasing director John Taylor said: 'Demand for HDi 306 and 406 models is way beyond our expectations. We are supplying cars within nine weeks but that means orders placed in February and March have had to wait until April to be met. Demand is due to the strength of the product, although we are seeing some evidence that company car drivers and fleet managers are taking account of the 2002 company car tax changes in making their choices and that is pointing towards HDi diesel.'

Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in April were: Peugeot 3,271, Vauxhall 2,697, Ford 2,603, Volkswagen 1,394, Rover 698, Renault 596, Citroen 491, Mercedes-Benz 459, Audi 370, Fiat 293. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in April were: Peugeot 406 1,510, Vauxhall Astra 1,403, Peugeot 306 1,217, Ford Focus 1,017, Vauxhall Vectra 751, Volkswagen Passat 654, Ford Mondeo 584, Ford Galaxy 452, Volkswagen Golf 393, Ford Escort 329.

Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in 2000 are: Peugeot 15,371, Ford 12,810, Vauxhall 9,645, Volkswagen 6,411 Renault 3,181, Citroen 2,534, Rover 2,199, Audi 1,609, Mercedes-Benz 1,521, BMW 1,153. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in 2000 are: Peugeot 406 6,888, Peugeot 306 5,818, Ford Focus 5,214, Vauxhall Astra 4,418, Ford Mondeo 3,100, Vauxhall Vectra 2,979, Volkswagen Passat 2,675, Volkswagen Golf 2,016, Ford Escort 1,895, Ford Galaxy 1,743.