FLEET demand for diesel cars now exceeds demand for petrol thanks to rule changes on company car tax, according to the latest analysis from Arval PHH.

Figures over the past 18 months show that in the six months from April to September 2001 the vehicles bought by Arval PHH clients were split 55% petrol to 45% diesel.

The following six months leading up to the tax change in April 2002 saw the buying pattern change to 49% petrol versus 51% diesel, while the six months up to September 2002 show a shift to 41% petrol and 59% diesel.