FLEET sales saw a strong rise in January, despite new car registrations dropping overall by more than 8%.

Total sales reached 191,474 units, with large fleets accounting for 54.6% (up 3% year-on-year) and business sales hitting a 7% market share (down 1.4%).

Retail share accounted for 38.4% of the market, a 21% drop which was blamed on interest rate rises and an uncertain housing market by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The Ford Focus retained its number one sales spot.