HONDA is briefing leasing companies and large fleets about its growing role in the company car market after achieving its highest-ever position in the fleet sales rankings.

Last month, it came ninth in the fleet sales charts for 25-plus fleets, buoyed by the success of its growing diesel offering, which was first available in the Honda Accord, this year named upper-medium car of the year in the Fleet News Awards.

According to the latest figures available from Honda, sales overall are up 7%, with 37,901 vehicles sold, but this is mainly down to increased fleet sales, which are up 40% year-to-date at 11,659. Stephen Hollings, Honda’s fleet sales director, said: ‘We are building a solid base in the corporate market. Diesel has made us more acceptable in the fleet market and that will continue when the new Civic diesel arrives.’