Following record sales last year and the first quarter of 2005, the upward sales trend continues as Renault UK’s van division first half sales hit 11,125 units, a rise of 4.4% compared to the same period last year.

Fleet sales rose 3.7% to 10,929 units in the first half of the year, Sales of the Trafic and Master ranges rose 11.8 per cent (4,760 units) and 16.2 per cent (3,057 units) respectively in their segment, versus market growth of 3%.

On the back of improved fleet sales came a strong retail performance, up 16.7 per cent (685 units), which led to Renault’s overall market share growing to 6.9 per cent and also left the French marque just 80 units away from netting third place in the UK van market.

Keith Hawes, director, fleet and LCV operations, Renault UK, said: 'As the number one van brand in Europe we’re constantly striving to maximise our presence in the UK. We’ve more than tripled our sales since 1997 and I’m delighted with our progress already this year. With several new versions launched in the last twelve months plus a few innovative passenger-carrying vehicles to come in the months ahead, we look forward to consolidating our position still further in the highly competitive LCV sector.'