Increased sales of Volvo cars into the fleet sector last year saw the carmaker buck the national trend becoming one of the few manufacturers to enjoy an increase in sales across the board.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Volvo sales increased by 10.98% last year.

In the fleet sector, the S40 and V50 models contributed to sustained increases in company car sales – including a 33% increase in sales to end-user fleet and leasing companies.

The carmaker has been actively targeting small businesses and the public sector fleets in an attempt to increase its fleet business.

“Particular success has come from a revised strategic approach to the growing SME market and the public sector, which included replacing the free fleet service plan with alternative offers better suited to the leasing companies which service these customers,” said John Wallace, Volvo corporate sales and leasing manager.

“And with the executive S80 saloon and V70 estate now available with 2.0D engines whose emissions are below the all-important 160g/km CO2 threshold, Volvo has a cost-effective product range for both fleet managers and user chooser drivers at all levels of the company car hierarchy.”