FLEET sales reached a record April high as financial and political uncertainty was dispelled to send figures soaring last month. But industry experts warned against over-optimism as the 8.6% year-on-year rise was as a result of rocketing Motability business (up 34.7%) and rental business (up 19.8%) with 'real' fleet business stable compared to April last year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' monthly figures show Rover, despite increasing sales year-on-year, slumping to fifth spot in the fleet manufacturers' league table behind Peugeot and more surprisingly Renault, which saw fleet sales rise almost 50%.

Peugeot took third spot in the chart for the third time in four months in 1997 - March was the exception - and is now the third best-selling manufacturer in fleet this year - with Ford, Vauxhall and Rover all continuing to see market share decline.