FLEET diesel new car sales increased year-on-year for the first time in five months, according to September's new car sales figures. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures reveal that last month's 1% year-on-year rise in fleet diesel figures to 15,210 (September 1997: 15,060) was the first rise since March.

Total diesel new car sales last month were 26,447 (September 1997: 25,262) - a 4.7% rise. Despite last month's increases new car diesel sales are down on 1997 levels. The total diesel market is 0.6% down at 282,947 (1997: 284,589), while fleet diesel sales are down 2.1% at 160,276 (1997: 163,760).

Top 10 best-selling diesel manufacturers in September were: 3,783, Ford 2,461, Vauxhall 2,422, Volkswagen 1,314, Rover 1,266, Citroen 1,183, Renault 615, Audi 397, Nissan 375, Toyota 345. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in September were: Peugeot 306 1,959, Ford Mondeo 1,431, Vauxhall Astra 1,345, Peugeot 406 1,306, Vauxhall Vectra 743, Rover 400 717, Ford Escort 678, Volkswagen Passat 604, Citroen Xantia 545, Citroen Xsara 539.