VAUXHALL was the leading fleet make last month - the first time the Luton-based company has topped the best-selling manufacturer's chart since November 1996. The manufacturer's fleet sales totalled 14,099 in September putting the company ahead of Ford (13,338) and Peugeot (7,666), according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures.

While the Vauxhall Astra was the best-selling vehicle in the total new car market it was beaten by the Ford Mondeo in the fleet sector - 6,093 units to 5,532 Astras. September's fleet sales were 4% down year-on-year at 73,293 (September 1997: 76,383), but fleet sales for the first nine months of 1998 remain significantly ahead of the same period last year at 847,228 (816,661) with Ford continuing as the leading manufacturer.

Top 10 best-selling manufacturers in September were: Vauxhall 14,099, Ford 13,338, Peugeot 7,666, Rover 5,805, Renault 4,758, Volkswagen 4,004, Nissan 3,703, Toyota 2,980, Citroen 2,675, Fiat 2,093. Top 10 best-selling models in September were: Ford Mondeo 6,093, Vauxhall Astra 5,532, Vauxhall Vectra 5,171, Ford Escort 3,629, Peugeot 406 3,246, Peugeot 306 2,907, Renault Megane 2,648, Rover 400 2,620, Ford Fiesta 2,425, Vauxhall Corsa 2,266.