A FALL in fleet diesel sales last month was offset by a surprising rise in retail diesel sales to take half-year sales for the sector above equivalent sales for last year. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' figures show June fleet diesel sales were 5.3% down year-on-year at 15,455 (June 1997: 16,314) in a total diesel market up 4.6% at 25,555 (June 1997: 24,437).

Fleet diesel sales this year total 105,208, down 2% from 1997's half-year total of 107,354 in a total diesel market now up 0.6% following last month's sales surge at 178,608 (1997: 177,522). The three leading fleet diesel manufacturers - Peugeot, Ford and Vauxhall - have all experienced a drop in fleet diesel sales this year and did so again last month.

Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in June were: Peugeot 3,567, Ford 3,076, Vauxhall 2,446, Rover 1,375, Volkswagen 1,052, Citroen 1,033, Renault 739, Toyota 416, Land Rover 391, Nissan 349. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in June were: Peugeot 306 1,868, Ford Escort 1,384, Peugeot 406 1,320, Ford Mondeo 1,173, Vauxhall Astra 1,047, Vauxhall Vectra 984, Rover 400 659, Citroen Xsara 447, Rover 200 436, Volkswagen Passat 432.

Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in 1998 are: Peugeot 24,906, Ford 19,662, Vauxhall 15,879, Rover 10,258, Citroen 7,859, Volkswagen 7,074, Renault 4,919, Audi 2,589, Toyota 2,114, Nissan 2,110. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in 1998 are: Peugeot 306 12,331, Peugeot 406 9,333, Ford Mondeo 8,408, Vauxhall Vectra 7,463, Ford Escort 7,241, Vauxhall Astra 5,743, Rover 400 5008, Volkswagen Passat 3,932, Rover 200 3,325, Citroen Xantia 3,146.