FLEET diesel sales bucked the downward trend of 1998 with an 11.3% increase in July compared to the same month in 1997. Official Society of Motor Manufacturer and Trader figures show the total 1998 diesel market is up a negligible 0.9% on the first seven months of 1997 at 185,046 (183,418), although fleet diesel sales are down 1.5% over the same period at 109,407 (111,125).

Retail and fleet diesel registrations totalled 6,438 in July, up 9.2% on July 1997, with fleets accounting for two-thirds (65.2%) of them, some 4,199 cars. Peugeot remained the best selling fleet diesel manufacturer, with its sales up 7.6% to 1,073 (997), and also had the month's top selling diesel car in the shape of the Peugeot 306 with 690 registrations.

The top 10 best selling fleet diesel manufacturers in July were: Peugeot 1,073, Ford 667, Volkswagen 471, Vauxhall 419, Land Rover 395, Rover 291, Citroen 263, SEAT 143, Renault 131 and Toyota 81. The top 10 best selling fleet diesel cars in July were: Peugeot 306 690, Land Rover Discovery 374, VW Passat 291, Ford Escort 251, Ford Mondeo 228, Peugeot 406 225, Vauxhall Astra 202, Rover 400 191, Citroen Xsara 181, Vauxhall Vectra 154.