FLEET diesel sales' rocky ride in recent months continued in January as sales dropped by almost a quarter to 15,530 from 20,278 in January 1998. The near 5,000 fall was not as marked as that in the private and small business sectors as total diesel car sales dropped 29.2% to 26,223 (January 1998: 37,049).

Peugeot continued its hold on the number one fleet diesel manufacturer's position despite sales dropping by more than a third to 3,525 (January 1998: 5,377), with Vauxhall's sales dropping just 7.6% to 2,826 (3,057), while Volkswagen's performance saw a 28.2% rise in fleet diesel sales to 2,043 (1,594). As a result of Vauxhall holding on to much of its fleet diesel business, the Astra took number one spot in that sector, ahead of the Peugeot 306 and 406.

Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel manufacturers in January were: Peugeot 3,525, Vauxhall 2,826, VW 2,043, Ford 1,814, Renault 1,050, Citroen 897, Rover 862, Audi 564, Toyota 378, Nissan 357. Top 10 best-selling fleet diesel models in January were: Vauxhall Astra 1,612, Peugeot 306 1,485, Peugeot 406 1,421, Ford Mondeo 1,040, Volkswagen Golf 950, Volkswagen Passat 831, Vauxhall Vectra 633, Renault Laguna 490, Rover 400 450, Citroen Xsara 421.