BRAND development is crucial to Skoda being accepted as a fleet manufacturer as it bids to sell more than 4,000 units to fleets this year and set it on its way to 37,500 new car sales by 2003, with about a third being bought by corporate cheques.

'We have excellent products,' said marketing manager Chris Hawken. 'It is now a question of developing the brand.' To expand in the business market, the VW-Group-owned company is focusing on developing relationships with leasing companies and sub-100 fleets.

With the Octavia opening more fleet doors and the new Felicia - codenamed A04 - due to be unveiled next spring, coupled with its LPG bi-fuel Cube van, Skoda believes it is well prepared to win significant fleet business.