DIESEL sales increased year-on-year for the first time this March, putting oil burners ahead of 1999 first quarter figures, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders statistics. Total new car diesel sales in March were 53,456 - 9% up on March last year (49,023) - with fleet sales totalling 25,992 up 3.2% from 25,193 a year ago.

The increase put diesel sales for the first quarter at 88,971 - 2.4% ahead of 1999 first quarter figures (86,853) - although fleet diesel sales remain 0.5% behind last year at 47,968 (1999: 48,193).

Top 10 fleet diesel manufacturers in March were: Peugeot 6,251, Ford 5,371, Vauxhall 3,648, Volkswagen 2,638, Citroen 1,285, Renault 1,239, Rover 923, Audi 775, BMW 649, Mercedes-Benz 596. Top 10 fleet diesel models in March were: Peugeot 406 2,744, Peugeot 306 2,348, Ford Focus 2,140, Vauxhall Astra 1,676, Ford Mondeo 1,397, Vauxhall Vectra 1,134, Volkswagen Passat 1,043, Volkswagen Golf 867, Ford Escort 815, Ford Galaxy 718.

Top 10 fleet diesel manufacturers in 2000 are: Peugeot 12,100, Ford 10,207, Vauxhall 6,948, Volkswagen 5,017, Renault 2,585, Citroen 2,043, Rover 1,501, Audi 1,239, Mercedes-Benz 1,062, BMW 957. Top 10 fleet models in 2000 are: Peugeot 406 5,378, Peugeot 306 4,601, Ford Focus 4,197, Vauxhall Astra 3,015, Ford Mondeo 2,516, Vauxhall Vectra 2,228, Volkswagen Passat 2,021, Volkswagen Golf 1,623, Ford Escort 1,566, Peugeot 206 1,333.