PEUGEOT is still expecting fleet diesel sales to grow this year, despite predictions of a surge in demand last year falling flat. The 2000 fleet diesel market fell by 0.9% from 175,498 sales to 173,911, although the overall market for diesel grew by 3%. Sales to the fleet market have dropped from 197,579 since 1998 and fleet diesel sales accounted for 55.5% of the total fleet market, compared to 57.6% for 1999.

John Taylor, fleet and leasing director for Peugeot, said: 'Our belief remains the same that fleet diesel sales will grow. We are seeing a lot of interest in the benefits of diesel as drivers become more aware of the effect of company car tax when it is based on carbon dioxide emissions from 2002.

Top 10 best-selling diesel manufacturers in 2000 were: Peugeot 41,138, Ford 34,788, Vauxhall 27,817, Volkswagen 18,255, Citroen 9,461, Renault 8,717, Audi 4,751, Rover 4,166, Mercedes 3,757, BMW 3,595.

Top 10 best-selling diesel models in 2000 were: Peugeot 406 17,962, Ford Focus 15,445, Peugeot 306 14,412, Vauxhall Astra 13,094, Ford Mondeo 8,750, Vauxhall Vectra 8,350, Volkswagen Passat 6,474, Volkswagen Golf 6,294, Peugeot 206 5,535, Ford Galaxy 4,625.