FORTHCOMING changes to the company car tax system are behind the sixth consecutive monthly rise in diesel fleet sales. In February fleet diesel sales were 28.5% up year-on-year at 8,172 (February 2000: 6,361) in a total diesel car market up 24.7% at 13,026 (February 2000: 10,450).

This year fleet diesel sales are 8.5% up year-on-year at 23,850 (2000: 21,972) in a total diesel car market up 17.5% at 41,731 (2000: 35,512). Kia was the surprise package last month clinching 10th spot in the fleet diesel manufacturers' table as its registered 156 Sedonas, with half going to rental company Europcar.

Top 10 best-selling fleet manufacturers in February were: Peugeot 1,836, Ford 1,664, Vauxhall 1,131, Volkswagen 1,029, Citroen 776, Renault 259, Audi 205, BMW 201, Nissan 174, Kia 156. Top 10 best-selling fleet models in February were: Peugeot 406 954, Ford Focus 871, Vauxhall Astra 602, Citroen Xsara 597, Volkswagen Golf 427, Peugeot 306 418, Ford Mondeo 390, Peugeot 206 350, Volkswagen Passat 313, Vauxhall Vectra 287.

Top 10 best-selling fleet manufacturers in 2001 are: Peugeot 5,150, Ford 4,446, Vauxhall 4,003, Volkswagen 2,822, Citroen 1,979, Renault 867, Audi 672, BMW 590, MG Rover 532, Mercedes-Benz 520. Top 10 best-selling fleet models in 2001 are: Peugeot 406 2,533, Ford Focus 2,513, Vauxhall Astra 2,063, Citroen Xsara 1,512, Peugeot 306 1,338, Volkswagen Golf 1,155, Vauxhall Vectra 976, Peugeot 206 941, Ford Mondeo 764, Volkswagen Passat 751.