Skoda will launch an eco-friendly GreenLine version of its revised Octavia model next year which will emit 119g/km of CO2, qualifying it for the lowest diesel benefit-in-kind tax band.

Few details on the model are available, but it will go on sale by the end of 2009 and will join the Fabia and recently-launched Superb GreenLine versions.

The latter model, priced at £16,710, uses a 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine to return claimed combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 136g/km.

The Octavia in its current guise has contributed to significant fleet sales growth for the brand this year.

Currently, 75% of Octavia registrations are to fleets, helping the company increase its fleet market share from 1.4 to 1.8%.

As a result, Skoda now sells more cars to fleets than it does to retail buyers (17,000 v 15,000 September YTD).

Martin Burke, head of business sales at Skoda UK, said: “Growing numbers of fleet managers are turning to us for value and reliability, and it is clear we are consistently delivering.

"During these uncertain economic times it is imperative that fleet owners do their utmost to get the most value for money – something Skoda has always prided itself on.”

Skoda expects to continue its success with the roll-out of the new Superb upper-medium challenger, which it predicts will sell 4,000 units in 2009, with between 30 and 40% going to fleet buyers.

While traditional Skoda fleet sales have been to SMEs, Mr Burke is focusing on getting contract hire firms to put the car on their lists.

He added: “The Superb is a strong proposition as a company car – we have got to get that message across and build market share over time.”