Fleet News Top 10: 2023's best-selling company cars

2023 was the best year for new cars sales since the pandemic, with a total of 1.9 million vehicles registered.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows sales increased by 17.9%, when compared to 2022, with the growth coming from fleet and business channels.

The Tesla Model Y has emerged as a clear favourite among company car drivers, for the second consecutive year, achieving the largest number of registrations in the true fleet market during 2023. The Model Y was also the fifth best-selling car overall, and the UK's most popular electric vehicle (EV).

Best selling company cars in 2023:

Tesla Model Y

The Model Y has been a resounding success for Tesla. It's been the best-selling company car for two year in a row and it doesn't hold the title by an insignificant margin. Model Y sales, in the true fleet market, were almost double those of the second-placed Vauxhall Corsa. The car's popularity was recognised by Parkers, which named it Company Car of the Year 2024.

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall's humble Corsa continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the true fleet market. It's the only compact model to achieve a place in the top 10 and, as we enter 2024, an updated version is about to hit the roads. Interestingly, it's the petrol powered model that appealed to the majority of company car drivers, rather than the Corsa Electric. 

Kia Sportage

The latest Sportage has taken a step upmarket and introduced new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, significantly boosting its fleet appeal. The Sportage PHEV sits in the 8% benefit-in-kind tax band, making it both affordable and efficient. 

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf has always been a key played in the fleet market and in 2023 it was no different. Offered with a broad line-up of hatchback and estates with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, the Golf range has something to suit almost all tastes. There's no electric model, but that hasn't deterred company car drivers from choosing it.

Polestar 2

Polestar became a standlone brand in 2020 and has quickly established itself as a major player in the fleet market. The Polestar 2, its first mass production model, has been a resounding hit with company car drivers. A suite of updates were applied to the model during 2023, boosting its range and performance.

Audi Q4 e-tron

When we first drove the Audi Q4 e-tron we concluded that it's "likely to be a huge success in fleet". We weren't wrong. The electric model, which shares a platfrom with the VW ID4 and Skoda Enyaq, has overtaken the A3 as Audi's most popular car in the fleet market.

VW Tiguan

Despite being older than a lot of its competition, the Tiguan continues to draw in company car drivers. Fleet sales of the model have doubled in the last year. A mid-life facelift saw the introduction of an eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain, expanding the Tiguan line-up beyond just petrol and diesel choices

MG 4

On a balance of price and range, the MG 4 is an unbeatable proposition and it sets a benchmark for legacy manufacturers. With short lead times and tonnes of positive driver feedback, it's no surprise that the model is among the best-selling company cars. 

Audi A3

Audi has achieved an exceptionally strong year for fleet sales and is now the UK's leading premium fleet manufacturer. The A3 might be one of its oldest models, but it's still a highly desireable company car.

Kia Niro

Now in its second generation, the Kia Niro is bigger, better to drive and more efficient. There's a wide range of trim levels and powertrains, to suit all needs and budgets, and the car has taken a step upmarket to improve its desireability.

2023's top-selling fleet brands:

1- Volkswagen

2- Audi

3- BMW

4- Kia

5- Tesla

6- Mercedes

7- Toyota

8- Skoda

9- MG

10- Vauxhall