9.1.2004
Vauxhall on top in 2003 fleet market

Vauxhall has gained the vital first place in the important fleet car market from Ford for the first time.

With final registration figures for 2003 out, Vauxhall is now on top in the UK fleet market having supplied 221,806 cars to fleet operators against Ford's 213,947.

Vauxhall's fleet sales represent 20.8 percent of the highly competitive fleet market, an improvement of 1.2 percent over 2002.

" We are delighted to have broken through to the number one position," says Vauxhall fleet sales director Maurice Howkins. "Last year was a battle ground as more manufacturers attempted to break into the fleet market. But we have the range fleet customers want and an infrastructure to provide the highest possible level of customer care."

Top selling Vauxhall models were the Astra, Corsa, Vectra and Zafira. Corsa registrations increased by almost one quarter to 65,865 and the Zafira seven-seater MPV, now entering its fourth year, was up by 17 percent at 33,912.

The new Astra, due to go on sale in May, will provide a great platform for fleet sales in 2004. It has already been seen and well received by a number of the largest fleet operators. Pre-launch test driving for fleet operators begins in March.