Fleet LCV sales fell more than 32% in October, compared with the same month in 2007, leaving the year-to-date figure down 8% at 177,185 vans registered.

The total van market fell by a similar amount, down 35% in October and 10% for the year.

Of the major players in the market only Mercedes remains up on 2007 figures for both the month and year. In October the firm saw fleet sales grow 5.4%, taking the year-to-date increase to 42.6%.

Top 5 fleet van makers, 2008
Rank brand ’07 ytd ’08 ytd % var.
1 Ford 68,189 61,512 -9.8
2 Vauxhall 33,023 31,630 -4.2
3 VW 16,754 16,408 -2.1
4 Renault 16,844 14,212 -9.8
5 Mercedes 8341 11,891 42.6