The figures show that true fleet sales out-accelerated privates sales, even though these registrations were also up through the so-called “Special channels” (manufacturers, dealerships and rental companies) at 6.4% and 5.7% respectively. This led to True Fleets taking a 26.1% share.

However results were varied across the different markets. In Germany and France True Fleet registrations grew (+7.4% and + 3.3% respectively) while the private sector shrank. In Italy, Spain and the UK companies registered more cars compared to October 2013 but were outperformed by the private market regarding the percentage growth.

Within the top-selling brands in the EU-5 True Fleet Market Audi took second position behind the market leader Volkswagen with a growth rate of 15.9%. Peugeot (+ 21.3%) climbed up by two positions as well occupying rank number six behind Ford, Opel and Renault – mainly due to the performance of the compact Peugeot 308 ranking number five within the European top fleet cars. The growing numbers were not only caused by Peugeot’s home market France. In Spain for instance the 308 climbed on the fleet market podium behind Volkswagen Golf and Renault Clio.

Nissan (+ 36.3%, 10th position) and Hyundai (+ 17.4%, 14th) also performed well in October as well as Volvo. The Swedish manufacturer raised its registrations significantly in all five markets and found its way into the Top 15 fleet brands thanks to an impressive growth of 46.2%. The main drivers for this success were the Volvo V60 and especially the XC60, which achieved its highest market share (within the SUV segment) for two and a half years and more than doubled its new registrations compared to October 2013 in the United Kingdom and France.

Dataforce added that Volvo‘s XC60 is yet another proof of the increasing importance of the SUV in general. The off-road vehicles were the fastest growing vehicle segment in the current month by absolute figures as well as by percentage growth (+ 33.9%). In October the registrations were outperforming the previous year‘s numbers between 17.8% (Germany) and even 57.1% (Spain). With 19.1% the share for the SUV in True Fleets reached an all-time high.