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

Final registration figures for 2003 revealed that Vauxhall supplied 221,806 cars to fleet operators against Ford's 213,947.

Vauxhall's fleet sales represented 20.8 per cent of the highly competitive fleet market, an improvement of 1.2 per cent 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 battleground as more manufacturers attempted to break into the fleet market. But we have the range of cars that 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 per cent at 33,912.

Vauxhall is already confident of maintaining a lead position in 2004.

The all-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.

New Astra, too, will appeal to a growing number of user-choosers - those whose company gives them a choice of models. "The new car will be an excellent all-round choice," says Mr Howkins.