Škoda has reported a strong year for fleet and true fleet sales despite a downturn in the fleet sector.

The Kodiaq SUV played a key role in driving true fleet sales

Although Dataforce figures show UK ‘true fleet’ fell 6.6% last year, Škoda registrations were only down 4.4% from 20,793 in 2017 to 19,875 last year, helping it to increase its true fleet share from 3.7% to 3.9%.

The brand also held its own in overall fleet registrations. Although latest SMMT figures show fleet registrations fell 7.3%, Škoda registrations were down 7% from 46,524 units in 2017 to 43,248 last year, maintaining its 3.5% share of the overall UK fleet market.

Škoda said its SUV contingent had been a key component in securing its growth, aided by the introduction of the compact Karoq SUV and new variants of the Kodiaq – including a new range-topping trim and a vRS version – and their appeal to business drivers. This is further reinforced by the Kodiaq scoring the Best Fleet Large SUV title in Fleet World’s The Great British Fleet Awards 2019, held last week in London.

The brand’s SUV offensive is being supported by a new model too and last week saw the brand announce that its forthcoming urban crossover will be named the Kamiq.

And its Focus-rivalling Scala hatchback is due in the first half of this year.

Commenting on the brand’s fleet performance, head of fleet Henry Williams said: “There is no doubt that 2018 has been tough for businesses across the UK. To cement our market share during this period but also grow the brand within the competitive True Fleet sector is testament to the quality of our cars and the package we offer to our business partners. We are looking ahead to 2019 with new launches, including the new Scala model and our first PHEV, that will further expand our appeal for fleets.”