Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets rose 11.4 percent in September and have increased 7.3 percent so far this year, according to Automotive Fleet data.

Nine automakers sold 43,844 commercial fleet vehicles during the month compared to 39,352 sold during the same month a year ago. The 4,492-unit increase represents an 11.4 percent increase.

During the month, sales leaned sharply toward trucks, vans, and SUVs with 37,749 sold in that category compared with 6,095 fleet cars sold. In fact, sales of fleet cars fell 13.2 percent for the month compared to the same period a year ago.

So far in 2014, the nine manufacturers have sold 448,964 fleet vehicles compared with 418,329 sold through September in 2013. The OEMs have sold 30,635 additional vehicles for an 7.3 percent increase.