Sales of vehicles to government fleets rose 17.3% in September and now have increased 8.8% so far in a year that's continuing to show strength in government fleet sales, according to Automotive Fleet data.

Nine automakers sold 22,324 government fleet vehicles during the month compared to 19,024 sold during the same month of 2013. The 3,300-unit increase represents a 17.3% spike from 2013. During the month, sales leaned slightly toward trucks, vans, and SUVs with 2,111 sold in that category compared with 1,189 fleet cars sold.

So far in 2014, the nine manufacturers have sold 193,126 government fleet vehicles compared with 177,443 sold through September in 2013. The OEMs have sold 15,683 additional vehicles for an 8.8% increase.