TESCO, which runs one of the UK's largest commercial vehicle fleets, has taken on 230 new Volkswagen LT35 2.5DI vans as it surges ahead in the forefront of the online shopping revolution. Tesco Direct, a scheme in which shoppers can order their goods over the Internet to be delivered to the door, was originally launched in 1996.

But as more homes now have online PCs, the service has blossomed into a hi-tech computerised fleet operation. The new vans will operate from 100 stores and 10 vehicles will be used as a back-up so the service is not interrupted while vans are off the road. The order has been placed with Via Truck Rental, the Tamworth-based commercial vehicle rental specialist, and the contract covers full rental and management services for a five-year operating period.