NATIONAL Grid is replacing its 1,450-strong Rover and Ford car fleet with Vauxhall and Peugeot in a new three-year deal. The energy provider, which put the outright purchase business out to tender earlier in the year, has the option of extending the contract to five years.

Staff, mainly job-need drivers, can choose from Vauxhall Astra, Vectra and Omega and from Peugeot 206, 306, 406, 406 Coupe, 806 and, eventually, 607.