LOW running costs from Peugeot's common rail diesel LCVs have persuaded South West Water to secure a supply of 250 vans for its 500-vehicle fleet over the next three years.

The solus deal follows a competitive tender exercise for a range of vehicles meeting different operational requirements and low running costs.

Richard Watkins, transport and logistics manager at South West Water, said: 'When we decided to put the fleet supply contract out to tender, ongoing control of costs was an important consideration and, as many of our vehicles do more than 20,000 miles a year, excellent fuel economy was vital.

'Peugeot was not only able to offer us a full range of LCVs from the car-derived 206 van right up to the Boxer, but with the HDi engine it could demonstrate tangible fuel economy benefits.'

The contract includes the entire Peugeot range of 206 van, Partner, Expert and Boxer, and South West Water expects to order up to 250 vehicles over the course of the contract, with the first 30 already delivered and the remainder to be ordered as renewals occur.