ONE of the UKs largest credit suppliers has ordered three petrol electric hybrids to boost its 700-strong petrol and diesel fleet.

Provident Financial, which provides home credit, personal loans and motor insurance, has chosen Toyota Prius, which will be used by claims inspectors and field staff.

Stephen Ingham, purchasing manager at Provident Financial, said: ‘We pursue quite a strong green strategy and actively encourage our staff to choose environmentally-friendly cars.

‘The percentage of diesel cars in the fleet has grown tremendously over the past two years. Now, with petrol-electric hybrids, we would expect to see more following the first three.’

The group has outright purchased the vehicles and will run them on a three-year/60,000 mile replacement cycle.