A special van has joined the fleet at property services group, Connaught.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is the 500,000th vehicle to come off the line at GM’s Luton plant. Connaught recently awarded a major LCV contract to Vauxhall for its fleet 2,000-plus vans and 1,000 cars.

Vauxhall is supplying both LWB and SWB Vivaro models, which will be operated on a three year/67,000 miles replacement cycle, along with a number of Movano and Combo vans, under the agreement which will see the whole van fleet switching over to Vauxhall by the end of 2009.

In terms of fleet funding, Connaught has a solus contract hire arrangement with ING Car Lease for both its van and car fleets.

Wendy Venus said the decision to select the Vivaro had been based on extensive test driving and driver evaluations.

“We test drove the Vivaro extensively - I even drove it myself from our offices in Exeter to Newcastle and back.

"We were especially impressed by the car-like qualities of the cab, including air conditioning and CD player, which made even the longest journeys enjoyable compared to other vans we tested.”

Maurice Howkins, fleet sales director for GM UK and Ireland, said: “The Vivaro is a long and continuing success story for GM and we are delighted to have supplied this milestone vehicle to Connaught.”