The new choice list is underpinned by Arval's True Cost of Operations (TCO) approach which focuses on whole life costs and is restricted by CO2 thresholds. Tracy Young, Arval's fleet & road safety manager, worked with the Arval Consulting team to set maximum CO2 limits for each entitlement band as well as pulling the most efficient vehicles into a special "ECO Group" which is made up of a range of sub 110g/km vehicles, with some emitting less than 99g/km.

Cars within the Eco Group include the new BMW 320 Efficient Dynamics, VW BlueMotion and Ford Econetic models as well as efficient versions of the Mini Cooper and the new Audi A3 1.6 with a CO2 of 99g/km. Hybrid models such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius are also featured on this list. As well as the normal tax breaks and reduced running costs that low-emitting vehicles bring, nearly all employees selecting a vehicle from this group will receive the incentive of a trade-down allowance from Arval; a monthly payment included within their salary.

The introduction of the new car list follows in the footsteps of Arval capping the CO2 of its 315-strong company car fleet in 2008, when the ceiling was 160g/km, and is intended to significantly reduce the average CO2 of the fleet still further.

Tracey Young commented: 'As with previous choice lists, we expect this initiative to deliver a further reduction in our average fleet emissions as more Arval drivers opt for cleaner and more efficient vehicles allowing them to reduce their environmental impact as well as their costs.

'While the list provides an environmental focus our whole life cost approach means that there remains a wide variety of vehicles for employees to choose from. With the manufacturers now delivering a wave of cleaner vehicles, and many under 110g/km, the greener option is often a compelling one.

'With the market moving at such a pace, we expect the introduction of cleaner and more efficient vehicles to continue, so our choice list is something that we will continue to review and refine on an ongoing basis.'