The record-breaking deal was brokered by SEAT UK's Fleet and Business Sales team led by head of fleet and business sales Nick Andrews, and saw the low-emission Leon Ecomotive come out top in a tender process that initially involved more than 50 models.

British Gas is the UK's largest domestic energy supplier with more than 20 million energy and central heating services customers. Over the next few weeks hundreds of British Gas drivers will be getting the keys to their new, second-generation Leon Ecomotives – becoming the first people in the country to take to the road in the new model.

Commenting on the deal, Nick Andrews said: 'The delivery of these exciting new cars marks the culmination of months of hard work by the entire SEAT fleet and business team, not to mention the efforts of our colleagues from SEAT S. A. who helped us to meet the necessary production and handover schedule.

'This historic deal very clearly demonstrates our determination to become a fleet manufacturer of choice.'