The vehicles, which range from Volkswagen Golf 1.6-litre TDI to Audi A4 models, were selected after a tender process that also looked at the manufacturers’ aftersales and support networks.

The vehicles have been financed through Lex on a three-year contract hire basis and Lex will also be responsible for the vehicles’ service and maintenance via its Autolease network.

Fitness First’s HR director Neil Tune said: 'We wanted to acquire vehicles which were reliable, of high quality and with competitive whole-life costs. But they also needed to be desirable for our drivers and to reflect the qualities of our own company. The dual badge deal with Volkswagen and Audi allows us to select a variety of cars in line with our five-tier company car structure and we were also very impressed with retailers who are responsible for the supply of the cars.’

Following initial negotiations with the fleet departments at Volkswagen and Audi, the vehicles will be supplied through Breeze Volkswagen and Poole Audi, which are both located close to Fitness First’s head office in Poole, Dorset.

Mr Tune continued: ‘Breeze Volkswagen and Poole Audi have been extremely helpful. Their standards of customer service are second to none and I’m pleased that these local businesses have been so closely involved in the transaction.’