Supplied through Ford dealer Gordons of Bolton, the vans will be used by Speedy’s engineers to provide transport for maintenance calls around the UK. They join a fleet of around 2,000 vehicles – exclusively Ford.

The Ford Transit ECOnetic was selected for its fuel economy, tax benefits and best-in-class CO2 emissions.

Ian Leonard, Speedy’s transport and logistics director, said: ‘We have set an ambitious target for the reduction of the company’s carbon footprint and we believe that the Ford Transit ECOnetic’s impressive environmental performance will help us achieve that. These first 19 vans will be closely monitored in service and if they live up to expectations then I am sure they will be the first of many to join the Speedy fleet.’

The Ford Transit ECOnetic is equipped with a 2.2-litre TDCi 115PS diesel engine and six-speed gearbox. Ford’s greenest Transit van features optimised engine mapping and longer gearing, along with aerodynamic wheel covers and a shift indicator, to help achieve a class-leading 189g/km CO2 figure and a combined fuel economy cycle of 39.2mpg.

Nick Halliday, Ford’s regional fleet manager, said: ‘Speedy Hire is one of many companies looking to meet its environmental targets by the adoption of the latest technology from Ford. I am sure that Speedy will find the Ford Transit ECOnetic a major advantage in its quest, and as emissions standards continue to tighten we expect other businesses to follow.’