Meridian Vehicle Solutions is moving away from its previous diesel-only fleet status as changing customer appetites prompt it to cover new fuel types.

Meridian plans to offer diesel, petrol and hybrid versions of the BMW 5-Series from April

The medium-term rental specialist already stocks petrol versions of the Volvo V40, Mercedes A-Class and Volvo XC60 alongside their diesel counterparts and has committed to providing a choice of petrol and diesel models over time, as well as hybrid models where available.

This includes the BMW 5 Series, which will be offered by Meridian in diesel, petrol and hybrid versions from April.

Managing director Phil Jerome said: “As a broad simplification, those who are covering high mileages tend to choose diesel, those who are concerned about the environment go for petrol and those who are concerned about personal taxation choose a hybrid. It is a question of priorities.”

Jerome added that Meridian was also starting to consider offering a small selection of EVs.

“This is something that we are monitoring. At the moment, we simply don’t get asked about these vehicles but the experience of the last 12 months shows how quickly the situation regarding fleet fuel preferences can change, so we are on a watching brief.”