Gas distribution business, Wales & West Utilities has appointed Peugeot as its primary LCV supplier.

The contract, which will see Peugeot supply more than 300 LCVs over the next three years, is the result of an extensive tender selection process headed up by Andrew Hopkins, director of operations at Wales & West Utilities.

Hopkins said said: “We are making a substantial investment in our emergency and metering services fleet. Our consumers throughout Wales and the South West of England rely on us to respond quickly.

"It was essential that our new fleet was specified to a high level to provide our engineers with the best possible vehicle for the job, particularly in terms of payload and environmental credentials, which are such an important part our business.

“The Peugeot team really took the time to get under the skin of our operations and understand our needs, and it was ultimately this attention to detail and the level of product support on offer that won them the contract.”

The fleet of Peugeot vehicles selected by Wales & West Utilities consists of the accomplished Bippers, Expert and Boxers vans.

Peugeot national key account manager, Nick George, was present when the first vans were delivered.

He added: “Wales & West Utilities relies heavily on the performance of its vehicles to provide a fast and reliable service to consumers across the country, so we have developed a bespoke fleet proposition, which takes into account the day-to-day demands of the business.

“One of the main LCV vehicles within the new fleet is the Peugeot Expert, which offers a perfect solution with lower emissions and greater economy than Wales & West Utilities’ existing fleet. The new 1.6HDi Euro V version is an ideal size for the company’s emergency fleet requirements, with excellent volume and payload.

“We look forward to developing a long standing relationship with Wales & West Utilities, and to offer them ongoing support as the business continues to develop.”