Equipment rental company Speedy has added 400 Ford commercial vehicles to its fleet.

This latest Ford order is worth in excess of £8.6 million and marks an 18-year association between the companies.

The Speedy order - comprising 380 Ford Transit vans, including new Transit Custom models, and 20 Ford Ranger pick-ups - will be operated through 283 fixed Speedy sites throughout the UK.

Karen Nixon, Ford UK regional fleet manager, said: "This 400-vehicle order from Speedy is testament to the reliability of Ford's award-winning commercial vehicle range and evidence of the outstanding commitment Ford makes to its fleet customers. Ford's on-going investment in low-CO2 technology is helping companies like Speedy in their quest for lower whole life vehicle costs."

As with all of Speedy's fleet, the new Ford vehicles will be fitted with telematic equipment to provide comprehensive reporting of driver behaviour, in an effort to encourage improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Speedy logistics director Richard Martin said: "Our fleet is an extension of our company brand so it is important that we choose the right vehicles to meet our customers' needs and requirements. Speedy operates through a large network of depots covering the whole of the UK and these Ford vehicles will be vital to transport assets and equipment."