The company said the car’s local production, 10% benefit in kind taxation, zero vehicle excise duty, sub-100g/km CO2 emissions and 700-mile range on a tank of petrol were all attractive features. Drivers had previously been given the option of choosing a Toyota Prius.

David Lusher, executive director, Veolia Environmental Services (UK) Plc said: ‘We fully recognise our responsibility in relation to sustainability and anticipate that after this initial trial our hybrid fleet will continue to grow. Hybrid technology is an alternative that Veolia has been actively following in all areas of its fleet for cars as well as light and heavy commercial vehicles.’