The move by Birstall-based Crossroads Truck and Bus comes in response to a report commissioned by the company in November 2008 which was undertaken by The Energy Savings Trust and vehicle fleet savings specialists Fleetworx.

The report said the company could improve its environmental record by changing the vehicles supplied to customers and improving the tracking of fuel consumption.

This led to the purchase of 25 new vehicles from Volvo's DRIVe and Ford's ECOnetic range, which are set to significantly reduce the company's carbon emissions by 26 per cent.

Managing director of Crossroads, Martin Cronin, said: "The renewal of the customer service fleet has been a significant investment for Crossroads and one that re-enforces our commitment to developing an environmental transport policy.

"A reduction in emissions directly correlates with improved fuel consumption and so we will see a significant reduction in fuel uplift as a result.

"The Department of Transport is looking to lower the overall carbon emissions of commercial vehicles by 14 per cent over the next decade and this is our way of contributing."

Established in 1956, Crossroads Truck and Bus is a privately owned Volvo commercial truck dealer which distributes and maintains vehicles and parts throughout Yorkshire, Humberside and Lincolnshire.