Low-emission vehicles are becoming the first choice for the UK corporate sector, according to a new survey.

A study by HSBC Vehicle Finance found that company cars are becoming increasingly clean and green.

Diesel cars - which use platinum catalysts to control harmful exhaust emissions - have become particularly popular, as government changes to taxation rules have helped foster a new rise in sales.

Tim Holmes, head of HSBC Vehicle Finance, explained: "The company car is back, but more likely to be diesel."

"As pressures in the recruitment market mount, the car has once again become part of the package to attract quality staff, a shift that has been helped by changes to the tax regime."

Under the Government's new company car tax system, there is a greater incentive to choose diesel or low emission vehicles.