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Lloyds TSB Autolease gives customers the green light at the CV Show
One of the UK’s largest fleet management and funding specialists, Lloyds TSB Autolease established its Specialist Commercial Vehicle Unit (SCVU) in 2003, with the aim of providing specialist knowledge to both new and existing clients with Light Commercial Vehicles, helping them identify the very best vehicles for their business.
At the CV Show 2008, Britain’s largest transport and logistics event, Lloyds TSB Autolease will be showcasing two electric powered vehicles and one hybrid vehicle that can maintain operator efficiency whilst reducing carbon footprint: the new Fiat Doblo Cargo van in electric form; the MODEC electric LCV; and the Connaught Hybrid+ Ford Transit T280.
Grahame Neagus, Head of the SCVU at Lloyds TSB Autolease, comments: “Our research shows there is a real appetite for change in the Commercial Vehicle sector but also a real need for practical advice and wider choice. We’ve been listening to customers and working with experts, which is why we have introduced alternatives to the traditional LCV models with exceptionally high performance that our customers can rely on.
“We’re always pushing the boundaries when it comes to offering vehicle solutions that meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers, whether they are driven by the environment, safety, legislation, performance or efficiency.
“One of the challenges we’ve been faced with is how we can maintain operator efficiency while reducing carbon footprint. All three vehicles on display at the CV Show demonstrate that this balance can be met very effectively. They show how serious we are when it comes to offering our customers unrivalled environmental choice.
“Along with greater vehicle choice, online CO2 reporting and environmental consulting, we have developed an environmental best practice guide to advise fleet managers how to make their fleets greener. At the click of a button, fleet managers have access to key tips and practical advice on how to review and improve the environmental performance of their fleet.”
The online environmental best practice guide, recently launched by Lloyds TSB Autolease, is available at www.lloydstsbautolease.co.uk/bestPractice.
Hybrid Solutions
With hybrid technology rapidly looking like the most viable short term alternative to diesel and bio-diesel fuels, the Ford Transit T280 Hybrid is the first of its type to be introduced to customers. The vehicle’s unique hybrid solution, created by Connaught Engineering Ltd, is expected to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel usage by up to 15%. It is also the most compact hybrid system of its kind in the world and differs from those developed by global motor manufacturers in that it can even be retrofitted to existing engines. Vehicles fitted with the Hybrid+ solution do not require any significant vehicle body changes and it is significantly cheaper than a factory-fitted hybrid alternative. Currently developed for the latest generation Ford Transit, Lloyds TSB Autolease will soon make it available on both the Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes Benz Sprinter models.
Electric Options
As electric energy develops into a serious alternative power source, Lloyds TSB Autolease is offering customers a choice of two of the latest electric powered commercial vehicles.
Lloyds TSB Autolease are proud to present the UK’s first showing of the new Fiat Doblo Cargo van in electric form, exhibited as a left hand drive variant. In conjunction with Fiat UK, we will be assessing the market’s appetite for the vehicle, which is aimed directly at the urban operator. The Fiat Doblo Cargo van, already a common site on UK roads in its diesel form, will appeal to both private and public sectors alike.
The second electric vehicle on show is the MODEC, which is capable of carrying up to 2.5 tonnes, with a battery life in excess of 150 miles. A major benefit of electric power is its zero emission output, in term of CO2 and particulates. In an urban operation, the MODEC offers significant environmental benefits, including congestion charge exemption, and its near-silence allows it to operate throughout the night.
Lloyds TSB Autolease’s stand will be in Hall 11, NEC Birmingham from 15th – 17th April 2008. For more information about the CV Show 08, please go to www.cvshow.com.
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