ALD Automotive has taken delivery of 50 Mercedes-Benz hybrids as part of its investment in smart mobility projects.
It has allocated more than 30 C and E Class Hybrid models to its own internal fleet with a number also added to ALD’s flexi-lease product PoolFleet to enhance the choice of alternatively fuelled vehicles available to its customers.
The hybrids – which bring emissions starting from 94g/km for the C-Class and 110g/km for the E-Class – will help ALD and its company car drivers through reduced taxation and running costs.
The switch to the new hybrids has already reduced ALD’s average CO2 emissions from its own company car fleet from139g/km in 2010 to 112g/km.
The addition of the hybrids will also help ALD with its evaluation of new and emerging AFV technologies as part of its ongoing Smart Mobility programme.
Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, said that the latest AFV trials show more than just the company’s commitment to new technologies.
He explained: “By undertaking real-world testing backed up by the comprehensive data supplied by telematics technology, we can assist our customers with practical experience.
“We can then give them advice based on factual results from multiple users making the transition to AFVs as part of our Smart Mobility solution.”
A dedicated team has been set up to provide a holistic consultancy service and introduce more effective mobility solutions across all areas of fleet operation.
Services offered include working with fleets to analyse where AFVs can be utilised and then introducing them alongside initiatives including eco training and telematics to help enhance their effectiveness.
To support and help educate ALD customers on their own AFV choices, the new hybrids have also been fitted with telematics to monitor vehicle usage and performance, with the data providing an insight into vehicle efficiency in different applications.
The assessment of the Mercedes-Benz Hybrids forms the latest in a series of AFV trials being carried out by ALD Automotive following a pilot programme involving Nissan Leafs.
The results were used to evaluate full electric vehicle usage on the company fleet and formed the basis for ALD’s current consultation with company car drivers who want to switch to a full EV solution.
ALD will shortly be starting trials on a number of other plug-in hybrids later in the year, which will include analysis on the impact on the fuel consumption from drivers just refuelling the vehicle instead of charging it.
More AFV trials will also follow in 2016 as ALD continues to test new vehicles and technologies as they come to market.
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