At a specially arranged demonstration day at Arval’s head office in Swindon, customers and employees were invited to test drive the Nissan Leaf, as well as take the chance to ask general questions and discuss any technical queries with Nissan and Arval representatives who were available on the day.

With carbon-free car fleet options set to become increasingly relevant for fleet managers in the future, Arval is working in partnership with its customers to provide advice and support as environmentally friendly vehicles – such as the Nissan Leaf – are developed. Providing fleet managers with the practical opportunity to drive the cars before launch, as well as assisting them in understanding the issues related to greener fleet choice lies at the centre of Arval’s ongoing customer commitment.

One customer, Paul McCulloch, fleet manager at family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services company Osborne, thought it was well worth investing his time to take the wheel and experience the brand new Nissan Leaf for himself.

He says: “Osborne has a company fleet of over 240 vehicles and we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously. We have examined hybrid technology, but haven’t really been convinced so far in terms of what we have seen.

“I was very impressed though with the Nisan Leaf. Not only does it display true green credentials, it also looks great and performed exactly like any conventionally fuelled vehicle. When managing fleet choices for staff, we have to be sure to address both car performance expectation and overall aesthetics. In my view the Nissan Leaf ticks both boxes. I am delighted to have had the chance to drive the car myself and I look forward to being able to offer it to our company car users.”

Chris Birch, head of relationship management – vehicle manufacturer at Arval comments: “It is very important that Arval works alongside customers so that they can experience, test and understand new technology and innovation as it becomes available. The Nissan Leaf is a prime example of such a development and the demo day was an excellent way of allowing customers to experience the car first hand as they examine the potential for environmentally friendly vehicle options.”

Jean-Marc Torre, chief executive officer at Arval who also tested the Leaf comments:
“It was a great opportunity for me, and for our customers, to preview and test the LEAF. I found it a very good and real car which I believe will be well received by our customers who were also able to experience this new technology first hand. I am delighted that our partnership with Nissan allowed this to happen.”

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