Fleet briefs: Latest from BP Chargemaster, Co-wheels, Enterprise, Hitachi Capital and Green Motion

BP Chargemaster in M&S trial

BP Chargemaster has launched rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at M&S’s newest store – Maidstone Eclipse Park (just off junction 7 of the M20 in Kent).

The pair are assessing the use the rapid chargers at M&S stores across the UK; the Maidstone installation is the first of a five-store trial.

The three 50kW UK-made rapid chargers, which use 100% renewable electricity, feature contactless payment terminals and connectors for all capable EVs.

Helen Milford, director of stores for M&S, said: “We’re committed to the use of renewable energy within our own operations and supporting our customers, which makes this a really exciting trial for us.”

The new chargers at M&S stores are being installed this year with investment from BP Chargemaster, which already operates around 600 rapid chargers.

Matteo de Renzi, CEO of BP Chargemaster, added: “We expect the rapid chargers to bring new customers to these stores. They are in the right locations to support those driving along the strategic road network and provide a great opportunity to charge while you shop.”

BP Chargemaster and M&S first forces in 2005 to roll out M&S Simply Food stores at bp Connect sites – where BP Chargemaster is also building a network of ultra-fast 150kW EV chargers. There are now more than 290 M&S Simply Food stores at BP retail sites.

All-hybrid car club launched in Harrogate

National car share scheme Co-wheels has launched its first all-hybrid car share club Harrogate Borough Council.

A fleet of nine new hybrid cars, seven Toyota Yaris and two Toyota Corolla estates, are now available in Harrogate town centre for pay-as-you-go hire around the town for as little as 30-minutes up to full days.

Hires in Harrogate start from £5.50 for one hour. Insurance, cleaning, servicing and refuelling are included in the cost. A van is also available for hire as part of the new club.

Richard Falconer, managing director of Co-wheels, said: “To celebrate the launch, we’re offering people in Harrogate £1 memberships and £40 credit to try our service.”

Cars are available now in Harrogate and will follow in Knaresborough and Ripon in the future.

Photo caption: Co-wheels managing director Richard Falconer and Councillor Phil Ireland.

Enterprise’s Plus Your Points promotion

Enterprise has launched its annual Plus Your Points promotion earlier than ever to give registered Enterprise Plus members the chance to earn double points on qualifying rentals.

The programme is available now through January 31, 2021 to customers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Points earned during the Plus Your Points promotion are redeemable for free rental days at any time, for any available vehicle at thousands of participating Enterprise locations worldwide. Free day covers base rate (time and mileage) only. Points do not expire as long as the member completes one qualifying Enterprise rental during every three-year period. 

“For travellers who are ready to get back on the road, we want them to know Enterprise is ready to support them with an experience that’s safe, secure and exactly what they’d expect from Enterprise,” said Randal Narike, executive vice president, global mobility and customer experience at Enterprise. “Launching the Plus Your Points promotion early is our way of rewarding our loyal renters as they enjoy their summer road trips.”

This year’s promotion consists of two phases. The first phase, available now, allows members to earn double points on qualifying rentals. The second phase will launch in late summer and will offer members the chance to earn additional points through bonus opportunities known as ‘badges’ for a variety of rental-related items.

Membership in Enterprise Plus is free, and the programme is open to anyone 21 years and older.

Hitachi Capital helps FareShare deliver food

Hitachi Capital is helping charity partner FareShare deliver food to those most in need through the pandemic with the donation of three brand new refrigerated delivery vans.

The financial services company, which first partnered with FareShare in 2018, is providing free use of the vans and covering their maintenance costs for the charity over the next four years.

The vans have been supplied to FareShare’s East Anglia and Merseyside Regional Centres and are now on the road five days a week, driven by volunteers delivering vital surplus food supplies to those in hardship through the crisis.

Lindsay Boswell, FareShare chief executive, said: “The donation of these vans from Hitachi Capital will be so important in the difficult months and years to come. We are grateful for their continued support, especially now at this critical time.”

FareShare is the UK’s biggest food redistribution charity and diverts surplus food within the UK supply chain, which would otherwise go to waste, to more than 11,000 frontline charities and community groups across the UK. Projects receiving food include community centres, school breakfast clubs, homeless shelters and domestic violence refuges.

Jon Lawes (pictured), managing director of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be able to assist our national charity partner and assist FareShare’s vital work, especially at a time of unprecedented demand from vulnerable people needing vital food supplies from food banks and frontline charities.”

Green Motion launches 'Thumbs up to face masks' campaign

As part of Green Motion's continued Customer and Staff Covid-19 Shield initiative, and in support of the protection of global travel, the company says it is giving a big 'thumbs up to face masks'.

Green Motion founder & CEO Richard Lowden said, "With growing evidence supporting the wearing of face masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, Green Motion has led our industry in asking our valued customers to wear a face mask when collecting and returning their car, as part of our Covid-19 Shield Customer & Staff Safety Procedures."

The Shield initiative has included the introduction of perspex safety screens, automated hand sanitiser dispensers, social distancing measures, along with staff PPE. 

Lowden concluded: "Please join us in giving the 'thumbs up' to wearing a mask, and let's all play our part in protecting one another and of course protecting the global car rental and travel sector."