National Car Rental has improved its green credentials, by adding the hybrid Toyota Prius and the ”Stop & Start” Citroen C3 to its fleet.
Citing specific examples in France, Spain, Italy and the UK, National detailed a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its services.
”Our goal is to provide travellers with a service that is convenient, cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly,” said National”s Franchise Director Neil Summerville.
National”s UK fleet, 35% of which is diesel, now includes the hybrid Toyota which uses an electric motor at low speeds and an engine when travelling faster.
The company also claims to be the first vehicle rental brand in the UK to provide its customers with CO2 emissions information.
Like the UK, the French fleet now has more diesels, as well as the new Citroens with engines that cut out when stopping, but start instantly when needed.
French partner Citer and National have labelled their fleet ”Verte” as 65% of vehicles, in 80% of locations, emit less than 140g/km of CO2.
National”s Spanish partner Atesa launched two initiatives this year, the first being a study of car emissions in collaboration with the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving.
Atesa”s second initiative, in partnership the Department of the Spanish Industry Ministry, saw the addition of more ”eco-driving” advice to their website, www.National.es.
Finally, National”s Italian rental partner Maggiore has introduced carbon filters to its fleet of diesel vehicles.
Founded in 1947, National Car Rental operates in over 3,000 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asian-Pacific, Africa and Australia, with 275,000 vehicles serving over 15 million travellers annually.
For more information, visit www.nationalcar.com.
Andrew Gough
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