FWAG Choose Astra ecoFlex For Fleet
The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), the leading countryside conservation organisation, have selected the Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi 16v as its preferred fleet car due to the vehicle’s low CO2 emissions and excellent 62.8mpg fuel economy. The farmer-led independent charity has taken delivery of three Astra ecoFLEX estate cars for its Farm Conservation Advisers to use on visits to farmers to offer advice on how to combine day-to-day farming with the conservation on their land.
The charity organisation, chose the Astra ecoFLEX following a comprehensive market evaluation. FWAG Personnel Manager Jane Hampson says that as a conservation organisation it was important that they were seen to be actively reducing the environmental impact of their own activities. “With our advisers making over 6,000 farm visits a year we felt that we should take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time cut costs for the charity and for our employees.
“The Astra will help us to do this in several ways. They have a very low CO2 emission level of just 119 grams per kilometre, which means less air pollution. This also places them in the lowest band for Benefit in Kind taxation on our employees and therefore reduces their personal tax liability substantially.”
The Astra’s frugal use of fuel will also help in reducing FWAG’s annual fuel bill and delivering an environmental benefit through the lower amount of diesel fuel consumed overall across the fleet.
“We also liked the flexibility offered by the estate version of the Astra,” says Jane Hampson. “And we felt that it was a solidly built car that would cope well with the rigours of farm tracks whilst at the same time presenting a smart and professional image. As well as farm visits our advisers attend country shows and events and give talks about their work, so the ability to carry display materials and literature is particularly useful.”
“Apart from the Astras themselves, the service from Vauxhall Leasing has been very impressive and hassle free. Each car is delivered to our local retailer, Brandish of Coventry, from where it is prepared before delivery direct to the home of the employee who will drive it. On delivery of the new car, the old one is uplifted and returned for disposal by Vauxhall. The arrangement also gives us access to a short-term hire facility at preferential rates through Enterprise.”
There are 80 FWAG advisers spread across England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own organisation) and access for nationwide support and for routine servicing was also a factor in the choice of fleet vehicle.
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