Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services want fleets to switch to petrol hybrids

Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services is calling on fleets to change from diesel to petrol electric hybrid vehicles, after the statement the European Commission has started legal proceedings against the UNITED KINGDOM for neglecting to take care of air pollution.

Pointing to the UK's estimated yearly cost of 5,000 premature deaths linked to combustion exhaust*, the producer stresses that petrol hybrid vehicle discharges include no particulates, almost no nitrogen oxides(NOx) and substantially decreased amounts of CO2.

At once, petrol hybrid vehicles can conserve motorists and companies tens of thousands of pounds per vehicle on tax, fuel and whole life prices.

"Poor air quality is a problem for every one of us," said Neil Broad, general manager at Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services. "Although they will have some advantages, diesel engine vehicles are an important generator of dangerous pollution - despite using catalytic converters and filters, which are expensive to purchase and service.

"The EU is saying in particular that amounts of nitrogen dioxide, mostly from diesel engines, are 'excessive' in many British cities.

"With a petrol total hybrid vehicle, particulate discharges are totally removed and NOx amounts are on average a tenth of the diesel limit determined from the upcoming Euro 6 laws. Increasingly tough punishments and additional measures including speed limits on motorways seem likely to be introduced by the authorities, therefore it is going to be a lot more challenging and expensive for diesel vehicles to honor in the future."

Continuing the economical disagreement, Broad added: "The petrol hybrid's low fuel consumption is an evident way to obtain cost economies but company users must also think about the expense of care within the vehicle's life.

"A petrol hybrid vehicle does not have any starter motor, drive belts, alternator or clutch to service or replace, and its own brake pads last more thanks to regenerative braking. Petrol total hybrid vehicle motorists have a lesser private tax (gain in kind) obligation than diesel motorists, while the employer increases from a business tax advantage and reduced Class 1 National Insurance contributions."

Whole economies rely to the model selected and on variables like mpg and purchase process, but as an illustration, Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services saif that a Lexus CT 200h S will conserve companies GBP4,000 in an average three-year 60,000 mile cycle when compared with a rival's diesel equivalent. At once, the motorist will conserve GBP2,000 in BIK private tax.

Broad said: "There is a large focus today in medical and fiscal ramifications of smoking, and it's no different using the vehicles you drive.

"The UK should improve its air quality and also the authorities is contemplating revolutionary answers to the situation.

"Our message is the fact that you don't need to be revolutionary; instead it's possible to stop smoking for good by selecting petrol hybrid vehicle over diesel.

"The correct selection is a vehicle that minimises damage to lives, health as well as the surroundings. Mercifully, in case of petrol hybrid vehicles, that selection also makes complete economic sense."

Public Health Impacts of Combustion Emissions in the Uk 12/03/12; COMEAP - Committee in the Medical Ramifications of Air Pollution.