'Green' fleet cuts council costs

North Shore City Council has cut its annual fleet costs by $1,200 per car, with no mechanical breakdowns, since introducing Toyotas.

This converts to an annual saving of $135,000 across the fleet described last year by the Green Party as the country's most planet-friendly.

The environmental and cost-conscious council changed the way it chose its fleet in 2002 and it was Toyota that won a hotly-contested tender.

North Shore City's procurement manager, Dave Saunders, says the council adopted a total life model rather than the lowest cost approach.

"We took a sustainable approach and took everything into account. We looked at engine efficiency rather than size, safety, exhaust emissions and how much we'd get back at the end of their council tour of duty.

"Compared to the old fleet, our current vehicles are safer, cleaner, more reliable, better to drive for staff and have good resale value," he says.

"From 2003 to 2006 we undertook further tenders, similar to those of 2002, and achieved similar benefits.

"Not only has the switch to Toyota cut our costs, but we have received environmental accolades including being named the leading council fleet in the Green Party survey undertaken in 2006," Mr Saunders says.

ENDS

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