Tourism Holdings invests $50m in emission upgrades

Tourism Holdings Limited invests $50 million in quality and emissions upgrade of motorhomes

Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) will spend $50 million over the 2008 calendar year on creating an environmentally friendlier experience for customers traveling in its three motorhome brands, Maui, Britz and Backpacker.

The investment will include 370 of the next generation low emission, fuel efficient, diesel powered Sprinter vans from Mercedes-Benz with automatic transmission. THL’s specialist motorhome and caravan designer CI Munro will build a new range of super luxury two berth and traditional four and six berth motorhomes on the chassis.

For THL, the investment will deliver the dual goals of delivering the highest quality experience for travelers and environmental sustainability by taking an active role in reducing carbon emissions at source.

THL Chief Executive Trevor Hall says environmental sustainability will become an essential attribute of the tourism industry which is responsible for nearly a tenth of New Zealand’s economic wealth.

“THL is proudly leading by example and we urge others in the industry to follow so that the ‘Clean Green’ image New Zealand promotes is a clear memory for those who visit our shores.”

“As a company we are striving to deliver amazing travel experiences with the least carbon footprint. “

The environmental credentials of THL Rentals were further enhanced last week when it joined with Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) to launch a strict in-service vehicle emissions testing regime that is tougher than Euro IV standards..

THL is confident all its motorhomes will meet VTNZ’s “Five Star” in-service standard and will be badged “Approved as one of the world’s lowest emitting vehicles”.

The THL order placed with Mercedes-Benz is understood to be the largest single motorhome order from the southern hemisphere for many years. The first of the new Maui Sprinter motor homes is already under construction in Hamilton and will be on the road early in 2008.

Design led manufacturing features will include fully automatic transmission and ergonomically designed seating to improve driver comfort and enhance the travel experience. The cabs will be spacious and provide comfort for the tallest travelers.

ENDS

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