THL campervans achieve new standard for emissions

Media Release

THL campervan fleet achieves new standard for emissions

Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) 1500 campervans are helping to set new national emissions benchmarks with all of the company’s Maui & Britz fleet certified as passing tough exhaust emissions tests introduced six months ago.

THL asked Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) -the country’s leading vehicle testing company -to start putting THL’s 1500 Maui, Britz and Backpacker motor homes through VTNZ's new rigorous exhaust emissions tests in November.

The two-tiered Five Star testing programme, developed by VTNZ, sets exacting new independent benchmarks for in-service emissions testing -up to six times higher than equivalent European or Japanese standards.

The VTNZ emission test measures the output of harmful exhaust gasses and also indicates engine efficiency.

The THL fleet is the first to be tested by VTNZ and all the company’s Maui, Britz and Backpacker campervans have been subjected to the tough new benchmarks.

Less than five percent of these vehicles have yet to reach the required benchmark. As a sign of THL’s commitment to setting the standard for the New Zealand tourism industry, those vehicles are being rectified to pass the test or removed from the rental fleet.

THL chief executive Trevor Hall says he’s very proud the THL fleet now all carry VTNZ certified emission ratings.

``As a tourism industry leader we know how valuable NZ’s clean, green image is and we are committed to limiting the environmental impact of our vehicles. This is a standard we believe all tourism transport operators should meet, and to that end, I call on others in the industry to achieve this by the end of 2008. We have the opportunity to create an international benchmark that truly reflects our 100% PURE image.’’

Trevor Hall says vehicles must be operating at peak efficiency to meet the Five Star standards -meaning customers also benefit from knowing they are burning less fuel for every kilometre they travel.

``We’ve had very strong and positive customer feedback to the introduction of the Five Star test. There is no question that customers clearly like to know they are travelling in clean and efficient vehicles. It is an important consideration for them when selecting their transport choices.’’

Trevor Hall says getting over 1,500 vehicles through the test programme in six months -while they were still in peak demand -has been a significant achievement for both the THL and VTNZ staff.

But he says THL is determined to have all its vehicles rated to reassure customers they are travelling in fuel efficient, low emission vehicles.

THL has committed to VTNZ carrying out annual exhaust testing for its fleet to ensure its vehicles maintain the high standards.

THL says it is currently extending the VTNZ testing programme to include its youth brands of Explore More Campervans and cars and the Kiwi Experience bus fleet.

ENDS

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