PLUG-IN PROGRAMME GETS UNDERWAY
TOYOTA and EDF Energy have launched a three-year leasing programme that brings ultra-low emissions plug-in hybrid vehicle technology to the streets of London.
From next month some 20 Toyota Prius Plug-ins will join the fleets of five businesses and public organisations, where they will demonstrate the fuel efficiency and cost savings their rechargeable hybrid power system can deliver.
The real-world experiences of the drivers and fleet operators will provide both companies and the Government with insights into driver attitudes and usage patterns.
ELECTRIC TRIALS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
SIX all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs have arrived in the North East to form the next stage of the groundbreaking low carbon vehicle trials taking place in the region.
As part of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme run by Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, two cars will become part of the fleet at Gateshead Council, two at Newcastle, one at Redcar and Cleveland and one at Stockton-on-Tees councils.
The i-MiEVs arrive in the region following the successful Green Vehicle Congress 2010 event held by Cenex in Gateshead in March.
PRESTIGE CAR INSURANCE OPTION
AUTOMOTIVE warranty provider, Warranty Direct, has extended its mechanical failure insurance to cover high-end prestige and performance cars.
Until now, drivers of models such as Porsche 911 Turbos and Ferrari 430s have had limited options for extended warranty cover after the initial manufacturer protection has expired.
The new product mirrors Warranty Direct’s long-established cover, which is now available on four levels.
While the inclusion of luxury models like the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Bentley Continental GT offer protection to owners of vehicles with 7-litre+ engines, the new product is also suitable for more mainstream performance cars such as the Ford Focus ST and the Honda Civic Type R.
SOAP STARS JOIN TRUCKFEST LINE-UP
CORONATION STREET actress Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Conner in Britain’s biggest soap, and Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle join the celebrity line up at Truckfest when it returns to the Bath and West Showground, Somerset, on Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4.
Other celebs appearing will be of the wheeled variety as Monster Truck Big Foot celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special guest flying in from the USA to help Truckfest celebrate the birthday of the world’s original monster truck.
Also appearing will be Britain’s number one military display team, The Flying Gunners.