SSE opts to lease Vauxhall vehicles

Fleet managers know that their choice of vehicle can be crucial to the success of their operation - especially as the cost of motoring in the UK continues to rise.

A car leasing scheme can be an effective way to minimise costs. The monthly payments not only simplify and regulate outgoings, they often work out far less expensive than purchasing a motor outright and takes away any depreciation worries.

Contract hire also makes it easier for firms to switch to vehicles which incorporate new technology that could make a big difference to their business.

Recently, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) took delivery of six new Vauxhall Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicles which will now be used to make their fleet more optimised to their own specific needs.

Chief executive officer Ian Marchant received the new Ampera Positiv - Scotland's first Ampera in a corporate fleet - as part of a car leasing scheme and said it was an exciting development.

He commented: "We are proud to be the first major fleet and the first utility company, to put an electric car onto our company car policy.

"As the UK's largest generator of electricity from renewable sources, we take our commitment to the environment very seriously. We are running the Ampera in our fleet as an electric vehicle that is usable every day and can cope with business needs."

James Taylor, fleet sales director at the manufacturer, said this was only the beginning and soon many more fleets would follow SSE's example and look to use new technology.

He explained that the Ampera would allow businesses to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions and total running costs without compromising any of the day-to-day usability that is usually associated with electronic vehicles.

Vauxhall technology is not just being implemented in new fuel source technology.

The Ecoflex system in the 1.3 CDTi SXi Corsa has been popular with drivers looking for a familiar car with money-saving potential.

It is available to lease from £133.99 a month.