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Regional publisher in bid to cut carbon footprint on company car fleet

Greg PartonA regional publisher has appointed a fleet management specialist to advise on ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet of more than 330 company cars.

Archant has contracted Fleet Alliance in a bid to help boost its eco credentials, following a scheme for company car holders which incentivised them to select low carbon-emitting vehicles in return for the payment of a ‘green bonus’.

Between 25 and 30pc of eligible employees have taken part in this scheme, helping to contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions across Archant’s fleet to a 99.6 grams ber kilometre average.

According to Department for Transport figures, the average emission for a new car registered in the second half of 2015 was 122.1g/km.

As part of the new contract, Fleet Alliance is planning a number of new environmental moves – including the proposed introduction of petrol-electric and diesel-electric hybrids, and pure electric vehicle options for the fleet.

The Glasgow-based specialists will also look to reduce acquisition costs across Archant’s fleet.

Greg Parton, pictured, group head of procurement and sustainability at Archant, said: “Through appointing Fleet Alliance, we are looking to build on the excellent green record we have achieved across our fleet over recent years, as well as reducing costs in key areas of our fleet operations.”

Martin Brown, Fleet Alliance Managing Director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Archant as our newest client to an expanding customer base, and look forward to delivering the award-winning customer service levels for which we have become renowned.”

5 comments

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  • May 27, 2016 at 12:41 pm
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    The telling statement in this story is:
    “reducing costs in key areas of our fleet operations”

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  • May 31, 2016 at 11:24 am
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    So does this mean company car drivers will soon be driving more eco friendly cars or they’ll be given green car choices to choose from in the future?

    On a slight tangent I still don’t know why Archant company cars aren’t sign written like most other media groups as they’re a good promotional tool and cost little to do so, the only resistance you’d get would be from those drivers with enough of an ego as to think it’s an infringement or who like to trot out the old’ I pay tax on the car ‘ excuse
    If you’re looking to maximise the effectiveness of your vehicle fleet why go for half measures Greg Parton?

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  • May 31, 2016 at 3:28 pm
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    Good point @kevin
    The whole issue of company cars is another subject altogether and can be an easy route to cutting costs that don’t include moving on your best people, like many independent companies why doesn’t Archant move their staff to running their own cars with a mileage allowance? It makes sound economic sense and only those who get cars as a “perk of the job” would complain.

    Other competitor publishers operate this way to good effect, then you’d also see how much importance company car drivers put on being seen in a new car if they have to fund and run their own vehicles like the rest of us, maybe given the choice of a sign written cat or running their own vehicle we’d also see again, how inportabt a company car is?
    Just depends on how serious Archant are to cut their cloth accordingly,rather than make a green gesture here and there while other parts of the business leak revenues all over the place, certainly the onus wouldn’t be on the company to provide green cars, rather the individuals instead.
    Gregg Partons view on this?

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  • May 31, 2016 at 4:48 pm
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    A common held view Kevin and Tatler although i believe tatler means car not cat :)

    Making reps and non essential car users run their own vehicles would save a sizeable amount of money and makes sound economic sense, although I believe very few chose the low emission green car option when offered so if it was a mandatory brief the decision would be easy to implement and not open to debate or discussion.
    When all costs are being looked at this is one that really ought to be considered

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  • June 1, 2016 at 8:19 am
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    Better use of company car resources seems to be a bigger topic than just the carbon footprint one going by the comments on here,something the company needs to take a long look at if they are serious about cutting costs and maximising revenues as we are always being told they are.

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