Dear Reader

Welcome to the August edition of our newsletter. This month we bring you details of another two companies that have deployed Smith vehicles in their fleet: Crown and yoyo. We also hit the headlines this month as Smith Electric Vehicles dominated the GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge in London, where one-fifth of the participating fleet operators chose Smith vehicles to represent them!

Remember, if you are thinking about converting your fleet to electric you can find out more at our website at www.SmithElectricVehicles.com.

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director, Smith Electric Vehicles

CROWN RECORDS MANAGEMENT DEPLOYS EDISON IN LONDON

Crown Records Management, the world’s number one private business information storage company, has taken delivery of its first Smith electric vehicle as part of its contribution to a cleaner, greener environment. The vehicle is based at its Bow facility, servicing the City of London.

Crown RMS, UK, began investigating the use of electric vehicles a few years ago and tested various models, but found a practical solution in the Smith Edison panel van.

Andy Middleton, director of infrastructure, UK & Ireland, said, "We are delighted to be able to introduce an electric vehicle to our fleet. The impact this vehicle will have on our operating costs as well as our contribution towards a better environment is immediate."

Frank Hopping, managing director Crown RMS, UK & Ireland, said, "We are acutely aware of the importance of minimising our environmental impact and this is an exciting new development in our ongoing efforts. The electric vehicle is the most environmentally friendly vehicle on the market and we hope to introduce many more onto our fleet."

Read more about the Smith Edison here: www.SmithElectricVehicles.com

SMITH NEWTON DELIVERS FOR yoyo CUSTOMERS IN LONDON

London-based customers of ‘yoyo’ – PaperlinX’s complete closed loop paper delivery, recovery and recycling service – will now receive an even greener service thanks to the launch of its first Smith electric delivery truck.

The yoyo service already helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with paper consumption. With the introduction of the Smith Newton, an additional four tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year will also now be saved. Calculated over the minimum five-year life of the vehicle, this will save 20 tonnes of CO₂; the equivalent to driving a comparable diesel truck around the earth’s circumference more than three times.

Tim Forster, Director, Office Papers at PaperlinX, comments: "With zero emissions and zero exhaust air pollutants, the electric truck is a valuable extension to our service in London and we hope to add more vehicles to the fleet in the future."

Alan Wards, one of the drivers who operates the truck, comments: "It is amazing how the truck turns heads as you go past... The customers I deliver to are very impressed with the vehicle and pleased to be doing their bit for the environment."

Read more about the Smith Newton here: www.SmithElectricVehicles.com

SMITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES DOMINATES LONDON GREEN VEHICLE CHALLENGE

Smith Electric Vehicles was the supplier of choice for fleet operators at the GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge held in London on 31^st July.

The event, sponsored by Transport for London (TfL), saw the UK’s green van, truck, car and bike manufacturers compete for the title of the capital's most environmentally-friendly vehicle.

Smith, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vans and trucks, accounted for one-fifth of the vehicles taking part – more than any other supplier. Fleet operators who chose Smith to represent them in the contest included BT Openreach, the Royal Mail, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services and courier CitySprint.

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director for Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "We were delighted to have more representation than any other 'green' vehicle manufacturer at this event. It demonstrates that major fleet operators have confidence in our products - and shows they understand that our electric vans and trucks are the best when it comes to urban commercial vehicle operations."

Starting at Horse Guards Parade in Westminster, GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge contestants had to hit four checkpoints around London. Points were scored for taking the shortest route through the capital, while a panel of experts also calculated total CO₂ emissions for each vehicle’s journey.

CitySprint, in a Smith Edison panel van, was first over the finish line, while the Smith Edison chassis cab belonging to BT Openreach - and driven by Smith’s Product Support Manager, Stuart Gair – clocked the shortest and most efficient mileage out of all the entrants.

The judges are still calculating the fuel economy / energy efficiency and CO₂ emissions of each vehicle, with the overall winner going through to the final round of a wider TfL competition to find London’s greenest fleet, this September.

For further details on the GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge, visit the website, http://www.greenfleet.net/content/view/292/1/.