Fleet operators are turning to leasing companies as the quickest and easiest route to reducing average emissions across their vehicle fleets. Lex is experiencing a surge in demand from clients wanting advice from its consulting arm Lex Momentum. “We are up to our eyeballs with clients knocking at our door,” said Lex Momentum director Chris Chandler. “Demand is high.” Emissions from leased vehicles are falling rapidly, much more quickly than company cars as a whole. According to the BVRLA, average CO2 emissions of new leased company cars last year was 149.9g/km. Its figure is calculated from a survey of seven of its largest members which have a combined fleet of more than 200,000 cars. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures reveal that average CO2 emissions from all new company cars sold last year was 158.4g/km – 8.5g/km more than leased vehicles. “The difference between CO2 emission for all company cars and that for our leasing members demonstrates just how much our industry is leading the move towards cleaner, more fuel efficient business motoring,” said John Lewis, BVRLA chief executive. The latest emissions figures from ALD Automotive, seen by Fleet News, confirm the trend. So far this year, average CO2 emissions of new company cars added to ALD Automotive’s 50,000+ vehicle fleet dropped to a record low of 146.2g/km. That compares to 150.5g/km last year and 166.8g/km in 2003, when ALD began recording the data. Lex reports a similar downwards trend, with its average emissions dropping from 174g/km in 2003 to 157.6g/km this year, while Masterlease fleet emissions have fallen from 162.4g/km in January 2007 to 153.9g/km by April this year. Cost savings by reducing emissions can be huge. A 1,200-vehicle fleet advised by Lex saved £1.5 million on tax, fuel and wholelife costs over its four-year replacement cycle simply by introducing a 160g/km cap. Leasing firm Venson expects the fall in emissions levels to speed up due to a surge in interest in alternatively-fuelled vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, from fleets. Hear Venson’s views and advice on how managers can green their leased fleets at Greener Company Car In Action on June 16-18.

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