Fast-growing international vehicle rental and leasing company 1car1 Car and Van Rental has supplied its first hybrid car to the Mayor of eco-friendly Allerdale Borough Council in Cumbria.

Leeds-based 1car1 Car and Van Rental, which also has a leasing division, expects the delivery of the hybrid Toyota Prius on a 12-month contract with the option of a 12-month extension to be the first of many ultra-low emission vehicles to be supplied to local authorities and businesses across the UK.

The economical Toyota Prius runs on petrol and electricity and will save around £700 per year on journeys made by the Mayor of Allerdale on official visits throughout the borough. It is one of the ‘greenest’ cars in its class with excellent fuel efficiency at 65.7 miles per gallon, and low carbon dioxide emissions at 104 grammes per kilometre.
The keys to the car were handed over to Councillor Allan Caine, Mayor of Allerdale, by Phil Davies, national sales manager of 1car1 Car and Van Rental.

Councillor Caine said: “It’s so smooth and quiet. It’s a magnificent drive and obviously it’s good for the environment and very economical. I’m sure other councils in Cumbria will take notice of this and will be following suit.”

The Council’s move towards cleaner, greener transport – the Toyota Prius replaces a Jaguar – is part of its commitment to developing plans with partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change. It aims to work across all sectors and industries in the local community to reduce energy use and congestion, improve the local environment and tackle local fuel poverty.

1car1 Car and Van Rental is a long-time provider of lease and rental vehicles to Cumbria County Council.

Mr Davies explained: “Allerdale Borough Council contacted 1car1 Car and Van Rental about the supply of a hybrid vehicle because of our existing relationship with the county council. The Mayor’s car is the first hybrid vehicle the company has supplied. However, as public and private sector organisations look to reduce their carbon footprint, we expect to supply an increasing number of hybrid and other low emission vehicles.”

1car1 Car and Van Rental has more than tripled its fleet and branch network in the past five years to 18,000 vehicles and 95 locations across the UK respectively. The company plans further expansion and also has offices in Australia and the United States.