 With 270 of their current 2675 vehicle fleet converted to run on LPG, the Thales Group operates one of the UK’s largest LPG fleets, which is set to expand following their decision to confirm Calor Autogas as their preferred fuel option for the whole of the UK.
Using “back to base” refuelling from Calor Autogas, Thales Group Fleet manager Nigel Rowden was able to see at first hand the cost savings and environmental benefits of Calor Autogas. Commenting on the decision to increase the bi-fuel fleet, he said:
“With group fuel costs of several million pounds per annum, exploring ways of reducing costs is a continuous exercise. Having already cut fuel costs by over 50 per cent, saving thousands of pounds a year on those vehicles converted to LPG, the decision to increase our bi-fuel fleet is an obvious one” he said.
“An additional factor that led us to adopt a UK-wide Autogas fuel policy was the benefit to the environment. With a number of Thales companies already accredited to the environmental standard ISO14001, we wanted to reinforce this commitment by including our fleet. Adopting LPG, a cleaner burning fuel, enables us to reduce harmful emissions, like nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons and particulates,” he added.
 With its current LPG fleet totalling 270 vehicles, comprising 144 Escort vans, 77 Focus cars, 28 Transit vans, 15 Courier vans, 2 VW LT35, 2 Vectras, and 2 Astras,Thales plc already operates a sizeable Autogas powered fleet.
Currently refuelling from 13 Calor Autogas back to base sites, installed across the UK, the Thales Group has plans to install a further four Calor Autogas sites in early 2002.
“By installing on-site refuelling we are able to take advantage of further reduced fuel costs from Calor Autogas due to bulk purchasing. This cuts a further 20 to 30 per cent off the retail forecourt price of Autogas, which is itself 50 per cent cheaper than petrol or diesel,” said Nigel Rowden.
All Thales Group bi-fuel vehicles are currently sourced through either Ford conversion specialist Hendy Specialist Vehicle Operations in Eastleigh – or from Vauxhall via their conversion centre at Millbrook.
In advance of the introduction of the new company car tax regime in March 2002, the Thales Group “user chooser” car policy, will include a choice of higher specification Autogas powered vehicles to encourage staff to choose the cleaner, cheaper option. Not only will this benefit the company with reduced fuel costs, it will also halve the cost of fuel for employees if they give up their fuel cards.
 As part of its conversion to LPG the Thales Group has also taken full advantage of the Energy Savings Trust Powershift grants, receiving approximately £250,000 worth of grants in 2001 to pay for up to 75 per cent of the conversion cost.
Commenting on the Thales Group’s move to LPG, Paul Oxford, Calor Autogas sales development manager said, “The Thales Group are the perfect example of a company that has seen the benefits of adopting a UK wide LPG policy, taking full advantage of all the cost saving benefits available.”
By working in partnership with Thales over a number of years, Calor specialists have been on hand to offer technical support and advice on everything from tank installation to fuel management. By ensuring that tanks are properly maintained and automatically topped up Calor are saving Thales approximately £189,000 a year on their bi-fuel fleet.
Further Information
 LPG - what is it?
|
Calor Home Page
