Working in partnership with fleet management specialist CLM, the short break holiday operator has added an outright-purchase fleet of 35 electric and low carbon vehicles.
The vehicles at Woburn Forest are in line with the Center Parcs environmental policy, which has a minimum “green” standard that no petrol vehicles are to be used at all, diesel vehicles must meet the latest European specification and electric vehicles are to be introduced wherever they can be practically used.
The Woburn Forest fleet includes nine Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric vans, seven of which are used by the Technical Services team to carry out maintenance work across the Village, and two by the Dining-in Services team to deliver takeaway meals to guests. In addition, there are two Renault Kangoo diesel vans which are used by the Technical Services team to go offsite.
There are also three Toyota Auris Hybrids used by Guest services operate as pool cars to travel between the other four holiday villages, there are three Toyota Hilux double-cab diesels for the Grounds, Forestry and Security teams.
The Woburn Forest fleet also includes five Ford 17-seater Transit minibuses, nine Mercedes Vito diesel vans, a Ford Transit with tail-lift, a Mercedes Vito eight-seater Travel Liner and a specially converted Renault Trafic for disabled and other guests who have mobility challenges. Meanwhile the onsite Medical Team uses a Subaru Forester 4×4 which have been fitted out as a paramedic vehicle, capable of handling medical emergencies.
Center Parcs purchases all its vehicles, replacing them after five years, with the exception of the mini-buses which are replaced every three years.
CLM manage the fleet maintenance programmes for all vehicles as well as providing accident repair services.
Center Parcs’ UK projects manager – operations, Mike Henderson, who for the last 26 months has been implementation manager for the Woburn Forest site, said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to open our newest village and we are thrilled with the excellent reaction and feedback from guests.
‘Integral to our operation, which welcomes 1.7m guests on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis, has been the very successful partnership we have formed with CLM, our specialist fleet management partner since 2007. They have the knowledge and experience to work with us to deliver an efficient fleet that is fit-for-purpose.
‘It is also very important for us that the vehicles selected are as environmentally friendly as possible as this drives all our aspirations. We are committed to being as green as possible, we want to invest in the latest technology, and consistently reduce our carbon footprint wherever practically possible.’
