The organisation has leased 120 vehicles from Lex, which has become the sole fleet provider following a competitive tender process. The agreement includes 90 new Skoda Octavia and Fabia cars for its national network, all with CO2 emissions of 109g/km or less, plus 30 new Renault LoLoader vans set to save the charity more than 10% on fuel costs annually.
The 30 bespoke vans, supplied to Sue Ryder charity shops in the South, will be used for the collection of bulk clothing and household goods from across the region.The 430 stores across the UK raise revenue to help fund Sue Ryder care centres around the country, supporting people with incurable illnesses and their families. Reducing running costs of the vehicles means more of these vital funds can be spent on these care services.
The Renault LoLoaders have been acquired on a contract hire agreement with fixed monthly payments and maintenance services, enabling the organisation to manage costs over the long term. The vans have been customised with lighter fittings and a weighing system to prevent the vehicles from being overloaded, and in doing so reduce fuel consumption and costs.
David White, procurement manager at Sue Ryder, said: ‘Our partnership with Lex Autolease has seen a reduction in rental costs across our car fleet, and their consultative approach has ensured our high profile vans are both cost effective, efficient and fully fit for purpose. The savings that we now make can be ploughed into supporting Sue Ryder care all over the UK.’
Paul Gauntlett, senior business development manager at Lex Autolease, said: ‘Saving money is something any organisation welcomes, but for a national charity like Sue Ryder, cutting costs can make a real difference to people’s lives. Acquiring more efficient vehicles on contract hire means they can spend less on fuel and put more revenue into their frontline care services. And with maintenance services rolled into the deal, they can get on with doing their important work with minimal risk of vehicle downtime. It is an effective way to manage costs over the long term.’
