The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has ordered Toyota RAV4 Hybrids as its new rapid response vehicle for its paramedic teams, replacing its diesel fleet.
The trust has ordered 51 Toyota RAV4, which it says will be equally capable of carrying crews and equipment wherever they need to go compared to its old diesel vehicle fleet.
David Holmes, the trust’s fleet manager, said: “Our vehicles have to meet strict reliability and carrying capacity criteria as they perform a vital function helping the people of Wales. Not only does the RAV4 Hybrid meet our requirements, it is also helping us reduce the environmental impact of our fleet.”
The new SUVs are being supplied through FRF Toyota Swansea and will be covering up to 40,000 miles a year, working the length and breadth of Wales. Toyota Fleet is providing additional support, organising training for NHS vehicle technicians so they can service and maintain the vehicles to manufacturer’s standards, minimising the time they have to be off the road.
The hybrid vehicles were chosen in part thanks to their proven reliability and hard-wearing dependability, which the Trust’s fleet operator said was another key consideration.
The trust is taking delivery of RAV4 Hybrid Design models, equipped with Toyota’s AWD-i all-wheel drive so they are better equipped to access remote locations and deal with hazardous driving conditions such as ice and snow. The standard provision of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems ensures the crews have the best possible protection while on the road.
Stuart Ferma, general manager, Toyota and Lexus Fleet, said: “There can be no better validation of the quality and reliability of our hybrid vehicles than to see them being chosen for vital duties by the emergency services. By meeting the high demands of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, RAV4 shows that it has what it takes to meet the needs of all kinds of business users across the country.”
