Zipvan is trialling petrol-powered Volkswagen Transporters for its London van sharing fleet to provide operators with an alternative to diesels.
The year-long pilot of petrol models in London will see 10 new Transporter models, all T28 Trendline panel vans with a 2.0-litre TSI 150 PS engine and manual gearbox, available to hire from Zipcar’s London-based fleet locations. The vehicles join the 400+ diesel-powered vans also available in London.
Jonathan Hampson, general manager of Zipcar UK, said: “The Mayor of London recently outlined plans to actively reduce the use of diesel in the capital. We have already completed the removal of diesel from our car fleet, and whilst this is significantly more complex in the commercial vehicle market, we’re delighted to partner with Volkswagen to continue with this process.
“We’re confident the vans will perform well and be suitable for our members. We’ve also ensured that the message comes across through the livery that these vans are petrol-fuelled, to encourage companies to consider their options when it comes to their commercial fleets.”
The vehicles are currently being trialled in London but a Zipcar spokesperson said: “We’d welcome a future where petrol vans are as readily available and commercially viable as diesels.” Zipcar currently has vans available in Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol as well as the capital.
