English universities face cuts or caps to their funding from 2011 if they fail to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions under government proposals, and they may also be expected to take the lead amongst UK institutions on emissions cuts into the longer-term future.

The proposals are the subject of a new consultation launched earlier this month by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce), and they could mean universities will have to cut their carbon emissions by 50 per cent (compared with 1990 levels) over the next few years.

The targets are being proposed at a time when universities are having to expand to meet growing demand for places, and when their carbon emissions have increased compared with 1990 levels by over 30 per cent.

Faced with an uphill task, some universities are anticipating the change by adopting electric vehicles within their fleets, to reduce the transport element of their total carbon output – including Birmingham, Canterbury, Greenwich, Manchester, Oxford, Plymouth, Warwick and Western England.

The University of Warwick bought three Mega Multitruck electric vans during the academic year 2006/7 as part of its own Carbon Implementation Plan, under which it introduces a radical new environmentally-friendlier transport initiative each year.

The vehicles have replaced three diesel vehicles making sandwich deliveries across the campus and transporting green waste and tools for the facilities management team, and the university’s research shows savings in excess of nine tonnes of CO2 per year.

“Electric vehicles are an obvious way for universities to make savings, as part of their normal vehicle replacement programmes,” said Lawrence Holland, general manager of electric vehicle manufacturer and distributor Aixam Mega.

“Most university fleet vehicles make stop-start trips across relatively short distances, often in heavily populated areas. Electrics are purpose-designed for this kind of trip, cutting on-road emissions to zero, and also giving users a clean-running, silent vehicle to improve quality of life in areas where there lots of pedestrians.”
Achieving the proposed targets will be onerous as demand for places continues to grow, and new buildings and vehicles are acquired to compensate.

The organisations will have to adopt a raft of measures, across their transport, buildings management and procurement operations to meet their environmental obligations and ensure their funding remains on-track.

A report published on Wednesday, 1 July by the government’s Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) adds weight to the view that the government’s policy on electric cars and vans is thwarting its own green agenda.

The document is a review of the progress that has been made to date on sustainable development, and it provides details of how the 2005 government strategy ‘Securing the Future’ has failed in several areas, notably its aim to bring about a reduction in greenhouse gases of 20 per cent by 2010 – now just six months away.

The report says that there has actually been an increase, once emissions from trade and travel are taken into account.

Aixam Mega, which is currently the leading supplier of electric vehicles in the UK, says that government electric vehicle programmes and incentives focus exclusively on models and technologies that are still a long way from being commercially available, while its own products are being deliberately excluded, even though they are already on the market.

Aixam Mega general manager Lawrence Holland says that the company has been willing to take part in various initiatives, including the scrappage scheme and the recently announced electric vehicle trials in major towns and cities, but has been refused each time.

He said: “We have been told that this is because our vehicles are legally described as quadricycles, rather than as cars, owing to their lighter weight, and lower power output.

“In terms of the environmental agenda, this is a nonsensical distinction to be making.

“We make vehicles for private motorists and a range of trucks and vans which have a wide range of practical applications in an urban environment.

“They meet all the UK government’s own criteria for electrics in terms of speed, safety, emissions, range and recyclability.

“The government’s own estimates show that 22 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport, and that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles capable of a range of 50km or more could cut carbon emissions from road transport by half.

“By allowing commercially ready vehicles such as ours onto their programmes, the government could make real progress towards achieving its carbon reduction targets.”

Electric quadricycle manufacturer Aixam Mega has taken part in the Revolve Eco-Rally 2009, as part of the ongoing drive to promote the use of sustainable transport methods in Britain’s cities.

The event, which took place on Monday, 8 June, saw 40 vehicles take part in the rally, which finished outside City Hall, where Mayor of London Boris Johnson addressed a conference on low carbon transport, announcing a new programme of support to help fleets adopt electric vehicles.

Aixam Mega general manager Lawrence Holland said that Mega Multitrucks ultra-light commercial vehicles and two and four seat Mega e-City private vehicles are already being sold into fleets, and the company was delighted to support an event designed to boost fleet take-up of electrics.

He said: “Electric vehicles are an obvious choice for use in an urban environment, where speeds are relatively low, and the distances travelled are usually short.

“Fleets are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions and to cut the cost of motoring. This event proved that the technology exists right now for fleets to address this important issue straight away.”

Speaking at the City Hall conference, Boris Johnson said: “Not only do electric vehicles save a large sum off fuel bills, helping businesses to remain lean in tough economic times, they are also great for London's environment.

“We are now going to work hand in hand with fleet owners to accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles, which are available to buy right now. This is a key element of my plan for London to become the electric capital of Europe, so now is the time for other companies to join us on this eco-mission.”

15 MAY 2009

The government’s new car scrappage scheme, which comes into force on Monday 18 May, discriminates against some groups of motorists, and works against the government’s own plans to encourage the use of electric vehicles, says ultra-light vehicle manufacturer and importer Aixam Mega.

Following meetings at the Department for Transport Aixam Mega has been informed that ultra-light vehicles – including those with electric, petrol or diesel-powered engines – will not be eligible for a £2000 discount under the scrappage programme.

The company was the only maker of ultra-light vehicles to attend these planning discussions between the government and vehicle manufacturers, and had every intention of participating fully in the scheme.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega, said that the scrappage scheme, which is intended to boost the automotive industry and to remove the most polluting vehicles from the road, has not been well thought-out.

He said: “The government is missing a big opportunity to put more electric vehicles onto the roads of UK towns and cities.

“The only electric vehicles currently available to most motorists have been specifically excluded from the scrappage scheme.

“In addition, the UK still has a significant number of older motorists who do not hold licences to drive traditional cars, and who are therefore still driving old polluting and worn-out three wheelers.

“Parts are no longer available for these, with the result that they are becoming less and less reliable, and less safe.

“In addition to its electric vehicle range, Aixam Mega produces petrol and diesel-powered ultra-light vehicles that three-wheeler drivers can trade up to, improving their own safety and reducing their vehicle emissions.

“A re-think on its scrappage scheme policy would help the government to get more potentially unsafe and polluting vehicles off the road, and also boost its plans to increase electric vehicle use.”

Ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega has introduced a new, two-seat electric vehicle into the UK market, designed as a cost-effective and practical runabout for local authorities and large business users.

The Mega e-City Pro is a pared-down version of the proven Mega e-City, and is priced at £10,131 plus VAT. Its ongoing running costs are around 2-3p per mile, including re-charging and maintenance.

With petrol and diesel prices rising rapidly again, and pressure mounting on public sector bodies and large businesses to cut their carbon emissions, Aixam Mega believes that this is a good time to introduce a small all-electric vehicle designed specifically for the needs of businesses.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega in the UK, said: “By cutting back on extras the e-City Pro offers all the functionality of the Mega range at a significantly reduced cost.

“In addition to savings on running costs it offers many other tangible benefits such as emissions-free motoring and exemption from Road Tax. Electric vehicles are also a powerful public relations tool helping customers, suppliers and members of the general public to become aware of the practical steps an organisation is making to reduce its environmental impact.”

The new model can be registered as a commercial vehicle so that businesses can reclaim VAT. It also qualifies for 100 per cent First Year allowance. The e-City Pro has steel wheels in place of alloys, manual window controls in place of electrics, and no rear wash wiper or radio (except as optional extras). It is available in white, making it easy for organisations to apply their own branding if required.

The Mega e-City range is designed for urban use and for frequent stop-start trips. Because they emit no CO2 or particulates on the road they can also be used in under cover applications, or in areas where there are dense concentrations of pedestrians, such as city shopping centres.

The vehicles have a range of up to 40 miles depending on road conditions and driving style, and a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

In London they are exempt from the Congestion Charge, and they benefit from free parking and free on-street charging in a growing number of locations around the country. There are tax incentives available for business users of electric vehicles.

Worthing-based entrepreneur Mark Stevenson has started up a new enterprise helping large businesses and public bodies to green up their operations and save money, by adopting electric vehicles.

Mark, a former sales executive with Unilever, says his experience in a large company has given him a detailed understanding of the way that large organisations work, and their procurement requirements.

His business, The Eco Garage, is marketing a range of ultra-light electric vehicles, which includes the Mega e-City, used by large businesses to replace the traditional pool car, and Mega Multitrucks, commercial vehicles with a choice of five different body configurations.

Mark started The Eco Garage late last year after seeing ultra-light electrics in action while working on projects in Europe.

He said: “Electric vehicles have the potential to save large organisations a lot of money on fuel and overall running costs, and they can also make a big contribution to helping them to meet environmental targets.

“The ultra-light ones that we are offering at The Eco Garage are well-proven in Europe, and they offer a practical, low maintenance choice for a wide range of tasks, giving businesses the opportunity to cut their motoring costs to less than 3p per mile.”

Mark is so confident of the benefits of the vehicles that he is putting a number on trial with large local organisations, including tourist attractions, colleges and public sector bodies.

For more information contact Mark Stevenson at The Eco Garage on (01903) 536092

With the clock ticking for public sector bodies looking to meet their targets for reducing carbon emissions and pollution, ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega is reporting an increase in enquiries from local authorities, campus universities and colleges looking for ways to cut their greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

The UK government has committed its own departments, all local authorities, schools and colleges and the NHS to cut carbon emissions and reduce pollution by 12.5 per cent by 2010/11, and by a further 30 per cent by 2020.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega in the UK, says that these are tough targets, and achieving them is causing public sector bodies to rethink all their operational and purchasing decisions.

He said: “Around 22 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport, and the Prime Minister has said that greater take-up of electric and hybrid vehicles will be one of the keys to achieving the government targets.

“This is why Aixam Mega is seeing an increase in enquiries for its Mega e-City private vehicle for use as a pool car and urban runabout, and also in its Multitrucks ultra-light commercials, especially for tasks such is litter bin collections and groundworks applications.

“Electric vehicles emit no greenhouse gases and particulates on the road, and also have the advantage of being able to be used in undercover, or warehouse-type environments, and in congested areas without adding air or noise pollution.”

The company believes that running costs are also a key driver of change. Total running costs for Mega vehicles are currently estimated at between 2p and 3p per mile, compared with around 40p for a standard petrol or diesel-powered saloon car.

As a new report shows petrol and diesel prices on the rise again, town-based drivers and businesses should take a fresh look at using electric vehicles to save money on their motoring costs, according to Lawrence Holland, general manager of ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega.

The AA’s Fuel Price Report for February 2009 shows that prices for unleaded fuel rose nearly five per cent over the past month, while diesel prices also rose, albeit more modestly.

Mr Holland said: “Road fuel prices are very volatile, but there is no doubt that the general trend is upwards. Electricity prices, on the other hand, are falling.

“Even when electricity prices were at their peak, it cost less than £1 to fully charge one of our vehicles, and total running costs were between 2p and 3p per mile.”

Aixam Mega says that using one of its vehicles for short-hop and frequent-stop town centre driving, which represent the bulk of journeys for most urban motorists and businesses, will have a big impact on ongoing motoring costs, and will also help to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The company’s products include the Mega e-City, an all-electric vehicle with a choice of two and four seats, and Mega Multitrucks, a range of ultra-light commercials typically used for light deliveries and collections.

Mr Holland said: “The government has said it is committed to encouraging people to drive ultra low-carbon vehicles to reduce C02 levels in the atmosphere over the next few years.

“Our vehicles will help to achieve that, whilst saving drivers money at the same time.”

The new call for the motor industry to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2050 refocuses the debate about engine technology, according to electric ultra-light vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega.

The 50by50 Global Fuel Economy Initiative, launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the FIA Foundation, asks vehicle manufacturers to cut the CO2 emissions of their vehicles as a way to reconcile people’s aspirations for mobility with the need to reduce vehicle emissions.

These organisations estimate that, by 2050, the number of vehicles on the world’s roads will triple.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega Ltd, says that the major car manufacturers are working hard to reduce CO2 emissions, and have responded positively to this latest initiative, but they face limitations.

He said: “There is a limit to how low you can go with the traditional internal combustion engine, powered by petrol or diesel.

“That’s why many mainstream car makers are also working on developing electric vehicles, although these are believed to be some years away from being commercially available.

“The key to really reducing CO2 emissions is for governments and power generators to invest in developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure, so that people can use electrics as easily as they now use petrol or diesel powered cars, and also to invest in development of renewable electricity generation, so that emissions from power stations are cut, too.”

While mainstream car makers may not have electric models on the UK’s roads for some time, ultra-light electric vehicles such as Aixam Mega’s e-City are in use now in urban environments, particularly in London where steps have been taken to provide public charging points.

Local authorities in some other cities have announced their own plans to introduce public charging points.

Ultra-light electric vehicles are designed for relatively low speed city driving and frequent stop-start journeys, and have a range of around 40 miles between charges. The average journey in London is just four miles.

Electric vehicles emit no CO2 or other greenhouse gases on the road. Powered from the domestic grid they reduce environmental impact by around two-thirds because of their efficiency in using energy. Powered from renewable sources, they offer even greener motoring.

The announcement by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon of £250m to encourage people to drive ultra low-carbon vehicles has been welcomed by electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega, which took control of London electric vehicle dealership The NICE Car Company earlier this month.

Mr Hoon said that the money would be made available to develop consumer incentives to help motorists to go green, and to develop the infrastructure necessary to refuel ultra low-carbon vehicles.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega Ltd, which imports the Mega City and Mega Multitrucks ranges of private and commercial electric vehicles into the UK, said that investment in incentives and in infrastructure is long overdue.

He said: “Niche manufacturers such as Aixam Mega have ultra low-carbon models available now, and we have invested heavily in their development.

“Large mainstream manufacturers are investing too, although their models are still several years away from commercial reality, but it is only governments that can develop the tax regimes and the national infrastructures necessary to effect real change in the way that people drive.

“We hope that this new money will be invested well and quickly, so that we can start to see a real improvement in transport emissions and in air quality, and progress being made in developing the low-carbon economy.”

In his speech to the House of Commons on Britain’s Transport Infrastructure, Mr Hoon said: “Even a relatively modest take-up of electric vehicles beyond 2020 could match all the additional carbon dioxide generated by the expansion of Heathrow.”

Ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega has acquired the assets of NICE Car Company, the Ladbroke Grove-based electric vehicle dealer that went into administration in November.

Aixam Mega’s wholly-owned British distribution company, Aixam Mega Ltd, has taken over NICE Car’s operations, and will continue to operate the sales and service facilities in London, while administrative functions have transferred to Aixam Mega’s headquarters in Rugby, Warwickshire.

NICE has marketed Aixam Mega’s Mega City all-electric urban vehicle in the London area since 2006, as well as the company’s Mega Multitrucks range of ultra-light commercial vehicles.

Aixam Mega’s UK general manager Lawrence Holland said that the acquisition gives existing Mega customers in London continuity of after sales service, and will also ensure that the company can continue to move forward with its plans to develop the market for electric vehicles.

He said: “We are fully committed to developing the market for ultra-light electric private and commercial vehicles across the UK, and regard this dealership as an important part of our growing dealer network.

“We have retained the key sales and service facilities, as well as some personnel, to make the transfer of business as seamless as possible. Mega drivers should be reassured that, from their perspective, it is now ‘business as normal’ at NICE Car.

“Sales of electric vehicles have slowed during the recent economic downturn, and this has contributed to the problems experienced by the former NICE Car management team, but over the longer term sales have been growing steadily. We believe that this growth will continue and that electrics will buck the trends affecting the wider automotive sector.”

Aixam Mega is Europe’s largest supplier of ultra-light electric vehicles, having invested heavily in the development of electric vehicle technology over an extended period. The company designed the Mega City specifically for the UK market.

The company has two large research and manufacturing facilities in France, 300 employees and produces 15,000 ultra-light vehicles per year. It has recently announced plans to increase production for the UK, European and North American markets.

With fuel costs predicted to rise for years into the future, businesses and business motorists are going to have to rethink the way they drive for work, according to Lawrence Holland, UK managing director of ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega.

Following this summer’s Motor Show the company is seeing its two and four seat Mega City electric vehicles being used in increasing numbers by city centre-based businesses as pool cars, to cut their fuel cost per mile to around 1.5p, compared with around 20p for a standard saloon car.

And Lawrence says there is plenty that every business can do to cut their fuel costs, reduce their carbon emissions, and improve efficiency – whatever vehicles they drive.

“Virtually every business can dramatically reduce the number of miles its employees need to do for work, and they will enjoy cost savings and improved productivity if they do so,” he said.

“One of the easiest things to do is to reduce the number of face-to-face meetings that need to be held. Conference calls and video conferencing can replace quite a number of gatherings - people usually just need time to get used to a different way of doing things.

“They will probably find that the meeting is more business-like and more decisions get made, in a shorter time-frame. Because of the amount of time that can be saved, clients will often be very supportive of the new way of doing things.”

Aixam Mega also suggests diary pooling, so that team members can plan to share some journeys. This will help to reduce the number of vehicles the business uses, cut the amount of ‘dead time’ spent by employees on the road, reduce parking charges and ease congestion and on-the-road carbon and particulate emissions.

Efficient route planning using sat-nav technology can also identify the shortest or least congested routes to help people move around far more efficiently.

“These are all simple, effective ways in which businesses can start to reduce their motoring costs straight away,” said Lawrence Holland.

“These ideas apply equally well to many delivery businesses, which can make major savings through better organisation, by optimising loads and effective route planning.”

Aixam Mega manufactures the Mega City ultra-light electric private vehicle, and the Mega Multitrucks range of ultra-light electric commercial vehicles.

Chargeable from any standard electric socket, the vehicles are exempt from Road Tax and the London Congestion Charge. They are also eligible for free or reduced price parking in some urban locations.

The growth in café culture over the past decade has been turned into a growing business opportunity by Colchester-based Perry Haralambous, who closed the door on a career in fashion retailing to open a mobile coffee van at a prime retail location in the town.

With industry research showing a growth in fresh and speciality coffee drinking, driven by a growth of more than 200 per cent in the number of branded coffee outlets over the period from 1997 to 2005*, Perry saw his opportunity last year when watching BBC TV’s ‘The Apprentice’.

Perry says: “Alan Sugar’s would-be recruits were given a task to optimise sales from a mobile coffee vehicle, and after the show I tracked down Towability, the company responsible for creating the unit featured.

“They suggested that I choose a Mega Multitruck chassis cab vehicle as the basis for the conversion, and Gruppo Izzo, a speciality coffee roasting business that provides a range of coffee blends as well as fully automatic, semi automatic and lever-operated commercial espresso machines.”

Towability managing director Marcel Binley said: “Perry is very serious about coffee and about the quality of the experience that he wants to provide, and so everything had to come together well.

“As vehicle converters we find that the Mega vehicle is a good choice for this kind of street selling operation in practical terms, because it has a low-level chassis, which means that the product can be made and served at a similar height to that of the customer standing on the pavement.

“Megas are compact and very light in weight, which gives street traders more opportunities in terms of location, because local authorities which turn down street trading applications from users of larger vehicles often take a more flexible view of these.

“The size and quirky appearance are a talking point in themselves, and give traders a head start when it comes to promoting their business and getting it talked about.”

The external vending vehicle conversion, called Café Izzo and complete with an eye-catching coffee cup model on its roof, has been located six days a week in Colchester town centre for nearly a year.

The quality of the product and the service has created a regular clientele as well as brisk passing trade, and Perry is in the process of trading in the current vehicle for a new Mega chassis cab, this time with an internal vending conversion that will offer ice cream as well as coffee, ready to make the most of the summer trade.

Mega vehicles are manufactured from ABS acrylic mounted onto a rigid aluminium chassis, making them virtually corrosion-free and almost 100 per cent recyclable at the end of their working life.

End
(*IGD Consumer research, 2006)

As EU and UK environmental legislation bites and public opinion swings in favour of greener businesses, vehicle operators are finding that choosing the right vehicle for the job doesn’t just mean major cost savings – it can also boost public perceptions of their business.

That’s the experience of the growing number of users of Mega Multitrucks, according to Aixam Mega, which manufactures the range of ultra light, electric or diesel powered utility vehicles in France and has been importing them into the UK since 2005.

As a result, sales of the vehicles have more than doubled over the past year, to businesses as diverse as sandwich delivery companies, local authorities, large chemical companies and the Isle of Man Post Office.

The Mega Multitruck range includes van, tipper, rossi tipper, dropside, pick-up and chassis cab body configurations.

Each one is just 3m in length and offers a payload of up to 415 kg.

A selection of electric Mega Multitrucks will be shown on the Aixam Mega stand at this year’s CV Show, to give vehicle operators an opportunity to explore the versatility and practicality of these compact ultra light commercials.

Featured on the stand will be a tipper, a van, and a chassis cab model converted to offer refrigerated storage, ideal for food or florist deliveries.

Mega electric vehicles offer highly significant cost savings for hard-pressed vehicle operators, as Aixam Mega’s UK managing director, Lawrence Holland, explains.

He said: “The electric versions of the Mega Multitrucks can be recharged overnight from any standard electric socket and cost less than 2p per mile to run.

“They give off zero particulate and carbon emissions in use, and are therefore exempt from London’s congestion charge, and also exempt from Road Tax.

“As more UK towns and cities introduce measures to cut vehicle emissions in city centre areas, and as the Mayor of London rolls out his new Low Emission Zone regulations over the next few years, there will be cost savings to be had for more and more operators if they choose to use our vehicles.”

The electrics have a top speed of 40 mph and a range of around 60 miles per single charge.

Aixam Mega’s CV Show stand will feature information on diesel versions of the Multitrucks, which also offer significant cost and emissions savings, achieving around 80 miles per gallon of diesel.

The University of Warwick’s vision of becoming a low carbon campus is reported to be well on target a year after the launch of its Carbon Implementation Plan, and the introduction of a number of new initiatives.

The Plan, developed in conjunction with The Carbon Trust’s Higher Education Carbon Management Programme, is intended to ensure a ten per cent reduction in CO2 emissions across the campus by the 2010/11 academic year – an ambitious plan in light of the university’s plans to expand its campus footprint by 40 per cent over the coming years.

Nick Hillard, the university’s environment officer, is in charge of the programme and says that one of the critical elements in achieving the reduction in emissions and raising awareness of the issues was identified as the introduction of vehicles using alternative fuels. As a result, three electric Mega Multitruck ultra-light utility vehicles were purchased during the academic year 2006/7.

Nick said: “We aim to introduce a radical environmentally-friendlier transport initiative each year.

“In the first year, we did the research, saw demonstrations from Mega Vans, a Mega dealer based in Manchester, and decided to buy the vehicles as they are emission-free in operation. They also come in a number of different body configurations, and they are eye-catching, helping us to attract attention to the initiatives and to secure acceptance of them.”

The university’s first Mega vehicle was a van, converted to contain a refrigerated unit and used by the hospitality department for sandwich deliveries across the campus.

Two further vehicles followed, including a dropside being used by the estates department for collecting litter and recyclable waste, and a van used by plant operatives to securely transport tools and equipment.

Each Mega vehicle measures just 3m in length and has a payload of up to 415kg. Their top speed of 30mph is more than enough for the campus, which has a speed restriction of 20mph throughout. In use daily around the 290 hectare site, the vehicles are clocking up around 15 miles per day, at a cost of under 2p per mile.

As part of the Carbon Implementation Plan the vehicles are being monitored in operation, and students working within the University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) research facility also use them as case studies in their research into alternative fuel vehicles.

Nick Hillard said: “The University of Warwick intends to maintain its position as a leader in technical energy efficiency in the higher education sector, and greener transport initiatives will continue to be an important part of that process.

“Through the removal of three diesel vehicles from the fleet and the use of these three electric Mega Multitrucks in their place, we have saved more than nine tonnes of CO2 in one year.”

Photocaption: University of Warwick environment officer Nick Hillard, with two of the university’s Mega Multitrucks.

Aixam Mega has appointed a new dealership to sell and service its range of ultra-light Mega Multitrucks to businesses throughout Kent.

Riverside Garage, which is based in Ashford, has specialised in the servicing and repair of private and commercial vehicles since 1994. Director Gary Stewart decided to expand into retail when the business moved into new and larger premises earlier this year, in response to a growing need amongst customers for a vehicle that will bring additional benefits as environmental legislation becomes more stringent.

The diesel models offer fuel consumption of around 80 miles per gallon. The electric models can be recharged from any standard plug socket and offer a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, depending on road conditions and driving style – at a cost of less than 2p per mile. The electrics are also exempt from Road Tax and from the London Congestion Charge and, in an increasing number of car parks, can also be parked for free or at reduced rates.

Gary said: “Our customers come to us for advice and good service, and taking on the Mega dealership is part of our commitment to offer them the services and the products that they need.”

Rising fuel costs and increasing pressures to reduce carbon emissions are giving delivery businesses the impetus to think more creatively when it comes to replacing fleet vehicles.

The Isle of Man Post Office has responded to this challenge by introducing a Mega Multitruck ultra-light electric van to its fleet of 99 collection and delivery vehicles, as part of a pilot scheme to evaluate how electric vehicles can be incorporated into the organisation’s operations.

Mails MD Malcolm MacPherson said that the vehicle was introduced in July last year, replacing a car-derived diesel van to give zero exhaust emissions and to cut fuel costs from 17p per mile to less than 2p.

“We were asked by the Isle of Man Post Office Board to consider environmentally sound solutions when it came to vehicle replacement, much like Royal Mail’s Carbon Management Programme, which has reduced carbon emissions from their national distribution fleet by 28 per cent over the last few years,” he said.

“One of the ways in which we do this is by specifying vehicles that are the right size and weight for the particular job, rather than by adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

“Another is by looking at alternative fuels. In this instance we chose an electric vehicle because it is fume and odour-free, silent and extremely cost-effective to charge up, and we selected an ultra-light vehicle as it offers a payload suited to the route.

“The Mega Multitruck van is proving itself to be very well-suited to urban collections and deliveries. It has the pulling power we need and its compact size is a big plus because frequent stops and parking in tight spots are routine.”

The vehicle runs entirely on batteries which can be fully recharged overnight from a standard electric socket, giving it a range of up to 60 miles, depending on road conditions and driving style, and a top speed of 40mph.

It is 3m in length and offers a payload of 415kg.

Constructed from ABS acrylic body panels mounted on a rigid aluminium chassis and safety cage, Mega Multitrucks are light and easy to drive, and the drivers on the route are reported to have adapted well to the change.

Niche vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega has beaten off competition from Mercedes-Benz and PSA Peugeot-Citroen to win a major European environmental award for its electric and diesel powered ultra-light commercial vehicles.

Aixam Mega was announced European Light Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year at the European GreenFleet Awards in Brussels and presented with the award by Alenka Burja, Under Secretary for the Environment in Slovenia, and Malcolm Harbour, MEP for the West Midlands.

Making the award, Ms Burja said that the Aixam Mega Multitrucks range of ultra-light commercial vehicles offers a “cost effective and environmentally friendly solution in many diverse applications and for many businesses…… its potential to make a real difference to transport emissions in cities throughout Europe is huge”.

The European GreenFleet Awards were inaugurated to recognise efforts by vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators to reduce the environmental impact of motoring.

Aixam Mega’s UK managing director Lawrence Holland said that winning this award is an important endorsement for the company, and for its belief that niche vehicles such as Mega Multitrucks can bring major benefits to vehicle operators who are trying to minimise their carbon footprint, and to reduce costs.

He said: “Mega Multitrucks fall firmly into the niche vehicle category, being only 3m in length and offering a payload of up to 415kg.

“They are highly versatile, and we are delighted that the opportunities they offer to environmentally-aware organisations are now well-accepted.”

Aixam Mega manufactures its vehicles in Southern France and has a wholly-owned subsidiary in Rugby, Warwickshire. Its Mega Multitrucks range of ultra-light commercial vehicles are used in a growing number of local authorities, and organisations as diverse as the Isle of Man Post Office, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the University of Warwick.

Mega Multitrucks are available in a choice of electric and diesel models, so that vehicle operators can choose the most appropriate Multitruck for the specific application. The electric versions cost less than 2p per mile to run.

Aixam Mega, manufacturer of the UK’s leading range of ultra-light diesel and electric vehicles for the commercial market, has reached an agreement with Autosafe that will result in a rapid growth in the number of service outlets offering warranty work, service and repair facilities for the Aixam and Mega vehicle ranges.

Aixam Mega’s UK managing director Lawrence Holland said that the arrangement with Autosafe, a 400-strong network of independent service and mechanical repair businesses, will mean that businesses buying Mega Multitrucks will have ready access to well-equipped service centres and fully-trained mechanics, even if they purchase their vehicles from dealers whose premises are located some distance away.

He said: “Many of our dealers are selling vehicles outside their immediate territories, and our priority is to arrange training for Autosafe members who are based in areas where we do not have local dealers, and where we know there are commercial users of Mega Multitrucks who would welcome a nearby service outlet.

“The first training sessions have been held, and we will roll out the training more widely over the coming months.”

Autosafe director Ian James said that the arrangement with Aixam Mega offers Autosafe network members an opportunity to offer a more complete package to fleet customers.

He said: “Autosafe members are handling a growing amount of fleet business, and adding the ability to service and repair Aixam Mega vehicles is a logical step that will mean we can meet more of the servicing and repair needs of our fleet customers.”

The Aixam Mega range is made in France and distributed in the UK by Aixam Mega Ltd. It includes the Mega Multitrucks range of ultra-light commercial vehicles, which are available in diesel and electric-powered versions, and which are being bought in increasing numbers by urban businesses, local authorities, factories, campus-based businesses and universities and groundscare operators. It also includes the Aixam Crossline, A751 and Scouty models for private motoring.

Mega Multitrucks are available in a choice of body configurations, each measuring 3m in length and offering a payload of up to 415kg. Key advantages include frugal fuel consumption, low maintenance and insurance costs, exemption from road tax and the London Congestion Charge (electrics only), as well as 95 per cent recyclability at the end of their working life.

UK sales of the diesel and electric-powered Mega range of ultra light commercial vehicles have grown by 100 per cent in 2007 compared with 2006 – the result, according to UK importer Aixam Mega Ltd, of an increased focus by businesses on reducing both their vehicle running costs and their carbon footprint.

Marketed through a growing network of dealers, many of whom operate in the construction, groundworks and agricultural machinery markets, the Mega range includes a van, tipper, dropside and pick-up, all measuring just 3m in length and offering a payload of up to 3 cubic metres or 415kg, as well as a chassis cab option.

Aixam Mega managing director Lawrence Holland says dealers report that the electric models are being used in increasing numbers within the London congestion charge zone and in other city centres, inside factories and in areas where noise and fumes are to be avoided, such as holiday parks.

He said: “The Mega electrics provide users in sensitive locations with a silent, cost-effective workhorse that costs about 2p per mile to run, and has a range of about 60 miles between charges.

“Compared with a car-derived van running on petrol, that saves a business around 38p for every mile covered, and they are also exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge, enabling users to make additional savings.

“The diesel versions have a 600cc Kubota engine and also offer important savings, delivering up to 80 miles to the gallon. Many different kinds of businesses are switching on to the benefits that Mega can offer, from AstraZeneca, which has a small fleet of electrics, to Manchester United FC and the set of ‘Coronation Street’.

“As pressure mounts to improve efficiency and cut energy emissions, we anticipate that demand for Mega vehicles will continue to grow.”

Aixam Mega Ltd is recruiting additional dealers for the Mega range of ultra light commercial vehicles.