ALD is furthering its ongoing tests into alternatively fuelled vehicles by taking part in today’s Fleet World WLTP Challenge.

ALD has carried out a number of real-world tests into alternatively fuelled vehicles in recent years

The leasing and fleet management company has a particular focus on sustainable mobility and has been conducting pilots of EVs, PHEVs and hybrids in recent years. This includes last year’s trial of 20 plug-in hybrids, which highlighted cost savings for users covering up to 20,000 miles per year. The business has also designed an interactive tool to assist clients in identifying their future mobility requirements, with specialist teams on hand to help guide the customer through implementation.

ALD Automotive’s work to explore alternative powertrain options for its customers will be expanded on in the WLTP Challenge, building on many years of partnering with the long-standing and hugely successful MPG Marathon; the spiritual successor to the WLTP Challenge.

Starting and finishing at ALD Automotive’s Emersons Green head office in Bristol today (Thursday 10 October 2019), the one-day WLTP Challenge will see a range of the latest fleet cars, including petrol, diesel, hydrogen and electric, put to the test on everyday roads. The event will show how their true fuel consumption and emissions compare to global figures under the new WLTP testing procedure when driven in real conditions by everyday UK drivers.

This will include a team of 12 drivers from ALD who will take to the roads to test out the economy of a variety of vehicles, from the hydrogen Hyundai Nexo and hybrid Ioniq through to the Mini Countryman PHEV, and diesel Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Škoda Superb Estate and petrol Mazda3.

Matt Dale, head of consultancy for ALD Automotive, commented: “With a growing emphasis on cleaner driving, it is more important than ever for all drivers to make informed choices about their vehicles and to adopt smarter driving techniques, which not only reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, but also cut the cost of driving and even reduce the risk and severity of accidents. Whilst drivers and employers can choose more efficient vehicles, to maximise the benefit they also have to be driven in an economical way.”

ALD is also lending its expertise to the event as a partner – alongside Chevin Fleet Solutions, Airmax Remote, RAC, IAM RoadSmart and Vehicle Livery Solutions – as it looks to promote the importance of the new WLTP testing cycle. The firm says the new cycle highlights the importance of ensuring the most effective vehicles are included in car policies from a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) perspective, helping to inform the fleet policy decision-making process.

Matt Dale (also featured in this footage on the importance of WLTP) continued: “Government policy is pushing companies to adopt more sustainable travel policies, and alternatively fuelled vehicles such as electric or hydrogen powered will become increasingly popular. It is therefore vital that we have all the information necessary about their performance and total running costs, and the WLTP Challenge is a great way to identify which vehicles will work for private motorists and company car drivers alike.”

For more details on the event, visit the WLTP Challenge 2019 website or phone 01727 739160.