The Smart State: Tasmanian Government Takes Delivery of its First Smart Fortwo

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – September 8, 2009: The Tasmanian State Government has purchased its first smart fortwo for its vehicle fleet.

Long-recognised as a very environmentally focused Government, its environmentally focused fleet policy is leading the way in making sustainable vehicle choices across the board. As the first Australian state to have placed the smart fortwo on its government contract for approved motor vehicles, the first examples have been delivered to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services for community support work.

Michael Plaister, Area Director of Southwest Disability, Child, Youth and Family Services, is seen here handing the keys for the first smart fortwo 52kw mhd to Lee-Ann Russell, Coordinator: Service Centre Operations.

The car was delivered by the Corporate and Fleet Division of Hobart’s authorised Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealership, Performance Automobiles.

“Governments around the world have enjoyed the safety and environmental qualities of the smart car for many years,” said David McCarthy, senior manager responsible for corporate communications at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific.

“It is exciting that Australian Governments are beginning to adopt a more environmentally responsible fleet policy and Tasmania should be proud to be leading the way.

“In time I am sure other Government bodies will also adapt their policies to meet the challenges of the future,” said McCarthy.

Safety and environmental protection are two of the Mercedes-Benz core values.

The fortwo demonstrates its safety credentials with a high four star ANCAP crash test result. Its environmental credentials are also strong: it has the lowest combined-cycle fuel consumption rate and CO2 exhaust emissions of a non-hybrid petrol car in Australia.