Toyota Prius Smoothes Into Abrasives Fleet

EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM – November 12, 2009: Sales managers working for one of the UK’s leading distributors of abrasive discs and accessories have been upgraded to the latest Toyota Prius five-door hatchbacks.

Four of the popular hybrid cars have replaced the diesel vehicles previously run by Abracs Abrasives and Accessories of York, a company celebrating 20 years in business in the UK.

Its area sales managers cover the entire country between them, and the 1.8-litre Prius was chosen both for its cost-effectiveness and its small carbon footprint.

“As a business-owner, and a family man, it’s great to be able finally to find a car like the Toyota Prius,” said David Elcock, Managing Director of Abracs. “It means we can all do our bit to bring down our carbon emissions, but also gives our sales managers a car that really does the business.

“I’d looked around quite carefully when I needed to re-fleet, but nothing quite fitted the bill until I got to drive the Prius. We’re really pleased that we’re able to take this small step towards helping the environment, in a way that makes so much business sense too.”

The cars, all Prius T4 s, have been supplied through Vantage Toyota of York. “The Prius achieves up to 72.4mpg and costs absolutely nothing in road tax, as its CO2 emissions are under 100g/km,” commented Business Centre Manager Darryl Raper.

“For businesses like David’s, this means that the Prius is eligible for a 100% write-down over three years, and Abracs’ sales managers will be taxed at only 10% benefit in kind.”

The Prius T4 includes as standard equipment: automatic air-conditioning, seven airbags, full Smart Entry & Start, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, CD player with eight speakers, Bluetooth, Head Up display, Touch Tracer controls, driver’s electric lumbar support, electric heated mirrors, electric windows all-round, alloy wheels and front fog-lamps.