Astra Ecoflex is First Choice for Farming Conservation Charity

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – May 5, 2009: Very low CO2 emission levels combined with good fuel economy have led leading countryside conservation organisation The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to select the Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi 16v as its preferred fleet car.

The farmer-led independent charity, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, has taken delivery of three Astra ecoFLEX estate cars for use by its professional Farm Conservation Advisers, of which it employs 80. They will use the Astra to visit farmers to offer advice on how to integrate their farming activities with the conservation of wildlife on their land.

The Stoneleigh, Warwickshire based organisation, chose the Astra ecoFLEX following a comprehensive market evaluation. The model is now its preferred choice as it progressively replaces vehicles in its fleet.

FWAG Personnel Manager Jane Hampson says that as a conservation organisation it was important that they were seen to be actively reducing the environmental impact of their own activities. “With our advisers making over 6,000 farm visits a year we felt that we should take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time cut costs for the charity and for our employees.

“The Astra will help us to do this in several ways. They have a very low CO2 emission level of just 119 grams per kilometre, which means less air pollution. This also places them in the lowest band for Benefit in Kind taxation on our employees and therefore reduces their personal tax liability substantially.”

The exceptional fuel economy of the 1.7 CDTi 16v engine was also a factor for FWAG. With a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 62.8 mpg the Astras are very frugal, reducing FWAG’s annual fuel bill and delivering an environmental benefit through the lower amount of diesel fuel consumed overall across the fleet.

“We also liked the flexibility offered by the estate version of the Astra,” says Jane Hampson. “And we felt that it was a solidly built car that would cope well with the rigours of farm tracks whilst at the same time presenting a smart and professional image. As well as farm visits our advisers attend country shows and events and give talks about their work, so the ability to carry display materials and literature is particularly useful.

“Apart from the Astras themselves, the service from Vauxhall Leasing has been very impressive and hassle free. Each car is delivered to our local retailer, Brandish of Coventry, from where it is prepared before delivery direct to the home of the employee who will drive it. On delivery of the new car, the old one is uplifted and returned for disposal by Vauxhall. The arrangement also gives us access to a short-term hire facility at preferential rates through Enterprise.”

The 80 FWAG advisers are spread across England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own organisation) and access to local retailer support for routine servicing is critical. Vauxhall’s extensive retailer network gave the charity the added reassurance that there is high quality back-up close at hand wherever each of these first and any subsequent Astras are based.