Lex Vehicle Leasing Supplies Green Wheels to Waterman Group

With global warming continuing to dominate the political agenda, Lex Vehicle Leasing has joined the debate with the first delivery of Honda’s second generation hybrid Civic 1.4 i-Dsi ES IMA to engineering and environmental consultants, Waterman Group. Two more are expected to follow shortly.

Supplied on a three year, 15,000 miles per annum contract by Stratstone Honda of Horsforth,Leeds, the Civic IMA combines a standard 1.3 i-DSi petrol engine with an electric battery. The result is 61.4mpg, a 0-60mph time of 12.1 seconds and, central to the environmental debate, a reduction in CO2 emissions by as much 10 tonnes over 100,000 miles.

It is this reduction in harmful emissions that won over Managing Director of the Sustainable Energy Division of Waterman Group, Joseph Morris. "Carbon is the biggest enemy in the world today and we all have to understand that if our generation do nothing about the rising levels of CO2 emissions then it is future generations that will suffer as a result of our apathy. Have we the right to leave a poison bequest to our grandchildren? The reduction in CO2 emissions for the Civic IMA is staggering, and it is for that reason I’m the first in the company to take delivery," said Joseph.

Equipped with front and side airbags, leather seats, climate control and satellite navigation, Joseph sees the Civic IMA as a fitting replacement for his outgoing Jaguar. "If the company is serious about reducing emissions then the move must be seen to be taking place at the top. The Civic is an extremely capable car and I’m delighted with the help and assistance offered by Lex, a company who supports our ambition to preserve the environment for future generations."

Helen Counsell, Quality Environment Manager for Lex said "People are going to drive company cars regardless of the impact they have on the environment. If we can encourage our drivers to lease cleaner vehicles then we can significantly reduce the C02 emissions of the UK’s company car park. To meet someone as passionate about the environment as Joseph is a real inspiration and we look forward to working with him and Waterman Group in the future."

If you needed further incentive to go green, it’s worth considering the financial gains. With a CO2 figure of 109g/km, not only is the Honda already in the lowest CO2 banding, it also attracts a further 3% reduction for being a hybrid. The hybrid Civic will cost the 40% tax payer £876.89 per annum, equivalent to £73.07 per month. As a comparison, a 40% tax payer opting for a BMW 318i 2.0 SE will face an annual tax bill of £1926.04, or £160.53 per month. Over a three year period that amounts to a £3,147.45 saving. As a final sweetener, hybrid vehicles are both exempt from the London Congestion Charge and soon to be subject to an annual road fund tax of just £30 per year.