Chamber makes smart move for greener and cheaper motoring

A fleet of eight diesel smart cars is destined to prove ‘the business’ for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, which has just taken delivery of one of the UK’s first corporate orders for the new fortwo cdi model.

The cars will be used by the Sheffield Chamber’s Business Development Executives to visit the 2,700 member companies in the city and across South Yorkshire who call upon its advice, support and representation.

smart of Sheffield supplied the coupé models after winning a competitive tender, which attracted bids from 20 local motor retailers – all Chamber members. The vehicles will be run on two-year leases and will replace the previous fleet of Toyota Yaris.

The smart fortwo cdi’s unrivalled economical and environmental performance was a key factor in the Chamber’s purchasing decision. As the world’s most efficient production car, the model returns a staggering 85.6 miles per gallon (combined) and emits just 88g/km of CO2 meaning that no road fund licence is required.

Stephen Mitchell, Sheffield Chamber corporate partnerships director said: “We are delighted that the cars are being provided locally and by a company which has strong ties to the Chamber.

“It was a priority that the cars we chose displayed outstanding environmental credentials but were cheap to run too. However we also require them to be highly visible and, once liveried, the smarts will certainly provide a good look for us as they travel around the city.”

Tony Dent, Corporate Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz and smart of Sheffield, was delighted to have secured such a high-profile order for the new smart diesel.

“It is fantastic for us to be associated with such a well-known organisation within the city’s business community and we hope that other local firms will follow their lead by considering the smart.

“As an all-round company vehicle package, the smart fortwo cdi really does represent an excellent business decision – not only in terms of its low emissions and fuel consumption but because the car is 100 per cent tax deductible in the first year of ownership.”