Housing Associations can now buy low-carbon, hybrid LCVs for the same price as a standard diesel vehicle, thanks to an extension to the government's Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) initiative.
The Department for Transport is funding the difference between a standard Ford Transit and the hybrid equivalent – and offer hitherto reserved for public sector organisations such as central and local government bodies.
Martin Kadhim, business development director at Ashwoods Automotive, whose Hybrid Transit is the only DfT-approved vehicle in the programme, says: "This is a unique opportunity for the social housing sector to cut fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions."
And he adds: "Light commercial vehicles play an important role within any housing association. This is an opportunity to procure a proven environmental technology that delivers a real return on investment."
The Ashwoods Hybrid Transit is fitted with an award-winning hybrid system that captures wasted energy and uses it to help the engine burn less fuel. It is validated as reducing diesel consumption by up to 25%.
The van requires no charging, plugging in. It is available as a chassis cab, minibus or panel van. Under the LCVPP scheme, DfT provides a subsidy of more than £3,400 per vehicle.
DfT is only providing subsidies for the first 500 Ashwoods vehicles ordered, and all orders must be received by March 2013.
