Eco-friendly staff at Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) are turning over a new LEAF – quite literally.
They have been driving a Nissan LEAF electric car on loan from Westover Nissan in Bournemouth for the past year.
Now the Chamber – the voice of business in Dorset – has invested in its own vehicle after being impressed with savings and its green credentials.
Chief executive Ian Girling took receipt of the keys to the second-hand car, while support to get it on the road came from DCCI Business Partner the Westover Group and longstanding chamber member Coleman Insurance Brokers.
Ian said: “It made sense to invest in a Nissan LEAF of our own after seeing the benefits over the past year.
“Using an electric car allows us to save money and save the environment at the same time. Our great thanks to the Westover Group and Coleman Insurance Brokers for their support in getting us on the road to a greener future.”
Staff used the on-loan Nissan LEAF to drive to and from the DCCI offices in Poole to visit members and attend official events.
The Chamber saved about a third on mileage costs, including petrol and electricity, on average per month.
Branded in DCCI livery, the LEAF is exempt from road tax and is charged using a power point outside the Chamber offices in Poole.
It has a range of 109 miles.
Coleman Insurance Brokers, whom are the insurance broker for the Westover Group, has arranged complimentary cover for the Chamber’s LEAF for the next three years.
Jonathan Mayo, joint managing director, said: “With improved technology and a greater range, an increasing numbers of businesses and motorists are seeing the benefits of electric vehicles.
“We like to support the Chamber whenever we possibly can and are pleased to arrange insurance for their new LEAF so the Chamber and its members can see the full benefits too.”
Paul Collins, a director at the Westover Group, added: “It is encouraging to see the Chamber realise the benefits of electric transport.
“As a business partner, it’s important for us to do all we can to help the Chamber continue to modernise and lead the way for business across the county.”
According to latest figures, 180,000 Nissan LEAF cars were sold globally as of June 2015.
