Fleet managers should ignore 'hybrid hype'

Date: 05 August 2008

Fleet managers should consider the financial aspects of running a hybrid, rather than being taken in by the 'hybrid hype', according to Masterlease's head of pricing Dean Bowkett.

Hybrids are good for cutting emissions, says Bowkett, but residual values, fuel economy and purchase prices should all be considered too.

"Celebrity courtships have made the Toyota Prius the most famous hybrid car in the world, but fleet managers should look at the hard numbers behind the Hollywood smile," said Bowkett.

He also warned that the popularity of hybrid cars might lead to a reduction in the tax benefits they currently enjoy, comparing it to the former popularity of LPG fuel.

"During the nineties it was the darling of the forecourt until the British Government removed the tax breaks and, along with it, any investment incentive for the necessary infrastructure was taken away."

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