Addison Lee buys 1,200 ULEZ-compliant VW Sharans

News
28 Jan 2019

Addison Lee Group has invested in 1,200 Volkswagen Sharans, creating a fleet that is compliant with Transport for London’s (TfL) new Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which will come into force on 8 April 2019.

The Euro 6 Sharans – which will sit alongside the Ford Galaxy and the Mercedes E and S class as part of the Addison Lee Group fleet – will be introduced over the next three months, and will be used for the company’s Select service, which has traditionally been fulfilled by the Galaxy.

Addison Lee Group is at the start of a journey towards a zero-emissions capable fleet by 2022. It is assessing technology choices across other parts of its fleet – including electrification – with pilots expected during this year.


 
The Sharan’s diesel engine is Euro-6 standard, designed to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions by 50%.

Addison Lee Group wants to trial ultra-low emission vehicles from the end of this year, which plan to have an entirely zero-emissions capable fleet by the end of 2022. The company will consider both plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) from a range of manufacturers.

Lisa Burger, Addison Lee Group’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We share Transport for London’s ambition to clean up London’s air, and this multi-million investment in new vehicles will make our entire fleet compliant with TfL’s low emission standards and start the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet.”
 
Burger added: “We are keen to move quickly to an electric fleet for the benefit of London’s environment, but are limited by London’s charging network, which as the report by Dr. Rebecca Driver demonstrated, cannot support a shift to electric by the capital’s private hire and taxi industry.”
 
Michael O’Shea, Head of Fleet at Volkswagen UK, said: “We are very pleased to be working with such a prominent name as Addison Lee. Now, even more people will be able to experience the quality, comfort and technology of our vehicles.
 
“The Sharan is our large, seven-seat MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). With its latest generation of Euro6-compliant engines and convenient electric rear sliding doors, it is particularly suited to catering for passengers in the London area.”