All cars will be labelled with an efficiency rating, similar to those displayed on fridges, to help customers understand the environmental impact of each vehicle. Customers will be offered free environmental engine tests at Sandicliffe’s Rapid Fit centres to provide drivers with advice on making their cars more energy efficient.
The company has also introduced a low cost emissions control service, which improves a car’s emissions levels by cleaning the fuel system.
As part of the campaign, Sandicliffe is working with the National Forest to plant a tree for every car sold to help offset the C02 generated. Last year it sold more than 9,000 vehicles.
Reg Tutt, Sandicliffe Motors managing director, says: “The initiative will save money and help us to go green. Choosing a car is one of the most environmentally-sensitive decisions you can make and as such there’s a real need for car retailers to help buyers make more informed choices about the impact of their vehicle.
“We hope to lead by example and encourage other retailers to review their own practices.”
Sandicliffe asked employees for ways the group could improve its own operations.
Initiatives include sending away used oil from car servicing to be cleansed and re-used as heating oil, recycling all plastic bumpers replaced during repair, disposing of part-exchange vehicles not fit for resale through environmental sound methods and ensuring all company cars fall within low brackets for emission levels.
The group is also looking at ways to reduce travelling among staff and managers by introducing conference calls. “We have to do our bit,” Tutt adds.
Sandicliffe director Paul Woodhouse is heading the Eco-Drive programme. He is working with the Carbon Trust to identify more eco-friendly procedures, such as introducing efficient showroom lighting. The company expects its initiatives to cut energy consumption by 25%.
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