National fully understands theresponsibility it has towards the environment, as one of the world's leadingcar rental providers.It is therefore committedto a range of activities that, as far as is practicable, reduce theenvironmental impact of its services as well as supporting customers in meetingtheir own environmental objectives.Recentenvironmental initiatives undertaken by National include:
Gamme Verte - France
In France,National operates its ?Gamme Verte? (Green Fleet) programme which means that65% of the fleet at 80% of locations emits less than 140g/km of CO2 .Plus there are now more diesels on the Frenchfleet and the hybrid Citroen C3 Stop & Start has been added.
CO2 Initiativesin Spain
During 2008, National's partner in Spain,ATESA, has launched two initiatives to help its customers support theenvironment.Working in partnership withthe Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving and the Department of theSpanish Industry Ministry which is responsible for Energy Efficiency Labels,ATESA is starting a study to assign CO2 emissions to car types.Information is also being added to theNationals website to provide customers with advice on eco-driving to save fueland reduce emissions.
ParticleFilters in Italy
National's Italian partners haveintroduced particle filters to its fleet of
diesel vehicles. These effectively prevent carbon particles from entering theatmosphere when the vehicle is in stationary traffic.
Hybrids and diesel on the UKFleet
The Toyota Prius has been added tothe UKfleet and diesel vehicles make up around 35% of the fleet.
AverageCO2 Emissions for UKCar Groups
National was the first vehiclerental brand in the UKto addinformation on average CO2 emissions for each car group, helpingcustomers make more environmentally friendly decisions every time theyrent.This not only helps fleet managersdetermine specific car groups as part of a travel policy but will ensure thatany targets set by a business to reduce its carbon footprint can be supportedthrough vehicle rental.
MORECOUNTRIES ? MORE LOCATIONS
The already extensive National EMEAnetwork has been enhanced, providing access to more locations to givetravellers the confidence of a cost-effective vehicle rental experience thatmeets their needs, whatever their destination.
?Finland - National now has anaverage fleet of 1,600 vehicles at 75 locations in 34 cities.This includes all major airports and severalmajor railway stations.
?Portugal - A fleet of 9,000vehicles is now available, growing by nearly 50% in peak season across 67locations, including all airports, for the ultimate in convenient travel.
?Romania- Corporate travellers will benefit from seven newlocations, including the country's four main airports.
?Estonia? The fleet in this country, which is becoming popular as abusiness and leisure destination, has been extended to 120 vehicles, availablefrom 5 locations.
?Sweden - National customershave access to a fleet of 5,000 cars, 20% of which are eco-friendly, cuttingdown on carbon emissions for business trips. Customers are also able to choosefrom 100 locations across major cities and all main airports in Sweden.
?Tunisia? A 200 vehicle fleet available at 10 locations reflects thegrowing importance of this North African country.
?Bosnia and Herzegovina- Four locations haveopened in this Eastern European country, operating a maximum fleet of 120vehicles.
?South Africa- The network and fleet in this important African countryhas been enhanced to include 18,000 vehicles on fleet at 130 locations.
?Israel? Business and leisuretravellers to Israelcan now benefit from a fleet of 1,200 vehicles, accessible from 12 locationsthroughout the region
?Our goal is to provide travellers with a service that is convenient,cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly? confirmed Neil Summerville, FranchiseDirector, National Car Rental.?And oursustained commitment to the National network means that we can give leisure andbusiness travellers continued confidence that they will receive the highstandards of National service in more locations across the region.?