8:02 am, July 16, 2013
THE Vantage Motor Group has become the first dealership in the country to support the UK’s first low-emission taxi scheme.
The new scheme, which has been introduced by the York Council, aims to increase the portion of energy efficient taxis and minicabs in operation.
According to Next Green Car, the Harrogate-based dealership is supporting the council, offering interested taxi drivers £3,000 towards the price of a low emission taxi as well as half-price taxi licensing.
In order to qualify for the grant, taxi drivers must be registered to work in York and choose either a hybrid or electric car that emits under 100g/km CO2.
Four taxi drivers have taken up the offer so far, all of which have chosen the Toyota Prius as their choice of vehicle, and will be able to make use of the world’s first ‘green taxi rank’.
Sales manager at the Toyota dealership in York, Darren Binge told Next Green Car: ‘We are proud to be the first dealership in York and indeed the country to be involved in what is a UK first low-emission taxi scheme.
‘Toyota is leading the way in the hybrid and electrical vehicle market and demand is continuing to grow as the technology advances. Hopefully other councils will now follow in York’s footsteps to help the UK catch up with other countries that already promote eco-taxis.’
