Latest Car News From DIGIADS

Latest Car News

New Car Review Areas

General Car Topics

Avis Backs Saab BioPower with 400-car Fleet


August 2005
 Filed under: SAAB Car News | SAAB Headlines
Car rental giant Avis is the first customer in Sweden to take delivery of Saab's new 'eco-friendly' 9-5 2.0t BioPower model, which cuts carbon dioxide emissions by running on E85 fuel. The delivery of the first batch of 200 cars was completed last week (ending 30 July) and Avis is to purchase a further 200 in the fall. The Avis cars are part of growing 2,500-strong order intake from Saab dealers in Sweden as customers queue up to enjoy the benefits of the new model.
Saab is leading the premium segment by offering a car that runs on ethanol, a renewable fuel produced in Sweden and other countries from agricultural crops and forest by-products. Unlike gasoline, ethanol consumption does not raise atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the 'greenhouse' gas that contributes to global warming, because emissions during driving are balanced by the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere when crops are grown for conversion.

Avis was especially attracted by the user practicality of the 9-5 BioPower model, because it can also run on gasoline, or any mixture of E85 and gasoline, without adjustment. While the availability of E85 fuel (85% ethanol/15% gasoline) at filling stations throughout Sweden is already widespread, the flexibility of the Saab 9-5 BioPower means that customers can still use gasoline if necessary.

"This is a very smart solution and we are delighted to offer a car that so conveniently meets the environmental needs of our customers, the majority of whom are business users," says Hans Larsson, Director of Procurement at Avis Sweden.

"The Saab 9-5 BioPower meets two key priorities for our company, environmental concern and safety," he explained.

" For the first time, business and leisure customers wanting a premium-class car can now rent one that has regard for the environment in a simple way. Bio-ethanol is a renewable resource that we produce here in Sweden from our crops and forestry, and there is an expanding infrastructure in place already supplying it.

"The flexibility of the Saab 9-5 BioPower also makes it far more practical to use when compared to some hybrid and CNG-powered cars we have tried, which have restricted ranges or fuel supply complications.

"The fact that E85 fuel for the Saab is currently 40 per cent cheaper at the pumps than gasoline is a major financial benefit for our customers. All Saab 9-5 BioPower users are also exempt from paying city congestion charges.

"Saab already has an outstanding reputation for safety and we are pleased to see the Saab 9-5 has again been named Sweden's safest car in the latest Folksam survey. As a company, Avis benefits from reduced insurance premiums as a result of the Saab 9-5's low injury claims record."

Operating a fleet of Saab 9-5 BioPower Sedans and SportCombis will also help Avis meet its ISO 14001 environmental standards, a requirement shared by many of the companies who employ Avis customers.

The first 120 cars of the Avis fleet - carrying a discreet 'Saab BioPower with Avis' decal above the fuel filler flap - are now in place at Avis's main Stockholm office and the company plans to have the 9-5 BioPower available for rental throughout its 120 branch national network. All cars will be fitted with integrated, hands-free Sony Ericsson Bluetooth telephones, for increased driving safety, and engine block heaters, for quick warm up and improved fuel consumption when cold.

"We are delighted to welcome Avis as our first Saab BioPower customer," says Bengt Nilemo, Managing Director of General Motors Sweden. "We already have an extremely large order book for this car, which clearly makes a lot of sense for both environmental and financial reasons.

"The development of this engine also says a lot about the values of the Saab brand because the driver can enjoy having 20 per cent more engine power when using E85, as well as being kinder to the environment."

Latest SAAB Headlines

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.
Copyright © 2000-2024 DIGIADS Australia All Rights Reserved. Contact Us
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the DIGIADS Privacy Policy and User Agreement. 		Loading...