News: Cork & Dublin airports go electric

Cork and Dublin Airports have gone electric for their latest fleet purchase as part of the DAA’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.


The DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) has purchased nine electric Renault Kangoo mini-vans for use at Dublin and Cork airports, making the company one of the largest electric fleet operators in the country. DAA’s decision to opt for the nine electric vehicles will result in CO2 savings of more than 200,000kg over the lifetime of the vehicles, which is equivalent to planting more than 6,000 trees.
“With this investment, DAA has already become one of Ireland’s leading operators of electric vehicles, and we look forward to significantly expanding our electric fleet over the coming years,” said DAA’s Head of Sustainability, Mary Coveney.

DAA’s decision to opt for electric vehicles followed its participation in a programme supported by ESB ecars, which allowed the company to test drive a Kangoo Z.E. for a month to check its capabilities in a major international airport.

“The trial helped us build confidence throughout the organisation that buying electric vehicles wasn’t just good for the environment, but also made sense from an operational perspective,” said Ms Coveney. “Electric vehicles are perfect for an airport environment, as they have a range of 120km and will always be close to a main charging point.”

The new electric vehicles will be used on a daily basis in both airside and landside locations by DAA maintenance crews, and staff from its car park and terminal services departments.

Patrick Magee, Renault Ireland Sales & Network Director said he was delighted that DAA had chosen the Renault Kangoo Z.E. for its new electric fleet.

“The Kangoo Z.E. has been a very popular choice for both public and private businesses looking to reduce costs whilst helping the environment and it’s great to see the DAA take up the electric challenge,” Mr Magee said. “Renault is the only manufacturer to introduce a range of 100% electric vehicles, from the Kangoo Z.E. to the Fluence  Z.E. Saloon, the Twizy and the stylish compact hatch the ZOE which will both be launched in 2013”.

News: Land Rover updates Discovery

One of our favourite cars, the Land Rover Discovery, is getting a makeover for the 2013 model year, including an understated new "Black Pack" that does away with some chintzy chrome.

For 2013, the Discovery 4 gets new optional features including the Extended Leather Pack inspired by the HSE Luxury Limited Edition, and distinctive Black Design Packs available with 19" or 20" all-black painted wheels and a host of black trim finishers and design details such as gloss black grille and fender vents.

Customers also now have a choice of five additional body colours and two new interior colours and trim enhancements, offering customers an even greater opportunity to personalise their car.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to include the latest generation DAB radio and a new digital TV tuner, whilst the navigation system now comes with premium features such as Off-Road guidance and 4x4i.

The existing 256bhp 3.0-litre LR-SDV6 and entry level 211bhp 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 diesels continue to power the Discovery with the ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission, producing CO2 emissions of just 230g/km and 224g/km respectively in EU5 markets, whilst the 375bhp 5.0-litre V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine is also still available, but presumably only id your surname is Al Saud...

"The Discovery 4 continues to win awards for its unrivalled versatility and breadth of capability, accommodating up to seven passengers in comfort whatever the terrain. For 2013, the breadth of choice gets better, with equipment upgrades and our new Black Design Packs enhancing the key design attributes that our customers identify with today. As the ultimate all-purpose vehicle, the Discovery 4 is now more compelling than ever before," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.