Weltnachrichten – AU – Holden out, Skoda in: Police replace front vehicles

You are not allowed to download, save or email this image. Visit the picture gallery to purchase the picture.

« After a rigorous testing and evaluation process, the New Zealand police have selected the Skoda Superb as the new frontline police car, » said Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

« The more environmentally friendly Skoda will be the police’s most important reaction vehicle. The first cars are expected to hit the streets and in communities as early as April next year. « 

After General Motors announced that it would withdraw Holden from the Australasian market, the police went to tender for a new preferred supplier.

« With more than 2000 vehicles currently in service, selecting a new supplier is an important opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and ensure value for money for our fleet, » said Coster.

« The frontline workers said they handled it well and felt safe and secure driving the vehicle, » said Coster.

« They liked the large doors with wide opening areas, easy-to-read instruments, front and rear visibility, and the spaciousness of the rear passenger compartment. « 

The police would use station wagons as they offer greater flexibility for use and are the preferred body type for personnel. The 162KW 2WD and 206KW 4×4 Superbs are used according to operational requirements.

« In addition to the superbs that stand out in our evaluation process, Skoda is repeatedly selected for use as police and emergency vehicles across Europe. It is used in more than 30 countries, including Austria, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, « said Coster.

The average CO2 emissions of all fleet vehicles in New Zealand is 180. 7 grams per kilometer, while the superbs at 162 for the 162KW model and 176 for the 206KW sit on the greener side.

« Compared to our current fleet, the CO2 emissions per kilometer have been reduced by up to 38. 6 percent per vehicle, depending on what is being replaced. « 

Electric and hybrid vehicles were tested, but limitations like energy efficiency and total cost of ownership meant they were not the preferred option.

« While incredibly promising, electric and hybrid technologies are not yet a viable option for our patrol vehicles, » said Coster.

« However, we are committed to reducing our CO2 emissions and have drawn up a 10-year plan for an emission-free fleet. « 

Prime 1 patrol vehicles in the existing fleet will be replaced at the rate of around 400 per year at the end of their useful life.

Police cars and car-based models are sold with an average term of six to seven years or after 120. 000 km considered as a replacement, whichever comes first.

The police expect to use the first lot of Skodas in April 2021. The redesigned police cars will be presented early next year.

We are the eyes and ears of the South at important council meetings, court hearings, on the sidelines of sporting events, and on the front lines of the latest news.

As our region faces uncharted waters following a global pandemic, the Otago Daily Times continues to bring you local stories that matter.

We employ local journalists and photographers to tell your stories as other outlets cut local coverage in favor of stories from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can help us keep bringing you local news that you can trust by becoming a supporter.

Škoda Auto, New Zealand Police, Holden, Škoda Superb, Police Car, General Motors