JCB leads the charge with fleet of electric vehicles

JCB is leading the charge for a lowemissions future by investing in a fleet of hybrid electric company cars.

Hot on the heels of the launch of its all-electric mini excavator and Loadall telescopic handler and the unveiling of the construction industry’s first hydrogen-powered prototype excavator, JCB is building on its eco credentials with the purchase of 40 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports self-charging models.

The first 20 of the vehicles, manufactured only 16 miles away from the firm’s World head quarters at Rocester in Burnaston, have been delivered ready for JCB’S sales and service teams.

The new fleet is all white as it has been since the 1960s when company

Founder Joseph Cyril Bamford read research suggesting white was the safest colour to have on the road.

JCB chief operating officer Mark Turner said: “JCB is making great strides in developing low emissions technology to power its range of construction equipment and we are delighted to complement this strategy with the introduction of selfcharging hybrid cars into our fleet.

“It’s also very pleasing to be able to support another global business which manufactures on the doorstep of JCB and one which makes such an important contribution to the regional economy.”

Stuart Ferma, general manager of the Toyota and Lexus Fleet, said: “It is extremely gratifying that, with

JCB already working to address the future challenges within its industry with new technology, it has chosen Corolla hybrid models for its vehicle fleet.

“With our shared support for British manufacturing and our commitment to develop hydrogen as a fuel of the future, we share very similar goals.”