Addison Lee – Galactic move

Addison Lee is Europe’s largest private hire firm, they use multipurpose or people carriers as the chosen mode of fleet transport. You may have seen in the past that they used Fiat Ullysse models, Ford Galaxy models and SEAT Alhambras. Now, Addison Lee has decided to convert its entire fleet of 2,500 vehicles into Ford Galaxy models. By November 2011 the entire Addison Lee fleet will be made up of Galaxy models, this is the largest single-year order that Addison Lee has ever placed with Ford. The models on order are all diesel, all automatic and, appropriately for Ford, all black. The units will be delivered at a rate of 28 per week over the next few months. The first deliveries of 1,200 units have already taken place and are already in service for the private hire firm. Addison Lee fleet manager Rob Daniels said, “We spent three months assessing vehicles and talking to manufacturers; the Ford Galaxy emerged as the best package for us on many levels, not only financially. It is safe, offers low emissions and is economical to run.” It is no surprise that Addison Lee chose the Galaxy, last autumn one of their drivers achieved an average fuel consumption figure calculated to be 57.08mpg with the Ford Galaxy 2.0 140PS TDCi PowerShift model during the MPG Marathon - UK’s premier economy driving event. If Addison Lee required Ford Ranger models I’m pretty sure Ford UK would be happy to supply them. Kevin Griffin, Ford’s fleet director, said: “Addison Lee has recognised the Ford Galaxy’s class-leading attributes. It complements their own prestige status as a provider of premium minicabs and chauffeur cars.”