Canon NZ is making its first major foray into electrified vehicle technology with the Kia Niro hybrid as it converts to a greener fleet.
After careful evaluation of available models on the market, Canon NZ chose to go with the Kia Niro HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) because it best met the commercial requirements for a modern, roomy vehicle that matched the company’s own high technology and environmental standards.
Introduced in 2018, the Kia Niro is the world’s first SUV to be engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle.
Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – has been developed to deliver CO² emissions of below 90g/km in models fitted with 16-inch wheels, which Canon NZ has chosen to go with.
Being a hybrid, the Kia Niro utilises the combined effects of the petrol engine and electric motor in the pursuit of higher fuel economy, achieving 3.8L/100km (74.3mpg) in both the urban and combined cycles.
Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand and the decision to select the Kia Niro to green its vehicle fleet in New Zealand supports the company’s worldwide sustainability commitment.
“Each company in the Canon Global Group is measured on their contribution to reducing CO² emissions at every stage of the product lifecycle,” says Kim Conner, CEO of Canon NZ. “Canon Oceania’s commitment to the global goal is to reduce our direct GHG emissions by 1.5% every year until 2020. By transforming the way we work, our workplaces and the vehicles we drive, we’ve exceeded our targets to date.
“That is why the purchase of this fleet of Kia Niro hybrid vehicles is so important as they will help us to further improve our sustainability, whilst at the same time provide our team with vehicles they’ll love to drive.”
The fleet deal is one of the largest involving the Niro, according to Kia Motors New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald, and was facilitated through the Giltrap North Shore Kia dealership in Wairau Road, Glenfield. He sees it becoming a trend, especially with the imminent arrival of the fully electric e-Niro model in April.
“There is an increasing trend among businesses and individuals in New Zealand to make vehicle purchases based on environmental sustainability,” he says. “They can achieve that with the Niro without having to compromise on style, drivability and practicality.”
