BMW New Zealand group managing director Nina Englert has responded to the suggestion by the Green Party that the government’s BMW fleet should be replaced with hybrid vehicles.

Last weekend Greens co-leader Russell Norman commented that he would push for a change if he’s part of the next government. The current government renewed the BMW contract in 2011, which had originally been negotiated by the previous Labour-led Government.

Englert says that BMW welcomes discussion regarding the government fleet, as it provides another opportunity to demonstrate why the original decision to choose BMW 7 Series was indeed the correct one.

As was the case at the time of the original tender, she says the BMW 7 Series still provides the best possible solution for government requirements.

Tenders for the fleet were required to meet mandatory requirements in regard to fuel consumption, emissions, safety and fit-for-use criteria. The BMW 730Ld was selected on the grounds of whole-of-life costs criteria and fuel-efficiency.

Amongst other considerations, BMW’s supporting rationale includes:

The 730d features a powerful, yet efficient, diesel engine – it uses 5.6-litres per 100km and emits 148g/CO2, but offers a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.1seconds

Overall running costs of the vehicle are outstanding

It is the best option in terms of ‘fit for purpose,’ which is important when it is used for government and VIP transport

This debate follows only two weeks after it was revealed BMW offers the greenest fleet amongst all premium brands (bettered only by three other low-volume manufacturers, representing total combined sales less than BMW’s total sales for the 2013 year).

The average carbon emissions emitted by BMW models has fallen from 217.2g/km in 2007 to 159.4g/km in 2012, and is now down to an all-time average low of 150.4g/km in 2013.