Store chain invests in North-built eco vans
Jun 9 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
SUPERMARKET chain Sainsbury’s is to buy 50 eco friendly vans from North East electric vehicle maker Tanfield.
The retailer has worked with the Washington manufacturer for three years to build up the UK’s biggest fleet of electric vans for London deliveries of goods ordered online.
Sainsbury’s head of corporate responsibility Jat Sahota said: “We believe this to be the largest order of its kind by a UK retailer. We are committed to using electric vehicles wherever possible, so customers can expect to see more and more of our ‘little green vans’ appearing on roads across the UK …”
Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group, parent company of Smith Electric Vehicles, said: “Sainsbury’s was one of the first companies to switch on to our leading-edge electric vehicle technology and we continue to have a very close working relationship with them.”
The van group has cut 170 staff in a year but still has 500 and turnover rose 18% to £146m. Yesterday London mayor Boris Johnson began a campaign with Sainsbury’s and TNT, which also has Smith electric vans, to persuade others to follow. Newcastle firm Go Ahead backs the drive, recently acquiring a Smith van for use in London, where it runs buses.
