Supply / Stuff
The Skoda Enyaq iV is on its way here, but we still do not know when.
While discussing the impending arrival of Skoda’s Enyaq iV in New Zealand, local boss Rodney Gillard also confirmed that police are considering adding the EV to the fleet.
“We will make an announcement about Enyaq in a few weeks,” Gillard said at a media event for the launch of the Skoda Fabia. “Look at this space, it’s exciting.”
Asked if the EV might be eligible for police use as part of Skoda New Zealand’s supply contract, Gillard said: “They are absolutely looking at Enyaq. They look at electric vehicles, but of course they have a lot of work to do in that area. ”
Skoda’s first electric vehicle ever arrives in New Zealand.
While refusing to go into more detail about either the Enyaq’s deadline here or the level of police interest in it, he confirmed that the plug-in hybrid Superb has successfully completed its operational police testing and a number are now in active service across the country.
READ MORE:
* First ride review: Skoda Superb iV
* NZ police are actively testing inprophibride Skoda as it moves to reduce its emissions
* So European, Kiwi police to drive Skoda after more than 50 years of Holden, Ford loyalty
* Why do our police continue to avoid electric vehicles?
They [the police] now employs plug-in hybrids as we speak. They have spread them across the country in different applications and are learning exactly what an electric plug-in hybrid can do in the police force. ”
Nyl Bijoux / Stuff
Skoda New Zealand’s general manager, Rodney Gillard, and one of the 548 cars the company has delivered to police over the past year.
Gillard said Skoda New Zealand had now delivered more than 500 vehicles to police for use as ‘Prime One’ front-line patrol cars in the first year of the supply deal, 350 to 400 initially predicted.
“We announced the transaction in November 2020. “Obviously we had to order and deliver the vehicles, and by the time they got on the ground and signed it off, it took until June the first cars to be delivered,” he said.
“The incredible offer from Skoda Auto means that we were able to supply and, thanks to the lack of supply problems, actually the buffer stock. This is proof of the support of Skoda Auto during such a difficult time, and how important this emergency service business worldwide is to Skoda Auto. ”
Police have also started using a specially-prepared five-seater version (the third row that comes in the standard car) of the AWD 32kW Kodiaq Style SUV, which was also in the running to become the dog unit. However, this task was given to the Superb wagon after an evaluation of both vehicles.
ROSS GIBLIN / GOED
The first of the new Skoda police patrol vehicles is unveiled in Wellington.
They [the police] did a lot of research with the dog handlers and the people who run the unit, and worked with Skoda New Zealand to choose the Superb wagon to be the dog unit, ”Gillard said.
“The very first one was adapted and manufactured. It has been produced and is only being finalized. Next week we sign off, and it should be on the road in the coming weeks. ”
Gillard says the advancement in design over the current dog units is “next level”, with Skoda New Zealand working with a UK-based company that has the exclusive contract to provide the UK police units of dog units for the local design provided, with the comfort and well-being of the dogs is an important consideration.
“It’s no longer just a cage and a few doors,” Gillard said.