The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has chosen petrol-powered SEAT Arona to replace its diesel high-mileage fleet.

26 SEAT Arona FR 1.0 TSI have replaced diesel models

The new fleet of 26 Arona FRs will be integrated into the MND Association fleet as sole supplier over the coming year, helping the charity access and visit people with motor neurone disease across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The compact SUVs are a part of the charity’s wider strategy to support its duty of care to drivers, reduce running costs and develop a greener fleet.

Total cost of ownership played an important part of the decision to choose the Arona FR, the company commented, as well as the Arona’s useful 400-litre boot capacity and the promised frugality of the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine offering 57.6mpg – purportedly less than the diesel fleet it replaces.

Phil Day, facilities manager at the MND Association, explained: “As a charity helping thousands of people affected by motor neurone disease, our fleet of vehicles is crucial and has to be practical, safe and ultimately cost-effective.

“From the get-go, the SEAT Fleet team was passionate about helping support our fleet; trying to understand the charity to tailor their offering. The Arona FR is a strong proposition already, but that dedication to customer service went above and beyond to seal the deal.”

Lindsay Ephgrave, area fleet manager at SEAT UK commented: “Whether it’s trying to reduce running costs, support driver duty of care or simply offer staff a practical and comfortable drive, we know – if it’s an Ibiza or Leon, Ateca, or Arona, we can cater to those needs all while remaining competitively priced. That, alongside our service levels, is why SEAT Fleet continues to strike a chord with businesses.”

For more information on SEAT fleet, see www.seat.co.uk/fleet