AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY INC.

MEDIA RELEASE

001/08                                                                                                      22 February 2008

AANT ON THE ROAD TO GREENER MOTORING

The Automobile Association of the Northern Territory Inc. (AANT) has today announced a landmark package of measures aimed at lowering the vehicle emissions of its roadside assistance fleet and improving driver awareness and education.

Part of a national initiative together with interstate AAA motoring clubs, the On the road to greener motoring climate change statement will set a benchmark for other fleet operators to follow, by announcing a commitment to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of their combined fleets.

AANT General Manager, Linda Deans, said it was pleasing to see the world-leading roadside assistance service provided by Australia’s motoring clubs going green with the introduction of carbon offsets for patrol vehicles.

“In recent years, AANT has successfully minimised the emissions of its emergency road service fleet, through the use of cleaner fuelled vehicles, including dual-fuel (ULP/LPG) and diesel vehicles,” Ms Deans said.

“We’re now taking the next step to offset the remaining emissions of our Darwin and Alice Springs contracted fleet, by investing in projects through abatement provider, LMS Generation.”

“By choosing to offset what can’t be eliminated we’re working smarter for the environment and it’s pleasing to see all of Australia’s motoring clubs moving towards that same national goal.”

Ms Deans said the unprecedented move to offset the patrol vehicles’ emissions is part of a suite of actions motoring clubs nationally will be undertaking to tackle the climate change problem.

“Vehicle emissions account for almost eight per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions and AANT has an important role to play in reducing our own emissions and ensuring our patrol fleet operates as efficiently as possible,” she said.

“The use of sophisticated despatching technology is also an important part of this, ensuring that we optimise our vehicles’ travel patterns for efficiency, which has the added benefit of reducing fuel consumption and emissions as well as delivering prompt assistance to our members.”

The AANT will also be providing consumer information to motorists, through its member publication ntmotor and in the form of fact sheets available on its website, to help motorists better understand the role of cars and steps they can take to cut their own emissions.

The AAA motoring clubs’ national climate change statement, On the road to greener motoring, can be viewed online at www.aant.com.au

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Media enquiries: Linda Deans, AANT General Manager

Phone:  8981 3837 or 0417 883 358