VW and Addison Lee announce deal

Volkswagen has announced news of a record-breaking deal with major private hire operator Addison Lee Group.

The London-based global ground transportation business, which operates almost 5,000 vehicles in the UK capital and carries more than 10 million passengers across the city each year, has opted to upgrade its fleet with 1,200 Volkswagen Sharans – the single biggest purchase in the UK to date of Volkswagen's flexible and capacious seven-seater.

Addison Lee Group will begin taking delivery of the new Volkswagens soon, with all 1,200 cars being Sharan SE 2.0 TDI BlueMotion 150 PS DSG models. Each will feature electric sliding rear doors to boost practicality and safety for passengers.

At a stroke, the agreement means one in five Addison Lee Group cars in the capital will bear the Volkswagen roundel and, alongside the brand's longstanding agreement with car club Zipcar, means that a significant proportion of London's private hire and car club vehicles are supplied by the brand.

Revealing deal, Volkswagen UK head of fleet, Michael O'Shea, said, 'We are very pleased to be working with such a prominent name as Addison Lee Group. Now, even more people will be able to experience the high quality, luxurious comfort and advanced technology of our large seven-seat MPV.'

Lisa Burger, Addison Lee Group's chief operating officer, said, 'This multi-million pound investment in new Volkswagen Sharan vehicles will make our entire fleet compliant with TfL's low emission standards and start the process of moving towards a zero-emissions capable fleet.'