Environmental Leader

Hoval, a UK supplier of renewable energy heating products, is encouraging its 30-some regional sales engineers to drive the Toyota Prius. Hoval executives say that the “green” image of the car meshes well with its business strategy and product line.

So far, only four of the sales representatives are driving the Prius. Each representative gets to choose what kind of car he or she wishes to drive.

However, Hoval has asked its vehicle-leasing company to provide demo versions of the new-generation Prius, which has a bigger engine and improved fuel economy, reports TheGreenCarWebsite.

“As our drivers become more energy-conscious, we want to persuade more and more of them to go with Prius, because this approach supports our own range of renewable-energy products,” said David Hemington, Hoval’s Finance Director, in a press release.

Hoval reps drive an average 25,000 miles a year. The company typically signs three- or four-year leases for its vehicles.