Sep 6 2007
Laro Service Systems, Inc., a multi-services conglomerate located here, is switching its fleet of executive vehicles from gas-guzzling luxury cars and SUVs to Toyota Prius gas- electric hybrids. The move will eventually save them as much as $12,000 a month in fuel costs while reducing CO2 and other emissions.
"The fuel-efficient Prius Hybrids will not only save us money at the gas pump," says Laro vice president Robert Bertuglia III, "But they also reduce smog-forming emissions by 70 percent compared to conventional cars. And using less gas automatically cuts CO2 production, which has been linked to global warming."
Laro has already purchased a dozen Prius Hybrids from Atlantic Toyota-Scion in nearby Amityville, Long Island, and has 12 more on order. Bertuglia calculates that each of the hybrid sedans will save the company $400 to $500 a month in fuel costs, compared to the Mercedes-Benz and other luxury models employees formerly drove. That could add up to an annual savings of more than $144,000.
"We will continue to look for other 'green' opportunities that make economic sense," adds Bertuglia, "and stand to improve not only our profitability and image, but make us a good corporate citizen and neighbor."