Hotels' hybrid cars are breath of fresh air

Following an agreement with Al-Futtaim Motors, two hybrids joined the fleet in early January 2009 as part of an overall testing programme undertaken to determine whether the vehicle will be suitable for the UAE market.

Now in the final stages of testing, the vehicles have been integrated into the fleet service providing guests with a luxurious airport transfer with the added bonus of Hotel Manager, Mr. Steven Greenwood personally chauffeuring guests at least once a week in the Lexus hybrid.

Designed to be considerably more environmentally friendly than conventional automobiles, the LS600hL is equipped with the most sophisticated and powerful Lexus Hybrid Drive system to date that combines a battery powered electric motor with a 5 litre V8 petrol engine providing excellent fuel economy, significant reduction in harmful emissions and an outstanding power of over 380 horsepower to rival many V12 equipped vehicles.

The Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) constantly applies the best mix of power sources for the driving conditions at hand, to achieve the most economical and cleanest output.

For example, during low speeds and in 'stop and go' traffic, the electric motor is used only. When speed is increased, a combination of the electric motor and petrol engine is used to accelerate the car until the petrol engine takes over at high speed. Additionally the regenerative braking system energy that would normally be lost as heat when braking is captured as electric power to recharge the battery.

Benefits of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system include a smooth and silent an acceleration that is capable of propelling the car from 0 - 100kph in 6.3 seconds, and up to a 70% reduction in the smog forming emissions found in most cars, an exceptional standard for the future of automobiles. The vehicle is the world's first V8 hybrid all wheel drive luxury vehicle and features a host of ground-breaking technological advances, high performance and understated luxury.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City is the first hotel in the UAE to welcome hybrid vehicles into their fleet, in support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's directive to provide a clean and sustainable environment to boost the profile of Dubai as a 'Green, Clean City'.

Commenting on the debut of the environmentally friendly automotives at his hotel, InterContinental and Dubai Festival City Hotel Manager Steven Greenwood said, "We are grateful to Al-Futtaim Motors for the opportunity to create an example and positive message for Dubai on the importance of reducing carbon emissions. The hybrid cars, which are both energy efficient and comfortable for hotel guests, are another step in the right direction to change the way that personal responsibility for climate change is viewed."