NZ Police pick Skoda as new fleet supplier

Police deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming (left) and commissioner Andy Coster with one of the Skoda station wagons. Photo: Supplied

Updated: After a rigorous testing and evaluation process, New Zealand Police has selected the Škoda Superb as the new frontline Police car. 

The more environmentally-friendly Škoda will become Police’s primary response vehicle, with the first cars expected on roads and in communities as early as April next year.

Early this week, AutoMuse thought the Skoda Octavia could be the next New Zealand police patrol car. 

After General Motors announced it was pulling Holden out of the Australasian market, police went to tender for a new preferred supplier. Tender closed on Friday,14 August 2020.

Holden has been supplying patrol cars since the late 1960s, though Ford Falcons were also used as patrol cars in the 1970s and ‘80s.

There were 2866 Holden vehicles in the police fleet, making up 88 per cent of vehicles in their possession. 

"The Falcon and the Commodore were the only two cars that could stand up to the 24-7 frontline driving that the cars require,” Chris Cahill, president of the New Zealand Police Association, told Stuff.

The Skoda Octavia sportback has joined the UK police fleet. Photo: Skoda

“With more than 2000 primary response vehicles currently in action, selecting a new supplier provides an important opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and ensure value for money across our fleet,” said police Commissioner Andy Coster, in a statement out today.

Throughout the tender process, two Škoda Superb models stood out as ideal primary response vehicles.

“Frontline staff said they handled well and they felt confident and safe driving the vehicle,” he said.

“They liked the large doors with a wide opening range, easy-to-read instruments, front and rear visibility, and the spaciousness of the rear passenger area.”

Police will be using station wagons as they offer greater flexibility for deployment and were the preferred body type by staff. The 162KW 2WD and the 206KW 4x4 Superbs will be deployed according to operational requirements.

“As well as the Superbs standing out in our evaluation process, Škoda is repeatedly chosen for use as police and emergency services vehicles throughout Europe. It is used in more than 30 jurisdictions, including Austria, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom,” said Coster.

“More importantly, these new vehicles will deliver significant reductions in our fleet’s carbon footprint.”

The average CO2 emissions for all fleet vehicles in New Zealand is 180.7 grams per kilometre, while the Superbs sit on the greener side at 162 for the 162KW model and 176 for the 206KW.

“When compared to our current fleet, C02 emissions per kilometre could be reduced by up to 38.6 per cent per vehicle, depending on what is being replaced,” he said.

General Manager of Škoda New Zealand, Rodney Gillard believes that “this is a defining moment for Škoda New Zealand”.

“To be selected as the preferred vendor for the New Zealand Police demonstrates our ability for Škoda to offer quality and affordable mobility solutions for all New Zealanders. We look forward to playing our role in helping the New Zealand Police keep our communities safe,” he said.

Electric and hybrid vehicles were tested, but limitations including power efficiency and the total cost of ownership meant they were not the preferred option.

“While incredibly promising, electric and hybrid technology are not yet a viable option for our patrol vehicles,” said Coster.

“However, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and have outlined a ten-year plan to an emissions-free fleet.” 

The Skoda Superb wagon will be used due to its low CO2 emissions. Photo: Skoda

Prime 1 Patrol Vehicles in the existing fleet will be replaced when they have reached the end of their useful life, at a rate of around 400 per year. 

Police is expecting to deploy the first lot of Škodas in April 2021. The new-look police cars will be revealed early next year.

In the meantime, Holden dealerships will remain in New Zealand to service the Commodore vehicles for the next decade.

Patrol cars are considered for replacement at an age of six or seven years, or once they reach 120,000km.

Police said their evaluation criteria included radio interference, performance and brake testing.