The Hong Kong Jockey Club has introduced 19 new all-electric BMW i3 vehicles into its transport fleet as one of its green mobility initiatives to improve roadside air quality and promote low carbon living. In connection with this, 12 new electric vehicle chargers are being set up at various Club premises across Hong Kong, offering free electric vehicle charging services and providing more choices and flexibility to electric vehicle users.
The expansion of the electric vehicle fleet and charging network represents one of the Club’s latest initiatives to reduce air emissions and promote low carbon living. Back in 2010, the Club introduced its first electric vehicle. Off-road, the Club’s golf carts used for day-to-day transport around the racecourses are solar-powered, while Euro V B5 biodiesel powers much of the Club’s non-road equipment, notably at the racetracks.
Today (6 July), the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges was joined by Executive Director of Information Technology and Sustainability Christoph Ganswindt, BMW Group Importer Office HK, Macau and Taiwan Vice President Kevin Coon and BMW Concessionaires (HK) Ltd & Sime Darby Motor Group (HK) Limited Managing Director- Hong Kong and Macau Newman Tsang, at the “HKJC x BMW Electric Vehicles - Driving for a Greener Hong Kong” Ceremony, to celebrate the new fleet handover.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges shared that the Club has long been committed to building sustainability into its daily operations as well as to promoting best practice across Hong Kong, and one of its major objectives is to improve the environmental friendliness of the Club’s transport fleet. “We look forward to these 19 electric vehicles helping to improve Hong Kong’s roadside air quality and promote low carbon living. We also hope that, together with the electric vehicle charging points, they will encourage more businesses and private car owners to switch to electric vehicles.” he said.
He was echoed by Mr Ganswindt: “Green mobility is one of the key areas that we focus on in our sustainability journey. Given the many environmental benefits of electric vehicles, we hope that this will not only encourage businesses and private car owners to switch to this green mode of transportation, but also hope our staff will do the same once they have experienced the benefits of electric vehicle driving.”
The newly-deployed electric vehicles will replace some of the vehicles in the Club’s existing fleet and meet new operational needs, as well as being used to support daily staff transportation and maintenance work. It is estimated that the deployment of these new electric vehicles will save 15,000 litres of petrol and associated tailpipe emissions. Moreover, as electric motors produce almost no vibration and noise compared to conventional combustion engines, electric vehicles create a much more comfortable environment for pedestrians and for horses at tracks and stables.
In a related initiative, 12 new electric vehicle chargers have been installed at various Club premises and can be used free of charge by car park users at these premises. These chargers are located at the Grandstand Car Park at Sha Tin Racecourse, Tuen Mum Public Riding School, Lei Yui Mun Public Riding School, Happy Valley Clubhouse, Sha Tin Clubhouse, Beas River Country Club and the Club’s Headquarters Building.
To further promote electric transport to employees, and to enable them to experience the fun and benefits of electric vehicle driving, the Club will continue to offer an Electric Vehicle Test Drive Programme to employees.
In line with its goal to improve its environmental hoofprint in Hong Kong, the Club aims to procure only electric or hybrid vehicles, whenever practicable, for its operational needs. The Club will also explore the use of electric and hybrid buses in its operations.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2013/14, its donations reached a record $3.6 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,275 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$19.58 billion in 2013/14. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,800 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong. Please visit 130.hkjc.com.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges shares the Cluba£į?s vision of promoting sustainable development and green mobility.
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The Cluba£į?s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (3rd right), Executive Director of Information Technology and Sustainability Christoph Ganswindt (2nd right), Executive Director of Racing William A Nader (1st right), BMW Group Importer Office HK, Macau and Taiwan Vice President Kevin Coon (3rd left), BMW Concessionaires (HK) Ltd & Sime Darby Motor Group (HK) Limited Managing Director- Hong Kong and Macau Newman Tsang (2nd left) and the Cluba£į?s Progressing Together Cheering Team Member Ms Green (1st left) officiate the a£į?HKJC x BMW Electric Vehicles - Driving for a Greener Hong Konga£į? Ceremony to celebrate the new fleet handover.
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The newly deployed electric vehicles will replace some of the vehicles in the Cluba£į?s existing fleet and meet new operational needs, as well as being used to support daily staff transportation and maintenance work.
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The Cluba£į?s Progressing Together Cheering Team Member Ms Green demonstrates the electric vehicle charging process.
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Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, significantly improving roadside air quality.
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12 new electric vehicle chargers have been established for use at various Club premises. Car park users at these locations may use them free of charge.
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Photo 7, 8
The Club offers an Electric Vehicle Test Drive Programme for employees, enabling them to experience the fun and benefits of driving electric vehicles.
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