Škoda, NZ Police extend fleet partnership

Skoda NZ will continue supplying vehicles to NZ Police. Photos: Skoda NZ

Škoda New Zealand will continue supplying patrol vehicles to the New Zealand Police after the two organisations agreed to extend their fleet partnership for another term.

The partnership, which began four years ago, has seen the Czech brand's Superb Prime 1 replace the Holden Commodore as the primary frontline patrol vehicle across much of the Police fleet.

The decision to continue with Škoda follows what the company says has been a successful introduction of the vehicles, which were chosen after an extensive technical evaluation of safety, efficiency and their ability to accommodate specialist Police equipment.

The Skoda Superb replaced the Holden Commodore.

According to Police fleet data provided by Škoda New Zealand, the switch from the Holden Commodore to the Škoda Superb has reduced fuel consumption and associated carbon dioxide emissions by around 20 percent for comparable frontline vehicles.

Škoda New Zealand General Manager Alex Brown said the partnership was about more than simply supplying vehicles.

"We're thrilled to continue working alongside the New Zealand Police," Brown said. "This partnership goes beyond supplying vehicles – it's about supporting the people who serve our communities every day."

The vehicles supplied to Police are built to meet a range of custom operational requirements, with Škoda Auto working alongside its New Zealand distributor to integrate specialist equipment and make durability improvements suited to frontline policing.

Škoda says the collaboration with its Czech factory has enabled the vehicles to be tailored specifically for New Zealand conditions and Police operational needs.

The brand also has extensive experience supplying emergency service fleets internationally, with more than 23,000 Škoda vehicles currently in service with police and emergency agencies around the world.