NEW CANAAN, CT – Francos Wine Merchants is marking Earth Day 2012 by lowering its carbon footprint. The New Canaan company recently purchased a Chevrolet Volt from KARL Chevrolet to use for deliveries, and now relies on electricity instead of gasoline.
“While larger party orders require our Chevy van for delivery on the weekends, during the week we often have a number of small deliveries, which consist of a case or two of wine, gift deliveries, etc. With the rising price of gas, we were looking for a way to maintain our level of customer service while being environmentally-conscious,” said Carl J. Franco, Vice President of Francos. “Steve Karl suggested the new Chevy Volt as an environmentally-friendly way to curb delivery expense, and it’s proving to be just that,” he added.
“The money we are saving on gas is amazing,” Mr. Franco continued. “By the end of the day our driver, Jorge Ordonez, is able to complete all his deliveries totally on battery power,” he said.
Jorge Ordonez, who has been with the company since 1999, added “Many of our customers definitely take notice. When I arrive with their delivery, they always have questions about how the Volt drives. I tell them it does not drive any different from a gas-powered vehicle, but it’s really quiet, and the ride is very smooth. And I don’t have to remind myself to look at the fuel gauge,” Ordonez laughed.
“The Chevrolet Volt, the world’s first Extended Range Electric Vehicle, has won a record number of awards and been critically acclaimed in the automotive press, but to owners like Carl, the incredible fuel cost savings tops the list of features they love,” observed Stephen J. Karl, Vice President of KARL Chevrolet. “We are seeing a very diverse group of local consumers who have committed to the idea of “Going Green” by reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. Some owners are reporting that they get an astonishing 96 miles per gallon! The Volt’s primary electric source – a battery – allows you to drive gas-free for an EPA-estimated 35 miles. There’s also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity, so you can go up to a total of 375 miles on a full tank of gas. As the owner, you can control how much gas you use, and can drive completely gas-free if you choose. Plus, the Volt is incredibly quiet, accelerates smoothly, and its contemporary styling is turning heads,” he remarked.
The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, was the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, following a massive oil spill off the California coast the previous year. The movement he and his colleagues founded channeled the energy of the anti-war movement and capitalized on emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution to successfully launch environmental protection onto the national political agenda. On that first Earth Day, 20 million Americans showed their common support for sustainable practices. In response, the government created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and passed legislation to promote clean air and water, and to protect endangered species.
Sanctioned by the United Nations as “International Mother Earth Day” in 2009, Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, The Earth Day 2012 celebration will Mobilize the Earth™ in 175 countries with the goal of collecting A Billion Acts of Green®. For more information visit www.earthday.org/2012.
The Franco family has been in New Canaan for over 100 years, and Francos Wine Merchants has been in operation in since 1933. The retail store is located at 130 Elm Street in New Canaan. In addition to fine wines, Francos also specializes in single malt scotch and single batch bourbons, as well as an array of Spirits. For more information, visit FrancosWine.com or call 203-966-9571. Follow Francos on Twitter at twitter.com/FrancosWine or like it on Facebook at facebook.com/FrancosWine.
Founded in 1927, the KARL Company operates the award-winning, customer-focused Chevrolet Dealership at 261 Elm Street in New Canaan, one block west of the Metro North train station. KARL Automotive Service of Greenwich, which services all makes and models, is located at 1330 East Putnam Avenue, just off I-95 exit 5. To reach KARL Automotive Service of Greenwich, call 203-637-1711 or e-mail KarlAutoSvc@karldirect.com. Visit the KARL Dealership on the Internet at www.karldirect.com, read its blog at www.karldirect.com/blog, follow it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karlchevy or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/karlchevy, or call KARL Chevrolet at 203-966-9508 or toll-free at 1-800-321-KARL.