September 13, 2016
Four-cylinder Hyundai Sonatas have been selected as the next generation of Queensland police cars.
The Queensland Police Service has been testing different makes and models for months, trying to find a suitable replacement for their six-cylinder Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons which will soon no longer been available.
The announcement that the four-cylinder, four-door Hyundai Sonata had been chosen was made on Tuesday.
The QPS also plans to evaluate a turbocharged model of the Sonata as a possible replacement for its higher-powered vehicles.
Traditionally the Queensland Police Service has sourced most of its vehicles from the Australian automotive industry, but this is now winding up.
Police Minister Bill Byrne said significant financial, commercial and environmental factors had also be considered during the selection of the Hyundai.
“This approach will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the Queensland Police Service as the new vehicles are more fuel-efficient and have lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“The roll out will begin this financial year and is estimated to save the QPS around $2.3 million as 234 vehicles are replaced with Sonatas.”
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said the QPS would still use some higher-powered vehicles as required.
“The PSBA Fleet Assets Service Group in collaboration with the QPS has identified the Hyundai Sonata turbo model as a potential replacement for our existing higher performance vehicles,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
“A number of these vehicles outfitted to QPS specifications will be received shortly – and they will then undergo an evaluation to determine their suitability.
“The Queensland Police Service will continue to ensure police vehicles are fit for purpose and support the needs of operational policing into the future.”
The Queensland Police Service has more than 2500 vehicles including marked, unmarked, covert and purpose-built tactical response vehicles.
According to the State Government, the Hyundai Sonatas will use up to 3800 fewer litres of fuel over the life of the vehicle (around 80,000 kilometres) compared with the current six-cylinder general duties vehicles which means lower operating costs and fewer carbon emissions.
The Hyundais also come with a five-year capped 150,000km warranty which means a greater potential for positive resale at the end of the vehicle’s life and better value for taxpayers.
The State Government has committed nearly $32 million in the 2016-17 Budget for new and replacement police vehicles.
