TAP orders dozens of BMWs while receiving state money

TAP has ordered a new fleet of BMW cars for its managers to replace the old Peugeot fleet. Carrier guarantees that it even saves money. The company is implementing a 3.2 billion euro bailout program from taxpayers.

TAP has ordered dozens of BMW cars for its chief managers, which has improved the image of its existing fleet of cars, consisting primarily of Peugeot. The new cars on the market are worth between 52 and 65 thousand euros, and they are plug-in hybrids and will start arriving early next year.

According to internal documents, TVI/CNN Portugal and far gate – Media Capital Group bodies – were able to access, in question, an initial order for 79 vehicles, of the 5 series, X3 and X2 of the German brand. TAP, the standoff, ensures that there are only 50 vehicles. The real figure is not indifferent: if they are 79, then TAP not only improves its fleet, but also increases it.

These vehicles are intended for executives and senior managers in an airline. They are contracted through “lease” contracts, i.e. monthly rental installments for each vehicle. TAP guarantees that it will spend less money on the new fleet than on the old fleet, but it is not clear why they are not considered the cheapest brands.

the cars

The new TAP fleet consists exclusively of plug-in hybrid models, which are more environmentally friendly and have lower CO2 emissions, and the ability to drive in electric only mode.

At the top of the fleet are the BMW 530e sports car and BMW X3 xDrive 30e SUV, both with 292 hp engines, declared consumption of 1.8-2.6 liters per 100 km and an estimated range in electric mode of 61 or 50 km. , Straight. The retail price for these models starts at €65,120 for the 530e and €65,870 for the X3.

Most of this new fleet consists of the BMW X2 xDrive 25e with a 220 hp engine, capable of consuming 1.8 liters per 100 km. PVP starts from €52,409.

When contacted, TAP did not respond about the monthly cost of the new fleet. According to the market simulation (without negotiating the discount, which will be managed by TAP), the savings for these vehicles can range from 608.94 € + VAT (for a BMW X2 xDrive 25e, with 15,000 km per year and within 72 months) up to 857.72 € + tax Added value (for a BMW X3 xDrive 30e Pack M for the same 15,000 km of use per year for 48 months).

Learn about the new BMW X2 xDrive 25e in this video.

The company guarantees to save money

“The current rental fleet is mostly from 2017 and reaches the maximum number of possible extensions per contract in 2023,” TAP explains, justifying the purchase of “electrically plugged-in hybrid vehicles, in place of the current diesel, for environmental reasons but, also, for The tax advantages associated with these less polluting vehicles.”

“This option represents a saving of more than 20% of the monthly amount of rent and taxes, in relation to new lease contracts for vehicles with characteristics similar to the existing ones (diesel), in line with the restructuring plan as it represents the lowest possible cost in the context of tendering in the market.”

Asked by CNN/TVI/Away why TAP would not consider new, lower-cost vehicles, given that they are subject to a general bailout, the company replied that “the options available to managers also include a premium brand, since they have better rentals compared to other brands.” , thanks to better residual values ​​at the end of the decade.” In addition, “this option also offers better vehicle delivery deadlines, considering the production crunch that the auto market is going through.”

TAP reiterates that “there are 50 units and not the 79 mentioned” and ensures that “a tender has been put on the market, in accordance with TAP’s Procurement Guide, with six entities invited to participate in the Portuguese market”. The company did not distinguish between these companies.