Metro Finance Expands MetroEco Product to Further Support Sustainable Assets

Metro Finance, one of Australia’s leading independent non-bank lenders for asset finance, has expanded its popular MetroEco product, which offers discounted rates and flexible terms on a range of environmentally-focused assets, to include a further selection of sustainable technologies.

Unveiled earlier this year, MetroEco is an Australian-first designed to make it easier and more affordable for small-medium enterprises (SME) to invest in environmentally-friendly assets, such as electric vehicles, farming equipment, solar panels and charging solutions. The latest expansion now also includes electric trucks and forklifts – signifying the continued evolution of SMEs and their tools of trade.

MetroEco Business Development Manager, Jessica Clarke, explained that it was important for Metro to support industry adoption of more sustainable technologies.

“Transitioning business operations to a more sustainable model is a priority for many of customers, but in many instances it remains cost-prohibitive,” Jessica says.

“Metro has taken an industry leadership position with MetroEco, and it is our hope to support customers in making that positive step for the good of their business, and the community as a whole,” she continued.

The inclusion of e-trucks and forklifts means that these pieces of equipment now attract a 1 per cent discount on finance from Metro, in keeping with other assets under MetroEco.

Despite the end of local manufacturing in the car sector in the last decade, trucks continue to be built in Australia, which will increasingly include locally-assembled e-trucks.

Metro Finance CEO, David Albest, said that MetroEco’s expanded range of viable assets within the product signified an ongoing shift from businesses to utilise more sustainable methods of transport.

“From being free of night time noise restrictions to deliver off-peak in built-up areas to simply having a predominantly cheaper back-to-base refuelling option, the benefits of electrification in trucking are many,” David said.

“Reducing financial barriers to customers will definitely support the continued uptake of this crucial technology,” they continued.

As part of its commitment to support customers on its sustainable journey, Metro has also collaborated with Green Fleet, a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation dedicated to protecting the climate by restoring forests, and with Trace, a climate technology company founded in Australia with a mission to simplify the process for businesses to assess their environmental impact.

The Metro business continues to go from strength to strength, with a range of innovative, flexible products for business and consumers. Metro works with a national network of introducers to provide a range of customer-led financial solutions including commercial and personal asset finance and novated leasing.